York Rouleurs Cycling Club

In June this year I went to York cycle rally and was given a flyer for York Rouleurs Cycling Club.

Having already been involved with my own club in East Yorkshire for 15 yrs I felt quite treacherous as I discreetly placed it into my pocket.

Although York was some distance from where I lived (26 miles) I have a affinity for the city.

My brother Andy is the Co Owner of Cycle Heaven which is where York Rouleurs assemble.

The following Sunday I arrived outside 'Cycle Heaven' in York at about 08:30 giving myself enough time to be ready for the 09:00 start.

I felt quite anxious as if I was about to commence some sort of illicit relationship with another club.

As the departure time came closer cyclists started appearing from all directions and provided an instant idea for what lay ahead.

There were young, old, and older still. 

People who looked looked like cyclists on the TV, but even more who looked like me.

A cycling enthusiast who enjoyed the coffee and cake as much as the cycling. 

There were female riders, lots of them! More than I had ever seen at a club or outside a breeze group/sportive. 

In previous clubs I have been involved with I have been disappointed to see that lack of inclusivity where female members might leave or be put off joining because of the egos or chauvinist/sexist behaviour of a minority.

Their attendance in so many numbers was a good barometer of prospective attitudes. 

Turning my attention to the bikes the diversity came in mechanical forms.

Of course there were many beautiful, aerodynamic racing machines. Its what I expected. 

But there were just as many that were different. Ebikes, Gravel bikes, urban bikes and even some sit up dutch style bikes. 

I chuckled to myself..................... I immediately felt at home.

Before 9am the gathering had swelled to over a hundred and I was starting to think how do they organise the ride(s) ?

At that moment one of the committee members jumped up onto a low wall and started directing the gathering with the skill of an Orchestral conductor.

I soon found out that The Rouleurs offer something for everyone. 30,40,50 and 60 mile rides at 4 different Speeds with 20 mile fun rides in the summer months for beginners.

The Pace groups all begin with the letter 'S' with the obvious word 'slow' not making an appearance.

There was Super Social 12.5-14.5 mph, Social 16-16mph, Steady 16-18mph and Sweaty  18mph +

 

I opted for the Social 40 mile ride and as we set off through the city centre I was struck by the road craft that all the riders seemed to possess. The Rouleurs have a saying 'Rouleurs ride together and it was clear that this ethos was engrained. Everyone was considered and the speed was regularly tempered to adjust to the the group as a whole.

Some of the longer rides incorporate a Cafe Stop but in this instance we delayed that to the end to take advantage of 'The Cyclist' an amazing cafe inside Cycle Heaven.

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Over the proceeding months I continued to ride with them meeting new people and making friends.

My illicit dalliance turns into a full blow affair!

The routes were so well planned and varied covering all points of the compass from York.

They use a great App called SPOND which allows you to see all of the rides  published every Thursday evening before the weekend rides.

This allows you to indicate if you are riding and which route/pace.

There is absolutely no obligation to commit to the ride! it just helps the organisers.

So if you have a hangover and not feeling it or your full of beans -  you can change you ride on the day, or stay in bed. 

The club has over 270 members and is still expanding.

As well as road rides they offer so much more!

Trips away at home and abroad, Coaching, Zwift, Spin Classes, Conditioning, Track, Gravel and Mtb.

I have had taken advantage of regular Wednesdays nights on the outdoor track at York Sports Village. It has been such great fun and a complimentary disciple to really increase your aerobic capacity.

As if ride was not enough the Club involves itself within the community and local charities and has regular social events to bring riders together off the bikes. 

Having been used to speaking with people wearing helmets I have to apologise to them with the lack of recognition off the bike.

York Rouleurs is just an amazing club, warm, friendly, welcoming and totally inclusive. I feel so pleased I took that flyer. 

Fast forward to November I am now honoured to be able to serve the York Rouleurs CC  on their committee. One of my roles is to help promote the club so I hope to start writing again as I move into a new Chapter of my Cycling Journey.

Safe Cycling - Rouleurs Ride Together