admin

Meet Jas – a Toronto Rider and one of the friendly faces behind RIDE Ossington’s front desk. Jas is a true ray of sunshine – her kind, friendly and warm energy is loved by all who RIDE. You can always count on Jas to bring the fun and laughs to every shift and class.

What do you do for your 9-5?

I’m part of the Community Team at WeWork!

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

Enthusiastic, sassy & posi.

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

Since UNDRGRND days. They got me hooked from my first class.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

That I probably wouldn’t have an ass if I didn’t get to class. Also to stare at Taylor’s ass, because DAMN girl.

How has RIDE impacted your life?

I can totally say that I can workout with my eye closed. Like literally, not saying that it’s easy.

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

Mmm I don’t know if it’s badass but I keep myself busy outside of my 9-5. During the week you’ll find me at RIDE doing Support Staff shifts before my 9-5, on the weekends at Aritzia and C3!

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

I don’t know what it is about sweating together in a dark room that brings people together but it’s a thing and I am here for it.

Favourite Instructor and why?

Go-to’s are Winter, Kyle, Taylor and Matt (if I make it into his class) because it’s like your best GNO without the hangover. If I’m feeling like a strong, badass bi$h, Alex and Sarah. But hands down (but mostly up) Brendan’s class is the best arms. *flex*

Best RIDE memory?

Honestly probably my first RIDE class at UNDRGRND. I had no idea what I was in for. It was dark, it was scary and it was epic. I didn’t know a spin class like this was even a thing but I was ready to do any rituals they asked me to join the cult. Alex played this sick Stranger Things theme song remix and I truly stalked her for 3 weeks until she sent me the Soundcloud link. (Alex – I also lost it so if you could send it over again it’d be much appreciated. TYSM)

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

MISFITSTUDIO! YOGASPACE with Cassandra! BOLO! If I’m feeling rich, BARRY’S!!

Song you’ve got on repeat?

GOKU by Jaden Smith – much banger.

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

Eddie Huang!! I think he’s intelligent, hilarious and mad crazy. You know you’re in for some good food and even better conversation.

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

My cute friend Celia is an amazing print/illustration artist who sells the most aesthetic prints. She’s a mad hustler and I’m not even mad that the first time I brought her to class, she tried to adjust her seat in the middle of a song and caused a scene.

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

Going to a morning workout class, stopping for brunch en route home, walking around the neighbourhood going into local shops pretending I can afford everything, come home and nap, go out for cutie cocktails with gal pals and be home by 10pm.

Who motivates you?

My friends!! Everyone is just out doing their thing, pursuing dreams, pushing through the retrogrades and supporting each other when they can. I am forever surrounded by kind words and unconditional support.

Fave quote or words to live by?

Stay hydrated.

Last book you read was….

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. Anyone who is interested in a THIC book that will have you feeling all the ways – I highly reco. Still seeking emotional support group after reading it. @ me anyone who wants to talk.

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE is an essential, it’s part of my ritual & life for 4ever.

Meet Rowan – our jack-of-all-trades Lonsdale Studio Manager and RIDE Instructor in Vancouver. She’s played an integral role in building up our amazing Lonsdale community since opening our doors on the North Shore. And, if you’re looking for a class with lots of fire and passion, Rowan has got you covered.

Where did you grow up?

Vancouver

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

My first class was with my brother Noah and I was awful but faked my way through the class. It took me over 2 years to realize that I wanted to be an Instructor. Ashley asked me to audition and I thought I was going to pass out/throw up the entire time.

How would you describe your teaching style?

CRAZY. You will walk out smiling, but also thinking “What the f*** just happened?”

Best part of being an Instructor is…

Meeting amazing people.

Track you’ve had on repeat:

Badgal by Rob & Jack (feat. Sanjin) is always a good time

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

What is this “outside of RIDE” you speak of?

How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?

It hasn’t. I’ve always been this insane.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

You are an incredible unique specimen of amazingness, so stop putting yourself down and go out there and strut your stuff.

Who motivates you?

Jack

Favourite book?

The Golden Spruce

What’s your #1 life hack?

Stop telling yourself you can’t. If all you repeat to yourself is that it’s impossible, then it will never happen.

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

At Browns Lower Lonsdale with Meag and V.

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

I would choose my Grandmothers, because I never got to meet them and my mom, because she is the most loving person I know.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

Seawheeze. Hands down.

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

For my new riders – come early, be easy on yourself, and just enjoy the music and the vibes. All the technical stuff will come over time!

