US CX Nationals 2024, Men 60-64 First lap

[@thegravelriders]

Serious bummer - the one guy to miss his pedal at the start happened to be right in front of you - that was your race unfortunately. You rode great after that. Where do you normally race? I am seriously considering a run at this next year in Arkansas in the 60-64 group so this is awesome, it's my people. I almost quit cx before last year but decided that I want 1 more big run.

[@hbroek13]

Hope to see you in Fayetteville, I'm planning to be there as well.

[@zoufyj185]

I've been out of the race scene for more than a decade, is it still reasonable to think about competing (fitness aside, I know it's about the engine) with a double crankset and canti brakes in the age of discs and 1x's? I still have my old 9speed sled, inspired by this and thinking my CX retirement was premature at 45👴

[@hbroek13]

I started racing after 50 and only see myself get better. I would say see your retirement as a temporary break and get right back into. Upto this year I had cantilever brakes and other than the occasional leaf rub worked fine. If you really enjoy it again, can alway upgrade.

[@isitrachelorj3953]

Both #2 and #3 in the 70+ ride older/canti bikes, and Frank and Paul beat just about everyone, sometimes even Henry, who is a great racer - I know, he spanks me every weekend.

[@zoufyj185]

@@isitrachelorj3953 Awesome! I have no excuses then, other than the usual "wrong tire pressure, I had no chance" 🤣

[@isitrachelorj3953]

@@zoufyj185 had one disc bike, one canti bike at 22' hats, in 6 inch mud on Hartford course (needed both bikes), after 6 years off (baby with young wife at 54). Made a comeback that season and finished 39th at nats- so give it a ride. 60+ racing is funtastic!

[@whirving]

That 2x9 drivetrain is very robust, I don't see 1x having much of an advantage, especially in mud. Good friend has been racing 2x9 and cantis for both gravel and CX these last few years and doing well.

[@rodbrown8306]

Pace is hot early...btw these guys are extremely fit.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

Yup, can confirm that the top guys in this field routinely make up a 30 second stagger-start gap on my 50+ age group field, and easily drop my slow "10 years younger self." It's crazy how strong/fast these guys are.

[@phillippitts6294]

It’s the wind in the tape. Was definitely thinking you might have a tire rubbing

[@hbroek13]

Looking back, I remember the sound at 5:20 is the yellow bike with a rear flat and indeed the tire rubbing.

[@phillippitts6294]

@ thanks . That was a heck of a pace !