12th September 2010 Words: Matt Lamy Photo: Sportive Photo
Following our story last month about the two new bicycle-based programmes on BBC television — Britain By Bike with Claire Balding and Ride Of My Life with Rob Penn — we were amused to read a story on the BBC website entitled ‘Rise of the MAMILS (Middle-Aged Men In Lycra)’.
The article’s author Dominic Casciani — himself a dedicated MAMIL — explains that the numbers of men aged 35-44 buying carbon-frame bicycles has rocketed in the last three years. "Is this a 21st century mid life crisis? Has the silence of skinny tyres and carbon-fibre framesets replaced the thunderous noise of motorbikes?” he ask.
Casciani was inspired by a new report from lifestyle research firm Mintel, who coined the MAMIL moniker. But we don’t think it’s just middle-aged chaps taking to the saddle these days — every social group is discovering the joys of pedalling. And in any case, they forgot to mention the most important subgroup: CARMAMILS (Cycling Active-Reading Middle-Aged Men In Lycra).
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Thomas De Gendt wins stage eight of the Giro d'Italia 2022 after race long break
The circuit race from Napoli to Napoli saw a large breakaway formed in the opening kilometres
-
Cycling and cramp: the fact, the theory and the fallacy behind the affliction
What are the causes and treatments for the lightening bolt of pain poised to hit cyclists at the very worst moment?
