ATHLEISURE LIST | RIDE & SEEK BICYCLE ADVENTURES

There are many ways to immerse yourself into a vaction. Some love to relax and others want to go for an adventure which is where Ride & Seek Bicycle Adventures comes in. If you’re looking to see Japan, we suggest trying their 2 historical cycling adventures. They have a 14-day tour of Hokkaido to see the nature and grandeur of Japan’s northernmost island. They also have a 13-day Kyushu tour which is on the enchanting islands and inland sea in the south of the country.

During both tours, guests will stay in Japanese inns and Western-style hotels. You’ll enjoy traditional cuisine and baths in an array of natural hot springs.

For those interested in the Hokkairdo Tour, this takes place Sep 3-16, 2026 and starts at $8,960 per person based on double occupancy. Those taking this tour will enjoy remote and peaceful cycling routes on this guided tour. You’ll navigate roads, forests, plains, volcanic landscapes, caldera lakes, and towering peaks.

You’ll enjoy crossing the Tokachi Plain to learn about indigenous Ainu culture and cycle through vibrant flower fields of Daisetsuzan National Park. You’ll enjoy Niseko’s breathtaking Panorama Line and travel the coast of Shakotan Peninsula which is known for its blue waters and world class seafood. You’ll enjoy soaking in the mineral rich waters of Shirogane Onsen and enjoying the lively cities of Asahikawa and Sapporo. You’ll also enjoy the depth of Japanese cuisine from hearty miso to amazing sushi.

The Kyushu Tour, is Oct. 30-Nov. 11, 2026, starting at $8,320. You’ll start on Honshu and cross Shikoku and continue into Kyushu where you will wind through stunning gorges of Oboke and Koboke with waterfalls of Takachiho Gorge, bridges of Shimanami Kaido, lush valleys, and geothermal wonderlands filled with volcanic peaks (those that circle Mount Aso one of the world’s largest active calderas) and the riverside baths of Kurokawa Onsen in the artistic town of Yufuin. You will also see samurai castles and rich warrior heritage in Kumamoto. From a culinary perspective, you’ll enjoy regional specialties like thick udon noodles and savory tonkotsu ramen.

Tours include all accommodations, all breakfasts and group dinners, most lunches, nutrition for rides, Ride & Seek kit and water bottle, GPS with preloaded routes, knowledgeable guides and airport transfers.

RIDE & SEEK

Check out these 2 tours as well as others that are available to book.

rideandseek.com

IG @rideandseekers

PHOTOS COURTESY | Ride & Seek

Read the FEB ISSUE #122 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Ride & Seek Bicycle Adventures in mag.

TOP 6 RIGHT CYCLING OUTFIT APPARENT DURING WARM WEATHER

Always be keen on the type of bike clothing you wear, depending on the weather. Choosing the right cycling outfit will give you better riding experience. It will also keep you safe from side effects caused by freezing or warm weather. You don’t have to sweat or shiver when cycling. In this article, we are going to talk about the right outfits for warm weather.  

Warm weather cycling outfit

1. Sunglasses:  Invest in sunglasses that has a full –coverage lens and clear view. It is the right cycling shade for summer. Ensure the lens of the glass you buy is water, oil, and dirt resistant. The advantage of this is that you won’t break your ride to clean sweat. Such lenses also have a system to help you straightforwardly switch between tints. This will help you change to the right color that suits the current weather condition.

2. Jersey: Enjoy your summer jersey by picking a light fabric. The fabric stretches, so don’t worry about feeling restricted. The jersey has features like rear pockets you can use to keep your valuables. Ensure you purchase one that has a mesh panel to allow more air to circulate within your body. And this makes it perfect for humid weather.

3. Padded cycling shorts: If you don’t want to experience saddle sores then consider using padded compression cycling shorts. This will give you the required protection from the saddle. So ensure you invest in the right seat as well as cycling apparel to avoid any sore. Padded cycling shorts also allow you to ride comfortably as your legs move freely regardless of resistance and chafing.

4. Summer shoe: Perfect shoes for cycling during summer must have space for ventilation. It is even better if it has some sections of breathable mesh and ventilated soles. This will help balance the temperature in your feet during hot and humid days. These shoes are costly, but in the long run, you will enjoy the reward. 

