Too old for racing??

[aleia23]

Hello everyone!

I am new to road biking (just got a Bianchi Eros last August) but have fallen in love with riding. I am currently in training for the MS 150 coming up in June and have made some progress with my strength and endurance.

This past week, my DH and I stopped at a local track to watch a race and my heart started pounding!! I thought that maybe I could do something like that!!

I am not a kid anymore (mid 40's) but would like to give it a shot. I wanted to start talking to some of the people at the race but was a little intimitated. Does anyone know about racing for my age range and how to get started? Or does it vary from track to track?

Any input would be appreciated!!!!

Aleia

[SheFly]

Definitely NOT too old! We have a number of women in our club who race, who are in their 50s and 60s. In fact, our Cat 4 team has a 65-year old woman giving road racing a try for her first season!

I started racing last year, at 38, and am getting better with age .

If you think it looks like fun, GO FOR IT!

SheFly

[Mimosa]

You are never to old to do something you enjoy is my life motto. Last weekend I raced and there were some women competing with me in the cat 3/4 race that also were in their mid 40. Just do some research to find a group where you can learn how to ride a race.

[Eden]

Some of the stronger people on my team are in the 40's and 50's - its definitely not too late (I started last year and I'm 35). Check out some local clubs/teams too find out about the racing scene in your area.

[pyxichick]

You didn't say where you're located, but here in Mpls. we have women's track night. Perhaps your track has a designated women's night, too, or classes you can take.

Yay for late-blooming cycle chicks! Let's start a club!

[Eden]

Our local velodrome has womens races and even has free track bike rentals for women byop (bring your own pedals )

[aleia23]

Thanks to everyone for their encouragement!!! My brain sometimes feels like I am way younger than I am, but then reality sets in and I start questioning what I am doing.

I am located in Western PA (Pittsburgh). I think that I just need to get the courage up to go and ask the riders some questions. Everyone starts out new, so I hope that they will welcome someone who shares their enthusiasm!

I'll keep you posted...

[Eden]

Cool - I grew up in Pittsburgh, but when I lived there I felt like I was probably the only girl who owned a bike . Now I hear that there are even weekly crits on the old drivers test course (down near the zoo). I would bet anything that they have beginner classes down there (or are you actually looking at track[velodrome] racing? I don't recall a local velodrome, but I haven't lived there for more than 15 years!)