Last Updated: April 14th, 2001
Name: James Ambagis
City: Newark
State: Delaware
Country: United States
Age: 41
Category: Sport
Team: First State Velo Sport
Sponsors: Christiania Care, Henry's Bike Shop, Smart Fuel, Rudy Project, & Bodywork Unlimited
XC or DH Race Bike: Cannondale CAAD4 Hardtail with headshok
Tires: Varies, usually Michelin Wildgrippers
Shoes: Northwave
Clipless Pedals: Shimano SPD535
- What year did you start racing mountain bikes?
I raced 24 hours of Canaan in 1998. It was trial by fire. I then raced 3 MTB races in 1999 and 3 more in 2000 . . . . so 2001 will be the first year I will get to race more and attempt to have some results.
- What is your best result so far? (example: 3rd Place Senior Expert Men - Mt. Snow, VT - 2000)
I try to make every race my best result, but if we need numbers, I placed six in Granogue in the beginner class in 2000.
- What is the most and least number of hours that you train in
a week? (Not zero but the least number of hours you actually train)
During School - - - - 0 Hours In a good week - - - - maybe 12 hours. That will all change in 2001
- Name your favorite XC and/or DOWNHILL race course?
I really like Fair Hill in Elkton, MD. There is something to be said about a one loop race that is that long - - - 27 miles for the experts.
- Name your favorite place to ride:
Any place my bike takes me. My least favorite place may be Rittenhouse Park in Newark because every time I ride there, I get the Rittenhouse flu and I am sick for days.
- What is the longest distance or number of hours that you have
ridden XC in one day on a mountain bike? (EXCLUDING A 24 OR 12 HOUR RACE
unless SOLO!)
56 Miles during an excursion in Jim Thorpe. Easy to get lost for hours! Looking to join that 101 mile ride in Fair Hill every year.
- How much of your training is on the road?
I try to split my time between road and off-road. Road riding can be a blast. Road races are also fun (Am I allowed to say that here?)
- Do you cross train or use weights?
I try to run a little (will change to a lot this year since I have some cyclocross aspirations). I do get the weights out once or twice a week, but I need pay more attention to them. Does pushing the lawn mower count as cross-training?
- Do you use supplements or sport drinks?
I use a few. The ones that seem to work well for me are GU, Clif Bars, and Cytomax and SmartFuel products. I am behind the times with these products and need to spend some time testing out some more.
- Do you do anything special (besides the whole training
lifestyle) to prepare for an important race?
1. Clean the bike and lube the cables/chain 2 days before the race. 2. Pack my clothes the night before. 3. Try and do some visualization. 4. Try to eat well the night before.
- Do you use a heart rate monitor?
I do use a heart rate monitor in training, but I have not used it during a race yet. I am afraid of the numbers I would see.
- Do you keep a training log?
I know I should, but I do not keep a log. This may change this year.
- What do you consider your strong points on a race course,
hills, technical sections, downhills?
Do the flat sections count? I do well in mildly technical sections, at least better than the average person. I like short, but steep hills and twisty singletrack.
- What aspect of mountain biking is the most fun for you?
Just getting out into the woods and spending time with friends or even being alone. All of my problems disappear when I am riding.
- What is your greatest moment (biggest rush) that you have
experienced on your MOUNTAIN BIKE?
Just having a good ride or race is a big rush for me. The biggest rush that comes to mind was when I was leading the Granogue race last year for the first two miles and having others see me in the lead was cool! I had to really try and focus on the entire race and the rush of the first two miles had me stoked for the rest of the race.
- Do you have any suggestions for Beginner racers?
Train for results. Find a good club or team to ride with, like First State Velo Sport. Set realistic goals and challenge yourself to achieve these goals. Always strive to perform better. Buy some good training books - - - Joe Friel's books are excellent (look on this web site for some of Bill's tips - - you can read them now and he is offering them to you free of charge). Attempt to out ride your training companions, but never, never, never brag about it because you will no longer be invited to ride with them. I found this out the hard way. On a related note, if you are the strongest among your regular group of riders, ride with some other groups from time-to-time. You need to be challenged in order to improve. In contrast to my last statement, you sometimes have to ride alone in order to stick to your fitness plan. Be sure to thank everyone who helps you in your racing career - - - it seems like it could b! e a thankless job at times. Never, never quit a race unless your bike is broken and never get discouraged. Rather than being discouraged about a poor result, use it for fuel when training. One more thing - - Please, Please, Please support your local bike shop. If you are loyal, they will always be there for you. If you are not loyal (and you know what I mean when I say dot.com), don't expect them to help you out when you need something and you need it now. Also, there is nothing wrong with buying the guys at your LBS lunch or beverages from time to time. These guys work hard and most are trying to support themselves and a racing career too. It also helps them to ignore your constant whining about whatever it is that is not working right on your bike today.