5. Sun sleeves: When the weather is warm, it is better to invest in sun sleeves. They protect your skin from the adverse effects of the sun while keeping you fresh at the same time. Also, they are lighter in design to ensure you remain flexible as you cycle. Sun sleeves have broader gripper to offer you comfort and protection against harmful sun rays. 

6. Specialized helmet: This helmet is specifically designed to let in air. It has an area left for ventilation to improve breathing and air circulation. Its cooling system with internal channels, large vents and so on, makes it perfect for hot weather. 

Bottom line

In hot weather, you will need lightweight cycling apparel to ensure you enjoy your ride as you remain cool. The above-discussed cycling clothing will ensure you breathe well and feel light during such weather. Also, you will not sweat a lot under the sun-resistant material used to make such garments.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

FIRST UCI ASIA TOUR CLASS 1.1 ROAD RACE FLARES CYCLING FEVER IN HONG KONG CYCLOTHON

The Hong Kong Cyclothon 2017 came back for it's 3rd year on Sunday, October 8th.

The race intensity soared to a climax in the first ever UCI Class 1.1 road race in Hong Kong, where 17 professional teams from 12 countries and regions including UCI World Teams ORICA-SCOTT and UAE Team Emirates vied for victory. Champion of Hong Kong Cyclothon 2016 International Criterium Matej Mohoric of UCI World Team UAE Team Emirates raced against keen competition among other world-class riders and triumphed in the UCI Asia Tour Class 1.1 Road Race. He also won gold in a sprint along the winding course upon the cityscape in front of Victoria Harbour.

Prior to the exciting professional race, thousands of international and local cycling enthusiasts flocked to Tsim Sha Tsui in anticipation of the 50km Ride before twilight. They were exhilarated by the exclusive opportunity to speed across the iconic Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and Stonecutters Bridge on bicycle.
 

ATHLEISURE LIST | ICE NYC

For the past couple of years, we have had a number of friends who have embraced CrossFit, a high-intensity fitness program incorporating elements from several sports and types of exercise within a period of time. This allows you to through various intervals of training to keep your body in motion and to hit a greater range of items across your body! 

Home of Camille LeBlanc-Bazinet, "The Fittest Woman on Earth", ICE NYC infuses music, dedicated coaches and challenging workouts that are scalable based on the participant's skill level. Classes that one can select range from CrossFit, HIIT, Yoga, Row and Cycling. Each class utilizes body weight movements, kettle bells, medicine balls, bands, sandbags, rowing machines, bikes and more depending on the theme of the class. Throughout the class, you hear your progress and it is adjusted as needed to fit your goals. 

Prior to and after class, you can enjoy amenities including locker rooms, showers, towel and laundry service. Private label juices and freshly prepared health-conscious foods are available as a way to nourish the body.

ICE NYC is the newest luxury group fitness studio to hit TriBeCa with another location on the UES as well as a fitness partnership in Antigua and Barbuda.

ICE NYC

• 330 E. 59th St NY, NY 10010
• 93 Worth St NY, NY 10013
• Jumby Jay at Rosewood Resort on Jumby Bay Island, Antigua + Barbuda

Read more from the Feb Issue and this month's Athleisure List in mag.

CYCLE BOUND WITH BRYAN VOLTAGGIO + DUFF GOLDMAN

This May, 300 notable chefs and food industry professionals will come together for the annual Chef's Cycle for No Kid Hungry. The third annual ride includes a number of your favorite chefs, and as many are in training mode now, we took a moment with to chat with James Beard Award nominee Bryan Voltaggio of Volt, Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse (MD) and Range (MD) and Charm City Cakes and Food Network's Duff Goldman to see how they came to participate, their training and what they eat when they need a boost.

AM: How long have you worked with No Kid Hungry and why?

