Team: Wooden Wheels

Category/Class: Expert / Master 45+

Place: Most lucky old guy

Email: samjames@brandywine.net

What was your favorite Super Series race for 2001 and why?

Well, it turns out that I really liked parts of all the races. The manhole hill at Neshaminy, m'uncles revenge at Granogue, the swoopy trail at Sewell, the sweet trails at Fair Hill, the super-fun singletrack at White Haven, and who couldn't love the Fell Mtn course; but I'll have to go with Iron Hill as my favorite. Although this is the venue I 've raced the most, I found this year's course to be fresh and still challenging.

Pretend you are coaching your closest competitor........ what would you tell them to do differently in 2002 in order to beat you?

Absolutely nothing. Bill Gentile and Bob Sauer are both in position to kick my butt next year even if they do nothing different. They are both super strong, talented racers and unless there are no climbs in next years' series, will have no problem thrashing me.

What is it about mtb racing (BESIDES WINNING) that is MOST fun for you?

After racing the local area for more than 7 years I had pretty much decided that xc racing was boring. Two things changed that for me this year...the SUPER SERIES and the LESS GEARS MORE BEERS singlespeed rally. At the series, meeting up with all the great people from the other teams really brought the fun back into racing. and talk about fuN! The ss rally at Belmont Plateau was one of the best days I 've ever spent on a bike

What month do you plan on coming into fitness for the 2002 season?

Well if it goes like this year, I 'm shooting for September 2002.

What month do you start your pre-season training?

I just ride. Harder in the spring...funner in the fall. I don't find training to be much fun. Tried it--didn't like it.

How do you deal with riding in the winter conditions (cold, snow, ice, lack of daylight)?

Gloves, headband and furlined codpiece all add to my winter enjoyment. Also day riding is much better than at nite when the temp drops. So quit your jobs and ride with me!

What are your goals for the 2002 season?

Realistically, I think the only goal I can achieve next year is getting my ass kicked. I was lucky this year and don't expect to repeat my win. There will be some serious competition in the old guy class next year and I hope it's as much fun as this year was.

If there was just ONE thing that you would like to see improved for next year (2002) - what would it be?

Coming from a motorcyle racing background, I could never figure out why we race thru the hottest part of the summer. Spring and fall are the best times to race and the summer is for family vacations---no? Plus more races scheduled for spring allow us to have raindates w/o messing up the series.