Road Cycling is the New Jogging for Baby Boomers

(March 22nd, 2012) Some cycling clubs are now reporting that over 50% of their members are over 50. Why? Why are more and more baby boomers turning away from jogging and gyms to take up road cycling?

It’s no surprise. As more and more evidence is emerging every month from the medical authorities demonstrating the health benefits of regular exercise as you get older more baby boomers are turning to exercise to improve their health and quality of life in the later years. 

But why cycling?

In the 80s, much as a result of the efforts of James Fixx, jogging was everywhere. Everyone from the young to the very old were out jogging, improving their fitness and improving their health. Or they were at the gym.

But in the nineties and beyond, it seems, jogging and the gym has been replaced by cycling amongst the older generation according to Peter Crump, of The Over 40 Cyclist. 

Peter explains "finding a regular activity that fulfills all the requirements of an older person isn’t quite so easy. Jogging is out, it’s too hard on the knees. Swimming is out, it’s boring and antisocial. And the gym just isn’t the place to be seen for the older generation.”

So older people are voting with their cycling shoes and turning to cycling in droves.

Why? Because road cycling is fun, it’s low impact, it’s great exercise and the perfect place to meet new people. Cycling is the perfect activity for the older person, mixing recreation, meeting new people and easy exercise in one package.

And yet the older cyclist is underserved online, with most cycling websites catering to the interests of the younger and more race oriented cyclist.

No Longer. The Over 40 Cyclist (http://www.over40cyclist.com/) aims to cater to the needs of older people looking to take up road cycling for the first time, or who have recently joined the sport. 

Resources include a free weekly newsletter aimed at the newer and slightly older road cyclist, a demographic not commonly targeted by the more established cycling websites.

And enthusiastic older cyclists can join the cycling conversation with Peter on the Over 40 Cyclist facebook page 

Road cycling is very beginner friendly for the older cyclist. Most people can now access a cycling club where they can meet with like minded people and join the fun. Chances are those like minded people may be over 50, or 60, or older.

Contact Information

Peter Crump

Owner

Over 40 Cyclist

oldcyclist@over40cyclist.com