Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Boomers, Bikes & Bad Beer

Everyone is riding. Are you?

Is it just me or is everyone riding bikes lately? I was stopped a couple of times riding today by people asking where they should buy a bike for the season. My buddy Scott was stopped several times the other day, too.

I'm amazed at the sheer volume of people already riding. I know it's March and my weather forecast is this: It's gonna be nice, the leaves will bud out, and then we'll get a 3 foot dump in April and we'll all be back to clearing branches in Old Town. However, I assure you, the sun will shine and there will be periods of decreasing darkness that should make way for many long pleasant days of riding.

We live in Colorado, after all.

I just finished the book "Pedaling Revolution". Super good! In the first portion of the book the author makes fun of the Bike Industry for not comprehending the purchasing power of Baby Boomer college students in the early 70's. It was at that time there was a huge boom in the Bike Industry that basically financed the advances in cycling, raised awareness of cycling started a few advocacy groups like the league and so forth, oh and pushed forth a few really good cyclists who rode for Big Gulps or 7 Eleven.

I may have gotten some of the facts mushed together, but the bottom line is this: I believe the Baby Boomers are poised to make another comeback on two wheels. To that end I believe the Bike Industry should take note and start pushing the lifestyle bikes.

Specifically they should identify and target wives, single women and ladies who are in relationships. These are the people who are going to get their portly lovers off the couch. I have a couple of friends who are doctors and each of them at one point has told me they hate it when old dudes come in without their wives. Because they know none of the preaching is going to make a bit of difference. But, if their other of known significance rolls in with them, then there is someone who, by now, should know how to keep him accountable.

They both are quick to point out bicycling is where it's at for folks in their mid fifties and later.

I just wish the industry would take a cue from Electra or Nirve or may be Amerstdam or any of the super sweet handbuilt bikes that are out there. Build and market something that is cool, fun, utilitarian and doesn't take an advanced degree to maintain. We'll teach folks to change and repair their tubes & tires, you guys just start pushing townies and greenway runabouts.

Yes, I know, these bikes aren't sexy like carbon or swanky like 29ers, or sleek and modern like the new "Urban" fixies. I'm pretty sure Boomers by and large already know Pabst Blue Ribbon NEVER tasted as good as it's name, so most won't be riding the niche bikes listed above.

While they may not be drinking PBR, THEY are riding their bikes again. SO, if the industry wants to move some units, then take note and don't sit back and scratch your ass wondering why again, like you did in the '70's.

Anyway - we've got the film fest coming up too. You may be able to get a PBR at the Dicken's But I don't know why you would since there will be Oskar Blues beverages available. I'm just saying the most valuable lesson I learned in college was - Life is to short for bad movies and shitty beer. We can't alter your beer preference but we can give you some great Cinema! Check out the repost below and the links to the trailers.

So if you like good beer and great bike movies - keep reading!

Bicycle Longmont hosting the 2nd Annual Longmont Bicycle Film Festival!
Lots of great things are coming together for the film fest this year. We've got a few G'Knight Ride sponsors who stepping up to help out. I'll be announcing them later this week. Lets just say - we're going to have a super AWESOME drawing this year.
PLUS your ticket will come with an unbeatable value!
It's back for another year, the Bicycle Longmont Film Festival. The Film Fest rolls into the Dickens Opera House on April 17th -19th. We're going big this year. We listened to what you told us and we're bringing back Mountain Biking, Riders, & Rock & Roll.

We have a great line up for you this year. On Tuesday night April 17th we'll kick it off with Race Across the Sky, Wednesday we'll leave the world a little better than we found it by learning how Bikes CAN change the world. We're showing "With My Own Two Wheels" We're working to get a panel discussion set up for this show and hopefully will find a High School to show it during the day. Thursday is the grand finale. We'll have Pedal Driven, a panel discussing the politics of trail building, and some kickass rock with Runnin' with Scissors to end the night!

All shows will begin at 7pm. As always we'll have some awesome stuff to give away.

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