The summers in Texas make mountain bike racing drop off the radar. Maybe it's the heat and humidity, or possibly the only break the series can take before starting up again. I have to admit, once they start up on Labor Day weekend, it's non stop through the following May.
So this leads me to searching for races elsewhere. The only options are to 1) do some major traveling north or west, 2) head down to Monterrey, MX where they host 2-3 races a month, or 3) lay off a bit and get ready to rev up for the races starting up in the Fall.
Truth is, I need to do some racing to keep me motivated. I tend to, no, I almost certainly do,lose focus unless I have something to shoot for. So looks like heading to Mexico for some of their XC series is in the works, I just need to pick my dates.
Another event filling the vastness of my mind has been the thought of doing a 24-hr solo in October. 6 months ago, the thought of doing even a 12-hr solo made me cringe. Well, the 12-hr thing went pretty smooth, and I am digging this endurance crap.
It all started with Eddie planting the seed when we went up to Flat Rock last month. That little seed basically just set in the back of my mind.....germinating slowly, very slowly. Yesterday, Ed and I put in a nice little 45 mile recovery ride, and started up with that damn 24-hr solo talk again. Ed has done this particular 24-solo before, and seems he has things all set up, crew and the like.
So now I just need to make a damn decision. This would be a whole other experience for me. Physically, I'm not far off from being ready, and I have plenty of time to prepare. Mentally, well, that's why these races are run. Obviously I can't speak from experience, because 12 hrs is my max. this far, but I would imagine dealing with the pain, loss of sleep, and just flat out kind of losing your mind to a point, factors in to the mix. He/she who can deal with it best and keep on moving through it will prevail.
Let's not forget, I really can't go into something "just for the experience". I enter races to compete and win if possible. So surely there would be all kinds of pain and suffering to be had in a certain 24-hrs in October.
If I were told I had to make a decision right now, it would be" I need to find some lights, and practice my night riding". In other words, "hell yeah!" But, I don't want to rush into this without going through all the logistics that need to go into such an endeavor.
I'm giving myself 1 week. If by next weekend I am still excited about the thought( you know, the feeling you get in your gut just talking about it) of torturing myself for a long amount of time on a bike, I'll do it.
So for the next week, let the mind games begin,
Thanks Eddie, I owe you one.
1 comment:
thats what friends are for! ;) farmer.. you need to do this race! once you do it, immediatly after you will swear off mountain biking for the rest of your life, spit on your bike, and think "i don't need this shit!" but aprx .00000006123 secs later you'll be thinking on what to do different to prepare for the next one! you're a gifted cyclist... and you're stubborn, perfect recipe for this sweet and bitter drink! besides you get to hallucinate without doing anything illegal!! teehee!!
about the recovery ride.. hehe.. recovery for you brotha.. for me it was hard!! but .. lookin forward to next saturday!
thanks for the bbq, it was excellent, had a great time with you, marcy and chris! lets do it again soon! i'll cook next time..
-ed
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