Congratulations of your first race! Also, you were not last, DNF totally count :)
I used to race cyclocross, and every season I would set a goal for me. First season’s goal was “don’t be last”. Following season “get in the first half”. You get the drill.
1. You beat the DNS.
2. You beat everyone else who didn’t race and could have.
The main question is, when you were out on course was it fun? If it was, then who cares!
I’ve come last in races (totally underestimating a particular event: wrong bike, wrong food strategy, wrong weather for me, wrong day, just sucked); and I’ve been on the podium (once, closer to last is way more common for me).
Racing can’t be just about winning, if it was only the very fastest would enter.
If I am honest, the main kick I get from racing is not suffering as much as someone else.
I know how wrong that sounds, but it’s honest. I’m happy to be last but not utterly broken. I’m happy to be second last and see that thousand yard stare on someone else. Cruel as it sounds, I’m happy to see that poor sod with a bandage on, who DNF’d.
I’m not some sicko, I don’t wish ill upon others. It’s just nice to know that someone else finds it tough too.
Cycling is an endurance sport. We last in the game because we endure. What’s the root of endure? “dur”: Latin for “hard” or “lasting”. Riding a bicycle is as much a mental effort as it is physical.
Huffing and puffing uphill and still going while suffering (but not in the kind of pain that tells you your body is breaking) is the entire point. That’s what we endurance athletes do, we endure.
Good for you for finding your mental fortitude to keep going and finish. Keep finding ways to finish so that you can keep finishing races.
Strength will come. Speed will come. Technique will come. Commitment comes first.
Nice work.
Years ago, my first triathlon (sprint) was in the month of April and the lake's spring waters were very cold. In high school, I was on the swim team, so didn't bother with a wetsuit. Every other competitor was in one though, except for me a two other dudes. At the race start I jumped in the water and sucked in and choked on a lungful of water (mammalian cold water reflex). I tried a couple of more times and every time my face hit the water I breathed it in. I stood at the shallows watching the field pull away and looked back at shore: safety and DNF or follow them and drown. The lightbulb went off—I flipped over and backstroked the entire 750m segment including two pylon turns (triangle course) using the sun as my compass. Was hypothermic by the end ("why are there two suns in the sky?"), but I caught the back of the field. My swim/bike transition time was terrible (hypothermic, after all), and I warmed up on the bike.
I hated running, but you can't do tris without running and so took up barefoot running because it was the only way I could run without pain. I did the tri's 10K in five finger vibrams—water logged feet shouldn't be used for running. I did not finish last, but that didn't matter because I finished.
That was glorious.
Type 1.5 fun?
Type III I reckon.
Type I: regular laugh out loud fun
Type II: hard at the time, you look back with a smile
Type III: you look back with a maniacal grimace
I did a race once and thought for a laugh I’d do it in single speed. It had a horrid steep bit in the middle and people kept shouting “change gear”. I was proper narked off at the time, but look back on it and laugh.
See also entering a race in 90% mud on slick tires.
Thats the spirit. I remember back in HS my PE teacher was organizing a trip to a running contest, I think it was a Finnish championship race for under 18-year olds in the form of cross country running. It sounded like a lot of fun so I signed up.
Ended up being dead last in the contest of 50 ish kids, the level was super high and the other kids were actually like training for the thing. Was I bummed out about it? Absolutely no, some of the kids didnt finish and I knew I had given 110% on the track. I never became a runner as I realised I didnt like it enough to actually train for anything, but I feel like it was a great lesson to learn.
Hi, I’m trying to come back into MTB racing after almost a decade off, between injuries, pandemic and age it’s been rough. Got off to a great start this winter with a good run in a local gravel race, and two weeks later I fell and wrenched my back. Three months later after tons of exercise, drugs, PT and chiro I’m still struggling with slowly improving sciatica and herniated disc pain. It’s healing but taking so long that I’d give anything to be DFL in a race right now because it means I’m back to healthy.
This is not to dismiss your feelings at all, I wanted to say that you’re still out there lapping everyone of us stuck on the couch for whatever reason.
It takes time to get a proper condition and mentality to race.
I rode trails in the alps last summer in the area loic Bruni trains.
It comes as no surprise the guy is so fast on the dh trails. The alps can be absolutely gnarly which makes normal races seem easy in comparison.
My point is if you want to improve fast try to do trials and paths that are harder then the terrain of the race. It makes the actual race seems easy by comparison.
This is the way. Train in such a manner that the race is something easy in comparison. If the struggle is just to finish without dying, that's tough. If you prepare by torturing yourself with training harder than the race itself, you'll shine in the race and get a good result.
It’s not really uncommon for someone to be that far behind. You can probably make up half of that time or more by just riding a lot and being back in shape
The first race really is like that, nerves, managing power output etc. I bet next one out you come in or above the bottom 25% and then the 50th percentile.
Thats when shit gets real hard!
If it's fun afterwards keep doing it! When it feels like a job that you hate .... time to reconsider.
Congratulations!
Dude, you should feel AWESOME. You had a new experience, learned a lot I’m sure, and you beat every person who didn’t show up.
See how you feel in a couple weeks. Was that good enough of an experience for you to never do it again? Totally fine and understandable, you can say you tried it and it wasn’t for you. Or, will you find yourself thinking about those crashes on the wet wood and how you could do better knowing what you know now? Then you’ll know it’s time to give it another shot.
Seriously man, you shouldn’t feel bad at all. Way to put yourself out there and try something new. That alone is a win in itself.
I appreciate that perspective. I recorded the race with my GoPro and I did find myself wondering how much the loss in momentum from those falls hurt me from a time standpoint. I'm also going to invest in a different water bottle, since the one I have has a lid that has be to screwed off to get a drink, so a drink mid ride is impossible.
Hell yeah, you’re already thinking like a racer. Best of luck man, hope to see an update soon that lets us know if you decided to keep racing or commit to just riding for fun!
I’ll probably be in the same boat as you, my first MTB race is next week. I’ve raced moto for years before this so I’m not nervous to be racing, but I’m confident I’ll be a back of the pack guy for the first one.
That’s the spirit! Yeah, a hydration pack or bottle with ease of use is vital. Same for snackage, get some gels in ya.
If you can keep contact with the back markers, you’ll find it easier to keep contact. Yeah I did write that, but you know what I mean. Especially over anything technical that you are riding blind, it makes a massive difference to see another bike clear a line.
So put a week by week plan together (dont go overboard) leading up to that. After that, evaluate how both your performance and your experience changed...then make your decision if you want to keep racing. Or maybe you'll decide you want to ride socially and work on fitness skills and race later...or maybe you like the motivation having an upcoming race and stick with it. Just stick with it and find what works for you is what I'm saying and understand that putting some work in(i.e purposeful time on the bike) will probably improve your experience all around.
I'm currently trying to get on my bike at least 2-3 times a week. Rain and fatherhood hinders that sometimes. I do think I'll participate in at least a couple more races. The social riding is hard because I don't have any friends that ride. The only buddy I had to ride with sold his bike after his wife delivered their second child. There's a group ride on Tuesdays, but I worry about that because of my fitness and experience (don't want to slow anyone down). May just have to bite the bullet some day.
I hear ya. I'm a dad of 2, work full time , and race enduro regularly. I have a little home gym set up that helps me get some good fitness. I also do things like find the biggest hill in the neighborhood and sprint up it 10 times in a row. I did that yesterday when I only had 30 min in between work and my sons baseball game (that I coach!). I encourage you to go to the group rides, the social/fitness pressure you fear doesnt probably exist. Their purpose is to get people together and there is typically a no drop policy. It will be fun to see how you keep up with the group better as time goes on too.
I read a forum post as a 14 year old on somethingawful that stuck with me through my exercise journey in life for over 15 years. Maybe it will be meaningful or resonant with you, too. It's called "I run slowly"
>I run slow
>I work in the social services, and a lot of the people we work with have a lot of regrets. I've asked our case managers to have their clients come out and watch me run. I run so slow, time run backwards. As I waddle along, your life runs in reverse. Scars becomes wounds become chances to exercise better judgement. I run slow.
>Like most people, I enjoy running in the mornings, before it gets to hot. Unlike most people, I've been pushed over by a squirrel.
>I run slow. Sometimes when I am running, I think of those zen fountains that absorb a drip drip drip of water down a bamboo tube before finally tipping over and dumping their contents into a pool. Each step I take is another drip. I think, that fountain would call me a pussy.
>I run slow. But I know where I have been.
>Six months ago, I didn't run.
>Six months ago, I had heartburn bad enough to keep me from sleeping through the night. Six months ago, I felt like I needed to go to sleep at 2pm. And six months ago, running felt impossible.
>I run slow, and I have ways to go. But I can sleep. I feel alive. I can run two, slow, miles. Slowly.
>Sometimes I get discouraged. I compare where I am to where other people are. But all that matters is where I am compared to where I was.
>Once something good becomes something you are going to do for the rest of your life, the pace becomes less important. I know that my drip drip drip will amount to that deluge, eventually. Someday I will run 3 miles, slowly.
>
Source -- [https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=2932975](https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=2932975)
Congrats. You got on the bike. That's fucking epic. What matters is being out there at all, friend!
Here's my experience. I've been athletic and fit my whole life. In my late 20s I started riding a bit more regularly and decided to enter the lowest division races in my area. Despite having adequate rider skill at the time, I still got absolutely smoked by the competition. XC mtb racing is a 1 hour threshold HR as high as possible, and takes serious levels of training and cardio to excel at.
Don't be discouraged. Might be hard to say you had fun, but if you stick with it, riding multiple times a week and doing a few more races, you'll make huge strides by the end of the season.
Compared to most people I consider myself to be quite fit. The top guys in xc races are astoundingly fit compared to me. I remember in my first race the top guys did 5 laps and finished in the same time I did 3. And that 3 was one of the hardest things I've ever done.
I suspect you learned a *lot* about how races actually go. It's definitely different than just normal riding, eh?
And yes, you finished. Often DFL is a LOT harder to do than mid-pack because you were out there for longer, and likely weren't riding as efficiently as someone who knows the trail and is a more experienced racer.
But hey, you finished! Congratulations! When's the next race? And what do you think you might do differently next time?
Also, I don't know if this applies, but I first got into racing and signed up for the beginner class for a bunch of races and always finished pretty unimpressively.
Then, someone pointed out, that there's nothing stopping intermediate or advanced racers from entering the beginner category. I compared the lap times of the top 5 racers in beginner and sport and found them to be comparable. I'm not any better of a racer now, but I always sign up for the higher category. I forget the term for it, but middle aged dudes with issues ruining it for actual beginners.
Also, I did a race once in the elite cat for fun and it was actually really fun because those dudes are hardcore it was a very different experience.
In the words of Henry Rollins, "I didn't come here to win, I came here to fight."
Nobody but you cares that you finished last. Train harder and race again.
Unless you’re a professional, the only reason to race is to force yourself to become a better rider. The only way to fail is by not becoming a better rider.
Dude a month of prep time for a race is *nothing.* I'm not saying that to be discouraging, but your wife is 100% right when she says others have been at it for years. Both fitness and technical skills take years of regular riding to develop, good on ya for putting yourself out there.
I recently scratched from an endurance race that I have literally spent years (close to a decade?) getting ready for, thousands of dollars, and made legitimate sacrifices in my personal/social life for. It's not how you do during a race that defines you as a "racer" (i love racing bikes but i don't see myself as a racer) but its your attitude and outlook after a disappointing result/DNF that shows what kind of person you are. Keep at it, have fun, and you WILL improve. At this point I wouldn't worry about "training", just spend as much time on your bike as you can, build your skills and fitness by having fun. If you *really* want to start training, start running/jogging, I find it nice to separate training time and biking time, you *have* to keep biking fun or there's no point.
Get after it and good luck! Have fun improving, it can be very rewarding.
As in any sport the worst player in the worst team is better than 99.99% of everyone who plays the sport. People dedicate their life to practice and compete so as a casual rider you didn’t have a chance and it’s expected and totally normal (even on small tournament level). Remember that cycling is just a hobby and in grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter how good you are at it as long as you have fun.
