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  • COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT | CONROY

    Meet Conroy: “I was introduced to RIDE by one of my former co-workers who kept telling me about ride and would asking me almost daily to come and try it out. I’m someone who doesn’t typically liked being pushed out of my comfort zone but I finally caved and decided to give it a shot.”

    Your go to coffee shop and why? What’s your order?
    I’m a little biased with this answer but I would have to say my favourite coffee shop is Starbucks, why? Because I work there and like ride its a company full of diversity, community and inclusion. My favourite beverage is a Venti Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade, I could drink that all year round.

    Do you have any animals? What are their names and breeds?
    I have a 5 year old mini toy poodle named Mylo, short for MyLove. He’s my everything.

    What’s your favourite quote? Why do you like it how does it make you feel?
    Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay’’ -Dalai Lama. It holds a lot of meaning as someone who immigrated to Canada when I was 5 leaving behind the only home and family I ever knew. Having to watch my parents start over in a new country, struggle to adapt, to provide a fresh start and better opportunities for myself and siblings. It was one a quote I thought was powerful and really resonated with me. I have the quote also tattooed on my arm.

    How did you find RIDE? Why do you continue to come to RIDE? And, what’s a song that’s tied to a memory that makes you smile and why?
    So these 2 questions I decided to tie into one answer since they both happened around the same time. I was introduced to RIDE by one of my former co-workers who kept telling me about ride and would asking me almost daily to come and try it out. I’m someone who doesn’t typically liked being pushed out of my comfort zone but I finally caved and decided to give it a shot. My first class and core memory was a Pussycat Dolls themed class taught by Molly. At the time I had no idea what I was doing or which was my left/right leg I was supposed to be on but I had the most fun singing and dancing on the bike, specifically to the song ‘’I Hate this Part’’ by PCD. That class gave me goosebumps and will always hold a special place in my heart. Every time I hear that song it brings me back to that place and time, the feeling I had of uncertainty and nervousness but a sense of excitement, joy and gratitude afterwards.

    Morning or night person? What time do you like to RIDE?
    I am more of a night person so you can always catch me in the evenings at RIDE.

    You can find (and say Hi!) to Conroy at our Vancouver studios and on Instagram here.

  • COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT | ASHLEY & RACHEL CARROLL

    Meet ASHLEY:

    How did you find RIDE? Why do you continue to come to RIDE?
    So I found RIDE through my sister, Rachel. I had little interest and zero knowledge about spinning but one night she convinced me to sign up for an intro offer and the rest is history. I continue to come to RIDE because I always feel great after a class, the people are amazing and it’s a good excuse to spend time with my sister. RIDE has become an essential part of my life and I am very thankful for that.

    Do you have any pets? What are their names and breeds?
    Yes! I have a sweet 13-year-old Australian Cattle Dog named Zane, and a beautiful Betta fish named Bobby. I love animals and the plan is to add a pair of Budgies to the family this spring.

    What is your favourite movie of all time?
    Jurassic Park. Even after all these years, it’s still the perfect movie, with the best story, soundtrack, and dinosaurs. I watch it once every few months and I’m always so entertained like it’s the first time. Runner up is Jaws.

    Meet RACHEL:

    How did you find RIDE? Why do you continue to come to RIDE?
    I found RIDE over the pandemic when my prior spin studio and many other businesses were lost. I was so happy to find spin again and to join such a welcoming community. I encouraged my sister Ashley to join me, and it’s been a great way for us to catch up and get a good workout together.

    Favourite pizza spot?
    Badialis for the vodka slice!

    Morning or night person? What time do you like to ride?
    I love the mornings, and the days I can make it to Rich or Lily’s at 6 AM. If I’m not doing an early ride, my sister and I love noon classes. James on Thursdays at noon is a favourite. We also love Ashley’s class on Saturday, and Meghan’s guilty pleasures on Sunday.

    Do you have any animals?
    My sister and I are both dog moms – she has a 13-year-old cattle dog named Zane, and I have a 5-year-old scottie named Riley.

  • RIDE OR DIE | MIGZ, INSTRUCTOR

    Meet MIGZ: One of our newest Ossington Instructors who brings a mix of Hip Hop and Rap to his classes and has an amazing ability to create community wherever he goes!  Whether you’ve had the opportunity to RIDE with him already or not, you are guaranteed to leave the studio with a smile on your face.

    Where did you grow up?
    Whitby (East End 905), ON.

    Can you remember your first RIDE class?
    My first RIDE class was with Emily PS. I founded a run/ fitness community called MVM (Me Versus Me) and RIDE held a private RIDE for us.  We filled the room, all first time riders and the energy was electric.

