Riding for Pride: The 5 Recipients of Mariana Tek’s Pride Scholarship

As June comes to a close, we’re excited to reflect on another vibrant Pride Month filled with celebration, community, and inclusivity. This year, we launched The Mariana Tek Pride Scholarship Initiative to support fitness studios making a meaningful impact in their communities and the LGBTQIA+ community.

We partnered with studios dedicated to fostering inclusivity, and we’re thrilled to spotlight five outstanding partners: Torrent Cycle, EDGE, Cyclone Spin Studio, Steel House Cycle, and NYXX Cycle + Strength. Each studio showcased remarkable initiatives that not only celebrated Pride but also uplifted their communities.

In this blog post, we’ll share their incredible stories and the impact they made during Pride Month 2025. Let’s dive in and celebrate these champions of Pride!

Meet the Recipients of Mariana Tek’s 2025 Pride Scholarship

EDGE Cycle – San Diego, CA

“At EDGE, celebrating love and inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do.” Shared the team. This year, EDGE hosted their #PRIDEINMOTION event, featuring a full day of themed rides that brought the community together in a vibrant celebration. Each rider received a custom keychain with the empowering message, “If you’re here, you belong,” reinforcing their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all. Ria emphasized the importance of “real representation in the fitness industry,” advocating for the hiring of queer instructors and fostering inclusivity that extends beyond just Pride Month.

NYXX Cycle + Strength – Cincinnati, OH

“Pride is incredibly important to us at NYXX Cycle + Strength, and we love to celebrate it with our community.” Nick Melnyk, founder and owner, shared the excitement of their annual Drag Rides, which featured two dynamic classes co-taught by Nick and his colleague Eric, alongside performances from three fabulous drag queens. This year, they raised funds for Cincinnati Pride, where they proudly participated as a presenting sponsor and even had a float in the parade. The studio also hosted a lively block party on the day of their Drag Ride, complete with a mechanical bull! Nick emphasized the importance of creating an open and accepting space for all, stating, “As a gay owner, it’s vital for me to ensure that everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background and hope to see more studios being outspoken about inclusivity, encouraging a world that is more accepting and loving.” 

Cyclone Spin Studio – Kitchener, Ontario

“Pride is incredibly important to us at Cyclone because we believe fitness should be accessible to everyone.” Erica Signer, founder of Cyclone Spin Studio, shared their exciting plans for a donation-based event benefiting Spectrum Waterloo. Their Pride ride featured a live drag performance, creating an unforgettable experience for participants. Erica highlighted the significance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in this video:

Torrent Cycle – Salt Lake City, Utah

Mike and Dan, Co-founders of Torrent Cycle, shared their commitment to inclusivity and community support. This year, they hosted their 7th annual Charity Ride for Encircle, a local nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth and their families, raising over $1,000 for them. They also organized a lively DJ Pride ride and have plans for a drag ride, emphasizing that “you don’t need to fit in, you belong, just as you

are.”

The Mariana Tek Team Showing Up For Pride

In addition to supporting these five exceptional studios with the Mariana Tek Pride Scholarship, we also encouraged our Mariana Tek team to head out to local studios that were hosting pride events.

By sharing these stories, we inspire others in the fitness industry to embrace inclusivity and advocate for change. The impact of these events extends beyond the celebrations themselves; they serve as a call to action for studios to create similar initiatives that promote diversity and acceptance.

These studios take ownership of their role in shaping a more inclusive fitness landscape, where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. These stories not only highlight the importance of community but also encourage ongoing dialogue around LGBTQ+ representation, fostering an environment where all individuals can find belonging and support.

As we conclude our celebration of Pride Month, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the studios and individuals who participated and made a meaningful impact. Your commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is truly inspiring. Together, we can continue to create spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered.

We encourage our readers to get involved and support these incredible studios and their associated nonprofits. Whether through participation in events, spreading awareness, or simply showing up, every action contributes to a more inclusive fitness landscape. Stay tuned for more stories of community impact and discover ways to foster inclusion beyond Pride Month. Together, let’s keep the spirit of Pride alive throughout the year!