Is 40 too old??

GuyStevens

Hence the suggestion of a cycle sportif - you can take it as seriously as you like. Chill-out, take in the scenery and have a chat with those around you. Or jump on some wheels, take turns at the front, mix it up. Just get used to riding with others again.

limerickman

Definitely food for thought, Guy.

Do you take part in these events, Guy ?

__________________
.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets" - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

joule

After you've spent some time riding some of the faster club rides, try you hand at a local time trial. Safer than riding on your own (courses are always wide and safe) and get a chance to compete against others (via the clock).

limerickman

As I said, I used to compete - rode at National Tour level - in the 1980's.

Maybe it's the onset of middle age - makes your more aware of the dangers of crashing.

__________________
.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets" - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

joule

Well not sure how competing in a time trial is more dangerous than getting on the bike and riding on your own.

I *do* appreciate the perspective... am 48 myself. Raced in the 70's.

GuyStevens

I'm a road-racer and cyclo-crosser but next year I'm going to do the Welsh Dragon Ride as it is nearby and I've read lots of good things about it. I guess I'm looking at sportifs as a break from racing while you can view them as a reintroduction.

jsirabella

Excuse the newbie...

What is a cycle sportif???

-js

limerickman

Time trailling holds absolutely no interest for me - and it isn't an event that is popular here as regards road racing (TTing is popular in Britain however).

We have Veteran road races - involving many competitors.

__________________
.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets" - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

cyclingheroes

I hate Time Trails but sometimes i do ride them in order to train a better constant speed (yeah it`s probebly funny kind of English, sorry). By the way, one of my first posts on this topic was about a week of training in the Sierra Nevada, it was great and i am looking forward to the new season - i will ride some races in the alpes. Next Month, i will be 40, who cares, what bathers! I am preparing for 2007, want to ride the Transalp then and i am looking for a top ten place there (in the overall).

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jsirabella

Got the latest Bicycling magazine and see what a cycle sportif event is...I can see how this will really start to take hold in the future. It is just for that middle of the road guy who wants to do more than a tour but not sure about an all out race.

I will also look into doing one of these next year. But in anycase, the folks here have given me alot to shoot for and I just need to as joule said get my fitness level higher and higher.

Snowing today here in nyc, what is your guys opinion on spinning classes vs using a trainer in your house?

-js

Ashley3

I ran into an old running buddy recently at a holiday party. When he was 45 he finished marathons 20 minutes faster than may best time ever -- a time which I posted at age 28. He's got more trophies than shelf space, more award certificates than wall space. I asked him what races he had planned for next year. His response, "I've run my last race."
He's still in terrific shape. But he can't produce those fabulous times from 10 or 20 years ago, so every race is a disappointing reminder that he's not the runner he once was.
I, on the other hand, was never good enough to be burdened with this same problem -- either as a runner or cyclist -- as I grow older. I wasn't a contender for the Olympics or the pro cycling tour when I was 22 or 32, and I'm not now. So what?
So, get fit. Be comfortable enough on the bike so you don't hurt yourself or your fellow riders. And go for it!

cyclingheroes

I am always training in my own house if the weather is too bad to ride outside. But it could be good to take a spining class, for me it`s too difficult too combine that with my job...

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frusso

[QUOTE=jsirabella]Hi All,

Is 40 years too old to try and get into some road racing or even time trials? never did either on that level but do they break them up by age group and where is a good place to go to learn the basics of how to get started on the web?

Thanks all...

Hell No. I’ve been riding for only five years and will turn 63 in January 06. In 05 I participate in the 60 + age group in eight races, placing 1,2 or 3 in seven of them.

mikesobel

I'm 47 and riding about 9,000 miles per year. I'm averaging about 17 MPH (with hills.) There is a guy in our club who is 60, and he's phenominal on the hills. Nah 40 is not old!!