Still a long road ahead

So, yesterday was my first MTB race since November. A very wet course, asking the best of my bike, which (me to blame) it did not have.

I got close to the lead early on, but found myself bored with surroundings, the slippery conditions, and cycling in general. Also, cycling hard was like new to me, not a pleasant experience. I rode my laps lazily, dropping to 15th or so position out of 50. Couldn't bring myself to dig deep. When my brakes failed, I gave up for my own safety, although later in the day I learned these brakes were easily adjusted to work again.

I learned that 3 weeks of careful training does (no longer) make me a race winner. However, I also could tell that the (known to be serieus racers) competition was not all that faster than me, physically. Once againt that conformes to me that I do have athletic talent. It just obviously doesn't mean I am always faster than everybody.

End of next week we'll enter summer time, with longer evening light. MTB practice will become part of my weekly schedule then. Fun as it can be a social event, and it easily sneaks in 3+ hours of excersize on an evening. 2x20km commuting, and full club training over XC-style hills.

By June, I hope to win or come at least close to winning in such lowest-level national races. That would indicate that I'm on the right track. June will be packed with races. The Zoetermeer one I just learned will be 60min on both Saturday and Sunday, they call it a "stage race".