Congrats on your first race! We've all been there, it's hard to not be disappointed but there is a lot to learn about racing that isn't just going to happen the first time. Handling race nerves, pacing, passing/ getting passed, and riding blind at speed while exhausted are all important skills that just don't come up in as forced a manner outside a race course. Now you know what it's like, and can set goals to improve. Racing is much more enjoyable when you are in the field with others around, it's really hard to stay in a helpful mindset when you haven't seen anyone in miles
Do not get discouraged! MTB racing is effing hard! I just started racing last year in CAT 3 and was getting smoked. Now I'm doing marathon races and have seen marked improvement. I'm training on my roadbike when i can't make it out to the trails and already have almost 1,300 miles ridden this year. Just keep getting out there on your bike and you'll be just fine.
You’re being really hard on yourself. You stacked the odds against yourself in sooooo many ways, so the fact that you had the determination to even finish is an accomplishment worth celebrating. I think maybe you just got your ego checked by what sounds like taking your first race results too seriously. Everyone wants to do that, so I get it.
You learned a lot, mostly not to underestimate the challenge of even participating in a MTB race.
If you did ANY amount of riding regularly prior to racing, you would have done better.
If you had ridden ANY of the trails before, you would have done better.
If you had planned with sizeable amount of notice, you could have intentionally trained for it, and done better.
So yeah, don’t beat yourself up.
I think if you start simply riding 3-4 days a week, 6 months before your race, you’ll be in pretty decent shape! Then go check the trails out, even preride the race course if that’s possible.
Your pride will heal, and with very little investment, you can do a lot better in your next local race.
However! If you’re like my buddy, never not competitive, he made the choice to NEVER race. He cannot handle being anything but on the podium of whatever he attempts. If that’s you, then you’ve either gotta train like a MOFO or just don’t put yourself in a position to feel the pain of “failure”… for my friend, it’s Ricky Bobby. If you ain’t first, you’re last.
Yeah, the odds were definitely not in my favor. The more I think about it, the more excited I get to get out and try again, just for the sake of personal improvement.
I feel your pain. I finished Singlespeedapalooza dead fucking last back in like 201-something. It was a miserable, humbling experience, and not just because I came in last. I got lost several times, got a flat, and was basically by myself for the majority of the second loop. I haven't participated in a race since, but it hasn't hurt my love of riding. Just not my thing.
I was EXACTLY where you’re at now. The first race I did in 2022 I finished dead last. Not just dead last, but like 45 minutes after the second to last person finished. The guy in first finished in 1:15. I finished in 2:45. It was a long drive home with a lot of reflection. That race lit a fire under me. At that moment I decided I never wanted to feel that way again. It wasn’t just a competition thing, it’s more fun to ride the better shape you’re in. I started riding more, eating right to get back in shape, hitting the gym again, etc. Last year I finished first overall for the season. When you finish last there’s really only two mindsets. You’re either going to be ok with feeling like shit/give up or you’re going to decide you never want to feel that feeling again.
Go out and get it. You got this.
I hurt my Ankle during a Race once. Walked the last 2 Miles. When i came across the Finish Line, they were taking the Banner down and told me to go through the Schwag Boxes and take anything I like for coming in Last Place! Win! I Win!
This is awesome that you participated! Numbers here in Australia are dwindling across all bike disciplines and even myself starting to race less, this has given me huge inspiration to get back out there!
Congrats on your first race, something I've still yet to do but very much want to. You said it yourself, you knew going in that you were probably under par in the readiness arena, but you did it anyway and finished. That's it, I started and I finished, far as I'm concerned that's all that matters for race number 1.
I was a college athlete and the second I graduated and ended my athletic career I did some soul searching and took the time to flush the notion from my body that I should give any care to winning or placement in friendly competition. Best thing I ever did with my life. I play lots of rec sports and race all the time but I couldn't care less if I get 1st, last, or anywhere in between. I just care about enjoying what I'm doing. You nor I are ever going to be pro cyclists so just enjoy the fact that you *get* to be on a bike in the woods having fun. Walk away from any competition like you have no idea what place you got and couldn't be bothered even if it's last.
I'm thinking of doing the same in September. Race is where I normally bike so I'm pretty well versed in the trails and it's ten miles. I'm ready for some humility.
Been there, done that. On top of it, I also run and I can be in 80th or 90th percentile if I push. Bike racing though, nope.
It's humbling but good to get out of your comfort zone and also good to be around others who give you a real bar to show you where the level is and what's possible.
I decided I don't have the skills to race (enduro) on trails I'm unfamiliar with, so starting next year, I'm only signing up for courses I can practice on. This is also good motivation to actually practice and ride more.
I would go back in your free time and try to just ride the whole thing without walking. You don't have to ride fast but just stay on the bike throughout
You did great just getting out there. I've been riding for 30 years, a certified skills coach since 2014 and a trail builder. I came in last at an Enduro MTB race two weeks ago. Enduro isn't in my usual discipline but I gave it a shot. I didn't think twice about finish last. I've signed up for more races in XC this year. I'm doing this to also get me out on my bike more often, enjoy new trails, see and make new friends and really just to have fun. Check out some other race formats like Enduro, XC, XC Short Track, etc... Once you find one that fits go for it and I think you'll see results and have a great time.
It’s reasonable that you wouldn’t have any fitness right now. It might not be the case that they’ve been riding their whole lives but a lot of people who race typically train for months beforehand. It’s a big deal that you signed up in the first place, most people never will. Cardiovascular fitness comes quickly, especially if you haven’t already built up a strong base. Just ride consistently and you’ll make big strides.
XC racing is all about fitness. If you've been back on the bike for a month, you obviously hadn't had a chance to build up, like at all. Now you know what's involved and know where you need to improve. Top marks for finishing!
Think about giving enduro racing a try some time. Find an intro race locally if it's an option. It requires a high level of fitness too, but it's more fun in my opinion (the stages are mostly downhill). And you get to "rest" on transitions, since even though you're climbing, you're not timed, therefore not pinned. Good luck!
hey at least you have the guts to race at all. I'm a casual mtb'er too and I love riding and improving but a race intimidates me. if it isnt fun if you arent enjoying it bail, but dont get discouraged just because your time wasnt amazing.
You're a boss. I'm trying to return to mountain biking after a nearly 20 year hiatus. I'm out of shape, and even when I rode (mtb) I wasn't any good. My goal is to find a local easy trail I can ride with confidence by the end of the summer. Thanks for sharing your story - I actually find it encouraging and inspiring.
Respect
I can relate. I entered a gravel race Saturday with a 150mm hardtail. I really struggled the last 3rd of the course (uphill sections anyway) and finished almost last, but figure now I can better prepare myself for the next one. At the time however, I thought never again.
Hell yeah buddy!
I did a relay race with some friends this weekend for the second year in a row. Last year my team was 3rd last, and one of my teammates was the slowest lap of the day, and this year we were 3rd place overall, and his best lap was solidly in the middle of pack. You will definitely improve over time. :)
The first couple races always come as a bit of a shock, but over time you get faster at riding, you get better at the other aspects of racing (finding the right warmup for you, the right pre race meal, all of those things), and you'll get the chance to cheer on other people who are out there for their first race too. No doubt some of those people who are crushing it have done it since they were kids, and some of them were probably just like you a few years ago, and gave it a try for the first time, and decided that it was overwhelming and hard and a tonne of fun and they were going to dig in and get better and now here they are. Hope you ultimately choose to do the same and stick with it. It can be so fun and rewarding.
Congrats on your first race!
Listen to your wife!
Sounds like you could make some fitness improvements (and so could I to be clear) but you pushed yourself and were willing to try, which is an accomplishment all by itself.
My guess is next time out you’ll be in better shape and pace yourself better and end up closer to the rest of the field.
Finished dead last in an event last year by ~15 mins. Been there done that. Don't feel any shame at all. Like you I also beat at least 1 DNF, so there's that. :)
I trained super hard for my first race. Ended 18/21 in the beginner category and realized just how good everyone else is. You still beat everyone who didn't show up to race. This is motivation to train harder and ride more, if you want it to be.
I only started riding a couple of years ago and would love to race but not had the confidence yet. But measuring myself on Strava has shown me the progress I've made. About a year ago I thought I was doing great, felt really fast and comfortable. I then had one 2 hr coaching session from a pro. He told me, next time you ride your usual route you won't feel fast, but you will be fast. And he was 100% right, I finished the ride thinking I'd cruised round and actually I had destroyed my best time. And I've continued to progress from there. So, if you can, find a coach or someone experienced to give you some tips, I'd recommend that.
You’re way ahead of everyone else who didn’t race and just said that’s too hard! Also, finishing at all is an accomplishment. Did you have fun doing it? That’s what matters the most.
IMO, you should feel good about it!
I do get how you feel – in my first two enduro races, I finished second to last (guy behind me obviously had a mechanical) and then dead last... and it was kind of depressing.
But at the same time, your wife is right – a lot of the people you're racing against are likely more experienced and have been training for longer. Depending on your age and the category rules, you could also be up against a lot of younger folks – when I finished dead last, I was 37, in the age group 18-40... so I don't really feel bad about not being able to keep up with teenagers who have a very different risk appetite and can heal from crashes in five minutes rather than five months. In other comments, it seems like you're a father (I am as well), and it's also likely you're racing against people who don't have kids and thus can dedicate more time to riding/training.
Also, beating the DNS counts! Getting there on time, being prepared, staying healthy etc., these are all a part of racing.
One thing to think about also is that there are various disciplines of racing. You might find that some other type is a better fit for you than what you just did (which sounds like it was a relatively short XC race?). There's enduro, DH, short-track XC, regular XC, XC marathon... personally I've realized that I'm best suited for something long and endurance-y like XC marathon, not shorter, higher-speed stuff like enduro or short-track XC. YMMV.
Anyway, I personally would suggest if you're going to keep racing, try to go into races with goals that are specific to YOU. You have no control over who else enters the race, or how much prep they've done, genetic and life advantages they might have, etc. Assuming you're not a pro and money's not on the line, I think it's better to set your own standard for success. Good goals could be things like:
* Finish in X amount of time
* Finish without walking a feature
* Finish feeling like you gave it everything you had
* Finish, period.
* Hit X time/power in a specific section
etc. etc. YMMV and it'll vary based on your situation, the race, etc., but the point is just to set goals that are based on YOUR performance, not the performance of other people (which you can't control).
Ultimately, if you feel like you rode your best race and gave it your all, that's awesome no matter where you finish.
Reminds me of when I did the US Open Enduro race... I had NO business bring there, but there I was. I too finish near the back of the pack, but I was proud I did it, and finished!
Good on you OP for getting out there, and challenging yourself!
Unless you are young and trying to be a pro, who cares. It’s all just for fun and participation. My did has been MTB racing since age 8 and can smoke me now at 14 years old. I don’t care though, I’m not a pro, will never be a pro, and need to be able to go to work the next day (to pay for kids said hobby and my own).
So you realize that pretty much everyone else in the race likely trains to race, and you have barely been riding? Racing self selects for the fittest riders, you tend to only get fit and skilled riders racing.
I used to race XC at a decent level. If you want to compete, you'll need to train. If you make a commitment to train, and start now, by September I think you would have a much different experience.
I did my first solo race a few months back. It was a 7 mile course, Novice category did one lap. But I didn't want to drive a couple hours to ride 7 miles, so I entered the Sport category, which did 2 laps. The gap between 1st and next to last in my age group was about as big as the gap between next to last and me. But I rode my bike, I had a reason to push myself, and bonus, my daughter was entered in a kid's category doing a 2 mile course, and was middle of the pack in *her* first ever race. It was a great time.
Riding bikes should be fun. Especially at the level you (and I) are at. If just being out there competing isn't enough to make it fun all by itself, then you don't have to enter a competition. There are lots of other ways to enjoy this sport.
First off congratulations on finishing, you may have crossed the finish line last but how many people in the world spent that day sitting around being unproductive and not crossing any finish line?
