RIDE OR DIE | Hartman Ho, Vancouver

Meet Hartman – for our Vancouver Riders, you know all about his warmth and kindness. Whether it’s helping a new Rider at front desk or tapping it back in the front row, Hartman brings dedication and passion to the RIDE community that is felt by all of us on the West Coast. Always one to show up to support an event, cheer station or team outing, Hartman is a true #rideordie and we’re so lucky to have him as part of our team.

What do you do for your 9-5?

9-5 I’m at RIDE, I’m pretty much here 24/7. If not trying to remember people’s shoes and names, I’ll be wolf crying (apparently the noise I make, according to Julie) and sweating in the room.

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

Kind-hearted, lazy, and always-hungry.

How long has RIDE been a part of your life?

I started RIDING in 2015, started working here in 2016.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

The people, the music and the experience, but also the taquitos from 7-Eleven I just ate at 6AM, so I need to burn that off right away.

How has RIDE impacted your life?

Besides burning my taquitos, it’s been a place for me to be myself and breakout of my comfort zone. I have met so many incredible people at RIDE and created unforgettable memories inside and out of class.

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

Trying out other workouts in Vancouver and then finding new places to eat and have some drinks. Or redecorating my apartment and planning my next adventure.

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

The people – everyone is a bit crazy and that’s why we are all here. We need to let out our crazy, go wild somewhere and find other people to share that with.

Favourite Instructor and why?

All of the Instructors are out of this world, so I can’t say I have a favourite and I won’t. Ashley though, has little place in my heart, as she was my first Instructor and I will always put other plans aside if she’s teaching a class back in Vancouver and make sure I take her class.

Best RIDE memory?

My first Seawheeze back in 2015, there’s just nothing like cheering and yelling at people running and high fiving you. This years Seawheeze, was a close second, I lost my voice and feeling in my legs, kind of went crazy in the rain.

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

You can find me at Yard Athletics, or at Lagree and All City Athletics from time to time. If not it will be a 10 push ups at home kind of day.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

Every song at RIDE, but the one I always want to hear, Parliament Funk – Knife Party.

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

I would love to pick the brain of Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar. I used to be a baker and she has always been an influence and role model for me, plus her baked goodies are like crack.

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

Ash Ander, she created the place I call my second home and gave me a job there.

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

Sleeping in, then waking up to some Saturday morning cartoons while eating my Trix and Oreos in bed. After that meet friends for Happy Hour and head to Gastown for dinner and a full night tour of cocktails around the city.

Who motivates you?

My parents, they are the hardest working people I know and have given me and my brother so much. I can only hope I can do the same for them one day.

Fave quote or words to live by?

“The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.” – Walt Disney

Last book you read was….

The Hunger Games Series – by Suzanne Collins

What does RIDE mean to you?

There’s no place like RIDE, the people, the place, it’s where I can be myself and further find myself.