Paul Montgomery's Page

The Rock Hopper Classic (RHC) makes my fourth race of 2012 and my first race report.  One of my standard goals for each season is to qualify for the National Championship race.  Usually this is accomplished at the Sea Otter Classic (SOC).  Unfortunately, due to a broken chain and subsequent repair (5 min), I could only manage 20^th, which is outside the allotted 15 qualifying spots.  And local USAC qualifiers are a little scarce this year.  Two qualifiers were on tap in California…

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My last “A” race for 2011 was the National XC Championship, in Sun Valley, Idaho. 28 racers had qualified and signed up for the Cat 1, 50-54 age group, all with hopes of finishing up front. Among the many challenges, my ability to adapt to altitude (5,800 ft- 7,000 ft) was the biggest question mark. I have only one other race at elevation on the schedule, and I arrive typically within 24 hours of race start. According to the research, from sea level, you should expect a 10% drop in aerobic…

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After missing out on the Skyline XC race this year, due to a “healing” thigh hematoma, I was looking forward to participating in the restart of the Annadel XC race in Santa Rosa.  Due to weather the race had been rescheduled from Sunday the 5^th to the 25^th, and would fit perfectly with my training ramp up for XC Nationals in mid-July.  The night before race day, I went online for location information and noticed the start date was listed as Saturday the…

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Sea Otter slots in as my third race this year.  Unlike last year, any expectations for a high finish were tempered by the more competitive Category 1 (Cat 1) field. Based on past results, in the 50-54 age group, I would be satisfied to finish in the top ten, but you never know how things will unfold. The start line of a Sea Otter race is well organized because of the large “grids”. Standing on the infamous Laguna Seca tarmac, the 25 racers easily fit two deep in the 25 foot wide…

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It’s the second year I’ve made the trek up to the Sierras for the Downieville Classic XC race. Downieville is a point to point affair that starts with a three thousand foot fire-road accent and from there full gas 20 miles downhill to the town of Downieville (more or less). Once past the first hour of climbing this course rewards smooth fast descending. With only a few technical sections, the key to going fast is commitment, focus and endurance. Unlike last year, however, I was unable to… Continue