Cross Reference: What to Do?

What to do, what to do? This was my first foray into mountain bike racing since 1992. In 1992 I did one race at Clay's Park and then completely hung up the bike. I didn't touch one again until the summer of 2003. Up until this summer the only racing I have done was a couple partial seasons of cross, never leaving the "C" or beginner field. I just never felt that I was good enough to upgrade to the next level.

Now that my first season of MTB racing is all but over, with the Groovy Series at Vulture's Knob and the 3 race N.E.O. Power Series being over, I am starting to question my plans for future seasons. Do I keep going the way that I am going, muddling along in the beginner class? I have been making it to the podium; a 2nd, a 3rd, a couple of 4th's and an overall win in my age group in the N.E.O. I didn't win a race, but I guess being consistent and showing up all the time is a good thing.

So here is the thought: do I continue to race beginner, hoping for that elusive win? Concentrating on beating the few that have been able to beat me this season? Or do I upgrade, knowing full well that for the next couple of seasons or perhaps forever, I will be nothing but field filler?

By staying where I am at, I will continue to race within my comfort zone. I am comfortable doing one lap. The suffering does not last long. It is not painful. Or, do I leave my comfort zone, knowing full well I am going to get abused, knowing that there is going to be much suffering and pain, knowing that I am going to have to dedicate myself to one idea or the other, because moving up would involve an entire new training schedule.