    How has becoming a RIDE instructor changed you?
    Gave me an appreciation for RIDE (spin) and most importantly learned to teach and engage a room a room differently. #newskillsunlocked

    Describe your teaching style.
    The club before the club.

    Best part of being an Instructor is…
    Engaging with ppl and seeing the smiling faces and feeling energy.

    Track you’ve had on repeat?
    Bandit – Don Toliver

    AM or PM RIDES?

    PM RIDES. I prefer the late one. Cause I get more turnt as the day goes on.

    Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?
    Running, basketball or the gym. Combination of all 3. #drakevoice

    Who motivates you?
    Community. Seeing others win and overcoming their own challenges.

    Favourite podcast?
    Diary of a CEO

    Hidden Talent?
    I will spread love in any situation

    What’s your #1 life hack?

    Just start.

    Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?
    In the gym or running.

    Best memory since you joined RIDE?
    Learning to RIDE in training. The challenges and overcoming them and being pushed outside my comfort zone.

    #1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?
    Don’t overthink it. Just go in and enjoy the experience.

    What does RIDE mean to you?
    It’s a new family.

  • LISTEN 12.23

    KEEP UP TO DATE ON NEW MUSIC. CHECK OUT PLAYLISTS YOU’VE RECENTLY HEARD IN STUDIO.

    (more…)

  • RIDE OR DIE | KENNEDY, INSTRUCTOR

    Meet Kennedy – a Toronto and EXT Instructor that is known for her ‘rave cave’ vibe classes and her natural ability to lift the room and motivate everyone to give 110% on the bike. Get to know Kennedy and how RIDE has impacted her life.


    Where did you grow up?
    I grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and moved to Toronto in 2016 after I graduated nursing school. While I love the hustle and bustle of the city, I’ll always be an east coast girl at heart.

    Can you remember your first RIDE class?
    I remember it all – the good, the bad, and the ugly. I grabbed the heaviest weights (I learned my lesson REAL quick), sat in the back row hidden behind one of the pillars at the Ossington studio, and spent the majority of the class thinking the same three things over and over:
    1) “What the hell is happening?”
    2) “How is everyone moving their legs so fast?”
    3) “Why does this blonde chick keep yelling 1,2?” (Hey, Jess!)
    I don’t think my hips could have been closer to the handlebars and I couldn’t have been more offbeat; I hated it and loved it at the same time. Afterward, I told myself I was never coming back and that it wasn’t for me, but I signed up for another class before I went to bed that night. I was in denial for a bit, but I was hooked right away. 

    How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an Instructor?
    The thought didn’t even cross my mind until there was talk of a new TO studio opening. One day after her class, Reilly pulled me aside to tell me she thought I should audition… and the rest is history! Shout out to Rei for being the best stage mom ever.

    Describe your teaching style.
    Intense, but honest and encouraging. I’ll always tell you when shits about to get crazy, but I promise I’ll be right there with you the whole time.

    Best part of being an Instructor is…
    Watching riders push themselves to new limits. I truly mean it when I say “I’m right there with you”, your successes are my successes. Getting to be even a small part of that is the BEST FEELING EVER.

    A close second is having a microphone and forcing everyone to listen to my jokes.

    Track you’ve had on repeat?
    I’ve been revisiting a lot of old faves and have been on a big Pjanoo (Eric Prydz) kick lately. It’s beginning to rival the great Early Morning Dreams obsession of 2019-2020 (if you know, you know).

    AM or PM RIDES?
    I’ll raise you one better – middays

    Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?
    Running, home-workouts, and impromptu living room dance sessions. 

    How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?
    It’s challenged me and forced me to grow in the best of ways. It’s taught me to just go with the flow, and that my best self is my most authentic self; ridiculous Ken-style dance moves and all.

    Go-to quote or words to live by?

    Make the chaos count and turn the struggle into strength.

    Who motivates you?
    My #1 cheerleader, Dave. His character, resiliency, and work ethic silently inspire me daily. He is always encouraging me to be whatever and whoever I want to be and has saved my life in more ways than one. I’m a better nurse, friend, and person because of him. Easiest question so far.

    Favourite book?
    To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ve read it four times!

    What’s your #1 life hack?
    When you get to the bottom of Nutella or peanut butter containers, fill them with ice-cream. You’re welcome.

    Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?
    I wish I had this cool and adventurous answer like hiking or exploring the city, but if I’m not working I’m usually in a burrito blanket on the couch snuggling a cat or two. 

    Any hidden or not so hidden talents?
    I can solve a Rubik cube in less than five minutes.

