Who Brought the POWER in October (2015)?
Andrea Batchelor and Linda Bessey
If there is one thing we love more than giving people sweaty workouts and helping them achieve their fitness goals, it is creating a strong sense of community at Power Ryde. It is truly amazing to see ryders of all ages and abilities come together to cycle, sweat, strengthen and CONNECT. There is no better example of this than our Students of the Month, Andrea Batchelor and Linda Bessey.
Andrea and Linda met years ago at a house party and according to Linda, they hit it off instantly! But over the years, both ladies got busy and lost touch. Fast forward to 2014, and both, unknowingly, had found a new passion for Power Ryde. Upon seeing one another in class, they reconnected and quickly became best friends. These ladies do everything together - Power Ryde, yoga, barre, lunch, EVERYTHING…and we LOVE IT, even if they are sometimes a little chatty in the back of the class!
Keep reading to learn more about what keeps Andrea and Linda coming back to Power Ryde for more cycling, more sweating, more strengthening, and more connecting!
What brought you to Power Ryde?
Andrea: I used to love to spin but when I bought my road bike, Sarah from Swallow Bicycle Works, told me all about this new studio, Power Ryde. The RealRyder bikes, which tilt side-to-side, are what really caught my interest. So, I decided to check it out and give it a try!
Linda: I was selected to be a local dancer in Cincinnati's Dancing for the Stars, so I decided to do Power Ryde to get myself in shape for the competition.
Do you remember your first ryde? How did you feel? What kept you coming back for more?
A: Oh boy do I remember my first ride. I brought my husband's friend, Bill, with me to the 5:30 am class. When class was over we just looked at one another and giggled; the workout was unlike anything we'd experienced before…Love, love it now! What keeps me coming back first and foremost is my admiration and courage for the strength Casey and Meg bring to the studio. I love my fellow ryders; they are family and make me laugh.
L: The first time I rode, I thought it was really fun and I enjoyed the music!
Why do you ryde at Power Ryde?
A: I ryde at Power Ryde because each ryde is different. There are no repeats. Our workout is different each time.
L: I ryde at Power Ryde now for many reasons: it's a great cardio workout, it helps me with the arthritis in my knees, it's a great stress release, and I have so many great friends that ryde.
What did you do for fitness prior to Power Ryde?
A: My fitness plan before Power Ryde included: traditional spin class, walking, bootcamp, hiking, and outdoor cycling.
L: Before Power Ryde, I did some yoga and workout tapes in my basement.
What goals has Power Ryde helped you achieve?
A: My goals, every time I ryde, are to gain strength, get a really good workout, and burn calories (which is never an issue). But most importantly, Power Ryde helps me achieve my biggest goal, which is to do everything in my power to stay healthy.
L: Power Ryde has helped me stay in shape, which is great, but it has also helped me reconnect with old friends and meet so many new friends!
What goals are you hoping to achieve in 2015?
A: To be able to continue to RYDE!
L: To stay in touch with all my Power Ryde friends when I move to Florida this Winter!
Do you have a favorite moment that you remember at Power Ryde?
A: My favorite moments are when I walk into the studio and all my Power Ryde Peeps are all there, laughing about what happened that morning on Q102's Second Date Update…LOL!
L: I have had many favorite moments at Power Ryde; my Birthday Ryde, my "100th Ryde" celebration, and I always enjoy it when my boys, Austin and Andrew, come ryde with me!
What is your favorite music to ryde to?
A: My favorite music is anything that makes me want to dance on that bike and sing…I also love oldies!
L: Power Ryde has great music. I especially love the THEME Rydes!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
A: I love to dance!
L: I love to dance!
Clearly these two were destined to be best buds!
What motivates you?
A: I love my life. I have been very blessed in so many ways, but have always worked very hard to achieve and be the best I could be. My family is my heart and soul and would have to say they motivate me.
L: My children, my husband, and all the other ryders in class.
When you are not Power Ryding, what can we find you doing?
A: When I'm not in the studio ryding I love to hike, ride my bike outside, go to boot camp classes, walk, and spend time with my kids and 5 grand boys.
L: Painting, dancing, socializing, hanging out at our lake house, being with my family and our dog, Lily!
