How long have you been cycling 'seriously'?

[Machka]

I'm curious how long people over here have been cycling 'seriously'.

By 'seriously' I mean that you get out there regularly - several times a week, all/most of the year long ... and that most of the time you do more than just a sub-5 km round-the-block trip when you do ride.



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I've been cycling relatively regularly since I was 6 years old (so for 34 years), but what I'd call 'seriously' for the past 17 years.

[sgtsmile]

DONT start a thread like this!!!!

Someone will come along and accuse you of being an elitist snob who hates all those who do not fall into your according to them narrow version of what makes a cyclist "serious".


However, taking your meaning as you stated it, I have been riding more or less consistantly for about 27 years:) (even though I am so hit or miss in the winter as to be ridiculous)

[Wogsterca]

I'm curious how long people over here have been cycling 'seriously'.

By 'seriously' I mean that you get out there regularly - several times a week, all/most of the year long ... and that most of the time you do more than just a sub-5 km round-the-block trip when you do ride.



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I've been cycling relatively regularly since I was 6 years old (so for 34 years), but what I'd call 'seriously' for the past 17 years.

Well I cycled seriously from the time I was 16 to 24, then took a break until I was 44, then got back into it, so it's either a year or 39 years, so I think I will not answer the poll at this point.

[sbhikes]

I ride "seriously" for years off-and-on with years long breaks without any riding in between. Right now I'm on a 3 year "on" spell.

[Artkansas]

Really, I've been a serious cyclist (by my own definition) since 2nd grade. Most of my rides lately are short, but being carfree, they are what is needed to get me around my world. In other times they were much longer. Who can say about the future.

[cyclezealot]

We always have difficluty defining words like serious. I have felt serious about cycling since I was a kid. Its' been over 10 years since I re-enterd cycling following my childhood years.

[genec]

Rode a bike to elementary school, and continued to ride until I was about 14. Picked it up again when I was 19 and carless. Toured, commuted, drove pedicab and rode everywhere until I was 31. Continued to commute on and off to different jobs until I was 46. Have done some commuting and some just local pleasure riding since.

That makes about 12 years of "serious" riding where frankly I did nothing but cycle for all my transport needs. Then about 15 years of semi serious riding consisting of mainly commuting.

Smack on the rest in some form, and I round it out to something over 30 years.

[divergence]

Not sure I could ever claim to cycle 'seriously' -- if I tried, someone might catch me cracking a grin at the wrong moment and bring down the whole charade.

But by the criteria of Machka's original post, almost five years...ever since I got sick of trying to keep my ridiculous heap of a car running.

[chipcom]

I'm not big on the 'serious cyclist' label, but in the context of your definition, I've been commuting to and from work on a bike pretty much continiously (I've taken some breaks due to circumstances) since I was 13 years old...not counting paper routes before that or riding to school. I'm 47. ;)

[SteveE]

By "serious" I am interpreting it to mean that it's an important part of my life and my primary leisure pursuit. I didn't become a commuter (even then 3-4 times a week and not in the rain) until the last couple of years. I cycle because i enjoy it, although once in a while I get competitive about it. Still I ride all year long and most of my non-commute rides are longer than 35 miles.

[pmseattle]

I'm curious how long people over here have been cycling 'seriously'.

By 'seriously' I mean that you get out there regularly - several times a week, all/most of the year long ... and that most of the time you do more than just a sub-5 km round-the-block trip when you do ride.



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I've been cycling relatively regularly since I was 6 years old (so for 34 years), but what I'd call 'seriously' for the past 17 years.

Also since about six years old, and I´m 52 now. I have been a utility cyclist almost from the beginning and have never been without at least one bike since I first learned to ride. I ride daily and have done so since the beginning ( 46 years of riding bicycles :eek: ). I have not had a car in years.

[Recycle]

I got back into cycling (after 30 years) for my health in mid 2005. I started riding regularly in March of 2006. Typical distances are 20 miles mid week and 20 to 50 miles on a weekend. I'm 64.

[ken cummings]

Try 49 years and another bike every 3 years or so.

[cyclezealot]

how about this definition. Comparing cycling advocates to regular Americans? You would rather ride your bike than drive a car. Few Americans meet this definition. I'd say that makes you serious. Maybe another marker would be annual mileage or average bike speed. Those who ride Wal Mart bikes. Doubt they ride more than 100 miles a year? Maybe if you ride more than 500 miles a year ? Or your average bike speed exceeds 10 mph?

