FOLLOWING the success of the Ararat Ladies Social Bike Group, the region's men have now formed a group of their own.
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The Ararat Men's Social Push Bike Ride and Coffee group has now been running for two months.
Organiser John Hunt said he hoped the group would get more men active in the area.
"A few people thought we should try and get a men's one, because a lot of the women say their husbands would like something to do," Mr Hunt said.
"About two months ago we held our first one and there was about six or seven. We've got 12 or 13 now."
The group meets every Wednesday morning at 8am for a ride.
They aim to cycle 10 to 15 kilometres, before relaxing at Alexander Lake for coffee and a chat.
Mr Hunt said the group met a need in the community.
"It's a social men's get together," he said.
"Everybody just talks to these different people that they don't know. There's farmers, ex-policeman and all sorts of people."
The combination of exercise and socializing holds numerous benefits for older men, Mr Hunt said.
"I think a lot of older people can very easily become isolated," he said.
"You might only have two or three friends and then some of them pass away and you've got none.
"Women socialise a lot better together. Men don't. Men have a tendency that if you've got some problem, you don't necessarily tell other men.
"As men get older, it's probably worse. It's a grumpiness, a lack of wanting to talk to people, and people just want to withdraw into themselves."
The combination of exercise and socializing holds the potential to help men combat that isolation and increase their health outcomes.
One member benefiting from the group is David Haddow, who joined the group after surviving an illness.
He said he now needs to get out and get active, and took his first ride two weeks ago.
"It's good for me. It is a regular thing that makes sure I do it every week, instead of putting it off," he said.
"It nearly killed me the first week. I couldn't walk for a couple of days. I did too much too quickly but I did feel much better after I'd done it.
"I'd encourage anybody who has an interest in riding and getting some exercise to come along and do it. We don't go at any fast pace."
Mr Haddow said members benefit from riding with people of a similar age.
"No body pushes you to ride faster, they all stick together, and it's good," he said.
"You talk while having the ride and talk while you're having the coffee.
"It's a good social experience as well as exercise."
Mr Hunt said there is no age limit but prospective members should not expect to "ride 100 kilometres at 30 kilometres an hour."
He also encouraged anyone with doubts about being able to keep up to just come along and see what they could do in the no-pressure environment.
Anybody interested can call Mr Hunt on 0414 650 642.
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