How old is too old to start racing?
#1
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Southeast
Posts: 356
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 45 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
How old is too old to start racing?
I have been riding for a while, around 7 years, and would really like to get into racing. I'm 46 and I do a couple centuries every year but nothing competitive. Just wondering how many here started racing later in life?
#2
Announcer
Plenty of room for more racers at any age, really.
But you should know that even at the ripe old age of 46 things are very competitive. You'll be racing against people who've been doing it for decades.
Join some fast groups and get used to the argy bargy nature of racing. Learn some of the skills and techniques of racing. (If there was a book I could recommend, I would. None come to mind.) Racing is much different than riding tours.
But man, is it fun.
But you should know that even at the ripe old age of 46 things are very competitive. You'll be racing against people who've been doing it for decades.
Join some fast groups and get used to the argy bargy nature of racing. Learn some of the skills and techniques of racing. (If there was a book I could recommend, I would. None come to mind.) Racing is much different than riding tours.
But man, is it fun.
#4
Senior Member
I started riding at 44, and started racing at 45. Not very successfully though. Go for it. Why sit on the couch watching football like a normal person when you have the option of subjecting your self to long intervals of extreme discomfort instead.
Last edited by koolerb; 11-20-15 at 04:41 PM.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Plenty of room for more racers at any age, really.
But you should know that even at the ripe old age of 46 things are very competitive. You'll be racing against people who've been doing it for decades.
Join some fast groups and get used to the argy bargy nature of racing. Learn some of the skills and techniques of racing. (If there was a book I could recommend, I would. None come to mind.) Racing is much different than riding tours.
But man, is it fun.
But you should know that even at the ripe old age of 46 things are very competitive. You'll be racing against people who've been doing it for decades.
Join some fast groups and get used to the argy bargy nature of racing. Learn some of the skills and techniques of racing. (If there was a book I could recommend, I would. None come to mind.) Racing is much different than riding tours.
But man, is it fun.
Anywho... Dead is too old. Are you dead? No? Then you are not too old.
#7
Ninny
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: The Gunks
Posts: 5,295
Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 686 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
@EventServices your blog link is dead btw.
#8
OMC
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 6,960
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sprint, Look 585, Specialized Allez Comp Race
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 461 Post(s)
Liked 116 Times
in
49 Posts
I started three years ago at 60. I race against guys who started when Nixon was President. I get crushed like an empty beer can in a redneck bar, but yeah, it's fun.
__________________
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Bend, OR
Posts: 557
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
OMC
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 6,960
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sprint, Look 585, Specialized Allez Comp Race
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 461 Post(s)
Liked 116 Times
in
49 Posts
All men start as a Cat 5 regardless of age. That said, many events permit older Cat 5s to race in their Master's age group. I recommend that you race with the Cat 5s. You'll likely be monstrously overmatched racing Master's, where you'll often line up with Cat 1s who've been racing for 20 years, among others. Racing with the other Cat 5s gives you a chance to learn among folks at your experience level. Some places offer clinics for new racers, and if available I recommend you attend.
Also, note that as someone who has done a few centuries, you're fitter than most non-racing cyclists. That goes out the window when you start racing; speeds, accelerations and lack of time to recover are far higher than you're probably used to. From what I've read, just about everybody gets smacked with the same 2x4 when they start racing, so embrace it rather than limping home with your tail between your legs. You'll get stronger and faster, it just takes time and experience.
ETA: I was typing when Andy posted above. Master's 4/5 would be good too, but it's usually only available at a race with a big turnout.
Also, note that as someone who has done a few centuries, you're fitter than most non-racing cyclists. That goes out the window when you start racing; speeds, accelerations and lack of time to recover are far higher than you're probably used to. From what I've read, just about everybody gets smacked with the same 2x4 when they start racing, so embrace it rather than limping home with your tail between your legs. You'll get stronger and faster, it just takes time and experience.
