Planning The "Season"

It's the beginning of February, which means that my "race season" is fast approaching.  Instead of just floating along aimlessly, I've decided that a little planning is in order to maximize my fun.  I don't foresee any regular cross country races that I'd consider doing, so it looks like from here on out it's endurance racing (not Enduro™, although I'm looking into that stuff too.)

First on the list of course is the 6 Hours of Warrior Creek.  I'm already registered, so it's a given that I'll be there.  No planning necessary.  Just show up, race, drink beer, have a good time.  Probably not in that order.

Next, is a race that I did last year for the first time:

The Jerdon Mountain Challenge was really fun, and it would mark the first time that I'd ever raced in Pisgah.  It's not "Pisgah Proper", I know (be quiet, D-Wayne.)  Anyway, it's definitely on the calendar for this year, and as a matter of fact I've already signed up (registration opened yesterday.)

Even though I;m already in for it, something on the website made me all giddy like a schoolgirl:

New for 2014 – Timed Enduro Section!!! We'll be timing your descent on Heartbreak Ridge! This will allow for a safety accountability of riders mid course and showcase the true descenders in the endurance world.  The timer at the start at the top of Jarrett Creek Road will have a hand held chip reading device and the bottom timer about 1/4 mile before the parking area will have a small structure in place with a chip reading device attached to a laptop computer.  Riders will not need to slow as they enter or exit either timing area but can continue to ride normally along the route.  The “enduro” section will be included with registration fees and applicable for all participants in the event. We'll be handing out Enduro awards too!

Enduro™.  Rad. Looks like I'll be riding the Executor instead of my "race" bike.

With a long season ahead, I have plenty of time to plan the rest of it.  However, there's one race coming up next weekend that I'm still on the fence about.

Yep, I still can't bring myself to commit to the 12 Hours of Santos.  I think I want to, but for some reason I'm having a hard time deciding.  I already have next Friday off from work to drive down there, and with that fancy camper top on my truck, lodging is already taken care of.  I know the trails pretty well (I grew up down there, remember?), and entering a twelve hour race this early in the season could be just what I need to jump start my "training."

There are drawbacks though.

Like, I'm nowhere near ready to stay in the saddle for twelve hours, even if it is in flat Florida.  I've barely been riding this year, and mentally I'm probably not prepared for it.  Plus, it's almost an eight hour drive down there (and the same back, duh), so I'm looking at spending a whole weekend driving, suffering, and camping in my own filth in the back of my truck.

Wait, that kinda sounds fun.

Anyway, this is the part where y'all make up my mind for me.  Do I sign up?  Do I stay here and ride something local-ish?  Do I sit on my couch all weekend and drink beer because the weather suddenly turned shitty?

Should I stay or should I go?

I'm ready to sign up, I'm just waiting for someone to push me.

Y'all know what's best for me. We're like family, you know.

I'm waiting. Hurry up and make my decision for me.