Why Lance Armstrong Still Rides Every Week, and Where He Goes

Exploring His Ongoing Cycling Journey

Lance Armstrong continues to ride every week because cycling remains a core part of his life, despite his professional ban and the controversies that defined his career. He is regularly seen on long training rides in Texas, and often spends time cycling around Aspen, Colorado, where he resides part-time with his family. For Armstrong, riding is less about competition and more about maintaining his connection to the sport and his personal well-being.

Even after the end of his racing days, Armstrong’s passion for cycling has not faded. He stays active in the cycling community, sometimes joining group rides and participating in various events. These weekly rides allow him to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of the sport, as well as the camaraderie that comes with it.

Lance Armstrong’s Love for Cycling

Lance Armstrong continues to ride regularly, not only for fitness but as a way to maintain his connection to a sport that has shaped his life. His riding habits reflect his enduring passion, his engagement with other riders, and the influence cycling culture still has on his daily routines.

Enduring Passion After Professional Cycling

After his professional career ended, Armstrong’s dedication to cycling did not fade. He frequently documents his rides on platforms such as Strava, where data from recent years shows him riding with professional athletes and friends, especially in locations around Texas.

He still covers significant weekly mileage. His focus has shifted from competing at the highest level to enjoying the ride, exploring new routes, and maintaining his health.

For Armstrong, the act of riding remains a source of personal satisfaction and well-being. The bicycle provides him with structure and a reliable outlet for physical activity, regardless of external controversies.

Staying Connected to The Cycling Community

Armstrong remains active within the broader cycling community, regularly riding with both amateur and professional cyclists. He is often spotted participating in group rides and has been seen riding with current pros such as Lawson Craddock.

He engages with fans and other riders through social media by sharing ride details and stories. This interaction keeps him visible and relatable to cycling enthusiasts despite his status as a former professional athlete.

Sometimes, Armstrong appears at cycling events or podcasts, fostering discussion around the sport and sharing his knowledge. His ongoing involvement allows him to contribute perspectives shaped by years as an elite rider.

Influences of Cycling Culture on His Life

Cycling culture continues to influence Armstrong’s routines and social life. His weekly rides serve as a unifying thread in his lifestyle, connecting him to a network of friends, former teammates, and local cyclists.

He often embraces elements of cycling tradition, from following gear trends to staying informed about professional races. Armstrong integrates aspects of cycling philosophy—such as endurance, discipline, and camaraderie—into his day-to-day activities.

For Armstrong, cycling goes beyond exercise; it remains deeply intertwined with his identity. The sport’s values and community shape not just his schedule, but also his perspective on health, resilience, and belonging.

Weekly Riding Routine and Motivation

Lance Armstrong maintains a disciplined weekly riding schedule shaped by his dedication to performance, his experience as a cancer survivor, and insights from a professional cycling career. Each ride serves a purpose, whether relating to health, fitness, or personal drive.

Personal Training and Performance Goals

Armstrong approaches every week with a training plan tailored to maintaining high fitness standards. He still rides multiple times weekly, often mixing long endurance workouts with focused interval sessions.

His cycling routine is built around principles developed during his time as a competitor:

• Planned Intensity: Each session has clear goals, balancing endurance and recovery.

• Data Tracking: Armstrong closely monitors heart rates, power outputs, and time in specific training zones.

By dedicating about an hour per ride to aggressive efforts before easing into endurance pace, he keeps himself challenged. This combination allows him to maintain performance while minimizing injury risk.

Health, Wellness, and Recovery after Cancer

As a survivor of testicular cancer, Armstrong’s perspective on health and wellness changed significantly post-recovery. Weekly rides have become both a physical and mental strategy for long-term health.

Exercise plays a role in supporting cardiovascular function, immune health, and mental well-being. He often speaks about cycling as essential to maintaining balance and managing stress. The discipline from endurance sports has influenced his approach to recovery and prevention, not just performance.

His ongoing commitment to fitness also positions him within the broader wellness market, highlighting how regular, structured movement can aid recovery and promote healthier lifestyles, especially for other cancer survivors.

Influence of Past Cycling Career

Armstrong’s legacy as a professional cyclist continues to influence his training philosophy and motivations. The habits developed during his years on the pro circuit are still visible in his preparation, attention to detail, and structured routines.

He often rides familiar routes reminiscent of past races and uses techniques he learned at the peak of his career. His experience navigating elite competition shaped his views on consistency and gradual improvement.

The discipline gained through years of intensive training in endurance sports underscores every aspect of his current routine. This influence can be seen in how he sets goals, adjusts tactics, and remains connected to the cycling community.

Favorite Ride Destinations

Lance Armstrong has a consistent presence in two main cycling regions. He splits his time and miles between the scenic mountains near Aspen and the urban routes of Austin, Texas.

