There have been many articles with the subject title ‘cycling is the new golf’ in the last year or so. Is cycling the new golf? I was curious so I did some research. This is what I found.
- According to the National Golf Federation
- Number of golfers in the US between 2005 and 2013 down 5.7%
- Number of rounds of golf played in the US between 2000 and 2013 down 10.2%
- According to USA Cycling the number of people taking out cycling licenses from 2002 and 2013 increased 76%
To a golfer, which I am, and to a cyclist, which I am not, this trend is an interesting one to look at. Also to look at the reasons why?
Let’s look at some recent consumer lifestyle trend stats that may shed some light.
- “According to Mintel flagship report American Lifestyles 2015, a comprehensive look at American consumer markets, over the next five years total sales are forecast to increase by 21.9 percent. Nonessential categories, including vacations and dining out, are expected to see the greatest gains with projected five-year increases of about 27 percent each.”
- “The vacation and tourism market is supported by relatively wealthy Baby Boomers who are taking more vacations as they retire from the work force, as well as Millennials who are increasing spending in the category.”
Spending more on ‘vacations’ and ‘dining out’. Great news for innkeepers. Add the increased cycling trend and I think we have a winning package here.
With the increase in cyclists there is bound to be an increase in the cycling tours. The Shoreham Inn in Shoreham Vermont has been hosting cycling tours for many years. It is one of the stops for cyclists experiencing their slice of Vermont paradise.
“Tidy apple orchards, grand views of Lake Champlain, fields of grazing sheep and cows, and the classic beauty and simplicity of the surrounding towns and villages with vistas of the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks.”
I have been to Shoreham and this describes the area beautifully. The countryside is magical and what better way to experience it than on a bike.
Shoreham Inn’s 3 Day/2 Night Bike tour package with Discovery Bike Tours includes more than just riding from one point to the next. It is truly all about ‘experiential tourism’, with the dining included.
- Day One: Arrive at the Inn for a family style dinner at the Inn’s ‘Gastro Pub’
- Day Two: Cycle from Shoreham to Middlebury and visit and sample Otter Creek Brewery and the Woodschuck Cidery and explore the town. Then cycle to the University of Vermont’s Morgan Horse Farm before easing our way back to the inn.
- Day Three: Follow quiet country roads to the pretty village of Orwell and then visit Norton’s Gallery where he has on display his ever popular whimsical wood carvings. From here we cycle down to the shores of Lake Champlain to Larrabees Landing before winding our way back to the Shoreham Inn.
Now I still love golf and will continue my unrelenting path to improve my game but…this tour is definitely enticing. A lot to see and do with the bonus of burning calories!
That is another reason that cycling is trending upwards. It is a fitness activity that not only can be measured in burned calories, heart rate with devices like jawbone but…it is an activity paired with experiences. And food too. Check this out, The Shoreham Inn in the UK Times. “Just rustic enough and just chic enough, it’s the best gastropub you never found in the UK, with ambiance and food to match” The Times, September 2015
If you are an aspiring innkeeper that is looking forward to providing your guests with authentic experiences and good food, consider the Shoreham Inn for sale. Yes, cycling tours are a successful segment of their business but the ideal Vermont location plus the authentic New England hospitality provided in the lodging and casual dining is the heart of the Inn’s business.
And if you are a golfer, don’t worry. Vermont is known for their good courses with some of them nearby.
Thanks for Listening,
Janet Wolf
