EDMONTON- While it’s a great way to enjoy a summer day, it’s seems as though many Canadians are exiting the game of golf. According to a 2012 report, an increasing number of golfers over the age of 46 are stepping away from the game. And many of those people are taking up cycling instead.
“We enjoy the ride. We do all kinds of day rides, weekend rides, but it’s all about cycling safely and recreationally, it’s not about speed. It’s about getting out with people, friends and just having a great time cycling,” said Ron Chapman, president of the Edmonton Bicycle and Touring Club (EBTC).
Chapman has been the president of the EBTC for five years. In that time, he says he’s seen substantial growth within the club, particularly among the older generation.
“When I came in, there was about 300 members and now this year we’re at well over 550 members,” he explained. “Anywhere from 45 to 65 (years old) and we have a member that’s 83-years-old in our club that’s still cycling. But I’d say 45 and up.”
It’s a growing trend that Guri Randhawa, owner of Pedalhead Road Works cycling store, has noticed in his shop as well.
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“They get into it and they realize… I should have done this when I was 20,” he explained.
Randhawa believes it’s partially due to the fact that cycling is generally less expensive than golf.
“Once you get a bike, it’s not like golf, you’re not paying green fees every time you want to use it. You go out your door and start riding.”
As the Tour of Alberta makes its way through our province this week, hundreds of thousands of Albertans will be taking in the event. And millions more around the globe will be watching the tour on their televisions. Organizers believe the exposure will also help attract more people to the sport of cycling.
“I think this will improve the image, it will start to get people interested, get out there on the bikes for fitness and health,” said Brian Jolly.
And above the fitness aspect of cycling, both Randhawa and Chapman believe it’s a very fun, social activity.
“You want to get out and meet people and socialize and it’s just a great way of doing it,” Chapman said.
“When you’re part of a race team or a club you ride out easy, you talk,” Randhawa said.”It’s a big cliche, it’s the new golf, but it definitely is becoming that way because you’re riding with someone for three hours, you’ve got to talk about something.”
With files from Tom Vernon, Global News.
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