Why Do Amateurs Race? | The Ex Enduro MTB Story

The Ex Enduro is one of the toughest stage races in the UK, with three days, endless climbs, huge descents, and plenty of grit. But what makes this event truly special isn’t the stats, it’s that there's no pros, no prize money, no pressure. Just amateurs who keep coming back year after year. In this short film, I set off to find out why we (amateurs) race mountain bikes. From brutal climbs to adrenaline-fuelled descents, late-night campsite laughs to fist-bumps at the finish line, this is a story about camaraderie, community, and what racing really means when the stopwatch isn’t everything and you're not paid to do it. Along the way, I share my own reflections and speak to fellow riders about what keeps them racing bikes. Along the way I figure out that racing isn’t just about speed, maybe it’s about belonging. 🎥 Huge thanks to Joey Millward (@JoeyMillwardCreative) and the organisers of the The Ex Enduro for letting me use some of his footage to bring this story to life. 👇 I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments: Why do you race? Or why do you avoid it? Big thanks to my sponsors, Trek, Shimano and Granite Tools, for making this YouTube channel possible. I love you guys. If you enjoyed this story, don’t forget to subscribe to follow more MTB adventures, races, and story-driven rides. #EnduroMTB #TheExEnduro #AnnaOnTheBike