Inside the VELA Dome

Where to begin is how I am right now. To commence a blog that I thought I would never type again always pops up in my mind from time to time but those characters that played a role in that passion play have come and gone at least in the physical part of my world such as it is today.

Being semiretired I decided to step up my efforts in terms of my fitness levels and my choice of weaponry came in the form of kettlebells. Why I am not sure, but I have always used dumbbells in years past, but the sensation of the kettlebell just seemed to ‘feel’ right. At first, I wasn’t sure what exercise routines were available to perform but surfing the web answered that questioned quickly and I was off into a regimen that has been part of my life I would say nigh on a year now.

Fast forward to the pandemic and since I was always fond of Dana Mancini, from my days at Equinox,  I discovered somewhat by happenstance  that she had begun a series on Instagram then subsequently on IGTV  doing bootcamp broadcast classes that was a combination weightlifting, body  strengthening and  cardio class once a week. I began to integrate her videos into my own spin class and kettlebell workouts and viola I had an either 6- or 7-day cardio arrest exercise routine of my own.  Before Dana I was only doing crunches but with Dana’s classes I was now doing full sit-ups with kettlebell clutched to my chest and jumping jacks with the bell hoists too. Crazy right?

When DVM announced she was holding a Zoom spin class I jumped at it. Turns out I am not as tech savvy as I would like to think I am and although I signed in late the remaining 36 minutes had me vanquished by rides end. Now to the story.

This was my first Zoom class an upgrade on FaceTime would be my interpretation and since I was already used to the moving image of Dana in her basement classes I was now seeing her in real time instead. She had the Peloton which I think is the biggest hype since P.T Barnum but that’s a different story. She was my Peloton I didn’t need any fancy accoutrement as I was able to mimic her pedal cadence with as much ferocity as these 69-year-old legs could muster. When she jumped off the bike and came close to the camera, I enjoyed it even more as it seemed to give it a personalized coaching touch I hadn’t felt in years. In fact, it almost felt like that movie Brainstorm with Christopher Walken and Natalie Wood where they peered into the camera in one scene, I’m sorry for that nonsequitur, but it was as if she was almost coming into my living room.

I was breathless (I was never really sure of what that really meant) minutes into the broadcast but I never let that enter into how I was going to pace myself for the ride as the maniacal side of “Jack the River” had reemerged with abandon and I was hell bent on either making a fool of myself with absolutely no consequence or in the very least know I gave it my all. In the end I had fun and next Saturday is a blink away.

I could gather some of my old friends were present although they were in absentia. I knew Joshua was there as I follow him on IG, he’s a foodie posting rather elegantly about dishes that he’s been consuming or speaking warmly about his beloved parents and I also  spied Ferne, Amy, Karen and Jen. Will I write more? I don’t know because I want this to be what’s the word? Organic. I know it will be Faulkneresque in the sense I will just let if come out as a stream of consciousness.

In the meantime, I will be at it with the DVM bootcamp, the bells and YouTube spinning to one of the visual rides in the Alps somewhere behind a camera up and down an undisclosed mountain. See you soon all. 

Spinning Away

As I draw further and further away in time and space from the stationary bike I realize that my intervals there were the escape vehicle I desperately needed to move about in a backwards universe I had created for myself. Those hours brought me a catharsis of sorts that I was unable to generate or so I thought at the time on my own.

I had peace of mind in those 45 minutes but now I have it 24/7. The key to my self-imposed state was in my pocket all along but the occlusion in my brain kept me blind to its presence.

Perception for some is their truth but it’s often not the truth as I found out in some of my quote unquote friendships. Those that purported to be my friend had their own agenda and when it no longer suited their purpose I was excised. I have no misgivings now, as weakness became my strength. Their quicksand became my terra firma and for that I am forever grateful.

I am in constant precession and unchanging in my axis supported by an unbreakable love that keeps me sated and with a peace of mind this sexagenarian has never experienced in a lifetime of many lifetimes.

Spinning away and yet I never get vertiginous or irresolute because my guidance system has me headed True North.

