I love my bike
Raced road bikes, track bikes, XC mountain bikes, and BMX bikes.
I still race BMX but mostly ride dirt jumps and skate parks with a little downhill if I feel like taking a road trip. But if I'm not working, I'm probably on my bike somewhere.
I gave up the spandex though but it is fun to rip guys on the singletrack while wearing flat pedals and some cargo shorts.
But I was roadie so I understand you have no choice so I don't blame you
BTW, you said you want to bust out of cat 5, what do you race? Crits?