Originally Posted by
David_Harris
At 51, becoming a noob Crit racer sounded electrifying - a challenge I would enjoy. Low cost of entry, fitness goals, competition goals, etc.
Then I watched some crit training, and noped my way right on out of there. A crash amongst all those racers and at those speeds would be terrifying, and possibly life changing in not good ways.
Gravel might happen, but I’m defo not on board for technical MTB or serious road racing. Audax/randonneuring/touring is much more likely. I have to keep my own personal goals for riding in mind: long term cardio health, weight control, and to support my tennis playing goals with better general fitness.
For the stated goals, audax could work if and only if you keep your rides at 200 km and below. Longer rides take require longer recovery, which is going to trash your tennis playing. Honestly I don't think there are any real positive health benefits from anything over 100 km, and likely some negatives. For example my left pinkie and ring finger have been numb for a month, and likely will for two more.
Join RUSA, start an R-12 and P-12, and do a 100k and 200k every month. In-between, do whatever JRA you want.
Gravel or cx or grand fondos might be better. Higher intensity, less time, and probably not much more chance of serious injury.