Kristen's Spin Class Deactivated

It occurred to me to write in this now deactivated blog that is KSC but why in God’s name would I do that? The fact that I no longer spin actively might have something to do with it and the supervening reason that I no longer live on Long Island or am I a member of Equinox completes the circle of why I no longer write stories about pedaling in place.

Do I miss it? Frankly no. It was a big part of my life for a number of years but now in South Florida riding outside seems to work just fine for me. I do miss the camaraderie I suppose but I must confess that there is not one person that stays in contact with me. It reminds me of AA out of sight out of mind. No hard feelings I enjoyed everyone’s company while it lasted, and it was time well spent during a turbulent time in my life. There are certainly reasons I could take up that would cause some harm, but I won’t do that as what would be the purpose? Let sleeping dogs lie is a great idiom. 

I check the numbers now and then and believe it or not I am still averaging over 300 readers a month. I suppose that might be strange considering I stopped writing over 2 years ago. Vanity might be one reason and I would like to think that those spin instructors miss being scribed about. When I reread some of the stories, I ask did I write that? Of course, the answer is yes as my writing was always Faulkneresque a stream of consciousness style that made it fluid and required very little editing.  I am proud of this compendium and I had dreamed that is might be picked up one day and fetch a bigger audience but alas not to be.  At one point I was going to shut it down to all readers, but I thought why? I had some sour grapes, but it was my contribution to what I called the Zen of spin.

If you should read this, I say hello and maybe I will add to this with more thoughts at another time and space. 

 

Lights, Camera........

Action already lives here,  the lights and camera just served as witness to what happens everyday at Equinox Woodbury and in particular this day aboard Kristen's Spin Class. As rider and writer these past 6 years what more can I say that hasn't been said about Kristen James? I've waxed poetic over the thousands of rides  about her natural charisma that draws a packed studio every class without exception. Then I've chronicled her poignant allegory like today  when she alluded to her beloved father who taught her the governing concepts of life she lives by. Then there's the illustrated moving pictures she paints while we ride that generates the desire, energy and stamina that moves us through the challenge of the discomfort and how to welcome it without fear. And finally her animation and gesticulation that brings motivation to a fever pitch.

But today there was something else an intangible that I could feel at the start of class coursing through my body. It was a palpable energy field an almost visible force that lifted The Lavender Palace* like a collective and that my friends is the distinctive separation Equinox Woodbury has  over any other club this rider has ever been in. This club this class is singular in nature and why Corporate came today? I bet they found out firsthand what we members have known from day one.

I know Cycle For Survival is Nigh please make your contributions to help find a cure.

This past week was a watershed event for me because I came back to the Major Leagues and when I go back South I will take with me the acumen I remembered I had forgotten.

*The Lavender Palace is my affectionate term for the EQ studio. I think the walls were lavender at one time even though not now. I beg your indulgence.

HERE

Believer it or not it's happening here too!

I’ve written about her before but this morning she took it to another level.  I thought as I rode she could make the Queen’s team with ease. The Queen’s team? Kristen James’s cycle team! Yeah she’s that good. Did I mention she is 76 years old? For those that don’t want to do the math she was born in 1939. It’s when Gone With the Wind premiered on the Silver Screen. 

What I find so amazing about her and I just forgot I hadn’t mentioned her name it’s Beverly Pepe (you’ll find her on Facebook) is that Beverly is schooled perfectly to wit: She has clear enunciation, diction, pitch, and her fundamentals are perfect. But more than that it just amazes me that she rides like someone half her age and her discography is like iambic pentameter with music you never heard before but wish you did by artists you know but maybe either haven’t heard in a long time or never knew that they even sang. 

For example this morning she played The Pet Shop Boys and I know that sound I just know it but have I ever heard them sing “Here”? Nope never did. And it had me bellowing at the top of my voice just like I used to in the Lavender Palace. And then another selection “Here In Your Arms” by Hellogoodbye. Never heard that tune. It had me in the throes of a thunderous exhibition albeit in the seat of my antique 1995 “Spinning” contraption. 

Beverly Pepe can bring it! I just thought you should know. Here in the South there’s talent you just have to look for it and besides Jenny Little here’s another Beverly Pepe. 

