Here is my situation:
One of my goals for next season is to take part in a competition of some sort. I'm 46 now, down to about 190 pounds and just put 3,046 miles on this outdoor season, my third full season of training since total hip replacement.

I know I'm good enough to be a part of all that excitement of a race day. I could enter as a Cat 5 and hold my own now.

But the problem is that my coach does not want me entering any crits or mass start road races because he says they are too dangerous for me....that there is too great a risk of a crash. I crash bad and that hip replacement is ruined, so I have to protect myself somewhat.

He recommends a time trial because it is safer, but for those of you who have done one, does it satisfy that need for competition...and to be a part of a cycling event as a serious participant? I'd like some feedback from those of you who have actually raced some of these. Thanks.