Well not going to the Grands this year means racing season is pretty much over for us. To tell you the truth I'm pretty happy about it. For anyone who didn't know this is the first year I've ever raced BMX. Racing has been a really rad experience for a handful of reasons. 

First and foremost the people. The community can seem intimidating from the outside looking in with all the expensive bikes, gear and amount of professionalism people put into their setups, which often include trailers and pit areas with sponsor support. But we all are just there because we love riding bikes and I didn't meet anyone who I felt lost sight of that. I got really hurt at the first race of the year but was shown a lot of support and care from people I had never meet before and will never forget that. 

Second the personal challenge and competition. I'm not new to riding it's something I have always done but it has never been something that I have been competitive with so lining up with 7 other guys with the goal beating them around a track at 31 yrs old was foreign to me and I had to adapt to it. I felt like my mindset was right, like I was there to win but I had to calm my nerves down, understand my strengths and weaknesses and learn to ride with a clear head. The more I raced the less I cared about how I did and just let the laps happen and often times rode better than when I would put pressure on myself. 

Personal goal setting/achieving has been very fulfilling. Before the season started I wanted to be racing intermediate by the end of the season. After I got hurt I just wanted to return. Then I wanted to get a top 3 state plate. But most of my goals were lines and jumps I wanted to do at different tracks. I finished the year with 13 wins (4 Novice, 9 Intermediate) out of 20 races and a state 1 plate but I do not expect the same results next year if/when I turn expert. I have a lot work to do on and off the bike to get ready for next year but am really looking forward to it. Speaking of that I know nothing about programming for workouts, sprints or plyometrics if someone wants to PM me some stuff that would be really cool! 

Finally the family aspect. My 2 youngest kids showed an interest in racing last year and that's what lead us to this point. Every weekend they were there with me lined up with a group of their peers ready to race. Mom and Dad watching and cheering. BMX has a lot of life lessons to teach. There are no shortcuts, success is earned in blood and sweat. You can't be scared to fail. You have to face your fears head on. When you fall get back up and finish. Sportsmen ship and supporting others. You are more capable than you think you are, sometimes you just have to trust yourself. And finally "If you make your main, I'll buy you a slurpee". 

The racing season is long! Too long probably and by the end it's easy to feel burnt out. I think it's the formality and repetition of showing up every weekend, doing a few gates, getting registration done, fighting the mob to look at moto's, riding 2-3 40sec laps over the next 2+ hours and then breaking down and heading home. It's fun don't get me wrong but it's not the riding I know. It feels somewhat forced in a sport for me that has always been more spontaneous and each session unique so a similar experience each week makes it feel stale.

I am however rejuvenated and appreciate the time I spend riding skateparks or Dirtjumps and will work to find a better balance going into next year. Next years goals are to do the state series again, gold cup and possibly 2-3 nationals. 

Colorado has SO much good stuff to ride! 7 different tracks, Unreal bike parks like Valmont and Rubyhill, dialed Dirtjumps/trails like Barnum, Frisco and other spots and more skateparks per capita than anywhere in the country. I feel grateful for the people who have made that a reality and will continue to enjoy the opportunity that provides.