Originally Posted by
Abe_Froman
I have to say, I do see a certain appeal to being the almost 40 guy with the steel touring bike that hangs with everybody on carbon fiber in the pack

Please go and race and let us know how your fantasy works out for you. I know I'm not fast, knew I wasn't fast, and went to a couple of Cat 5 races. Confirmed: Not fast. Not fast at all.
Good luck. Hope your ego can handle it.