MAMILs: Middle-Aged Men In Lycra
08-14-10, 08:18 AM
#1
Plays in traffic
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MAMILs: Middle-Aged Men In Lycra
While not a provocative as MILF, it's nice to know I've acquired an acronym.
BBC News Magazine: Rise of the Mamils (middle-aged men in lycra)
And which of us hasn't done this?
BBC News Magazine: Rise of the Mamils (middle-aged men in lycra)
Back in the day, when some men with a bit of disposable income reached a certain age, they did some strange things. The grind of the office and home life convinced some that the answer to an expanding midriff lay in a pair of designer jeans and a flashy but cheap Japanese sports car. Teenage daughters ran away screaming. Sons were deprived of the role models seen in adverts for shaving products.
Gents, our womenfolk were right all along. It wasn't a good look. And did it do anything for the beer belly?
<snip>
The past three years have seen the rise of the uber-techno, super-flashy, full-carbon fibre, bobby-dazzler road bike. The market for these bikes has expanded faster than a 45-year-old's waistline, partly thanks to the success of the British cycling stars at the Beijing Olympics. Marketing departments have produced smart advertising messages that encourage a bit of freedom, elite performance and memories of teenage derring-do.
<snip>
When you run the slide rule over all of this, flash road bikes definitely look like a midlife crisis.
There's a look to strive for, expensive kit and excuses for weekends away.
I and my band of hill-climbing brothers disagree. It's about becoming a happier and healthier person rather than sliding towards mediocre oblivion at the bottom of a pint glass.
Gents, our womenfolk were right all along. It wasn't a good look. And did it do anything for the beer belly?
<snip>
The past three years have seen the rise of the uber-techno, super-flashy, full-carbon fibre, bobby-dazzler road bike. The market for these bikes has expanded faster than a 45-year-old's waistline, partly thanks to the success of the British cycling stars at the Beijing Olympics. Marketing departments have produced smart advertising messages that encourage a bit of freedom, elite performance and memories of teenage derring-do.
<snip>
When you run the slide rule over all of this, flash road bikes definitely look like a midlife crisis.
There's a look to strive for, expensive kit and excuses for weekends away.
I and my band of hill-climbing brothers disagree. It's about becoming a happier and healthier person rather than sliding towards mediocre oblivion at the bottom of a pint glass.
It goes something like this. Man dribbles while looking at £100 bib shorts on cycling website - they're the kind that make you look like a wrestler. Partner says no, think about the starving children. Man continues to look at bib shorts and decides they will help conceal his 36-inch waist.
Last edited by tsl; 08-14-10 at 08:21 AM.
08-14-10, 09:31 AM
#3
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All that is, is a way for a mostly obese, out of shape, unhealthy, selfish society to justify their continued myopic view of life by categorizing people who don't fit their overweight, big gut, big butt norm. I have a 29 inch waist, lol and if I was to wear Lycra, I look good in it.
08-14-10, 09:44 AM
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Brother Loose, that's your opinion and while some might disagree you're entitled to it. This is one case where pictures are not necessary. 
08-14-10, 10:27 AM
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Time for a change.
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I got my first set of Lycra shorts when I was middle aged. Had to wait 17 years before I got the Flashy Bike though.
Now about those £100 Lycra Bib Shorts that cut the waistline----- Do they work?
Now about those £100 Lycra Bib Shorts that cut the waistline----- Do they work?
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
08-14-10, 10:57 AM
#7
gone ride'n
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Stapfam,
You dog - when I read the title that was the picture I was going to post. You beat me to it.
You dog - when I read the title that was the picture I was going to post. You beat me to it.
08-14-10, 11:04 AM
#8
17yrold in 64yrold body
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08-14-10, 01:17 PM
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Time for a change.
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DSC00059..jpg
Now I have no objection to my rear end view- Those £70 Lycra bibs do hold the Butt in quite Tightly.
Wet 50+..jpg
But its when it gets to the waist that I am wondering if the Extra £30 would be worth it
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
08-14-10, 02:33 PM
#10
Plays in traffic
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I'll be scouring teh interwebs now for bib shorts with extra "core support".
08-14-10, 03:41 PM
#11
Old Fart Racing
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MAMIL...not everyone can pull it off. 
At least that's what I tell my kids.
At least that's what I tell my kids.
08-14-10, 05:28 PM
#13
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Once agian I find myself bucking fashion! In the last few months I've started wearing MTB shorts...I'll find my own way out.
Brad
Brad
08-14-10, 05:32 PM
#14
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But we can still use a pint glass, right?
08-14-10, 05:46 PM
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08-15-10, 01:53 AM
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Bought a pair of Lycra shorts once for a spinning lesson... Made me look like an egg with a rubberband around the middle.
08-15-10, 07:16 AM
#17
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No one lives to be 118 so I don't consider myself to be middle aged. It may not be the autumn of my life but I'm pretty sure it's late summer.
08-15-10, 09:43 AM
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The way I see it, as a 50+ woman, if my mid-life crisis (for women it is given the term "change of life"), is responsible for my taking up cycling, losing 35 lbs.as a result, going back to college to earn a much longed-for degree, and trading in the minivan for a Yaris hatchback (can carry my bike), then my mid-life crisis is one of the best things that ever happened to me.
IMHO, MAMIL fall into one of three categories. 1) Men that have it going on. 2) Men on their way to having it going on. 3) Men who have the potential for having it going on.
The first time I put on a pair bike shorts, I asked my best friend if I looked ridiculous in them. She said, "If you were going to the mall, yes. If you are going for a bike ride--absolutely not." Anyone who thinks that as a middle-aged woman I shouldn't be wearing bike shorts, can kiss my lycra.
IMHO, MAMIL fall into one of three categories. 1) Men that have it going on. 2) Men on their way to having it going on. 3) Men who have the potential for having it going on.
The first time I put on a pair bike shorts, I asked my best friend if I looked ridiculous in them. She said, "If you were going to the mall, yes. If you are going for a bike ride--absolutely not." Anyone who thinks that as a middle-aged woman I shouldn't be wearing bike shorts, can kiss my lycra.
Last edited by miss kenton; 08-15-10 at 09:54 AM. Reason: spelling errors
08-15-10, 10:20 AM
#19
Century bound
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Middle aged? I don't think so. If I am middle aged, when I pass on I will be the oldest man since bible times.
08-15-10, 10:55 AM
#20
just keep riding
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Here's a look .
08-15-10, 11:17 AM
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08-15-10, 12:06 PM
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Ok, in my 20's I had a 34" waist. My 30's a 36" waist. My 40's a 38" waist. My 50's a 40" waist. Yet I lost 30lbs last year from reducing carbs and riding 100 miles per week. Hmm, I still have a 40" waist. That's middle age.
08-15-10, 12:24 PM
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08-15-10, 01:10 PM
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I need speed
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"Honey, do you want to see me flex my legs again?"