Are Cyclists All Alike?
Last Updated: November 25, 2025
👕 A Dermatologist Looked at My Tan Lines and Told Me Who I Was
You don’t forget a moment like this. I was sitting in the exam room when my dermatologist glanced at the hard line on my wrists, then at my thighs, and said:
“You cyclists are all just alike.”
I laughed, but inside I thought: Really? Are we?
Because the truth is obvious to anyone who has spent more than five minutes around cyclists: we are nothing alike. We ride for different reasons, at different speeds, and with very different comfort levels on the road. Yes, we all treat our skin different too. The dermatologist was wrong.
🧩 The Four Types of Cyclists (And Why This Matters)
Most cycling experts break riders into four categories:
- Strong & Fearless: Will ride anywhere — multilane traffic, no shoulder, doesn’t matter.
- Enthused & Confident: Comfortable riding often, especially with bike lanes or predictable traffic.
- Interested but Concerned: Wants to ride, but only if the route feels safe, slow, and controlled.
- No Way, No How: Doesn’t ride now and probably never will.
Here’s the twist: many senior cyclists float between these categories depending on the road, the weather, and the decade of life we’re in.
🎂 How I Changed as a Cyclist at 40, 50, 60… and Now 70
- At 40: I thought I was Strong & Fearless. I wasn’t. I was just stubborn.
- At 50: I became Enthused & Confident — stronger legs, better gear, smarter rides.
- At 60: I worried more about distracted drivers, high-speed roads, and visibility.
- At 70: I’m still confident, but I ride smart. I choose safety first — bright colors, UV sleeves, mirrors, safer routes. I want to ride another 20 years.
Knowing your “type” isn’t about labels — it’s about riding longer, safer, and happier.
- Cooling Arm Sleeves — Must-have UV protection for anyone over 60.
- Leg Sleeves — No more sunscreen mess; massive skin protection.
- Sweat-Resistant Sunscreen — Dermatologist-approved. Never skip this.
🌿 Why Senior Cyclists Matter More Than Ever
There’s something you only realize once you hit your 60s and 70s:
We know what safe cycling feels like — and what dangerous cycling feels like.
Our voice matters when cities design bike lanes, crossings, and trails. We understand the consequences of bad infrastructure better than anyone.
- We’ve seen cycling change over decades.
- We know the gaps younger riders don’t notice yet.
- We can mentor new riders, especially seniors who are scared to try.
🛡️ What I Never Ride Without Now
That dermatologist appointment changed how I ride. It pushed me to take sun protection seriously — no excuses.
Here’s the post about it:
👉 Why I Now Take Sun Protection Seriously
🔗 More Posts You Might Like
- The 5 Most Important Items I Always Bring on a Ride
- The Only Bib Shorts I Wear Now
- Cycling Gear I Can’t Ride Without
💡 FAQs
Q: Are cyclists really all alike?
Not even close. Our reasons for riding vary just as much as our abilities and comfort levels.
Q: I get nervous in traffic. What should I do?
Choose calmer routes, neighborhood greenways, or protected lanes. Confidence grows quickly with safe practice.
Q: Where do senior cyclists fit among the “four types”?
Most of us sit between “Enthused & Confident” and “Interested but Concerned” depending on the day and the road.
🚴♂️ Final Word
We’re absolutely not all alike — and that’s a good thing. Our diversity makes cycling stronger. Seniors especially have a chance to lead by example, advocate for safer streets, and show that every rider — no matter their age — belongs on the road.
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