Need Help Making Decision Related to My Biking :)

[spokewench]

So, here is a story very similar to yours, except the epstein barr stuff, how awful!

I started mountain bike race first. I was not very good at it. No handling skills at all (so you're one up on me). Then, I started doing century type rides and then decided that I should start road racing some. I was in my late 20's, early 30's. I was lucky, I found a women's developmental team on the road that was very helpful and supportive. Well, in mountain biking I never did well cause I was slow and not a very good technical rider, but I hung with it, cause I really like to mountain bike ride and racing pushed me to train harder - have a goal, etc., etc. My husband was a mountain bike racer so I went to Nationals, did the Mammoth Kamikaze one (crashed spectacularly), and raced in the first Worlds in Durango in 1990, raced expert because there were no sport categories, finished last, beat 4 people who dnf'd. I was just happy to be there and doing it and getting exposure. Yes, I went to big races, No, I did not do well at all even in smaller races. Hit the podium a couple of times but only cause no other girls would show.

I started road racing while I was mountain bike racing (did both for a while together). I was again not ever very good at road racing, but ended up doing okay in criteriums - never well in a road race.

I used to think that I liked road riding best cause my off road bike handling skills were not so good, but I have to admit I like mountain biking better now. I went on in my 40's to come in second in the Arizona State competition as a sport and I am now rated as an expert. My skills got a lot better, but I'm no great technical rider to date.

I find that training to race mountain bikes is easier for me basically because I can train for that in less time. Road racing is such an all consuming thing cause you have to ride hours, ride specific training regimens all together. For me it takes more dedication and sticktoitivness than mountain bike training. Yes, you have to train for mountain biking, but I can do this in less time so I think that is one of the reasons mountain bike racing is more fun.

Also, mountain bike racers tend to be a more laid back bunch of people - I've got lots of friends from going to mountain bike races, not so much, going road racing. It's just the scene. So, don't fell bad if you pick mountain biking over road racing. Some people just prefer it. It is hard in a different way than road racing and road racing is hard in a different way than mountain bike racing.

It is really hard to do both, but you can. I would recommend focusing on one kind of racing. You can do cross training with mountain and road for either kind of racing.

Hope that helps. Oh, and don't worry about the age, like I said I never got any good at this stuff until was in my 40's.

[SalsaMTB]

yogabear-

Are you still in MI? If so, come to a mountain bike race!!! Road riding is great training for mountain biking, so I'm sure you'll be strong still. You just need to start doing some off road riding to get your handling skills in. Push aside those emotional packages and just enjoy the ride.

If you're in MI, and want to race, do a MMBA CPS race and say hello! My team is participating in the series and I plan on doing all the races. I race beg. 19-29 and I have a team mate who started racing this year beg women 30+ (we are the only two women on the team). There aren't a ton of female racers, but your age group is actually one of the more popular for the women. I'm not sure where in MI you are (assuming you still are) but check out the schedule and see if there is one local and we can meet up!

[yogabear]

Spokewrench--
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It was so nice to hear your perspective on things. You are so kind and heartfelt...thank you! The main thing that hit home for me was about the training for mtn. biking...I forget that's it is less hours in the saddle. I have learned through road cycling that I'm not one of those people that likes to ride more than 40 miles on the road at a time. I also don't like group rides...people can be so sketchy...not judging, but just observing Also, I liked the bit about how each mtn. and road are hard in different ways. It reminded me of this story my hubby shared with me about how 2 different contemporary pro male racers had switched cycling disciplines...One took to the road like a fish to water and the other tried mtn. biking and it wasn't for him, despite his success on the road. I guess I always thought I'd be able to be good at both LOL. I'm starting to realize I really need to focus...mostly, to do what makes me happy, which is mtn. biking

SalsaMTB,
I'm still in Michigan I may come as a spectator to a mtn. bike race. I haven't been to one in many years, so I'd like to check it out and see That may be good for me. I hear the scene is fun and laidback. For a while in the 1990's, it was super, incredibly intense IMHO I just didn't appreciate the younger Sport class guys yelling at me to get off the trail when I was racing too! LOL Arrghh...LOL. I know how to handle that stuff better now though Btw, you are so sweet...thank you for your positivity and encouragement!

Other notes...
You guys have really helped me to become more okay with my decision. When I sat and thought about it today, I realized that my decision is really about being okay with who I am. I realized I'm a mountain biker not a roadie. I have many roadie friends and love them to pieces, but it's just not me. I admire anyone who can be successful on the road because I have learned the past 8 years just how hard it is. I'm feeling so much better about my decision, which is really about being more okay with myself and who I am Lots of hugs and thanks for the help...I'm about 90 percent there...Time for a talk with my 'coach' tonight

Love 'n hugs!!

[fultzie]

Salsa and Yogabear--

Will you be at the Hanson Hills mtb in June? I missed Ft. Custer this past weekend (my roommate went, though, and was probably wearing a UM jersey ). Apparently it was a lot of fun!!

I am aiming for Hanson Hills, Boyne Marathon, and Maybury (Maybury is right in my backyard ).

Perhaps I will see you both there! We could meet up for pre-race (or post-race) coffee

[yogabear]

Fultzie,

Yeah, I'm thinking of checking out a Metro-Detroit area race so I don't have to travel far, etc. since I have to spectate first Maybury is about 45 min. from me, so not far at all. I'm not sure when that race is and I'll have to check my travel schedule with the mtn. bike race schedule, but I'd love to meet and do coffee It's funny 'cause last night, my hubby was like, "you need to hang with other mtn. biking women."

Other notes...
I had a big a-ha moment yesterday...LOL. I came to 100 percent alignment or okay-ness with being a mtn. biker My hubby asked me why I had ever started racing the road in the first place. I answered, "I don't know." That's a sign if you ask me! Geesh!

Also, had asked the Universe for a sign (I should have said, "gentle sign, please" about road vs. mtn. biking)...well, on last night's road ride, two cars in this park I ride at were going 70 mph at least in a 35 mph area and one was trying to pass the other...We had to duck off to the side of the road for safety. I mean, there's crazy drivers everywhere, but I so rarely encounter them in this park that it reminded me of the quiet serenity that is off-road...when your hazards are rocks, roots, your own stupidity LOL, deer, squirrels, etc., but at the same time, you enjoy being in nature and respecting the stillness and gifts She brings to us

The funny thing is that I have more energy. I literally feel as though a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I feel much more peaceful. I like the idea of training and riding for fun until I get myself back up to par with my Mtn. Biking Goddess-ness again

So, my question is...where do I send my checks$$ for the psychological counseling LOL? You guys were and are so awesome...You really helped me be more okay with my decision and well, being the real me Thank you so much!

Lots of love and hugs!!