Who Brought the POWER in June (2020)?
Ed Horton
I love doing these monthly Student Spotlights because I learn so much about all of our clients; new students and those who have been coming for years...and I mean YEARS! Ed started ryding with us four years ago in 2016 and I just learned so much about him from his answers below...and laughed more than once!
To date, Ed has ridden in 398 classes. I know this, because he regularly texts me to ask how many classes he's completed. If he weren't out of town this week, he would definitely be in the 400+ club!
Every time Ed comes to class he works hard and is up for a challenge. To Ed, the more challenging the class, the better. If I said we were staying out of the saddle for 45-minutes, he would be game. He may not be a super vocal ryder who "Wooo's" a lot, but Ed encourages other ryders to work harder by his shear enthusiasm for a hard workout. From the instructor stand you can just tell how much he loves to push himself and in effect, it makes others want to push harder too. His passion for a tough class pushes me to teach better when he is in the room!
Another fun fact about Ed is he has 4 kids - 3 daughters and 1 son - and all four of them, and his wife, have been to Power Ryde! He even brought some out-of-town family members with him a couple years ago.
We haven't seen Ed in-person recently as he is renting a bike, but don't worry, even through the screen, he brings the energy, works hard, and doubles regularly!
What brought you to Power Ryde?
My daughters (Adrian, Elena, and Rhian) ran with Indian Hill Cross Country and when Coach Susan Savage had the team ryde, my daughter Rhian thought I would like it and invited me to come with her.
Do you remember your first ryde and how you felt after? What has kept you coming back for more week after week?
My first Ryde was with Amy S - I liked the environment and I liked the music, and it was harder than I expected. My legs were definitely sore for a few days after. I kept coming back because I loved the intensity of the classes and the community - it’s easier to work hard when you’re doing it with a team. Sometimes during a busy week it’s really hard to get motivated to show up but I’ve never walked out of Power Ryde wishing I hadn’t come.
What goals are you hoping to achieve in 2020?
My goal is simply to enjoy each class, live up to standards of hard work I set for myself when I was younger, and just maintain my fitness (and keep up with the instructors) as long as I can.
Do you have a favorite moment that you remember at Power Ryde?
My 60th Birthday Ryde with my daughter Adrian (“he smoked me” - Adrian). {The picture we used for this Spotlight is the picture he and Adrian took that day!} Also last week when I was virtual Ryding at home, Erinn said “Oh look, Ed’s petting his cat.” I think she hurt my chihuahua’s feelings.
What is your favorite music to ryde to?
I like all kinds of music. I’ve enjoyed being exposed to new music since I started Power Ryde. My daughters appreciate my new spin playlists with music that I ignored when they were in high school. Any song with a heavy beat is good for hill climbing, but if you want to really make the thighs burn, I’m still partial to 70’s rock.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I grew up in Northern Vermont and was involved in competitive alpine ski racing through college. Staying fit for ski racing with running, cycling, and hiking were always a big part of growing up.
When you are not Power Ryding, what can we find you doing?
I’m still working part time as a neuroradiologist. In my free time I like to keep moving - I spend a lot of time working in the yard. Also road biking, mountain biking, and men’s league hockey. I love being part of the Information Age-you can easily find just about anything you want on YouTube. Lately I’ve been learning Texas style blues (Stevie Ray Vaughn) on my guitar.
