Historical archives

These are from the prior website, which had last been updated in November 2009.

Information about the 2010 rides is at “2010 Tour das Hugel information”.

Please add your own comments about the history of the TdH below.

History

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 1/2 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!!

Sincerely,
"the crazy guys who put this on"

FAQ

Q. WHERE DO WE MEET? 

A.Under the Mopac bridge in Zilker park. This is the park side bridge off of Stratford rd. Enter off of Barton Springs rd. It's close to the hike & bike trail bridge.

Q. WHAT TIME DO WE START? 

A.7:00 with a step off at 7:15 sharp. We will leave at 7:15 so get there on-time.

Q. WILL JOEL RIDE HIS SINGLE SPEED?

A.Not this year – Joel has suffered and injury. We wish him a speedy recovery

Q. CAN WE INVITE OTHERS?

A.Of course. Please pass it along to any interested person(s).

Q. IS THERE A MAP? 

A.Yes. We'll bring them for the ride. I would recommend that you don't even look at it. It's better to surprise your body and mind. Please note we will have a couple of minor course changes. We have added a little something special for the fall foliage and of course….we didn’t want to leave any hills out.

Q. ARE THERE ANY EXIT POINTS?

A.With any good amusement ride we have several emergency exits. The course is such that you can peel off and soak you legs at anytime. Of course, you will not be allowed to wear the "Tour Das Hugel" t-shirt and you may be considered a second class citizen and will never get anything better than a middle seat in row 31 on all airlines.

Q. WHAT WILL BE THE PACE?

A.Slow - course management is key to success. If you avg. 15MPH, you are doing great. Ride at your own pace.

Q. WATER/FOOD?

A.Yes - fully supported.

Q. WEATHER FORECAST?

A.No one knows this time of year.

Q. WHAT IS THE TOTAL DISTANCE?

A.~102+miles

Q. HOW MUCH CLIMBING IS THERE?

A.It's the Golden Corral of Hills... eat all you want/can. We should hit 14,000+ ft of climbing.

 

TOP 10 GOOD REASONS TO RIDE HUGEL

1. What else are you going to do with your life? It's only life, after all.

2. Because it's still there.

3. Can't beat Gu as a main source of food.

4. It is hard as hell and the outcome is uncertain.

5. Smokey Valley is a beautiful and aesthetic peak.

6. Jester is higher than any other hill in Austin.

7. It gets even better in the second half.

8. It's birthday party fun.

9. Quads - very large quads.

10. LiveStrong

 

TOP 10 BAD REASONS TO RIDE HUGEL

1. Fame and fortune will certainly follow.

2. It is the hardest ride in the world... (a slippery title open to dull and self-serving argument)

3. Breaks the ice at parties when you can say you've been on top (be careful on how you use this one).

4. Stage wins

5. Doing it to inspire people. 

6. Everybody else is doing it.

7. It's a ride... and this may get me my Pro Card.

8. "If I can make it here, I'll make it anywhere" (that's NYC...not Hugel)

9. "I want to be the first ________" (fill in the blank)

10. "Nobody will ever kick sand in my face again"