Is your cycling a sport or pastime?
#26
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Recreation and a pastime. It's a recreational activity with a fitness benifit. It's also a pastime while I'm aquiring, restoring and maintaining my collection.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#28
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,512
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4560 Post(s)
Liked 2,804 Times
in
1,801 Posts
Transportation and recreation.
Not interested in the sports aspect anymore. Got that out of my system decades ago.
Not interested in the sports aspect anymore. Got that out of my system decades ago.
#29
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,434 Times
in
1,187 Posts
If you have a computer and track your stats, then it's a sport.
If you want to ride with her, it's a ........ hobby.
Golf:
If you drive a cart, it's a game.
If you carry your bag and walk, it's a sport.
If you want to ride with her, it's a ........ hobby.
Golf:
If you drive a cart, it's a game.
If you carry your bag and walk, it's a sport.
#30
Squirrel
Wait... why would I want to ride with her? Who is she? I like the bike!
I want to say hobby, but actually considering the amount I've been riding I would say it should really be classified as a daydream.
I want to say hobby, but actually considering the amount I've been riding I would say it should really be classified as a daydream.
__________________
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,621
Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1069 Post(s)
Liked 789 Times
in
506 Posts
sport/utility
I ride to maintain not to train. No racing but riding with the group is usually intense so I would consider the riding to be sport. Utility riding would be on my hybrid for food shopping, doctor/blood work visits, home improvement supplies.....anytime I can use the bike instead of the minivan.
Excellent high tops and matching socks!!!!
I ride to maintain not to train. No racing but riding with the group is usually intense so I would consider the riding to be sport. Utility riding would be on my hybrid for food shopping, doctor/blood work visits, home improvement supplies.....anytime I can use the bike instead of the minivan.
Excellent high tops and matching socks!!!!
#32
Senior Member
Definitely neither. I've never been able to think of cycling as a sport. I also think that operating any sort of machine on public roads requires a more serious attitude than "pastime."
It's always been transportation for me. That does not keep it from being fun, but it is still transportation, and I give it the same care that I bring to driving or flying.
It's always been transportation for me. That does not keep it from being fun, but it is still transportation, and I give it the same care that I bring to driving or flying.
#33
Senior Member
Great question and obviously we each have different takes Guess many things to me.
First a fitness activity to increase longevity, brain work, weight, stamina etc.
Second a sport in getting right pedal strokes, cadence, body position, breathing, nutrition to compete against other riders in your group, yourself or yourself via strava. Strava offers for example: despite being 71 for 50+ segments, I'm at 67th percentile for everyone and 62nd percentile for those over 65; and just below 50th percentile for my group who are from 24 to 72 years old with about age 50 average. Yes happy with these results.
Third it's a social activity riding with nice people and then Starbucking it before the end of each ride to be together; also we get together for birthdays and the like.
First a fitness activity to increase longevity, brain work, weight, stamina etc.
Second a sport in getting right pedal strokes, cadence, body position, breathing, nutrition to compete against other riders in your group, yourself or yourself via strava. Strava offers for example: despite being 71 for 50+ segments, I'm at 67th percentile for everyone and 62nd percentile for those over 65; and just below 50th percentile for my group who are from 24 to 72 years old with about age 50 average. Yes happy with these results.
Third it's a social activity riding with nice people and then Starbucking it before the end of each ride to be together; also we get together for birthdays and the like.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex
Posts: 5,058
Bikes: 2013 Haro FL Comp 29er MTB.
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1470 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 45 Times
in
35 Posts
Great question and obviously we each have different takes Guess many things to me.
First a fitness activity to increase longevity, brain work, weight, stamina etc.
Second a sport in getting right pedal strokes, cadence, body position, breathing, nutrition to compete against other riders in your group, yourself or yourself via strava. Strava offers for example: despite being 71 for 50+ segments, I'm at 67th percentile for everyone and 62nd percentile for those over 65; and just below 50th percentile for my group who are from 24 to 72 years old with about age 50 average. Yes happy with these results.
Third it's a social activity riding with nice people and then Starbucking it before the end of each ride to be together; also we get together for birthdays and the like.
First a fitness activity to increase longevity, brain work, weight, stamina etc.
Second a sport in getting right pedal strokes, cadence, body position, breathing, nutrition to compete against other riders in your group, yourself or yourself via strava. Strava offers for example: despite being 71 for 50+ segments, I'm at 67th percentile for everyone and 62nd percentile for those over 65; and just below 50th percentile for my group who are from 24 to 72 years old with about age 50 average. Yes happy with these results.
Third it's a social activity riding with nice people and then Starbucking it before the end of each ride to be together; also we get together for birthdays and the like.
#35
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: N. KY
Posts: 13
Bikes: Cannondale CX3, Canondale Synapse Specialized Transition Expert
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I haven't given it that much thought. Depends on the day, how I feel, If I turn on the Garmin or not, and how hard I ride, that day. I do a mix of recreational cruising, and training a bit. No races or anything like that. I almost always ride solo, so fellow riders don't dictate that I push it, or just cruise at my own pace. I don't keep records, I just do what I feel on any given day, so I suppose it's a pastime.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,319
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 660 Post(s)
Liked 601 Times
in
314 Posts
Headwinds. When the wind is blowing hard do you take a training ride straight into it knowing your times are going to stink? You just might be riding for sport.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 4,816
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1593 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,026 Times
in
576 Posts
Sport and pastime (or recreation) aren't really mutually exclusive. When I play golf, it is a sporting activity, but it is also recreation and certainly is a pastime.
