Who Brought the POWER in September (2016)?
Melissa Ratkovich
If we had a "Best Dressed Award" at Power Ryde, Melissa would win by a landside. She is, by far, our most fashionable Power Ryder. Her athletic attire is always on point, even at 5:30 in the morning! She would also win the "Tiny Beast Award." Do not let her looks and height (or lack there of, haha!) deceive you. She goes full on #BeastMode each and every time she rydes. And that smile? It is the best thing to look at mid-class at 5:30am (#CreeperStatus ??). Melissa we are going to miss you so much but we know wherever you go, so will your hard work, energy, and contagious smile!
Also, on that note, since Melissa is moving, we will be holding auditions for those of you who would like to permanently ryde her bike at 5:30am. Requirements: you must have great style, a killer smile, and willing to woo-hoo it a few times at 5:30AM! Let us know if you are up for the challenge...you have big shoes (or pedals) to fill!
What brought you to Power Ryde?
A Power Ryde Groupon, but not just any Groupon, my husband knew Meg and knew about Power Ryde. He also used the RealRyder bikes in the military. His gym on base in Virginia Beach had the bikes and he raved about them. I never cared for standard stationary bikes, so the RealRyder bikes were the draw for me!
Do you remember your first ryde? How did you feel? What kept you coming back for more?
Yes and Casey was the instructor! I spent every other track in the saddle....I was like..."Whoa, this is tricky!" But it was oddly fun!!! I came back because that's what I do. I'm not a competitor by nature with other people, but I'm obsessively competitive with myself. I am tough and will always give it another go if I truly enjoy it, and clearly I do enjoy it!!
Why do you ryde at Power Ryde?
I love anything cardio and Power Ryde is by far everything CARDIO! I also LOVE working out to a kick ASS playlist and you'd be hard pressed to find a class that didn't bring the hot tunes! Lastly, the instructors at PR bring the challenge, especially the 5:30a.m. instructors! They have quite a job on their hands when getting the energy up and spinning that early in the morning....and I believe they have maintained the fervor by the evidence of sold out classes at 5:30 a.m.!!!
What did you do for fitness prior to Power Ryde?
I have always loved working out and staying fit! Growing up a dancer, cheerleading and gymnastics during my formative years were my athletic persuasions....I'm also the person that gets easily distracted by the latest and greatest anything...that is my fitness style! I am the anything cardio girl, and strength training is second... Fitness for me has to be fun...and that's why most of what I do doesn't feel like work....I love running outdoors (never dread mill), rowing, boxing and kick boxing, have done Taebo for years, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, hiking and most beloved during winter months is Skiing.
What goals has Power Ryde helped you achieve?
Training at Power Ryde has really helped me stay focused and commit to a structured workout plan. As easy as it is for me to get sidetracked, having my cardio covered 3 to 4 days a week is awesome! And my goodness, it couldn't be more fun!
What goals are you hoping to achieve in 2016?
With 2016 being another uncertain year for me and my husband....I hope to be able to maintain my fitness regimen as much as possible.. With our upcoming move and traveling on the road for an epic adventure, I'm expecting some challenges. But if I know me and my husband, we will get pretty crafty and creative with our fitness!! TRX is completely designed for on-the-road and mobile fitness! I'm also hoping to hike, ski and run trails in some of the amazing areas that the west has to offer...
Do you have a favorite moment that you remember at Power Ryde?
I'm pretty sure my most recent Labor Day Rydes (3 rydes back-to-back) were the most memorable for me! Several ryders in our "spin squad" came out that morning and we showed up! The energy between ryders and instructors was beyond amazing! The shouting, hollering, and laughter was downright contagious. It was good.
What is your favorite music to ryde to?
Gangsta Rap.
Tell us a fun fact about your yourself.
I'm from Texas foremost, and I used to own a horse. I trained and traveled showing in Hunter and Jumper classes. My horse's name was Magnum Casey Jackson.
What motivates you?
Let's be honest, we all want to look and feel good. Athletic wear gets me going...if the pants are fancy, you've won half the battle! My mantra: Life's too short to wear boring clothes. So naturally, my fitness wear has to be bangin'!
#IToldYou #BestDressed
When you are not Power Ryding, what can we find you doing?
Well my work life has slowed down completely as we have prepared to move and travel...if I'm not at Power Ryde you will find me either in the kitchen prepping for the many meals I create for my husband or in our basement working out again...
What are you going to miss most about Power Ryde?
The onion has multiple layers on this one.....my goodness! I have to say the community that Power Ryde has created is going to be missed greatly! It's unusual for one to lose sleep at night because you are so anxious to wake up at 4:30 in the morning to make your 5:30 spin class! I'm going to miss the instructors who bring and provide the playlists that make a 45 minute class feel like 10 minutes!! I will miss my spin squad that I ryde with on a regular basis....On my right is KimPossible (or Yeti if you like) and on my left is sweet RunnerGirl, Julia Gulia!!!! And of course my BOYZ, Gene the Machine and Screamin' George!! I've got special instructor LOVE for Erinn, ErinMan, Amy, Lauren, and of course Casey and Matriarch MEG!!