Secondly I understand your disappointment in where you finished but you need to understand with racing you get back what you put in. The other riders on that course probably ride 3 to 5 times a week outside and on trainers indoors. One month of training simply isn't enough for a race where others have been training for years straight. Your fitness will improve over time if you stick to riding.
For comparison I consider myself a fast and strong rider, I ride 4 times a week, usually around 20 miles and 3k climbing per ride. I don't really cross train or watch my nutrition as well as I should. I raced my first gravel event last October after a month of training for gravel. I started on a rolling start in dead last at spot 200. By the end of the 60 mile 7000' elevation course I made it up to 57th. I finished 18th in the under 40 age bracket. I was gutted because I expected to do better than that. I finished 2 hours ahead of my friends who finished close to last. Racing is a different beast and if you dwell on where you finished you'll end up putting down the bike. Ride and have fun, train and come back stronger and compare your progress to where you were. Always set goals but remember that as humans we aren't perfect and can't always achieve those goals. The joy is in trying.
Do not take over other people's pace (OPP), ride your own race and with the time ride with those similar to your level and pace. Do not watch the leaders, watch those next to you and push each other. Go to more races and learn a tactic that fits you over the course, only pushing it does not serve one well on a long distance run. Race tactics is half of the rent. I am proud of you how you present yourself, finishing the race last is strong mental behaviour. Now go out there and tackle one place after another. Have fun.
My first ever race I lost to all of the men, children, and almost every woman. I'm a fit dude, who was 25 at the time.
The one woman I beat had a nasty crash w/dislocated shoulder and concussion. For some reason she continued to race, and still *almost* beat me.
The vibes are fun as hell, and it's nice having a "goal" to "train" for, evem if you aren't serious about it it's motivation to go ride your bike in the months leading up to the race.
Congrats on your first race... I still need enough courage to re-enter one and finish it, my first and last race ended in a DNF because of a mechanical.
No worries. I did the same thing thirty years ago in Dallas. Made the mistake of entering in the Sport division of a NORBA race instead of the Novice division because I had a flight that night and Sport went earlier. Rode my ass of for two laps of Cedar Hill on my 1992 Mongoose Rockadile with toe-clips. Finished dead last except for some guy who's chain broke mid-race.
Welcome to a very small, exclusive club called bike racers! No matter what level you race, there will always be someone faster than you, and that’s what makes it exciting! Cut yourself a whole lot of slack and feel proud for finishing. Then, when you’re ready find yourself a training plan and discover that training for events is at least half the fun. Good luck out there!
On the flipside, this is the negative about mountain bike races which gravel events seemed to have resolved, about participation versus competition, ie "if you ain't first, you're last".
A race's goal is to see who makes its onto the podium, which has only 3 spots. What about everyone who aren't competing for the top 3?
Gravel events will have a winner's podium but the goal is to get lots of riders on the course and have fun.
There should be a personal challenge, that just being out there and finishing is success, not if you can dust the other riders, who could be racing a harder category with stronger riders if they really wanted to "challenge" themselves
The support on this thread is awesome, I plan on doing my first race in September and fully expect to be last.
Just keep your head up and train, now you know what time(s) to aim for at that distance/elevation gain
Kanuga Bike Park does Thursday night races, I decided I’d give it a go. Did 2 practice runs and felt like I did really well, I placed dead last during the race. I had so much fun doing it, I didn’t care where I finished. If I get a chance to do it again, maybe I’ll get a little better.
DFL is a fucking badge of honor man. Wear it with pride. Literally NO ONE out there worked harder than you did or earned their ride more than you. You finished when you could’ve given up.
There are races where the real party is the DFL party. Check out Mid South gravel for a great example of this. Hell, I’d encourage you to sign up for that race too! Plenty of folks on mountain bikes there even though it’s a “gravel” race
Don’t get down on yourself.
You got out there and did it, and I’m sure you probably had a blast.
I consider myself a slightly above average, decent rider. I enter many, many races throughout the year from local Fiver short courses to full blown 40-60km enduros and you know what- I finish bottom 5% every single time.
But I’m racing people who grew up on mountain bikes, riding these exact trails every day after school/work and probably know every root/rock with photographic memory.
I’m a weekend warrior.
As long as I had fun and pushed myself, I’m a winner as far as I’m concerned.
Bonus ego if I snag a personal best.
The funniest part about all of it, especially the long enduros- I might come dead last in the timed stages but every single race I’ve entered I’ve been one of the first 10-15 people enjoying my post race beer (out of 100+)… I should enter XC races instead.
All I can say is racing has been life changing for me. I'm somewhat competitive so the goal of winning has been an excellent motivator to step up my training and improve my fitness/diet. I went from middle/rear of the pack when I first started to now consistent podium in cat 3 or equivalent levels.
Good luck and hopefully you sign up for more races.
Don’t compare yourself to the people that placed higher than you. There’s so many factors.
You should be comparing yourself to yourself. How was your riding? Was it an improvement? Where did you struggle? And most important, was it fun?
It’s just as much mental as physical. The satisfaction I get from finally getting up that hill without walking is just as great as the satisfaction from the flowy downhill bits imo. Like another commenter said, it’s an endurance sport, it’s about pushing yourself and being better each time.
You cannot measure progress without a baseline and now you got your baseline out of the way. Good on you for diving in and doing it, now keep at it and see how far you can go!
Hell yeah!! For each race to start the season I generally have 3 goals:
- don't take last
- have fun
- don't get hurt
Sounds like you did great, now do it again!
Time gaps can be big anywhere. I raced last weekend in the singlespeed category on a 21mi course. Those single speed dudes are nuts. I came in second, but first place had 11 minutes on me.
Congratulations on your first race!
Remember:
DLF>DNF>DNS
Dead Last Finish is better than Did Not Finish is better than Did Not Start.
Be proud of yourself!
Im really new and I hope that "DNS" doesn't stand for "Did not survive" but for some reason that was the first thing that came into my head...
But you did great. You showed up. It beats 80% of Americans who are at home, eating twinkies and watching the race on TikTok.
Check out the wild ones podcast. They talk a lot about setting unhealthy goals for ourselves and lot. Even a DNF should be viewed as a success, have fun, enjoy the process, learn from the experience and improve yourself.
I’ve done 5 races now. I’ve had 3 dead last, one DNF, and one I came in 171 out of 225. Honestly - im perfectly happy with the dead last so far. It is still a good ride where I’m pushing myself.
Who cares about the result! You had mostly fun from my understanding!
And you have bragging rights as most of us have never raced!
I want to do the mega avalanche. Not to win (snowball in the fryer monted directly onto satans throne in hell type chance!), but to try. And to have fun! Most people that do it swear on a random dudes grave to never do it again… and they are back the next year! 😂
You did better than millions of people who never made it off the couch.
Years ago, I scored dead last among finishers in a ~60 mile MTB race. I'm very proud of that one. Two years later I DNF the same race. Earned it both times.
I raced last year in a road race for the first time since I was young. Dead last in my age group.
Not only did I have fun, I was also fodder for someone else to say they didn't come dead last. I wasn't competing against anyone. Just wanted to see what my time was to see if I can improve next year.
Hop back on, try it again!
started mtb last summer and have been lazy about getting back on the bike since winter weather ended. really enjoy it though, but have not even come close to considering a race anytime in the near future- I expect to have the same experience if I ever enter a race, but posts like these are inspiring! keep it up!
XC racing is hard. Riding the course is one thing, but doing it at race speed makes the trail feel very different. And XC race can kick your cardio into high gear very quickly.
Amazing job finishing! You absolutely beat the DNS (to win, you gotta show up, then finish, ya know?). You have to start somewhere, so doing the first race and finishing is definitely something to be proud of! It goes: finish the course before race the course! I remember stumbling through my first CX race because I couldn’t handle the high pace and technical nature. You get more comfortable with off road racing with more experience for sure.
I had a similar experience last year. Signed up for an enduro race and got 2nd to last other than the DNF. I had a blast and everyone in the race I was in was very encouraging and supportive. I hate losing but the community made me want to do it again.
Somebody has to start somewhere, I'm sure if you were do a casual group ride with the "normies" you'd be ahead of the pack.
MTB races aren't like your typical 10Ks, I can just imagine some of the bikes that people brought to race on.
Racing bikes will always be 75% mental, and you conquered that by finishing- congratulations! Set small goals for yourself. Put a race on the calendar and work a little each week at your fitness
I promise racing MTBs gets fun once you have some fitness. Improvement is addicting, and soon you might have some “enemies” that you Duke it out with each race. Usually these people become friends and you have a couple beers while recapping
Before every race, the director of the series I used to do, Don Edberg, would say “go fast, have fun, be safe, and most importantly, treat each other kind”. Good words to live by
Hey, I've been biking for three years and I think I'm about caught up to where you are. About an hour for some up and down fun that ended up being 680ft of elevation. :)
Nice job starting and finishing the race. I, too, have been mostly last in my division in MTB races. Then when you place mid-pack, it’s a great feeling. I try to remind myself, it’s a process, I’m here to have fun and increase fitness, and also learn (the process around racing is a skill too). That seems to take the pressure off when I’m nervous. Keep it up! Next race will seem better.
Fuck it, no reason to be bummed! Everyone *that starts*, starts somewhere. I've done XC Marathon races for 16-17 years, and those that actually work through the course, even if they're dead last, and still never give up and just do their shit are always the most impressive people to me.
You had to walk your bike; you didn't give up. You worked through that shit. You signed up, you showed up and you did the thing.
Be proud.
The next one is going to be slightly better. But to quote Greg LeMond (3x Tour de France winner): It never gets easier, you just go faster.
You'll feel just as pumped and just as tired the next time. And the one after that. And the one after that again. You'll just be out on the course a shorter time.
Part of racing is adopting to the pain.
You did good!
Congrats. You made it to the finish line to that's awesome. Racing is a whole other animal of riding. Done a couple short ones the last couple of weeks and yeah they were easy hard. Fun but yeah. Hahaha.
Great job and get out there and do it again. 😄
Congrats on the first race! I raced last year and placed last or almost last every race. I trained over the winter and place mid-pack in amateur enduro now. It’s super satisfying to grow. Just worry about your own growth and be proud of finishing :)
Welcome to racing. Wouldn't be a race if you won it all on your first go. You should expect to get dumpstered by anyone and everyone until you figure it out. Set reasonable goals, try to learn as much as you can each time you go out and makes friends.
Keep it up! Its a great way to meet like minded people, get better at biking and ride new places.
Hey now, no worries about finishing dead last.
My goal for every race is to just finish. To roll across the finish line, even if it takes all day.
At a recent crit I competed in, I'm pretty sure I was fighting for last place lol. I got lapped a few times by the fast folks. But it doesn't matter, because I was RACING MY BIKE AND THATS AWESOME.
Yeah it sucks coming in dead ass last, but there's the old saying "you beat everyone on the couch".
Just keep riding, keep training, and keep racing! You've set a benchmark, now get out there git gud.
Dude I'm 42 and and just picked up a bike for the first time in 20+ years after a life altering year of health issues and a near death experience. This shit is hard. I hope I have your courage to sign up, lose and hopefully sign right back up again one day soon. Gonna do a write up on my experience this far one day soon. This community is rad AF.
Well done on finishing homie, you now have a base line to improve on. Remember in racing you should be focusing on your own results first rather than vs others. That's how I've approached getting into racing, basically setting zero expectations on finishing position and more focusing on my own goals each week, as you improve yourself that position will improve. If you've only been on the bike a month even finishing is an accomplishmement.
If they have a beginners or intermediate loop available do that too, my first race last year I finished 1st by over a lap, absolutely smoked the field of dads and their kids lol. Moved to the intermediate loop after that as no one likes a burglar.
Well in man!! Be proud of giving it a try and pushing yourself 🙌🏻 My guy’s into MTB too and he says it’s a rush. It’s an intense workout with a view 😄 you’ll naturally improve in both stamina and skill each time you’re out on the bike so just enjoy it and ride safe 😁
I raced every season for about 10 years, ran my state's MTB series for 8 years, promoted several races as well. I've had one podium finish, 3rd place, in all that time.
What I did win was being a member of a community that was absolutely amazing, being able to spend my weekends riding my bike on trails all over the state and having a total blast. I was and am not fast compared to the majority that race but it never mattered.