For my OG Riders – decide on one feeling before you get into the room and channel that emotion through your whole RIDE.

Also – don’t be afraid to scream in class!

What has you stoked on life right now?

My Lonsdale Crew

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE = FAMILY

Find Rowan on both the Hamilton and Lonsdale schedule. 

Get to know Dez – our Studio Manager of RIDE Ossington who’s passion and love of community and sweat is felt by every Rider, every staff and every Instructor. Since joining RIDE, we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Dez grow into an incredible Rider, Manager, and friend.

What do you do for your 9-5?

I wouldn’t say I have a 9-5 any more, it’s more of a 24 hour clock job! I am currently the Studio Manager of RIDE CYCLE CLUB Ossington. I wake up every day inspired by every individual around me; it’s actually the best feeling! Our front desk staff, Instructors, and management are all some of the most amazing people I’ve had the pleasure to meet, nevermind work with. Our clients are incomparable to anywhere else in the city. I honestly look forward to seeing their faces everyday, interacting and planning exciting RIDE related things for them!

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

Loyal. Passionate. Charming.

How long has RIDE been a part of your life?

I’ve been a part of the RIDE community since the UNDRGRND on Ossington. I did my first class in the UNDRGRND in February 2017 with Alex Bergquist!

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

Definitely the passion each one of our Instructors and Riders have at the studio. We have such an amazing team and community that they inspire me every day. I wish I could do every class, every day and be apart of that feeling in that beautiful dark room.

How has RIDE impacted your life?

A lot more than most people know. I don’t talk about it to many people but when I started going to RIDE I was in a place of deep sadness and felt very lost. It helped me find myself again, become happier than I’ve ever been, provide me with a foundation of positivity, helped shape me into a better person, gave me with a sense of confidence and most importantly inspired me to believe in myself again. I will be forever grateful for the experience that Ashley Ander has created for everyone that finds a little lost piece of themselves in that room.

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

I spend a lot of time focussed on building RIDE and our community here in Toronto and I absolutely love every second of it. Outside of being at RIDE, you’ll probably find me playing volleyball (fun fact: I use to play high level competitive volleyball and actually won king & queen [mixed competitive 2’s] of the beach this summer in Toronto), working out at other amazing studios across the city, eating birthday cake cookies from Jimmy’s (shout out to Dani Pagnan for always bringing me one if she knows I’m having a stressful day XO), posing and doing photo shoots around the city with soul sister Alexandra Rabbitte, spending time catching up with friends, being a foodie, and cuddling with my pup, Ellie.

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

It’s kind of indescribable. One of my favourite things to witness is the relationships I’ve seen build since RIDE’s launch in Toronto, it’s actually incredible. The community is truly a community; it’s welcoming, loving and passionate. Everyone is brought in with open arms and clients have found lifelong best friends by walking through that black door for the first time. It really is something special to witness and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

Favourite Instructor and why?

LOL – I feel like this is one of the cruelest questions to ask me. I am absolutely in love with every Instructor we have. Everyone here in Toronto is so unique and their own personality, it’s incredible. I love every one of their classes and get tingles from them all. Everyone in Toronto knows that I’m a sap for emotional music so they usually have a feels song (now commonly known in Toronto as “the after-arms song”) in their playlists for me; it’s still a very special moment for me.

Best RIDE memory?

It may seem like a weird one but it’s the first time I cried in class. Ashley Ander played Sober by Kelly Clarkson in pitch black. It was the first time I had heard the song and I was flooded with an emotional release. It reminded me it’s okay to be vulnerable and that something so simple can change your day from a bad one to the best day you’ve ever had. We surround ourselves in a room of darkness for an hour to forget about the outside world and just feel in that moment. It’s such a beautiful, easy, and special concept if you just let it take you over.

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

Anyone that follows me on Instagram knows that outside of RIDE I’m consistently at Barry’s Bootcamp hitting those 12.5mph sprints (and now 14 with the new speed unlock) in my free time. (You’ll often catch me at Chris, Steven, Michelle, Brendan or Hayley’s classes xx!)

Barry’s, RIDE and playing volleyball are typically the three activities that I spend my time doing in regards to fitness. I am looking to take up boxing in the new year though, and I REALLY should start doing yoga weekly haha.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

Probably one that nobody will expect but…Drunk Me by Mitchell Tenpenny!

