By Jennifer Jones
And they say Texas is flat!!! Are you ready for one of the most inclined rides in Texas?
Well if you are, you need to check out Blazin’ Saddle 75 in Granbury, Texas. This ride is used by many as a stair step for Hotter’N Hell 100 and can show you what you’re made of. This scenic route through Granbury, Texas is destination for many, and what better way to experience the lake and the hill country than on your bicycle?!
Recently, I was able to speak with Scott Pangle, the founder of Blazin’ Saddle 75. Check out a behind the scenes look into the ride and what goes into planning and executing the event.
Why join the Ride?
When I designed the course I didn’t seek out to make it one of the most challenging rides in North Texas, but it kind of happened that way. Blazin’ Saddle 75 has around 4200 vertical ft of climbing. It has been measured by a land surveyor. I don’t know another ride has that much vertical climbing.
If you are training for Hotter’N Hell 100, this is 3 weeks out and will give that big push you need. If you can come do 75 miles in Granbury, Hotter’N Hell won’t be that bad for you. This is from a temperature and wind standpoint, and also that it is more than double the climbing.
Blazin’ Saddle 75 bridges the gap between 100k, which most rides are, to 100 miles.
How long has the event been around?
This is the 8th year. The first year had different route. It was all right turns and cyclists hated it. I needed to revamp course and I changed the direction the second year. Ever since the 2nd year the reviews from cyclists say that it is a beautiful and challenging course.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
I am not originally from Texas and I moved to Granbury in 2007. At that time there were a few runs and a cycling event that is no longer around. As an athlete I saw the need for high quality events and began organizing them. I started with a few runs and Blazin’ Saddle 75 and have since focused all of my energy on Blazin’ Saddle 75. Granbury is seen by many in the DFW metroplex and a destination town and a getaway and I wanted to find a way to incorporate events with the beauty of the lake and the beginning of the hill country.
Blazin’ Saddle 75 benefits Texas EMS. This is the Hood County ambulance company and first responders. They are a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, and planning it takes to put on this event?
We always have a need for volunteers. Anybody that is able to can easily be plugged in. The race is constantly evolving and every year we learn how things can be improved for the athletes. Volunteers are used mainly at the aid stations, start and finish lines, registration, marking the course, and clean up. We normally have about 100-150 volunteers that help the event run smoothly.
Some things are planned throughout the year, but the big push comes around April when the puzzle pieces start falling in place. I have coordinators over many parts of the event that have worked with me for years and they are able to help coordinate many components of the ride. But all volunteers play a vital role.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
My strong suit as an event coordinator is the logistical side. I enjoy setting up the course, and aid stations. One thing that i find rewarding on event day is going in my truck to different aid stations and talking to athletes. As an athlete myself I love getting to hear input on how we are doing as an event and things other cyclists feel we can improve on. What is their impressions of the event? I really enjoy building relationships with the athletes. I am not the type of director that hides out in the gym. I really care about what goes on on the course. I also enjoy hearing how challenging the course is from the athletes.
Just to know. My strong suit as event director is logistical side. setting up course, aid stations.
What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
Last year we had a hair under 700. We started our first year with around 100 official registrants. We have grown about 100ish each year. This year I am expecting between 850-1000 participants.
What was the most unforgettable experience you had in this event?
Only one? That’s tough. I would have to say the year that it poured down rain on ride day. There was thunder and lightening and we ended up delaying the ride in 30 minute increments. I really didn’t want to cancel it.
At the time it had not rained for nearly 90 days and the area was in the middle of a drought. The people that came out and completed the ride were so glad we still had it and you could see the joy on their faces for the rain and the ride.
Top things in your head when at the starting line before the race
I hope all volunteers are where supposed to be.
I hope all have everything they need.
Did I mark course well enough?
Did txdot do what they said they would do?
?I hope everybody has a good time and there are no significant crashes.
Thank you Scott for taking the time to talk to us today!
So folks, if you are ready to challenge yourself before Hotter ‘n Hell, get your climbing legs on and consider this excellent ride. Registration is open right now!