BRYAN VOLTAGGIO: I have been working with No Kid Hungry since 2004, and I began by hosting fundraising dinners for them in Washington, D.C. when I was working for Charlie Palmer. As a chef, we are asked to do so much work with different charities. That’s when it really clicked for me -- as I moved forward in my career, I wanted to attach to something measurable and achievable, and No Kid Hungry helped me do that. Feeding our country’s kids is something we can actually accomplish; I cook for a living as well, so I feel like I have a stake in the game. I am not a doctor, scientist, or politician. I cannot cure diseases, but I can help end childhood hunger in America. Since deciding to focus my efforts on one goal, I have had the opportunity to see change happen, be a part of the conversation, and meet some incredible people who share this same passion. Billy and Debbie Shore (cofounders of Share Our Strength, the organization behind No Kid Hungry) have remained the humble champions of this movement and have managed to put together a force that will certainly see the end to this problem. It is their leadership and commitment that is so inspiring.

DUFF GOLDMAN: I've been working with No Kid Hungry for almost 10 years. What's most important to me is that we are chefs, and our job by definition is feeding people. No Kid Hungry works to feed hungry kids, so the fact that so many people in the culinary community actively support them isn't surprising. Most of the work I do on and off camera is with kids. Kids not getting enough to eat, especially in this country with our vast resources, is appalling to me, so anything I can do to get kids fed so they can focus on being kids is the most impactful thing I can do as a chef and as a person.

AM: How long have you been in Chef Cycle and what are you excited about?

BV: This is my third year riding in Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry. I am by no means a veteran and or pro at this. I bought a bike before the first Chefs Cycle ride from NYC to D.C. in 2014, and I put maybe 100-200 miles on the bike before heading up to the start. We left NYC that first morning, and I asked myself, "What the hell are you getting yourself into?" I somehow made the trip -- the whole trip -- and I have never felt a better sense of accomplishment in my life. I became hooked. This year, I look forward to seeing more first-timers and sharing my story in hopes to inspire them to make the trip. I want to see everyone hit their expectations and goals,  and if I can lend a hand, that will be the most rewarding.    

DG: This will be my second year participating in Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry. It's amazing how in just a year I have been consumed by riding my bike. I've always loved riding bikes as a kid, but I am the farthest thing from any kind of endurance athlete. Road biking was always a mystery to me, but now that I have been doing it regularly, it has changed my life. Mentally, I always do better on days when I've ridden. Riding centers me, allows me to daydream and work stuff out, and gets me out of the kitchen/studio and into the sunshine. Physically, I've dropped about 30 pounds since this time last year, and I've noticed a significant improvement in my cardiovascular fitness. I have more energy, I'm in a better mood, and my body just craves good food. When I'm riding every day, I eat clean effortlessly. The thought of a cheeseburger right now is almost gross...almost.

The other thing I love about cycling is how welcoming the other really good cyclists have been. Jeff Mahin, Bryan Voltaggio, Chris Cosentino, and Jason Roberts are all really good cyclists and far from being elitist, which is a fear I think lots of people have etting into cycling. Don't believe it. Everyone at the bike store is really cool, I promise. My best memory from last year's ride was when I was struggling to get up some hills, and Jeff and Jason took turns riding next to me with their hands on my back and helped me up. It was really amazing to see how cycling can be a team sport. Last year, I had no expectations of how well I would do on the ride, and I ended up completing just shy of 100 miles in three days. As I've been training this year, I've gotten close to 70 miles in a day, so I guess I would say my goal this year is to get to 200. That may not sound like much to the really good cyclists out there, but for me that would be a monster effort.

AM: What do you listen to in training?
 
BV: I am currently training in the basement of my home. I live in Maryland, and right now it’s wet, cold, and we could get snow. So I cheat a bit while riding on the trainer and catch up on ESPN and or watch a movie, since my actual human trainer makes me ride for more than an hour and a half at a time. 

DG: Zeppelin. Lots of Zeppelin. Also Junip, Flaming Lips, Aesop Rock, ATCQ, Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Jose Gonzalez, Fu Manchu, QOTSA, Coltrane, Fela Kuti. RATM and, some other stuff.

AM: How are you training for this ride and are you an avid cyclist?

BV: I can’t call myself an avid cyclist -- I call myself a “want-to-be” avid cyclist. I want to incorporate riding into my daily schedule and commute more this year. I work so much that I cannot go for those long to stay on the bike daily and ride shorter – two to three times per day maybe. 

DG: I'm not following a specific training routine other than riding my bike for as long as I can as often as possible. So far, I've been sticking to the beach where it's relatively flat, but once I am doing good strong 50 mile rides consistently, I'm going to be tackling hills. Yay. 