Aspen and Colorado Trails

During the summer, Armstrong regularly rides in and around Aspen, Colorado. The area is known for its high-altitude mountain roads and extensive network of cycling trails. Popular routes include Independence Pass, a challenging climb that attracts both amateurs and experienced cyclists for its steep gradients and breathtaking views.

Armstrong often shares glimpses of these mountain rides on social media. The combination of altitude, technical curves, and traffic-free conditions appeals to his competitive side even in non-race settings. Notable cycling events and gran fondos are also held in the area throughout the summer, drawing both recreational and elite cyclists.

Aspen’s cycling infrastructure supports group rides and solo training. Armstrong’s proximity to this region allows him to stay engaged with the broader cycling community while still enjoying privacy and tranquility. These rides are often long and rigorous, matching the demands of his former professional training while offering the natural beauty of the Colorado landscape.

Austin Rides and Local Routes

When he’s in Texas, Armstrong rides frequently in and around Austin. The city’s cycling scene remains important to him; he is associated with local institutions like Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop and Juan Pelota Cafe, which serve as central hubs for group rides and community events.

Austin offers a variety of road and gravel routes suited for year-round training. Popular rides include loops around Lake Austin, out-and-back routes on Bee Caves Road, and country stretches west of the city. Despite the urban environment, there are less-trafficked parkways and rural segments that allow for uninterrupted training rides.

Armstrong occasionally joins local group rides, connecting with both enthusiasts and former pros. Participating in Austin’s organized cycling events, he maintains direct involvement with the local cycling culture. These routes allow him to log high weekly mileage and maintain his passion for fitness and social connection through cycling.

Social Impact and Advocacy

Lance Armstrong's weekly rides are closely tied to his history of cancer advocacy and philanthropic work. His lasting influence extends beyond sports, involving both increased public awareness and substantial fundraising for cancer-related causes.

Cancer Awareness Through Cycling

Armstrong’s public battle with testicular cancer and subsequent return to elite cycling brought widespread attention to cancer survivorship. He frequently used his platform and cycling events to promote cancer awareness, encouraging early detection and support for those affected.

The formation of the Livestrong Foundation in 1997 helped focus national conversations on diagnosis, survivorship, and the importance of research. Fundraising bike rides and public appearances often centered around messages of hope and perseverance, making cycling an instrument for outreach.

Livestrong’s trademark yellow wristbands became highly recognizable symbols, raising millions of dollars and sparking dialogue about cancer in communities worldwide. Armstrong’s rides are often viewed not just as personal athletic pursuits but also as ongoing statements for awareness and support.

Philanthropic Activities

Armstrong’s philanthropy is centered on the Livestrong Foundation, originally known as the Lance Armstrong Foundation. He played a leading role in cause marketing efforts that connected athletic events and fundraising with cancer support initiatives.

The foundation has funded patient support services, community education, and advocacy for better healthcare policies. Livestrong’s programs reached families, survivors, and medical professionals through partnerships, grants, and events.

Even after leaving professional competition, Armstrong continues to participate in charity rides and community events, especially in Austin, Texas. These activities demonstrate his ongoing commitment to using cycling as a force for philanthropic impact, regardless of his racing status.

Key Initiatives Supported by Livestrong:

Program Area Examples Patient Services Support Helplines, Navigation Awareness Campaigns Yellow Wristbands, Health Initiatives Grant Funding Cancer Research, Survivorship Grants

Media Presence and Public Conversations

Lance Armstrong remains visible through multiple channels, engaging with cycling fans and the broader public. His approach includes direct communication via podcasts, candid interviews, and open discussion about past controversies.

Podcasts: The Move and The Forward

Armstrong hosts two main podcasts: The Move and The Forward.

• The Move focuses on professional cycling events, with race analysis and guest appearances from riders and experts. Armstrong often provides behind-the-scenes insights and personal stories from his racing days, maintaining relevance within the cycling community.

• The Forward explores broader topics, featuring guests from sports, business, and entertainment. Through these interviews, Armstrong discusses issues like recovery, motivation, and personal growth.

• Both podcasts enable him to share opinions outside traditional media, reaching an audience interested in both cycling and personal development.

His regular updates, breakdowns of major races like the Tour de France, and honest conversations keep listeners engaged.

Interviews and Documentaries

Armstrong’s participation in high-profile interviews and documentaries has shaped public understanding of his career.

• His interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2013 was a pivotal moment. He admitted to doping, drawing millions of viewers and significant media attention.

• ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary, titled LANCE, charted his rise, fall, and the complexities of his legacy. The documentary featured candid interviews and archival footage.

