I devoted a year to XC RACING & the results SURPRISED me | My Mountain Bike Journey Continues
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- čas přidán 19. 05. 2024
- xc racing mountain bike
Dive into my year-long journey of XC racing my as I share the highs, lows, and unexpected outcomes in this gripping video. From blind runs to heart-pounding races, I devoted a season to learn the art of cross-country mountain bike racing. Join me as I reflect on the challenges, the mistakes, and the surprising results that came from pushing my limits and embracing the world of XC racing. 🌲🏁 #XCRacing #MountainBiking #MTB
Thanks to my friends that contributed footage, pics, advice and help during the season to help make this video possible.
The Equipment Used in this video.
Polygon Syncline C5
bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/DKKy3G
Upgrades Made Throughout the racing season:
Check out this video: • The Diminishing Return...
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I’m a 47yo dad and did my first year of XC racing. It was a super rewarding experience on so many levels. Congrats on your season
It's very rewarding. Congrats on your season as well!
Way to go!!
Congrats. I’m about to turn 50 and trying to decide if I want to switch to road from mtb. Time for new bike.
I'm 42 and overweight. But I'd like to give it a go. Thanks for sharing your journey. Awesome work.
I just started racing last year at 54 years old. Love the short track races. I won the overall local 4 race cat 3 series on a hardtail. Just got a full sus bike. Never thought the sport was as tough as it actually is. I train every other day, all 4 seasons. Keeps me in great shape. Congrats on your success.
Thank you. Congrats on your win!! I'm a couple of years younger than you. The hardest part seems to be keeping up on training and diet. I gotta stay disciplined! Best of luck on your racing efforts!
I gotta say that I'm impressed with how many people you were passing toward the end; I felt out of breath just watching. It's encouraging to see this from someone who is relatively new to XC racing, for someone like myself who has yet to even try it. Also, there seems to be merit in pacing one's self in the beginning and then making passes later on.
Thanks. There was a big field of racers. Pacing is definitely important. Knowing when to get on it and when to back off. Pacing with the lead group in particular. You'll know pretty quickly where you stand relative to your fellow competitors...and you'll adjust accordingly both on and off the race course. Best of luck in your racing efforts! 💪
Its crazy raceway is becoming something. We’d goof off in those woods during our high school days. Round 2018 the place started to gain traction. I used to run crystal lake ski and bike, we would perform free bike maintenance at the trail Head during the Tuesday night group rides. Some of the best memories I have are at that trail system
They've done some great work out there!
Awesome compilation of your racing season. XC racing is tougher than it looks. I’ve raced a few within the last couple years and it was an eye opening experience. I found out it was easier to get out front early and maintain a cadence than it was to sit middle pack and over work to get around slower riders. Best of luck to you in your training. Look forward to seeing your progress.
Absolutely. XC is no joke. Takes a lot of effort to do well. Thanks for watching! 🙏
I raced pretty hardcore in my 20s. Now that I’m 40+ I’m looking at getting back into it. Came across your video in the process to getting back. My heart was racing after your crash at the meltdown. I felt your pain as something similar has happened to me. About 100 yards from the finish after 18 miles of riding, I bonked. Legs completely cramped and locked up. I couldn’t pedal. 1 rider at a time I saw my effort go away. I eventually crawled across the finish line. Great riding and keep at it.
Thanks! That's the drama of racing. A good effort can fall apart in an instant. Best of luck with your return to racing!
Hey man looking forward to season 2, maybe better nutrition plan would unlock more gains 💪💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥 some technical training.. you got this!!! podium spot 🙏😀
i am 37 years old. I started riding xc races 2 years ago and it was a challenge. I ride a cheap aluminum hardtail with clipless pedals. I ride an indoor trainer during the winter. I consider it a success if I end up in the better half, but I usually end up in the middle or worse. 😅 your results are really great 👌🫡 greetings from Slovakia 😊
We have a local trail system here that is ok, but in high need of maintenance. Downed trees blocking, brush over the trails,.... Man it's been a while and I chickened out on a decent and walked it. Probably too much air in my tire, because it seemed my bike was sliding off every flat rock and pebble... Fell off twice, pretty hard. I also get back in the shifting game...I had to jump off a few times coming around a smooth section, then a surprise uphill, where I had no time to shift down, so...ended up losing pedal and jumping off lol .
