November 17, 2007 Tour Das Hugel
 

Tour Das Hugel

 
 
Unique Beginning

It started like any great idea….a couple of friends on a training ride that had several of Austin’s hardest hills.  Of course we smiled and asked, “how cool would it be to have a ride in Austin that covered all of the hardest hills?”


Tour Das Hugel was born in that very smile.   The very first Hugel only consisted of 65 miles of “hard” hills. We even held one in Aug – yes the hardest thing I have ever done. 


Every year we would find a new hill and hidden treasures that increased the climbing.   Now after 5 years, we are up to 105 miles and 14,600 ft of climbing.  Of course, we realized that people could actually die if we kept the Tour Das Hugel in Aug… hence we move the race date to Nov.


When people think of Austin Texas bike riding, they aren’t thinking 14,600 ft of elevation gain.  We may not have the 5% 10 miles climbs but we do have a few ½ milers that will top out at 20%+. 


Unique People

On of the best aspects of Tour Das Hugel are the people that do the ride.  It takes a unique person to look at 105 miles and 14,600 ft and say “I want to do that ride”.  But that is just what happens.  Thru underground communication and the word of mouth the ride has grown from 6 guys to over 100 starters (40 finished).  Regardless, of where they come from – the people are unique.  When you push yourself like you do on Hugel, there forms a natural support group.  It’s one of the coolest things I have ever seen and it happens every year.  Unlike most races, you will find other Hugel riders cheering for you, supporting you and encouraging you to keep going.  Just keep going. 


Then you have so many great volunteers that come to man the rest stops.  Bike angels- that is all I can say. 


Unique Accomplishment

It doesn’t seem like much but it is!  Finishing Hugel is a unique accomplishment.  Not only do you earn the right to wear that coveted Tour Das Hugel t-shirt, you can look back say you are a Hugelist  - the few, the proud.   Most of us will not have the opportunity to ride a stage at the Tour De France but we all can ride TdH.  It’s hard but, so worth it. 


I have seen the biggest smiles from riders finishing Hugel.  I see them wear a sense of pride and confidence like no other.  Why wouldn’t you gain confidence if you can do Jester at mile 100??  I have also seen riders who didn’t finish and leave with a sense of focus and commitment to do it next year.  Most of them do come back and after a few trys… they finish.  I even witnessed 2 guys ride for over 8hrs and finish in the dark…now that is a unique accomplishment.


Life is for living – go for it!!


Paul W. Dodd 

 


Date: November 15, 2008


Start Time: 7:00am


Start Location: Under the Mopac bridge in Zilker park (Stratford Rd. side)


T-Shirts: Working on new 08 shirt.


Support: If you would like to volunteer to support the ride please email: hugel4life@gmail.com


Cost of the Ride: FREE*


*Tour das Hugel has always been about fun and the love of bikes, community, and hills.  We have never charged for this event.  In the spirit of giving back, we encourage all riders to donate to the Project Yellow Bike at  www.austinyellowbike.org/home.htm



Get Ready for the hills


Warning!


  1. •This is an extremely difficult ride that requires a person to be of sound  body and mind.

  2. •RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK

  3. •OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS

  4. •ALL ROADS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

  5. •This ride is for fun and it is non-organized even