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August, 2006
Mountain Biker of the Month: Jim Hill
by Deb Moulton
Deb Moulton: How long have you been MTN biking?
Jim Hill: Since 1995. I started when I was 50 years old
NU: How did you get started?
JH: My doctor told me I needed to exercise. He said I was in bad shape and my cholesterol was high Also, I was watching my father having some medical problems.
NU: How did you get into racing and how long did you race?
JH: I raced from 1996-2000. (Men's Masters age group 50 and up.) I started with the Wednesday night series with Gorham Bike and Ski at USM (Alden Hill) and went on to the Maine Point series. Worked up from Sport to Expert. Actually they made me race Expert. I was wining Sport category minutess ahead of the others. Qualified for Nationals and then the World Cup in Quebec.
NU: Your worst crash?
JH: On top of Bradbury Mountain in pounding rain during a race. I did an endo on the rocks and sliced my leg open to the shinbone. I kept racing to win the race.
NU: Best day biking?
JH: When I finished 3rd in the nationals at Mount Snow, Vermont. In the spring of 2000.
NU: Thoughts on women in MTN biking…
JH: .Why not? I have seen a lot of skilled women over the years. I remember one woman at Titcomb Mt. Race in Farmington who was so powerful on the hills she would pass me sitting (on her bike seat) going up. (Many of us have to stand on the pedals for the power to get up a long or steep hill.) The only way I beat her was with skill on the downhill and the flats.
NU: At 60, you still kick butt and can spend most of your time in the front with the faster guys. Any advice?
JH: I think as people age they listen to others too much. There are missed potentials. Go out for the exercise. They don't have to race. They can overcome their fears, increase their quality of life .I don't like it when I hear people say "I can't do that."
Bio:
Jim lives in Windham with his wife Kay where he owns and operates his own business. His other loves and hobbies include 2 Springer Spaniels Molly and Chutney. He is also learning the art of cutting granite stone by hand. He continues to come to the weekly Rage rides and kick butt. I have been running with Jim who can still put down a 7 min mile pace. He ran a 4 mile race last year in 28 min and change.
Email nick [at] noumbrella [dot] com with your questions, comments and concerns.
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