[CommuterRun]

I don't ride seriously. Even though I do utility cycling, going nowhere without a destination and/or purpose, all my rides are fun, driving isn't fun. Which is the primary reason that I ride.:D ;)

[genec]

how about this definition. Comparing cycling advocates to regular Americans? You would rather ride your bike than drive a car. Few Americans meet this definition. I'd say that makes you serious. Maybe another marker would be annual mileage or average bike speed. Those who ride Wal Mart bikes. Doubt they ride more than 100 miles a year? Maybe if you ride more than 500 miles a year ? Or your average bike speed exceeds 10 mph?

Gee, by every one of your definitions I qualify.

I tend to agree that the average American rides more than 500 miles a year.

But what about college students that ride nearly daily for 3-4+ miles? They might accumulate that 500+ miles a year, but somehow they are not "serious?"

[Bekologist]

In my opinion, daily riding, not wanting to use a car for your daily transportation, is what makes a cyclist serious about cycling. Weekend club riders, that drive to the start points, are in the bike tribe, but not on the 'mad about biking' team.

1972, rode a 50 miler for charity in 75 or 76. rode to school, paperboy, etc.

Began adult, 'who gives a darn' commuting in 1985. riding at night, thru storm and snow, becuase its great to be out there. Began solo bike touring in the mid eighties as well.

Took a couple of years off to be tragically hip and party way too much, began to ride in a major American metro city in 1993.

Have progressed to an aversion to driving or buying gasoline. Drove to work one day last year, never drove to the grocery store. Take most of my vacations and weekend trips on my bike.

Why drive when you can bike?

seriously since 1985.

[sbhikes]

Actually, why ride your bike if you can walk? I would say I'm a much more serious pedestrian. However, distances are too far for that much of the time and my pedestrian activities end up mostly for recreation and the occasional trip to get some coffee. The bike is a fall-back that gets fallen back on more often than walking.

[Bekologist]

I'm walking to the farmers' market this morning, SB. :)

[cyclezealot]

To me, defining serious might indicate, above the norm? The average being taken from every American who owns a bike. Exceed the norm , you are serious?

[Ed Holland]

Commuting to work and fitness rides for about the last 10 years count as serious to me. The commutes have become considerably more serious, from an original 2.5 miles each way up to approx 17 these days.

I had a prolific spell of comedy cycling in the years prior to this :)

[Machka]

how about this definition. Comparing cycling advocates to regular Americans? You would rather ride your bike than drive a car. Few Americans meet this definition. I'd say that makes you serious. Maybe another marker would be annual mileage or average bike speed. Those who ride Wal Mart bikes. Doubt they ride more than 100 miles a year? Maybe if you ride more than 500 miles a year ? Or your average bike speed exceeds 10 mph?


I think I'll stick with the definition I wrote in my first post. I don't think there should be any comparison with the "average American" ... after all, if a person got on a bicycle and rode it down his driveway once he'd probably be a more serious cyclist than the "average American".

And I don't think we need to include specific distances, or speeds, or types of bicycle. If I were to include those, the distances that I would consider "serious" would probably rule out most riders here ... but I don't want to do that.



No ... I think a definition that includes regularity and some distance (more than just rides around the block), like my first definition, is best. :)

[John E]

I started cycling in 1962 at age 12, when I had finally developed a sufficient level of physical coordination for the task, and I quickly became hooked by the only sport I have ever truly loved. I did a fair amount of recreational and transportation cycling during high school, but started stretching my distances as a UCLA undergrad and later as a "starving grad student." I look back fondly on 40+ years and 100k+ mi / 160k+ km in the saddle.

[jwc]

I think I'll stick with the definition I wrote in my first post. I don't think there should be any comparison with the "average American" ... after all, if a person got on a bicycle and rode it down his driveway once he'd probably be a more serious cyclist than the "average American".

And I don't think we need to include specific distances, or speeds, or types of bicycle. If I were to include those, the distances that I would consider "serious" would probably rule out most riders here ... but I don't want to do that.



No ... I think a definition that includes regularity and some distance (more than just rides around the block), like my first definition, is best. :)

Well, that leaves me out. Based on the definition requirement, I'm not a serious cyclist.

