I started bringing two portable cd players into class with a small Behringer mixer. This way I could fade one cd track into the next. This allowed for seamless song changes and kept listeners channeled from track to track; “Don’t stop sweating!”

I could change cds according to the class and the kind of energy I was getting back, which was great. I wasn’t musically locked anymore like I was using a cassette tape. However, cds scratched too easily when transported 40+ times a week. Not to mention easily stolen when you accidentally left them at the club.

I started getting more and more into house and electronic music. I quickly discovered that some of the best tracks could only be purchased on vinyl. A lot of a great copyright infringed vinyl had to be bought overseas. Leave it to the UK! A friend of mine had two turntables. I got some vinyl and was instantly hooked on beat matching and spinning, real “spinning!”

There is nothing like touching the music and making your own slip mats for your decks. What else am I going to do with a t-shirt I never wore? (see pic to left)

In my quest of listening to great DJ’s and their music I used to spend some time in smoky dance clubs. The smell of smoke vanished, with the ban on public smoking, and a perfect place to have an indoor cycling class was now a possibility, Avalon of Boston!

With the stage set, lights flashing, music pumping, and 100+ cyclists per class, aRide 2006 was born.  For those hours Avalon became a place where fitness enthusiasts could have a musically driving/inspiring atmosphere and a great workout. aRide ’06 was a great fundraising event that completely changed how I viewed group fitness and its future.  

The first domino was pushed with aRide, and I can’t wait to see where it goes! The future of spinning, health-clubs, adventure sports ... is gonna rock!