Meet Megan Hanson | High Ride Cycle Co-Founder & Instructor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Hanson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Megan, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In early 2017, our lives took a huge turn, sparked by just a simple conversation. After my sister Lindsay and I completed our Mad Dog Spin certification, she casually suggested, “You should open a cycling studio.” In that moment, my passion for health and fitness and my entrepreneurial spirit made me go for it. I shared this vision with my husband, Scott, and we were full steam ahead. We wanted to bring a dance party on a bike to Denver’s fitness scene and create a welcoming, supportive, and fun environment. We found the perfect location, maxed out our credit cards, took out a lien on our house, and had friends and family help us lay floors and paint to save on costs. By July 2017, we opened our doors, very unaware of just how much planning we really should have done.
Fast forward to today, and we proudly are operating three studios. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but these challenges have made us stronger and our community makes it worth it. Without this community of amazing riders and team members, we wouldn’t be here today. They show up with so much heart and passion. It’s truly a dream come true to build something with these special humans.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At High Ride, we’re not just a fitness studio; we’re a community fueled by passion and connection. The vibe in our studio is electric. Picture a dark-lit room with loud, energetic music with each playlist thoughtfully curated by our instructors to move and motivate you. We offer high-energy, beat-based cycling classes that are effective and fun. Our 45-minute classes combine cycling with strength training, incorporating resistance, speed, and choreography to target specific muscle groups. Each session includes 4–7 minutes of dedicated strength training using 2–5 lb. weights, delivering a full-body workout.
We believe in empowering every rider, whether it’s their first class or their 500th. Our mantra is, “This is your ride, not ours,” welcoming modifications to suit all fitness levels.
We want the world to know that we offer the best cardio workout and we make working out fun! We call it a dance party on a bike for a reason. Our high-energy classes are more than just exercise – they’re a celebration of movement, music, and community. Each ride is a heart-pounding, sweat-inducing experience that leaves you feeling empowered and connected. Whether you’re climbing to the beat or pushing through those final sprints, the energy in the room is contagious – some even call it an obsession. Our exceptional instructors are real people, dedicated to inspiring and motivating you to conquer your fitness goals—whatever those might be. While we’ll push you beyond your comfort zone, we respect your individual fitness journey. Our commitment is to ensure you leave feeling proud, accomplished, and, yes, sweaty. Come give it a try and you’ll see what we mean!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Denver, I’d plan a mix of great food, outdoor adventure, and the best local spots to show off what the city has to offer. We’d obviously start with a morning workout at High Ride to get some movement in, possibly followed by brunch at Hampton Social Club with some fun live music. After brunch, we’d explore Union Station, taking in the historic atmosphere before grabbing cocktails at Cooper Lounge. For a pre-dinner drink, we’d stop by Lady Jane for some good vibes.
Dinner would be at one of my favorite restaurants—either Bar Dough or Señor Bear. My favorite restaurant group is the Culinary Collective and I’ll basically go to any of their restaurants or cocktail bars. During the day, we’d refuel with a smoothie bowl from Playa Bowls and do some shopping around RiNo, Tennyson or Cherry Creek.
We’d also make time for a day trip to the mountains, either hiking the beautiful trails at Chautauqua Park in Boulder or skiing/snowboarding at Breckenridge. It’d be a perfect blend of Denver’s best – a little mountain adventure, a whole lot of delicious food and cocktails, and some exploring around the city!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to dedicate this shoutout to our incredible team. We truly wouldn’t be here without their support and dedication. They are the heartbeat of High Ride and they are what make it so special. Every single day they show up on their best and worst days to motivate and inspire our community. I am so very grateful for each and every one of these amazing individuals who bring the magic to High Ride. Your passion and commitment are what truly make the studios so special.
Website: https://www.highridecycle.com
Instagram: @megan_hansonn
Image Credits
Dustin Handrich of Dustin Moon Visuals – www.moonvisuals.com
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
