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Racing Category for Older People
Fri, 02/11/2011 - 9:04am
Noticed there aren't many races in Northern California that allow Masters age 55/60+ like Southern California. Wondered why.
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Northern California Nevada Cycling Association
Wente Road Race has a 65+ field:
http://ncnca.org/ncncaevent/wente-vineyards-road-race
In addition, it's got 45+ and 55+ fields in both the Road Race and Criterium
Tim
A day that I'm on the bike is a good day.
we had masters 55+ and 65+ last weekend in Salinas for our crit. We are planning on having a 65+ category again at our June event, however at that race if riders dont show up, we will consider not offering the category again.
We had positive feedback for the 65+ group, however a field of 2 doesn't help pay for the costs of promoting a race.
I too am discouraged by the categories available in Northern California. Back East, two things made for my higher level of enthusiasm for 55+ racing:
1. Fewer Mixed Categories. As a 55+ racer, we would often come to the line with the 45s and seasoned 55s would request a delayed start of say 2 minutes for the 55s. All 55s prefer this - it becomes a strategic race and not follow-the-leader. I have noticed here that exclusive 55+ races have higher enrollment.
2. Alternating 5 year categories. Not all races where 35+, 45+, etc. Often they were 30+, 40+, etc. At the older age groups, a few years makes a big difference. Racing a 60+ race for me now means i can conceive of placing. A 55+ race is just a great way to stay in shape. In the next 3 months, i have found zero (0) 60+ races.
Where were you looking? Here are two that I put on that specifically have 60+ categories, under NCNCA permits...
Death Valley Road Stage Race May 14-15 in Big Pine and Independence
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=13069
Mt. Whitney Stage Race June 18-19 in Lone Pine
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=13070
Lots of climbing, two days of road racing in the Sierras.
steve
AntiGravity Cycling
As a guy that stays up to make sure that I can get
the Team Reg'd in the 45+ 1/2/3 Races. Look at the
Merco Road Race. Only fields that are full are the
45+ Cat's. at 100 per field.
Madera 55+ filled in less then 2hrs.
I don't think that getting 45+ Guys to Race is a issue anymore.
If your a promoter and want to make some extra money... 45+
Ciao... : )
Yes, Madera's 25 55+ slots filled fast.
You've picked two very popular racing series. What I was referring to were smaller races.
Then again, I'd love to be wrong. I'd love it for every 55+ category offered to sell out and promoters to know that offer more separate 45 and 55 racing groups and they'll fill as easily as Cat 4 and Master's 4 races.
Tim
A day that I'm on the bike is a good day.
While I haven't looked as closely at the flyers for this season's races, I know there were quite a few seasoned masters categories last year. Though mostly in the form of 45/55+ groupings that raced together and were picked separately. The simple fact that those fields were seldom full would seem to mitigate against a promoter making 55+ a separate race entirely or setting up another older race group. Fill them and you'll see even more fields set up for that particularly experienced group.
Tim
A day that I'm on the bike is a good day.