Hello and Happy Summer Solstice, Team Out Fitness!
I’m Bridget. My wife Lucy and I own the Randolph building that Out Fitness calls home. I’ve been a supporter since day one, a good friend of JJ’s, and a proud wearer of my Out Fitness tank top and/or hoodie wherever I go. 
About five years ago, I never would have called myself an athletic person. During the pandemic, though, I challenged myself to learn how to run by completing 13 5Ks in 13 months, and it completely changed my relationship with fitness.
As a parent, a queer person, and really just another person trying to navigate “earth school” and the rollercoaster ride of life, running, and more recently cycling, have become about so much more than exercise. They’ve helped me build a foundation for wellness, support my mental health, connect with community, and prioritize myself in ways I never expected.
Because I always like to look for the next growing edge, this summer I’m taking on a couple of big adventures. In late July, I’ll be riding the Pan Ohio Hope Ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati -380 miles over four days - to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Then in August, I’ll be attempting my first sprint triathlon (750 meter open water swim, 20K biking, and 5k run) at the Tri CLE.
I’d love to create opportunities to learn what adventures, races or rides others in this community are working toward as well. Maybe you’re already signed up for Pan Ohio, Tri CLE, another race, or something completely different. If so, let’s rep Team Out Fitness together!
One of the things I appreciate most about Out Fitness is the sense of being connected to a broader group of people with shared values. As I continue exploring cycling, I’d love to connect with others who ride or are simply working toward their own goals. Whether it’s sharing routes, training tips, opportunities to ride together, or creative ways to be ‘accountabilibuddies’, I’m excited to become more connected with this community.
More broadly, I’m always interested in finding ways to build togetherness around wellness, movement, and adventure. My brother lives in Costa Rica, and we’ve explored the idea of creating opportunities for Out Fitness members to connect there someday through a retreat. I love the idea of helping people build connections (both near and far) around the things that keep us well individually as well as collectively.
If you’d like to learn more about or support my Pan Ohio Hope Ride, here’s my fundraising page.
I am also still rumbling with the idea of a group bike ride sometime in July as well as finding other ways to stay connected, if that sparks interest for you, please let me know and stay tuned.
Cheers to a sweet Cleveland Out Fitness summertime filled with many adventures!