Leisure cycling and active sport-event tourism in mid and later life: liminoid phases and event travel careers

Abstract This study explored how leisure-based cycling among mid-and-later-life adults progresses into active sport-event tourism and commitment to physically active lives. Three concepts framed the study: the tourism–leisure continuum, highlighting continuity between leisure and tourism; liminoid, addressing the transitional nature of event experiences; and the active sport-event travel career, describing progressive and sustained involvement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 Bike Florida participants (aged 49–72; nine men and four women). Using Straussian grounded theory, five themes were identified across four liminoid phases. The pre-pre-liminoid phase involved life transitions and initiation into cycling. Subsequently, the pre-liminoid phase focused on preparation and transition into active sport-event tourism. The liminoid phase was characterized by betwixt-and-between experiences of communitas. Finally, the post-liminoid phase encompassed gaining health benefits and the continuation of regular leisure-cycling and event participation. Findings highlight the connection between leisure-cycling and motivation to participate in cycling events in the Pre-pre and Pre-liminoid phases. During the Liminoid phase, the communitas experienced built social bonds and reaffirmed their cycling subculture membership. During Post-liminoid phase, event-based experiences became embedded in the participants’ everyday lives, contributing to continued engagement in leisure-cycling and sport-event tourism. Rather than existing in separate spheres, leisure and tourism were interconnected, reflecting how participants’ involvement in cycling developed into a sustained pattern of event travel. This sustained involvement potentially supported overall well-being and healthy aging. The study suggests that active sport-event tourism can initiate and maintain physical activity in mid and later life by offering socially engaging and meaningful experiences.