Kauai has its very own bicycling boutique.
The indoor cycling studio, Island Ride Kauai, has gained more than 500 members since it opened in April.
“Fitness is my passion,” said Autumn Brodigan, co-owner with husband Brodi Brodigan. “I just wasn’t finding a place to do what I love.”
Autumn has enjoyed indoor cycling for the last 15 years. She dreamed of a facility where she could do her favorite workout with like-minded friends.
“The only way the Rice Street revitalization is going to be successful is if the businesses that come here give the community a reason to come down,” Autumn said. “We need unique, homegrown individual businesses that are going to be attractive to the public.”
Island Ride Kauai has 14 hi-tech stationary bikes and monitoring systems.
“Our class caters to a wide range of riders,” Brodi said. “Instead of just tracking heart rate, you’re also tracking actual data.”
With 22 classes a week, the studio’s eight instructors create individual rider profiles and conduct classes on sleek machines that provide information on power produced, revolutions for minute, resistance and distance.
The Stages Flight data software implemented is the same system used for training by competitive racers like Tour de France winners, Team Sky.
“It’s super motivating for outdoor riders, they can train here to make them stronger riders outside,” Autumn said. “We also have people who just want to come in and exercise in a fun environment.”
The cycling center gives the impression of a dance club with its uptempo music, synchronized colored lights, video monitoring, and air-conditioned setting.
“This is like the Lihue night club,” Autumn said. “We want you to come in and disconnect.”
The indoor bikes are able to simulate elevation changes and regulate resistance without riders worrying about inclement weather, busy traffic and other safety hazards.
“The great thing is that you’re in a controlled environment, you don’t have to worry about cars, dogs, toddlers, chickens or anything like that,” Brodi said.
Originally from Oahu, Brodi works as tour pilot for Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and is also a cycling instructor.
“This is one way you can come in and push through the barriers of health issues,” Brodi said. “You can ride it out. You just have to want it.”
One client who recently had foot surgery finds the classes beneficial for physical rehabilitation. Others like the central Rice Street location.
“It is the best cardio work out for people like me who have knee problems,” said Christiane Nakea-Tresler, a county worker who regularly join the noon classes.
“The owners and instructors are fun and motivating, the music is energizing, and the workout leaves me drenched,” she added. “I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great cardio workout, with no impact to the knees, that leaves you feeling energized.”
The studio is scheduling training classes for the ninth annual Pedal to the Meadow hill race from Kekaha to Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in Kokee State Park in May.
Island Ride Kauai is starting a new 6:30 a.m. class. Kama’aina ride for $20 a session, while one month of unlimited rides costs $195.
“After the ride they come out to the lobby, and we give them chilled, eucalyptus- and spearmint-infused towels so they can cool off,” Autumn said. “It’s that boutique, individualized, customized, almost-like-a-spa experience.”
Info: www.islandridekauai.com, 634-7800
