Pat Burrell's wife opens Tampa Cycling Studio

Tampa, FL- Champagne, memorabilia, and bikes set the stage as guests celebrated the debut of Tampa's Soho Cycling Studio. Why is Rays DH Pat Burrell mingling in the opening night crowd? You could say, he's a little attached to the owner who happens to be his wife, Michelle.

"I think the place is great," says Pat. "I think it's in a great location. She's done a phenomenal job preparing and getting this place ready."

"It's something new and exciting that's not common to the area, " says Michelle. "I've been working out a long time. I love it. I was in the service for a few years so that kept me in shape."

That's right, she's an ex-Marine, a five year veteran for a matter of fact. And, now, she wants to keep you in shape. With two thousand square feet, 30 bikes & 100 inch flat screens - for virtual riding and music videos, Soho Cycling offers 50 minute sessions followed by an intense ab workout. Her hubby's not the only major leaguer impressed.

"I know if you do 10 minutes on it, you got a good sweat going," says Burrell's teammate Evan Longoria, who stopped by to celebrate the Soho Cycling's opening. "So, if you do 50 minute classes, you'll be pretty much out of gas."

Just don't expect Pat to be taking a spin. There's a pretty good reason.

"He's not really into spinning. He's kind of big for a bike," explains Michelle. "6-5, 240 pounds is a little hard on the knees sometimes."

Pat's just fine with hanging in the background.

"You know she's probably watched me play 1,000 times," says Pat. "For her to have something like this going on, all the energy she put into it, I'm just happy to be here to support her. "

Soho Cycling Studio is located at 2017 West Kennedy Blvd (the corner of Albany & Kennedy). The studio offers classes seven days a week.

Monday's opening was also a benefit for The Spring of Tampa Bay. Soho Cycling Center presented a check for $2500 to the charity which has provided sanctuary and service to more than 30,000 abused adults and children since 1977. Its Domestic Violence Hotline is 813-247-7233.

For more information about Soho Cycling Studio. You can call 813-944-3044.



(wtsp.com)