Riding My Own Way (no more Peloton)

Heading into the first autumn of pandemic isolation (2020), I recognized the need to have an at-home cardio option to supplement my winter running and virtual HIIT classes. Cate boasted about her new Bowflex spinning bike and I decided to invest in one, as well. I checked out Zwift and Peloton and quickly decided that the Peloton cycle classes would most inspire me, given my historical love of music-heavy, interval-laden, indoor spin classes. I subscribed to the app and loved it. It worked for me. I wrote about my admiration of Christine D’Ercole here, here and here. I enjoyed regular 45-60 min sessions with various Peloton coaches, including Jenn Sherman, Cody Rigsby, Tunde Oyeneyin, and others,

I didn’t have a need for Peloton’s other workout options with the (virtual and outdoor) classes I was still enjoying from my gym. When the weather warmed up, I would use the bike less and run outside more. I used the bike a lot, again, the second pandemic winter and continued to enjoy the Peloton app’s offerings. Overall, I was still enjoying the classes, but was starting to develop some pet peeves. I really feel fickle about some of my pet peeves, but coaches talking and singing over the music, not enough long ride offerings, and even, D’Ercole’s inspirational word smithing was starting to wear thin (to be fair, I still use her mantras in my head for other things and I appreciate them!).

As I head into the third winter with my Bowflex bike, I know my bike seat will heat up again, but this time, it will be without the Peloton app. My credit card information changed recently and when I went to correct it after the subscription lapsed, I was made aware that it would be $16.99, rather than the $12.99/month I was paying previously. I tried to contact Peloton various ways to explain the lapse to see if there was a way of resuming my previous membership (price). No one from Peloton has responded to me. I find this strange, considering it’s been in the press that they are not doing well. You would think they would want to keep an existing customer. Either way, I can’t justify the $4/month increase for the amount I use it.

Recently, I hopped on my bike for the first time, without Peloton. I asked Alexa to play some “Woman Rock” and she obliged with “here is a women’s indie channel”. I called my sister on speaker and started riding while catching up. The telephone call lasted about 30 min and then I increased my tempo and did some hills and intervals for another 15 minutes. I loved it. Since then, I have asked Alexa to play Lizzo, Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill album, David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust album and Squeeze’s Singles on 45, and it has been just as effective and just as sweaty as a coach-led ride. I already know how to warm-up, time hills and flat roads and enjoy intervals. I’m looking forward to playing around with my newfound freedom on my bike! I may even create my own marathon ride!