Breath Denver is the Indoor Cycling studio that hosted the Stage 5 Cycling Instructor certification that Jennifer and I participated in this past weekend. I'm fascinated by people who follow their passion, take a (big) risk and start an Indoor Cycling studio. Breathe Denver owner Sarah TV (Tobitha Vay) Russell is just such a person and she lives the cycling / studio owner lifestyle. Sarah has a very compelling story and we had a chance to sit down and discuss the all the hurdles she overcame before opening her studio.
You can learn more about Breathe Denver at Sarah's web site here.
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Originally posted 2010-07-12 10:49:46.
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Could you guys: John, Jennifer and Tom give more experience on this INCREADABLE facility.
How old is this facilty ?
How can it resist of the presure of bigger brand and gym ?
Where are the instructors coming from ?
…
I’ll call Sarah and find out more. I think she’s only had it a year or two – she’s a woman with a passion! It is a small facility, well located and it definitely has a niche. That works well in Colorado with its independent-minded population.
She only has a few instructors. I think some have been word of mouth. Funny coincidence, I’d been following one of the instructors (who also took the training) Jen Hurricane, on Twitter before she started working there and before I even knew much about Stage5 Cycling! It’s that Colorado cycling community!
Although there are a couple big chains and big clubs in Denver, most are large boutique private facilities, rather than the big boxes.
My questions are just because it is what I want to do … when I will move to Quebec, hopefully next year …
Hey Pascal!
Jennifer’s right, it’s a lot about community. Personally, I used to be a bike courier and have raced internationally and thrown a lot of local races. It’s that involvement in the community which really helped us start. Since Sarah and I were already known in the cycling community for being strong riders and motivated women, when we told people we were coaching, they signed right up.
If you are planning on opening a studio, remember you can’t do it without support. And to gain support you need to give. We are involved with the local community by donating to the Bicycle Film Festival and through other local events like Revitalize Lunch Hour. Showing your face and being personable is important, too. Meet people!
So when you move to Quebec, try to find like minded people, chances are they’ll have your back if they believe in you.
Best,
Jen Nordhem aka @MsHurricane
Hey Jen, thanks for commenting! I was going to tweet you guys tomorrow. How are your classes going after the Stage5 workshop? I know I was revved up – although everything I’m doing right now in my classes is a TDF Stage so I can’t integrate some of the great training sessions in my classes until after the Tour.
But then…watch out! Such great stuff in that workshop eh?!
Tom came up to Eagle and we rode from Beaver Creek to Vail Pass the next day. 54 miles. I was wiped, barely had enough to climb back up to Beaver Creek at the end! I think it was those Aerobic Capacity intervals that did it (Sat at the end of the day).
Yeah those were tough! I think tonight I’ll be coaching my students through sprints! I’m excited how they receive the new format.
Classes have been great and I got a few comments from regulars about how they could tell the difference! Totally worth it.