My aim is to empower you to be your best.
Over the years, I have seen so many riders fail to meet their potential, not due to their physical ability but from a lack of knowledge, preparation and resilience.
I want to give back to a sport that has given me so much, to help others as they strive to achieve their best, and experience the joy and fulfilment in the process.
In 2024 I will launch JMH Mentoring. Initially I will open up space for ten riders on the Ultra Cycling Event Preparation Course. Through this course I shall share my complete toolkit to ultra-endurance cycling, that I have developed over the past decade spent pursuing my best. I will act as you personal mentor, as you get ready for your challenge of a lifetime!
“A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor”
Transcontinental Race 2018 tasting my first gravel parcous to Bjelašnica, Bosnia. I went on to finish 1st for a second time. (Camille McMillan)
Why trust me?
For ten years, I’ve been racing as a professional ultra-endurance cyclist.
Fortunately I’ve always been a physically good cyclist (with a lot of work!). But I had to learn the sport to become a contender. Over the years I’ve struggled and learnt lessons the hard way.
I’ve scratched from races through injury, illness and mental weakness.
I’ve learnt all about equipment failure.
I’ve struggled through snowdrifts and raced in 50 degree heat.
I’ve also achieved wins and podiums; on and off-road.
I’ve truly been able to learn and master the sport.
Along the way, I graduated and worked as a Civil Engineer. I used my technical background to help me to break down the process. I’ve applied this to myself over the years and transformed myself from an aspiring rookie to achieving my absolute best.
services I Offer…
One-to-one bespoke online course to help get you ready for your event, following my multi-phase educational course.
In 2024 I helped 13 riders to get ready for events such as: Transcontinental Race, Across Andes, Silk Road Mountain Race
Need help but not sure what? Get in touch and we can work out what you need and work together on a flexible hourly basis.
Services such as: Event selection, kit list, equipment review, strategy planning… etc
Multi-day, in-person, group trips to build your skills and confidence to take on bikepacking events or races by learning on the go, led by me.
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Got a question?
TESTIMONIALS
Byron Holcomb
“James may have saved my life. Kinda. Let me explain, my frugality was driving my equipment choices for my first ultra Across Andes 2024. I had a very light rain jacket and didn't want to buy a proper rain shell because of the money. Like most of his responses, James was calm and said ‘Byron you could get really injured or worse if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere without proper rain gear in the low temperatures in Patagonia’. I found a used shell on eBay and used it to stay warm and dry during the race. 148 started and 85 finished the event, thankfully I followed his advice and was one of the finishers. James shared countless tips that saved me both stress and suffering during the event. By the time I arrived at the start line, the calm, cool headed advice had set in and I set off on a life changing adventure and I was PREPARED.”
quinda verheul
“James has been my guide in ultra bikepacking for many years, we met at my first Atlas Mountain Race. I had to grow into my confidence and knowledge on the bike and James never hesitated a moment to help me out gaining that confidence and feeling prepared. Sometimes as simple as a rain jacket, advice on equipment, technical advice on the route or walking through set ups and packing lists and even entire routes. It always felt like a two way direction, where he would take my perspectives and needs very serious and that empowered me as an human and athlete.”
Ulrich Bartholmoes
“I've been an experienced ultra-racer myself, but getting a second opinion and having a sparring partner to discuss equipment and strategy ideas with ahead of the next race is invaluable. James is the perfect go-to person for this. With years of experience in ultra-distance racing on both road and off-road terrains in the most remote regions of the world, his insights and perspectives often give my preparation the final polish it needs. I highly recommend James for anyone looking to fine-tune their race prep and gain valuable insights from a seasoned expert.”