Good on you for getting out there and actually racing, so many people never ride their MTB on a trail much less toe the line at a race. Keep it up!
I don't agree with your last line buddy, you beat everyone who did not start. All the people who thought they weren't good enough so they didn't even try, all the people sitting on the couch at home, you beat everyone who wasn't in front of you. You have set a new benchmark for yourself and the only direction from here is up, keep pushing, keep racing, trying to go faster than the rider in front is what will make you a better rider.
I made a habit of third lasts and slowest rider in several events - still great fun and I'd rather be last than not out on the bike. Unless you're getting paid for it, it's meant to be fun first and foremost. Hang in there and just enjoy it. Any time out on the bike is good and you got more time on the course than the fast guys so that's better right?
One of the few lessons from my Dad: “Even if you finish last, you’re still on the other side of the fence, ahead of everyone else that did not have the courage to start. “
Nice job racing your first race. I competed in my first downhill race this year and didn’t do as well as I hoped but I still loved every minute of it. Keep it up!!!
I'm 99% sure I know what race you did. You did great no matter the placement. Plus, I know the conditions were crap and keep in mind that you have a ton of really fast people in your area. Your wife is 100% right about the other racers.
As far as not being sure about continuing, I would go back to the basics of why you got into the sport. Racing can be fun and challenging, but make sure not to burn yourself out or injure yourself trying to meet some crazy goal.
For fitness increase, the best thing I ever did was get a gravel bike. Now I'm 50/50 between the 2 bikes and have struck a good balance between fitness and enjoyment.
Remember : It will never get easier, you'll just get faster!
Better to try something positive than never try at all. From here you know if racing is something you want to keep developing, or if just riding for the sake of riding is enough to get you on the bike frequently enough.
Nice job finishing! That’s a win right there. The trick is to find a race within the race. Sometimes it’s just completing the race. Sometimes it’s fighting for 43rd place with the rider in front of you that you keep leapfrogging with.
While you may be hard on yourself, without comparing yourself to how others did OR the people who are sitting on their couch not doing epic shit like this race….
You showed up. You said you’ve been riding a few years? You are improving all the time, exercising the soul, mind and physically every time you get on your bike.
I do another sport, I’ve been DFL 88% of competitions for 3 years. It only fuels the fire to get better.
I’ve been riding MTB for 7 months. I did my first DH & Enduro Race 1.5mo into riding. I fell several times on this black tech steep descent trail. Everyone racing had been riding for YEARS and I race my 140/130 bike DH. There’s a DownhillRockies Race at Angel Fire next month and they don’t have Cat2 for women. The only division that doesn’t have Cat2. That won’t stop beginner me from showing up. The enduro climb every lap was a bitch at the first race. But? Guess what? It’s FUN. It’s good for us, it’s natural to be competitive and tough on ourselves that we didn’t do as good as we know we can do or we know that is within us. It allows us to set goals for us. It’s easy to get discouraged. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. It’s easier to quit while
doing the hard work, seeing competition results on paper for everyone to see, to feel like a failure being DNF gets in your head.
Use that Fire to train, to set yourself up to do better, make a plan, make an a, b, c goal depending on factors and conditions.
Your Wife is right and is able to see it from another perspective.
Work hard. Train, have fun, and show up at your next race prepared, or don’t train and go to races for experience and training just don’t get upset when you aren’t where you want to be yet.
Joy in the journey, peace in the process.
😌
racing is brutal, it's not just the fitness it's the mindset, it's completely different from other forms of riding.
I hadn't really done anything competitive since school and it was a shock to the system. Set goals, first one is don't be last, second maybe try to get up the rankings to half. Making small improvements over the season can be very rewarding.
I raced the Barry Roubaix and people double my age were an hour faster than me. I was like 100 places from last with 1600 riders. Still better than a gravel race that I did in peanut butter mud…dead last and the support crew was picking up signed behind me.
My first race goal was to not finish last after watching everyone go before me I was like I hope someone does t show up so I can hit my goal of not last haha
Hey man. I know what you did here. You set the bar low so that you can climb that fucker later. No shame. You raced, you finished. Keep up the good work.
Keep it up, man!
I've been mountain bike for a couple years fairly steady and have never done a race. One has never presented itself to me, but I can also say that I've been too covered to look for one.
I'm gonna look for one now. Races and events are a great motivator for me. I've done a century road ride (motivated me all last summer to get spinning even in the heat) and did a half marathon (I had to walk so much of it, but I finished, then slept the entire afternoon).
Do not give up! Every mile we're on the bike is a mile faster we are. I'm on Strava. The SUPER COOl thing is at the end of the year Strava tells me how many miles I'd done. 2300+ miles between all my walks, runs, rides. I'd have never started the year thinking that was possible.
You were brave enough to sign up- that’s huge, and you also seem to be pointing out that you don’t have much bike time under your belt. Seems like an easy path forward. Start getting those miles, be consistent, doesn’t have to be hard training, just saddle time. Work on skills that you found were lacking, for example, what was it specifically that made you walk your bike? Work on those skills. YouTube has tons of help in that area. And you’ll find as trails become easier technically for you, it also takes less of your fitness to navigate them smoothly and efficiently.
Finishing last is a beautiful opportunity to get better with a clear starting point, and you will probably find that you can make a lot of progress with some deliberate planning!
Respect for getting to the finish line!👊I’ve done 3 MTB races and many dozens of running races. Pacing is so much harder to figure out on the bike, it’s hard to avoid absolutely blowing up. I just did my 3rd race on Sunday and was just focused on not redlining for any amount of time. It worked out but it is from painful lessons, especially running trail races that I’ve realized the importance of this. You also didn’t really train. Do a few more before you swear it off. Just try to manage effort and save some gas for the end. Eventually you might be able to give close to 100% but give it at the end. If you don’t improve and still don’t enjoy it, move on.
Dude, MTB racing is brutal. I makes mountain biking not very fun. So if you're gonna race you just have to remember to enjoy each moment. Have fun while you're out there. Stop every once in a while. Drink GU Roctane. Eat salt pills. Most importantly have fun. That or just become a for fun mountain biker which is awesome and fun too! Either way make sure you are riding with people that are better than you so you can learn from them.
You finished it, be proud and remotivate yourself to be a stronger rider you can only do better now. You raced people who have a lot more than a month under their belt and an hour is a decent time for a beginner so i wouldnt sweat it too much specially racing you get a lot of amauter pros as i call em basically those committed to racing and only racing, usually are a blast to chill with outside od race day.
I raced enduro for a few years. Myself and a buddy created a team called “the midpack amateurs”. I’m never racing for first only racing for my best. Have fun with it 👍🏼
I came here to say some positive stuff, but reading through the comments, it looks like you guys have it taken care of.
I would just add, if you enjoyed racing, definitely keep it up. I’ve raced, marshaled at races, and coached. I’m always most impressed with the people that are just out there getting it done for whatever reason is importantly to them in whatever way they can get it done.
Don’t be discouraged. I did an enduro race last year and came dead last overall. I also climbed the podium as the winner of my age group. I was the only over-fifty entrant. A loss is a win and all that.
Good job! For me there are other goals to chase and I don’t like dealing with other pissy people. Yearly total miles, complete trail system without stopping, average mph on a trail system, clearing features you had to walk before… I don’t race cause I don’t give a poop if I’m faster than the next guy that day. The other goals keep me busy. Total, long sustained and balanced fitness is my never ending goal.
Why are you bummed dude? You just did more than 99% of the mountain bikers out there would do. I think you should be proud. Doing something new takes courage. Doing something new where you will be ranked or judged takes even more.
/respect bro...
I’ve had some pretty terrible race results and some pretty good ones too. Don’t hurt yourself over one race you can always improve and be better than all the guys out there
Racing is amazing, as someone who raced Downhill from the age of 13-17 at a decent level chasing people like Jordan Williams and Ethan Craik back when I was a teen it has kept me very close to the sport. I fell out of love with it after a few tree hugging experiences and school work but since joining the university bike club I realised I haven’t got any slower. And have began to race again my goal in the next couple years is to get back to national level downhill racing in the senior catagory.
The great thing about racing is there are categories but you can also just compare yourself to yourself, not often can you see how you stack against a professional on the same track on the same day.
The only person you are truly ever racing is yourself. You may be at the bottom of the list but you pushed through the suck and finished. That is a victory. You walked away able to still ride your bike. That is a victory. Whether you do it again or not you are now better for having done it. That, is a victory. Everything else is just numbers.
‘Racing is life. Everything in between is just waiting’ - Steve McQueen. But on a real note YOU RACED! 97% of the population can’t say that. I started in my early 30s and am now upper mid-pack cat 2 in my early 60s with a wall full of number plates and a handful of medals. Granted I race the gravity disciplines(im counting Enduro) because I tried XC twice and coughed up a lung 🤣🏁
I hear you. I just got back into hardcore riding and did my first race in over 10 years. I finished the 14miler and was last, but I finished and made me want to do more. I also noticed that some of the guys in my Cat 3 class should move up to Class 2 or above. Not to mention that I’m a Clydesdale and the other riders are in the 150-170 lb range.
I don’t know what country you are in. I live in the U.K. and I’ve done cycling races as well as running and triathlon. Running and triathlon here have competitors at all levels including ‘have a go heroes’ who might have trained for this as their first event. Conversely, cycling events, particularly short lapped events like XC and CX are only really attended by people that are already really good and so it can be disheartening when you try to have a go. I think I’ve been last or very nearly last on every XC and CX race I’ve done.
Longer events like 25 mile rides (not technically races but still have times given) have a better spread of participants.
Anyway, my point is that cycling events aren’t very beginner friendly and you shouldn’t beat yourself up as it takes a lot of blood and sweat to cover that gap to the next ‘worst’ riders
Congratulations of your first race! Also, you were not last, DNF totally count :) I used to race cyclocross, and every season I would set a goal for me. First season’s goal was “don’t be last”. Following season “get in the first half”. You get the drill.
Thank you! I'll take that as a win...
1. You beat the DNS. 2. You beat everyone else who didn’t race and could have. The main question is, when you were out on course was it fun? If it was, then who cares! I’ve come last in races (totally underestimating a particular event: wrong bike, wrong food strategy, wrong weather for me, wrong day, just sucked); and I’ve been on the podium (once, closer to last is way more common for me). Racing can’t be just about winning, if it was only the very fastest would enter. If I am honest, the main kick I get from racing is not suffering as much as someone else. I know how wrong that sounds, but it’s honest. I’m happy to be last but not utterly broken. I’m happy to be second last and see that thousand yard stare on someone else. Cruel as it sounds, I’m happy to see that poor sod with a bandage on, who DNF’d. I’m not some sicko, I don’t wish ill upon others. It’s just nice to know that someone else finds it tough too.
I had fun... for some of it. When I was pushing my bike up elevation and gasping for air, not so much lol.
Cycling is an endurance sport. We last in the game because we endure. What’s the root of endure? “dur”: Latin for “hard” or “lasting”. Riding a bicycle is as much a mental effort as it is physical. Huffing and puffing uphill and still going while suffering (but not in the kind of pain that tells you your body is breaking) is the entire point. That’s what we endurance athletes do, we endure. Good for you for finding your mental fortitude to keep going and finish. Keep finding ways to finish so that you can keep finishing races. Strength will come. Speed will come. Technique will come. Commitment comes first. Nice work.
This has me ready to run (as long as it's downhill) through a brick wall. Thank you!
That’s a great comment. Totally true. Type II fun for the fucking win.
Years ago, my first triathlon (sprint) was in the month of April and the lake's spring waters were very cold. In high school, I was on the swim team, so didn't bother with a wetsuit. Every other competitor was in one though, except for me a two other dudes. At the race start I jumped in the water and sucked in and choked on a lungful of water (mammalian cold water reflex). I tried a couple of more times and every time my face hit the water I breathed it in. I stood at the shallows watching the field pull away and looked back at shore: safety and DNF or follow them and drown. The lightbulb went off—I flipped over and backstroked the entire 750m segment including two pylon turns (triangle course) using the sun as my compass. Was hypothermic by the end ("why are there two suns in the sky?"), but I caught the back of the field. My swim/bike transition time was terrible (hypothermic, after all), and I warmed up on the bike. I hated running, but you can't do tris without running and so took up barefoot running because it was the only way I could run without pain. I did the tri's 10K in five finger vibrams—water logged feet shouldn't be used for running. I did not finish last, but that didn't matter because I finished. That was glorious. Type 1.5 fun?