ETA: I was typing when Andy posted above. Master's 4/5 would be good too, but it's usually only available at a race with a big turnout.
__________________
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 808
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I never have race i like to ride but i fix bikes work full time job too that not give me time to go for ride. When i used to ride much more my average speed is around 12.5 miles in bike trail with elevation from 700 feet to 900 feet. How sounds to you that average speed is slow? What is your average speed 7 years ago and what is your average speed now.
#13
Senior Member
Race your category. A Masters race is essentially a Cat 1-2-3-4 race. Around here there is a large number of 1s and 2s in such races, making straight up Masters races pretty much the second hardest race of the day (after the P12s).
I'm a Cat 3. This was my 33rd season racing. I much prefer to race the 3s vs the M35 or M40s because the 3s are easier, even though they're populated by a slew of former Cat 1s and 2s. M45s seem to be a slight bit tamer.
I will admit that the M40s and M45s tend to be a bit more sane/safe/skilled, so the field tends to be smoother, more compact (everyone drafts better), etc. I think that, around here anyway, they tend to have learned where they belong. I know my place, for example, and when things are over my head I know it.
Having said that the absolutely most idiotically aggressive rider I ran across this year (I screamed 1000% at him multiple times in one race and I basically never scream in a race, forget about 1000%, forget about multiple times) was in a M45 race. It was so unusual I had someone ask me about the incident just recently.
I'm a Cat 3. This was my 33rd season racing. I much prefer to race the 3s vs the M35 or M40s because the 3s are easier, even though they're populated by a slew of former Cat 1s and 2s. M45s seem to be a slight bit tamer.
I will admit that the M40s and M45s tend to be a bit more sane/safe/skilled, so the field tends to be smoother, more compact (everyone drafts better), etc. I think that, around here anyway, they tend to have learned where they belong. I know my place, for example, and when things are over my head I know it.
Having said that the absolutely most idiotically aggressive rider I ran across this year (I screamed 1000% at him multiple times in one race and I basically never scream in a race, forget about 1000%, forget about multiple times) was in a M45 race. It was so unusual I had someone ask me about the incident just recently.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
#14
Senior Member
I never have race i like to ride but i fix bikes work full time job too that not give me time to go for ride. When i used to ride much more my average speed is around 12.5 miles in bike trail with elevation from 700 feet to 900 feet. How sounds to you that average speed is slow? What is your average speed 7 years ago and what is your average speed now.
Having said that my training rides sometimes (often?) average 12-14 mph. A hard one might average 17 mph. I rarely go faster than that, and this on a loop that has virtually zero elevation and very little wind (tree sheltered). My peak speeds, if I make an effort, might be in the 30-35 mph, and if I really make an effort, 35-40 mph. The peak speeds are what gets new racers - they can't match the peak speeds in a race, lose the draft/shelter, and once dropped they have to do pro level power just to catch back up to the field.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
#16
Announcer
@EventServices your blog link is dead btw.
But thanks for trying.
#17
Banned.
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Uncertain
Posts: 8,651
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
57 wasn't too old to start for me. As far as choice of fields is concerned, racing Cat4 was way easier than the Masters (Veterans, over here) 55-59 fields. Old guys with a gazillion miles in their legs who have been racing for forty years and still train 15 hours a week. Fearsome.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
..
Having said that my training rides sometimes (often?) average 12-14 mph. A hard one might average 17 mph. I rarely go faster than that, and this on a loop that has virtually zero elevation and very little wind (tree sheltered). My peak speeds, if I make an effort, might be in the 30-35 mph, and if I really make an effort, 35-40 mph. The peak speeds are what gets new racers - they can't match the peak speeds in a race, lose the draft/shelter, and once dropped they have to do pro level power just to catch back up to the field.
Having said that my training rides sometimes (often?) average 12-14 mph. A hard one might average 17 mph. I rarely go faster than that, and this on a loop that has virtually zero elevation and very little wind (tree sheltered). My peak speeds, if I make an effort, might be in the 30-35 mph, and if I really make an effort, 35-40 mph. The peak speeds are what gets new racers - they can't match the peak speeds in a race, lose the draft/shelter, and once dropped they have to do pro level power just to catch back up to the field.
