Racing? At your time of life?

[Paul Narramore]

What sort of advice would you give to a 62yr old male who fancies having a go at some sort of cycle racing? I intend to join the local club and know there are 70yr olds still racing with them. I already have a 1960ish Condor lightweight and would like to have a go without making a fool of myself. Get lots of training in first? Time trials to start with? Short distances to start with? Are there any Golden Oldies out there (on here) who race?

 

[dan_bo]

I regularly get my arse kicked by a couple of septagenarians in the NW Cyclocross league. Just make sure you enjoy yourself.

 

[Dave5N]

Depending on how fast you are, TTs or cyclocross are excellent ways to get stuck in.

 

[Noodley]

Do an audax, then you can race and pretend you're not!

 

[Paul Narramore]

What's an audax?

 

[Dave5N]

It's like a race but really slow with panniers and sandwiches and old people with leather patches.

 

[Dave5N]

ANd no-one is allowed to win.

 

[Noodley]

It's like a race but really slow with panniers and sandwiches and old people with leather patches.

Like, shutup!

Details of audax:

http://www.audax.uk.net/

 

[Noodley]

One of my mates is the same age as you Paul and did 24 hour TT this year, so nothing to stop you! Enjoy whatever you choose to do, and try as many different types of cycling as you can! There is no need to stick to one thing.

 

[Keith Oates]

Go for it Paul, the first requirement is that you enjoy it, anything other than that is a bonus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Paul Narramore]

24 hours? Jeez, that seems like pergatory. Well our local San Fairy Ann CC begins their monthly meetings in October so I'll pop along and see what's what. Thanks for the advice. 24 hours? 50km seems more sensible (to me) ;-)

 

[yello]

You'll never know until you try!

Personally, I'd be looking at the short distance events and seeing what sort of times others of my age are doing it in. (I presume that info will be available on the web somewhere). I'd then look to see what sort of time I could set for that distance (plot a similar course and go out early one Sunday morning). Depending on the results (and how far away from 'respectable' my time was) I'd either get training, select a different event.... or stay at home and mow the lawn in future!!

Basically, I'd be looking to see if I could compete without embarrassing myself!

 

[Proto]

Have a look at the British Cycling site and look for 'Go Ride' events. Designed to be 'taster' events for anyone who fancies ahving a go. Lots to try. You probably won't be the oldest.

Alternativley there is the League of Veteran Racing Cyclist who put on a big number of events all over the country. Age related categories, but you have to be over 40 .

look here: http://lvrc.org/

 

[andy_wrx]

Some clubs are rather cliquey and unwelcoming, are geared to younger, faster guys and have no time for anyone who doesn't 'fit'.

Other clubs however are more welcoming and have a wider variety of members.
These clubs quite likely have some who are older and been in the club for decades, are 'permanent fixtures'
- some of these will be in the social touring section, going out for jaunts at the weekend for a cakestop and a natter
- and some of them will have been runner-up in the national TT series in 1960-something and still be seriously quick
(confusing these with the first lot is likely to bruise your ego when they whip your @rse, as happened to a 'friend of mine'

Don't worry, there should be plenty of opportunity for you at 62, lots of people that age TT'ing or racing in LVRC events, just need to find a club who are welcoming and the right standard for you.

 

[alp1950]

What sort of advice would you give to a 62yr old male who fancies having a go at some sort of cycle racing? I intend to join the local club and know there are 70yr olds still racing with them. I already have a 1960ish Condor lightweight and would like to have a go without making a fool of myself. Get lots of training in first? Time trials to start with? Short distances to start with? Are there any Golden Oldies out there (on here) who race?

Good post (& brave too). I don't know if there any stats on the demographics but around here I get the impression that there a lot of (slightly) older blokes getting into/returning to cycling and asking themselves the same question. Local club time trials might be the best way to go initially.