[GW] Cat 3 upgrade

[Dan Schueller]

Thanks for that intel.  I have been debating whether or not to upgrade
and I was wondering about that same issue.  This summer I raced three
M35+ races and you are right about the fast pace.  For example, in the
St. Cloud crit I raced the M 4/5 (placing 3rd) and we averaged 24.8mph. 
Then an hour later I did the M35+ where I was very happy to place 14th
and beat John Redmond, Dan Casebeer, Steve Hiebert and even Theresa
Moriarty (and I was the only cat 4 to finish the race).  But we averaged
26.3mph and I was really just hanging on and unable to move to the
front.  But it certainly was fun racing at such speed.

And while I bike between 11,000 and 12,000 miles per year, I still
would rather do a 50-60 mile road race than a 75-80 mile road race.  So
maybe I'll hold off a little longer.  What would really be neat to see
next year is the Gophers take the top 5 ROY spots in the M4/5.  If you,
Gordy, Dan W., Jeff I., Mark K., Mark A., Paul A , Adam B, and me (and
any others including the new guy, Tim Smith) each did at least 6 or 7 of
the Roy events, I bet we could do it.



>>> <tcct at uslink.net> 09/11/06 02:15PM >>>
Hi guys,

An opinion from someone who has been there.  Don't bother upgrading to
cat 3 unless you are required to do so or you need it for your resume. 
I ended up downgrading back to a 4 this year because I wanted to have
the option of racing either Masters 4/5 or Masters 35+.  As a cat 4 you
can always do the 35+ races if you meet the age requirement.  I would
recommend that those who are placing well in the M4/5 races do some 35+
races.  They are a lot harder, but if you are physically prepared, they
are a lot more fun due to the increase in usage of team tactics and the
increase in experience of the pack (safer riders).  

The time commitment of preparing for 75-80 mile races which, for me,
meant 4,000 to 5,000 miles per year of on the bike training, just to be
pack fill, proved too much   

Way to go Gordy and Dan,  I'm sorry I wasn't able to race with the team
this year.  Maybe next year.

Tony Carter
Up north Gopher