Watching races has grown on me. I clearly remember the first time I paid attention to a stage of the Tour de France (a friend wanted to come to my place and watch it ... his TV was broken) and I just did not get why it would be interesting. I understand it better now and it is fun. If I have to workout on the trainer, having a race on the TV or computer makes a big difference in the ease of the workout.

Last year another friend convinced me of participating in races myself. I did it as an experience (not my thing: I ended up viewing road races as opportunities to ride elsewhere... most of the participants could be my daughters!). Tried cyclocross and gravel races, as well. Those are more fun.