September 2018

Get to know Marlon – a Vancouver Instructor who brings his heart and soul into each and every RIDE – and it shows. Marlon’s classes offer a unique blend of realness, challenge and honesty – it’s not about being perfect, but connecting to yourself and having fun while you’re at it.

Where did you grow up?

Oshawa, Ontario

Can you remember your first RIDE class? How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an Instructor?

The only reason I tried RIDE 3 years ago was because I hated running so much. I went in with an open mind, but I was expecting to walk out halfway through class. Ashley Ander lead the room, offered the most insane playlist (Bitch Better Have My Money almost killed me in so many ways) and I was 100% sold.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I think my classes are intimate, mysterious and high-energy. Brooke says my classes are “loud and sexy”.

Best part of being an Instructor is…

Instructing at RIDE is a creative outlet for me. I still get nervous before every class, because I’m putting a piece of myself into each class.

Track you’ve had on repeat

OH YEAH – Dieni & MISSING U – Robyn

AM or PM rides?

AM every time.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Running – just kidding, running sucks. I seriously love squats.

How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?

Even though I came to RIDE with a bit of teaching experience, my first class as an Instructor at RIDE was absolutely terrifying. Since that first class, I’ve become really comfortable with not being perfect on the podium.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

It’s okay to fuck up. Just fuck up on your own terms.

Who motivates you?

Rihanna.

Favourite book?

All 5 books from A Song of Ice and Fire.

What’s your #1 life hack?

I work, play and rest with equal commitment.

Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?

On my couch guzzling science fiction and eating take-out.

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

I can draw.

If you could brunch with any person (past or present), who would it be?

My brother.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

My first SEAWHEEZE cheer station with RIDE will be impossible to forget.

#1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?

Prioritize having fun over being perfect. No matter what you do, you’re going to have a hard workout, so lean into the fun and let yourself checkout mentally…

What does RIDE mean to you?

I love people. I love music. I love sweating. RIDE brings those 3 things together in the best way possible; RIDE, to me, is pure bliss.

RIDE with Marlon – find him on the Hamilton and Lonsdale schedule. 

Meet Lindsey – an Ossington #rideordie who embodies everything RIDE stands for: supportive, fun, dedicated, and has a deep love for community. Whether it’s helping Riders at front desk or whipping her towel in the front row at 6AM hyping up the room, Lindsey has an energy and passion for RIDE that rubs off on everyone around her.

What do you do for your 9-5?

Accounting at EY.

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

Outgoing
Driven
Perfect

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

Since August 2017.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

The 6AM psychos.
Dogs in the studio (Winnie).

How has RIDE impacted your life?

I get hungry by 7AM.
Dani worked at EY.
I turtle-sit for Shauna.

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

I’ve been couch shopping lately. I recently became a condo owner.

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

Have you been to a class with Patrick Mullin front row? Been in class when Alex Bergquist calls out every single name in the room? Seen Cat Kamel walk in heels for 50 min? It’s the people ~ Ashley Ander you set the tone and built an incredible community.

Favourite Instructor and why?

Danielle Amanda Pagnan. She doesn’t (always) play my song requests, but god she owns a room. She’s also a pretty great human.

Best RIDE memory?

Country RIDE (Still waiting for Part 2)
Guilty Pleasures RIDE – In a recent episode, Sarah Kreisman took her shirt off to Im Too Sexy + Danced to Cotton Eyed Joe. There was a lot of crawling on the floor. Dani played Free Willy – Will you be there. It was just one of those classes.
Vancouver RIDE. Visiting Trilby. Visiting Winnie.
Andra’s first Community Class.

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

Lagree.
Barry’s Bootcamp.
Power Yoga Canada.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

In class requests:
What Now (R3hab Remix) – Rihanna
Clarity – Zedd (the remix w. the really long intro)
Hey Maria Elderbrook Remix – Klangkarussel

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

Princess Diana. I recommend the Netflix documentary. And a trough of popcorn.

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

Morgan Lunn. Girl Gang Goodies. Best chocolate chip cookie (and person).

Describe your ideal weekend in the city.

Ideal Sunday
8:30AM Lagree
Sud Forno or Jimmy’s DA.
Jess Graveyard Ride (a l w a y s).
Bike around the city. Kensington Market. Trinity Bellwoods.
Day ends at Gusto. Or Thai Fantasy.

Who motivates you?

My brother ~and complete nerd~ Scott Banks. We’re nothing alike; he bikes outdoors. He started his own company, hiked the PCT, and has bought 2 houses. He’s 27.

Fave quote or words to live by?

I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals. – Winston Churchill

Last book you read was….

Principles by Ray Dalio. (I recommend for any finance nerd)

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE has a pervasive energy and insane community. It has introduced me to some of my closest friends. It feels like home. It makes Toronto.

Meet Jen – a Vancouver Rider who’s face is both well-known and loved at our Hamilton studio. Known for often doubling or tripling classes, Jen has an incredible energy and drive to RIDE – all while managing a demanding career and involvement in charity work throughout the city. Get to know Jen!

What do you do for your 9-5?

I’m a securities lawyer, specializing in mining. And not sure my hours have ever been 9-5. 🙂

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

Loyal, determined and strong (not necessarily in the physical sense).

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

Just over two years, since May 2016.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

RIDE!!!

How has RIDE impacted your life?

It has given me an outlet and an escape from the stresses of life.

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

I’m involved in a number of charities, the one I’m most proud of is my role in the Daffodil Ball in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. I have been a member of the organizing committee for five years, four of which have been as co-chair, raising almost $10M during such time for cancer research. I regularly do the Grouse Grind with clients in a challenge format for best time (my personal best is 48:11 – not bad for a Toronto girl who didn’t grow up with mountains!), I did the Ride to Conquer Cancer (Vancouver to Seattle) in 2015 in the crazy wind storm and I did the Tough Mudder in Whistler in 2016.

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

The combination of badass’ness and camaraderie.

Favourite Instructor and why?

Michael Kong – MK for the win! My first class at RIDE was Michael’s Tuesday 6AM and I had no idea what the f**k was going on. His energy is incredible and classes intense (like just the right amount of intense).

Best RIDE memory?

Maybe seeing Michael twerk for the first time. But then it became kind of ordinary course.

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

I weight train with my personal trainer two times a week. During the summer do the Grouse Grind and I’m trying to get back into doing some yoga classes. But my multiple RIDES per day often get in the way of other workouts! 🙂

Song you’ve got on repeat?

Maroon 5 – Girls Like You

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

Audrey Hepburn

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

RIDE with MK at 11:45AM followed by brunch with a girlfriend complete with mimosas and then maybe some shopping and Door Dash with a movie to end the day.

Who motivates you?

My parents. I lost my Mom to cancer in September 2016. She still motivates me and I feel her presence and strength with me always, including during class. A couple times I may have been overdoing it (like four back-to-back classes, oops) and for no apparent reason her necklace that I never take off came undone almost like a sign to ease up. My Dad motivates me to always do better in everything I do which I try to strive for every RIDE class (sometimes more successfully than others).

Fave quote or words to live by?

Nothing is free (from my Dad).

Last book you read was….

I don’t read much for pleasure as I need to read a lot (of boring stuff) for work. But I just read The Alchemist.

What does RIDE mean to you?

EVERYTHING. Sounds corny but I truly love RIDE. Feels like home and gives me a real sense of grounding. I just got back from three glorious weeks at the family cottage back east in Muskoka but was so exciting to get back to RIDE!