Losing the desire to race, ever?

[ddanger]

Have you ever worried if you'll lose the desire to keep racing?  Be it from finances, a haggling wife or girlfriend, or negative experiences while on/off the track?.
I am worried about losing the desire. Racing is such a big part of my mental well being, I need it.   I can't imagine NOT having it in my life or having it no longer be a part of my personality.

Some say if you are worried about losing the desire, it won't happen. It's when you stop worrying about losing the desire, is when it's time to hang up the leathers.... ?

[JonGu]

Wouldn't it stand to reason that if you lost your desire to race, then it's because you don't need it anymore and that it will cease to become as big a part of your life?

[BigJerm7]

after a crappy finish and feeling like i'm not getting any faster, yes.  sleep on it, and the next day i'm anticipating the next race weekend and/or trackday. 

[Court Jester]

Like BigJerm said, Sunday on the way home I was kicking the bajesus out of myself. the best I could muster was 4 seconds slower than what I've ran at the same track before. But then I came off at 130+ mph my last time there too. But i was still way slower and really didn't feel much like racing.
toady, I'm kind of looking forward to Aug. 18th to hit the track again.

[chaplain220]

ddanger, as a roadracer who has achieved several of your preconditions for discouragement, 1. bone crunching track trauma, 2. Where the heck am I gonna find enough overtime to pay for that!, 3.  My lap times suck.  I believe these qualify me to help ya out.  It's as much a part of the bond of brotherhood and family as it is shaving hundreths of a second off our lap times.  That's why it becomes such a big part of our personality and lives.  Some men are sheep, some wolves, and some are sheepdogs.  Roadracers are sheepdogs, we love the challenge of the battle, but we protect and care for each other, unlike any other racing, team or sport venue.  As with any group we got our moments, but I have seen roadracers settle disputes that would have driven many others to blows, with the greatest patience and respect.  There is a dignity and honor that is hard to put into words as you prepare to go out for the warm up lap, and stop to nod and let a handful of other bikes cruise out ahead of ya.  I don't think you ever truly give it up, cause it always lingers in the heart, balance the time to let the family know ya love em, budget for it, get a good hmo, and let folks know, injuries or not, the defining qualities that make you who you are, can best be seen in torn leathers and our stupid smile after a crash. 

[Super Dave]

Wouldn't it stand to reason that if you lost your desire to race, then it's because you don't need it anymore and that it will cease to become as big a part of your life?

I'm with you there.  Kind of a chicken/egg thing. 

[keebler]

Chaplain220, sounds like you've been reading Dr Grossman's stuff.  Good on ya.

ddanger, not much more can be said to top Chaplain.  However; here is what happened to me.

I raced in Germany for three years.  Came back to the states looking to continue.  Things didn't work out for me right away.  I spent the next 5+ years itching to start again.  I never lost the desire but it was put on hold for all the reasons you mentioned.  But, here I am.  Am I the fastest, no way.  Do I have money and resources out the wazoo, no.  Do I have the desire, ability and support to keep going now, yes.  I will be here until all that leaves me.  Will I walk away ashamed, no.  I am buidling skills and knowledge that can only come from doing it.  I have met some of the best people by becoming apart of this family.  I know I will always be apart of it, even after the desire leaves me.

If you worry about it too much, you will worry yourself right out of racing.  Prepare, plan ahead and keep the family involved.  The desire will be there until you are ready to "hang the leathers".

 

[Jeff]

It also depends on the goals of the individual.  If you're chasing points or doing something which "requires" you to race, you can lose interest quick.

I've gone this route a couple of times and when you're driving 500 miles with no sleep to race in the rain with a half busted bike and a 102 degree fever, it seems too much like work.

On the replacement 'thing'.  I could have never imagined stopping racing.  I feared it (in some respects, I still do).  However, I am spending more time with my wife than I have in the last 7 years and I'm really digging it.  Plus, (as I've also said), I'm getting real fond of having money to spend.  It's been a long time...

Racing was, is and always will be a huge part of my life.  Right now it's just in a different capacity with different challenges, goals and excitement.

[123user]

I'd say the fun factor decreases throughout the season.  All the above stresses combine to make each subsequent weekend a little closer to work.  Without an off season, most of us would be pretty ragged... not to mention completely broke. 

For me, the feeling after the last race of the season is one of relief- kinda like a marathoner... the run was more fun after it was over.

As for a replacement for roadracing... hell, harescrambles are just as fun! 

Trials/trail riding is great... off road with no cops and no calls to listen for... I might even drink a beer at lunch!

[tomholiday]

racing is kind of having an opposite effect on me. this is my novice season and there are a lot of OTHER things in my life that I am either losing interest in or the desire to pursue. mainly work/career, but i can't race if i gots no moola   

there have been a couple of moments of "what the hell am I doing" that overcomes the fun factor, but that was mainly my first race at RA going into T5. i figure there are a ton of ups and downs in racing depending on a given weekend, but isn't that part of the equation? i assume it is different for each of us, and we all do this for our own reasons, but if things start to feel stagnant at a race weekend, then yeah, i would question what i am doing.

there are so many things, besides the actual race, that make it an enjoyable experience i would still be coming to events even if i ever decided to take a break from racing 

[ddanger]

What advice do the veterans have for us who have been racing for a year? How do we stay in this for the long haul without burning out?

One big thing I've learned, is try to minimize my time on forums. I like to keep the track at the track, and computers at home. If you know what I mean.

[Garywc]

if you loose desire it may be because you want something else.
I am already planning on quitting racing or maybe not quitting completely just cutting back to 1 or 2 weekends a year. but thats not until hopefully the end of next year maybe the middle of 08
just because i want to do other things then race 2 sometimes 3 weekends a month

so i guess what i am saying maybe you wont loose desire but you will desire something else more