So yah, it's not easy.....
The sad music at the end of tje race was epic 😂😂😂
Interesting. My main lesson from this year was that mistakes are costly and fatigue leads to mistakes.
Truth!
I've been on a mountain bike since 2016 but recently started riding again more seriously. I have watched ALOT of mtb videos and this was by far one of the more interesting and entertaining videos I have watched. Thanks for sharing the story!
Thank you! 🙏 So glad you enjoyed it! 😁
You got a new subscriber. I love these xc races with commentary. I'm about to turn 50 and took back up mountain biking after nearly 20 years of back problems, 3 back surgeries, and other health issues that have kept me from it.
I've completely changed my diet and way of living, lost 60 pounds, and am doing things I NEVER imagined I'd ever do again.
I've never competed in a race before, but watching videos like this are inspiring to me. It's made me see that just simply entering and finishing is just as much of an accomplishment as being world class and coming in first.
Maybe I'll make one of my goals at age 50 to compete in one of these.
Again, thanks for the videos!
I'm glad to hear about your return to mtb after those health issues. They are hard to overcome! The most important challenge is against yourself. Keep at it. You're ahead of the game at this point.Thank you for watching and welcome 🙏
You are right. Never under estimate yourself and never sell yourself short.
Great job sticking with it.
You an inspiration👍
Thank you! 🙏
Those pedals killed you bro 👊🏽, you did amazing, the conditions and the mud were crazy sketchy af , you did good bro 🙌🏼🙌🏼👍🏾
Crazy awesome video! Thanks for bringing us along on your journey and for letting me be a part of it. Great story telling in this video. You definitely improved a ton over the season!
Thanks Rico. The video wouldn't have been the same without you!
I decided XC was harder than I expected as well. Back in 94 - 95 during the Hawaii NORBA Series I tried to treat it like a fast pace trail ride and was grossly mistaken. After 2 races I ditched my XC aspirations for DH/Free ride and never looked back. Now 55 and still enjoy a nice DH rides and weekends at local SoCal parks. Spotted you a sub because of your devotion. 🤘🏾
Thank you! 🙏 I love riding DH. Just wish I was closer to some real mountains, lol.
Great to watch. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
After having 7 years off biking I got my self a new XC bike, I'm 34 tomorrow and looking at getting into racing. This video gave me good inspiration to get training with what little time i have.
We love this video! Oh, and nice ride! 😉
Love you guys! Love the bike! Thanks!
Excellent story with some great drama that had me rooting for you! What fun.
Thank you! 🙏
Dude, at soon to be 59 (and a young one at that) haven’t rode MTB for 40 years, I’m throwing myself back on the mule and riding, hopefully adding some races in 2024 to my schedule.
Keep you posted.
You’re an inspiration!!
Keep going!!!
Thanks and welcome back to mountain biking! Enjoy!
You're first place in my book! 😘 I'm proud of all your hard work and dedication. I'm blown away by what you accomplish. This was a great video. You're a talented storyteller and gifted filmmaker. I cried when your seat got messed up and people started passing you. 😭
🤗🤗🤗
that's awesome, I'm looking at trying xc racing in 2024 at age 46
It's worth it! I'm 52 and I'm glad I did it.
I’m 62 and you will be eating my dust….
Excellent video. Nice work. FYI, Im the dude who took the third place spot at Raceway.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video! It was a fun race.
I love Sid and Mackie videos, they rock
Awesome effort and amazing video champ. Keep going 👍🏽💪🏾
Dude, such a fun video. Well done!