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

I already have the pleasure of regular brunches and dinners with my favourite lady boss, Ashley Ander. Apart from Ms. Ander, I would really love to brunch with Meryl Streep. I find her completely fascinating and inspiring by all things she has accomplished inside and outside of her film career and her fight for equality.

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

Well since my biggest love in life in cookies…I’d love to give a shoutout to one of our amazing leads at Ossington, Morgan Lunn, who has started this amazing venture called GIRL GANG GOODIES INC. (@girlganggoodies). Be apart of the GIRL GANG, you won’t regret it.

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

My ideal Saturday night would be sitting in the lounge of the Shangri La sipping champagne listening to either acoustic covers or jazz music with good company. Just a simple gal, right Ash? 😉

Who motivates you?

I wouldn’t say that anyone particularly motivates me other than self-motivating myself. I’m a self starter and I’ve always been super critical on myself that I have pushed and learned to motivate myself from a young age. I am inspired by the dedicated and passionate fitness community here in Toronto and at RIDE; they push me to achieve new goals and keep things fresh!

Fave quote or words to live by?

My Dad always told me two things growing up:

1) “Find a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” and I’ve always lived by this (and luckily I’ve been blessed with jobs throughout my time in the music industry and now my current one with RIDE, that I’ve been so passionate about!)

2) “Son, don’t sweat the small stuff” IT’S SO TRUE. Once I finally learned there’s so much more to life than the little trivial things that affect our lives in a negative way for just a moment, it’s been such a breath of fresh air. Life’s too short and beautiful to “sweat the small stuff” 😉

Thanks, Dad <3

Last book you read was….

Extremely boring, but, “Musicians and the Law in Canada 3rd Edition”, I mean interesting if it’s what you’re wanting to learn about it, however, I was looking for something that I couldn’t find the answer to easily and ended up reading the whole 602 page book haha.

What does RIDE mean to you?

If I had to choose one word I would choose, dignity. We all deserve to have pride, self respect and self worth in ourselves. We are all equal, we are all beautiful humans with beautiful qualities, we RIDE as one, equal. Each one of us deserves to find the best in ourselves so we can be the best for everyone else. RIDE helped me along this journey and I positively believe that it can help anyone else out there looking to find that piece of them. xo.

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.

Meet Latonya – our newest RIDE Instructor who officially joined our team this Fall in Vancouver. Latonya’s energy, passion and fire is inspiring and can be felt in each and every one of her classes. Since deciding to make teaching her goal, Latonya has shown incredible dedication and focus – we’re so excited to welcome Latonya!

Where did you grow up?

Fleetwood, Surrey

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

Yes! Julie was my Instructor and the class was so killer I left stunned. It took a couple months (and recognizing Julie by her voice in public where I stopped to mention how awe-inspiring her class was and she firmly suggested I give it another shot) for me to go back. When I did, something clicked and I was hooked. It didn’t take long before I decided I wanted to be on that podium; I no joke called my whole family months before I auditioned to tell them what I wanted to do, and then I got to work.

How would you describe your teaching style?

High energy, passionate, and motivational with heavy heavy beats. I love dubstep/dance/house sprinkled in with some hip hop and throwbacks.

Best part of being an Instructor is…

Having an excuse to spend hours upon hours searching for music, and then getting to spin to it with a sick sound system.

Track you’ve had on repeat:

Steve Aoki and Bad Royale $4,000,000 featuring Ma$e and Big Gigantic

AM or PM rides?

Both

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Weightlifting

How has becoming a RIDE instructor changed you?

It’s helped me to really find and connect with my voice.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

Your thoughts manifest your destiny; do not underestimate the power of positive thinking.

Who motivates you?

My parents.

Favourite book?

The Hunger Games

What’s your #1 life hack?

My genuine belief that everything will work out – helps me to not stress too much.

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

I always start Saturdays off with a RIDE and then anything from lunch to breweries, shopping, just chilling or visiting the fam.

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

Getting poked in the face with a twizzler on international television.

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

Oprah because I admire her journey and her voice and charisma. Ultimate girl boss.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

My first Community RIDE. The adrenaline and excitement and love and support in the room that day was palpable.

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

Focus on your form and quiet other thoughts. Allow yourself the mental break and lose yourself in the music.

What has you stoked on life right now?

My new couch.

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE is where I UNLEASH and can’t wait to inspire others to do the same!

RIDE with Latonya at our Hamilton and Lonsdale Studio.

