JACKSON, Wyo. — Rock the Ride, the beloved “party on a bike” founded by Julie Guttormson and shuttered during the pandemic, returned bolder and brighter on March 11, 2023 at The Virginian Lodge to raise money for St. John’s Health Foundation (SJHF).

Guttormson, VIM studio owner who also founded the new nonprofit Rock On Society, brought her dream back to life by hosting the night-time event with talented Schwinn® Indoor Cycling Master Trainers and celebrated event DJ.

Since March 2020, Guttormson dreamt and plotted to bring Rock the Ride to life again, in a big way. When she did, she wanted some of the same magic of years past, with a bold twist for the future.

“I believed nighttime would open up a new audience,” Guttormson said. “My favorite time to teach at VIM is when it’s dark outside and the LED lights are blazing. I wanted that same vibe for Rock the Ride. Add that with dancing and costumes and it has never been just an event, it has always been a true experience.”

The beginning

What began in 2016 with 16 bikes and 60 participants grew to 56 bikes, 250+ participants and spectators by 2020. Guttormson believed she was wired for what might be ahead; after all, helping people feel good was what she did best.

“Group fitness is pretty powerful,” Guttormson said. “The music, the motivation, the energy, the camaraderie can help you through each season of life. I know this first-hand because as a group fitness coach for over 30 years, this elixir has moved me through every season of my own life. I just knew this is what people would need.”

But the journey was long, daunting and harder than imagined as the years passed. Rock the Ride on March 8, 2020, was the “last party” in Jackson before the pandemic officially hit. The event raised over $117,000 for stroke and cardiac patients through SJHF.

During this time, Guttormson reimagined her fitness studio, adding new class offerings utilizing her favorite equipment and providing livestream and on demand classes at VIM. Fewer people attending classes opened a door to bring in the type of movement she was craving herself.

“People’s needs had changed and honestly, I was ready for the change as well. Those who stayed with VIM throughout these tough times appreciated the thoughtful variety for their bodies and minds. This and my positive outlook on the future kept me rolling. If it wasn’t fun, I didn’t want it.”

Guttormson also rented out every piece of equipment in her studio those first few months of lockdown. VIM became a valued source for fitness equipment rentals, leasing every single indoor bike she had purchased over the years to use for Rock the Ride.

“My husband Toby and I spent countless hours in our freezing storage unit cleaning and prepping bikes to be delivered for home-use,” Guttormson said. “Although exhausting, it was well worth it to keep my business doors open and make this unprecedented experience a little easier for people.”

After two years, Guttormson sold the bikes until they were down to just what they needed at VIM.

Pulling it all together

There was never a day Guttormson was not dreaming about the return of the beloved event that SJHF helped her bring to life. She designed and reimagined the event knowing the return would mean something different to people.

From 2012-2020, Rock the Ride proudly raised over $300,000 for local stroke and cardiac patients through SJHF. Those funds helped patients blindsided by the cost of their experience through the Stroke and Cardiac Fund.

Thanks to the support of SJHF, Guttormson was able to bring her vision to life for five impactful years. It was because of this success that the nonprofit Rock On Society was born.

Through Rock On Society, Rock the Ride (and other fitness fundraising events) will continue to grow and help change lives in our own community and beyond.

The why

In 2006, Guttormson had lived in Jackson for only a year when she suffered a stroke from three blood clots in major veins of her brain. She was lucky enough to walk away healthy and have solid health insurance to help her through the experience. This ultimately drove her leave a career in hospitality and turn her part-time fitness gig into a full-time career, compete in Ironman Coeur d’Alene, start her family and open her fitness studio in 2012.

Rock the Ride was born as Guttormson’s personal way to promote health, give back to the community and celebrate another year in business (2023 marks VIM’s 11th Anniversary). And seriously, who couldn’t use a little fun in their lives?

Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Rock the Ride Saturday, March 9th, 2024. Learn more about Rock On Society and how to donate HERE.

Celebrate VIM’s 11th Anniversary with $11 Drop-Ins now through April 4. Learn more HERE.