As another poster noted, "sport" classically involves some level of competition or uncertainty of outcome. Bicycling certainly can be a sport, but when I go out for a ride in the country that doesn't really meet the traditional definition. Being an athletic activity doesn't automatically make it sporting.
As another poster noted, "sport" classically involves some level of competition or uncertainty of outcome. Bicycling certainly can be a sport, but when I go out for a ride in the country that doesn't really meet the traditional definition. Being an athletic activity doesn't automatically make it sporting.
#38
Squirrel
I wonder if it has to be defined as anything... I like kayaks better than jet skis, dogsleds better than snowmobiles, and bikes better than cars. Seems more like a preference than a sport or hobby. I'll bet the commuters and car-free are like that, too. And I'll bet you'd have to add in art appreciation for the C&V crowd. And the something different for the touring folk.
__________________
#39
www.ocrebels.com
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 6,186
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
Then sometimes I ride events which are timed (which would make it a sport) but I don't try to win or even place well so it's accurately more of a pastime . . . at least for me.
When I first saw the question I wondered "What does it matter?" but then I got to thinking that maybe to some riders it really might matter.
Big picture, for me, whether it's a timed event or not it's a good fun time with probably some health benefits (given that I don't crash!) plus a fun social time with friends who share the same experience. So yes, I consider it all good and each of you is welcome to put upon it any label you like!
Rick / OCRR
#42
Senior Member
At age 55, I guess it can be an addicting sport just like golf.
Not to be crude, but I have been teased and called a "fart in the wind" as I'm over here doing this, I'm over there, I'm always running around with boundless energy.
I don't have a carbon frame racing bicycle and don't wear a full kit either. I have no intentions of racing or doing time trials. I just want to get some exercise, build up endurance, and enjoy the scenery as I pass by.
Bicycling
Golf
Jogging
Dog Walking (um, I mean - the dogs take ME for a walk! ha ha...)
Not to be crude, but I have been teased and called a "fart in the wind" as I'm over here doing this, I'm over there, I'm always running around with boundless energy.
I don't have a carbon frame racing bicycle and don't wear a full kit either. I have no intentions of racing or doing time trials. I just want to get some exercise, build up endurance, and enjoy the scenery as I pass by.
Bicycling
Golf
Jogging
Dog Walking (um, I mean - the dogs take ME for a walk! ha ha...)
#43
Made it to 84 WHOOPIE
Upper 70's. Combine trail bicycling, mtn/single track, swimming, resistance training, stretching, walking for fitness. Never ever considered myself an "athlete" but neighbors seem to think I am a bit different!! My riding is recreational and "howdy" types of rides. Certainly not a sport for me.
#44
Senior Member
I would select fitness and pastime not sport. To me sport involves competition with others or yourself. I don't race, I don't train. I ride for pleasure - typically 25-30 miles - and on short route days will throw in a handful of brief all-out sprints for fitness. I also take an overseas biking trip every year but those are, again, for pleasure and do not involve highly challenging. competitive rides.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Seattlish
Posts: 2,751
Bikes: SWorks Stumpy, Haibike Xduro RX, Crave SS
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 514 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
8 Posts
sport/utility
I ride to maintain not to train. No racing but riding with the group is usually intense so I would consider the riding to be sport. Utility riding would be on my hybrid for food shopping, doctor/blood work visits, home improvement supplies.....anytime I can use the bike instead of the minivan.
Excellent high tops and matching socks!!!!
I ride to maintain not to train. No racing but riding with the group is usually intense so I would consider the riding to be sport. Utility riding would be on my hybrid for food shopping, doctor/blood work visits, home improvement supplies.....anytime I can use the bike instead of the minivan.
Excellent high tops and matching socks!!!!
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Phx, AZ
Posts: 2,121
Bikes: Trek Mtn Bike
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 282 Post(s)
Liked 2,657 Times
in
961 Posts
Transportation first. I mostly bike commute. Then recreational sport or pastime. Whichever word floats your boat.
Speaking of which. I would love to ride with her. Doubt she would want to ride with me. Nice pic tho.
Speaking of which. I would love to ride with her. Doubt she would want to ride with me. Nice pic tho.
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 9,201
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1186 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
177 Posts
Yes, I consider cycling a sport and pastime. Group rides generally end up being competitive a few times every ride and the rest is for fitness/enjoyment. I'd also consider playing recreational ice hockey a sport and the intensity of competition is similar.
#48
Seat Sniffer
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,637
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 946 Post(s)
Liked 2,023 Times
in
575 Posts
My wife and kids would say that it's my obsession. I'd say it's my way of life.
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
Posts: 109
Bikes: Seven Alaris custom road bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
All of the above. It's definitely a fitness activity when I ride hills. But the scenery is gorgeous, and being out in the wild is exhilarating. I will race to keep up with faster riders, so there's some sport going on. I use a bike for transportation, like when I ride to the gym. But when the weather's nice, half the time I get to the gym and keep riding. :-)