Originally Posted by Ygduf

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!