Quote Originally Posted by atombessy View Post
A general goal is to increase my time in the saddle, I can mtbike for about two hours comfortably right now, I'd like to be able to spend 3 or 4 out and about. I'm also debating doing a race in August, just for the challenge and something different! I have a lot to do though to get there, even in the beginner class.

And I'd like to do the occasional half century on my poor neglected road bike as well! Working on that will help with my general endurance on the mt bike I hope.
I did a race after my first season of mtbing a couple of years ago. It's a great way to gauge where you're at and what you need to work on...oh, and if you like racing. It really forces you to push with everything you have. I was surprised. Going into it, I thought I would finish last or near to last. I rode hard, even crashed once, and came in 6th! It taught me that short endurance races aren't necessarily my cup of tea right now, but that I was a better mtber than I thought.

I've also just started road biking this season and I feel stronger on the mtb already! Especially climbing and endurance-wise.

Good luck to you!