Ascend Cycle To Close In Del Ray At End Of 2021

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Ascend Cycle, an indoor cycling studio and woman-owned small business in Del Ray, announced it will close at the end of 2021.

Owner Kat Zajac announced the Dec. 31, 2021 closure at 2417 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, in a message to followers on Instagram. Zajac cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying she had been trying to avoid a closure.

"Having to walk away from Ascend, a business I’ve poured my heart and soul into over the past 7 years, I look back and know that this end result does not come from a lack of effort," Zajac wrote. "From creating an outdoor studio, to online programs, to moving our location to save on rent, to being as frugal as possible, we made every effort imaginable to stay alive."

Ascend Cycle was started by Zajac to empower all riders regardless of their athletic ability. Classes work between aerobic and anaerobic zones to help riders be able to ride at a higher intensity for a longer time. Riders have a silent disco-type class with music and instructors' microphones streamed into headphones.

The business had celebrated its seventh anniversary in November. Zajac thanked instructors and other team members who have helped the business over the years. She also thanked class participants "who have shown up and continue to show up."

"Ascend is a reminder that you can rise up to challenges, and that failure makes you stronger," Zajac shared. "You’ve proven it on that bike, please don’t forget it. Keep climbing higher, friends."

To find upcoming classes before the business closes, visit www.ascendcycle.com.