You’ve likely spotted Central Cycling’s iconic storefront while cruising down Central Avenue, but now is the perfect time to give their spinning a spin — your first ride is free!
As soon as you walk into the CC studio, there’s magic in the air. As you make your way to your bike, you lock eyes with riders from the previous class sharing an air of exhaustion akin to having just completed a marathon, yet an excited sparkle in their eye that says they’d keep going all night. You hear them debrief with the instructor, “That playlist was everything!” Anticipation is brewing for your class: a forty-five minute feat of endurance, strength and willpower, to the tune of eighties rock. The owner, Amber Clayton, is there smiling, checking riders in, and fitting them for their bikes; you can tell she loves what she does.
You hop on your bike, snap in, the lights turn down low and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister starts. The energy builds and builds until the instructor yells, “Are you ready?!” You are! Everyone yells back “WOOOO!” and you set off to squats and sprints, shouts and sweat. The perfect combination of music, fitness and community.
Photo by Kristina Holman.
A Family that Spins Together, Stays Together
At Central Cycling, you are not only a member, but a part of the #CCfam. This is not a big-box gym, this is a local small business that “gives a damn” about supporting their community. Whether it’s recruiting local artists for murals, or fundraising with nearby pet shelters, CC is all about St. Pete and that makes a difference.
Spinning is ultimately a group exercise: you are sharing the experience with other locals. But at the same time, it’s your own ride. Beyond working every muscle group and burning through those brunch calories, the feeling of letting your hair down is what really shakes off the staleness of another-day-at-the-office. Don’t be afraid to totally boogie on your bike — #YesIDanceOnMyBike.
“I’m there — dancing & sweating right by you.” — Amber Clayton, Owner of Central Cycling
Ride with Pride
Amber’s experience as a female business owner and lesbian has made her passionate about creating a space where everyone feels they belong. When Studio Manager Johnny Silvers is not studying law, he lends a hand with CC’s efforts in the community. As a gay man, he knows the importance of welcoming all to his 6am class. All body shapes, ages, ethnicities and walks of life come into CC and leave their differences at the door to share a fantastic ride experience.
For the month of June, it’s pRIDE season at Central Cycling. “We celebrate all month with different themed-rides, shirts and music inspired by LGBTQ+ pioneers and legends.”
Now it’s your turn to come to CC, let loose and have fun while working out with your neighbors. The shop is located at 2055 Central Ave. with all booking through their website, www.centralcycling.com. Classes tend to fill up quickly, so you will want to make a reservation. Don’t forget to use the exclusive “GB” code for 15% off any package. Keep on spinning, St. Pete!
