One of my main long term goals is to be competitive in the State (TN) masters group (those guys are fast as hell)). I have been away from cycling for some time and have recently renewed my Liscense and am riding Cat 5 racing age 51..

My goal is to be in the top 5.. 50+ in this state before i turn 55.. I think this is attainable and reasonable. ( my past racing experience consisted.. of about 3 years as cat 5/4 about 15 yres ago)..
my plan is to get enough races (and results under my belt to Cat up to 4's by mid 2009...

(in TN you must be a Cat 4 to even enter a masters even).

then.... enter some Masters events.. but continue to race Cat4..until I can get strong enough to at least let those guys know I am there...


I am aware that almost all of the folks that race at the top level of the masters Cat are ex pros, and Cat 1,2's. etc...and have never stopped racing or riding really fast for any period of time... given that.. they have been racing for many many years in most cases I have a few questions


what can I do to ofset their compounded years of experience..?

has anyone actuall had the experience of becomming very competeive at this level.. started out or over at age 50?? what was your experience like?

does anyone have any advise.. .. lies... anything .... talk me out of it?