I ride everyday...rain or shine, cold or hot (commute to work), but it is a short commute, less than 5km. I try to go on weekend rides, but my business rules that out a lot, so I'm lucky to squeeze in 15 or 20 miles then.

I guess I'm just a cycle geek.

[rando]

I take my vote back. I have never cycled "seriously". I usually have a smile on my face.

[eubi]

Yeah, this is tough.

If you define "serious" as mega miles every Saturday, no I am not a "serious" cyclist.

If you define "serious" as leaving my SUV in the driveway, getting on the bike every workday for a commute (even with piddly distances that would make a roadie sneer) than I am serious.

Or maybe it's "committed" Yeah, I've heard that one before :D

[saraflux]

i was going to try to actually determine if i am "serious" based on this definition, but the heck with it.
i love my bike. i commute. i ride on the weekends when i can and when i am in the mood. hipsters look at me funny.
that's enough for me.

[rajman]

I cycled 'seriously' for about 6-7 years as a teenager/young adult, then was bikeless for about 4-5 years, and since then have been cycling more and more seriously since. I am now a 'very serious' cyclist having completed my first century in 20 years this summer, riding four seasons (with no breaks of more than 2 days) in canada and commuting to work and school.

[2skinnywheels]

How would ego factor in?

[Daily Commute]

I've been riding "seriously" since I was 8 if you include regular rides to school. Those elementary school rides were <5km, but it was my main source of transportation.

But, on the other hand, I've always enjoyed cycling, so you might say that I have never cycled "seriously."

[2skinnywheels]

Here's the answer! See how you measure up and let us all know. We'll throw a party in the winner's honor:
http://www.rickdenney.com/social.htm

[Ed Holland]

Hey, that was helpful 2Skinny. According to the social order, I'm only one step up from the rest of the world. Pah, I'll show 'em - On my commuter route, complete with crusty bike, lights and overloaded backpack, it is quite possible to "vanquish" plenty of those who appear to be much further up the supposed order, Know what I mean? ;)

[Machka]

Well, that leaves me out. Based on the definition requirement, I'm not a serious cyclist.

I ride everyday...rain or shine, cold or hot (commute to work), but it is a short commute, less than 5km. I try to go on weekend rides, but my business rules that out a lot, so I'm lucky to squeeze in 15 or 20 miles then.

I guess I'm just a cycle geek.


Judging from the fuss some people are making about my very lax and generous definition of a "serious" cyclist, I'd say you are more the rule than the exception.



Somehow I thought a group of cycling advocates would cycle the most of any group on bikeforums ... and would go after my definition for not being "tough" enough, not the other way around.

[Machka]

Here's the answer! See how you measure up and let us all know. We'll throw a party in the winner's honor:
http://www.rickdenney.com/social.htm


They don't have Randonneurs and Ultra-cyclists on the list. I'll have to send the author an email about that. IMO cyclists who ride 24+ hours a day should be right there behind the pros! :D

[buzzman]

I know some people take offense at the "serious" moniker and I feel your pain:rolleyes: but... I suppose to me it means when I decided bicycling was something for my entire life not just something to do as a kid. I made that decision at age 15, which was 37 years ago.

[Machka]

I know some people take offense at the "serious" moniker and I feel your pain:rolleyes: but... I suppose to me it means when I decided bicycling was something for my entire life not just something to do as a kid. I made that decision at age 15, which was 37 years ago.

Exactly!! That's what I mean!! :)

Perhaps I could have used a different word than "serious", but in this context, I've used the word "serious" in the following senses:

-- of great consequence
-- requiring effort or concentration
-- important or grave enough to require thought and attention
-- discussing or dealing with matters in a thoughtful or thought-provoking way, as opposed to in a superficial or merely entertaining manner
http://www.onelook.com/?w=serious&ls=a

And especially:
-- showing great interest in or commitment to an endeavor, skill, or pastime
-- having a possibility of success, or showing an intention to succeed
-- substantial or sustained rather than trivial or insignificant
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861718024

:)

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Exactly!! That's what I mean!! :)

Perhaps I could have used a different word than "serious", but in this context, I've used the word "serious" in the following senses:

-- of great consequence
-- requiring effort or concentration
-- important or grave enough to require thought and attention
-- discussing or dealing with matters in a thoughtful or thought-provoking way, as opposed to in a superficial or merely entertaining manner
http://www.onelook.com/?w=serious&ls=a

