No More Paying to Ride in Circles

[Catrin]

thanks for sharing! I had no idea it was like that. I like how you shake it up.

I had no idea it was like this at all, thanks! Mountain bike racing sounds like a lot more fun Not that I will ever do that, I am sure, I will be happy just to learn how to ride single track and have fun in the woods. I am certainly looking forward to hearing about your rocking the mtn bike racing scene

[limewave]

SheFly, that is frustrating! And I totally understand how you feel. I haven't done road racing, but I hear about it from a lot of friends.

I was looking into doing road races because there are very few mntn bike races in our area. But after considering, I decided not to bother for the same reasons you mentioned.

I love mountain bike racing. I love the chase. I also love that you have to be "on" all the time: paying attention to the technical aspects of navigating the trail while putting some power on the pedals!

[hirakukibou]

Hey SheFly,
What an interesting post. As you know, I am ALL ABOUT loving riding and not doing what is no longer fun. Good for you! I think it is courageous to follow your heart and all. I am impressed.
Cheers,
Hirakukibou (aka Pata)

[ehirsch83]

Shefly,

Do what makes you happy! I love racing on the road and have been super frustrated that I haven't been able to race really this year( lyme this summer and then sick on and off- which has turned out to be Epstein Barr Virus).

But anyways, I was getting frustrated with the women's races and I am not a sprinter- so I always ended up finishing towards the back when it came down to the last portion.

I learned that I have more fun doing a mens race- either cat 4 or 3 or masters. So for me,this year, racing before I got sick again, I did 50% women's races and 50% men's. It definitely helped me want to keep racing.

so morale of the story- do what you have fun with!!!

[Gowest]

I have to agree with Emily - try the men's fields - masters if you can - you will not be lacking for attacks!!! I personally don't have that situation here as women's fields are very strong and with lots of hilly/mountainous courses the attacks fly furiously at times - also in the crits. Can you cat up??? That may help too. I have experienced the exact tactics you desribe - and it IS frustrating - but unless you have a larger team - there really is nothing you can do unless you want to pull a Cancellara. Another thought is to do some time trials or track racing if it is available where you are - there are some aggressive women riders on the track for sure!