I read a recent US Air in flight magazine that said that in some regions "if you're not in the peleton, you're not in the loop" and that cycling is the new golf. The article specifically mentions Silicon Valley.
I would be very interested in creating this kind of culture in my region, as my cycling and wrestling coach activities, do not usually supply me with the same opportunities for mixing business with pleasure, so to speak.
Any suggestions from areas where this culture caught on would be great
I can certainly see the parallels, with the expense and funny pants involved. I haven't seen many people throwing bottles at golfers, but I do honk on occasion in attempt to disrupt someone's swing. :o
Buycyling magazine listed Portland, Oregon as the US's most bicycle-friendly city due to compact layout, good connectivity from bike paths, valet bike parking at civic events, etc. Sounds pretty nice, but I'm afraid golf is still golf in Kansas City.
I suppose it depends on what you want from cycling - if it is primarily a social activity and you want to network, then I'm sure that is possible. Me, I race so the social component is an added benefit. I played competition golf before I discovered competitive cycling! Golf was technically the most difficult sport I found to master (well never did really) while cycle racing is the most physically demanding (aerobic) sport I've tried to master (still trying). Like most Aussies - we try just about anything on the sporting paddock!
Certainly there is a lot of money spent on "performance enhancing" products in both sports that contribute little to performance - only good training and smart guidance will do that! "Gee honey - I really need that new <driver/putter/set of irons> / <wheels/frame/groupset>"....🙂
1. you gotta get the right clothes and shoes 2. you gotta get the right equipment 3. its easy to be in the big pool of people at the average or just under average fitness level, much harder to get to above average 4. lots of additional individual items you can spend money for improvements, real and placebo 5. can be time consuming 6. lots of envy and self comparisons with fellow bikers/golfers
I'm having a hard time seeing it as the new golf. I can definitely see it as the new polo, `cause you're riding something. That's why I've started carrying a croquet mallet whenever I ride - so I can get used to swinging something. Regardless, they're all weenie sports. Now, when cycling becomes the new jousting, that'll be really cool.
Certainly there is a lot of money spent on "performance enhancing" products in both sports that contribute little to performance - only good training and smart guidance will do that! "Gee honey - I really need that new <driver/putter/set of irons> / <wheels/frame/groupset>"
I am already rushing to market with wonderful gadgets that will assist cyclists' performance by removing money-weight from wallets. Things such as knee braces that keep those knees in "high performance posture" and special pedals that assist in learning how to make circles. Infomercials to follow.
Then it will be on to The Cycling Channel. "All pedaling. All the time!"
Any suggestions from areas where this culture caught on would be great
I think alot of it depends on what kind of weather you have, here in phoenix, az we have year round cycling/good weather. People are now starting to come out of the woodwork. The weather is finally cooling down and alot more people are on the roads. Most saturday club rides we have over 100 people in the late summer/fall. I also think its due to the efforts of the local clubs, if they do a good job putting on rides and other activities more people will join. For example, every sunday we have a no-drop ride for beginners and people who want to get into shape. I did one a few weeks back and had a blast.
LOL, good one! 😄 Don't forget the booze they used to drink in the TDF as a "performance-enhancing" drug! It supposedly made the pain go away. I'll have to try that in my next road race... 🙄