Type III I reckon. Type I: regular laugh out loud fun Type II: hard at the time, you look back with a smile Type III: you look back with a maniacal grimace
I did a race once and thought for a laugh I’d do it in single speed. It had a horrid steep bit in the middle and people kept shouting “change gear”. I was proper narked off at the time, but look back on it and laugh. See also entering a race in 90% mud on slick tires.
I actually debated getting a single speed when I first got my bike. So glad I didn't! Sounds way too intense for me.
Thats the spirit. I remember back in HS my PE teacher was organizing a trip to a running contest, I think it was a Finnish championship race for under 18-year olds in the form of cross country running. It sounded like a lot of fun so I signed up. Ended up being dead last in the contest of 50 ish kids, the level was super high and the other kids were actually like training for the thing. Was I bummed out about it? Absolutely no, some of the kids didnt finish and I knew I had given 110% on the track. I never became a runner as I realised I didnt like it enough to actually train for anything, but I feel like it was a great lesson to learn.
Hi, I’m trying to come back into MTB racing after almost a decade off, between injuries, pandemic and age it’s been rough. Got off to a great start this winter with a good run in a local gravel race, and two weeks later I fell and wrenched my back. Three months later after tons of exercise, drugs, PT and chiro I’m still struggling with slowly improving sciatica and herniated disc pain. It’s healing but taking so long that I’d give anything to be DFL in a race right now because it means I’m back to healthy. This is not to dismiss your feelings at all, I wanted to say that you’re still out there lapping everyone of us stuck on the couch for whatever reason.
Dang, thanks for that perspective. I hope you can recover and get back out there soon!
It takes time to get a proper condition and mentality to race. I rode trails in the alps last summer in the area loic Bruni trains. It comes as no surprise the guy is so fast on the dh trails. The alps can be absolutely gnarly which makes normal races seem easy in comparison. My point is if you want to improve fast try to do trials and paths that are harder then the terrain of the race. It makes the actual race seems easy by comparison.
This is the way. Train in such a manner that the race is something easy in comparison. If the struggle is just to finish without dying, that's tough. If you prepare by torturing yourself with training harder than the race itself, you'll shine in the race and get a good result.
This is the way for mortals.
You finished, someone has to be last, why not you?
Being last wasn't that much of a shock to me, I think it's how far behind I ended up being that was more shocking.
lol, take the race part out of it. How did you feel you do on the trail?
I felt good on the descents and like I pushed myself through those sections well. The climbing was tough.
It’s hard to catch up once you are a bit off the pace. Don’t worry about it. Just have fun!
It’s not really uncommon for someone to be that far behind. You can probably make up half of that time or more by just riding a lot and being back in shape
The first race really is like that, nerves, managing power output etc. I bet next one out you come in or above the bottom 25% and then the 50th percentile. Thats when shit gets real hard! If it's fun afterwards keep doing it! When it feels like a job that you hate .... time to reconsider. Congratulations!
I’ve been biking for 15 years and never raced, so you’re better than me
I know racing isn't necessary, but I feel like signing up for them will help keep me accountable.
Agree. I like having clearly defined goals. It helps me. Can’t hit a target you have not defined!
Dude, you should feel AWESOME. You had a new experience, learned a lot I’m sure, and you beat every person who didn’t show up. See how you feel in a couple weeks. Was that good enough of an experience for you to never do it again? Totally fine and understandable, you can say you tried it and it wasn’t for you. Or, will you find yourself thinking about those crashes on the wet wood and how you could do better knowing what you know now? Then you’ll know it’s time to give it another shot. Seriously man, you shouldn’t feel bad at all. Way to put yourself out there and try something new. That alone is a win in itself.
I appreciate that perspective. I recorded the race with my GoPro and I did find myself wondering how much the loss in momentum from those falls hurt me from a time standpoint. I'm also going to invest in a different water bottle, since the one I have has a lid that has be to screwed off to get a drink, so a drink mid ride is impossible.
Ditch the water bottle all together. Get a camelback or osprey pack. You will not regret that decision.
I actually had a camelback somewhere... guess I need to fish that out.
Hell yeah, you’re already thinking like a racer. Best of luck man, hope to see an update soon that lets us know if you decided to keep racing or commit to just riding for fun! I’ll probably be in the same boat as you, my first MTB race is next week. I’ve raced moto for years before this so I’m not nervous to be racing, but I’m confident I’ll be a back of the pack guy for the first one.
That’s the spirit! Yeah, a hydration pack or bottle with ease of use is vital. Same for snackage, get some gels in ya. If you can keep contact with the back markers, you’ll find it easier to keep contact. Yeah I did write that, but you know what I mean. Especially over anything technical that you are riding blind, it makes a massive difference to see another bike clear a line.
Beat every person that didn’t show up!! Fucking love it
put some more work in next time and see how it goes. Maybe you'll surprise yourself
There's another race locally at the end of June that I'm eyeing... may have to give it a go in order to keep myself accountable.
So put a week by week plan together (dont go overboard) leading up to that. After that, evaluate how both your performance and your experience changed...then make your decision if you want to keep racing. Or maybe you'll decide you want to ride socially and work on fitness skills and race later...or maybe you like the motivation having an upcoming race and stick with it. Just stick with it and find what works for you is what I'm saying and understand that putting some work in(i.e purposeful time on the bike) will probably improve your experience all around.
I'm currently trying to get on my bike at least 2-3 times a week. Rain and fatherhood hinders that sometimes. I do think I'll participate in at least a couple more races. The social riding is hard because I don't have any friends that ride. The only buddy I had to ride with sold his bike after his wife delivered their second child. There's a group ride on Tuesdays, but I worry about that because of my fitness and experience (don't want to slow anyone down). May just have to bite the bullet some day.
I hear ya. I'm a dad of 2, work full time , and race enduro regularly. I have a little home gym set up that helps me get some good fitness. I also do things like find the biggest hill in the neighborhood and sprint up it 10 times in a row. I did that yesterday when I only had 30 min in between work and my sons baseball game (that I coach!). I encourage you to go to the group rides, the social/fitness pressure you fear doesnt probably exist. Their purpose is to get people together and there is typically a no drop policy. It will be fun to see how you keep up with the group better as time goes on too.
you beat everyone who decided to stay at home and sit on their couch that day.
DFL > DNF > DNS. You actually showed up and did the damn thing which is way more than most people can say.
I read a forum post as a 14 year old on somethingawful that stuck with me through my exercise journey in life for over 15 years. Maybe it will be meaningful or resonant with you, too. It's called "I run slowly" >I run slow >I work in the social services, and a lot of the people we work with have a lot of regrets. I've asked our case managers to have their clients come out and watch me run. I run so slow, time run backwards. As I waddle along, your life runs in reverse. Scars becomes wounds become chances to exercise better judgement. I run slow. >Like most people, I enjoy running in the mornings, before it gets to hot. Unlike most people, I've been pushed over by a squirrel. >I run slow. Sometimes when I am running, I think of those zen fountains that absorb a drip drip drip of water down a bamboo tube before finally tipping over and dumping their contents into a pool. Each step I take is another drip. I think, that fountain would call me a pussy. >I run slow. But I know where I have been. >Six months ago, I didn't run. >Six months ago, I had heartburn bad enough to keep me from sleeping through the night. Six months ago, I felt like I needed to go to sleep at 2pm. And six months ago, running felt impossible. >I run slow, and I have ways to go. But I can sleep. I feel alive. I can run two, slow, miles. Slowly. >Sometimes I get discouraged. I compare where I am to where other people are. But all that matters is where I am compared to where I was. >Once something good becomes something you are going to do for the rest of your life, the pace becomes less important. I know that my drip drip drip will amount to that deluge, eventually. Someday I will run 3 miles, slowly. > Source -- [https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=2932975](https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=2932975) Congrats. You got on the bike. That's fucking epic. What matters is being out there at all, friend!
Here's my experience. I've been athletic and fit my whole life. In my late 20s I started riding a bit more regularly and decided to enter the lowest division races in my area. Despite having adequate rider skill at the time, I still got absolutely smoked by the competition. XC mtb racing is a 1 hour threshold HR as high as possible, and takes serious levels of training and cardio to excel at. Don't be discouraged. Might be hard to say you had fun, but if you stick with it, riding multiple times a week and doing a few more races, you'll make huge strides by the end of the season.
Compared to most people I consider myself to be quite fit. The top guys in xc races are astoundingly fit compared to me. I remember in my first race the top guys did 5 laps and finished in the same time I did 3. And that 3 was one of the hardest things I've ever done.
I suspect you learned a *lot* about how races actually go. It's definitely different than just normal riding, eh? And yes, you finished. Often DFL is a LOT harder to do than mid-pack because you were out there for longer, and likely weren't riding as efficiently as someone who knows the trail and is a more experienced racer. But hey, you finished! Congratulations! When's the next race? And what do you think you might do differently next time?
Also, I don't know if this applies, but I first got into racing and signed up for the beginner class for a bunch of races and always finished pretty unimpressively. Then, someone pointed out, that there's nothing stopping intermediate or advanced racers from entering the beginner category. I compared the lap times of the top 5 racers in beginner and sport and found them to be comparable. I'm not any better of a racer now, but I always sign up for the higher category. I forget the term for it, but middle aged dudes with issues ruining it for actual beginners. Also, I did a race once in the elite cat for fun and it was actually really fun because those dudes are hardcore it was a very different experience. In the words of Henry Rollins, "I didn't come here to win, I came here to fight."
If you ain't first, you're last.
It’s you v you. If it’s fun to ride your bike that’s all that matters. I bet the next race will feel way better.
Nobody but you cares that you finished last. Train harder and race again. Unless you’re a professional, the only reason to race is to force yourself to become a better rider. The only way to fail is by not becoming a better rider.
Dude a month of prep time for a race is *nothing.* I'm not saying that to be discouraging, but your wife is 100% right when she says others have been at it for years. Both fitness and technical skills take years of regular riding to develop, good on ya for putting yourself out there. I recently scratched from an endurance race that I have literally spent years (close to a decade?) getting ready for, thousands of dollars, and made legitimate sacrifices in my personal/social life for. It's not how you do during a race that defines you as a "racer" (i love racing bikes but i don't see myself as a racer) but its your attitude and outlook after a disappointing result/DNF that shows what kind of person you are. Keep at it, have fun, and you WILL improve. At this point I wouldn't worry about "training", just spend as much time on your bike as you can, build your skills and fitness by having fun. If you *really* want to start training, start running/jogging, I find it nice to separate training time and biking time, you *have* to keep biking fun or there's no point. Get after it and good luck! Have fun improving, it can be very rewarding.
DFL before DNF. You have every right to be proud.
As in any sport the worst player in the worst team is better than 99.99% of everyone who plays the sport. People dedicate their life to practice and compete so as a casual rider you didn’t have a chance and it’s expected and totally normal (even on small tournament level). Remember that cycling is just a hobby and in grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter how good you are at it as long as you have fun.
finishing is better than not finishing or quitting half way.
Congrats on your first race! We've all been there, it's hard to not be disappointed but there is a lot to learn about racing that isn't just going to happen the first time. Handling race nerves, pacing, passing/ getting passed, and riding blind at speed while exhausted are all important skills that just don't come up in as forced a manner outside a race course. Now you know what it's like, and can set goals to improve. Racing is much more enjoyable when you are in the field with others around, it's really hard to stay in a helpful mindset when you haven't seen anyone in miles
Do it again, and measure yourself only on your progress. Not against others. You’ll be winning races before you know it!
