let’s RYDE

Houston's original premium cycling studio rides into new downtown digs

With temperatures already well into sweltering summertime numbers, the popular and next-generation indoor cycling studio RYDE has rolled into downtown at the perfect time for locals looking for a premium, air-conditioned spin studio.

The new RYDE location is the only dedicated indoor cycling studio in the downtown central business district. The street-front contemporary studio is located on the corner of Milam and Rusk, and is a visually appealing, not to mention functional, addition to the area. It was designed by Rottet Studio (the firm that just completed a recent project at nearby Hotel Alessandra), and is located in the historic Esperson Building. Houstonians are already lining up for a sweat session with the brand's highly-skilled instructors, who are known for blasting out orders alongside exhilarating and heart-pumping beats.

The studio boasts top-of-the-line fitness equipment, meticulously sequenced workouts with the bumping beats, carefully curated luxury bath products and Dyson hair dryers, and even branded collar stays for men.

As with RYDE River Oaks, RYDE Downtown will feature a 45-minute, full-body workout designed to challenge the body and relax the mind. Those new to indoor cycling should check out RYDE 101 introductory sessions focusing on the basics and proper form, and then try more advanced classes.

RYDE boasts Schwinn Carbon Blue bikes and a proprietary myRYDE performance tracking and workout analysis system, for tracking results. Cyclists' performance data is collected from their bike every few milliseconds and delivered in a private email after class, specifically tailored to their age, gender, and weight. And to kick start some friendly competition, there are online leaderboards.

“Three years ago this month, we unveiled our River Oaks area flagship and a concept built around providing unrivaled ambience, technology and community,” said co-founder Andrew Pappas in a statement. “With RYDE Downtown, we’re further refining our brand while adding a much needed fitness component to the CBD’s retail landscape, targeting both the daytime workforce and rapidly expanding residential and weekend populations.”

RYDE's shower rooms complete the clean design.

Photo by Obi Grant

RYDE's shower rooms complete the clean design.

downtown fitness

This Week's Hot Headlines

Houston bar owner speaks out after surprise arrest and more top stories

Photo by Sergio Trevino

Chris Cusack owns two locations of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse.

Editor's note: It's time to catch up on the top Houston news of the week, from an unusual bar interaction to a new pizzeria and a neighborhood restaurant's goodbye. Read on for our most popular stories, then find the best things to do this weekend right here.

1. Houston bar owner speaks out about surprise arrest for health code violations. One of the most unusual interactions between a restaurant and City of Houston officials took place on May 6 when Betelgeuse Betelgeuse owner Chris Cusack was arrested for health code violations at his location on Washington Avenue. Cusack told CultureMap his side of the story.

2. Prolific Houston pizza chef fires up a new Italian restaurant in River Oaks. One of Houston’s most prolific pizzaiolos has quietly opened a new restaurant in River Oaks. Anthony Russo, founder of Russo’s New York Pizzeria, opened Anthony’s New York Italian in the former Pie Tap Pizza space at 3748 Westheimer.

Anthony's New York Italian interior Anthony's New York Italian is now open near Central Market. Courtesy of Anthony's New York Italian

3. Eclectic Houston neighborhood restaurant will shutter Bellaire store. A Houston neighborhood restaurant is saying goodbye to Bellaire after two years. KP’s Kitchen will close its location at 5427 Bissonnet on Sunday, May 31.

4. Houston hospitality 'dream team' saddles up for World Cup pop-up restaurant. Two Houston hospitality veterans are teaming up with one of the city’s soccer legends to throw an epic party during the FIFA World Cup. The Ranch Presents Pitch Live will be a 35,000-square-foot pop-up venue that mixes Texas hospitality with top-notch food, drinks, and entertainment.

5. Chef of Michelin-starred Texas BBQ joint pops up at Houston crawfish favorite. Evan LeRoy, chef and co-owner of Austin’s LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, will be at Josephine’s this Sunday, May 17 from 2-6 pm.