Is Cycling the New Golf?

Is cycling the new golf? Unlike the daunting 18 hole golf course that requires much eye-hand coordination and can be expensive on the pocket book, cycling offers a new networking style that just takes a little balance and fitness.

Road cycling in particular, is best suited for networking. Road bikes, with their skinny wheels and light frames, help make networking over long distance rides popular. Traveling on scenic roads at a comfortable pace makes conversations possible.

“Unlike golf, cycling is also a great equalizer,” says Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, in an interview with CNNMoney  “You’re the same as the person riding next to you. So it makes people more approachable. “

Cycling has the added value of helping us get in shape, something that everyone faces on a daily basis.   Balancing fitness with working is a challenge for most people. Well, we have the solution! Cycling!

Is Cycling the New Golf? Golf vs. Cycling - Is Cycling the new networking sport?

 

Other benefits of bicycling for networking purposes:

  1. Time Efficient.

A bike ride doesn’t necessarily have to take up the whole day. A bike ride can last an hour or a day – it’s up to you. That also makes it a good choice for workers with different fitness levels who want to bike and network.

  1. Cost Savings.

The only upfront cost is the bicycle and cycling gear (helmet, shoes, and clothes) but there is no need to pay green fees with every outing or country club membership fees or golf cart rental fees. If you don’t want to buy right away, there are many places that will rent bicycles and equipment (check your local bike shop). Also there is a website directory for finding bike rentals nationwide (https://www.rentabikenow.com/) If you want to buy the equipment but not use a whole paycheck for costly brand new gear, you can frequently find good used road bicycles on Craigslist, Ebay or at a local bike swap.

  1. Burn More Calories.

From a 2 hour bicycle ride, a person weighing 165 pounds will burn 1,800 calories versus 525 calories from golf assuming the person is carrying the bag. Find out how many calories you will burn by going to this website . Many companies see the benefit of cycling and create corporate teams to combat the sedentary desk job. An example is a ride like the MS150 where corporations create cycling teams to cycle for a good cause.

Golf vs Cycling??? Veni Vidi Velo Answers

How to start networking on the bicycle?

Finding a Local Bike Club / Team

Local bicycles clubs are a great option, and can provide a variety of rides at different speeds, distances, and times. There are many ways to search for rides in your area. Here are some ideas:

Find Local Events

Check out local bicycle rides where a company sponsors the event. One good example is the MS series of rides (formerly known as MS 150 ). Large companies typically sponsor the rides and they often even have a team roster composed of their own employees.

There are other organized bicycle rides going on all throughout the year across the country.  Many are sponsored by local bicycle clubs.  These can be great spots to meet cyclist in your area or discover new places to ride. A big hub for events is Active.com

Another format known as the Gran Fondo, has European roots meaning large organized bike ride.

A cyclosportive, or often simply sportive, is a short to long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling event, typically held annually. The Italian term Gran Fondo is commonly used for these events in the United States, Australia and some other English-speaking countries.

Cyclosportive is short for the French term randonnée cyclosportive (the spelling cyclosportif is sometimes also used but cyclosportive is correct as randonnée is a feminine noun in French). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclosportive

Can cycling meetings be far behind?

There is actually cycling community in Australian called Australian Cycling Executives dedicated strictly to networking and executives. Here is their mission statement:

ACE is a world-first cycling centric business community for senior executives and industry leaders. Membership is currently complimentary, strictly by application, invitation or referral. As leaders, ACE members exemplify our exceptional standards and code of conduct. ACE champions cycling as a corporate, social, and environmental enabler. http://www.australiancyclingexecutives.com/about/

Hopefully the United States is not far behind in offering an event for cycling and networking with like-minded business professionals.

Recommended Cycling Gear for Networking:

In addition to the basics (bicycle, helmet, shoes, cycling clothes) here are some suggested extras to enhance your networking experience.

  • GPS-enabled bicycle computer – With the proliferation of GPS fitness sites like Strava, MapMyRide, and Garmin Connect, you can upload your ride to the internet and track your fitness.  You can also share your info with others on the same sites or to Facebook and Twitter.  These devices typically also can help you find you way home if you get lost.  Check out Garmin’s full line of GPS bicycle computers (garmin.com). Other manufacturers include Magellan (www.magellangps.com/), O-Synche (www.o-synce.com/), Sigma Sport (www.sigmasportstore.com/), Timex (www.timex.com/sport), and CatEye (www.cateye.com/).
  • GoPro Camera (gopro.com/)– My favorite way to capture the memory of a ride. There is also the Sony Action Camera a close second.

Electronics and gear to help with the next bike ride (affiliate links):

So have we inspired you to put down the golf clubs and come join us on a bike ride? Leave us a comment.

We hope you enjoyed reading our blog. Join our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming rides and interviews with other cyclists.

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