Good luck and please post your results and thoughts.
I was in the same boat as you 7 years ago except I weighed 231 lbs and was 53. I loved group rides and the competitiveness in me wanted more than just surviving with the young dudes. I began racing at age 54 and thought I could train myself but over trained and burnt out, or possibly just got to overload due to the increased workload during the season. For the next season I retained the services of a coach and embarked on my racing program. Due to the demands of racing I keep my weight under 190 lbs.
It’s been a good ride and I love everything that comes with it.