Now that prime time for bicycling is over, it's time to think about staying in shape over the dark days of winter. Athletic clubs offer a healthy alternative to couch-potatoitis. A big discouraging factor for bike riders is that many athletic clubs require a 12 month contract. If you are only interested in using the athletic club for November through March, the money you pay for April through October is wasted. Some of the athletic clubs in Asheville have addressed this problem:
The Asheville Racquet Club requires a 12 month contract, but you can join, use the facilities through March and then put your membership on suspension through spring and summer. In November you can reactivate it and use the facilities again. $120 to join and then $39.95 per month for a 12 month contract. This is a Vision Sports club so you are actually joining two clubs at the same time. You can use the Vision Sports Club on Hendersonville Road and the Vision Sports Club off Tunnel Road near O'Charley's. They have lots of weights and machines but are closed on Sundays.
The YMCA also has more than one location: the downtown YMCA and the Reuter Family YMCA, which is a brand new facility in south Asheville. The cost is $75 to join and $42 per month with no contract. Join, use it in the winter, stop for the spring and summer and then start back in the fall.
The Biltmore Athletic Club, in the Biltmore area of Asheville, offers bicycle spinning classes AND are open 24 hours except Sunday night, I think. The bicycle spinning classes are free to members, and a great way to stay in shape over the winter. It costs $50 to join, and is $39.95 per month for a 12 month contract. They won't let you join, suspend and then restart, but they do offer a six month membership for $295 ($49.16 per month). Seniors, 65 and older can join for $10 and pay only $30 per month. If you work for one of the affiliated corporations, you can join for $10 and pay $32.50 per month. These are all bank drafts from your checking or credit card account.
UNCA has one of the biggest and best facilities in the area, but you have to be a UNCA student, faculty or alumni to join. The outdoor running track is open to the public and has lights at night (last time I checked).
If you are shopping for a membership, be sure to inquire about special deals. Some of the clubs have special rates for corporate employees or residents of certain apartment complexes. The key is to ask questions and shop around. Think about what you will really use and enjoy. Some clubs have pools and some are nicer than others. Some have indoor running tracks. The more convenient it is and the more the facilities meet your needs the more likely you are to actually use it. Visit three clubs before you make your decision.
Paul D. King
Asheville, NC
© Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Inc. 2004