Nice work . Thanks for posting. I did something similar out here in the North West. After hip replacement surgery, decided to make some changes. I race a carbon stumpjumper. Been doing for 6 years now. Very rewarding! Ps. Crank brothers clipless peddles work better in mud. 🤘
Thanks. It's great having that sense of purpose that comes with racing.
Nice one Homie!💪
Thanks! 🙌
Thanks for sharing your season! Getting me pump for next year.
Great effort, buddy! While your races might not have gone exactly as planned, remember, it's all about the journey. I rocked Yankee Springs this year in 1:04 on my fat bike - how'd you do? I even tackled it blind. Pre-riding could be a game-changer for your next race; it worked wonders for me.
In terms of training, gravel races intertwined with mountain biking really boosted my endurance. Those short punchy climbs become a breeze after hitting the hilly gravel paths. I suggest gearing up for Iceman in 2024 - yes, it's a bit gravel-heavy, but the mix of two tracks and single track makes it a blast.
Considering your 2023 experience, I'd say give racing another shot in 2024. Grab a fat bike for winter training - it worked wonders for me. Armed with the knowledge of 2023, I'm confident you'll crush it in 2024. Keep that determination alive and pedal on! 🚵♂️💪
Thanks! Great job on your performance! 🙌 I was about 1:20 or so. Not good. Having ridden the trail and having Gopro footage of it should help. I think I would do the Time Trial again. Really enjoyed it despite the result. Until then, I need to get back to training. Im definitely looking into some other forms of racing for preparation. Thanks for watching and the encouragement.🙏Have a great riding season!
Nicely done...you stayed in the race! Ill bet you will on the podium in 2024
🤞🤞
Excellent videos and explanations. Beautifully edited. Bravo ! Look fwd to more
Excellent journey! Thanks for sharing!
You shoulda made podium on that one race, they shouldn’t have let that one guy take it since he started 2 mins early
Yeah, typically, something like that results in a DQ. More motivation for me to get faster. 🙂
Man. the footage of the final climb up the grassy hill was VISCERAL.
My legs were burning and I was breathing hard. It felt like a dream in which I had to run through thick pudding and couldn't quite get through it. Of ALL of the p.o.v
bike videos I've watched, not one has had such an effect as your struggle up the hill.
Wow.
Thanks for capturing and sharing your journey. It was vulnerable and authentic.
Nice work.
Thank you! 🙏
Thanks for sharing this video! You need: core workouts, leg workouts, more downhill riding, walk/run that bike at difficult climbs, and be more explosive when riding. Please keep posting videos. Thanks again.
Thanks for the tips! Much more to work on to get better. Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video. 😁
Hey Howley!!!! You one bad shredder!!!! Valiant effort!!!! As they say champions are made in the off season. There’s plenty of winter left to fine tune and tweak!!! Next season will be the best season!!!!
I bust my stick. I shred so bad. 😄 Thanks. I got some work ahead of me for sure.
This was awesome. I ride all 3 but have avoided meltdowns. Next year will be my first. Thanks for creating this!
The Meltdown is a fun race. You'll enjoy it! Thanks for watching! 🙏
great storytelling mate! cant wait for more videos like this
Thanks!
Wow that was good to watch and inspirational.
Well done. Really enjoyed the video and love the XC racing. Rock on next year!
Thanks! 🙏 Glad you enjoyed the video!
Congrats to your progress, really nice video, enjoyed to watch your journey of progress.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
That was fun! Great job. 👍
That was fun! Thanks for bringing us along!
Thanks Craig! Glad you enjoyed it!
So inspiring. 4 years ago I was an avid rider and competing well. I moved to an area that doesn't offer much in the way of cycling much less xc or single-track. This year I'm putting in miles and looking forward to hearing the moots bells and the burning legs and lungs that means an on time finish with fist bumps and hi fives at the finish line. Pedal on!
