Tri's (especially at 59) are about having fun. I've only been in 2, but every and I mean EVERY time, I really enjoyed myself and not once did I feel any hint of discouragement from anyone (other than perhaps my own personal anxiety). I'm a solo rider, avoid groups, but this is an event I truely enjoy. Every person is supportive, shouts encouragement, cheers when you cross the finish line, and tells you what a nice job you are doing. Same for equipment. Yes I see old bikes, some folks our age brag on how they been riding tri's for xx years on the same bike. Others try the newer stuff. It is competetive, especially trying to compete against those who have time to train (read retired). But the serious folks keep to themselves. In this event there were only 3 folks older than I was. A 62 year old man, and a 61 & 68 (oldest) year old woman. In fact they put ages on our rear calf and it was really interesting to hear "59 ?" as I flew by a few youngen's. In my first tri, there was a 72 year old and a 10 year old.

Also- this one had 'clydesdales' category = men 220lbs+ and 'athena' = women 160lbs+
also had 'fat tire' category (mtn bike). All 3 optional. I saw one woman I'd estimate went 200 (in a tri suit) finish at about 3 hrs. The look on her face was priceless. She was one proud woman and the crowd was cheering like crazy.


Message is clear - DO ONE- You will enjoy it tremoundously!!!!!!!!

And Yes my son tells me he is going to do it again next year. Ole Dad (RB to you folks) will be ready. And no I don't need no tricks to 'whip' him again. In fact, it felt really good to have my son show pride in his Dad again. The look in his eyes was priceless. Haven't seen that level of 'look' since I coached him in baseball when he was 12 (went 16-0) 25years ago. I also saw him look at his wife as he crossed the finish line and she had the same eyes for him.
Folks - one can't buy that stuff. One has to earn it.

Take care and start training.