Cycling image problem....oldtimers.

BullGod

I'm a Cat 1 and I have raced a fair bit recently in UK and Holland, Belgium. It has struck me recently that our sport has always had a major image problem, and unlike football (soccer) cycling is definitely not considered a fashionable sport. A standard comment I hear from friends is that it's very boring to watch, and that "they're all on drugs anyway", as well as more juvenile comments about shaved legs and tight lycra.

On a local level, the cyclists that people see out "training" seem to be frequently over 50 and overweight, yet still feeling the need to wear a replica pro kit, and even worse ride a pro level bike. Imagine how people would laugh if they went to the park and saw a group of middle aged and elderly men kicking a soccerball around, all dressed in replica Arsenal and Barcelona strips, complete to the team socks, attempting feebly to emulate the tricks and theatrics of Messrs Henry and Ronaldinho.

I know when I am in my 50's the last thing I want to be doing is risking impotence and a heart attack grinding into the wind in April. Worse still are the over analytical endless discussions of mature riders who have also "invested" in powermeters and HR monitors and are busy trying to improve their 180w FT. Why not just get a touring bike and take a leisurely ride along a canal or something? You're never gong to be young again. I have no objection to those who raced in their prime and ride a bit after "retirement" to keep the athlete's heart in check, but those who take up such a demanding sport in middle age? I believe it's called a mid life crisis fellas....what are you trying to prove?

So, whenever the average person is exposed to cycling it's either yet another drugs bust, scary Lance making the TdF boring, a "Fred" provoking a pitying laugh by riding along at 18kph with his knees pointing outwards astride a Trek Madone, or some bore droning on about crank length or resistance levels of tubs v clinchers.

I don't necessarily agree with all my sentiment here, and I have deliberately expressed myself in controversial terms...but I'd be interested to hear any agreements and disagreements on the issues I raised.

RapDaddyo

Personally, I'm thrilled to see people out on their bikes, regardless of their weight, talent or equipment. If having an $8K bike complete with PM gives a guy extra incentive to ride, great.

As to your idea that 50+ year-olds are all tooling around with 180W of power, I only wish that were true. I'm 62, with an FT of ~325W when I'm race-fit and I am not the fastest dude around in my age group.

whoawhoa

I don't know why someone out having fun would provoke a "pitying laugh." I don't think the problem here is the public's image of cycling, but your own. That's all I'm going to say.

ric_stern/RST

and so what if they are racing away at 180 W? More credit to them for trying to improve their health and fitness. at least they are having a go and trying... what should they do -- just become sedentary?

and why does being in your 50s and riding a bike cause impotence and heart failure? and here was me thinking that being healthy and exercising reduced the risk of a coronary episode...

ric

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Squint

Hey, their 180W might be 360 Tacx Flow watts.

capwater

In the US criteriums are more popular than road races. They usually take place in downtown environments instead of out in the country which affords fans a better opportunity to view the action. In my city they just hosted the 4th year of a major pro crit. Each year the crowds have gotten bigger and include many non-cyclists who just like the opportunity to come out and see something different.

As far as what people wear when riding, I really have no beef with anything. Even the overweight guy in the Discovery kit gets a tip of the hat because at least he's doing something instead of drinking beer on the couch watching TV.

I must say I have seen an increase in the number of cyclists I see out on my rides. No matter what their level of riding, that's a good thing for the sport.

SolarEnergy

I don't think that Cycling has an bigger image problem than that of most other sports, although I wish that some substances (such as dynEPO) would be easier to trace.

That being said, let me comment your thoughts from 3 different perspective.

General health
It's important that as many oldtimers (as you call them) as possible be in shape. That way, they live a better life (good for them), and they are more productive thus contribute more to the societe and cost less (good for you).

Business
Those oldtimers and the untalented wannabe (that's me here...), pour a great deal of money into the sport business. They basically finance the clubs and team. If dad does some bike, chances are that he will enjoy riding with his daugther or son. They are the one who help financing other deficit activities such as elite athlete's training camps and such.

They also pour a lot of money into the industry by buying those expensive bikes. If every one who's FT is under 250w would not be allowed to buy carbon frames, the latters would be very expensive and probably out of many elite athlete's reach

Sport Popularity
You used a comparason with Football. And it's a good one. Soccer even here in Quebec Canada, is the biggest federation in term of number of registered members. That is because it's very cheap and ez to practice. It is a highly democratic sport, just like basketball.

IMO, the more democratic a sport is, the better it is. A 50yo oldtimer with a 180FT that has tried some climbing, that has been in Alpe d'Huez, that is riding an expensive bike with CSC jersey WILL probably find a tv cycling race more interesting than his neighboor that has NOT been there at all.

By listening to the race on tv, the rating will increase. The publicity revenu will also increase. By the same token, the Pro Cyclists pay will also increase.

That is democracy. And your post in my opinion, is a call against this democracy.

Fortunately, you didn't think what you wrote

graf zeppelin

I couldnt agree more with all of the replies thus far. I'd even cheer if I saw a bunch of oldtimers out playing soccer in team attire. That would make my day. Whatever gets you outside and active and makes you happy enough to continue doing it is a good thing. You obviously dont wish to wear team attire in certain circumstances, but elitist attitudes are the worse thing that can be found in the sport.

wh0areume

Yep, the more people staying in shape, the better.
IMO - there's too many CAT-1s in cycling that hate old people.

ric_stern/RST

what about the over 50's riders who can thrash cat 1 riders...? there are quite a few about...

ric

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Lonnie Utah

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Felt_Rider

I may be one of the youngest on my club rides at 42 but, I have often been dropped by the older more experienced riders. I have learned to keep my humility and hope that I can finish mid pack.

buckybux

I am 51 and guess that I qualify in the old timers category. I have been commuting on bike for over 15 years, but only started road biking two years ago. I am a lifetime bike rider, of various types and styles.

I may be older, and have already reached many of the dreams I set in my 20's, I still create new ones. Life is a journey, while I am religious, I am not really looking forward to the destination. The journey is constantly changing and I am always setting new goals (dreams).

This year, my fitness goal is to ride 100 miles at a 20 mph average speed. I expect to accomplish this sometime in August. If you don't set goals, then how to you know where you want to go? Even when you are older, you have to set goals, otherwise, you are not improving.

Being in my 50's, I have a lot more disposable income than I had in my 20's. I feel justified in buying better equipment, which helps compensate for the age related decline in performance. I feel that I have earned the right to the better equipment long ago, especially considering all the bicycling commuting done instead of driving.

SolarEnergy

Inspired by this post during lunchtime, I had few extra-thoughts.

How different is the ball used by pros, compared with the ball used by amateurs? How different the socks, the shorts etc... In baseball, how different the ball used by pros compared to amateurs?

Is if forbiden for an amateur tennis player to buy racket just like the one Raphael Nadal use?

Why would it be bad for an amateur rider to buy a pro level bike then, given that he can affort it as much as a kid can affort buying a real soccer ball?

I strongly believe that you'd be more at risk staying home on your cauch listening to soccer on tv.

A friend of mine with whom I ride on a regular basis is 70yo. He joins our pace line on a reg basis, and takes his turns in the front at 40kph too.