Why do you enter mountain bike races?

There are a lot of good reasons to enter a mountain bike race.

By Jeff Barber
December 8, 2024

6 comments

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Mention to a neighbor or co-worker that you raced your mountain bike over the weekend, and chances are decent that they’ll ask, “Did you win?” 🤦‍♂️

Yes, mountain bike races are about competition, but I’d wager that for the majority of riders, it’s about something else. Racing is fun, it’s a great fitness motivator, and an excuse to ride new places — just to name a few of the reasons we race!

If you’ve never entered a race, tell us what’s holding you back in the comments below. Chances are that, whatever your reason, there’s at least one good argument above to give it a try in 2025!

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6 Comments

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thebadpixel Delaware // 2022
Dec 9, 2024

I never liked racing. Mountain biking to me is either riding by myself at whatever pace I'm comfortable with or riding with friends and talking, having fun and experiencing the trails together. I raced a few times when I was younger and hated it. I've participated in many jamboree or organized group ride events and MUCH prefer that vibe.

3 reply

Bontrager fan 1972 New South Wales // 2023
Dec 8, 2024

I don't race due to my type two diabetes complications . There is no point in me participating , as I have no chance of a win . Mountain bike riders are mostly ruthless nowadays , compared to what they were in the 1990's , when I competed . I am in my mid 50's . I do builds and repairs for other cyclists , though .

1 reply

mrtonyd Colorado // 2024
Dec 9, 2024

Races are also nice to have courses to yourself or be directional. The aid stations are nice to have too if its a longer course so you don't have to carry as much.

2 reply

highland.hippie Queensland // 2021
Dec 9, 2024

I started with XC racing initially (primarily because I came from another endurance sport: trail running). That was mostly for giving me fitness targets etc.

But I've since moved on through Gravity Enduro towards DH racing.

I'm loving the puzzle solving of DH racing. Having a weekend to analyse a single track, figure out how to ride it, then how to ride it better. Hopefully culminating in being able to get down as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

A different kind of fitness is required. It can be quite exhausting by the end of the weekend. But I mostly seek and enjoy puzzling it all out, and trying to progress my skills as I go.

FastFuelEx Ohio // 2022
Dec 9, 2024

Without a race scheduled, I can’t stay motivated everyday. I live for racing but not worried winning.

Schmidt911 England // 2019
Dec 8, 2024

You should allow for more than one choose on that poll.

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