I currently do not race. I started mountain biking a few years ago. I didn't race initially because of lack of experience. I felt like too weak of a rider to race. I had only biked with guys and I sucked compared to them. I went on my first girl ride last summer and realized there was a def difference in skill level (I wasn't be best, but did a lot better than I imagined!) I was going to race this year but my wedding was in June and didn't want to risk any nasty injuries for my wedding day. I'm a competitive person so I wouldn't be able to go easy in a race. Since my wedding, my husband and I have trained harder and plan on racing next season when we'll have a bit more time to devote to the sport.