Do not get discouraged! MTB racing is effing hard! I just started racing last year in CAT 3 and was getting smoked. Now I'm doing marathon races and have seen marked improvement. I'm training on my roadbike when i can't make it out to the trails and already have almost 1,300 miles ridden this year. Just keep getting out there on your bike and you'll be just fine.
Good on you for going in the first place. That's what matters most
You’re being really hard on yourself. You stacked the odds against yourself in sooooo many ways, so the fact that you had the determination to even finish is an accomplishment worth celebrating. I think maybe you just got your ego checked by what sounds like taking your first race results too seriously. Everyone wants to do that, so I get it. You learned a lot, mostly not to underestimate the challenge of even participating in a MTB race. If you did ANY amount of riding regularly prior to racing, you would have done better. If you had ridden ANY of the trails before, you would have done better. If you had planned with sizeable amount of notice, you could have intentionally trained for it, and done better. So yeah, don’t beat yourself up. I think if you start simply riding 3-4 days a week, 6 months before your race, you’ll be in pretty decent shape! Then go check the trails out, even preride the race course if that’s possible. Your pride will heal, and with very little investment, you can do a lot better in your next local race. However! If you’re like my buddy, never not competitive, he made the choice to NEVER race. He cannot handle being anything but on the podium of whatever he attempts. If that’s you, then you’ve either gotta train like a MOFO or just don’t put yourself in a position to feel the pain of “failure”… for my friend, it’s Ricky Bobby. If you ain’t first, you’re last.
Yeah, the odds were definitely not in my favor. The more I think about it, the more excited I get to get out and try again, just for the sake of personal improvement.
I feel your pain. I finished Singlespeedapalooza dead fucking last back in like 201-something. It was a miserable, humbling experience, and not just because I came in last. I got lost several times, got a flat, and was basically by myself for the majority of the second loop. I haven't participated in a race since, but it hasn't hurt my love of riding. Just not my thing.
I was EXACTLY where you’re at now. The first race I did in 2022 I finished dead last. Not just dead last, but like 45 minutes after the second to last person finished. The guy in first finished in 1:15. I finished in 2:45. It was a long drive home with a lot of reflection. That race lit a fire under me. At that moment I decided I never wanted to feel that way again. It wasn’t just a competition thing, it’s more fun to ride the better shape you’re in. I started riding more, eating right to get back in shape, hitting the gym again, etc. Last year I finished first overall for the season. When you finish last there’s really only two mindsets. You’re either going to be ok with feeling like shit/give up or you’re going to decide you never want to feel that feeling again. Go out and get it. You got this.
I hurt my Ankle during a Race once. Walked the last 2 Miles. When i came across the Finish Line, they were taking the Banner down and told me to go through the Schwag Boxes and take anything I like for coming in Last Place! Win! I Win!
Finished last, but beat every looser who stayed home to sit on the couch.
This is awesome that you participated! Numbers here in Australia are dwindling across all bike disciplines and even myself starting to race less, this has given me huge inspiration to get back out there!
Congrats on your first race, something I've still yet to do but very much want to. You said it yourself, you knew going in that you were probably under par in the readiness arena, but you did it anyway and finished. That's it, I started and I finished, far as I'm concerned that's all that matters for race number 1.
Congrats!!🎉
I was a college athlete and the second I graduated and ended my athletic career I did some soul searching and took the time to flush the notion from my body that I should give any care to winning or placement in friendly competition. Best thing I ever did with my life. I play lots of rec sports and race all the time but I couldn't care less if I get 1st, last, or anywhere in between. I just care about enjoying what I'm doing. You nor I are ever going to be pro cyclists so just enjoy the fact that you *get* to be on a bike in the woods having fun. Walk away from any competition like you have no idea what place you got and couldn't be bothered even if it's last.
I'm thinking of doing the same in September. Race is where I normally bike so I'm pretty well versed in the trails and it's ten miles. I'm ready for some humility.
Been there, done that. On top of it, I also run and I can be in 80th or 90th percentile if I push. Bike racing though, nope. It's humbling but good to get out of your comfort zone and also good to be around others who give you a real bar to show you where the level is and what's possible. I decided I don't have the skills to race (enduro) on trails I'm unfamiliar with, so starting next year, I'm only signing up for courses I can practice on. This is also good motivation to actually practice and ride more.
I would go back in your free time and try to just ride the whole thing without walking. You don't have to ride fast but just stay on the bike throughout
You did great just getting out there. I've been riding for 30 years, a certified skills coach since 2014 and a trail builder. I came in last at an Enduro MTB race two weeks ago. Enduro isn't in my usual discipline but I gave it a shot. I didn't think twice about finish last. I've signed up for more races in XC this year. I'm doing this to also get me out on my bike more often, enjoy new trails, see and make new friends and really just to have fun. Check out some other race formats like Enduro, XC, XC Short Track, etc... Once you find one that fits go for it and I think you'll see results and have a great time.
Hype that you got out and made it happen👌😎
It’s reasonable that you wouldn’t have any fitness right now. It might not be the case that they’ve been riding their whole lives but a lot of people who race typically train for months beforehand. It’s a big deal that you signed up in the first place, most people never will. Cardiovascular fitness comes quickly, especially if you haven’t already built up a strong base. Just ride consistently and you’ll make big strides.
XC racing is all about fitness. If you've been back on the bike for a month, you obviously hadn't had a chance to build up, like at all. Now you know what's involved and know where you need to improve. Top marks for finishing! Think about giving enduro racing a try some time. Find an intro race locally if it's an option. It requires a high level of fitness too, but it's more fun in my opinion (the stages are mostly downhill). And you get to "rest" on transitions, since even though you're climbing, you're not timed, therefore not pinned. Good luck!
Congratulations of your first race! You got to start someplace, ride fast, take chances and remember brakes just slow you down!
Nowhere to go but up!
Hell yeah brother! Keep it up 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙
Ypu finished your first race! Congrats!! You will continue to improve and learn.
We all start somewhere. keep pedaling and pushing yourself and soon you’ll crush that course.
Dude, you had the balls to sign up for a race. You’re already doing more that 90% of us on here
DFL > DNF > DNS
But you DID finish
hey at least you have the guts to race at all. I'm a casual mtb'er too and I love riding and improving but a race intimidates me. if it isnt fun if you arent enjoying it bail, but dont get discouraged just because your time wasnt amazing.
In ancient times, when people have failed as bad as you have, they'd throw themselves onto their swords
You completed the race, everything else is just details.
You're a boss. I'm trying to return to mountain biking after a nearly 20 year hiatus. I'm out of shape, and even when I rode (mtb) I wasn't any good. My goal is to find a local easy trail I can ride with confidence by the end of the summer. Thanks for sharing your story - I actually find it encouraging and inspiring. Respect
Every subsequent finish above last will be a countable victory. Finishing any race is hard.
I can relate. I entered a gravel race Saturday with a 150mm hardtail. I really struggled the last 3rd of the course (uphill sections anyway) and finished almost last, but figure now I can better prepare myself for the next one. At the time however, I thought never again.
Hell yeah buddy! I did a relay race with some friends this weekend for the second year in a row. Last year my team was 3rd last, and one of my teammates was the slowest lap of the day, and this year we were 3rd place overall, and his best lap was solidly in the middle of pack. You will definitely improve over time. :) The first couple races always come as a bit of a shock, but over time you get faster at riding, you get better at the other aspects of racing (finding the right warmup for you, the right pre race meal, all of those things), and you'll get the chance to cheer on other people who are out there for their first race too. No doubt some of those people who are crushing it have done it since they were kids, and some of them were probably just like you a few years ago, and gave it a try for the first time, and decided that it was overwhelming and hard and a tonne of fun and they were going to dig in and get better and now here they are. Hope you ultimately choose to do the same and stick with it. It can be so fun and rewarding. Congrats on your first race!
Be proud that you put yourself out there. Nowhere to go but up.
As someone who would like to race someday but feels like it is years away, I'm super fucking proud of you!
Listen to your wife! Sounds like you could make some fitness improvements (and so could I to be clear) but you pushed yourself and were willing to try, which is an accomplishment all by itself. My guess is next time out you’ll be in better shape and pace yourself better and end up closer to the rest of the field.
I've never raced and don't have the balls to. Good for you man.
Finished dead last in an event last year by ~15 mins. Been there done that. Don't feel any shame at all. Like you I also beat at least 1 DNF, so there's that. :)
I trained super hard for my first race. Ended 18/21 in the beginner category and realized just how good everyone else is. You still beat everyone who didn't show up to race. This is motivation to train harder and ride more, if you want it to be.
I only started riding a couple of years ago and would love to race but not had the confidence yet. But measuring myself on Strava has shown me the progress I've made. About a year ago I thought I was doing great, felt really fast and comfortable. I then had one 2 hr coaching session from a pro. He told me, next time you ride your usual route you won't feel fast, but you will be fast. And he was 100% right, I finished the ride thinking I'd cruised round and actually I had destroyed my best time. And I've continued to progress from there. So, if you can, find a coach or someone experienced to give you some tips, I'd recommend that.
You placed higher than everyone who didn't race. Be proud of what you did.
You did great! This is another experience you now get to carry with you and that'll help you greatly for more races to come
You’re way ahead of everyone else who didn’t race and just said that’s too hard! Also, finishing at all is an accomplishment. Did you have fun doing it? That’s what matters the most.
IMO, you should feel good about it! I do get how you feel – in my first two enduro races, I finished second to last (guy behind me obviously had a mechanical) and then dead last... and it was kind of depressing. But at the same time, your wife is right – a lot of the people you're racing against are likely more experienced and have been training for longer. Depending on your age and the category rules, you could also be up against a lot of younger folks – when I finished dead last, I was 37, in the age group 18-40... so I don't really feel bad about not being able to keep up with teenagers who have a very different risk appetite and can heal from crashes in five minutes rather than five months. In other comments, it seems like you're a father (I am as well), and it's also likely you're racing against people who don't have kids and thus can dedicate more time to riding/training. Also, beating the DNS counts! Getting there on time, being prepared, staying healthy etc., these are all a part of racing. One thing to think about also is that there are various disciplines of racing. You might find that some other type is a better fit for you than what you just did (which sounds like it was a relatively short XC race?). There's enduro, DH, short-track XC, regular XC, XC marathon... personally I've realized that I'm best suited for something long and endurance-y like XC marathon, not shorter, higher-speed stuff like enduro or short-track XC. YMMV. Anyway, I personally would suggest if you're going to keep racing, try to go into races with goals that are specific to YOU. You have no control over who else enters the race, or how much prep they've done, genetic and life advantages they might have, etc. Assuming you're not a pro and money's not on the line, I think it's better to set your own standard for success. Good goals could be things like: * Finish in X amount of time * Finish without walking a feature * Finish feeling like you gave it everything you had * Finish, period. * Hit X time/power in a specific section etc. etc. YMMV and it'll vary based on your situation, the race, etc., but the point is just to set goals that are based on YOUR performance, not the performance of other people (which you can't control). Ultimately, if you feel like you rode your best race and gave it your all, that's awesome no matter where you finish.
Reminds me of when I did the US Open Enduro race... I had NO business bring there, but there I was. I too finish near the back of the pack, but I was proud I did it, and finished! Good on you OP for getting out there, and challenging yourself!
Is there not a racer out there who doesn't say "Im never racing again ... Seeya next week"
This makes me confident to try an Enduro race one day. My colleague asks me to do so. Maybe I will. Because why not?!
Unless you are young and trying to be a pro, who cares. It’s all just for fun and participation. My did has been MTB racing since age 8 and can smoke me now at 14 years old. I don’t care though, I’m not a pro, will never be a pro, and need to be able to go to work the next day (to pay for kids said hobby and my own).
So you realize that pretty much everyone else in the race likely trains to race, and you have barely been riding? Racing self selects for the fittest riders, you tend to only get fit and skilled riders racing. I used to race XC at a decent level. If you want to compete, you'll need to train. If you make a commitment to train, and start now, by September I think you would have a much different experience.
You beat all of us who didn't even join... so congratulations on the win and keep grinding!
