Originally Posted by merlinextraligh

Most places they won't let you race Masters 45 as a Cat 5. And even if they do, you don't want to. Much better chance of being competitive as a Cat 5.

I'm 49, Cat4. Around here, I find the Cat 4 races a lot easier than the Masters 45.

Ideally, find Masters 35 Cat4/5 races. This way you're racing against people of similar experience and maturity. Not always easy to find though.

Once you put in your 10 races, you can upgrade to 4's and then race either Masters or Cat4.