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Mark Beaumont at the Equator (source Facebook, cropped)MAMILs deter would-be cyclists says adventurer Mark Beaumont
Mark Beaumont, who earlier this year set a new world record for the quickest journey by bicycle from Cairo to Cape Town, says that middle-aged men in Lycra ‘are a turn-off for new cyclists’. The adventurer argues that those who take cycling too seriously and think that it is all about competition can be intimidating for newcomers.
Speaking to the London Evening Standard regarding his involvement with Ride Social, a British Cycling initative to get more people on bikes, Beaumont said:
“Cycling clubs have their place. If you want to be a pro cyclist and be spotted then that’s great. But people who are new to cycling tend to think the sport is all about competition and wearing Lycra and taking it all very seriously.
“People, and I think especially women, are intimidated by these Lycra-clad weekend warriors. I know I was and I came to cycling through a different route. I want to help people realise it’s not just about that — that cycling can be just a bit of fun and can be part of your lifestyle.”
The aim of Ride Social is to form groups of similar-ability cyclists for fun rides. Cyclists can visit the website and create a profile that allows them to join and create bike rides in their local area.
Beaumont, former holder of the Guinness World Record for the quickest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle, smashed the record for riding the length of Africa from Cairo to Cape Town by 17 days earlier this year, completing the 6,750-mile journey in 42 days.
Since then, he has ridden Scotland’s North Coast 500 route, a 500-mile trip through the Scottish Highlands that he completed in under 38 hours. The ride was the longest he has ever spent in the saddle without a break.
Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.
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71 comments
I can think of many more valid reasons putting people off taking up cycling than mamils. Maybe he should use his profile to concentrate on those.
Given Mark's continuing support for Pedal on Parliament and the Road Share campaign, I would say that he is " use his profile to concentrate on" dealing with the more serious things that are putting people off cycling.
He has done a lot to help support Pedal on Parliament, including leading out the first ride. With the Road Share campaign, he is not just a "celebratory" endorsement, but an active member of the steering group (when he is not off somewhere riding as fast as he can wearing Lycra).
For what it is worth he is actually a genuine and really down to earth guy.
So I'm 58 and been cycling on and off (more on than off) for 42 years....I don't get out every weekend but when I do I want to be comfy and feel good...that's why I buy nice kit!...surely it can also have an encouraging effect rather than a detrimental one???...stop talk rubish Mr Beaumont!
"Would you jog to work in your suit?" That generally does the trick when people ask me why I commute in lycra.
Perhaps the journalists have had a bit to do with this. It maybe he was talking generally and this was just part of the conversation, this thought has sometimes passed with me, but I have then quickly disregarded it and agreed with the commenters here. so the journos have jumped on these comments and published them just to cause a bit of a stir I reckon. All people who start to take their sport seriously (as amatuers) tend to try and emulate the professionals - look at all the people who wear football and rugby tops, surfers who wear surf clothing, skatebaorders and BMXers wear their stuff, etc, etc. I am not aware of the standard of journalism of the London Evening Standard, but I am willing to bet that they did not probe at all and saw he had said something that they could use against him...........
I yield to no one in my admiration for Mark Beaumont but he must have had the hunger knock when he made those comments. There's been an explosion in cycling participation the last 5 years at all levels. The facts just don't back up his argument.
What a load of shite! If that is all it takes to put you off doing something, there's something wrong with you.
Yes, anyone over 30 should be required to wear a potato sack when cycling so as to not intimidate anyone who may be considering taking up the sport. Above all, they should not be allowed to take the sport seriously!
He has half a point. But so called 'Mamils' are just folk taking a sport seriously. We're a friendly bunch.
It's no different to any other sport. Like walking into a Boxing Club or joining a Football club.
New comers just need to get stuck in!
SHITE! He has spent too long alone. Just back from a 'club' spin with 145 people in 6 ability groups. ALL happy. Lots of 'weekend' warriors as most have jobs 'mid' week
“People, and I think especially women, are intimidated by these Lycra-clad weekend warriors. I know I was and I came to cycling through a different route. I want to help people realise it’s not just about that — that cycling can be just a bit of fun and can be part of your lifestyle.”
Oh, the irony - of someone who seems to be cycling just to beat records.
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