Cycling the faster golf
Mon 28 April 2008
Dave Keevers, Bachelor of Journalism
Cycling is continually growing in popularity.
The Bicycle Transport Alliance reports bicycles have outsold cars for seven consecutive years.
Dr Mark Bown, husband and father of two, said cycling is more suited to family life after playing golf for six years.
“It can be completed at a time of the day much more compatible with family life. It is also something I can do with my son,” Dr Bown said.
“Middle aged men are a lot more health conscious in our generation ... it fulfils social networking camaraderie and it has the health and fitness side of it that golf does not.”
Cycling is a very social sport, relying on group co-operation, with organised rides lasting between one and six hours finishing at a cafe.
Dr Bown said that when he played golf “it was the same three or four blokes every week, it didn’t create a wide network of acquaintances or friends. Where as cycling ... you could interact with 40 people in a morning.”
Engineer and owner of Coestyle Developments Warren Coe said that cycling is good for his health and mind.
“It helps to forget about work, I enjoy riding and the freedom aspect of it ... you can go anywhere and do it ... you do not need a club,” Mr Coe said.
Cycling, like golf, has created business opportunities in some areas.
Mr Coe said he had received business through his involvement in cycling.
“If you look back on the history of the company and my history in cycling and triathlon ... there is definitely a link between clients we have designed and built property for,” Mr Coe said.
Dr Bown said that for him there had been no business advantage in cycling but other types of business may gain from it.
“Socially there is a huge cross-section of 
people, anyone and everyone can do it,” Mr Coe said.
Managing director of Livenow financial planning Dahl Drew said cycling allows a diverse range of people to interact on an equal level.
“Being such a social environment it draws other people from other industries ... you can sit down and have a coffee with a CEO or managing director of some of Australia’s largest companies ... it makes us equal in some way,” Mr Drew said.
“The biggest thing of being a part of cycling is not so much the friendship but the diverse range of occupations; builders, pilots, doctors, solicitors ... you’re not surrounding yourself with negative people.”
“I use cycling as an avenue to get fit physically and mentally, it is a great stress reliever ... If you are on your bike before you know it you are planning your day.”
Mr Drew said you can go to bed overwhelmed with stress but cycling helps overcome that and organise your life.
“If I didn’t have cycling I would just work myself into the ground, it would have massive effects on my health, my family and my relationships.”
Image(s) designed by Dave Keevers