Missing spin?

I know I sure am! I still dream about everyone cranking those dials, moving to the beat of the music, and sweating as a team at Annex. Can’t wait to get back in there, but in the meantime, to curb your spin craving - let’s get biking outdoors :) 

Fresh air is so important, and we are lucky to be in a beautiful city where we can still go out and explore, safely. Whether you have a spiffy speedy road bike, or your old bike you got for your 12th birthday covered in dust (I have both of the above) - you can get on the road!!

TIP 1 Make sure your tires are pumped up and everything is road ready. If you’re concerned, there are still some bike shops in the city still open that you can get a tune-up at. Once you have your bike dusted off, and your helmet adjusted - also make sure you dress properly. If you’re going for a light cruise by the ocean, it can get windy so I prefer full-length leggings. Or if you do have those life-changing padded shorts (seriously, your booty will thank you if you do!), I highly recommend!!

TIP 2 If you love to listen to the wind whistle past and the sounds of the city - I applaud you! I am addicted to music motivation, so if that’s you too - get a bangin’ playlist at the ready. I like to set a mood for my ride depending on my goal of the day: whether that be pump-up jams to push hard and grind up hills, or some mellow indie to cruise along in the sunshine or a quick ride down to the beach. Or alternatively, plug in with a great audiobook or podcast (check out Jordyn's amazing recommendations on her lowdown!) and get lost in listening while moving your body.

BONUS TIP If you can listen to a heavy-beat pump up song when you hit a big hill, try to pedal to the beat of the music (like in spin!) to not only re-connect with your spin-side but for that extra motivational push - don’t stop until the top! 

TIP 3 Set a goal! That could be either a route you really want to explore or accomplish (check out some sample ones I’ve done below), an amount of time you’d like to be outside for, or a certain distance / km goal. Or a destination and back again! Whatever it is, do it. You’ll thank yourself for it, and even if it’s just a bike ride from home to the nearest beach for a solo sunshine reading break, you’ll be so happy you did. 

TIP 4 Be safe!! We love all of your beautiful selves, so please please be safe. Make sure you know your hand signals before you head out. I know that sounds simple, but for some of us the last time you went over these may have been way back in middle school - so just double-check you have these locked in. When passing other cyclists on the road, make sure you ring your oh-so-adorable-pink-polka-dot-bell or say “on your left!”, and *shoulder check* to pass with lots of extra distance. If you can give the two meters distance, people really appreciate it! When stopping at a light or crossing, stay 2 meters away from anyone else. I can’t stress this enough: shoulder-check-shoulder-check-shoulder check. Be aware of everything around you, whether that be cars or humans - be courteous of spatial distance!