AM: What is the best Power Breakfast you can eat when you're about to ride?

BV: I have shakes with fruit and protein in mornings -- my wife encourages that. On some days, eggs simply on a couple pieces of whole grain bread and avocado do the trick. 

DG: For me it's two eggs, turkey or fish, and mixed fruit. Usually pineapple, oranges, mangoes, apples, watermelon, a quart of water, and a big ol' coffee. 

AM: What on the go snacks do you eat when you're looking for energy?

BV: I like to make bars with dried figs, nuts and seeds that I can pack easily in my kit. I also really like Justin’s packaged nut butters. The flavors are great, they are easy to eat on the ride. I want my nutrition on the bike to be as delicious as possible. I like to mix it up.

DG: I always ride with a backpack on, so packing heavier stuff isn't an issue. I only eat fruit on a ride. I like oranges, because it reminds me of soccer games when I was a kid, and also I get a nice break peeling the orange as opposed to just sucking on some gel. There's also a great poke joint in Venice Beach that I sometimes treat myself to.

AM: How do you stay fit in general?

BV: Fit, hmmmm how do you define that -- HA! I spend as much time on the bike as I can. I hate to run, even though I played soccer for 14 years of my life growing up. Maybe that’s why I was the goalkeeper...

DG: I love lifting. All the sports I played in High School and college were very explosive. Football, ice hockey, and lacrosse, so lifting has been part of my life since I was 14. But adding cycling to the routine has been incredible. I feel much more balanced, and my workouts in the gym have become much more effective because my muscles give out before my lungs do. That's huge.

AM: How do you juggle your busy schedule and take time for yourself?

BV: It’s most important for me to figure out how to juggle my family life with everything I have going on. Work is easy to balance, because while I have a bunch of restaurants, I also have a great team that supports them. I am lucky to have a great team that helps ease the stress of operating a business. Working as a chef means that I am working while most families are have dinner together, so I make sure to carve out special time with my family and fit in time to stay on the bike. That is why in 2017, I plan to commute more via two wheels. I have spent time in Copenhagen, Denmark, and if they can do it in that climate, I can do it here. 

DG: It's almost impossible, but the only way is to be disciplined in your allocation of time. If I let work have me, it will take every waking moment. It's just a decision that you have to make to take the time to get on your bike. The snooze button is the absolute enemy. When that alarm goes off...GET UP.

Read more from the Jan Issue.

Before You Tap Back

Soul Cycle. What exactly is Soul Cycle and how will I make it out alive? We all know about the fun clothing, social media shoutouts to your favorite instructors, celebrity cult following, and oh-so-much more. For newbies, it could be a daunting task to live up to the mystic of Soul Cycle - or even know how to properly get clipped into a bike. Whether you’re a spinning novice or a pro who is switching up studios, we have the answers for you! After an intense
class, we sat down with one of our favorite Soul Cycle instructors Samantha J who gave us in the inside scoop for both people who have never been to a Soul Cycle class and beginners. A friendly word of advice, book one of her classes noon on Monday (yes, make sure to book at noon), and after implementing these tips, get ready to tap it back!

NISIM FRANK: What’s your advice before your first Soul Cycle class?

SAMANTHA J: Introduce Yourself - First, make sure to arrive 15-20 minutes early and right off the bat, introduce yourself to the front desk as a first time rider. Although they know in the system, making them aware, they will help you get set up on your bike. When you enter the studio, make sure to introduce yourself to the instructor if they haven’t introduced themselves
to you and let them know you’re new.

Get yourself a gel cushion seat! They might not always tell you that they have them - but they do. With all the work in and out of the saddle, its important for a first time (or few times) to really get the gel seat.

Drink a lot of water - Stay fully hydrated at all times. I would drink a full water bottle before you even get to the class to stay hydrated throughout the class.

Don’t try to keep up at first. Don’t let the pressure of trying to keep up with people who are regulars get to you. Sit down and come out when you can. Try and hit the beat up out of the saddle and don’t do the choreography until you feel ready to do it with properly hitting the beat. Your body might not be ready to do it yet, so I would build up your endurance until you’re able to do those things.

NF: Once you get the Soul Cycle bug, what would be a tip that you would give somebody that starts to go a handful of times?

