Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you enjoyed this video and you want to see more content like this * *PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE.*

XC racing is just a battle of pride...and that makes it hard...

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

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.

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.

Hey man looking forward to season 2, maybe better nutrition plan would unlock more gains 💪💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥 some technical training.. you got this!!! podium spot 🙏😀

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. 👍🚴‍♂🏋‍♂

Excellent video. Nice work. FYI, Im the dude who took the third place spot at Raceway.

The sad music at the end of tje race was epic 😂😂😂

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.

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.

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 😊

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.

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!

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

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!

I'm on a similar journey, nice job! Thanks for sharing!

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! 😉

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!!!

that's awesome, I'm looking at trying xc racing in 2024 at age 46

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!

You shoulda made podium on that one race, they shouldn’t have let that one guy take it since he started 2 mins early

Interesting. My main lesson from this year was that mistakes are costly and fatigue leads to mistakes.

I love Sid and Mackie videos, they rock

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. 🤘🏾

Dude, such a fun video. Well done!

Excellent story with some great drama that had me rooting for you! What fun.

You are right. Never under estimate yourself and never sell yourself short. Great job sticking with it. You an inspiration👍

Self-talking is great for videos. Much more interesting than silence.

Very fun video great job!!

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! 🚵‍♂️💪

Ride it first THAT HOUR chill, then second third or fourth trip turn up the pace. Tar snakes, leaves, debris, sun in your eye, unexpected blind corner, it's all there.

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. 🤘

nice progress

That was fun! Great job. 👍

Thank you for sharing!!

I race xc for my high school and it is amazing I love it

Yeah I can dig it

Thanks for the video 👍

Excellent journey! Thanks for sharing!

Great video! Thank you!

Clipless pedals are a must for XC racing. You can plow through so much roughness without fear of loosing a pedal.

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.

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.

Wow that was good to watch and inspirational.

Great video what an experience

Awesome effort and amazing video champ. Keep going 👍🏽💪🏾

Awesome video!!!

Thanks for sharing your season! Getting me pump for next year.

Excellent videos and explanations. Beautifully edited. Bravo ! Look fwd to more

Great to watch. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

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!

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.

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!

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. 😭

Nicely done...you stayed in the race! Ill bet you will on the podium in 2024

Love the video

Nice one..Well attempted...

That was fun! Thanks for bringing us along!

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!!!!

great storytelling mate! cant wait for more videos like this

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!

That was AWESOME!!

Great video, thanks for bringing us along for the journey!

So good! Great job 💯🤙🏾

Looking forward to watching this!!

Well done. Really enjoyed the video and love the XC racing. Rock on next year!

I like your mindset. Have you heard about the Marji Gesick in the UP.

Really really enjoyed this! Great work dude.

Awesome video. Loved it.

Awesome challenge and killer progress! 🤙💯

Nice work, man! What an eventful season! You’ve got some will power to get through all that.

💪Nice season!!! And great video !!!❤️

Great video! Very interesting. Good job on the racing👍

This was awesome. I ride all 3 but have avoided meltdowns. Next year will be my first. Thanks for creating this!

Congrats to your progress, really nice video, enjoyed to watch your journey of progress.

Love the video. good job .

I like your patriotic gloves!

Great video. I really enjoyed watching this

Inspiring....

Congratulations on your commitment and your results. well done.

Thanks for sharing this.. I really loved this. Well done also.

Good video

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!

Can't believe I'd never found your channel before! That was great to watch! Thank you for sharing, looking forward to future adventures.

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 💪

"Exhibit Humility While Learning" wow..I like that part dude..nice message in the last part.

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 for your videos, greetings from Spain.

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

That looks like a blast. I enjoyed this immensely. I think this is a goal for me.

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 👍

Beautiful video.

Good job!

Great watch on the trainer on this 36 degree rainy December day. Thanks!

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!

Nice one Homie!💪

Solid Video ..... 🎉 Best regards from Guam 🇬🇺 USA 🎉

Great video! Hope to see you in a race sometime.