Glad you enjoyed the video! 🙂 Good luck with your return to racing!
"Exhibit Humility While Learning" wow..I like that part dude..nice message in the last part.
Thanks! It's always been the right formula for anything that I've done successfully over the years.
Great watch on the trainer on this 36 degree rainy December day. Thanks!
💪💪 Thank you for watching!
Great true personal account of your season - inspiring for a returning XC after 20+ years away from the discipline over here in the UK. Your video was just the motivation needed! Cheers!
Thanks! 🙏 Glad you enjoyed it! Best of luck on your return to racing.
Great video, thanks for bringing us along for the journey!
Thanks!
Nice work, man! What an eventful season! You’ve got some will power to get through all that.
Thanks. It was a lot of work. Especially off the course. I wanted to be lazy. LOL
Can't believe I'd never found your channel before! That was great to watch!
Thank you for sharing, looking forward to future adventures.
Thanks!🙏 Welcome!
I just stumbled on your Channel. The fantastic name caught my attention. As I watched the opening minutes, I was pretty sure I was seeing Palos, and sure enough, I was! I moved to the Chicago area this past year. I was specific in moving to the that area as it is the only real MTB riding in Chicagoland. Hope to bump into you sometime. Great video. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you! 🙏 I'm glad you enjoyed it. Palos is a great spot. I ride there a lot in the summer. If you see me, flag me down and say hello.
Been there. Some of us just dont have the top athlete genetics that others have. I fall into this category. Training hard meant improvements but I wasnt going to win any races. Learned to start in back of pack and pick my way forward because getting passed a ton had negative psychological impact. A lot of these races came down to just trying to finish or setting a PR for a particular trail. For most of us middle of pack riders or less, its about competing with ourselves.
Definitely. We do it because we enjoy it and derive some personal benefit. That's all that matters in the end.
Congratulations on your commitment and your results. well done.
Thanks!
Great video! Very interesting. Good job on the racing👍
Thank you! 🙏
Love the video and content. Great job completing all these events and documenting/editing your efforts. Bravo.
Some thoughts brain dump from a 20 year plus veteran mtb/cx/road rider and former cycling coach: I see you changed out your front fork to one with a lock out-hard to tell ( see your fork bouncing at 18:39 in the video = wasted effort), but use that lock out on your race starts and anyplace that is semi flat-get out of that saddle and sprint - practice those sprint starts 1-3x per week in a grass field months before race season, consider the Time ATAC 6/8 pedals as an option (also you must practice clipping in/out with both feet (don't look down). You need to spend more time training in whatever your zone 3, zone 4 and zone 5 are. Zwift has training plans to help with this, basically you are acclimating your body/heart/lungs to sit in those zones if that makes sense, if you want to hurt you need to train your body to accept the hurt so to speak. Same with the leg power and climbing - if you want to climb better, be faster, you must go climb hills (on a road bike/gravel bike). Go learn to be an efficient climber on your road and gravel bike, push pull all the way around the pedal stroke. Work on your core and flexibility (Yoga is excellent in winter, go to gym for circuit training). Increase your 20 min watt (power number). If it's 200 now, set a realistic goal to raise it over 4-6 months. 275-300 watts for 20 min would make you a competitive mtb/cx/road racer. Work on your lines (find a familiar trail, that isn't too hilly, try to ride it faster and faster without using your brakes, work on carving those turns like an F1 driver). If you are going to race those rocky races again - get the fatest-fastest tires on that HT of yours - it will help the rollover and cushion your body, learn to right lighter. Learn to let go of those brakes and commit to the trail and drive the bike where you want to go. Play with tire pressures, document what you use (keep a record) - use what works. RE: Clipless pedals - work on doing single leg drills on your bike or bike/trainer - full circle and fluid. And, not sure what your weight/height are, but any lbs you can lose will always convert over to faster times on any bike (generally). Nutrition while racing is also a whole other discussion, but very very important. Great job on your season. Lastly - smile, have fun and set realistic goals to keep cycling and racing fun - burnout is possible as a beginner or expert or pro. Holler if you have questions. 👍🚴♂🏋♂
Great stuff! Thank you. I'm going to save all this.
