A Bittersweet Goodbye to R/DE at B/SPOKE Federal

Facing My Fears in the Final Class

When I heard that B/SPOKE's Federal St. location would no longer offer R/DE classes, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. This is the place where my love for R/DE began back in 2019, and I knew I had to be part of one of the final classes. After all, this studio is where my journey with spin took off, and I wasn’t about to miss out on the chance to ride one last time.

But there was one problem—I was waitlisted for days. I kept checking my email obsessively, hoping for a spot, and just when I was about to give up hope, it happened. I finally secured a spot in Booch and Trey's Tag Team R/DE. I was beyond excited—until I saw my bike assignment: Spot 6, front and center.

Cue the panic.

The Anxiety Kicks In: Front and Center?!

I’ll admit it—when I saw that bike placement, I freaked out. I started thinking, “What if everyone’s looking at me?” or “What if I mess up and can’t keep up with the class?” My anxiety hit hard. I was honestly considering canceling my spot and letting someone else take it, but after being waitlisted for so long, I didn’t want to let my nerves get the best of me. So, I reminded myself that I’ve never regretted going to a class and committed to showing up—front and center, and all.

The Class: Next-Level Energy

Walking into the studio, my nerves were still buzzing a bit, but as soon as Booch and Trey started the class, all that fear evaporated. The energy in the room was electric. The music was bumping, and both the instructors and riders brought their A-game.

Within minutes, I was too focused on the ride and the fun to care about anything else. The rhythm, the lights, the beat—it was all so immersive that I completely forgot I was front and center. And then, out of nowhere, surprise confetti started raining down while lightsticks lit up the room. It was like being at a party on a bike, and the joy in the room was contagious.

What I Learned: It’s Not About Perfection

By the end of class, I felt incredible. As I unclipped from my bike, sweaty and covered in confetti, I couldn’t believe how close I had come to canceling. If I had let my anxiety win, I would have missed out on one of the most fun, memorable rides to date.

And here’s the thing: no one was looking at me. Everyone was there to have a great time, support each other, and ride together. It didn’t matter that I was in the front row, or whether I hit every beat perfectly. What mattered was that I showed up, gave it my best, and had a blast.

That class was a powerful reminder that it’s okay not to be perfect. The most important thing is to enjoy the experience, whether you’re front and center or in the back corner.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back

So, if you’re ever feeling anxious about showing up or worried that you won’t be “good enough,” remember this: no one’s looking at you as critically as you are. Everyone’s in it together, supporting each other, and having fun. I’m so glad I didn’t let my nerves win that day. I walked out of that class feeling empowered, happy, and proud that I pushed through my anxiety.

And trust me—when you let go of those fears, the ride is so much more enjoyable.