oldroadman
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Definitely worth having a go. Hopefully with all the riding you have done you will have gained some group etiquette experience. Starting at 4th cat level will be a challenge, first from the shock of race speed (even 4ths can be quick at times) and also the lack of skills shown by many newcomers.
Overcome the first by doing some interval work well before you think of racing, this has two effects, your body will get used to going into the red for short periods (1-2 minutes) and recovering before doing it all again, and stamina will improve.
Remember lower category races are quite short, less than 90 minutes - 120 minutes a lot of the time, and start on closed circuits so you only have to look out for other riders at first. Your rides will have prepared you for long periods on the bike, but try to keep speed good, otherwise there is a danger of training yourself to go too steadily for competition.
Past 40 the climbing starts to be more of a problem, this is something that happens to all of us, but with a bit of work (big gear climbing in training, for example) strength can be maintained up to a point.
Never too old? A (literally) old friend of mine ran the London marathon in 3-30 something a few years ago at 73!
Last, and most important, join a proper club that is focussed on road racing, and soak up all the advice you can get, better still, if there is a decent coach use their advice.
Take care of yourself and others, and enjoy!
Overcome the first by doing some interval work well before you think of racing, this has two effects, your body will get used to going into the red for short periods (1-2 minutes) and recovering before doing it all again, and stamina will improve.
Remember lower category races are quite short, less than 90 minutes - 120 minutes a lot of the time, and start on closed circuits so you only have to look out for other riders at first. Your rides will have prepared you for long periods on the bike, but try to keep speed good, otherwise there is a danger of training yourself to go too steadily for competition.
Past 40 the climbing starts to be more of a problem, this is something that happens to all of us, but with a bit of work (big gear climbing in training, for example) strength can be maintained up to a point.
Never too old? A (literally) old friend of mine ran the London marathon in 3-30 something a few years ago at 73!
Last, and most important, join a proper club that is focussed on road racing, and soak up all the advice you can get, better still, if there is a decent coach use their advice.
Take care of yourself and others, and enjoy!