Hello all you EQ members!  

She's A Wiz

September 25, 1939 was her DOB yet at no time did I think that Beverly Pepe was just a few years away from being an Octogenarian. This woman spread my jam all over my bread. At rides end I was soaked shirt and shorts and try as I might to nose breathe breathless was the best I could do. 

To think that The Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind were showing in theaters when Beverly was in swaddling clothes boggles my mind. But here she was leading nearly a full morning class rockin’ down the highway with a discography carved out of the 21st Century. No boogie-woogie just music 8 to the bar.  

What distinguished Beverly in my mind was that I could hear her perfect-pitched voice nestled in the music without straining my own sexagenarian auditory canals. Her enthusiasm was unparalleled and I have to tell you, as my own stick gets shorter it just made me feel invigorated that she’s still got it all going on.  

Stuck on spin bikes that are of the Trojan Horse variety mattered little I had a blast and even though these “Edsel’s” were not the Schwinn’s I was used to as they had no monitors and there was no “Pursuit” program on the blank wall in front of me I was transported nonetheless. A great ride Bev a great ride.  

F ornication U nder C onsent of the K ing

What is going on?  Just this week I took 5 classes with Kristen and each one was more challenging than the next. Not only that but Saturday KSC had me burning more calories and a higher average watt count than the previous 4 sessions. I asked her about it at the end of class and she said simply that Saturday’s workout was different than all the rest. And then it dawned on me KJ tells us everyday she has a plan for that particular class and now I get it. Today she started to tell us that very thing and then stopped short thinking we really don’t care. After today though I do! I am so engrossed in the effort for each interval for each flat and hill but now I know there is a mosaic she fashions for those fleeting 45 minutes. Henceforth I will pay attention and I think my workouts will not only burn more fat but also I’ll be able to gauge my effort and finish on empty instead of on fumes as I often do. 

Have you noticed that the new digital sign up with only 5 open bikes instead of the usual 13 has made getting your favorite   just a tad more difficult? Some veterans have a faster hand to eye coordination than I but when I hit that + sign when the countdown hits Zero I more often than not end up in right or left field. Oh and what about signing in with just seconds to secure a bike? You cannot scroll down there simply isn’t time. But I think it was young Joshua that told me you could put your favorite on top when the countdown hits the 0 mark. I tried that Friday morning but to no avail. That front row is where I always wanna be. It just keeps me focused each second. 

Today was killer and I found myself muttering Fornication Under Consent of the King more times than I care to count. But that’s a good thing. Nowhere else except in the marathons from long ago can I get a workout like KSC. And I am almost a Beatle (64 on 1/126/15) but that doesn’t seem to keep me from leaving Jack the River under my bike every time I dismount. 

She's Still Evil but She's the Queen

She lived up to the expectation again! My friend Jae ejaculated spontaneously after class that she never disappoints and brings it every damn day.  Come to think of it we just take that part of KJ for granted. No matter what she’s going through the quality never wanes.  Imagine yourself having an off day. We all have them every one of us and we are well just not up to snuff.  With that James woman it matters not. There is never a falloff in quality ever.  Saturday KSC   was no exception. I felt like a sponge soaked and saturated but somehow someway at rides end she squeezed every droplet of effort from my frame.  

The Fire Within

Each class a new adventure. It’s never the same even though we don’t go anywhere. The plot between our ears is always in Technicolor and today it was in Cinerama as well.  In the ride I could see my inner persona turned out.  That man that who at times cannot hold back showed his face again and instead of wondering how much was left in my energy tank I kept the pedal stroke in the present moment and the flywheel became afire as my heart rose to the occasion and failed me not. 

Dana Mancini is one of our elite spin instructors and today even with child she terrorized us into a breathless state and drove our efforts beyond even our wildest expectations. As I looked at the floor at rides end I saw that Jack the River had returned. 

I spied some of my favorite members this morning Stacy Tucker. Josh, Andrew, Jaspreet and Xavier to name but a few. People like these float my heart and soul they anchor me yet let me fly about the studio always giving me a soft landing.   

