Well I’m glad that someone has finally come up with a name for me. That’s a name for a middle-aged cyclist. Apparently we’re known as MAMIL (Middle Aged Men In Lycra) There’s been a huge growth in middle-aged men taking to the road on two wheels clad in lycra.
It’s all part of a midlife crisis apparently; well it’s a great way to have a crisis. When I was a teenager the middle-aged men having a crisis usually stood at the bar in a night club with their shirts open and a cheap medallion hanging round their necks like Elvis Presley. They usually had a comb over to top it all off.
They were the only ones who didn’t realise how sad they looked. So if having a midlife crisis today means buying a new bike complete with gadgets then that’s a great improvement and should be encouraged.
The more cyclists on the road the better. When we reach a certain mass they will have to start making the roads more cycle friendly. Personally they can call me any name they want it won’t bother me. I’ve been cycling for over 30 years and I hope to be cycling for a lot longer.
If it’s a choice between spending every weekend propping up a bar listening to the same old stories or getting the lycra on then it’s the lycra every time.
So if you’re a middle-aged man thinking of getting a bike but are holding back because you’re afraid of what the pack will say. Take my advice and go buy the bike, you’ll be fitter, happier and discover some fantastic places to ride.
Happy Cycling
