Some Westporters bike on the roads. They take their lives in their hands — and spend much of their waking hours checking weather reports.
Others bike at gyms. It’s less dangerous — but they spend plenty of time waiting for their favorite machine to be free, or signing up for classes that always seem to be filled.
Those are the problems 3 Westport women with young kids saw, anyway — and therein lay a business opportunity.
They’ve just opened JoyRide — what they call “Westport’s only dedicated indoor cycling (spinning) studio” — in the Crate & Barrel shopping center. “You can sign up for a week’s worth of classes all at once, pick your bike, and not have to deal with all the other stuff you don’t want at a full-out gym,” they say.
Rhodie Lorenz, Amy Hochhauser and Debbie Katz’s 4,100-square foot space is tiered, stadium-style, with “dramatic lighting” and a killer sound system.
“We are the only boutique spin studio in town,” Amy says. “This is a trend that is big in New York City and various markets across the country — but hasn’t yet reached Fairfield County.”
There are 26 Schwinn AC Sport bikes, with room for over 40.
Riders can sign up for the bike they want, up to a week in advance There are no membership fees. People pay as they go — 1 class at a time, or class packages of 10, 20 or 50.
Cycling classes incorporate light weights, during a 50-minute workout. “Participants can burn between 400 and 800 calories, improve fitness and posture, and enhance mental acuity,” the press release says.
But wait! There’s more!
Riding for joy.
“Known for its cult following and dramatic results, indoor cycling has revolutionized the exercise world with expertly choreographed workouts set to heart pumping, motivating soundtracks,” the press release continues.
Also available: group and private Pilates. And childcare.
Plus rental for birthday parties and special events. A fundraiser for ovarian cancer research is in the works.
“Life’s a trip,” the press release concludes. “Enjoy the ride!”
The solution is obvious: Limit bicycle riding to between December 1 and March 1 only.
