Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images courtesy of Logan Cooner
Jasper native Logan Cooner has once again displayed his incredible athleticism and endurance in his latest endeavor, the Tuscaloosa Hot Hundred Bike Race.
On July 27, racers and joy riders alike gathered, signing up to ride six different routes throughout Tuscaloosa County, ranging from 30 miles to 116 miles.
Aiming to win, Logan competed in the Brian Smith Memorial Ultra 116, also known as a ‘Gran Fondo,’ a 116-mile course that began and ended on the University of Alabama campus and wound through various parts of the city and countryside.
The Hot Hundred is known as ‘The Hottest Ride in the South,’ and Logan says this title proved true as he rode through scorching summer temps.
Staying hydrated and consuming lots of salt was key as he began the race and breezed through the first 100 miles. However, after winding his way out of the city and through the country roads, Logan faced the race’s most difficult challenge during the hottest part of the day: the last 16 miles.
These last few miles were full of hill climbing, extreme humidity, and incredible endurance as Logan pushed through the last 16 miles and claimed the first-place spot with a time of 5 hours and 20 minutes.
“This event was a lot of fun and a big challenge. The support from local volunteers was great, and the event organizers did a fantastic job. I also have the best wife ever who is so supportive, and I am so thankful to her for letting me go and do these crazy kinds of things,” says Logan. “I was grateful to cross the 116-mile Ultra finish line first, but the best part of the entire day was coming home that afternoon to find my two boys cheering at the door for me, saying, “Dada! You got another medal!”
Later this month, Logan will undertake his next athletic endeavor: a 100k running race called ‘In the Heat of the Night,’ a 62-miler that begins at sunset and runs through the night.
The Walker Leader congratulates Logan on his Hot Hundred victory and wishes him well in his future races! WL
