Our newest ever introduction is the recession-busting concept of DONATION-BASED classes. Janet Fitzgerald’s brainstorm, this idea has caught on like kudzu and has also allowed us the opportunity to farm our newest instructors and get them introduced to you all. This is an opportune time to check out the other styles, approaches, musical tastes, lighting preferences of our newest cyclers. I took Nick Pratley’s first class here a few weeks ago, and honest to God, I had an epiphany! I actually had tears of joy after class. Seriously!

Another donation-based class is the new ZEN Cycle offered by Jesse Brune and the Reverend Jennifer Hadley. This is church on wheels people! Jesse and the rev will take you on a mind-body-spirit transformational ride. What’s not to love with this two-fer?! Work your body-open your heart-align your mind. I’ve already got my seat reserved for their inaugural class this Thursday at 730pm. Will I see you there?

These classes are also a great way to get your non-cycling (AKA not-yet-as-enlightened) friends of yours to give it a whirl. Suggested minimum donation is $10.00.

Other classes of note to check out are:

Fiona’s 30/30: this is Fiona’s expression of a full body workout with 30 minutes of riding followed by 30 minutes of toning. Wednesdays at 8am.

Nicole’s CYCLE/YOGA: Here Nicole unites yin and yang for another hour of exhilarating riding followed by calming and centering yoga poses. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am. Nicole is also our FEATURED TRAINER on our website. Read her bio and gasp at her amazing yoga shots.

Irina’s Late Night Dance CYCLE: Feel like you’re doing your Bianca and Halston thing without the obnoxious scene and second hand smoke! Irina straight out plays the most rockin’ dance and hip hop tunes every Monday and Wednesday at 730pm.

Other schedule changes:

Nick Pratley moved to 1030am on Saturdays. Hard Core Cycler alert! Now you can double cycle after Janet’s 915am!

Brett Hyman is taking over Irina’s 1045am on Sundays for her happening blend of classic rock and dance tunes. Geo is known to jump up from her bike and break out her samba steps. This class is beloved by the Sunday brunch and farmers market set! Come join the party.

Other instructor news of note:

* Tevia has officially and legally changed her name to Tevia Celli-Recht. Congratulations to you, Emily and baby!

* Janet is hosting a one-day version of her Master Teacher Training Workshop on Saturday, November 14th. Click HERE for more details.

* Mo’ Janet! That Janet is some busy bee. Check out her glowing article on The Yenta Report (brilliant!) Click HERE to read.

* Get out the vote! Nick Pratley is #3 out of LA’s top 100 cycling instructors in MyFoxLA’s hot list. Click HERE to vote! And vote often! Voting ends November 6th, so do it NOW!

Stay tuned as we migrate to an online sign-up system for our classes. The transition team consists of Tevia, Janet, Tracy Paaso, Jay Cox, me, Bailey Huff and Shelley Phillips. We are looking for a soft launch in December 2009.