In Southern California, Michael Marckx spearheads a group of
cyclists who regularly ride and network.
NEW
YORK (CNNMoney)
Across America, entrepreneurs and seasoned executives are
sidelining a popular networking activity -- golf -- in favor of a different
group sport.
"Unlike
golf, cycling is also a great equalizer," said Andy Clarke, president of
the League of American Bicyclists. "You're the same as the person riding next
to you. So it makes people more approachable. "
Entrepreneurs
also gravitate toward cycling because it's a better way to stay in shape, said
Clarke. It's also less time consuming and relatively less expensive.
"The
trend is gaining momentum in bustling business centers," he said.
"But it's also taking root in the heartland of the country, in places like
northwest Arkansas."
In 2007,
Jason Kayzar founded the Midwest Cycling Network for those who enjoyed the
outdoors but wanted a change from 18 holes.
"I
wanted to draw decision-makers, business owners, c-level executives who are in
charge of their own schedules," said Kayzar, the founder and president of
Milwaukee, Wis.-based MC2, a telecom service provider.
The
rides started with just a few people he knew. But today, the group has 500
members and meets once a month for a two-hour, 35-mile ride. It usually
attracts between 10 and 40 people -- architects, web designers, builders and
small business owners -- most from the the Milwaukee area, but some from cities
like Madison and Chicago.
Kayzar
actually struck one of his firm's most lucrative deals on a ride five years ago when he signed one of the
largest scaffolding firms in the country as a client.
While
Kayzar said there's a little chit-chat as they ride (it's legal to ride two
abreast in Wisconsin), the big chance to network comes at the end when they
stop at a Mexican restaurant for chips and salsa and a round of drinks.
"Unlike
golf, we're not committing to a couple of hours and all kinds of expenses just
to network," said Kayzar. "This is a free gathering, very informal
and you're done in 2 hours."
Because
the monthly rides are mostly male dominated, Kayzar recently launched a second
group in the hopes of attracting more women.
"It's
half the speed and half the distance," he said.
There's
no escaping golf's influence in the Southern California city of Carlsbad. It's
home to Callaway, the world's largest maker of golf clubs, Cobra
Golf, a top maker of golfing equipment, and a number of top-notch golf courses.
But even
here, many entrepreneurs are choosing cycling over golf.
But even here, many entrepreneurs are choosing cycling over
golf.
"It's a better cardio workout. You can get a great ride
done in one to two hours as opposed to hours on a golf course," said
Michael Marckx, CEO of eyewear company Spy Optic. "And you can actively
network with more people."
Marckx is the driving force behind a cycling group of 60 people
who gather every Tuesday and Thursday for a 30-mile trek.
"We get CEOs, entrepreneurs, and division heads of biotech
and pharmaceutical companies joining in," he said. "Cycling is
absolutely becoming the go-to activity for 40- and 50-year-olds who find it's a
better compliment to their lives."
Sometimes the rides result in business deals and new hires. On a
January ride, Marckx met a fellow cyclist who he hired to run performance
marketing at Spy Optic.
Brad Swope recently broke several ribs in a cycling accident,
but he's itching to rejoin his cycling group in Louisville, Ky., which he says
is a "phenomenal cycling town."
"You see people from all professions -- doctors, lawyers,
firemen, business folks -- getting together for rides," said Swope, a
marketing director.
Swope said many riders in his group have ditched golf for
cycling because it keeps them more active and is easier on the wallet.
And
sometimes a ride can turn into a networking bonanza. It was on a group ride a
decade ago that Swope befriended John Schnatter, founder of Papa
John's. Their conversations during the rides eventually inspired
Swope to enter the restaurant industry. He and his wife are now partners in a
local chain called Wild Eggs.
"It's ironic that I gave him cycling tips years ago and he
would give me tips about the restaurant industry," said Swope.
"Cycling can be very effective for networking."
First
Published: April 29, 2014: 5:56 AM ET
National
Bike Month may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean you should stop
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for certain clubs.