Chapped

Chapped is what I was in my favorite spin class this Saturday morning. It takes a lot for me to get my Scottish up but it happened today. As I entered the studio for the second time I discovered that my water, spin shoes and towels were missing and someone had taken my bike. I was there in time but one of you decided to simply toss my belongings up against the side wall. Now a young woman on what was the bike next to me simply said that Bike 1 was missing and offered no explanation. I found a bike so my ire was abated but it just seemed something a kindergartener would do. I’ve heard of these things going on in the main studio never thinking that one of you would be doing the same here. 

As it turned out because of the holiday there were open bikes and I hopped on an open Schwinn still chapped but the Evil Woman Show was about to start and since I can’t hold onto resentment I was riding without my bottle of water but riding nonetheless. And as I write this it seems so trivial and I am a bit disturbed at myself for even being mad. 

A dreary day this morning but KJ had a wonderful discography and kept the tempo perfectly as usual. The studio as it is laid out now really is perfect because  getting to and out is easier than the old configuration. 

I just remembered that I have Bike 1 for tomorrow will the same thing happen again? Oh well this should be the worst thing that happens to me. 

The Shit Show

The anticipation of the new studio took me somewhat by surprise and it dawned on me quite succinctly at 559 am yesterday morning.  As my eyes watched the circled 10-second countdown melt away my finger was just a bit shaky thinking just how many members were poised as I was. Of course I got in, as I wouldn’t be writing this entry if I hadn’t. And Bike 1 suits me just fine but more about that later. 

Well let’s see where do I begin?  Let’s get the negatives out of the way first because they can be alleviated soon enough. The studio is just too cramped in this configuration but on the other hand what’s more important having 55 bikes to ride or that we have some navigation challenges getting to our designated stationary conveyance? I’ll let you be the judge of that. 

Now let’s get to the good stuff because Saturday KSC is always a Shit Show no matter what time of year it is. Most of the core contingent continues to attend and those members you know who you are help make everyone including the new members feel the sense of camaraderie that has been built into Kristen’s spin class. It’s nigh on 5 years now since I joined this hot ticket show and it never ever disappoints. 

I love the idea that the front row numbers 11 bikes instead of the original 6 and the view from #1 lets me see just about all of you and I can now see the energy that’s generated not just feel it.  Kristen I think has a better view as well and those cheap seats in the back are not obstructed from her Evil Woman’s eyes anymore.  

And the Evil Woman has a new stage so appropriate for this talented group exercise physiologist. I didn’t have a ruler but it looks to be about 12 inches high an oval shaped pedestal lined with track lighting giving the platform fit for the performer she is. I loved it. And for the first time I got to see the Wagon Wheel Effect. That’s the phenomena where the flywheel although moving in one direction exhibits the effect that it’s moving in the exact opposite direction. Scientifically it’s called "temporal aliasing" and after reading about it theorists can’t seem to explain just why it occurs in real life although in film it’s easily explained.  In any case it had me mesmerized and just added another piece to the experiential nirvana of moving Zen, which is KSC. 

I am not usually a fan of what’s played in the studio, as my eclectic tastes don’t match the mainstream constituency but this morning I was totally enrolled. The play list was fresh and its syncopated rhythm had my pedal stroke moving just a wee bit quicker. Thank you KJ for a thoughtful compilation. 

Now about Bike 1 as I alluded to at the top. In back of me there’s enough space to get off the bike and jump in exultation just in case I say just in case I hear one of my favorite artists that strike my visceral chord and renders that adrenaline rush which is the only altered state available to me as a sober man. Thanks to the club for the spread downstairs those roasted peppers were out of this world.  And thanks KJ it was indeed a Shit Show.  

Just Musing

It’s a rarity that I don’t spin on a Saturday even though I had a bike I decided to cancel within the last hour. Not because I was tired or bored but well just because. Learning to follow what my body tells my mind is the path I am on these days and I trust it. Intuition never seems to fail me in fact when I don’t listen its trouble I find. 

