I recently wrote about wanting to do some racing this year. A couple weeks ago that plan changed. I haven’t been getting in many training rides, so my fitness just isn’t ready for racing. Also, I haven’t spent any time on my mountain bike so I just don’t feel comfortable going all out for a race. My balance and jumping skills are a little rusty, and so is my timing. This just adds up to a bad combination.

I had contemplated just doing the Victoria race, but it would prove too expensive. A club membership is needed for insurance purposes, and that runs around $45. Add on races fees of $10-$20, and that is an insane amount of money for a 5 minute race run. I am going to pass on racing this year, and plan to get some racing in next year.

Of course I did get out for a nice ride today. It was a lot of fun, but it really reinforced in my mind that I made the right decision to not race. My fitness is nowhere close, and I was not showing the finesse I normally do. I had a great ride though, and my friend and I rode some excellent trails. I had a few good jumps, good log rides, and some good rock faces. I also had a few close calls, and a couple off-bike excursions.

I am a little disappointed about not racing this year, but after today’s great ride, I am more comfortable with my decision.