I'm not particularly competitive but I decided to take up racing this year for the opportunity to work with a team that several of my buddies are on. Of course I'd love to be the guy crossing the line first but I know that's not always going to happen but I'm cool with the idea of working together to get someone else there. With any luck, in a season or two someone else will be doing the same for me.
But, even if not, it's still fun. And *that* is the value proposition. It's not about winning inner tubes or a $5 gift certificate to the local bike shop or even getting to the podium at all (though of course that would be nice!). For me, it's about camaraderie and adrenaline.