THE COMMUNITY | Ashley Dier, Toronto

Meet Ashley – a Toronto rider whose passion for the RIDE experience and warm, friendly presence is felt in a big way. You can count on Ashley for always showing up, introducing friends to the RIDE community, and sharing how RIDE impacts her on a daily basis.

What do you do for your 9-5?

I wear a few different hats. I have a freelance business where I manage communications and social for various brands. I’m also a published writer with a background in Journalism, and most of the RIDE community probably know me as the Manager of Bond Running.

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

Funny, loyal and giving.

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

I first went to RIDE back when it was the Underground. It was one of Winter’s Instructor training classes and I remember leaving and thinking to myself ‘Girl, you have ZERO coordination and don’t even know your left from your right”. When the RIDE x BOND Challenge started I met a lot of the RIDE community and decided that maybe I was a little hard on myself the last time and signed up for one of Kyle’s classes. I hid in the back row but I made it through. Now I’m a  front row, towel wiping, hype-person, die hard.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

I’m big on accountability. If I know my crew is all dragging their asses to class right along with me, I’ll be there. I’m 100% guilty of sending this text: “RIDE tomorrow, 7AM?”

How has RIDE impacted your life?

This is a big one for me. Without getting too emo, I’ll say this…I’ve had some major life changes over the past year, some of which left me a bit fragile and my confidence shattered. If shit got too heavy, I’d sign up for a class and sweat it all out. Those 50 minutes in the dark, with the music blaring, drenched in sweat played a big role in building back a lot of things that had disappeared – most importantly my confidence. I’ve spent many, many RIDES DEEP in my feels.

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

I like to hustle and normally have 5 different things all going on at the same time, but I love it that way. I’m also a runner and spend a lot of my time training for races. I like the thrill of pushing myself, both physically but also creatively too.

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

The passion. Everyone RIDES as one and there’s no bullshit in class. We are all one pack that vibes and pushes together. A packed class, all riding in sync with a dope song playing real loud and that lighter flicks – damn, it’s electric.

Favourite instructor and why?

HA! Nice try!! It sounds diplomatic, but I really do love them all. Every Instructor has a different vibe and I look to them all for something different, it’s part of what makes RIDE so special. I tend to go to the 7AM classes the most so I see Alex and Kyle most often.

Best RIDE memory?

1000% running through the RIDE cheer squad at the Waterfront 10K this past summer. It was a full circle moment for me and I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Major feels.

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

My run coach keeps my running in check and my trainer keeps me strong and makes sure I can run and RIDE without injury. So lots of running and gym-ing. I’ve been wanting to try a workout at Studio Lagree as well.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

Frank Ocean everything, all the time.

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

I would have loved to sit down and have a chat with Anthony Bourdain. His inquisitive mind and beautiful storytelling are both huge influences of mine and my passion for storytelling. Remember to check in on your strong friends.

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

I’m fortunate to have a lot of entrepreneurial friends in my circle all of whom inspire me daily – so it’s hard to pick JUST one. BUT if I had to pick I’d say Sam James – and it’s not just because I’m addicted to coffee. It’s inspiring to see how he’s grown his brand and built his business to the scale that he has over the years.

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

Coffee from Sam James, RIDE, more coffee and that Earl Grey scone from Crafted, and really good food with friends. Oh and dogs, there needs to be dogs in there too.

Who motivates you?

Hands down, my friends and family. I’ve really won the friend lottery.

Fave quote or words to live by?

It’s not so much of a quote, but right now I’m really trying to live by just doing me.

Last book you read was….

I’m a 5-books-on-the-go-all-at-once, type of person. But the last one I couldn’t put down was Jen Agg’s I Hear She’s A Real Bitch. It’s a memoir, it’s beautifully written, and you should read it!

What does RIDE mean to you?

Community and strength. Few things make me feel more powerful than the 50 mins I spend grinding in RIDE, sweat dripping off my nose, rapping along to the best playlists.