Success isn't Everything

When your hobby has a competitive element to it, there is always a danger that you can psych yourself out of things and your once favourite past time becomes a chore.

Pilgrim
I have just read Sam Pilgrim's article on Pinkbike. It's a really interesting insight into the life of a professional mountain biker. Pro's are probably the envy of anyone who enjoys riding bikes. The thought of getting to travel the world and riding your bike every day is surely the dream! Well, yes, in theory, but it's not all parties, trails and free bikes.

Careful what you wish for...
Now, I have never been a professional mountain biker, and quite often, the demands of my job get in the way of being able to ride my bike as much as I would like. But when you have big companies supporting you financially in your globetrotting bike riding exploits, there comes an expectation to perform. Especially, in Sam's case, if you are the world champ.

For me, the best thing about mountain biking is being in a stress free environment, being able to get away from all the demands of everyday life and let loose on the trails. That would all change with the weight of expectation.

Whether your sponsors say so or not, it would be difficult to not feel the pressure. Sometimes, even you can be your own worst enemy. It's the same in your 'normal' day jobs. The people who pay the wages expect some level of performance. Throw into the mix that the level of performance requires tricking 30 foot jumps with little margin for error, that would really add some pressure.

Respect
Whether you can sympathise with the pressure that is on professional athlete, surely you can agree that it adds to the respect they earn every time they huck themselves off a kicker or hurl themselves down a mountainside, knowing just what could be on the line.