The 44th Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred (HHH) gran fondo took place on 23 August in Wichita Falls, Texas USA during an unprecedented cool spell, with long-time road racers Les Akins and Brad Fisk outpacing a field of over 8000 participants, mostly much younger, to finish with the fastest times.

As the event name implies, the storied 100 mile ride in the oppressively hot Texas summer heat usually occurs in temperatures above 100F. This year though riders started in a cool 70F and most finished well before the mercury hit 90F at noon.

Les Akins, 61, was the fastest gran fondo rider on the day, with the Texan completing the panhandle flat 100 mile route in 4:04:49, with Rob Kostecki, 27, and Ian McCarrell, 38, just a few seconds behind in that order.

26 year-old Texan Kathleen Hanson was the fastest woman, crossing under the HHH finish banner in 4:08:01. Brandy Zimmer, 44, was next with Kelli Quinn, 45, rounding out the Top 3.

The shorter 100 kilometer medio fondo saw 64 year-old Brad Fisk, another long time racer, finish first for the men in 2:48:35, with Leticia Mejia, 38, the first solo women in 2:51:00.

The 45th Hotter ‘N Hell will take place Saturday 29 August 2026.

Complete Hotter N Hell results HERE

Photo Credit: HHH

© 2019-2025 All Rights Reserved Gran Fondo Daily