And especially:
-- showing great interest in or commitment to an endeavor, skill, or pastime
-- having a possibility of success, or showing an intention to succeed
-- substantial or sustained rather than trivial or insignificant
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861718024

:)
You are digging yourself deeper into the elitist hole.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Exactly!! That's what I mean!! :)

Perhaps I could have used a different word than "serious", but in this context, I've used the word "serious" in the following senses:

-- of great consequence
-- requiring effort or concentration
-- important or grave enough to require thought and attention
-- discussing or dealing with matters in a thoughtful or thought-provoking way, as opposed to in a superficial or merely entertaining manner
http://www.onelook.com/?w=serious&ls=a

And especially:
-- showing great interest in or commitment to an endeavor, skill, or pastime
-- having a possibility of success, or showing an intention to succeed
-- substantial or sustained rather than trivial or insignificant
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861718024

:)
You are digging yourself deeper into the elitist SERIOUS cyclist hole.

[2skinnywheels]

Somehow I thought a group of cycling advocates would cycle the most of any group on bikeforums ... and would go after my definition for not being "tough" enough, not the other way around.

Here's the definition of advocate:
To speak or write in favor of; support or urge by argument; recommend publicly.

You can do this without ever touching bike.


Perhaps I could have used a different word than "serious"

I think you may be looking for Career Cyclists


-- of great consequence


As long as you don't get hit by a truck, the consequences are usually, at least, good.


-- of great consequence
-- requiring effort or concentration
-- important or grave enough to require thought and attention
-- discussing or dealing with matters in a thoughtful or thought-provoking way, as opposed to in a superficial or merely entertaining manner



You might have an obsessive compulsive disorder.


-- showing great interest in or commitment to an endeavor, skill, or pastime
-- having a possibility of success, or showing an intention to succeed
-- substantial or sustained rather than trivial or insignificant


This looks like a slide from one of those corporate motivational powerpoint presentations.

All kidding aside - I've been riding a bike since I was 5. Built ramps to jump, used it for transportation and now that I'm getting old to jump ramps and bounce around on my front wheel, I ride in group rides for charities and in weekly club rides for the social scene. I enjoy getting out (when it's atleast 50 degrees out) for a 25-50 mile ride several times a week. My wife thinks I'm obsessed but I just enjoy riding. However, I have read Chris Carmichael's book "The Ultimate Ride" Ssshhhh don't tell ILTB.;)

[noisebeam]

Everyone who posts/read BFs is a 'serious' cyclist. Far more who don't are too.

Al

[anchojoe]

I take my vote back. I have never cycled "seriously". I usually have a smile on my face.


+1

[superted]

Exactly a year.

[LittleBigMan]

I am not that serious a cyclist. In fact, my cycling leaves me feeling kind of laid back.

[sgtsmile]

Told ya mak..... took until post 37.

However, I actually understood what you meant by your poll and what you meant about serious.

[Machka]

You are digging yourself deeper into the elitist SERIOUS cyclist hole.

I haven't even begun to dig yet!! :D :lol: And I have no problem with being considered an elitist. <<shrug>> :)

[chipcom]

I haven't even begun to dig yet!! :D :lol: And I have no problem with being considered an elitist. <<shrug>> :)

When it comes to long distance cycling - you are one of the elite my dear. ;)

[I-Like-To-Bike]

I haven't even begun to dig yet!! :D :lol: And I have no problem with being considered an elitist. <<shrug>> :)
Why should you? You are what you are; and proud of it too.:rolleyes:

[eubi]

Here's the answer! See how you measure up and let us all know. We'll throw a party in the winner's honor:
http://www.rickdenney.com/social.htm

Wow. I'm glad I have fenders on my commuter, and a tounge in my cheek!

[Roody]

You don't have to be an *****hole to be serious, but it sure helps! ;)

[rhm]

how about this definition. ... You would rather ride your bike than drive a car ... Maybe if you ride more than 500 miles a year ? Or your average bike speed exceeds 10 mph?
Yes, yes, and yes, respectively; so I voted 25-30 years. But my cycling patterns have changed repeatedly over the years. I used to ride so much that I didn't even learn to drive a car until I was in my 20's; but more recently there have been numerous periods of up to a couple years in which I did not ride at all. For some years I drove to work and cycled for fun; now I haven't been on my road bike in three or four years, but I've been commuting by bike, some 80 miles per week throughout that time.