Not going I may have saved myself an accident or a ticket or better yet increased my desire to spin tomorrow with the Blue Sapphire Carolyn Mellace. I will make a game time decision on that but I think a day’s reprieve is never a bad thing with my addictive personality. My mind says that perhaps a run might serve to break up my one-track obsession. I sometimes ask if I miss running? I have Michael and Constance Korol, Tripp Doherty and Heatherr Feather to keep me thinking about it whether they are in some ultra-marathon or Ironman competition. But those days are gone and I have no regrets.  I wish them well of course.

I had a short talk with Dana yesterday and I was relating to her about being seated or standing in session and although KJ hates when we sit I find that I work much harder in the saddle and my knee is the less for wear when the saddle is where my gluteus maximus finds itself. When I first started and I watched some of our female members pedaling in a blur I thought I could never move that quickly. Turns out much later that I could but it always seemed a balancing act. What I also found since we now have those confounded new monitors is that as soon as I would breakaway my watts would drop precipitously below 200. I don’t know why that bothers me but it seems to me that standing takes a more concentrated effort to stay above 200. Could it be that standing burns more calories? I don’t know and why am I even debating it is after all my ride.  

A Saturday without KSC is a day without sunshine but I’ll be back in the saddle soon enough. 

Louder Than Words

We’ve (well most of us) have heard the cliché: Actions speak louder than words. And most times that’s true but there are times that actions need words too because like a tree falling in the woods does the descending tree make a sound?  The thought is that words backed up with action are the strongest message because after all we want both to reach to those intended. 

So often relationships are about reciprocity when they seem to fall out of balance we let the other tree fall when if we lent just a little more support stronger roots could take hold. Selfless acts require courage and never a scale. Measuring what we’ve done and brought to the table are but echoes in the dark. If we love someone really love someone whether it be romantic love, a dear friend or even a sibling there can be never enough action and never enough words of love we can express waiting for the other to respond. 

I listened quite intently to KJ today and being a friend of Bill Wilson I learned that we could never blame someone else for things they have done or what they have failed to do. That is judgment plain and simple. There’s no room for judgment in this world we all have our own lives to lead and no one can really know what we are going through unless we walk in the others shoes. I say keep-bringing love no matter if they hear the tree falling or not. 

Saturday KSC brought me a beautiful message courtesy of Kristen James. A beautiful relationship we have too. I’m not her buddy, I don’t text her nor do I have her phone number I only have this forum and for as long as these legs can pedal I’ll be grateful. And to all my friends in this class that I have learned to love; thank you. 

A Little Resistance

Maybe it’s because I can feel the beat of the music or maybe it’s just a learned response that I know when to put my hand on that red resistance dial. Probably a combination of the two but as I complete my 5th year in spin I ask what have I learned? And more importantly how have I changed?

I came in on a whim and what followed was a journey of the body, mind and ultimately it has been afflatus that engulfed my spirit. A loner most of my life for many psychological reasons I suspect and spin class brought me out of my hermit status that had me believing a social shut-in was the way to go. I started shy as a boy and teen but broke out of my shell on the dance floor, which ultimately had me opening my speech pattern unlike most men. Years later I was to return to the easier softer way of isolation.  

As I often digress the question I posed was what have I learned? I think the biggest gift came through my writing. At first it was the recognition (which I craved) then later much later I found friends that would change the course of my life. Those people have shown me who they really are once I allowed them to.  I’ve battled self-esteem issues probably stemming from my active alcoholism but group exercise spin class restored me to my real personality. Enigmatic to some and also to myself the joy of waking up motivated to return to my former athleticism, to my long distance runner roots was truly a gift bestowed. 

Lately though my exuberance has waned I still want to go but I find myself staying away when my normal ritual was to spin 6 sometimes 7 days a week. As with anything moderation is always advised and it is a watchword I rarely followed. Now in answer to what I’ve learned it’s to listen to my body and now I will gravitate to changing my routine. Not less exercise but just more diversity as the Evil Woman has always extolled. Obsession to spin has left me and it’s okay. And I sometimes find myself daydreaming in class. As long as it continues to be fun I will continue. 

