Originally Posted by 55/Rad
No, not a pro. Never raced in my life. Just your average 44 year old who found out years ago that cycling fits very well into my personality and physical strengths. I've have 2 cycling eras - first was for 2 years back in '89-91. Then I got married and had kids. Second era is currently at just under 2 years.
Here's something to shoot for - if you can do a flat century at 17-18 mph without drafting much, you can probably make the leap to a double at 20 in a month or 2. Especially in the STP. The key is finding fast groups to draft and pace, and with 8000 riders, it's not that hard.
55/Rad
I think you are my new hero. I just turned 43. Got my first road bike last month (go Bianchi Giro). Put 330 miles on it so for. You give me great encouragement. I just assumed you were a bike pro, or natural at least. I have something to look forward to.
Steve
-It's never to late to get started.