I started cycling in my mid 50s as a serious recreational rider, if that makes sense. I started riding with a local club that had several members who were amateur racers, even an older guy who used to be on the Tour in Europe. Our rides were never races, although there were usually a few “sprint” stages where everyone just seemed to put the hammer down for 5 miles or so. That satisfied my competitive urges.

I used to race cars when I was younger and I discovered competitive racing creates an urge to always have the latest and greatest gear and that gets expensive whether it’s bikes or cars.

Just my personal experience. Not a criticism of anyone who wants to full on race. I get that, too.