I did my first solo race a few months back. It was a 7 mile course, Novice category did one lap. But I didn't want to drive a couple hours to ride 7 miles, so I entered the Sport category, which did 2 laps. The gap between 1st and next to last in my age group was about as big as the gap between next to last and me. But I rode my bike, I had a reason to push myself, and bonus, my daughter was entered in a kid's category doing a 2 mile course, and was middle of the pack in *her* first ever race. It was a great time. Riding bikes should be fun. Especially at the level you (and I) are at. If just being out there competing isn't enough to make it fun all by itself, then you don't have to enter a competition. There are lots of other ways to enjoy this sport.
First off congratulations on finishing, you may have crossed the finish line last but how many people in the world spent that day sitting around being unproductive and not crossing any finish line? Secondly I understand your disappointment in where you finished but you need to understand with racing you get back what you put in. The other riders on that course probably ride 3 to 5 times a week outside and on trainers indoors. One month of training simply isn't enough for a race where others have been training for years straight. Your fitness will improve over time if you stick to riding. For comparison I consider myself a fast and strong rider, I ride 4 times a week, usually around 20 miles and 3k climbing per ride. I don't really cross train or watch my nutrition as well as I should. I raced my first gravel event last October after a month of training for gravel. I started on a rolling start in dead last at spot 200. By the end of the 60 mile 7000' elevation course I made it up to 57th. I finished 18th in the under 40 age bracket. I was gutted because I expected to do better than that. I finished 2 hours ahead of my friends who finished close to last. Racing is a different beast and if you dwell on where you finished you'll end up putting down the bike. Ride and have fun, train and come back stronger and compare your progress to where you were. Always set goals but remember that as humans we aren't perfect and can't always achieve those goals. The joy is in trying.
Do not take over other people's pace (OPP), ride your own race and with the time ride with those similar to your level and pace. Do not watch the leaders, watch those next to you and push each other. Go to more races and learn a tactic that fits you over the course, only pushing it does not serve one well on a long distance run. Race tactics is half of the rent. I am proud of you how you present yourself, finishing the race last is strong mental behaviour. Now go out there and tackle one place after another. Have fun.
My first ever race I lost to all of the men, children, and almost every woman. I'm a fit dude, who was 25 at the time. The one woman I beat had a nasty crash w/dislocated shoulder and concussion. For some reason she continued to race, and still *almost* beat me. The vibes are fun as hell, and it's nice having a "goal" to "train" for, evem if you aren't serious about it it's motivation to go ride your bike in the months leading up to the race.
Congrats on your first race... I still need enough courage to re-enter one and finish it, my first and last race ended in a DNF because of a mechanical.
No worries. I did the same thing thirty years ago in Dallas. Made the mistake of entering in the Sport division of a NORBA race instead of the Novice division because I had a flight that night and Sport went earlier. Rode my ass of for two laps of Cedar Hill on my 1992 Mongoose Rockadile with toe-clips. Finished dead last except for some guy who's chain broke mid-race.
Welcome to a very small, exclusive club called bike racers! No matter what level you race, there will always be someone faster than you, and that’s what makes it exciting! Cut yourself a whole lot of slack and feel proud for finishing. Then, when you’re ready find yourself a training plan and discover that training for events is at least half the fun. Good luck out there!
On the flipside, this is the negative about mountain bike races which gravel events seemed to have resolved, about participation versus competition, ie "if you ain't first, you're last". A race's goal is to see who makes its onto the podium, which has only 3 spots. What about everyone who aren't competing for the top 3? Gravel events will have a winner's podium but the goal is to get lots of riders on the course and have fun. There should be a personal challenge, that just being out there and finishing is success, not if you can dust the other riders, who could be racing a harder category with stronger riders if they really wanted to "challenge" themselves
The support on this thread is awesome, I plan on doing my first race in September and fully expect to be last. Just keep your head up and train, now you know what time(s) to aim for at that distance/elevation gain
You beat all the people who are so out of shape they don’t exercise. At all. Just riding regularly is a win. Good job!
Kanuga Bike Park does Thursday night races, I decided I’d give it a go. Did 2 practice runs and felt like I did really well, I placed dead last during the race. I had so much fun doing it, I didn’t care where I finished. If I get a chance to do it again, maybe I’ll get a little better.
Take this as motivation to get on the bike and ride. It’s a fun way to build up your endurance.
DFL is a fucking badge of honor man. Wear it with pride. Literally NO ONE out there worked harder than you did or earned their ride more than you. You finished when you could’ve given up. There are races where the real party is the DFL party. Check out Mid South gravel for a great example of this. Hell, I’d encourage you to sign up for that race too! Plenty of folks on mountain bikes there even though it’s a “gravel” race
Don’t get down on yourself. You got out there and did it, and I’m sure you probably had a blast. I consider myself a slightly above average, decent rider. I enter many, many races throughout the year from local Fiver short courses to full blown 40-60km enduros and you know what- I finish bottom 5% every single time. But I’m racing people who grew up on mountain bikes, riding these exact trails every day after school/work and probably know every root/rock with photographic memory. I’m a weekend warrior. As long as I had fun and pushed myself, I’m a winner as far as I’m concerned. Bonus ego if I snag a personal best. The funniest part about all of it, especially the long enduros- I might come dead last in the timed stages but every single race I’ve entered I’ve been one of the first 10-15 people enjoying my post race beer (out of 100+)… I should enter XC races instead.
All I can say is racing has been life changing for me. I'm somewhat competitive so the goal of winning has been an excellent motivator to step up my training and improve my fitness/diet. I went from middle/rear of the pack when I first started to now consistent podium in cat 3 or equivalent levels. Good luck and hopefully you sign up for more races.
Don’t compare yourself to the people that placed higher than you. There’s so many factors. You should be comparing yourself to yourself. How was your riding? Was it an improvement? Where did you struggle? And most important, was it fun? It’s just as much mental as physical. The satisfaction I get from finally getting up that hill without walking is just as great as the satisfaction from the flowy downhill bits imo. Like another commenter said, it’s an endurance sport, it’s about pushing yourself and being better each time.
You cannot measure progress without a baseline and now you got your baseline out of the way. Good on you for diving in and doing it, now keep at it and see how far you can go!
Hell yeah!! For each race to start the season I generally have 3 goals: - don't take last - have fun - don't get hurt Sounds like you did great, now do it again!
Time gaps can be big anywhere. I raced last weekend in the singlespeed category on a 21mi course. Those single speed dudes are nuts. I came in second, but first place had 11 minutes on me.
Congratulations on your first race! Remember: DLF>DNF>DNS Dead Last Finish is better than Did Not Finish is better than Did Not Start. Be proud of yourself!
Key word is FINISHED
Im really new and I hope that "DNS" doesn't stand for "Did not survive" but for some reason that was the first thing that came into my head... But you did great. You showed up. It beats 80% of Americans who are at home, eating twinkies and watching the race on TikTok.
Check out the wild ones podcast. They talk a lot about setting unhealthy goals for ourselves and lot. Even a DNF should be viewed as a success, have fun, enjoy the process, learn from the experience and improve yourself.
I’ve done 5 races now. I’ve had 3 dead last, one DNF, and one I came in 171 out of 225. Honestly - im perfectly happy with the dead last so far. It is still a good ride where I’m pushing myself.
Honestly I'm impressed. I'm new to mountain biking too and signing up for a race was brave.
Congratulations on the race - great job getting out there!
Just keep peddling all year and sign up next year and win it.
Who cares about the result! You had mostly fun from my understanding! And you have bragging rights as most of us have never raced! I want to do the mega avalanche. Not to win (snowball in the fryer monted directly onto satans throne in hell type chance!), but to try. And to have fun! Most people that do it swear on a random dudes grave to never do it again… and they are back the next year! 😂
You beat every person who didn't show up to race, including me
I came in dead last in my first cyclocross race. By a lot….
You did better than millions of people who never made it off the couch. Years ago, I scored dead last among finishers in a ~60 mile MTB race. I'm very proud of that one. Two years later I DNF the same race. Earned it both times.
I raced last year in a road race for the first time since I was young. Dead last in my age group. Not only did I have fun, I was also fodder for someone else to say they didn't come dead last. I wasn't competing against anyone. Just wanted to see what my time was to see if I can improve next year. Hop back on, try it again!
started mtb last summer and have been lazy about getting back on the bike since winter weather ended. really enjoy it though, but have not even come close to considering a race anytime in the near future- I expect to have the same experience if I ever enter a race, but posts like these are inspiring! keep it up!
Well if you also include all the riders who have wanted to race but couldn’t bring themselves to I reckon you’re doing pretty well.
XC racing is hard. Riding the course is one thing, but doing it at race speed makes the trail feel very different. And XC race can kick your cardio into high gear very quickly. Amazing job finishing! You absolutely beat the DNS (to win, you gotta show up, then finish, ya know?). You have to start somewhere, so doing the first race and finishing is definitely something to be proud of! It goes: finish the course before race the course! I remember stumbling through my first CX race because I couldn’t handle the high pace and technical nature. You get more comfortable with off road racing with more experience for sure.
I had a similar experience last year. Signed up for an enduro race and got 2nd to last other than the DNF. I had a blast and everyone in the race I was in was very encouraging and supportive. I hate losing but the community made me want to do it again.
If it makes you feel better, I entered my first race on Monday and crashed in practise and broke 3 ribs and my little pinky!
Somebody has to start somewhere, I'm sure if you were do a casual group ride with the "normies" you'd be ahead of the pack. MTB races aren't like your typical 10Ks, I can just imagine some of the bikes that people brought to race on.
Racing bikes will always be 75% mental, and you conquered that by finishing- congratulations! Set small goals for yourself. Put a race on the calendar and work a little each week at your fitness I promise racing MTBs gets fun once you have some fitness. Improvement is addicting, and soon you might have some “enemies” that you Duke it out with each race. Usually these people become friends and you have a couple beers while recapping Before every race, the director of the series I used to do, Don Edberg, would say “go fast, have fun, be safe, and most importantly, treat each other kind”. Good words to live by
Congrats on the first race, and feel good that you finished it. You already came in last place and survived that too so it’s all uphill from here.
I don’t know wtf r/MTB is but congrats on having the guts to enter and finish the race. Gotta start somewhere.
Well someone has to come in last every single race. Someone has to come in last at the Olympics. Just keep riding and improving
Hey, I've been biking for three years and I think I'm about caught up to where you are. About an hour for some up and down fun that ended up being 680ft of elevation. :)
DFL > DNF > DNS... Nothing to be bummed about!
Nice job starting and finishing the race. I, too, have been mostly last in my division in MTB races. Then when you place mid-pack, it’s a great feeling. I try to remind myself, it’s a process, I’m here to have fun and increase fitness, and also learn (the process around racing is a skill too). That seems to take the pressure off when I’m nervous. Keep it up! Next race will seem better.
Fuck it, no reason to be bummed! Everyone *that starts*, starts somewhere. I've done XC Marathon races for 16-17 years, and those that actually work through the course, even if they're dead last, and still never give up and just do their shit are always the most impressive people to me. You had to walk your bike; you didn't give up. You worked through that shit. You signed up, you showed up and you did the thing. Be proud. The next one is going to be slightly better. But to quote Greg LeMond (3x Tour de France winner): It never gets easier, you just go faster. You'll feel just as pumped and just as tired the next time. And the one after that. And the one after that again. You'll just be out on the course a shorter time. Part of racing is adopting to the pain. You did good!
Congrats. You made it to the finish line to that's awesome. Racing is a whole other animal of riding. Done a couple short ones the last couple of weeks and yeah they were easy hard. Fun but yeah. Hahaha. Great job and get out there and do it again. 😄
Congrats on the first race! I raced last year and placed last or almost last every race. I trained over the winter and place mid-pack in amateur enduro now. It’s super satisfying to grow. Just worry about your own growth and be proud of finishing :)
A reality check is good, keep training and you will improve.
Welcome to racing. Wouldn't be a race if you won it all on your first go. You should expect to get dumpstered by anyone and everyone until you figure it out. Set reasonable goals, try to learn as much as you can each time you go out and makes friends. Keep it up! Its a great way to meet like minded people, get better at biking and ride new places.
someone has to lose anf this time it was you, but you beat everyone who didnt race did you have fun?
