FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Will there be mechanical support along the route?
Absolutely! You will frequently see our SAG (Support And Gear) drivers (they have flashing amber lights on the top of their car) driving on the course. They carry basic tools for fixing flats and a minor brake or gear adjustment. SAG drivers will do their best to connect you with a bike mechanic in case of a more serious problem. SAG support ends at 4:00 pm.
How fast do I have to ride?
- The Hot Hundred is not a race. If you are riding the 50 or 70 mile route at a leisurely pace, you could be passed in the last 25 miles of your ride by faster cyclists who are riding the 100 mile route. They will call out to you well before they pass announcing their approach. Listen for someone calling out to you "passing" or "on your left".
- There will be a 2.2 mile long Neutral Start from the Rec Center to Capitol Park. All riders must remain behind the lead car while in the Neutral Zone.
- If you plan to ride the 100 mile route and you are not at mile 32.9 by 9:40 a.m. (12 mph avg speed), we will ask you to go straight on the 70 mile option rather than turning right to take the 100 mile route.
Will I have a map?
There will be one in your SWAG bag that you get at packet pickup along with a ziplock bag to keep it in.
See the Route Descriptions page for downloadable Ride with GPS links.
What about bad weather?
Should the ride be cancelled due to inclement weather, all registration monies will be donated to benefit the Tuscaloosa Mental Health Alliance.
Riders should use good judgment based upon your bicycle handling skills and your personal physical fitness when deciding to ride in inclement weather or when a high heat index has been posted by the National Weather Service. The Hot Hundred will not be cancelled because of rain or high heat warnings. It is important to hydrate before, during, and after the ride…drink at least one water bottle per 15 miles during the ride.
In rainy conditions, pavement and any metal material, like manhole covers and railroad tracks, are very slippery. Painted road lines (like the center lines) are very slippery in the wet also. Cross them with the bike straight up and down (not leaned over) and do not apply brakes when on painted lines. Braking distance is greatly increased and visibility is compromised when raining. Puddles can conceal potholes and other defects in the road surface. Auto drivers may have a difficult time seeing riders on the roadway.
Do I have to sign up for the entire 100 miles?
No. We offer ride distance options of 30, 40, 50, 70, and 100 miles. You should choose a distance that is no more than 30% longer than the longest ride you have recently completed. Many beginners and more leisurely riders choose the 30 or 40 mile distance. If you are not at mile 32.9 by 9:40 a.m. (12 mph avg speed), we will ask you at the 100 mile route turn point to do the 70 mile option rather than the 100 miles. SAG support ends at 4:00 p.m.
Is there much climbing?
The first 15 miles are very flat…but then you will have rolling terrain. The last 15 miles are flat also. The elevation of each route can be seen by viewing the Route Descriptions
Can I cancel?
Sorry, there is no cancellation –all registration fees already paid will be donations to benefit the Tuscaloosa Mental Health Alliance.
What do I get for my Registration fee?
- The Friday night Pre-Ride Party and spaghetti dinner at Black Warrior Brewing 2216 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL.
- SWAG bag with bib number, wrist band with rest stop mileages, cycling food items, map of your specific route, coupon for one free beer at Black Warrior Brewing Company (for riders 21 years and older).
- A commemorative Hot Hundred T-shirt (guaranteed if registered by 30 June)
- Outstanding ride support (SAG vehicles & Rest Stops)
- Finisher medal presented at finish line and your photograph on the Hot Hundred Facebook page for all 100 mile finishers.
- Post-ride meal at the University of Alabama outdoor pool complex.
- Access to the University of Alabama Outdoor pool after your ride. Riders swim for free. Each family member or guest of a rider may use the pool at a reduced rate of $5 per guest for ages 4 and up. Guests must check in at the Hot Hundred Registration area to receive wristbands for entry into the pool.
Will you be offering jerseys this year?
This will be decided at a later date.
This will be decided at a later date.
How do you mark the route?
The road is clearly marked with painted arrows on the asphalt at each turn for all mileage options. White arrows will take ALL RIDERS the first 15 miles and the last 15 miles of their route. The 40, 50,70, and 100 mile routes will each have a unique color marking on the road starting at mile 15. The color marking for your chosen route will be noted on the map in your SWAG bag at sign up.
You may also see signs like these, so follow guidance and watch for curves, railroads tracks and speed tables:
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What type of bike should I use?
A well-tuned road bike is the preference. We also see hybrids, cruisers, tandems, hand cycles, recumbents and mountain bikes. Choose a bike that fits you well and feels comfortable.
What should I bring?
A helmet is required to take part in the Hot Hundred. Other recommended items:
A well-tuned road bike is the preference. We also see hybrids, cruisers, tandems, hand cycles, recumbents and mountain bikes. Choose a bike that fits you well and feels comfortable.
What should I bring?
A helmet is required to take part in the Hot Hundred. Other recommended items:
- two water bottles or Camelback
- sunscreen
- bike gloves
- bike shoes
- sunglasses
- energy gel and/or bars (these will be available at rest stops)
- spare inner tube(s) and tire levers
- frame mounted tire pump or two 16 gram CO2 cartridges & cartridge adapter/dispenser
