I made the above post in June last year. I bought the DH rig and got into it. Tried to rush my progress a bit and was planning to do a race last year, until I crashed at the pre-race open day and busted my knee. Complete torn ACL, partial torn MCL and Meniscus. I chose to not get the surgery to repair the ACL so I'm living without it. Was back on the bike after about 2 months, and now ride with a brace on my left knee.
Had another nasty crash in early January when I misjudged a drop, and busted my shoulder and wrist. Shoulder bursitis and strained wrist ligaments. That one kept me off the bike for about 4-6 weeks. Still have some pain in the shoulder and now ride with a brace on my right wrist. Most people I knew were asking why I would keep riding (except my wife who has supported me fully) but it's just to much fun to give up, plus I still had that goal to race.
Anyway, Had my first ever race last weekend in the SEQDH series in Masters 1/2. My goal was to finish in one piece and not come last in my category. I achieved those goals. I was nervous all day and throughout the day I questioned if racing was for me, but then I put down my best run in the race run, and once I was done I realised I had actually had a blast. I had achieved my goal of racing downhill when 18 months ago I'd never ridden a duel suspension bike. The beer tasted sweet that night. Now looking forward to round 2 in a couple weeks.
So that's my long winded fluff story, but my message is to anyone out there thinking of doing it... is just go for it. And thanks to the guys that provided the encouragement.
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