Hi Megan! Can you tell us your story leading up to becoming a High Ride Cycle instructor?
My name is Megan Hanson and I am the Co-Founder and CEO at High Ride Cycle. My husband and I opened our first location about 5 ½ years ago. We both went to Business school at Northeastern University in Boston.
I started my career in Sales and Marketing at small start-ups. I have always wanted to own my own business, but I always thought it would be a CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) company since that is what my background is in. I worked for a small tortilla chip company, General Mills, and some other small brands that sold into Whole Foods. I loved working in Sales and Marketing, but I had always been passionate about health and fitness and wanted to work in that industry.
I got my Spin Certification in 2017 with my sister so I could start coaching on the side. On the ride home, my sister made a small comment about me opening my own studio that I could not let go of. Once I started teaching at a local gym, I absolutely fell in love. I decided that I wanted to explore opening a studio and my husband, Scott, was 100% on board. The rest is history. We signed a lease, took a lien out on our house, maxed out our credit cards, and opened our first studio with every penny we had. Looking back, I don’t know if I would recommend this strategy to anyone but 5 ½ years later we’re still here and planning to continue to grow.
I can’t imagine my life without High Ride. I am absolutely obsessed with the team, the community, the ride, and the work. It has been one of the most challenging journeys but also one of the most rewarding journeys and we’re just getting started!
Are you from Colorado? Which neighborhood did you eventually choose to call home? And why?
My husband and I moved here about 10 years ago so I definitely would call it home now, but I’m not from here. I moved around my whole life, but I spent my High School years in Maine and went to college in Boston before moving to Denver.
Where is your High Ride Cycle located? Why do you love this neighborhood for it?
Our first location is in the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood of Denver, our second location is in Northglenn, and our third location is opening near Denver University in May. The people really make these neighborhoods so amazing. The community we have built at both studios are truly something special.
What makes High Ride Cycle different from other Cycling classes/ Companies? What makes your classes special specifically ?
Honestly there are plenty of amazing studios in Denver that provide a great workout. If you’re looking for a community of amazing people working towards a common goal – to better yourself mentally and physically, we’re the studio for you. Our team and our riders truly make our studio something so dang special. You can feel how welcoming our team is from the second you walk into the door. It is one of our core values to make people feel welcomed, comfortable and supported and we hire amazing humans who do just that. We believe the vibes we give out are the vibes we get back so our riders are truly so supportive of one another. It is something that I am so very grateful for.
In addition to our amazing community, the classes are super fun. You get an amazing workout while having a ton of fun. We ride to the beat of the music and provide upper body movements for a full body workout. It’s like a dance party on a bike in a club like environment!
What would you tell someone who wants to try High Ride but is new to it?
Everyone starts somewhere. No one expects you to be perfect except for yourself. You have to throw that out the window. Perfection doesn’t exist. Our riders and our team clip in each and every day to get stronger. It’s about growth and challenging ourselves to be better versions of ourselves. It’s easier said than done, but don’t be nervous! Show up ready to get in a good workout and have fun. We’ll help you with the rest!
How would you describe the Personality or “Vibe” of Denver?
I’ve always loved Denver because of the good vibes. It feels so down to Earth, chill, and welcoming. I remember when I moved from Boston, I was so surprised with everyone being so friendly. I’d walk into a store and the employees would be so genuine about getting to know you or chat with you about what you have going on that day. That is something so unique to Denver and very uncommon in other cities I have lived in or visited.
What is the Website/ Instagram to follow for booking info?
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