8500 miles a year- mostly on the bike below, some on my rain bike which is set up with the seat and bars in the same position.

My racing age is 51. There's a lot of masters racers around here in the SF bay area. No one in a shop has suggested that drop bars aren't age appropriate. Of course it could just be my incredibly youthful appearance.

Maybe to the shop folks you look like a new rider. It's hard to tell when people are in civilian clothes. Nothing against BD but you don't get fitted that way. It'd be better to get a bike from a shop. Just tell them what you want.