    If you could brunch with any person (past or present), who would it be and why?
    My younger self… I know she’d be proud of us for finally doing that thing we always said we would do. 

    Best memory since you joined RIDE?
    Two years ago I had a significant health event that physically put my life on pause for a bit and mentally left me in a pretty dark place. I couldn’t work, exercise, and could barely walk around my apartment. When I was finally cleared to go back to exercising, RIDE was the first place I went. By the end of the class, I didn’t know if I was drenched in sweat or in tears (probably both). I remember putting my hand over my chest to feel my heart thumping as I tried to catch my breath and was overwhelmed with this tsunami of gratefulness to just exist and be alive in that room.

    Looking back, I think I was brimming with so much emotion because those 50mins were more than just a spin class – it represented all the blood, sweat, and tears (literally) that it took to get back on my feet. It showed me that I could harness the energy from a negative thing and channel it into something powerful, and was the first time that I experienced the magic that is RIDE. Every time I clip in, I try to pay homage to that special moment and create a space where others can have that moment of self-discovery.

    #1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?Keep it simple! Let go of your expectations; breathe in, breathe out and put one foot in front of the other.

    What does RIDE mean to you?
    To try and limit RIDE’s meaning and impact into one definition just doesn’t seem right. The beautiful thing about RIDE is that it’s whatever you need it to be in that moment. Right now, at this moment to me, it means discovery – I’ve found one of the best versions of myself while dancing around in that candlelit room.

  • MEJURI X RIDE

    MOVE WITH US IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEJURI

    On Saturday, March 20th at 9 am PST we invite you and the women in your life to join us for a 55-minute Livestream MAT SESSIONS class taught by Brooke! 

    MAT SESSIONS is a 55-minute strength class designed to incorporate RIDE CYCLE CLUB signature principle of rhythm and power into an off-bike low-intensity full-body workout using weights and body resistance on a mat.

    Mejuri makes fine jewelry for every day that’s handcrafted, ethically sourced and made to last. Women’s empowerment has been part of RIDE & Mejuri’s DNA since the beginning, which is why we’re excited to have them sponsor this event.

    The purchase of each Mejuri x RIDE class on March 20th will go towards the Mejuri Empowerment fund through a $5 donation per participant in support of under-represented women and non-binary people.

    Plus, all participants in the class will receive an exclusive 10% Mejuri discount to use online, offer valid until March 27th.

    WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE LIVESTREAM:

    1. Yoga mat

    2. Sneakers

    3. 1-5 lbs weights (cans or bodyweight also work great)

    HOW TO SIGN UP FOR THE LIVESTREAM:

    1. Log in / create your RIDE account via our website or app

    2. Purchase a MEJURI X RIDE MAT SESSIONS Class
    100% of the proceeds benefit the Mejuri Empowerment Fund 

    3. Book into MEJURI X RIDE Livestream
    An email with the Livestream link will be sent out 5-minutes before class is to start 

    We can’t wait to move with you! If you should have any questions, please reach out to us at info@ridecycleclub.com

  • TRAINING CLUB: MAT SESSIONS

    Introducing TRAINING CLUB: MAT SESSIONS. A 55-minute strength class designed to incorporate RIDE CYCLE CLUB’s signature principle of rhythm and power into an off-bike low-intensity full body workout using weights and body resistance on a mat.

    During your class you can expect the same intimate candlelight experience with curated playlists from your favourite RIDE instructors.

    Open to all fitness levels and currently running in our Yaletown studio. Kits and Lonsdale to come soon!

    Sign up for MAT SESSIONS through the RIDE App or website.

    FAQ

    What should I bring to a MAT SESSIONS class?

    – Please bring your own mat, water, and sneakers. Weights will be provided in studio (optional).

    Can I use my RIDE class pack for MAT SESSIONS?

    – Yes, only existing RIDE class packs can be used. You will need to contact us at info@ridecycleclub.com to transfer your RIDE classes to MAT SESSION classes before you book in with us for MAT SESSIONS. 1 RIDE class = 1 MAT SESSION.

    Can I use my Unlimited Membership?

    – At this time unlimited memberships cannot be used for MAT SESSIONS. All unlimited memberships will continue to stay on hold.

    Can I drop-in to a MAT SESSIONS class?

    – No drop-in’s allowed. In order to attend a class you must pre-book through the RIDE app or website. Classes can be booked 1-week in advance.

    Will MAT SESSIONS be available in all RIDE studios?

    – We currently offer MAT SESSIONS at our Yaletown studio with plans to expand the offering to our Kitsilano and Lonsdale locations. As we continue to navigate during the pandemic, we will bring MAT SESSIONS to each of our RIDE locations.

