Residents pedaled, imagined, and connected at a unique community event in Palos Heights on Friday, Oct. 24. The Romantasy Readers Ride, a free indoor cycling experience, combined the intensity of a spin class with the escapism of romantasy fiction.
The 45-minute ride took place at Heights Cycle, located at 7224 W. College Dr., Suite A, and featured a curated soundtrack and choreography inspired by bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, encouraging participants to embrace “main character energy” while cycling to story-driven beats.
The event originated with Heights Cycle instructor Katie Justin, who designed a “Romantasy Ride” as one of the studio’s 6–10 monthly themed classes.
“This ride is inspired by my love for the Sarah J. Maas universe as well as many other Romantasy reads,” Justin said. “I am channeling a combination of dystopian and instrumental music in an attempt to bring riders the same feelings we readers got while experiencing these books. I am hopeful a motivated and fierce mindset will come from this class and push us to bulldoze through adversity similar to our favorite MOCs. While bringing readers and riders together, I am hoping to introduce a new community to Heights Cycle.”
Megan Wenstrup, owner of Heights Cycle, saw an opportunity to connect the ride with the Shop Southland campaign, a Southland Development Authority initiative that provides selected businesses with marketing support through Kahawain Content.
“I love nothing more than seeing the creativity of our instructors connect with a unique audience of people,” Wenstrup said. “I also cherish the serendipity of how this particular event all came together through the Southland Development Authority and Jamie’s persistent efforts to support local businesses in our area. It feels extra special to get this chance to collaborate with other women-owned businesses and promote all the incredible things small businesses do for a community.”
Wenstrup invited Roseann, owner of the romance bookstore Love’s Sweet Arrow in Tinley Park, to join the event, and the Southland Development Authority suggested including Marvelous Light Candle Company from Orland Park. Jamie Makuch, Relationship Manager for the Authority, also reached out to Gaston’s Bistro in Orland Park, which provided desserts for the post-ride celebration.
“When Megan mentioned the ride, the idea to tie it into the Shop Southland campaign seemed like a slam dunk,” Makuch said. “The fact that all the businesses are located close to one another made it a perfect idea.”
After the ride, guests toasted with champagne or non-alcoholic beverages and enjoyed desserts from Gaston’s Bistro. Raffles featured cycling gear from Heights Cycle, romance book bundles from Love’s Sweet Arrow, and handcrafted candles from Marvelous Light Candle.
Makuch said the event became more than just a workout.
“The ride became a fun way for Heights Cycle, Love’s Sweet Arrow, and Marvelous Light Candle to showcase their businesses, each with a small raffle,” she said. “This collaboration shows how small businesses truly need to support one another. South Suburban businesses make up a large footprint, and events like this highlight that strength.”
By blending the escapism of reading with the motivation of group fitness, the Romantasy Readers Ride offered residents a fun way to stay active while supporting local businesses. The event was free and open to all adults, and was co-presented by Heights Cycle, Love’s Sweet Arrow, Marvelous Light Candle Company, and Gaston’s Bistro through the Shop Southland initiative, emphasizing creativity, wellness, and small business collaboration in the Southland region.