SJ: Soul 101 - Say you go to classes three to five times or so and aren’t getting how to do a tap back or how their feet are moving so quickly. Soul 101 breaks down each movement and each peddle stroke meticulously and seamlessly so at the end of the program (it’s three classes for a special rate) you’re confident and ready to go when you’re back in that room!

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Be Consistent - In order to get good at anything, you have to practice at it, which means coming to Soul Cycle classes regularly. Taking a week off after a class because its exhausting doesn’t help. Some instructors are harder than others so I would try a bunch of different ones, everybody in Soul Cycle is hand-picked and is great.

Cross Train - You absolutely need to cross train. Now if you’re a Soul Cycle bad ass and are going three to five times a week, you want to do something else to compliment your workout. Pilates is my personal favorite, it’s fantastic for your body. At Soul Cycle, we’re working on a lot of core muscles and at Pilates, you’re working on tiny ones that help balance out your body to stay, strong, fit, and safe.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | SoulCycle

Nisim Frank is based in NYC and is the Co-Founder of Labeling Men.

Athleisure List - Chicago, Studio Three

The allure of boutique studio fitness gyms is primarily because of the focus of various methods within the community that the creators generate. When the privately held group, BlitzLake opened Studio Three in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood, it was the culmination of peeling the layers behind a number of fitness centers across the country to unveil a niche that had yet to be exposed.

In late fall 2015, the first of it’s kind (having these disciplines under one roof), Studio Three has 16,000 square feet featuring Peloton® Indoor Cycling, Interval Training and Yoga on three separate, synergized levels, all under one roof. In addition, the group selected instructors that are leaders in their industry with elite fitness backgrounds to create classes that are complimentary for maximum results across disciplines. By providing the necessary ultimate fitness experience, they also facilitate a sense of community and comfort for its members. The very name denotes the three places that matter – home, work and your third space.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Studio Three

In addition there are an array of amenities that are best in class for guests to enjoy. These include natural, organic skincare and grooming products by EO. An exclusive partnership with Real Good Juice Co, provides a cold-pressed juice bar and cafe with lounge area that has complimentary Wi-Fi. As the space is meant to be a retreat, there are additional common seating areas on each level which allows guests to continue to come together and socialize beyond classroom walls. In addition to Peleoton® Boutique assortments, Studio Three guests will also enjoy the fitness studio’s athletic apparel within the main floor of the retail space starting this month.

As the first and only facility in Chicago, and the second in the country to feature live Peloton cycling classes, an in-studio and at-home fitness solution for live and on-demand spin classes comprised of trackable metrics and a fun, competitive edge, on its main floor. Peloton has been
heralded as “the best cardio machine on the planet” by Men’s Health and described as “easily the best indoor workout” by the lower level of Studio Three houses their Interval studio which features true interval training based on your effort (and not miles per hour) and strength-based classes, including TORCH60, TORCH45, AMPED60 and AMPED45. They believe that everyone is an athlete and classes are inclusive and
accessible to all fitness levels.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Studio Three

Their Interval Training sessions are group experiences designed to create a body that moves, feels and performs better while burning calories long after the workout is over. Its advances sound system and lighting immerses you in the experience to assist in driving you forward. You’ll use the latest in advances Woodway treadmills, water rowers and loaded movement technology to transform your body and break your barriers.

On the upper level, a number of hot, restorative and athletic yoga classes are offered to allow minds and bodies to detox, relax and rejuvenate. Featuring floor to ceiling windows and space for more than 50 mats, the yoga studio is also outfitted with radiant heat panels and fully adjustable
temperature and humidity levels. 

In addition to the newly launched Interval Training classes. Those who attend Studio Three will launch new Yoga classes in the upper level! This also includes a class to complement current classes available in the interval and Peloton studios.

This studio definitely offers a number of options for those that are dedicated to a specific workout or to switch it up depending on your mood.

STUDIO THREE QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: 648 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60654
OPENED: Nov 18, 2015

STUDIO FITNESS FOCUS: Choose sessions that utilizes Peleton® Indoor Cycling, Yoga and Interval Training

COLD PRESSED JUICE BAR: In partnership with Real Good Juice Co which includes a cafe