Every once in awhile I think about racing, but then I visualize a dense field of Cat 5 riding aggressively, without necessarily having good skills, and probably all stronger than me. Sigh.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 956
Bikes: Giant TCR, Giant Anthem, Felt CX
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 65 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I was almost 40 when I started racing. It's cool because you get to race Cat and Masters! The only bad part...sometimes they combine us with collegiate fields and I realize I am more than old enough to be their mom!
#21
Version 7.0
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 13,127
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 297 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1340 Post(s)
Liked 2,482 Times
in
1,457 Posts
I started at age 58 but I am in my prime.
#22
commu*ist spy
All men start as a Cat 5 regardless of age. That said, many events permit older Cat 5s to race in their Master's age group. I recommend that you race with the Cat 5s. You'll likely be monstrously overmatched racing Master's, where you'll often line up with Cat 1s who've been racing for 20 years, among others. Racing with the other Cat 5s gives you a chance to learn among folks at your experience level. Some places offer clinics for new racers, and if available I recommend you attend.
Also, note that as someone who has done a few centuries, you're fitter than most non-racing cyclists. That goes out the window when you start racing; speeds, accelerations and lack of time to recover are far higher than you're probably used to. From what I've read, just about everybody gets smacked with the same 2x4 when they start racing, so embrace it rather than limping home with your tail between your legs. You'll get stronger and faster, it just takes time and experience.
ETA: I was typing when Andy posted above. Master's 4/5 would be good too, but it's usually only available at a race with a big turnout.
Also, note that as someone who has done a few centuries, you're fitter than most non-racing cyclists. That goes out the window when you start racing; speeds, accelerations and lack of time to recover are far higher than you're probably used to. From what I've read, just about everybody gets smacked with the same 2x4 when they start racing, so embrace it rather than limping home with your tail between your legs. You'll get stronger and faster, it just takes time and experience.
ETA: I was typing when Andy posted above. Master's 4/5 would be good too, but it's usually only available at a race with a big turnout.
#23
Uber Goober
If you're not aware of them, check into the long distance races as well. Your info says "Southeast" for the location, and one of the more popular races is coming up in Florida in February: Bike Sebring 12/24
A lot of these races are non-drafting, so lack of pack-riding skill doesn't keep you out. Generally, no racing license is required. There are usually a wide range of quality of riders involved, so winning a race can be very tough, but there's enough regular people out there riding that you don't feel out of place, either. Common distances are 12 hours and 24, some places have longer and shorter versions as well.
Some of these races are on looped courses, where you can self-crew; others may require a follow car and crew, etc.
Check https://www.ultracycling.com/ for more general information
A lot of these races are non-drafting, so lack of pack-riding skill doesn't keep you out. Generally, no racing license is required. There are usually a wide range of quality of riders involved, so winning a race can be very tough, but there's enough regular people out there riding that you don't feel out of place, either. Common distances are 12 hours and 24, some places have longer and shorter versions as well.
Some of these races are on looped courses, where you can self-crew; others may require a follow car and crew, etc.
Check https://www.ultracycling.com/ for more general information
__________________
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
#24
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Southeast
Posts: 356
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 45 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I live in North Carolina and almost all the races around the area are crits. The reason I would lean toward the masters category is to be with better bike handlers.
#25
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,303
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 727 Times
in
372 Posts
How old is too old to start racing?
Do your 10 Cat 5 races. Learn a little bit about how to race. Then you can race Masters.
Most Cat 5 races are not as dangerous as everyone likes to say. For the most part Cat 5's know they don't know what they're doing and give people a fairly wide berth.
Most Cat 5 races are not as dangerous as everyone likes to say. For the most part Cat 5's know they don't know what they're doing and give people a fairly wide berth.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.