In those years I was 23 stationed in Italy with my first real competitive road bike - None of the teams my own age would have anything to do with me - I was just another GI who didn't know anything about cycling - But the old guys 50 years and up could care less who rode with them - I was appreciative of the frequent stops made to tune up late 1950s to 1960s road bikes and listening to their stories over fantastic wine and pachuto/cheez panini - I think I had a better time and safer rides with them...

Now I'm the old guy with the old bike - Its still fun...