I learned so much this year. My album of (5-wide norcal) podium pics is 18 photos and I am missing some of the unofficial TTs and I think 2 cat 3 races. I won a districts jersey, all else is gravy.
Things I learned, in no particular order
- racing is the best practice for racing
- weight is not everything
- the line between glory and failure is quite thin
- racing with teammates who are smart is really great
- crits are fun (and easy!)
- time trial bikes take practice to ride well
- waiting for x, y, or z fitness before racing is stupid
- cat 2s are human
- cat 1s can get tired
- sprinters are liars first, second, and forever
- winning isn't everything. I'm usually still dissatisfied with one aspect or another
- outside of the other racers in your field, basically no one else gives a ****
- Strava is still fun, **** all y'all haters!