Great video men 😊,I racer many years now have 3 full suspension bikes never go back to hardtail, think about that 👍my new Whiller have just 10,5 kg
💪Nice season!!! And great video !!!❤️
Thanks! 😁
Ths was a really good videoo! I've often wondered about trying racing out and this was really a great glimpse of somebody just starting out racing and progressing! Your narration was awesome I love the way you really did this whole video!
😁 I'm so glad everyone is enjoying this video and maybe getting some inspiration. Thank you for watching!
That race with the tunnel had trails that are like those that all my local XC races have, minus the tunnel :)
Full suspension XC bike is the right way to go!
An XC full suspension would have been a good idea for sure.
Awesome video……I watched it while on the trainer and made me push even harder as it felt like I was in the race. Good job and thanks for sharing 👍
I'm so happy people are enjoying this one. Thanks for watching! 🙏
nice progress
Thanks! 😁
The spirit of competition is an amazing motivator. Don’t be too hard on yourself though. Compare yourself to other racers apples and apples is a easy way to bury yourself in minutia that doesn’t matter. As long as you progress and improve on your last effort, and more importantly, have fun is all that matters.
Thank you.. Competition can easily go from being enjoyable to downright stressful if you're not careful.
Thanks for sharing this.. I really loved this. Well done also.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
That looks like a blast. I enjoyed this immensely. I think this is a goal for me.
It was a lot of work, but the gains were worth it!
Great video. I really enjoyed watching this
Thanks!
Amazing.. I just want to say that hill at the end of palos and feeling all your pain with that seat and muddy situation had my heart pounding lol hoping you didn't wipe on that last hill!! So glad you finished, and this is an awesome change to the pro jump this and pro berm that. Feels like a win for us bramblers!!
Thanks. I almost passed out on that last climb. Lol. So glad you enjoyed it!
I race xc for my high school and it is amazing I love it
Thank you for sharing!!
Yeah I can dig it
Clipless pedals are a must for XC racing. You can plow through so much roughness without fear of loosing a pedal.
And you can pull like crazy if you need to sprint.
Fantastic i had a blast you are awesome.
I have my first XC race this march and your video gave me a complete different perspective.
Learned a lot from your video thanks so much.
Greetings from San Pedro de Atacama a very dry place in northern Chile.
Thank you for watching! Good luck to you on your racing efforts in beautiful Chile.
Really great story and man what a crazy adventure you went on! Way to stick thru all that hell climbing while under the clock and super impressive fitness level. Top 10 after all that is awesome 💪
Thanks, Jason! This one came together nicely. Thanks for watching. 🙏
Great video what an experience
Great self documentary, gave a real good indication of what it takes to race XC.
Thanks!
So good! Great job 💯🤙🏾
Thanks!
Very fun video great job!!
Self-talking is great for videos. Much more interesting than silence.
Nice work. Cool to see courses elsewhere in the US. A lot different than what we have out here in the PNW.
Thanks. It's very different. I'd love to get back out to the PNW. It's been a while.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey and your experience! At 44 years old, I now feel inspired and more curious to perhaps join a race or 2 next year.
It's very rewarding. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video 👍
That was AWESOME!!
Thank you! 😁
Really really enjoyed this! Great work dude.
Thanks Kyle! Glad you enjoyed it!
Inspiring, I’m 64 and racing xc. I struggle with stuff. My races are 30 miles in FL endurance series. Keep going. Subscribed
Thank you! Talk about inspiration. I hope I'll be able to race like that in my 60s. All the best to you! 💪.