• Beyond televised interviews, Armstrong appears in cycling web content and other film projects, including reality shows like Stars on Mars.

• These appearances allow Armstrong to address narratives directly and give firsthand accounts rather than relying on secondhand reporting.

Each interview and film contributes to how audiences perceive his choices and ongoing involvement in sports.

Public Responses to Doping Allegations

The doping scandal remains a central topic in Armstrong’s public life. He addresses it frequently, especially when engaging with both critics and supporters.

• On podcasts and interviews, Armstrong does not avoid questions about doping. He offers explanations, reflections, and sometimes defends his actions as being part of a “culture” within pro cycling.

• Public forums and social media often reflect a divided response. Some listeners appreciate his candor, while others remain critical.

• Armstrong’s approach is generally direct, rarely apologetic, and seeks to contextualize his decisions rather than deny them.

Ongoing conversations about the scandal ensure his story remains a reference point in discussions about ethics and redemption in sports.

Legacy, Controversy, and Professional Achievements

Lance Armstrong’s career is defined by both remarkable victories and serious controversy. His legacy in professional cycling is shaped by wins on the world’s biggest stages and a high-profile doping scandal that led to lasting changes in the sport.

Tour de France Victories and Olympic Medal

Armstrong rose to international fame with seven consecutive Tour de France wins from 1999 to 2005. These victories, achieved while leading the U.S. Postal Service cycling team and later Discovery Channel, set a record in the history of the event.

His aggressive riding style and strong time-trial performances often proved decisive. Notably, Armstrong also won the Tour DuPont and performed strongly for Motorola earlier in his career.

In addition to his Tour success, Armstrong earned an Olympic bronze medal in the individual time trial at the 2000 Sydney Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) later considered stripping him of his medal, which fueled debate over cycling’s troubled reputation at the Olympics.

Doping Scandal and Investigations

Allegations of performance-enhancing drugs shadowed Armstrong’s victories for years. In 2012, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) released a detailed report accusing him of orchestrating a systematic doping program, involving drugs such as EPO and blood transfusions.

The investigation included testimonies from former teammates, including Floyd Landis, who outlined pervasive drug use on the U.S. Postal Service team. Despite passing hundreds of drug tests throughout his career, USADA's findings were supported by additional evidence and admissions from other riders.

As a result, both the International Cycling Union (UCI) and IOC took action. Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and his Olympic medal was officially vacated in early 2013.

Long-term Impact on Professional Cycling

Armstrong’s downfall prompted sweeping reforms in anti-doping policy across professional cycling. The aftermath saw enhanced drug testing protocols, greater transparency in rider biological data, and increased cooperation between teams and anti-doping authorities.

The scandal damaged the reputations of cyclists, teams, and sponsors. U.S. Postal and Discovery Channel’s brand images suffered, and trust between fans and the sport was deeply shaken.

USADA’s high-profile pursuit of Armstrong set a precedent for future investigations, emphasizing the responsibility of governing bodies like the UCI and anti-doping agencies to maintain integrity. Cycling’s efforts to rebuild its credibility continue to be shaped by the lessons learned during Armstrong’s era.

Business Ventures and Investments

Lance Armstrong’s post-cycling career includes a diverse mix of business interests, especially in cycling, wellness, and venture capital. His entrepreneurial activity reflects a deliberate shift from professional sports to investment and brand-building in related industries.

Bike Shops and Cycling Brands

Armstrong co-founded the well-known bike shop Mellow Johnny’s in Austin, Texas. The shop serves as both a retail location and a community hub for local cyclists. It offers premium brands and sponsors regular group rides and events.

Adjacent to the bike shop, Armstrong also opened the Juan Pelota Cafe. This cafe quickly became a popular stop for cyclists looking for coffee, snacks, and a place to meet fellow riders. The café and bike shop are often featured in his WEDŪ content and podcasts.

Throughout his career, Armstrong has had sponsorship relationships with companies like Trek Bicycle and SRAM Corporation. Although his ties with Trek changed after his sporting controversies, he remains engaged in the cycling industry through his Austin ventures and community events.

Media and Endurance Sports Companies

Beyond retail, Armstrong expanded into media with WEDŪ, a company focused on endurance sports coverage, podcasts, and athlete-driven storytelling. WEDŪ produces "The Move," Armstrong’s flagship podcast, where he discusses professional cycling races and endurance sports with a rotating set of guests.

The company targets fans of endurance athletics and provides content on cycling, running, and triathlon. WEDŪ also organizes group rides and events, bringing together enthusiasts both online and in person. The brand’s mission is to foster community and provide expert commentary on the endurance sports landscape.

Other activities have included documentary projects and television appearances, allowing Armstrong to leverage his experience and insights for broader audiences interested in athletic performance and sports culture.

