As the nights get darker, we find it increasingly harder to drag ourselves out into the cold of autumn to get outdoors and exercise.
However, for the York Rouleurs, they continue to ride together even now the fair weather has gone.
Never heard of these guys? Well, the York Rouleurs Cycling Club give themselves the proud title of ‘York’s friendliest cycling group’.
“Even from the beginning that sense of being a group of friends who enjoy riding bikes has been at the heart of this club. We are just a family that has grown from eight to 300,” says Chris Waplington, the head of communications at YRCC.
It’s a genuinely mixed club, with women making up a third of members.
But what does the club get up to in the colder seasons? “We have a range of things to do in the winter, like indoor training sessions, spin classes on a Tuesday night,” said Chris.
“We have track sessions on slightly nicer nights up at the Sports Village and do some strength training with a triathlon coach.”
The group also offers female only spin classes for anyone who’s are a little intimidated by a mixed cycle session.
Chris told YorkMix why he loves these autumn and winter events. “One of the real benefits is that people end up cycling with people they wouldn’t necessarily go out with in groups as you are all indoors and no one gets dropped, you stay together.”
An important part of getting out in winter is to continue to boost mental health. The Rouleurs are there for members all year round. “In my mind there is no doubt it saves lives, especially for men who may struggle to find a supportive environment like this one,” he said.
To be a part of the Rouleurs there is no ability requirements, just to show up the first time you want to go along.
If the enjoyment continues, they ask for just £15 for a membership for the full year. Find out more at the York Rouleurs Facebook page.
