The pandemic put a dent in activity at the Lakemont Cycle Studio, but owner Sandy O’Brien persevered and business is once again like her clients – healthy and hearty.
When COVID hit, Sandy rented out her bikes to regular clients and conducted classes via Zoom. While that worked, Sandy admits “that there’s nothing like classes in person.” During the transition back to normal operations, classed were conducted outside in the parking lot. The reaction was so positive that the Studio plans to continue offering outdoor spinning classes when the weather cooperates.
For now, business is preparing to move back inside to the new Studio in the garages behind the old location in Lakemont. Sandy admits that her previous spot – the old post office – is better suited to a retail business and the shop Isadore Popper took it over in May 2021.
The new location offers a better layout and greater flexibility. It’s Sandy’s third location in Lakemont having started at the old, old post office in 2014. A resident of Lake Rabun for over 25 years, Sandy noted the absence of spin classes in the area when she decided to open the Studio.
“I had 12 bikes to start and it was slow going,” she recalls. “People going nowhere fast looks silly and it can be a little intimidating. It was for me, at first, but once I tried it, I was hooked. We started here with 2-3 riders and it gradually grew.” The Studio moved to the new space and expanded to 20 bikes, but now even 20 bikes on weekends is not enough.
The growth is in part to Sandy’s approach. “We’re not super serious here,” she says. “I pride myself on making new riders comfortable and keeping it enjoyable for everyone.” Her classes all for all levels of riders as each keeps to their own pace.
Music is a big part of each workout and Sandy carefully selects the playlist so that sing-alongs are part of the workout. “Riding is for fitness, but it should also be for fun,” she notes. “I put a lot of time into the music.”
Classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 9 am. Cost is $10 per class or 11 classes for $100. Registration is available on the website.
In addition, Sandy teaches private classes and offer special events for wedding parties and other occasions. Zoom is available for live classes and she even records classes for clients across the country who want to spin at home.
Lakemont Cycle Studio
8452 Old 441 South
Lakemont, GA 30552
Owner: Sandy O’Brien
Phone: 917.903.8961
Email: sandyobrien1@mac.com
Website: www.lakemontcycle.com