Hill Enjoys Ride in Lake Tahoe

Palisadian Cyclist Pedals to Seventh Place in Masters Division

Tom Hill may not be as fit as he was when he was racing against three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond while growing up in the Bay area back in the 1970s, but he can still pedal with the best in his age group and the 48-year-old Palisadian proved that once again last Friday by finishing seventh in the Masters Division (ages 45-50) at the 12th annual Lake Tahoe Bike Race. Hill completed the 72.2-mile loop around the lake in three hours and 22 minutes, 30th overall in a strong field of nearly 200 riders. “My goal was to break 3:30 because everyone who did got a trophy,” Hill said. “So I was happy.” The race began in Zephyr Cove, four miles east of Stateline, Nevada, and wound clockwise around Lake Tahoe, but although the route was scenic, Hill and his fellow competitors had little time to enjoy the view. “I only caught a few short glances while I was in the pack,” Hill admitted. The race record of 3:01 was set in 2004 but Hill said strong headwinds over the last 20 miles prevented the leaders from challenging the mark. Friday’s winner crossed the finish line in 3:06. “We had the wind in our face for the last 20 miles up Spooner Pass,” said Hill, a member of the Velo Club La Grange for the last four years. “In fact, I rode the last 14 miles on my own. That was brutal. I was tired and I started cramping but I wanted to keep another group from passing me.” Last year, Hill logged over 3,000 miles in preparation for the L’Etape du Tour, a grueling 118-mile race through the French Alps held in July on one of the two rest days during the Tour de France. He is not anxious to do that again, but he is looking forward to a 100-mile ride for a multiple sclerosis fundraiser on October 23 in Santa Barbara. Hill wouldn’t trade life in Pacific Palisades for anything, he just wishes he could’ve trained in colder weather and at higher altitude for his latest ride in order to increase his red blood cell count. “I’m used to riding in 70- to 80-degree weather and at sea level,” Hill recalled. “There it was 46 degrees and the race started at 6,200 feet so I was feeling a little [out of breath] pretty early on. I think eight of the top 10 finishers all live in Reno or Tahoe, so being acclimated is definitely an advantage.” Prior to completing his first L’Etape two years ago, Hill had not raced competitively since 1990 when he won the men’s 28-34 age group at the World Championships in Austria. He and his family moved from the Alphabet Streets to a new house in the Marquez area six months ago and he runs a successful wine business from his office on Via de la Paz.