Racing (at least thinking about racing)

This weekend is the Durand Road Race over in Wisconsin. Late last year, when I was planning this year, I was hopeing this would be a race to do this year. Then it got dropped in favor of doing Oxbow and Ken Woods. Oxbow got cancelled, but I still didn't want to do Durand. I guess it's just a mental block or something.

So my first race this season (marking my comeback to the any sort of peloton) is Ken Woods. I guess I'm ready. But like any normal bike racer, my mind is full of doubts and insecuritys. "I should be training harder." "I should have replaced my shift cables." "I should have more endurance." "Everyone else has really nice bikes and I have a pile of poo." "I was sick for 3 days a couple weeks ago, so my form is way off." "My bike is making funny sounds." These are some of the things that I have to block out. Or take care of. Hinault mentioned in his book that even he had insecure moments. But I think once you toe the line, you need to beleive you are going to win. And/or do your best performance possible.

Anyway, this post if really about the possibility of backing out of a planned race. Now don't get me wrong, I want to race it. But like everything in life there are other considerations that are playing a factor here.

The race I'm talking about is the Marty Road Race. I beleive it's also called the Gluek Road Race. Again it's not my fitness or that I don't want to race it. And it's not any sort of family obligations. It comes down to money. It looks like it's gonna cost $60 just for the gas to drive to this race. Since it's gonna be a 2-3 hour drive (or 4-6 round trip), I'm sure tha fam will want to come (and I'd really like them to come so I can at least spend some time with them that day.), so I can't really carpool with someone. Then there's the extras of a day long road trip. Stops for snacks and stuff. I just don't think it's gonna work out.

I know, ... alot of people travel much further to race, every weekend. And your thinking my dedication is lacking. Well I guess so, huh? But here's the thing. I'm no pro. While I may have a sponsor or two, they do not write checks for me to race. Everything comes out of pocket. And while I'd love to get out there and race as much as possible, it is an expensive sport and my budget may not be able to handle all the races I want to do.

So... what about you? How far do you travel to race? Has gas prices affected you decision to attend any races? Please comment your thoughts and ideas.

Keep in mind, I havn't made up my mind yet. This is just my thoughts for now.

Friday 04/18/2008 | 10:35 am

John on Friday 04/18/2008 | 11:55 am

There's a crit here in mankato on Sunday if you don't feel like going so far and still want to race.

Here's the flyer:

http://sensoryevaluation.com/cyclingclub/Flyers/MankatoCrit2008.pdf

Racing (at least thinking about racing)

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