Twist Up

Dawn Moore took the reigns of my favorite timeslot Saturday 8 am. Subbing for KJ is not an act I would sign up for but in Ms. Moore we have a woman that is so comfortable in her own ability and she never tries to emulate anyone else. She is herself.  I like that. And this girl can move she be on the beat with a percussion discography tailor made for spin class.

Musically my tastes don’t match Dawns but they except for an occasional tune never have with any of our talented instructors. My eclectic tastes are more suited for the dance floor where my whole body can contort to the rhythm. On the bike only one thing is important and that’s the cadence of the pedal stroke. It is here that Dawn has her science well crafted. Bottom-line a great workout! 

Equinox Woodbury members are a tough crowd make no mistake as I have often said here in my 800+ stories. Some times I think we have been unfair jumping to conclusions and not giving our instructors time to develop and well grow on us. That’s what Dawn has for me. She’s grown on me. She’s young but not an ingénue. She is well seasoned and has control of the class and guess what I don’t need anything else. We love personality and in case you haven’t noticed Dawn Moore is loaded with talent. And I am signing up on her dance card. I can dance but so can this girl!  Thanks for a great Saturday Dawn. 

Every once in awhile I hear a phrase  and I said  "Twist Up" resonated with me.   

My Heart's In It

How I miss writing about KSC and I was wondering if I might be able to say something after so many hundreds of episodes. I am always inspired that will never change and the feelings I have for many of you is something you just can’t buy. It comes over time and my affection is genuine. I have no agenda with anyone, which makes the friendships even more meaningful to me.  

On Wednesday this week I will have a second heart ablation and I will be thinking about all of you especially those that have given me strength. You know who you are.   

Ball of Fire

I’ve written about her several times now and our precocious star although diminutive in stature is loaded with so much dynamite she’s level a city block.  I am still trying to put the words together that can do justice to what I am seeing. My hypothesis is that Charlotte is a sensate being. My reasoning is thus: it’s simply because she uses all her senses to reach ours. Some of us are visual some are auditory and many of the female gender are kinesthetic. She speaks to all those modalities and gets her adroit message across. She elegantly promotes herself, the gym and even the health bar. She is offering her services without any canned tomato sauce. It’s authentic as near as I can tell. 

How about the ride Jack the ride? Oh it’s really good. She’s saucy without exploiting her feminine charms (which are abundant) and she mixes in the fundamentals and has a plan. Just like KJ, Dana or Carolyn she has her lesson well orchestrated with the music to match. Not since K2 have I found myself smiling as much as I do with Charlotte Ricci. And just so you don’t think I’m hallucinating my friend Roy was using the muscles in his face cracking smile after smile. And of course as is my wont I had to take the temperature of some of the boys in the locker room and the compliments were flying. She’s cute, she’s got energy and she’s different. The last accolade she probably will appreciate the most. 

She’s what I will refer to her now as: Ball of Fire. She has an eternal flame quality about her and when she’s off the bike she’s shaking her physiology, imitating the pedal stroke and working the room like a professional beyond her years.  

Say Goodbye

It’s that day again Saturday. The only way I can for the foreseeable future is to start my favorite day in the Lavender Palace with Kristen James and 54 of my friends. KJ says she loves all of us in different ways and I thought that was particularly poignant because we really do. Love is a strong word but when you spend day after day and year after year love just happens. It’s a beautiful thing. 

Okay so let’s speak plainly in the vernacular WTF is this thing about hitting 30 mph? I was silently bitching about this ever since I heard it being bandied about a few weeks ago. First off let me say that hitting 30 is just not possible standing up for this sexagenarian. I didn’t say I can’t do it but right now it’s just outside of my breathless zone. However today I hit 31.6 sitting down so I guess I exploded one self-induced myth and I gotta tell you it was exhilarating. And leave it to the Evil Woman to put something in our heads and we find a way to get it done. 

I wanted to make sure that I give a big shout to one of my new young friends, Josh Goodelman. I rarely lose focus but today I was spacing out and Josh spotted it in me and coaxed me: Come on Jack! Woke me right out of it and back on track I was. Thanks Josh. 

It moved me so much that I was able to break that 30 mph barrier later in the session. Reminds me of the 4-minute mile because if you believe it you will see it. 

