Originally Posted by
One Wheel
I just found out the US gravel cycling national championships for 2025-26 are pretty much in my backyard (an hour drive, but pfft.) I'm 37, 5'9", 190 lbs, and my best estimate of FTP is 208 watts. I'm riding a 27 lb bike that's pretty well maxed out right now with 35mm tires. Basically no racing experience. I'm obviously going to lose badly if I enter. At this point my first thought is to try to lose 20 more lbs (started at 220 three years ago) while grinding out as many miles over the next 13 months as I can. Maybe worry about a better bike if I come into some unexpected money. What would you do, in my position, to maximize the fun : embarrassment ratio? I don't have an abundance of either time or money, although obviously I'll need to scrape together at least a little of both if I want to do this.
Unless you have some realistic expectation of being able to compete at the pointy end of your age group, don't worry about how you might place, and don't let it get in the way of doing the event. Spend the time between now and then improving your fitness (ride a lot, and be consistent), dropping some weight, doing a few other races, and improving your bike (within the limits of your budget). On race day, do the best you can with the fitness you have, and enjoy the experience.
EDIT: There is no "embarrassment", regardless of how you finish.
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RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP