Say hello to Sophie

Say hello to Sophie, who joined her dad by becoming a Rouleur.  Sophie recently completed her first ever 100 Mile ride – cycling the Selby Three Swans sportive with a group from York Rouleurs. Chapeau Sophie – a huge milestone for any cyclist! 

Sophie says:

I first went out cycling in lockdown 2020, on my dad’s spare single speed and eventually took the plunge to buy my first bike (with gears and that actually fit me!) in December 2021.

My dad has been a member of the Rouleurs for years and always spoke very highly of the Club.  I could really see that culture when I joined my first ride as a guest - I signed up the same day. (Plus, I think the kit looks pretty great!).

It’s so special getting to ride with my dad in the Club… he’s my biggest inspiration.  I used to cheer him on from the finish line in sportives and now I get to be by his side.  To share these experiences together, having someone to motivate me and get me through those slumps in energy has brought us so much closer together and I am so grateful to be creating these memories with my Dad.

I was so nervous in the run up to my first Club Ride but that quickly went away as soon as I arrived. Everybody was so welcoming and the ride itself went so quickly! The route was great! It was amazing to add a really social and fun side to my cycling. Being able to chat to everyone as you cycle next to different people throughout the ride, it’s been lovely to meet new people, share stories and feel part of a group.

After I bought my first bike I decided I wanted to do a challenge with my dad so without really understanding what I was getting into, we decided London to Paris sounded amazing - I think I was just thinking of the cheese and wine at the end. In January I attempted to do the total distance (300m) over the whole month - and failed… at that point I genuinely didn’t see how it was possible to do it in 4 days. 

Completing London to Paris was the most rewarding experience of my life. It was the first time I’ve ever ridden in a group and really felt the buzz of support from other people. it was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done but being with a group was like having loads of hands on your back pushing you up those hills.

Towards the very end of the longest day (90 miles) I got stuck on a really steep hill in front of a very considerate but huge tractor.  We’d somehow missed the last fuel stop and I was running on empty. I broke down in tears when we finally made it to the hotel and then my dad told me how proud of me he was - which just made me cry more to be honest!

The best bit of the whole event was riding down the iconic Champs Elysees where our group of 100+ stopped traffic.  People were cheering us on and just that feeling that I’d actually made it to Paris with my dad by my side. The glass of champagne at the end never tasted so good!

The best bit of being a member of York Rouleurs is being able to chat to everyone as you cycle next to different people throughout the ride, it’s been lovely to meet new people, share stories and gain more confidence in my cycling skills. I had a goal of doing my first 100 Mile ride so jumped at the chance to join the club at the Selby 3 Swans sportive in September. Riding with the Rouleurs not only got me through to the finish line in a great time, but I felt so supported, they stayed with me when I almost lost all my energy and gave me the motivation, tips and cover from the wind I needed to keep pedalling!

Cycling in a group is so much easier and it’s just really fun. If you’re thinking about joining the Rouleurs – do it!  They are all so lovely and will make you feel welcome from the first Ride! If you have a particular goal in mind whether it’s improving your skills, just to be social and enjoy the cake stops there’s bound to be something the club are doing to suit your needs.