That Mancini Woman

Sporting a ponytail our lithesome superstar put us through her own brand of delicious torture in the coveted Thursday 830 slot vacated by the Originator and Innovator Kristen James. Tough shoes to fill indeed but Dana represents and fills those Specialized shoes admirably.

  For the life of me I can’t seem to figure out if I am getting in better shape or falling off because I am in oxygen deficit for virtually the whole ride. Even breathing through the nose doesn’t get enough O2 in my system and it was lightheaded I was in ¾ session. DVM tells me it’s the former and that I am bringing it. I remain somewhat skeptical but who’s to say.  My only guide is the pool and river or sweat beneath my bike that seems to increase in volume week to week. I only have to look a row ahead to my friend Stacy who sweats more than anyone I know man or woman that Mancini has taken her game to a new level since her inaugural days some 18 months ago.  

At one point Dana had an emotional moment when describing how proud she was of our collective effort. It’s a good thing sweat hides tears because she might have had some raindrops fall from those Italian cheeks. It’s nice to know we affect her as she does us. 

  From her vantage what does she see I often ask myself? KJ says she can feel the energy of the whole room as it’s literally in her face. As a rider I can only glean from the periphery just how the electromagnetic force lights up the room. There are times the energy is palpable right from the start and others where the crescendo builds throughout the hour.  Like I said I can’t see I am just part of the séance and get absorbed by the group hypnosis and follow along in trance induction.  

Have you seen her? She’s been gone a long time. I’ve noticed and after an arduous rehabilitation Mary McCann is back in our midst. I have often joked MM is an angel because I have never heard her say a crossword or utter scuttlebutt about any member. If she ever gets angry I know she must hide it well. All I know is that I am glad she’s back and she’s brought along that infectious smile of hers too.