Man that is awesome! My hats off to you. I’m about to turn 48 and have been racing amateur enduro and always ending the race last or close enough to last. After this year I have decided to go into XC for 2024 just simply because enduro is not regulated and semi pro riders are riding in the amateur divisions and taking the glory. I’m in the same boat as you once was. I’m looking to buy an XC bike but I also don’t have a lot of money to spend. I’m looking forward to this new and next journey. You give me hope man! Glad I saw your vid tonight. 👍🏻
Thanks for watching. Get out there and give it your best. I just turned 52. I'm still learning and loving it! 💪
Awesome video!!!
Awesome challenge and killer progress! 🤙💯
Thanks! 😁
Nice to see riders that from their apparel don't seem to be native XC riders still doing an XC race.
In my local races, almost everyone are true XC riders. Tight lycra galore 😁
A mix of people for sure. Our local trails are mostly XC, but most riders in the area don't like to wear lycra lol. Even I avoid wearing it. I wore an XC jersey but regular MTB shorts. 😀. Also, I am old and start in one of the last waves, so there is a lot of passing of more casual racers in the groups ahead.
I enjoyed ur video. I’m glad u straightened out that Garmin, it makes the processing of everything better when the Garmin is in line with tire. Also u got third! That guy in wrong field was his fault or the promoters. It wasn’t a time trial so time is irrelevant. U can only race who is there. U weren’t doing a Strava segment! Nice work!
Thanks. I thought about complaining but decided to let it go. I won't in the future. In all fairness to that guy, he did finish ahead of me in every race after that. So Idk if the result would've been different. I'll have to get better and leave no doubts.
Great video! Thank you!
Great video, I haven't done an XC race in 20 years and am now feeling motived to start training and give it a go next year. I've also been using clipless for 20+ years and might prefer flats in those mud conditions, that race looked tough!
Thanks for watching! Racing is a great motivation to get/stay fit.
Nice work Frank, and great video. LMK if you ever wanna work on the skills. One of my favorite local tech trails is in yer backyard ;)
Thanks Randy! Hope to ride with you again soon. I'll take all the help I can get! 😃
Solid Video ..... 🎉 Best regards from Guam 🇬🇺 USA 🎉
Thank you 🙌
This is very inspiring to me. I've only participated in 2 xc races this year, but never actually finished any. (failed first one due to brake issue on a bike i borrowed... Failed the second one because I crashed while surveying the track and it damaged the bottom bracket)
I aspire to be an XC racer despite school sometimes being busy, and I am inspired now to train both on and off the bike (i started mtb fairly recently) also.... I do admit I'm bad at overtaking and descending on an xc bike so those are skill points I need to develop. Mostly I have a bit of a fear especially with short but steep downhill sections and I need help with that
Don't give up! Stay focused on your goal. If steep downhills are a weakness, there are many good MTB coaches on CZcams. Try Fluid Ride or Roxys Ride and Inspire. They are very good at teaching techniques. Then practice practice practice. Good luck with your racing efforts! 💪💪
@@AdrenalineIsLife Thank you very much, I will go to a trail to practice this weekend and I'll take their advice on shifting the weight back more on descents too
Looking forward to watching this!!
You're gonna love this one!
Hey! Nice racing season and video edits! Keep it up! Mechanicals are always a bummer:( better luck next time!
BTW seeing you overtake a lot of guys relatively easy my take is that you might upgrade for the Sport Cat next year💪🏻
Thanks. I'll most likely be racing sport in all events next year.
Well I think you did very well , loved your video buddy, I’m starting at 49, need some luck lol, be lucky ❤
Thanks! 🙏It's never too late to get started. There lots of people in their 60s and 70s are doing it. Training, diet, and a lot of stretching help. 😃Best of luck to you.
@@AdrenalineIsLife thankyou🤛💪👍
just entered the lottery for Leadville last night! ive done 3 full ironman races but have never done a mountain bike race. nervous. this video helps motivate me. Thanks
I hope to do Leadville one of these days. But I've got a lot of work to do before that! Best of luck💪💪. Thank you for watching! 🙏