I'm wondering about the purpose of returning to base training in the winter. I did some racing at the end of last season and learned lots. No real training -- most of my riding was endurance stuff around 20mph. Just easy and enjoying the spin.

I know I need to get faster (goal is to pull an average of 23mph by myself on the road -- too much?) and hit the weights for mtbing. Everything says return to base training for the winter. Yet ... my last 2 years have essentially been base training. No speedwork or anything.

This older thread about offseason training says the return is to give the body (and mind) time to recover. If I'm enjoying the buildup and speedwork, and doing the eating/recovery correctly, is there anything wrong with starting now? Esp since I know I have quite a ways to go?

So, what exactly is the purpose of returning to base training? Esp when you have never really gotten off the bike?

Curious.
Thanks