Venture Capital and Wellness Investments

Armstrong’s foray into venture capital began with early investments in technology and health-focused startups. His most notable outside investment was in Uber, which he credits with securing his family’s financial stability after legal settlements.

In 2019, Armstrong co-founded Next Ventures, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm. The firm targets the wellness, fitness, and health technology sectors. Next Ventures closed its first fund with $50 million and additional capital through special purpose vehicles, later aiming for a $100 million second fund.

His investment strategy focuses on scalable businesses in active lifestyle and health, seeking brands and technologies that align with endurance sports and personal wellness. Through these investments, Armstrong maintains a presence in the rapidly growing intersection of sports, technology, and health innovation.

Lance Armstrong’s Personal Life Today

Lance Armstrong remains engaged in daily routines that center around his family, business interests, and active lifestyle. His journey as a cancer survivor and former pro cyclist still influences his public image and daily choices.

Family and Daily Activities

Armstrong lives with his longtime partner, Anna Hansen, and their children in Austin, Texas. He values spending time with his family, often sharing glimpses of their life on social media. Armstrong and Hansen married in 2022 after many years together.

He maintains a regular fitness regimen and still rides his bike multiple times a week, both for enjoyment and health. Armstrong frequently participates in group rides and supports local charities and cycling events. While much of his life is now private, he occasionally posts about his interests, such as golf and travel.

A typical day for Armstrong may include business calls, podcast work, bike rides, and family meals. He describes his daily structure as grounded and routine-driven, emphasizing the importance of staying active and present for his children.

Life After Competitive Cycling

Armstrong’s post-cycling career has shifted toward entrepreneurship and media. He runs a successful podcast, THE MOVE, which dissects professional cycling races and features interviews with athletes and experts. This has kept him connected with the cycling world without direct competition.

He also invests in health, fitness, and technology startups. Armstrong has been open about his experiences as a cancer survivor, sometimes speaking at events or utilizing his platform for cancer awareness. Although his autobiography and previous public statements documented his struggles and triumphs, he now focuses less on self-promotion and more on consistent, behind-the-scenes business activity.

Staying out of the sport’s regulatory side, Armstrong channels energy into sharing knowledge and reflecting on his history. His involvement in cycling is now more about mentorship, commentary, and advocacy rather than racing or coaching.

Current Public Perception

Armstrong’s legacy is complex. While his seven Tour de France titles were stripped due to doping, he remains a significant figure in cycling and sports culture. Public opinion is mixed—some recognize his achievements and recovery from cancer, while others focus on his role in the doping scandal.

His autobiography and tell-all interviews provide insight into both his personal flaws and determination. Armstrong’s candid approach in media appearances has led to renewed, if cautious, interest from fans and critics. He continues to attract attention for his podcasts and occasional television work.

Many admire his perseverance as a cancer survivor and advocate, though skepticism about his competitive record persists. Despite the controversy, Armstrong’s story remains relevant, especially as a reference point in discussions about ethics, redemption, and high-performance sport.

Expert Guidance for Cycling Enthusiasts

Cyclists looking to boost performance and enjoyment often benefit from sound training advice and well-informed gear purchases. Focus on expert-backed habits and equipment can make a clear difference in achieving cycling goals.

Training and Endurance Advice

Progress in cycling depends on consistent training, attention to recovery, and careful management of workload. Experts recommend varying riding intensity throughout the week, combining structured intervals with longer endurance rides. For example, a typical plan might include high-intensity sessions twice a week, with easier days between.

Cross-training, such as swimming or strength work, supports joint health and helps prevent overuse injuries. Recovery is key, so monitoring sleep quality, nutrition, and rest days is essential. Using heart rate monitors or power meters can help riders track effort and avoid overtraining.

Riders are encouraged to tailor routines to their own fitness and adjust schedules based on feedback from the body. Joining local riding groups or seeking online coaching provides additional structure and motivation.

Buying Guides for Bikes and Gear

Selecting the right bike and equipment relies on understanding one’s riding style, terrain, and budget. Experts often recommend starting with a proper bike fit, either at a shop or using online fitting tools. Frame material matters:

• Carbon is light and stiff, while

• Aluminum is more affordable and durable.

Key gear includes a reliable helmet, padded shorts, and jerseys designed for breathability. Clipless pedals improve pedaling efficiency, while tire choice (width, tread) can affect comfort and speed. For performance-focused riders, lightweight wheels and electronic shifting are worth considering.

When evaluating upgrades, prioritize safety, comfort, and performance gains. Table 1 lists some recommended essentials:

Item Purpose Helmet Safety Bike Computer Performance tracking Tire Pump Maintenance Sunglasses Eye protection