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I last raced in 2015 and really enjoyed doing a mix of XC and CX races through uni, never really got any great results but was always a fairly mid pack rider (at the local series level) and enjoyed a good head to head scrap with someone for the minor prizes occasionally. Stopped due to lack of funds for entries and a degree getting in the way.
4 years on and I realised I no longer ride anywhere near as quick when riding solo and most of my group rides are now with slower people, but I definitely miss the racing! I now have a car, a bit of money for race entries and free weekends (sometimes) so I was thinking of getting back into it! I've also got the bike a bought for the 2015/16 CX season that never got raced due to lack of time!
CX season fast approaching I have signed myself up for a few events but am now having the thoughts of am I going to be shockingly slow compared to what I remember?
Anyone else taken a major break from racing an enjoyed getting back into it, or was it painful knowing how quick you once were? I'm definitely working on getting the speed and fitness back but the first race is in less that 2 weeks and I'm currently off the bike with a stinker of a cold!
Not really sure of the point of this post but I guess I'm nervous-excited and don't want to end up being the last place person 3 laps down!
I’ve taken a break from road racing, made a personal commitment to be race fit for next Spring. Only back from holiday today and it’s first day of training.
The good thing about CX is that if you get lapped 20 times by the entire field, only you know it. There is also generally someone on a mtb struggling at the back along with other people who have been coerced into riding by their friends, also struggling at the back.
Remember CX is all serious at the front but a party at the back....was told that once only to realise I was being lied to!!
Expect the first few races to hurt like hell, you may well be towards the end of the field, but at least you’ll know you’ll get race fitter. Then the remainder of the races will hurt like hell but you’ll move up places each week.
Yeah I remember being told the serious at the front but a party at the back story before my first race - definitely a lie!
Practised a few dismounts and remounts around some obstacles last night and forgot how much it hurt to miss a pedal when jumping on! I've also realised my new MTB shoes are great for trails and bikepacking but don't really have any defined front grip so will have to locate my old racey shoes!