Man that nails it right on the head! I'm 41 and my first Enduro was Cycleland, 2007. I was just getting back into riding so i was pretty green. After 30 miles or so of hellish heat, humidity and a long miserable battle to get past a creek crossing (that I wouldn't even blink at today!) I was DONE. Totally and completely finished. I thought I was going to die. Sweepers picked me up and I barely managed to ride back to the truck... hand's cramping, legs cramping, stage 4 monkey butt.. gawd it was awful...
BUT, in spite of all that pain and misery, the virus somehow managed to take root inside me! It took a week for my body to recover, but my spirit bounced back very quickly...the reason was because I felt such a sense of accomplishment! I actually raced my motorcycle! Sure I was slow and didn't even finish (and probably nearly croaked) - but who cares? I got off my butt and did something I never imagined I'd do!

The next one was better - i even finished the course! And this year at Concho I miraculously managed to get a 2nd place in 200C! Enduros are never easy, but when you manage to finish there is no better feeling. And if you keep riding and racing then you get better, and that feels good, too!

I don't ride as much as I'd like to, but I sure am glad I do it. I do believe I will never stop riding - barring injury (heaven forbid, knock wood, etc..). Anyway, great story, thanks for posting Chris.