sarsparilla

I was having this conversation with my dad on the way home from my xc last race. He was saying that my mom would like to see me just out on the bike having a good time and didn't even particularly want me to race. I told him that I race because that's what I have the most fun doing. It makes all of those rides that have fireroad climbs that seem unending feel more worthwhile. It also gives me good goals to work for. I can see that the training rides are paying off when I am able to pass people that were beating me by 2-3 minutes last year. It gives me that sense of accomplishment that I can't get with just riding. Sure regular riding is great and you are able to make accomplishments like clearing crazy rock gardens but it doesn't feel as rewarding as being able to compete and overcome things in races.

Those are some of the major reasons that I love to race. There are more and I'll post them if I think of them but I was wondering why others race as well. Any type: XC, DH, 4x or whatever. Give us your reasons.

LowCel 

I race to see if I can do better than I did the week before but that is not the main reason. The main reason is I love the atmosphere. The people at bike races are like no others. I have made a lot of friends at the races and I enjoy seeing them as often as possible. I have to say though the most fun I have had in a long time was this past weekend. I was at 24 hours of big bear and it was amazing. It was basicly a three day party with bike riding thrown in. The only time I can remember having as much fun was at the Slatyfork Shuffle last year. That was five days of bike riding and hanging out with new friends.

telenick

The podium/awards ceremony is addictive when you've placed.

I get to see friends.

I get to use all the athletic excuses that prevented me from winning. Every athlete has a few good ones up their jersey.

Immersion in a culture that appears from an empty parking lot and disappears just as quickly. It's such a sub culture. I feel unique to be part of it.

hansenc

Its the only fun spring sport at our school. no golf, tennis, or track for me.

Hopper

I race as it allows me to see more tracks, have fun and hang with my mates. In Australia races have an excellent atmosphere, just go out and have fun, you are not racing against other people, you are racing against the clock. It also allows you to get better as you get to see better riders taking different lines and talk to them.

It also allows me to travel

Mikey_C

cause it give me an excuse to hang out with people who love riding as much as i do--otherwise im just haning out with a bunch of guys who like to drink as much as i do

-mike

dminor 

One of the reasons I race is because it raises my skill level by forcing me to attempt scary technical sections that I never would have dreamed I could do otherwise (I race downhill). Sometimes it just takes the extra adrenaline of pushing at or near race-speed to get me to try launching a particular drop or gap jump. The satisfaction of cleaning something that I thought would eat me alive is a rush in itself, no matter how I actually placed for the day.

apclassic9

I take my kids to race because:
1. The people are great - generally nice, healthy, educated folks who are friendly and helpful and more than willing to share thier knowledge, expertise, and nutritional advise. Would your Dad prefer you hang with football players or mtn bikers?
2. They get to see the beautiful trails and parks which are tucked all over WV and neighboring states. The racing community also encourages trail work, which beats watching sports on TV.
3. Sometimes they get to travel with thier team - to VT, CA, etc.
4. Bike racing, for a kid, provides some great role models, self confidence, and "membership" in community which values respect for nature and ethics - where else would you see a racer rip past the finish line 5 minutes before anyone else & then disqualify himself because he accepted a tube from another racer?
5. They learn to be self-reliant - while there are still a few things they can't fix, I figure that in another year or two the bike shop repair guy won't be seeing much of thier bikes..
6. It's really cool for them to see people they used to race with on TV & in magazines (Sue Haywood, Jeremiah Bishop, Chris Eatough)
7. And, uh, they have fun, and I have an excuse not clean the house on Sundays!

geneman

Fantastic post and fantastic parenting!
Don't forget also that every time they race and don't place they learn that winning takes hard work and dedication.

Mark

myenzo

I race because I like to challenge myself. Sure you can challenge yourself on a regular ride, but nothing comes close to trying to beat that other person in your class. It's a great feeling that I can't really describe. Plus you get to go out and meet people. And once you land a podium finish you just want to do it again and again.

BluemaxxRacing

I do it because it pushes me like nothing else. Yes, the training runs are good practice but there is nothing like seeing that guy (or girl) in front of you getting closer and closer. BTW, this is my first post. Looking forward to getting to know you guys (and girls)

ChroMo2

ADRENALINE!

Zeggelaar

I race because it makes me clench my teeth, grunt with pain, drenches me in sweat, covers me with dirt, makes me bleed, costs me money and and causes me to roar in mad full-on crazed adrenalin-pumping head-rushing fury... all in a picturesque setting with nice people.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH

sheba

10 9 8 7 6 5
excitement
adrenaline
the thrill of passing someone on an uphill
pain


and, of course, hanging with others who enjoy the same thing

Edward_Breck

I race because I snowboard.

And if I didn't race I would get fat in the summer time. And if I get fat in the summer time, I will have back pain and problems in the winter time.

But I also race because it's a blast and an emotional high.

ChroMo2

It's fun to race when your really good. it's a cheap shot at hurting someone's feelings. like little kids do. Then you can look back at it and bust out laughing!

apclassic9

Oh, my older boy has placed a few times in 6 years, but never won. The younger one started in the 14 and under class at the age of 7, so he used to finish last in his class all the time... but, he had the opportunity to get to know Sue Haywood that way, becuase she would be coming in 1st after 3 laps & cross the line with him (1 lap).