What is age, really? For Roy Lopez, it’s nothing more than a fictitious limit, a mere number with no real power. At 73, he is proving that the true measure of vitality lies in the watts he pushes on his bike as he tackles serious cycling goals for the first time in his life.
Over the weekend, Lopez lined up with 859 fellow cyclists for the 50-mile Unbound race. The course, which actually measures 55 miles, included 90% rocky but fast gravel, undulating rollers totaling 1,900 feet of climbing, and a mud pit.
Lopez conquered it all with a smile, crossing the finish line in 3:09:58 and averaging an impressive 17.47 mph. In doing so, he not only claimed victory in his over-70 age group, but also finished 53rd out of 590 men. It was his second win of the season, after winning the 60+ age group at Wild Horse Gravel in May.
“This means everything,” said an overjoyed Lopez as he clutched his wooden plaque after the award ceremony. This victory a visual anchor for him, a motivation to continue striving for progress and exploring his limits.
“I have to tell you, I’m just getting started. I don’t know where those boundaries are.”
Meet Roy
(Image credit: Yuri Hauswald)
Lopez is a semi-retired realtor from Centennial, Colorado. His passion for cycling began in his childhood in Cuba, where he would race his brother and friends on a Schwinn single speed bike around the neighborhood. Over the years, it evolved from exploring nature and following the trail by mountain bike to mountain bike to bike to bike to bike to bike to bike to finally found the “best of both worlds” in gravel riding in 2018. Each bike brought new adventures and – despite the crashes – a deeper love for the sport.
“The bike is everything. The feeling not only of freedom, but only of joy. I mean, people always say that I smile when I walk by, and I’m like, ‘yeah, ’cause I feel it!'” Lopez says.
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After a 45-year career in real estate, Lopez decided to work less, freeing up time to get serious about cycling.
“When I work, it’s 150%. When I cycle, it’s the same. But trying to do both was really hard,” Lopez explains.
“I do about 7 or 8 events a year. This is the first time I decided, you know, if I’m going to go to these things, I might as well win something. This year is the first time I’m trying to see where the limits are.”
His journey into competitive cycling began six months ago, catalysed by the Rapha Festive 500 challenge. Since then, he has made a ‘contract between himself and the bike’, throwing himself into training wholeheartedly.
Lopez attended a CTS training program and took advantage of opportunities like the Trans Rockies Gravel Royale Camp in Patagonia, Arizona, to learn from the pros. One of those pros is Gravel Hall of Famer Yuri Hauswald, who coached Lopez this spring and even surprised him by showing up to the Unbound 50 starting line, ready to accompany him on the Kansas adventure.
“We hit it off really well and he took me under his wing,” Lopez says. “Yuri is a perfect example of an ambassador in the world of gravel cycling; selflessly giving and helping others. He taught me some things about gravel and equipment which have been great. I needed it because I was a beginner” .
Lopez found that exercise works, regardless of age.
“Age means nothing. It’s attitude and work. Applying yourself is key to placing in a race,” he says. “Do I get tired faster? Of course, it happens. So you just compensate for the reality of your age, but don’t let age be a barrier. It never is. von. You don’t know your limits until you test them.”
Lopez enjoys the learning process and gets really excited about training and the progress he’s made.
“The student’s ears are completely open. My eyes are open. If I could only become a professional cyclist, that would be a dream come true,” he jokes. “If a nursing home wants to sponsor me because of my age, hey, do it, I’ll do it. I just love it. It’s just that pure joy of being able to go out and be competitive and ride.
“The ultimate benefit is to improve your health, both physically and mentally. The older you are, the more benefits you’ll realize from cycling at whatever level you choose. If you need an electric bike, get an electric bike, but just start pedaling. And then, don’t stop pedaling.”
The future is ambitious
50 mile event start line: Yuri Hauswald, Anne-Marije Rook and Roy Lopez
(Image credit: Yuri Hauswald)
Looking ahead, Lopez has ambitious plans. He aims to take part in more races, starting with the Maratona dles Dolomites, a 150k road event with 14,000 feet of climbing. From there, he’ll take part in “some fun events” to round out the year, but his serious sights are already set on Unbound 2025.
“I’m totally excited about planning gravel races in 2025. The Unbound Gravel 100 miler is a must; however, I am seriously considering the 200 miles,” he says. “I believe this is the first year Unbound has offered a 70+ category for the 200, and I don’t believe any of the 70+ have finished the 200 this year. I’ve learned that doing what hasn’t been done can set you apart from the crowd.”
Donation is also a big part of Lopez’s cycling goals. He previously donated 67 bicycles to 67 children at risk of health in a regional hospital in the Dominican Republic. Now, he’s looking at cyclists his own age.
“By the time I’m 75 and hoping to win more races, I’d like to start promoting cycling at an older age,” he says.
We look forward to following Lopez’s journey and seeing how far his determination and spirit will take him at Unbound 2025 and beyond.