I don't see why there wouldn't be just as many "adventurers" regardless of who else buys bikes. Fact is, a huge influx of former non-riders has made cycling almost mainstream ... but how would that scare off the kind of rugged individualist explorer who rode a bike regardless of what anyone thought, back in the day?

This guy is getting old, is tied down by his own life decisions and lamenting nothing more than the passing of his youth. (Wonder how his kids will feel when he says he hopes having children is only temporary?)

What I think what we have here ... is a writer exercising his craft to meet a deadline. Writers need to pick an idea and develop it into an article, which this guy did. He didn't try to fit in every single related observation, nor try to present a comprehensive picture of modern cycling ... he just took one idea which popped up over pints at the pub (probably shared with his aging "adventurist" buddies) and devloped it into an article.

No big deal, he makes a few points, exaggerates a few points, ignores a few points ... in the service of crafting an article.