RYDE Event Recap

The Blonde Side + RYDE // Sunday Funday Reinvented

Our first-ever fitness-related event took place Sunday at RYDE and we had a blast! Check out our FB photos, courtesy of Sunshine Winters Photography.

We had 30 Houston women join us for a fun sweat-sesh in River Oaks – some first-time riders (who did amazing!), some veteran riders, and even a friend WHO JUST HAD A BABY FOUR WEEKS AGO (I won’t mention your name Brittney).

Before I thank our sponsors and ask for your input on upcoming events, I wanted to share with you something that RYDE does that I think is amazing. Before signing up for a class, they ask you to create an account (usually something that turns me off). AS SOON AS THE CLASS WAS OVER, I got an email titled “RYDE Performance” telling me stats like average RPM, high RPM, distance, watts and more so I could really see the work I put in. The amount of sweat I produced was proof enough that I had my butt kicked, but I loved seeing those stats (yet, I’m still a baby and don’t want to compare mine to others!), but if you’re a number’s person, you’ll love this aspect.

Also, I am not-so-secretly obsessed with Lisi and Ashley – our instructors for Sunday’s class. They

RYDE created a playlist just for The Blonde Side

took their time to help the newbies learn how to properly set up their bikes (you’d be surprised how many studios skip this step for sake of time or thinking everyone’s attended a spin or cycling class before). And they smiled the entire time. I can barely breathe and cycle, yet they can talk, cycle and smile.

Now on to our sponsors – a big thank you. The Blonde Side events would not happen without you:

Ideal Protein Houston – These were the protein bars (cut up and served with toothpicks) you all went crazy for! There are so many flavors and I always keep at least one in my bag so I don’t get hangry. Message Abe (the man in charge) and get 15% off your order by mentioning The Blonde Side.

TicketCity – They donated a $100 gift card for our after-class raffle.

Chambord & Korbel – Provided our after class champagne toast – this is a great drink mix if you don’t love champagne all by itself, just add a splash of Chambord (raspberry liqueur) and it’s amazing! Yes, champagne is part of Sunday Funday, no matter where you are!

Lucky’s Pub – Provided free drink cards in our swag bags and offered gift cards for our raffle. One of my favorite sport’s bars downtown – the best spot to meet up with friends before an Astros and Dynamo game!

Houston Dynamo – Provided opening day tickets for our raffle. Be sure to get tickets and check out the Dynamo this season!

Neiter Creative – Jo Neiter (she also joined our class, rocking one of The Blonde Side’s shirts) did our creative graphic/invites. She’s also one of my favorite Houston entrepreneurs.

Squeezed – These fine folks hooked up our riders with FULL-SIZED fresh-squeezed juices. These juices are packed with so many nutrients and goodness for your body, especially after a tough workout.

barkTHINS – a great snacking chocolate after our RYDE

barkTHINS – Many of you tried my favorite snacking chocolate for the first time. They have a ton of flavors and are available at almost any grocery store!

CharitaBulls – These gals so kindly donated their 2016 fan and player Texans calendar.

Other swag bag items included: complimentary sweet card from Petite Sweets, Yellow Rose Distilling Tour, discount for Belage Center with Dr. Yalamanchili (highly recommended for botox treatments in Houston), discount spa day at Deer Lake Lodge (a premiere health spa about 45 mins north of Houston – I’ve been there a ton and LOVE it). We also handed out LOCAL Houston Magazine issues (where The Blonde Side is their sportswriter).

NOW WE HAVE A QUESTION – PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT TO HELP US – We want to plan more events with The Blonde Side, but we need your input. What are you interested in? Yoga, a 5k Team Run/Walk, Gun Shooting and Lessons, Movie Night, etc.? Do you want more ladies-only events or co-ed? And is there a day/time of the week that works best?

If you have questions about sponsoring or co-hosting an event with The Blonde Side (we like to get creative, so start brainstorming), send us a note at jayme @ theblondeside . com.