By Rusty Bradshaw
Independent Newsmedia

First it was pickleball, now the new trend activity is spin cycling and some residents want it included in Recreation Centers of Sun City offerings.

Resident Steve Oaks made an application to RCSC officials for a spin cycling club and included a request for RCSC to purchase equipment. When his request did not get a favorable response, he took his case to the board during the June 12 member/director exchange.

“When I sent in the club stuff I was told club members would have to purchase the spin cycles,” Mr. Oaks said. “Club members are not interested in that.”

Spin cycle bikes are similar to regular indoor exercise bicycles except they offer the rider more control over the tension and quality of exercise. Spin cycles also have video upgrades that can simulate an outdoor bike ride, according to Mr. Oaks.

“Spin cycling encourages a full cardio workout,” he said. “It also provides an indoor opportunity for bike riders.”

Mr. Oaks said club members’ reluctance to purchase equipment for the club is that it would then become RCSC property and they may see less use of it.

However, that would only be a requirement if the equipment was restricted to club member use.

“It is like the clay club, which is limited to club members,” explained Rich Hoffer, RCSC board president. “They have to buy their kilns.”

If a spin cycling facility were established by RCSC for all cardholders, regardless of club membership, the club purchase requirement would not apply, according to Mr. Hoffer.

“Some of our group asked if we even needed a club. I think we could do either,” Mr. Oaks said. “We are open to ideas and suggestions.”

Resident Vic Hagerman said a spin cycling facility is really what is expected, not necessarily a club.

“Call it a spin facility so it can be used by all cardholders, like the wood shop or golf,” he said.

Dave Weiland, RCSC board member, said one of the biggest obstacles to creating a spin cycling facility is lack of space. RCSC purchased last year a former Asian buffet restaurant on Grand Avenue specifically to increase club space. Following a year of research and town hall meetings, the board has yet to make a decision about the building’s use.

“We’re just not quite sure where something like this would go,” he said.

Mr. Hoffer agreed this activity is something next generation residents are interested in.

“The question is, just how do we configure it,” he said.

Equipment cost is also a concern. Mr. Oaks proposed purchasing top-of-the-line bikes, which he estimated cost about $1,500 each. He also estimated there would be a need for about 12 bikes. The activity is not intended just for individual use but for classes as well, he said.

“You can get bikes for $300-$400, but then you are doing more maintenance on them,” Mr. Oaks explained.
He added the cycles can be folded up and stored so any room selected for the facility would not have to be exclusive to that activity.