THE COMMUNITY | John Ferrie, Vancouver

Get to know John – this creative hustler embraces so much of what RIDE is all about – a love of community, a thirst for sweat, and an incredible energy that lifts people up around him. Read on to learn about RIDE’s profound impact on John’s life – as John says, age really is just a number.

What do you do for your 9-5?

Rebel artist by day, renegade waiter by night. Also seeking the holy grail.

If your bestie were to describe you in three words, what would they be?

Gregarious, driven, creative.

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

Exactly 2 years ago to the day.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

Everything. I wake up in the morning with my day planned around my RIDE. Sometimes two rides and on several occasions 3 rides. I have the week planned and I just know I’m going to RIDE. Some days when I drag myself out of bed and think “I could easily just take today off”, I know I won’t be happy if I do that. Sometimes even as the first song is starting I think, “oh man, do I have an hour of this in me?” But then the sweat breaks and the moves kick in and then I am so happy I am doing it. My mind shuts off and I sometimes cannot stop laughing in class as things crack me up. Before I know it it’s over. I am always glad when I have done a class. I am never happy when I skip a day.

How has RIDE impacted your life?

Goodness, in every way. I have been “spinning” for 15 years. I was moving around and trying all the new studios that opened – none of them were terribly exciting and some were just plane awful. Then I tried RIDE. I thought I was a seasoned rider. I couldn’t get over how exciting it was – heart pounding with this incredible pulse like nothing I had ever experienced. Sweat dripping off my bike creating 18 inch puddles around me. I’m a little older and truthfully was feeling my age. I was also overweight and thought, “meh, this is me in my 50’s!” As I mounted more and more classes I found I got good at it. Then I got really good. I lost 45 pounds at RIDE. You’re also talking to a guy who has been “shushed” his entire life. The thing about RIDE is we are encouraged to be loud – to whistle, cheer, scream and cry. I have experienced every one of those emotions at RIDE, and it’s also really fucking fun.

Outside of your 9-5 – tell us about all the badass things you’re up to

I’m a fucking rebel. I also ski, mountain bike, road bike and rollerblade. But so often those types of things are just activities. RIDE is a fucking workout and it’s totally badass. I’m an artist so being a rebel is built into my DNA. I’m also a bit of a recluse. I actually require time on my own to figure out what the hell I am communicating in my paintings. I have been including the rebel symbol of RIDE, so those in the know can spot it.

In your opinion, what makes RIDE’s community so unique?

As cool and sleek as the night club space. Hands down, it is the people at RIDE that make it unique. You spot a good rider and try and emulate what they are doing in a RIDE, or help out a fellow rider who is having trouble finding the beat. The next thing a friendship is struck up after fist bumps are shared. Everyone is super friendly. But if you go into RIDE thinking you’re the bomb, you fucking better be!!

Favourite instructor and why?

Like choosing my favourite ice cream. Each instructor has their own unique flavour. All are at a competitive level and are a force all of their own. Each instructor has their own unique flair. Brooke was born as a rider. Tommy is just sheer joy. I adore Michael as his classes are like disco dancing. Barb for her hard hitting “don’t mess with me” class. Giulia makes me sweat like no other instructor. Noah is like “church for riders”. Meagan had a drive to her class that is like going on an intense road race. Shira has this infectious enthusiasm. But if I had to choose one, it would be my “Jules” as she drives me like no other.

Best RIDE memory?

How can I choose just one. The day I actually hit all the moves for the first time. The day Kelly Ripa rode beside me and fist pumped me in class. The day I jumped on the scale at the doctors office and it showed I lost 45 pounds. The day I ran into my ex-boyfriend who had dumped me on my birthday and saw me in a bathing suit and the look on his face was “what was I thinking?” The day I bought a pair of jeans that were a 30 inch waste and they zipped up. Or how bout every fucking day when I get to go sweat off old age with guys ½ my age and I kick their asses!!

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?
Run, cycle, lift. Blah blah. The usual.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

I have so many DJ friends who send me endless remixes of old favourites. The instructors at RIDE are very generous sharing their music, usually with a free download. Rowan plays a song called “Kill all the lights” that if I could bring my purse into class I would swing it over my head. But that’s just this week.

If you could brunch with any male/lady boss (past or present), who would it be?

Wouldn’t mind seeing all my old friends who died of AIDS in the 80s and 90s and show them how magnificent my life is because of all of their teachings. Probably wouldn’t turn down eating with Cher. But I don’t think she’s eaten since the 70s.

If you were to give a s/o to a local entrepreneur, who would it be?

This is the city of the charity and philanthropy goes hand in hand. I don’t love entrepreneurs as it’s all about money. If I were to pick someone who was trying to make a difference, trying to improve the community with fundraising for local and broken down charities, someone who is just trying to make the world a cheerier place…well, that person would be…me.

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

I like to wakeup at around 7:30. Coffee is a pretty crucial start to my morning. I got the Nespresso machine on my way to the bathroom. I check emails, read up on the news, chat with friends. Make sure my hair is like totally bitchin’. Then head off to spin class at 9:30 and do a killer RIDE. I like to meet up with a friend for a coffee and donut ( I just did a fucking RIDE, I eat whatever I want!) Then I’ll head home, paint for the afternoon. Make some dinner and invite friends over. Fill my house with paintings, great food and loads of laughter. Then watch something on Netflix, play “cards against humanity” and get to bed early because I usually have a spin class early on Sunday.

What motivates you?

Fear of old age, or at least looking old. Age is just a box you check when your filling out a passport. Although it does take a few spins to wind all the way back to the 1961 box. I like my life and I love what I do. I also crack myself up a great deal. I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you don’t like me, the line forms to the left.

Fave quote or words to live by?

“Face your fear and do it anyway”

“Kick some ass”.

“When I want your opinion, i’ll give it to you”.

“Bite me.”

Last book you read was….

Dyslexic, not a great reader. I like art books. I thumb through those all the time.

What does RIDE mean to you?

The world.