Ben's Blog

Older and Faster

This from Jim Langley, who recently competed in the 55-59 age category at the US Masters National Championship:

“As I was cruising up one of the hills at a pretty good tempo, testing my legs a bit, I heard the distinctive rumble of the BMW motorcycles the race officials use to lead the packs. So, I moved right. Then I heard an even more familiar sound, the powerful, rhythmic breathing of a racer. Not wanting to get in the way I veered onto the shoulder, clicked out of my pedals and turned around.

There was the legend, Robert Paganini of the Pasadena Athletic Association, off the front of the 75-79 group and simply shredding the climb on his way to the coveted stars and stripes jersey. From his fine form and impressive pace you could have easily mistaken him for Bend’s resident superstar Chris Horner — he looked that good.”