You stop racing when your heart isn't in it. Face it bob, you never 'hung up' your cleats. Your mind was always in the races even though you physically couldn't be there. Combined with your love for the sport and knowing that it's part of you, you'll get back into shape before you know it.
Start racing in your age category for a bit and see what happens. You might never be the same, but as some members here continuously prove, it's the brains in racing that make or break your finish not always your strength.
You'll do fine. As WR said, have at it. Face it, you're a roadie, but not just any roadie, you're a road racer at heart. You can't separate the two and you know it.
Keep us posted how you do, you old fogey you.
Originally Posted by
YMCA
If the fire is there, go for it.
If you are like me and waffle on making a comeback, plan trips to the beach every weekend, so there is no choice.
Masters? Where's the challenge? Big fish in little pond is for the insecure.
Like the skate/surf punks say, "go big, or go home".
I like that saying, and I also like, "Burn out, don't fade away."