I miss Mountain Bike Oregon. Or what I should say is that I miss epic mountain bike rides, which I just have not had time to do. I didn’t write anything about MBO, which is a shame, because epic it was. So much so that I just couldn’t bring myself to write about it. I had such a blast, rode so fast and well, I was just grinning ear to ear the entire time. Alpine Trail is simply divine.
So now I’m sitting at my computer yet again, trying madly to get as much work done as possible. And I did this yesterday, instead of heading up to my own team’s cyclocross race. Granted, I had good reason for not racing (concerns about getting sick, my knees still sore and swollen from running), but I know that the REAL reason I didn’t race is that I’m completely gun shy.
I haven’t been doing enough hard riding. No racing. I am completely out of shape for cross, I haven’t done any cross-specific practice, it’s bad. Real bad. And to top it off, my head isn’t in the game at all. I need a sports psychologist or something. I feel like a skittish horse who’s been abused by Racing and won’t go near it.
I’m in over my head in just about every form of racing (except mountain biking). I’m not really a Cat 4 roadie, but not really a Cat 3 either. I’m not really an A cyclocrosser, but not really a B either. I’m stuck in in-between land, where I am always dropped and coming in last. I really have no reason to race, as my reasons generally involve winning. Or at least feeling competitive, rather then like an out-of-shape loser.
Harsh words, but there’s really no reason to sugar coat them.
All I really want to do is go on some epic mountain bike rides. I want to ride my ass off, but instead I’m stuck here, half working, half dreaming. I keep trying to remind myself that all these epic rides do not translate to 45 minute 60 minute races, except maybe in handling skills. I did bomb down Firelane 5 yesterday, with much more ease then last year, easily making the switchbacks and even making some sweet jumps.
But I need some motivation to race cross. And as of yet, I have none.
wow I sound like a whiny baby. this just simply won’t do…
Kristin – I empathize with you. Before PotP I hadn’t raced since April and during the summer I was content to enjoy riding my bike and not worry about building, peaking, tapering etc. But this is ‘Cross Time and if you don’t get out there and race you’ll regret it all winter.
Race for fun.
There are a lot of new Cat3 roadies now. I’m sure you can kick several of our asses – if you train some!
Can’t help you with CX – I’m racing masters this year.
i think a big part of it is that i realized i need team mates to race with, especially in the 1/2/3s.