News & Observer | newsobserver.com | 2008 NCAA Men's Bracket

Two years ago, a handful of us with ... seniority on the mountain bike race circuit were standing around at the start of the Huck-A-Buck mountain bike race at Lake Crabtree bemoaning the fact we had to race in the 35-and-up category. With guys who used glasses for eye protection, not to read the fine print on the registration form (what's this about "next of kin"?). With guys who didn't score a discount if they ate before 6. With guys who could walk through a metal detector without their hips setting it off.

"There's enough of us!" we cried. "We should have our own 50-and-up category!"

Well, apparently there aren't enough of us, because when the flag drops at noon today, I'll be stuck, again, riding with those 35-year-olds (probably some of the same ones who kicked my butt Wednesday night).

I may check in later in the day with a quick report of how things went. I'll definitely weigh in the Fit column of the Aug. 3 Arts & Living section of the N&O.

Provided, of course, I don't break my hip — or something.

I'll be racing with the youngsters — although not the gals (both of whom who are pictured have whipped me, though) — today at noon.