Cycling vs Other Hobbies
01-29-16, 07:29 AM
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Im 77 and my main circle of friends that I worked with are mainly 70+. Several of them golf. However the way they golf give them almost no exercise at all. They get on the golf cart drive to the tee, hit the ball, and they repeat that for the whole 18 holes. They are lucky to have ended up walking 3 or 4 blocks total.
OTOH I bike somewhere between 2 and 3 thousand miles a year. My friends sadly have had several heart attacks, open heart surgery, knee replacements, and several other problems. Yet at 77 I have never been in the hospital or had any operation. Chalk some of my good fortune to good genes, but I absolutely believe in good exercise. I bike, and lift hand weights two or three times a week.
Bottom line here is I look upon my bike and trike as my personal fountain of youth.
OTOH I bike somewhere between 2 and 3 thousand miles a year. My friends sadly have had several heart attacks, open heart surgery, knee replacements, and several other problems. Yet at 77 I have never been in the hospital or had any operation. Chalk some of my good fortune to good genes, but I absolutely believe in good exercise. I bike, and lift hand weights two or three times a week.
Bottom line here is I look upon my bike and trike as my personal fountain of youth.
01-29-16, 07:41 AM
#27
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Cycling vs Other Hobbies
I previously posted last year to this thread on the General Cycling Forum, “Hobbies”
About a year prior to that post, I had this exchange with a fellow Metro Boston cyclist:
Curious what you're doing for other hobbies outside of cycling. What do you do and does your cycling help your hobbies in anyway?
Originally Posted by Wikipedia
A hobby is a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time...
Generally speaking, a person who engages in an activity solely for fun is called a 'hobbyist', whereas a 'professional' generally engages in an activity for reward and an 'amateur' (from French for "lover of") does so out of personal interest in an activity…
Generally speaking, a person who engages in an activity solely for fun is called a 'hobbyist', whereas a 'professional' generally engages in an activity for reward and an 'amateur' (from French for "lover of") does so out of personal interest in an activity…
I cycle for (fun) exercise, particularly via commuting, and consider it a lifestyle. I also enjoy posting to Bike Forums as a self-proclaimed “wordsmith,” enjoying the mechanics of composing, as well as the communication….A radio commentator, Dennis Prager once suggested that one should take a vacation everyday; not to physically “get away,” but do something different during the day, and that’s posting for me.
My (our) hobby/amateur pursuit during leisure time though is social ballroom dancing. After about eight years of lessons in the 1980’s my wife and I go out dancing once a week. A perfect Saturday is an early morning long bike ride, and dining out and dancing that evening.
My (our) hobby/amateur pursuit during leisure time though is social ballroom dancing. After about eight years of lessons in the 1980’s my wife and I go out dancing once a week. A perfect Saturday is an early morning long bike ride, and dining out and dancing that evening.
...I got out on the Masi this morning, doing a first run on new wheels I strung up a week ago and new tires, Veloflex Criteriums running 140psi....They performed spectacularly. 44.9 miles, Waltham out to Carlisle...It was a good day.
Then my sweetie and I took our canoe out the Assabet River. A very pleasant afternoon.
Then my sweetie and I took our canoe out the Assabet River. A very pleasant afternoon.
01-29-16, 08:03 AM
#29
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I like to obsess a little when starting any hobby and then fall back into some kind of comfortable rotation with the others. seasonally some become more dominant while others phase down. for a perfect lifestyle I would give up work so that I could fully schedule proper rotation.
about 6 yrs ago I went through a temporary living situation change and sold off my SCUBA, aquariums and darkroom. I dismantled my model railroads but kept them. this winter I sold off 5 bikes. it feels good to scale back long standing equipment intensive hobbies.
about 6 yrs ago I went through a temporary living situation change and sold off my SCUBA, aquariums and darkroom. I dismantled my model railroads but kept them. this winter I sold off 5 bikes. it feels good to scale back long standing equipment intensive hobbies.
01-29-16, 08:04 AM
#30
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I ride, play the guitar and ukulele , scuba dive, do wood- and metal-working, raise bees, camp, fish, shoot pistols, rifles, and shotguns, burn calories at the gym, play with computers and electronics, do home improvements, and dork around the farm on the Gator and tractor.
That sounds like a lot of work. I should get a hobby!
That sounds like a lot of work. I should get a hobby!
01-29-16, 09:36 AM
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FYA, rr6, this past Saturday night, we went dining (no dancing due to the snow) in Malden and passed by the Charles Ro Supply Company, touted on their sign and website as “America’s Largest Train Store.” The next day I was chatting with a friend from Malden, and he confirmed that; his brother-in-law is a collector, as was my father.
