As the nights get darker, we find it increasingly harder to drag ourselves out into the cold of autumn to get outdoors and exercise.<\/p>\n
However, for the York Rouleurs, they continue to ride together even now the fair weather has gone.<\/p>\n
Never heard of these guys? Well, the York Rouleurs Cycling Club give themselves the proud title of \u2018York\u2019s friendliest cycling group\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven 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,\u201d says Chris Waplington, the head of communications at YRCC.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a genuinely mixed club, with women making up a third of members.<\/p>\n
But what does the club get up to in the colder seasons? \u201cWe have a range of things to do in the winter, like indoor training sessions, spin classes on a Tuesday night,\u201d said Chris.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have track sessions on slightly nicer nights up at the Sports Village and do some strength training with a triathlon coach.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group also offers female only spin classes for anyone who\u2019s are a little intimidated by a mixed cycle session.<\/p>\n
Chris told YorkMix why he loves these autumn and winter events. \u201cOne of the real benefits is that people end up cycling with people they wouldn\u2019t necessarily go out with in groups as you are all indoors and no one gets dropped, you stay together.\u201d<\/p>\n
An important part of getting out in winter is to continue to boost mental health. The Rouleurs are there for members all year round. \u201cIn my mind there is no doubt it saves lives, especially for men who may struggle to find a supportive environment like this one,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
To be a part of the Rouleurs there is no ability requirements, just to show up the first time you want to go along. <\/p>\n