BABY, HOW YOU FEELIN'? Feeling good as hell!

“Back in May, my longtime friend and former teammate, Janelle, told me I should check out Ride and Shine. I was really looking for something new as running just wasn’t doing it for me anymore. I remember in my 3rd class, the lights were off and Jill said, ‘Whatever you are going through right now, you will get through it!’ The tears just started running down my face. In the past couple years, it was something I had to tell myself a lot: you will get through this. It was in that moment that I was hooked on Ride and Shine! When I clip in, usually before my brain has time to figure out what is going on at 5:45 am, I get about 50 minutes to focus on me with the help of all the other riders and the instructors who have been incredibly supportive. I always seem to hear something like, “yes you can,” “you can do hard things,” or other forms of encouragement that we ALL need reminders of! I show up and do the work because I know what it does for me physically, mentally and emotionally. I am so grateful for Ride and Shine! I look forward to adding my name to the 100 and 200 ride wall some day!”  

*Holding up a 5-0 as she celebrated her 50th ride!

“When I was introduced to spin, I attended and it was hard. I hadn’t moved my body in so long but I was able to cope. I was able to say ‘Wow that was hard… let’s do it again.’  Everyone at the studio is the same. We are all on the same playing field. We are all sweaty, tired, sore, and full of energy. Whether you’ve been to spin 100 times or it’s your first ride, you’re welcomed at the door the same. Spin is a community that welcomed me in and I just fell in love. Finding myself while on a bike was not my plan for 2021. I’m privileged to be in a space where I could give spin all of me and it has given me emotional and physical stamina. I have seen (literally staring into a mirror) what my body is capable of. I have impressed myself far more many times in front of that mirror than I’d ever expect.  I clip in every chance I can because I deserve it. My body deserves it. I have found a way to move my body that kicks my ass, but also at my own pace. I can show up and enjoy the ride, never using it to punish myself physically and mentally. Spin is always out of love.  When I’m clapping during class I’m clapping for the team, but I’m clapping for myself the loudest."

“I have been cycling for about thirty years, riding from home to work along with riding in weekend rides with groups. I also participated in sprint triathlons for many years. I had a plan to run a half marathon in every state, but only managed to complete twenty seven states before I developed serious knee problems, finally resulting in both knees having to be replaced last year. I had participated in indoor cycling before, so after my physical therapist released me to exercise, I eagerly looked for indoor cycling classes in the area. Ride and Shine was the answer! I was at the point I needed to start completely over with my physical fitness. I can't tell you how happy I am to find Ride and Shine… it has made a huge difference in my life! I feel I am getting stronger every day. The staff have been very supportive and encouraging. I look forward to smiling faces and motivation every time I walk in the door! I know it it is going to be a long road back, but with the help of Ride and Shine, I feel I can do it.”

“I’ve always wanted to try a spin class, but never got a chance until Ride and Shine opened! After going with a friend to the grand opening, I was hooked!! It’s such a positive atmosphere and uplifting! This last year has been crazy, and some days can be a struggle…. but having this place where you can go and not be judged, and where everyone is working on themselves has totally changed my mentality! Over this last month, Ride and Shine has helped me find the confidence in myself I never thought I could have! It’s allowed me to reconnect with old friends, and even make new friends. I’m so thankful for Ride and Shine! When you think you can’t do hard things, the instructors are there to tell you that YOU CAN!”