"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Masters or Cat 5?

There is a local race coming us soon and I don't know if I should place myself in the 35+ category and do the 48-mile race or should I do the Cat 5 24-mile race?

I'm a decent cyclist at 37 years old and have been able to keep with the fastest riders on all the group rides. But I know that Road Racing is way different and can be much faster that I know.

I am thinking that the 48-miler may be a bit tamer because of the experience in the group and because it's twice as long... but this may be one of those "don't kid yourself" things.

Which one should I do?

35+ Masters races are very fast. Mostly Cat 1&2 riders with some 3s mixed in. Do yourself a favor and do the Cat5. Also, some races only open the 35+ Masters to Cat4 and above.

I am thinking that the 48-miler may be a bit tamer because of the experience in the group and because it's twice as long... but this may be one of those "don't kid yourself" things.

It's one of those "don't kid yourself" things.

Cat 5. Masters are fast. You'll have more fun riding with other racers in the Cat 5 race than riding alone after getting dropped in the Masters race.

Originally posted by WoodyUpstate
Cat 5. Masters are fast. You'll have more fun riding with other racers in the Cat 5 race than riding alone after getting dropped in the Masters race.
As in 'can I hang on to the draft at 100% max heart rate for 48 miles?' :D

I'd go with the Masters. The entry fee is the same and you get to ride a lot longer and compare yourself to your "real" competitors.
The fact that you're 37 plays perfectly into your hands with a 35+ cutoff.

No doubt, someone or a few will break and you'll be left behind but you can still ride the race out to see how you "stack up".

Go for it.....

this situation reminds me of a poster i saw
" You must always push the limits because if you never lose you will never suceed"
go for the 35+ push yourself.