Peeking over the top of the hill

As BTDC reminds us, my cyclocross racing age will be 40 this year. If the 35+ open races on the road are any indication, 40+ open cyclocross races are going to be no consolation for losing a whole summer of fitness. I've considered "downgrading" but in the end, who cares if I'm DFL? Unlike riding alone in the wind in a road race, I can still have fun racing off the back in a cyclocross race. So 40+ it is. Now there will be no denying it: I'm almost over the hill.