Meet Alison Brien | Owner, Ritual Indoor Cycling

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alison Brien and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I come from generations of entrepreneurs so I have always been curious what it would look like for me to start something after watching both of my parents and their parents do so. For the last 14 years, I have worked in software full-time and fitness part-time and have always felt a bit misaligned in my work in software. I knew that I loved leading highly motivated, people and creating new products in the world, but I wondered if I could do so in an even more personal way. And from that curiosity, Ritual was born.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Before starting Ritual, I spent 14 years in various software companies as both a Technical Program Manager and Product Manager – leading teams of designers & engineers on some of the most challenging and rewarding projects of my life. In doing so, I’ve learned the deep value in knowing where your blindspots are and leaning into your team to help fill in those gaps. I’ve also gotten to bear witness to birthing a product from ideation to market and know how incredible that feels. At the same time, I have long known that software was not where my heart was — that I wanted to make the leap into paving my own path to create a more inspired community.

The opportunity to make that leap finally came when I met One Tree Hill actress and former SoulCycle instructor, Bevin Prince. Bevin was starting her cycling studio, Recess, in Wilmington, NC and as one of her first instructors, I was completely inspired by the community she was building. It was the greatest honor of my life to get to train with her and learn from her. After leaving Wilmington, I simply could not find that same magic elsewhere. After many kitchen table conversations, Bevin and I partnered together to bring a more magical experience to the foothills of Denver.

Ritual is a community of inspired movement. We provide deeply intentional movement that aligns the body and the mind through a grounded, inclusive approach. You won’t find movement for movement’s sake at Ritual – each revolution of the pedal & each choreographed move is designed with purpose — protecting your body and easing your mind. We encourage you to just show up as you are and we’re so glad you’re here.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eat/Drink:
– 1,000% we would go to Odie B’s in Sunnyside for a breakfast sandwich. My husband and I ADORE Odie B’s (and I could write this entire article about everything they are doing right but I will stop there!).
– For a refined night out, we’d head to Safta for everything on their menu but shoutout to their Persian rice which I could eat every day for the rest of my life.
– For lunch with a view: The Eddy Taproom & Hotel

Visit:
– Red Rocks for a concert (probably obvious) but also to walk the dogs along the trails is always so magical
– Shopping / Farmers Market in Downtown Golden – my husband and I will ride our bikes to the Farmers Market in Golden every Saturday and love all of the amazing vendors there.
– Hike Green Mountain. We live right there so you will find me walking along those trails very regularly.
– Garden of the Gods (if up for a longer drive)

Hang:
– 100% Desert Social for mocktail/cocktail on the patio. They created the most magical space!
– The Golden Mill in downtown Golden for live music, drinks, and incredible food

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to first and foremost shoutout my parents – Katherine & Craig Dupra who lead by example — in their work ethic, how they show up for others, and how they trust the universe’s timing for every chapter in their lives. They have started multiple companies in my lifetime and have encouraged me to dream and go for whatever I want. It’s because of their relentless guidance & support that I am able to be where I am today. Additionally, life is truly a team sport and Ritual would not have even been a possibility without the unwavering support & radical encouragement from my husband, Patrick. He is the most steadfast, hard-working, and graceful human I have ever met. Last but not least, Ritual wouldn’t have come to life without the knowledge, heart-filled mentorship, and personal/professional investment from Bevin Prince. Bevin has taught me not just what it means to hold space for community in a truly authentic way, but also what it looks like to dream big and go for it.

Website: https://www.theritualride.com

Instagram: theritual_ride