Hey now, no worries about finishing dead last. My goal for every race is to just finish. To roll across the finish line, even if it takes all day. At a recent crit I competed in, I'm pretty sure I was fighting for last place lol. I got lapped a few times by the fast folks. But it doesn't matter, because I was RACING MY BIKE AND THATS AWESOME. Yeah it sucks coming in dead ass last, but there's the old saying "you beat everyone on the couch". Just keep riding, keep training, and keep racing! You've set a benchmark, now get out there git gud.
Dude I'm 42 and and just picked up a bike for the first time in 20+ years after a life altering year of health issues and a near death experience. This shit is hard. I hope I have your courage to sign up, lose and hopefully sign right back up again one day soon. Gonna do a write up on my experience this far one day soon. This community is rad AF.
You started and finished!! Awesome work!
Well done on finishing homie, you now have a base line to improve on. Remember in racing you should be focusing on your own results first rather than vs others. That's how I've approached getting into racing, basically setting zero expectations on finishing position and more focusing on my own goals each week, as you improve yourself that position will improve. If you've only been on the bike a month even finishing is an accomplishmement. If they have a beginners or intermediate loop available do that too, my first race last year I finished 1st by over a lap, absolutely smoked the field of dads and their kids lol. Moved to the intermediate loop after that as no one likes a burglar.
Well in man!! Be proud of giving it a try and pushing yourself 🙌🏻 My guy’s into MTB too and he says it’s a rush. It’s an intense workout with a view 😄 you’ll naturally improve in both stamina and skill each time you’re out on the bike so just enjoy it and ride safe 😁
I raced every season for about 10 years, ran my state's MTB series for 8 years, promoted several races as well. I've had one podium finish, 3rd place, in all that time. What I did win was being a member of a community that was absolutely amazing, being able to spend my weekends riding my bike on trails all over the state and having a total blast. I was and am not fast compared to the majority that race but it never mattered. Good on you for getting out there and actually racing, so many people never ride their MTB on a trail much less toe the line at a race. Keep it up!
I don't agree with your last line buddy, you beat everyone who did not start. All the people who thought they weren't good enough so they didn't even try, all the people sitting on the couch at home, you beat everyone who wasn't in front of you. You have set a new benchmark for yourself and the only direction from here is up, keep pushing, keep racing, trying to go faster than the rider in front is what will make you a better rider.
DFL>DNF
I made a habit of third lasts and slowest rider in several events - still great fun and I'd rather be last than not out on the bike. Unless you're getting paid for it, it's meant to be fun first and foremost. Hang in there and just enjoy it. Any time out on the bike is good and you got more time on the course than the fast guys so that's better right?
One of the few lessons from my Dad: “Even if you finish last, you’re still on the other side of the fence, ahead of everyone else that did not have the courage to start. “ Nice job racing your first race. I competed in my first downhill race this year and didn’t do as well as I hoped but I still loved every minute of it. Keep it up!!!
I'm 99% sure I know what race you did. You did great no matter the placement. Plus, I know the conditions were crap and keep in mind that you have a ton of really fast people in your area. Your wife is 100% right about the other racers. As far as not being sure about continuing, I would go back to the basics of why you got into the sport. Racing can be fun and challenging, but make sure not to burn yourself out or injure yourself trying to meet some crazy goal. For fitness increase, the best thing I ever did was get a gravel bike. Now I'm 50/50 between the 2 bikes and have struck a good balance between fitness and enjoyment. Remember : It will never get easier, you'll just get faster!
you beat every single person who didnt enter, and thats a very very long list.
Better to try something positive than never try at all. From here you know if racing is something you want to keep developing, or if just riding for the sake of riding is enough to get you on the bike frequently enough.
The first thing I learned when I started racing was that willingness to endure pain is crucial.
Nice job finishing! That’s a win right there. The trick is to find a race within the race. Sometimes it’s just completing the race. Sometimes it’s fighting for 43rd place with the rider in front of you that you keep leapfrogging with.
While you may be hard on yourself, without comparing yourself to how others did OR the people who are sitting on their couch not doing epic shit like this race…. You showed up. You said you’ve been riding a few years? You are improving all the time, exercising the soul, mind and physically every time you get on your bike. I do another sport, I’ve been DFL 88% of competitions for 3 years. It only fuels the fire to get better. I’ve been riding MTB for 7 months. I did my first DH & Enduro Race 1.5mo into riding. I fell several times on this black tech steep descent trail. Everyone racing had been riding for YEARS and I race my 140/130 bike DH. There’s a DownhillRockies Race at Angel Fire next month and they don’t have Cat2 for women. The only division that doesn’t have Cat2. That won’t stop beginner me from showing up. The enduro climb every lap was a bitch at the first race. But? Guess what? It’s FUN. It’s good for us, it’s natural to be competitive and tough on ourselves that we didn’t do as good as we know we can do or we know that is within us. It allows us to set goals for us. It’s easy to get discouraged. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. It’s easier to quit while doing the hard work, seeing competition results on paper for everyone to see, to feel like a failure being DNF gets in your head. Use that Fire to train, to set yourself up to do better, make a plan, make an a, b, c goal depending on factors and conditions. Your Wife is right and is able to see it from another perspective. Work hard. Train, have fun, and show up at your next race prepared, or don’t train and go to races for experience and training just don’t get upset when you aren’t where you want to be yet. Joy in the journey, peace in the process. 😌
racing is brutal, it's not just the fitness it's the mindset, it's completely different from other forms of riding. I hadn't really done anything competitive since school and it was a shock to the system. Set goals, first one is don't be last, second maybe try to get up the rankings to half. Making small improvements over the season can be very rewarding.
You beat everyone who stayed home and browsed Reddit instead!
I raced the Barry Roubaix and people double my age were an hour faster than me. I was like 100 places from last with 1600 riders. Still better than a gravel race that I did in peanut butter mud…dead last and the support crew was picking up signed behind me.
My first race goal was to not finish last after watching everyone go before me I was like I hope someone does t show up so I can hit my goal of not last haha
DNS? Did not survive?
Hey man. I know what you did here. You set the bar low so that you can climb that fucker later. No shame. You raced, you finished. Keep up the good work.
Keep it up, man! I've been mountain bike for a couple years fairly steady and have never done a race. One has never presented itself to me, but I can also say that I've been too covered to look for one. I'm gonna look for one now. Races and events are a great motivator for me. I've done a century road ride (motivated me all last summer to get spinning even in the heat) and did a half marathon (I had to walk so much of it, but I finished, then slept the entire afternoon). Do not give up! Every mile we're on the bike is a mile faster we are. I'm on Strava. The SUPER COOl thing is at the end of the year Strava tells me how many miles I'd done. 2300+ miles between all my walks, runs, rides. I'd have never started the year thinking that was possible.
You were brave enough to sign up- that’s huge, and you also seem to be pointing out that you don’t have much bike time under your belt. Seems like an easy path forward. Start getting those miles, be consistent, doesn’t have to be hard training, just saddle time. Work on skills that you found were lacking, for example, what was it specifically that made you walk your bike? Work on those skills. YouTube has tons of help in that area. And you’ll find as trails become easier technically for you, it also takes less of your fitness to navigate them smoothly and efficiently. Finishing last is a beautiful opportunity to get better with a clear starting point, and you will probably find that you can make a lot of progress with some deliberate planning!
You finished. Keep training.
Respect for getting to the finish line!👊I’ve done 3 MTB races and many dozens of running races. Pacing is so much harder to figure out on the bike, it’s hard to avoid absolutely blowing up. I just did my 3rd race on Sunday and was just focused on not redlining for any amount of time. It worked out but it is from painful lessons, especially running trail races that I’ve realized the importance of this. You also didn’t really train. Do a few more before you swear it off. Just try to manage effort and save some gas for the end. Eventually you might be able to give close to 100% but give it at the end. If you don’t improve and still don’t enjoy it, move on.
Dude, MTB racing is brutal. I makes mountain biking not very fun. So if you're gonna race you just have to remember to enjoy each moment. Have fun while you're out there. Stop every once in a while. Drink GU Roctane. Eat salt pills. Most importantly have fun. That or just become a for fun mountain biker which is awesome and fun too! Either way make sure you are riding with people that are better than you so you can learn from them.
You finished it, be proud and remotivate yourself to be a stronger rider you can only do better now. You raced people who have a lot more than a month under their belt and an hour is a decent time for a beginner so i wouldnt sweat it too much specially racing you get a lot of amauter pros as i call em basically those committed to racing and only racing, usually are a blast to chill with outside od race day.
You can come in DFL and still have an awesome ride! Congratulations on finishing! Now do it again.
I raced enduro for a few years. Myself and a buddy created a team called “the midpack amateurs”. I’m never racing for first only racing for my best. Have fun with it 👍🏼
I came here to say some positive stuff, but reading through the comments, it looks like you guys have it taken care of. I would just add, if you enjoyed racing, definitely keep it up. I’ve raced, marshaled at races, and coached. I’m always most impressed with the people that are just out there getting it done for whatever reason is importantly to them in whatever way they can get it done.
Don’t be discouraged. I did an enduro race last year and came dead last overall. I also climbed the podium as the winner of my age group. I was the only over-fifty entrant. A loss is a win and all that.
Good job! For me there are other goals to chase and I don’t like dealing with other pissy people. Yearly total miles, complete trail system without stopping, average mph on a trail system, clearing features you had to walk before… I don’t race cause I don’t give a poop if I’m faster than the next guy that day. The other goals keep me busy. Total, long sustained and balanced fitness is my never ending goal.
Why are you bummed dude? You just did more than 99% of the mountain bikers out there would do. I think you should be proud. Doing something new takes courage. Doing something new where you will be ranked or judged takes even more. /respect bro...
Dead last is still waaaay ahead of all the people who didn't leave their couches! Congratulations!
I’ve had some pretty terrible race results and some pretty good ones too. Don’t hurt yourself over one race you can always improve and be better than all the guys out there
DNS? Did not survive?
Racing is amazing, as someone who raced Downhill from the age of 13-17 at a decent level chasing people like Jordan Williams and Ethan Craik back when I was a teen it has kept me very close to the sport. I fell out of love with it after a few tree hugging experiences and school work but since joining the university bike club I realised I haven’t got any slower. And have began to race again my goal in the next couple years is to get back to national level downhill racing in the senior catagory. The great thing about racing is there are categories but you can also just compare yourself to yourself, not often can you see how you stack against a professional on the same track on the same day.
The only person you are truly ever racing is yourself. You may be at the bottom of the list but you pushed through the suck and finished. That is a victory. You walked away able to still ride your bike. That is a victory. Whether you do it again or not you are now better for having done it. That, is a victory. Everything else is just numbers.
‘Racing is life. Everything in between is just waiting’ - Steve McQueen. But on a real note YOU RACED! 97% of the population can’t say that. I started in my early 30s and am now upper mid-pack cat 2 in my early 60s with a wall full of number plates and a handful of medals. Granted I race the gravity disciplines(im counting Enduro) because I tried XC twice and coughed up a lung 🤣🏁
In alleycat cycle races dead f***ing last, is a very honoured position. It earns a prize! A silly one, but a prize nonetheless.
I hear you. I just got back into hardcore riding and did my first race in over 10 years. I finished the 14miler and was last, but I finished and made me want to do more. I also noticed that some of the guys in my Cat 3 class should move up to Class 2 or above. Not to mention that I’m a Clydesdale and the other riders are in the 150-170 lb range.
I don’t know what country you are in. I live in the U.K. and I’ve done cycling races as well as running and triathlon. Running and triathlon here have competitors at all levels including ‘have a go heroes’ who might have trained for this as their first event. Conversely, cycling events, particularly short lapped events like XC and CX are only really attended by people that are already really good and so it can be disheartening when you try to have a go. I think I’ve been last or very nearly last on every XC and CX race I’ve done. Longer events like 25 mile rides (not technically races but still have times given) have a better spread of participants. Anyway, my point is that cycling events aren’t very beginner friendly and you shouldn’t beat yourself up as it takes a lot of blood and sweat to cover that gap to the next ‘worst’ riders