Kelso MTB Series 2025: My Season Recap & What I Learned

This year, I committed fully to racing in the Kelso MTB Series 2025, a 12 MTB race series that pushed me harder than anything I've done on a bike so far. Given I never competed before and I did not know my baseline, I decided to race in the Intermediate category (out of Novice, Intermediate, Sport and Expert).

It started with doubt, slow and inconsistent climbs, and cautious and slow descents, but persistence over races led me to improve significantly througout the season. Every race I was able to climb slightly better, descent faster and be less gassed out after each race.

Kelso became my weekly proving ground to test if I was improving week over week. And as I reffered in an earlier post, the competition side of it just motivated me to improve and follow through better.

It taught me about racing, but more than that, it forced me to learn more about myself, my training, recovery and what it takes to push past my own perveived limits.

What I Learned

1. Start Position Matters

Early races taught me the cost of a poor starting spot. Later in the series, I learned to arrive early and position myself aggressively at the front, wich was essential for staying with the lead pack.

2. Descending Is a Skill I Lacked

In the first races, I was getting dropped in descents all the time. With some youtube sessions and lots of practice, I improved on line choice, braking less, cornering faster, and committing more. But as importantly if not more important, constantly tunning your bike is essential, so that you always have the same trust in you tyres and breaks. By Race 8 and 9, I was confidently faster in the downhill sections.

3. Gear Management is Crucial

In several races, poor gear changes mid-climbs or descents led to dropped chains, lost flow, and even near crashes. Learning the best gear in each section of the race is crucial.

4. Tire Pressure Matters

Running 40 to 45psi in Race 9 was a mistake. It made me skid on climbs, bounce off rocks. I've since locked in 38 to 39psi as my sweet spot for dry days.

Favorite Moments

First Race (Race 2): I was unsure of myself going in, but seeing hundreds of riders at the Kelso starting line fired me up. The climbs destroyed me, and I realzied how cautious and slow I was on the descents, compared to other riders, but finihsing 5th gave me hope I could improve thorughout the season.

First Win (Race 5): Everything worked out despite the mechanical issues. My first taste of racing from the front.

Race 9: A win to minimal mistakes. Even after a full lap warmpup, my legs showed up, my strategy worked and I led from the front.

Racing the Pros (Race 10): Two new riders joined the Intermediate race and I only placed 3rd. I tried to keep up as much as I could, but they were just far better.

Race Finale: The final day wasn't a traditional race but a celebration. Riders competed in fun challenges like the longest wheelie, bike limbo, high limbo, box-out battles, and a steep hill climb contest. It was a great way to close the season with the community.

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Final Thoughts

This MTB series was a exactly what I needed to test my endurance, and mindset. More than winnning, I gained confidence and a better understanding of what my body and bike can do when pushed. I'll be back next year for the Sport category, hopefully, stronger and even more fired up.

📈 Stats for the nerds

Season Overview

• Series Points: Final classification here
• Races Completed: 10 / 12
• Wins: 6
• Podium Finishes: 8
• Pace Improvement: From 3:50/km in Race 4 → 3:23/km in Race 6 (Heat 2 Circuit)
• Missed Races: Race 1 and Race 12

🏁 Race Results Table

Some of my Strava activities