The grand opening of Melina DiPaola’s “Ride” North End this week brings a state-of-the-art indoor cycling studio to the neighborhood. Located at 420 Commercial Street, on the corner of Hanover across from the U.S. Coast Guard station, the completely renovated exercise facility occupies the property formerly used by a gas station and Segway tour company.
And there’s more! Soon to open adjacent to the cycling studio is the first brick-n-mortar shop for e.t.c. juicery, combining the worlds of juicing with fitness.
The indoor cycling studio features the latest bikes, sound system and wild lights for spin classes led by a line-up of experienced instructors, including Melina. When we stopped by to check out the space, each rider was being setup before the class with bike shoes and proper seat height adjustments. Next, the overhead lights are dimmed as the black lights set the mood with beat music. Then, they’re off as the instructor starts the ride along a series of ascents, sprints, pushups and intervals suited to the cardio desires of the mixed-level participants.
Ride North End owner Melina DiPaola says she fell in love with indoor cycling during her time at Emerson College and after years of going to the gym with her Dad. “I am driven to share my passion for cycling’s intense physical workout combined with a mental release,” she says. “It’s especially exciting to be the first cycling studio in the North End and to have a physical location for my e.t.c. juicery.”
e.t.c. juicery is expected to open in a month or so adjacent to the spin studio, offering raw, cold pressed juice. While still at Emerson, DiPaola started the juicery. Together, the plan is to offer both fitness and nutrition in the joined space, that also includes a customer lounge.
Typical of small businesses in the North End, you don’t have to look far to find family. Melina’s Dad, Damien DiPaola, is a native North Ender and cycling class regular when he’s not running his own eatery at Vito’s Tavern or cooking at Carmelina’s Restaurant. Melina’s Mom, Robyn, is helping out too and often found at the front counter when you check-in.
During opening week, Ride North End is offering free classes for those who donate to Boston Children’s Hospital.
Find schedules and rates, at their website and Facebook page.
Great ‘upbeat’ news, and very refreshing to see some action on that corner…….and it is uplifting see, rather than another restaurant!
Good luck “RIDE”.
yeah melina, go girllllll
Thank you everyone for the above supportive comments! Hope to see you there!