Get to know Tomas – a Toronto Rider famous for never sitting down and bringing serious heat to Ossington 6AMs. Tomas has been coming to RIDE since our early beginnings, and you can always count on him for showing up rain, snow or shine with a big smile, insane energy and wicked sense of humour.

What do you do for your 9-5?

I work for Want Apothecary.

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

Really Fucking Hyper.

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

I first came to RIDE when you guys had the UNDGRND classes in that weird dark basement.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

I’m really into having a routine and when I miss the 6AM spin it throws my whole day off.

How has RIDE impacted your life?

I’ve become a senior citizen…dinners at 5PM and I’m usually in bed by 9PM.

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

I watch a lot of Real Housewives. I also really love running but I’ve been cheating on her with RIDE as my main source of cardio.

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

The people, the music, and the Instructors <3 I’ve been to a lot of other studios in the city and nothing compares to the energy at RIDE.

Favourite Instructor and why?

Alex because she’s a psychopath and pushes me way past my comfort zone…she has me standing for her entire class now.

Best RIDE memory?

Riding on the podium with Alex was pretty cool/terrifying.

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

I just started doing Barry’s Bootcamp and I love it! As I mentioned I also love running and I’m in the process of picking the next marathon I want to start training for.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

Tommy Genesis – 100 bad

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

My mom’s a boss and having lunch with her is always special! Britney Spears is a very close second.

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

My friend Edi owns two really amazing jewelry lines CUCHARA and 12TWELVE. She’s the hardest working person I know and makes the most amazing stuff!

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

Do the 8:30AM RIDE class, get a trenti iced coffee from Starbucks, go for brunch, see a romcom, and end the day with some dinner/drinks, and maybe more drinks depending if I’m signed up for 8:30AM class on Sunday.

Who motivates you?

My parents…they’re pretty great!

Fave quote or words to live by?

If Britney survived 2007 you can make it through today.

Last book you read was…

The Andy Cohen Diaries ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE means I can eat two breakfasts <3

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!

Get to know Dani – known for her laid back yet motivating teaching style, killer abs and that signature voice, we can always count on Dani for a RIDE experience that is the perfect mix of fun and challenging. She keeps things chill while getting you to work hard and push yourself in the best way – a killer combination for a great RIDE.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Guelph!

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 Julie. I heard RIDE was coming to Toronto and needed to know what it was all about. She certainly sold me on it, and after one class (where I couldn’t find the beat let alone get out of the saddle) I was determined to join the RIDE team.

How would you describe your teaching style?

Pretty laid back. I let the music dictate a lot of the class. But if you drop your arms or sit down, I will call you out.

Best part of being an instructor is…

The people you meet…and getting to pretend you’re a DJ for 50 minutes.

Tracks you’ve had on repeat

Benoit & Sergio – The Way You Get (thanks Tor)
Gesaffelstein – Hate or Glory and OPR
Michael Jackson – Will You Be There

AM or PM rides?

Mornings are my favourite.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Barry’s Bootcamp when I need my ass kicked, MISFITSTUDIO when I need to reset.

How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?

In a million ways. Most notably it’s given me a new crew of friends who are like family, and a place where I can completely be myself.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

Don’t overthink it, just do what makes you happy.

Who motivates you?

My BFF (Best fitness friend) – my sister Dee.

Favourite book?

Can’t think of a particular favourite…I just re-read Kitchen Confidential, if you haven’t read it, I suggest you do.

What’s your #1 life hack?

Always order extra dipping sauce.

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

Union / the Drake / Trinity Common – essentially any patio with good company, or trying to learn to ride a bike that is not stationary.

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

I can do the worm, kind of.

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

I’d probably choose Taylor Swift and bring my Mom along, she’s obsessed. I’d win daughter of the year for sure.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

There are way too many… the lululemon Waterfront 10k cheer squad definitely goes down as one of my favourite days of the year, training in the Underground, watching the classes grow and everyone slowly develop into amazing Instructors, the studio opening its doors last May, or Dez dressing as a snowflake during our Christmas RIDE. Dez should always dress as a snowflake.

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

It’s dark in that room for a reason – no one can see you and nothing else matters so let yourself completely go.

What has you stoked on life right now?

It’s summer which is hands down the best time of year in TO.

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE means a lot of things to me, and it’s hard to think back to a time before RIDE was part of my life. It’s my favourite place to hang out, sweat, blow off steam, or shake a bad mood. The riders, the staff, and our boss man Ash make the RIDE community what it is, and I’m so so grateful I get to be a part of it.

Catch Dani on the podium at our Ossington Studio.