Indoor Cycling Magazine has been around for over 7 years. We have been discussing all kinds of news and issues regarding the indoor cycling world. Many times we had the good and the bad. Plus thousands turn to us for the best indoor cycling content and hope that we lead them in the right direction.
As such. You probably are familiar with Fitness Retreats and Indoor Cycling Retreats. Of course many of them are legit and worth going to. However a few advertised events raise some concerns which could cost the unsuspecting consumer loss or even more severe consequences.
Which is why we wanted to share our experience with an up and coming indoor cycling and fitness retreat supposedly in Barcelona Spain. It is called Rise and Shine indoor cycling and fitness retreat and it is organized by a “Josh” who is coordinating and hosting the event.
First we will share our experience with Josh. He contacted us a few months ago and wanted us to help and promote the event. Josh knows that we have access to thousands of fitness and indoor cycling members of the community. However he was really eager with keeping this private and wanted us to sign a non-disclosure agreement which we found a little bit odd and strange.
However because we look out for our members and our community we started asking questions; like the dates and times of the event and how much he will be charging, and who’s involved. We also raised concerns about the success of event. For example, what happens if he doesn’t meet all the expenses, would consumers get a refund? These are really good questions and are basic fundamental concerns especially when they are asking a few thousand dollars and involves consumers traveling internationally to another country. Plus this was the first event which is even more reason to do our due diligence.
The google ads for Rise and Shine
However what is a red flag is after asking all these questions we started losing connection with Josh and did not hear from him. Even after we attempted to do business with him which is a red flag in itself. Why would Josh cease communicating after we asked him all those relevant and intelligent questions?
Let’s fast forward to April 2023. We noticed these Google ads promoting the event. As you will notice that Josh decided to go with an automated service like Google that does not ask questions, which is another red flag.
What is most alarming is that we felt intimidated and even threatened when Josh is warning us not to discuss the event. Which is not only bullying it’s almost illegal.
Of course we’ve cut our ties with Josh and the “rise and shine” event. We simply ask you to do your due diligence before you consider paying thousands of dollars or traveling to a another country to a first time event.
Moreover. As you can see his website does not look professionally designed which is another red flag. First of all it’s hard to read because of the colour combination. And if you look at the menu navigation on his website the links don’t go all the way across which looks very amateur.
In closing. We hope that helps you make a informed decision. And of course will keep you updated if the event does go on and everything is legit, then we will definitely update our concerns and comments.