Notably so too is the lead character Sheldon Cooper on The Big Band Theory. Bazinga.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 01-29-16 at 09:49 AM.
01-29-16, 09:40 AM
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knock knock knock Penny!
thanks for the link! never been there!
thanks for the link! never been there!
01-29-16, 01:02 PM
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Great responses!!
I'm a high eighties, low nineties golfer and that is usually more therapeutic for me to be out walking the course. Cycling is more intense and is mostly for getting exercise and staying active. Off roading has been something I'd really like to get into shooting and getting a motorcycle are other aspirations. One thing I do focus on is activities that get me moving around. As a 300lb clyde I need to focus on my health more than anything.
I'm a high eighties, low nineties golfer and that is usually more therapeutic for me to be out walking the course. Cycling is more intense and is mostly for getting exercise and staying active. Off roading has been something I'd really like to get into shooting and getting a motorcycle are other aspirations. One thing I do focus on is activities that get me moving around. As a 300lb clyde I need to focus on my health more than anything.
It also satisfies the N+1 Proposition.
And the guy that likes to fly fish needs to ride his bike to the river.
GH
01-29-16, 01:29 PM
#34
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Golf? Thats for people without skills or athletic ability, got green pants? 
Other hobbies? Let's see. Commute by bike, mt bike, fatbike, sometimes in the winter. Errands by bike and bike touring. And trail work at mt biking areas too. I take pictures for work. Hobbies? I grow some veggies and herbs, cooking, beer, bourbon. No issues or worries, just balance the flow. Pouring rain? no biking, work in the garden. I mt bike most weekends, nice to have 15 miles of trails at the end of my street.
Other hobbies? Let's see. Commute by bike, mt bike, fatbike, sometimes in the winter. Errands by bike and bike touring. And trail work at mt biking areas too. I take pictures for work. Hobbies? I grow some veggies and herbs, cooking, beer, bourbon. No issues or worries, just balance the flow. Pouring rain? no biking, work in the garden. I mt bike most weekends, nice to have 15 miles of trails at the end of my street.
01-29-16, 04:33 PM
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I feel very blessed to have more hobbies, interests, etc. than I can count. Cycling has been the longest lasting. Probably because it is kind of a no-brainer to do after you have a bike(s)... no reservations, tee times, court times, driving, etc.
Tennis is probably next, then the others just rotate. When you have twin boys and live in Southern California; somewhat close to the beach and mountains in Southern California there is always something to do. Probably the most rewarding were the years spent surfing with them and their friends. What a hoot to pile a half a dozen boards and teenagers into the old van and relive my old days. Haven't been in the water since I tore up my rotator cuff mountain biking... hopefully this spring. I have tried to get back into golf since they have both moved to Arizona, that and some shooting out there when we visit. We have a small sailboat that needs to get wet very couple of years and a pool table waiting for me to retire.
I've played guitar for years, but started playing the ukulele about 7/8 years ago (Jake not Tiny Tim). I am really enjoying it and play pretty consistently.
John
Tennis is probably next, then the others just rotate. When you have twin boys and live in Southern California; somewhat close to the beach and mountains in Southern California there is always something to do. Probably the most rewarding were the years spent surfing with them and their friends. What a hoot to pile a half a dozen boards and teenagers into the old van and relive my old days. Haven't been in the water since I tore up my rotator cuff mountain biking... hopefully this spring. I have tried to get back into golf since they have both moved to Arizona, that and some shooting out there when we visit. We have a small sailboat that needs to get wet very couple of years and a pool table waiting for me to retire.
I've played guitar for years, but started playing the ukulele about 7/8 years ago (Jake not Tiny Tim). I am really enjoying it and play pretty consistently.
John
01-29-16, 07:20 PM
#37
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Ok, a few mention playing the guitar. I guess I can't specify "playing" the guitar as a hobby, more like hacking away at the guitar, LOL. I don't know how to actually play as in knowing notes this and triads that. I can play bar chords but other than F, G, and C, couldn't tell you what chord I was playing if I move off barring the 2nd or 3rd fret. I can memorize stuff though and play specific songs. Most of the songs I play are Pink Floyd. SOYCD, Time, Money, Mother, but I won't learn Comfortably Numb. That is the ultimate song, greatest song ever produced and if I was to learn it, I wouldn't have anything else to do with the guitar.
I also dabble in RC. I don't have any planes now, soon-to-be-ex burned my plane, though it wasn't in flying shape anyways and was a cheapie. Every now and then after destroying a plane and going a while without, I would buy a new micro plane. I don't know if I will again though since we are separated and she's out at the house. Use to fly right in my back yard, sometimes floating around in the pool staring up in the sky letting my glider glide around.
