FAIRFIELD, CT — Last fall, Fairfield residents Matt and Tracy Lawlor made up their mind that they were going to do something about it.
The “it” was the closure of Cyclebar, a cycling studio, in Fairfield’s Sportsplex development. The couple were devoted spinners at the facility, and they decided they were not just going to let the popular spot shut down.
“There was a huge outcry when it closed,” Matt told Patch. “My wife and I were members, and we really enjoyed it. So, we looked into opening our own cycling studio.”
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Six months later, the two have opened R1de, Fairfield’s newest cycling studio, in the same location as the former Cyclebar.
R1de features 44 bikes and two-dozen training classes in four categories for all skill levels:
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One R1de — 45 minutes of rhythm based riding to a custom made, high energy music playlist with high level coaching. This ride will include choreography, intervals of gear and speed, and upper body work with weights.
Hiit 1T — 45 minutes focused on strength and improving recovery time using resistance and high intensity interval training. Some choreography will still be incorporated into class but there will be more focus on interval training both high and low speeds. Weights will also be incorporated to train upper body for a portion of the class. This type of class will make you stronger and improve endurance for our signature ONE R1DE.
Quick Cl1p — A slightly shortened version of our signature ride, perfect for fitting in your ride no matter what your schedule looks like that day. A similar structure to our ONE R1DE with choreography, gear and speed work. Weights may or may not be omitted to maximize your ride time. You will feel like you got the full workout in 30 minutes!
S1xty — An extended 60 minute version of our signature ONE R1DE. A similar structure including choreography, gear and speed work, and incorporating weights for upper body work. A longer class perfect for anyone looking to push past their limits and break a serious sweat.
Pricing varies from $109 per month without perks for four workouts, to $209 per month for unlimited workouts with perks, such as 20 percent off merchandise and two guest passes. Classes begin as early as 6 a.m. and go into the evening, and towels are provided for rides or the showers.
The Lawlors said that riders from high school to senior citizens are welcome, and as a promotion, the studio is offering three free rides for a week.
“It’s a very community-oriented place,” Matt said. “We want people to feel comfortable when they come in.”
The facility offers lockers where riders can temporarily keep their belongings when they are riding, and there are two showers.
On Thursday, the studio held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was attended by First Selectman Bill Gerber, Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart, state Rep. Jennifer Leeper and others.
Barnhart told Patch that he and town officials wish R1de well with the new venture.
“If there’s a silver lining, when a business closes, it can create an opportunity for someone else, and that’s what Matt and Tracy have been able to do,” Barnhart said. “We wish them all the best.”
— R1de is located in the Sportsplex development at 85 Mill Plain Road in Fairfield, click here for more information.
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