I've spent 40-50 thousand (possibly more) in the last 4 or 5 years riding. (That's 3 bikes, parts, gear, fuel in the bikes on racing/joy rides and in the truck pulling to and from the track). Broken bones, messed up joints, been knocked out a few times. Lost gfs due to my racing, decided to skip the odd thing to advance my career if it interfered with some important race... Sounds all horrible.
But, I've met the most amazing people in my life who are now as close as family. I've traveled places I wouldn't have gone, and more and more doors are opening to travel to awesome places and do cool events most people won't get to do.
I've started to get to know people in the Canadian MX "machine" and doors are opening for me, and I feel really lucky for that.
I've learned more about what I'm made of, what I'm willing to sacrifice and willing to do in order to race. Each year that seems to get more and more extensive so I can progress further and further. Luckily I have a supportive gf now that loves the smell of race gas, likes camping out at the track, is a scrounge with money so she's ok with cheap dates and is appreciating the fact I'm in the gym twice a day to get ready for next season.
Would I trade it? Hell no, this was my dream since I could talk as according to my mom "bike" was my first word.
I have a dream one day of building an airplane, and always thought that the $ side would make that impossible. And then this summer I calculated how much I've spent and realized that with all the time and money I've spent doing this I would have my plane in the air by now.
But, what can I say... I'm addicted to twisting that throttle and eatin' roost!
Cheers 
