As many of you know I don’t even have a road bike. I have been riding my cross bike with road tires. Also this is my first year ever racing road bikes not forgetting a couple road bike races that I tried back in New York and Vermont. Being all the facts as they are I have a cat 5 road racing license. I feel like I would not get enough competition at cat 5 so I have been racing in the harder Masters Division due to my age qualifying me to do so. Well those days are over when I read a welcome email from the president of Montana Cycling.
One other item (before it becomes an “issue”): I’ve been advised to urge you to (strongly) consider riding with the Masters A group, rather than the Bs. And, from what I’ve seen, you’re certainly well qualified to do so. Normally, the Master B division is for those (often-, but not always) older masters racers who aren’t quite as competitive as their (often-) younger peers. And, since we allow our Masters fields to be self-seeding, the Bs usually race (by agreement) for glory only — i.e. no prizes. This way, “sandbagging” doesn’t become a concern. You’re welcome to race in whichever group you like, but be advised that you’re probably better suited to the A group…
I don’t know who is doing the “strong urging” but I say to that person, “bring it on baby”. I relied that I would prefer to race cat 1 pro if they would let me. But you know the rules (specially roadie ones)! I am a cat 5 with a possibility of an up and coming upgrade. I would prefer to be at least a cat 3 but that may not be possible. So this weekend I am proud to announce that I will be Master A and will get to ride with my friend.
Of course I can also say, “who gives a shift!” Mountain bike season is about to begin and I will be doing what I truly love. Playing in the dirt … Beau-Yea!
Boneshakerbike 
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