    Will RIDE SAFE be in effect?

    – Absolutely. All RIDE SAFE protocols will be in effect pre and post class. Including our recent modifications for MAT SESSIONS:

    • Please arrive with your mask and in appropriate workout apparel 5-minutes before class to accommodate our health check and allow for setup. At this time no change rooms will be available.
    • Please only bring your essentials to class. Lockers will be made available for outerwear.
    • There are only 5 spots available in each class.
    • All designated spots are distanced 2.5 m on all sides of the mat from other class participants.
    • Instructors will remain on podium throughout the class to ensure a safe distance from all participants.
    • No cheering, hooting, and wooing will be permitted within the studio.
    • Only one client at a time during entering and exiting the studio.

    Can I book a private MAT SESSIONS Class?

    – More info to come on private MAT SESSION classes!

  • RIDE x BACKPACK BUDDIES – THANK YOU

    This past weekend in our Vancouver studios, we came together as a community to RIDE in support of Backpack Buddies.

    Rooted in family, community, and empathy, Backpack Buddies is a grassroots organization with a big vision. Backpack Buddies gives hungry B.C. children one less thing to worry about. Through their program, last year they delivered 49,000 backpacks of food to children across British Columbia who would otherwise have not eaten for the weekend. One backpack supplies a child with 9 meals, fresh fruit, and snacks for a weekend.

    When schools closed in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the weekend hunger gap became a 7-day hunger gap, with the needs of vulnerable families across B.C. increasing. More than 2,000 children received bags of food from Backpack Buddies every week from April to June, and the organization has increased its reach by more than 50%. This fall, they are determined to reach 3,000 hungry kids every week, with plans to reach 5,000 by December.

    Through our RIDE’s this past weekend, we were able to fill 90 backpacks! We want to thank all of you who joined us, and our amazing instructor team (Molly, Tyler, and Sara) who donated their time.

    If you would like more information on how you can support Backpack Buddies, click here.

  • RIDE OR DIE | SHIRA, INSTRUCTOR

    Get to know Shira – a Toronto and RIDE EXT Instructor with a personality to match her hair – fun and energetic! You can expect to leave her class with a song stuck in your head and a smile on your face.

    Where did you grow up?
    Toronto!

    Can you remember your first RIDE class?

    Crystal clear, my friend took me for a trial class of this new underground place called RIDE. You would enter through a vacant store on Ossington guided by a path of candles. I had no idea what to think. I was seated bike 56 (backy back) and Ashley was the instructor (whoah). I remember thinking WTF did I get myself into? I could barely keep up, not to mention was 7 months pregnant at the time. Her intensity both in form and voice scared the crap out of me. Something about that experience though made me crave going back. Saturday mornings with Cat have been a ritual since then.

    How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an Instructor?

    We all know the learning curve to perfecting that form takes a while. Learning to keep the beat, and not wanting to throw up after 15-minutes took me a while. I’d say during maternity leave RIDE became a very special place for me not only physically but mentally. It became my safe and happy place. It was then I knew I wanted to share that same feeling back with everyone else. True story, I auditioned twice and was gutted when I didn’t make the cut the first time. It took me all year to muster up the courage to audition a second time before becoming an instructor and the reward was better than I could have imagined. Never, ever give up!

    Describe your teaching style.

    My style is so driven by mood. Part of why RIDE is so special is the emotional connection you get from hearing a song that taps into you. You close your eyes and really “feel it”. A mixture of high intensity (gotta love a 6-min jog) with a soulful climb is my jam!

    Best part of being an Instructor is…

    The community, no doubt about it. I can’t tell you how many times Dez or Winta and everyone at the studio would offer to watch Levi (my son) so I could get a workout in, or even an instructor helping me on the way auditioning the second time, the clients become your coffee dates or therapists on a Saturday morning. Some of my closest friends have come from RIDE and eternally grateful for this family.

    Track you’ve had on repeat?

    Rufus du Sol live from Joshua Tree

    Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

    Usually Barry’s, F45, Barre, or even running!

    How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?

    Learning to be vulnerable and be ok with it. So much of being an instructor is laid out on that podium for everyone to see. The real magic happens when you just let go. No judgment of yourself or others and let that true authentic you glow.

    Who motivates you?

    This may sound cheesy but myself. I am the worst critic, so I am always constantly challenging myself to be better, stronger, and held accountable for my actions. Having kids changes you one way or another and Levi constantly motivates me to be the best mother I can be for him. He is the reason I get up every morning (even if it’s before 7:00AM).

    Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?

