On Sunday I took part in what was only my third race of the year. Not great for a blog called Ben Races Bikes I admit! This is the lowest number of events I've entered in a calendar year since I began racing way back in 2003. I've ridden at least 5 races every year since then.
Sundays result of 18th was my worst for some time which perhaps shows a bit of rustiness. So why haven't I raced more?
One factor is there are less XC races to enter. The reduction in the number of the local Gorrick events and cancellation of some of my annual regulars like the G100 and Brighton Big Dog is a factor. However the Southern XC Series is still going strong, but I didn't even bother with the Southern UK Championships this year. I think a large part of this is that I don't have anything to prove to myself any more. I know that if I train regularly I can be a competitive top 10 age group racer locally, but I'm never going to qualify for the Olympics! More importantly though, with two kids growing up fast it is harder to justify taking an entire day out of the weekend and having to pay for the privilege to do so.
I still love the buzz of racing however! It was great to be back between the tape on Sunday, pushing myself to the limit and challenging myself against those I was racing. The camaraderie of racing is also something that can't be replicated. After 4 hours flogging yourself trying to beat them I love the Adrenalin fuelled laughter and excited debrief amongst competitors afterwards as you all gather behind the finish line sharing stories of how your races went and how you could have finished 30 seconds quicker if only.....
I'd definitely missed it, so I'll certainly be aiming to race the remaining Brass Monkeys winter series. That should be 2 events by the end of January, lets see what the rest of 2023 holds in store!
