Say hello to Julia

Say hello to Julia! She’s someone who has grown and achieved so much since she joined us on her first ride. She’s accomplished many achievements with the support of the Club.

Julia says:

“In September 2022, I went on the first Rouleurs ‘We Ride’. I was unsure, but I am so glad I turned up.  On that first ride (and ever since), I was struck by how friendly the Rouleurs were on the bike and at the coffee stops. There was a lot of support from experienced riders, so anyone nervous could feel ‘looked after’.

“I did a little cycling years ago but when I moved to York I did not find a club ride that went slow enough for me. The promise of any bike, any speed and no drop was the start of a wonderful time. From monthly We Rides I cycled with the new weekly 30-mile rides, and later with a slower 40-mile group. 

“I have been on the free cycle skills sessions, and frequently practice my slow cycling at York traffic lights. In September we rode the 67-mile (107k) Selby Three Swans together: for many their furthest ride which we built up to during the summer. Recently with the Rouleurs I rode the Bettys ‘Fat Rascals’ to Ilkley, 78 miles (125k) which I trained for with the Rouleurs hill development and 50-mile rides.

“I cannot pick a best thing about cycling with Rouleurs. It could be the conversations we have on the bike, it could be the fun of rolling down a hill with great countryside all around, or the sharing of our rides in Cycle Heaven afterwards.

“We who joined via We Rides or 30-mile rides have, because of the support, encouragement, and help, achieved things we could never have imagined.

“You do not have to be confident to turn up on a We Ride, you do not need any cycling clothes. The hardest thing is to turn up for the first time, but let the Rouleurs know you are coming and someone friendly will greet you. More experienced riders will find a distance and pace for themselves too.”