Beach Cycle
DETAILS:
Location: Ocean View Park - 2701 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (next to lifeguard tower 28)
Hours of Operation: Classes run at various times throughout the week. Please see their website below (under “resources”) for schedule.
Parking: $10 parking lot available right in front of the class. Free street parking nearby. Please observe any posted street signs.
Cost: $35/class. Multi-class packages are available on the website as well.
Time Commitment: The spin class itself is approximately 45 minutes. You’re asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class to check-in and get situated on the bike. There’s an optional 5 minute stretch once the class concludes.
MISC:
The pedals accept SPD clips if you want to bring your own cycle shoes. Otherwise, the pedals have cages on the flip-side that you can use with gym shoes.
Bluetooth (over the ear) headphones are provided to hear the instructor and music. You don’t have the option of connecting with your own headphones.
Public bathrooms available nearby.
Whether it’s SoulCycle, FlyWheel, NordicTrack, or Peloton (excluding Mr. Big’s onscreen and behind-the-scene demise), spin class continues to be all the rage in the fitness/cardio community. Beach Cycle offers an innovative and picturesque twist to this workout format by situating their classes on the sands of Santa Monica Beach just south of the pier. Perfectly aligning with our pandemic-friendly need for social distancing and being outdoors, Beach Cycle provides a postcard-worthy setting that invigorates the soul with fresh air and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as you pedal away. I dare you to find any studio or gym that beats this sort of ambiance.
The experience itself is typical of most spin classes. You’ll follow your instructor’s cadence and resistance instructions (as well as their curated playlist) via a pair of provided Bluetooth headphones that’s reminiscent of Silent Disco. To be honest but fair, the bikes themselves are a little worn. Being on the beach will do that to any sort of equipment. So don’t expect Peloton-esque quality or technology (there’s no video display and resistance is controlled by a traditional turn-knob), but the bikes are more than adequate IMO as long as you know what you’re getting in advance. Just remember - you’re spinning on the freaking beach! How awesome it that?!
If your schedule allows, I HIGHLY recommend taking a sunset class which typically begins at 4:30/4:45PM. Seeing the orange glow of a setting sun majestically dip below the horizon is absolutely breathtaking… that or your instructor is pushing you to the max at that particular moment. Either way, go enjoy!
RESOURCES:
Beach Cycle website.
