tetonrider

i think one of the reasons it starts out being fun is that it is easier to harbor the illusion that one will be the next great cycling superstar when new. after a few races -- for most people -- they realize that even if they are 'good' at that level, they're not world-class and will have to get on the process of doing some hard work to rise up a few levels, which is most likely where they will stop.

i'd wager that many of us know more people who stopped racing after 1-3 years than continued on for 5, 7, 10 years.

with proper guidance at the outset, perhaps more people would set themselves up for longer-term enjoyment of the sport. of course, not all coaches emphasize that aspect.