RIDE OR DIE | Jaclyn McClements, Instructor
Get to know Jacs – a Vancouver instructor with a big heart and fun-loving vibe that lights up the studio. Jacs has been riding with us since our OG days – what began as a favourite way to sweat has evolved into a passion for empowering riders. Always one to show up, Jacs is an integral part of the Vancouver RIDE community.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Squamish, BC. Thanks to my parents, I grew up snowboarding, Mountain Biking, along with several other team sports. Throughout High school, I competed in Mountain Biking and Cycling on Team BC, competing in 3 National Championships as well as participating in the BC Summer Games. Squamish is the place where I was first introduced to my love for the bike.
Can you remember your first RIDE class? How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an instructor?
My first RIDE class was with JJ, shortly after Hamilton Studio first opened back in September of 2014. I remember the class was packed and I was hidden somewhere in the back. The energy of the instructor, the vibe of the room and the intensity of the riders, sparked excitement in me… I was immediately hooked! RIDE quickly became my home and the clients/staff I met, my family. I was a #rideordie client for 3 solid years before I decided to become an instructor. For me, it was the next step on my RIDE journey. Today, I feel so lucky to get to recreate the excitement that I felt in my very first class.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Brooke and Julie both say “Sweaty, Saucy and NFA”. I have to admit, I do have the nickname “Sweaty Jacs”. I own that.
Best part of being an instructor is…
Personally, the best part of being an instructor is watching your clients advance. There is nothing better than seeing a client stand up for an entire Jog for their very first time. It makes me feel so proud and it reminds me of how it felt for me.
Track you’ve had on repeat
Fade – No Mana.
AM or PM rides?
PM. Finish the day with a RIDE and you will sleep easy.
Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?
My favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE is with my fam at All City Athletics. I have been boxing for just over a year now and it compliments RIDE so well. If you haven’t tried it out yet, I would definitely recommend!
How has becoming a RIDE instructor changed you?
Confidence. If you had asked me 3 years ago if I would get up in front of a room full of people and lead a 50 minute class, I would have laughed. Now, it is the space where I feel the most confident, strapping on a mic, dancing around the room and completely letting go.
Go-to quote or words to live by?
Tomorrow is a new day.
Who motivates you?
Other instructors. We are constantly supporting each other by sharing music and giving feedback. I couldn’t do it without them.
What’s your #1 life hack?
Avoid city traffic: ride your bike.
Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?
After my 9:35am RIDE class, you will find me on the seawall with my dog, Stanley.
Any hidden or not so hidden talents?
Unofficial RIDE photographer. Shout out to Portrait mode.
Best memory since you joined RIDE?
My best memories are summer RIDE events. There is nothing like sweating in the sun! Last summer, we hauled down 10+ bikes to the Lonsdale night market and road for hours in the heat of summer. Couldn’t stop smiling.
#1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Soak up the energy of the room and have some fun.
What has you stoked on life right now?
Summer in Vancouver!
What does RIDE mean to you?
RIDE has changed my life. It is so much more than a workout because of the community that I’ve become a part of. I have met some of my best friends here.