Thanks for an inspiring session KJ and when you were talking about saying goodbye it struck an emotional chord in me that shook me to my core. I need to say goodbye.  

That Saturday Feeling

I keep saying that I have nothing left to give. There are no more stories about spin class in me. I was talking to Nancy Kaplan while she was coloring some Easter Eggs this morning and she agreed it was time for a rest.  After 800 plus entries: Enough Jack! Every TV show has a final episode. It’s been fun for me. My harshest critic says why don’t you write some serious stuff instead of you kissing ass? I still don’t think I “kiss ass” because what do I gain from this? Sure everyone knows my name but other than that it’s my satisfaction that I put words in a sentence together better than many a scribbler. And that I touch people emotionally and have made many friends that I would never have made had it not been for the words I lay to these keys. Writing lets people know who I am and they can see inside my soul. It’s truly a gift. 

 I feel compelled however   that the new lot of stars like Charlotte Ricci, Dawn Moore Jen Tsiolis would secretly love for me to continue these silly chronicles not just because they like reading about themselves but rather a knowing that if I see their talent then the membership will too. After all we never talk about how many bikes are taken in class but you know these instructors know! It’s a measure of success for them. Don’t think for one moment that the Queen the Evil Woman doesn’t adore the fact that her class sells out in a nanosecond. I hear the whispers between instructors how one is   getting better numbers or she’s not hitting her mark. It’s a talent show after all. They are on stage even before the music starts. 

Today and I know KJ I say this all the time this morning was the hardest class I have ever been in. When you were asking us to hit 30 mph on the monitor I said: AYFKM? And then to be embarrassed when you came over to look at my monitor and as you moved the towel hiding my numbers it revealed I was only in the mid 20s. 

You are the only instructor I will keep my mouth shut for but truth be told I’m sucking wind so badly I couldn’t get a word out anyway. I can always try pantomime. Right Robert?

Spinning My Wheels Part 1 & 2

Shall I continue to write my spin blogs? I am asking myself more of me than any of you because once it becomes work I will not do it anymore. After a combined 826 entries is there more to say? I guess I feel strongly both ways. If KJ, Dana, John and Carolyn et all have more then maybe I have too. Conversely I could also say that I need to change my approach than use the old tried and true, which has been my wont, these past 4 years. Do I get a little more risqué? Would that be entertaining or just sensationalism? God knows I can go a little prurient here but to do so is a fine line because inevitably someone will take umbrage to anything but vanilla. 

The energy I feel in the Lavender Palace seems forever waxing and my enthusiasm never seems to wane. I still can’t figure out why or how pedaling in the same motions for several thousand rides continues to draw me to the saddle.  

Oh one thing I have learned and although I have heard it from Kristen countless times I have finally found out how I can increase my RPM’s standing up. Four years and I could never figure out how some of you could get to 100 out of the saddle. I heard Johnny on Sunday and I guess I was just ready to learn it’s keeping my butt just an inch above the saddle. In this way my knees get a break and the power comes from my legs in a much more efficient way. Thanks John. A word about Kocaj he is totally underrated his science is sound and understandable and it works. 

Spin is Zen for me and I may not write about it much more but it will continue to inspire me as long as my wheels turn.  

I wrote this piece 4 years ago and it still holds true.  Since it had only 1 hit you might find it new.  

About midway through our stationary trek I start to notice the accumulating puddle on the floor and the colorless stains around the skeleton of my bike. Kristen asks: “Are you sweating yet?” My silent answer is; are you kidding me, quite some time ago. I don’t mind the sweat in fact I kind of like it and I am not anxious to wipe it from my face and brow because it tells me I am working hard and it goes rather well with my soaking wet T. 

This class is a lot about passion but it is also about commitment. Passion can be lost in a day but commitment cannot be gained in one. 

What drives me to come here?  I have thought about that these past 3 months. I know that initially it was about Kristen’s talent, passion and theatrical brilliance. But now I think it has evolved into her providing me with the training wheels that have rekindled my deep desire to remain active and remain active in a meaningful and purposeful way.