    Saturday morning rituals always begin with Cat 9:35 while front staff entertains Levi (god bless them all). Then a coffee date with friends and clients. I usually head to the market for fresh bagels and grab our favourite things like mustard sticks and spicy olives. It’s kind of mine and Levi’s thing.

    Best memory since you joined RIDE?

    I will never forget Dez’s birthday ride taught by Jess. The playlist was fire, everyone had glowsticks and the room was filled with all our friends screaming. Hands down most fun ride, pretty sure Alex broke her nose on the handlebars from pulsing too hard.

    #1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?

    It can be and IS overwhelming your first time. Whether you come alone or with a friend trust the process and give yourself a few times before you decide if it’s for you. Just remember to close your eyes, embrace the darkness, and have fun. Despite what you’re thinking, no one is watching you.

    What has you stoked on life right now?

    I am expecting baby #2 (another boy)! So, I know that will have it’s new challenges and moments. I’m really excited to grow my family and looking forward to experiencing what the future holds.

  • RIDE COVID-19 PLAYBOOK

    RIDE COVID-19 PLAYBOOK  

    The RIDE COVID-19 PLAYBOOK was designed to inform and explain the steps that RIDE CYCLE CLUB takes to ensure the continued health and safety of our community.

    This playbook will evolve and may be subject to change as we learn more about the virus, and work with provincial health officials.

     

    1. BEFORE ENTERING A RIDE STUDIO
    Before every client and staff member is to enter a RIDE studio, the following actions must take place:

    1. Temperature checks must be performed. Anyone with elevated temperature (above 37.6°C) will not be permitted into the studio.

    2. The following statements must be read and verbally acknowledged:

    • I do not have any symptoms of COVID-19, including, but not limited to fever,
      cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, nausea, and vomiting, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite or diarrhea.
    • I have not been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
    • I have not travelled outside of the country within the last 14 days.
    • I understand that by choosing to attend a class at RIDE CYCLE CLUB, even
      with the increased health and safety protocols, I acknowledge and accept the additional risks associated with the global health pandemic of COVID-19.

    We ask that all community members and staff answer these questions honestly and to the best of their knowledge.

    If the answer is ‘NO’ to the statements or someone presents an elevated temperature (above 37.6°C), we will not allow you to enter our studios. We will recommend you contact provincial health services and follow their direction.

     

    3. Masks must be worn by anyone entering a RIDE studio. Masks are to only be removed once on the bike and once class is to start. As soon as class is over, masks must be put on before exiting the room

     

    2. LATE CANCELLATIONS DUE TO COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
    RIDE will grant late cancellations exceptions for requests to do with COVID-19 symptoms. We will request that you please contact provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS) and follow the recommended guidelines before returning to our studios.

     

    3. COVID-19 EXPOSURE IN STUDIO

    3.1 RIDE Staff
    Any staff member that is showing / feeling symptoms of COVID-19 must not come into the studio and must contact their manager ASAP and let them know the date when symptoms started. Management will contact provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS) immediately and act on their guidance.

    In cases deemed low risk by provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS), we will notify all staff and guests who may have had exposure, credit their account for the class, and forward along provincial health services protocols.

    In cases deemed moderate to high risk by provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS), we will repeat the above action and follow any additional steps deemed necessary by provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS). These may include a studio closure, additional deep cleaning and/or broader message to our community.

     

    3.2 If a RIDE staff member has tested positive for COVID-19
    they must not come into the studio and must inform their manager ASAP. Management will contact provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS) immediately. All staff for that studio will be contacted and requested to follow the guidelines from provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS).

    The studio will be temporarily closed, deep cleaned, and a broader message to our community will be sent out.

     

    3.3 RIDE Community Member
    Should RIDE be informed that a community member has contracted COVID-19 who has been in one of our studios. RIDE Studio Management will contact provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS) immediately and act on their guidance.

    In cases deemed low risk by provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS), we will notify all staff and guests who may have had exposure to the staff member and credit their account for the class.

    In cases deemed moderate to high risk by provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS), we will repeat the above action and follow any additional steps deemed necessary by provincial health services (VCH, AHS, OHS). These may include a studio closure, additional deep cleaning and/or broader message to our community.

     

    5. CLASS CANCELATIONS OR TEMPORARY STUDIO CLOSURE DUE TO COVID-19
    Due to the nature of COVID-19, RIDE CYCLE CLUB may cancel a class or temporarily close a studio at any time. RIDE will notify anyone booked into a current or future class and inform them if the class is cancelled / temporary studio closure. This may include a broader message to our community.

     

    Thank you.

    RIDE CYCLE CLUB