How about internet forums as a hobby? Sheesh, I have so many forums I keep tabs on. Bikeforums, RCGroups, LFS (a computer sim racing forum), guitar forums, Garage Journal (if you're a guy, you need to be on this forum), JettaJunkie for my VW Jetta, RAV4World for my RAV4 though it's in possession of my STBX. There are so many I can't list them all.
Speaking of LFS, that is a computer racing simulator. I use to be into that though I don't have a computer capable for it any more. Had the whole racing wheel and pedal setup and everything. We had scheduled league races every weekend and we took it very seriously. I haven't done that in a while though.
Every so often I dust off the flight controller and start flight simming again. I just installed FS2004 back on the new laptop for the winter and have been flying around. I haven't gotten into VATSIM yet though. VATSIM is an entire simulation of flight with people playing control tower at the big airports and you are flying and talking to ATC just as you would for real. I may get into that some day.
I also dabble in RC. I don't have any planes now, soon-to-be-ex burned my plane, though it wasn't in flying shape anyways and was a cheapie. Every now and then after destroying a plane and going a while without, I would buy a new micro plane. I don't know if I will again though since we are separated and she's out at the house. Use to fly right in my back yard, sometimes floating around in the pool staring up in the sky letting my glider glide around.
How about internet forums as a hobby? Sheesh, I have so many forums I keep tabs on. Bikeforums, RCGroups, LFS (a computer sim racing forum), guitar forums, Garage Journal (if you're a guy, you need to be on this forum), JettaJunkie for my VW Jetta, RAV4World for my RAV4 though it's in possession of my STBX. There are so many I can't list them all.
Speaking of LFS, that is a computer racing simulator. I use to be into that though I don't have a computer capable for it any more. Had the whole racing wheel and pedal setup and everything. We had scheduled league races every weekend and we took it very seriously. I haven't done that in a while though.
Every so often I dust off the flight controller and start flight simming again. I just installed FS2004 back on the new laptop for the winter and have been flying around. I haven't gotten into VATSIM yet though. VATSIM is an entire simulation of flight with people playing control tower at the big airports and you are flying and talking to ATC just as you would for real. I may get into that some day.
01-30-16, 08:09 AM
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If you cycle to work, that isn't a hobby or even an expense, it is a saving.
How much would alt transport cost?
How much would alt fitness programme cost, in money and time?
How much would alt transport cost?
How much would alt fitness programme cost, in money and time?
01-30-16, 08:25 AM
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One Spring I threw my dingy in from the marina and started the outboard to see if it ran okay. I was still near the slips when a Md. water police stopped me. I got four separate tickets - no life jacket, no number displayed, no sticker, and no registration. The officer said it was for my safety. I said if there was a problem, I would just stand up in the waist high water and walk to shore!
01-30-16, 08:30 AM
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01-30-16, 09:25 AM
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I have friends into all manner of hobbies...guns, cars, motorcycles, hunting/fishing, golf, rc, etc. Biking is probably the least expensive one to get into, and provides a lot of health benefits. If it keeps you motivated to stay in shape, it may even be financially a net positive compared to the price of health related expenses you are potentially avoiding. That's what I tell myself, anyway 
01-30-16, 12:04 PM
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01-30-16, 12:36 PM
#43
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Time is the limiting factor. I've always found ways for my hobbies to become self funding in a matter of a few years.
Loved skating and hockey - became a USA Hockey referee to pay for equipment and give me tons of ice time, plus training.
Restored cast iron carbide cannons I had as a boy - became proficient at making obsolete and difficult to find parts - became a flipper and restorer and fabricated parts for others. More than paid for itself, unbelievably.
Enjoy repairing and upgrading my bikes - began quality refurbishing of bikes, and placed a local ad for bike maintenance services. All of my current bikes were more than paid by the net proceeds.
Now shooting is another matter. I'm not a gunsmith. Yet..., I suppose. Anyway, ammunition is crazy expensive. I should take up golf.
Loved skating and hockey - became a USA Hockey referee to pay for equipment and give me tons of ice time, plus training.
Restored cast iron carbide cannons I had as a boy - became proficient at making obsolete and difficult to find parts - became a flipper and restorer and fabricated parts for others. More than paid for itself, unbelievably.
Enjoy repairing and upgrading my bikes - began quality refurbishing of bikes, and placed a local ad for bike maintenance services. All of my current bikes were more than paid by the net proceeds.
Now shooting is another matter. I'm not a gunsmith. Yet..., I suppose. Anyway, ammunition is crazy expensive. I should take up golf.
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