It was the cycling event of the season as Leaside residents came out in droves to witness the grand opening of Canada’s FIRST CycleBar, CycleBar Leaside. The studio is the first franchise to hit the country and On Q Communications was thrilled to give them a spectacular debut.
On March 4, die-hard cycling fans flocked to the corner of Bayview and Broadway for a community-wide grand opening party and the chance to put the new cycling studio to the test.
Subtlety was not on the menu. With a grand tent coupled with colourful red and white balloons, CycleBar Leaside announced their presence to the neighbourhood. Many residents arrived even before the party started, eager to check out the new space. Plus, two lucky persons walked away with a FREE one month cycling pass (yes, we’re jealous too).
Guests were greeted at the door with concierge-level service and given swanky CycleBar gear and a savoury bag of Healthy Crunch kale chips. Then, it was straight to the registration area where guests were outfitted with CycleBar Leaside’s customized shoes. Afterwards, everyone settled in by the locker room and got ready for a quick tour of the facility. Before they knew it, it was time to spin!
The first of two free CycleSessions was met with both anticipation and trepidation as Leaside filed into the state of the art CycleTheatre, equipped with 52 professional grade bikes, a stunning light show and a DJ booth.
The bass from the speakers was nearly drowned out by the pounding of hearts as participants cycled to the beat during the high-intensity workout. A CycleStar instructor kept everyone on track and motivated as they powered through the 50 minute class.
At the end of the class, riders exited their CycleSessions sweat drenched, jelly-legged and wearing huge smiles from a ride well rocked! Their first stop? The refreshment table where guests cooled down and refuelled with enzyme-rich Tonica Kombucha.
But the party wasn’t over yet. A hush quickly descended throughout the studio as everyone gathered around CycleBar Leaside’s famous red wall for the moment we’d all be waiting for: the official ribbon cutting.
MP Rob Oliphant and Don Valley Councillor Jaye Robinson joined the festivities and were all smiles as they, along with CycleBar Leaside owner Doug Lennox, did the honours. The ribbon cutting was topped with uproarious cheers as CycleBar Leaside was welcomed with open arms. Media was there to capture the historic moment, including Leaside Town Crier and snapd magazine.
Soon, it was time for the second CycleSession and the brave souls of Leaside headed in to, once again, #RockYouRide.
Between CycleSessions, guests feasted on delectable foods provided by our generous partners. A Leaside favourite returned as North Shore Pie Co. served up their best selection of New Zealand meat pies while Pizza Nova provided true party classics: pepperoni and cheese pizzas. Katie’s Cakes delighted taste buds with branded CycleBar Leaside cupcakes that were a hit with the kids (and the the big ‘kids’ too)!
Throughout the event, our #QSquad kept our hungry social family fed with a series of live tweets and Instagram stories. To see the full CycleBar Leaside journey on social media, follow the hashtags #CycleBarLeaside and #RockYourRide.
Loved this recap? Want more On Q events? Check out how North Shore Pie Co. brought Taste of New Zealand to Toronto!
Leave a Reply