the cyclops

Thanks.I cross train and am a fitness nut so the thread kind of appealed to my inner athlete

Mr. Beanz

Good for you man! Expanding your horizons, paying kudos to the older riders and planning for the future.

DnvrFox

Hey, I've got two kids a lot older than you.

billydonn

I picked the regular exercise/250 miles a month option but really its getting a little more serious than that. But none of the more ambitious categories listed fit me very well. 400 to 500 miles a month with some competence at climbing is more descriptive of my aspiration level. I'm pretty close to Raydog with respect to the issue of being over 60 and hauling 215 pounds up hills. Until I get in the 190-200 category, it's a big load to haul even when I am fit.

Allegheny Jet

Inspiring!, I enjoy reading your post and comments. If and when you get injured, you will heal and recover faster, so just keep on keeping on.

Allegheny Jet

I'm one of the 18% who voted for Masters Level Racing. I've always been competitive in sports and recreational activities and found cycling as a means to continue to be focused and active once my bad ankle finally wore out. I trained and played basketball, softball and ran Master's Track and Field into my mid-forties then my doctor said “stop”.

volosong

Thought I'd like to compete. They hold the time trial championships out in my area and I went and rode the course twice in the weeks leading up to the competition. On my road bike, just to see if I was "competitive". Was thinking that next year I would be in the older age group and I just might have a chance. No...I stink! Went ahead and purchased an inexpensive TT bike anyway and with the road bike, I'll just be content with being a recreational rider with the goal of overall fitness and weight maintenance. The odd century here and there. Even though I'd like to run with the pack, I'd be dangerous since I don't know the first thing about peloton etiquette.

Hermes

Barrettscv, This is a very well done poll showing creativity to cover a topic done many times before but always interesting to do over.

I checked Masters Level Racing. I have always been an athlete and love competition. I restarted my cycling in 2006 and started racing in 2007. I upgraded from Cat 5 to Cat 4 in both road and track primarily so that I could race in masters events. Some masters events preclude Cat 5 racers. Last year, I had a long racing season that started with the San Bruno Hill Climb on January 1st and concluded on November 5th with Masters Track Worlds in Anadia, Portugal. This was too long of a season with too many races but I learned what I like and what I am good at. Although, I could race with the lead group in road races and crits, my best races are the 2K pusuit, the team pusuit, team sprint and 500 meters at the track.

My best performance was a silver medal in team pursuit at Masters Track US Nationals in Frisco, TX.

The Australians did a study of track cyclists and came up with a set of metrics for body type, height, weight and power. My height, weight and power / style is perfect for pursuit and team pursuit. Based upon my own experience plus the Aussie study to an extent, I am focusing on track racing this year and I have held back on racing and hard training until this past month. The track championship season is approaching and my focus in on the state and US nationals championships. Hopefully, I will do better than a silver medal this year.

However, the main point is I am having a lot of fun, meeting new people and staying fit.

Rick@OCRR

Hi az_cyclist,

See you on Grand Tour! I'm doing the Highland Route; you too most likely. I'll start at 5:00AM and will be wearing OCRR kit. I've been Triple Crown since 2003 and hit double #50 with Hemet this past Spring. It's all good fun!

Rick / OCRR

RonH

I'm trying to get back to the fitness level I had when I was 58 years old.

sarals 

Thank you, AJ! That was very kind of you. I have to say, you and Hermes have written plenty that inspires me! Thank you again!

George

I'm trying to get 125 to 150 miles a week when my elbows allow it. I wouldn't mind racing, but as I get older, I get slower. Faster than I though I was about a month ago, when the wind was blowing 25 to 30 mph. Riding into the wind, did make me a better climber though.

downtube42

I picked all but singletrack and masters racing, but I won't rule those out entirely.

To be honest though my goal is to have fun. Everything else is secondary, although fitness and fuel savings are pretty good excuses. After I finish PBP this year, I'll decide what comes next.

az_cyclist

Thanks Rick! some of our club are riding the Highland Route, but I will be riding the Lowlands. There will be several of us.. look for the Bullshifters jerseys!

pokey1

I work weekends so my weekend is Wed. and Thur. trying to get out more and see if I can do a century
in Sept.

wpt

f1xedgear

eh, why kid myself. I still want to be able to hang with the area's big dogs. But since moving from a part-time, field-fodder racer to a dedicated cyclocommuter I seem to be content playing out race scenarios on my rides to and from work. So whenever there's the opportunity for some commuter racing, which ain't often around here, I can't help myself . . .

gcottay

Thank you for allowing multiple choices.

willb1046

It's been thirty plus years since I've ridden a bike. Started to ride again August 2010, this being my first year back on the saddle, I've chosen a goal of 75 miles in September when I ride the BikeMS out of Cherry Hill NJ to Ocean City NJ. Next year.... who knows, maybe my first century of my life.
This year it's hard just to keep the rest of the group in site. As time goes along, I will get stronger and faster. It would be nice to be able to keep up. My average speed has climbed from 9mph to 13mph, so there is hope.

berner

I checked regular exercise which is true enough but I'm finding the cycling horizon is further in the distance as I get stronger. As a yacht builder and sailor, my interest in that area is on long ocean passages. I've made numerous journeys to the Caribbean and one to England and return. In cycling, I'm fascinated by the journeys I'm reading about on Crazyguyonabike. Well pedaling over the Himalaya at 17,000 feet in slush and snow may be beyond be but I will certainly undertake 3-4 day tours in N. Hampshire and Vermont this summer and I'm preparing my bike for that.

Barrettscv 

Those are great goals!

OldsCOOL

Sounds to me like you are doing pretty good this season. A pace of 13mph avg speed is not bad at all.