We haven’t spoken for a while, would you be up for a social ride during the Christmas break? As you know I’ve been ascending in rank recently, in 2021 not finishing outside of a top 10 and coming 9th 12hr Nationals for MTB XCM. I’ve just started my Base for next year and am very much going through waves of demotivation regarding what’s facing me, the endless efforts and feelings of fatigue, although my coach has planted a seed of racing the new MTB XCM National Series should it be re-run in 2023.
So, I think in October 2022 - my off season - I will be having similar thoughts of taking a break hence will watch this threads contributions with interest.
Hey Steve.
Yep its me.
Definitely, let’s go for a ride ASAP. I’m missing just riding my bike purely for the pleasure of it. Always having a race looming tends to lead to choosing the less fun options.
There are some longer courses in the UK - Deadwater 100 for example (a 31 mile circuit). I was looking at doing the 100 mile, no expectations of finishing anywhere though I know there are lots of 12/24hr circuit races though, and they’re a bit repetitive.
There was a thread about this before, seems to come from the fact it’s illegal to race on bridleways so it’s very hard to make a very long race route work here as you inevitably need to link sections together.
The Deadwater does look good, but it’s a long drive from the SE. I’m hoping to ride through the Kielder forest this spring as part of a long trip anyway.
Thanks for the heads up. I always enjoyed that track and it was great to see the venue continuing to get used after 2012. It will be a great shame if racing doesn’t continue there and the track just slowly gets swallowed by nature.
I’m coming up on 55. I’ve been racing in some form (running, tri’s, bike) since the mid 80s. I’ve had tremendous highs (like qualifying for Kona) and unbelievable lows (10 years of chronic fatigue/gulf war illness, multiple knee surgeries, setbacks from injury etc). I stopped factoring into races ~2006 (when I became ill). I thought I’d never race again (or get better), but I did, and I slowly clawed my way back to fitness and finally back to racing. I’m still trying things new, like Aquabike (swim/bike), gravel, CX. I’m nowhere near what I once was, but I’m grateful for every workout or race I complete, because I never know if another setback or implosion is around the corner. Point being, if you’re fit and able to compete at ANY level, seize the chance. It would be really sad to stop completely for 2 or 3 years, then have something happen that prevents you from ever competing again. You would look back on those 2 or 3 years and think “Man, I wish I had kept racing, because now I can’t”. Trust me, I’ve walked that path. Life is short, seize it by the balls and squeeze for all you’re worth.
Appreciate that sentiment. However if I stop focusing on racing then I’ll have the mental energy to put towards what I actually want to do which is bikepacking trips, hiking trips or expeditions to somewhere new.
Racing keeps you on a treadmill, and I do love the routine of training and racing, but it’s time I was brave and took more time to chill and dream, before gearing up to the next challenge.
See, now I’m voicing what I actually want to do. It all started in the first lockdown when I just rode to new places to alleviate the loss of racing.
When restrictions eased I started doing overnighters and bought a fancy tent. My absolute fondest memories on the bike these last two years have been from bikepacking trips. I just love the constant motion.
I used to love racing but now at age 53 with a full time job, a wife, 3 kids, and 3 grand kids there are sometimes more important things in life…like watching my son or my grandson’s soccer games on the weekends or spending time with my family. Just race when you want to and don’t race when you feel stressed. You can stay fit without racing. Enjoy life.
I’m going to take the plunge and strip the components off my cx race bike in order to rebuild my Genesis CDF. I’ve got rack and panniers for this bike, plus mudguards of course.
I’ve still got a singlespeed cx bike for training evenings and for if an enticingly muddy race comes up.
The thought of my CDF with Ortlieb panniers parked next to my singlespeed mtb with Revelate bags, is the stuff of dreams. I’m very lucky to be in this position. I’ve been slowly assembling these setups for years now, so it’s time to be strong and step off the path I’ve been travelling and take a new one.
Thanks again for all your words of advice. I’m a person who needs to talk things through to come to conclusions. You’ve been magnificent.
I’m the same age as the OP, or close enough (46). One of the things that’s kept me racing a fair amount on the road is chasing that elusive cat 2 upgrade. I really think if I got that I could relax a bit.
I burned out on racing (not bikes) after years of chasing marathon PRs and triathlons PRs. Went through a period of some over training. I got rid of my triathlon coach and had to take a long time away from structured training. Two years ago I decided I was going to do challenging “fun” type of events with no goal time whatsoever. With 2020 cancelled I used 2021 to run a 54 mile ultramaathon (it broke my spirit and nearly my body) and than finished it off in August with the Triple Bypass. I have my eyes on LOTOJA and another ultra (if I can get my IT band fixed, uggghh). So I say train and do cool destination events.
I’ve switched to 100-200 mile races where I still get to pin up, but where I finish is irrelevant. Helps me train with purpose but not train to a podium placement goal.
I know there are lots of 12/24hr circuit races though, and they’re a bit repetitive.
. Turned to road racing for 2 years 
