Giving Up the Grind for the JoyRide in Downtown Ridgefield

Business: JoyRide Ridgefield
Owners: Corey Londoner & Amy Pal
Website: www.joyrideridgefield.com
Address: 62 Danbury Road, Ridgefield

How did you come up with the name?
We licensed it! We negotiated the very first license with JoyRide Cycling Studio because we thought it would be an amazing addition to town. And so, JoyRide Ridgefield was born!

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
There simply could not have been a better location. We like that it was not only central, but had synergistic neighbors like Parma Deli and Buddhi Mat Yoga who we partner with.

Briefly, what business are you in?
We are a boutique, dedicated spin studio with 35 top of the line Schwinn bikes.

What's the most difficult moment or challenge you've faced as a business owner?
The most daunting thing about opening JoyRide was the uncertainty. There has never been a boutique spin studio in Ridgefield, so we didn't know if it would take off... we had to take an enormous leap of faith.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
The first realtor that showed us the property told us that ours was a ridiculous idea and he rattled off a bunch of statistics to try and discourage us. He thought we were absolutely out of our minds! We could have listened to him but instead we followed our instincts, fired him and struck up a deal on the lease on our own. That was the first smart decision we made!

What's been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Definitely raising more than $12,000 for Smilow Cancer Hospital in our first ever charity ride — which was held less than a week after we opened.

What's the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
We get all kinds of ideas from customers for our "theme rides." Whether it's Rihanna, Grunge or Old School Hip Hop our theme rides have been hugely popular.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
We don't really have difficult customers... this is JOYride. :)

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
Since we opened just over two months ago, JoyRide has held one charity ride and two fundraising events that were all very successful. For charity events and fundraisers we dedicate our entire studio and all profits go to the cause. Plus we offer extremely low rates for any athletic teams that want to cross train and we've already held three such events. We are appealing to teens for a great healthy alternative for a fun time out with "glow" rides and regular teen rides twice a week — which we'll soon increase to 3. And finally we are offering a Triathlon class specific for athletes in training.

We opened JoyRide with the aim for it to be far more than just a place to get a topnotch work out. This is where you can go to have not only have an amazing work out, but go with your friends and feel like you are a part of an amazing community.

This article is part of Patch's series highlighting local businesses in our community. Learn more about the series, and if you're a small business, fill out the form to be included, by checking out this link.