Minnewaska Part II

Thursday, November 4  9 AM  Missed the first one? Here's your second chance to see how your spin skills translate in the real world, led by our Master of Ceremonies; Tripp Doherty aka Svengali.

Tripp's Cell again 845 863 7006

Christine's Photos: The Link Will Bring You to a Slide Show

https://cid-682930b53a37e369.photos.live.com/play.aspx/Album?Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos

Minnewaska Pictures

Bullet Holes

Two days in a row, and I feel like bullet holes have pierced my body. Right now I am feeling pain in my left foot and it of course has to be my spin shoes, but after what I went through these past two sessions in the CS it is no wonder that I don’t have any other flesh wounds. I took my effort beyond the stars Monday and Tuesday. I loved it knowing that there was not much more to give and I left it all on the dance floor.  My gym attire was drenched as if I had jumped in the pool we don’t have. Now on to our story.

Too often, I write about something experiential or something I have observed, but today it felt different. It was that mountain ride that was holding my attention and the energy that I felt back and forth from Svengali had me thinking that others in the studio were tapping in as well. Maybe it was just my imagination or what I had hoped might be happening I can never be sure, but I think the more we talk about our trip to Minnewaska the closer the bond between us all will become. We can share experiences even when we are not there and when we exercise the way we do it’s not hard to imagine what it might have been like for those of you that haven’t been there yet.  Please give a read to my mini-epic that is posted just below this one, and I would love to hear your comments.

 I think that there are separate schools of members who frequent Tripp’s class than those that attend say Kristen’s class or even Michelle Corso’s class. There might be some that attend all the classes like Debbie H or myself but I think for the most part it is and pardon the pun separate schools of thought.  We all have our reasons for one instructor over another, like convenience or time of day but there are those that simply subscribe to law and order and those that love to be put in a trance and know that when it’s time to come off cloud 9 with Svengali, our lives have changed albeit only for an hour.

Have you read my other spin blog?   http://kristensspinclass.blogspot.com/

Lake Minnewaska

As the wakened state brushed my somnolence aside, I could see the red LED light on my DVR summoning me from my horizontal slumber into the breach of the long journey to Lake Minnewaska. The darkness of 5:30 am carries with it a weight that tried to keep me in repose but the commitment was there and I was not about to disappoint Tripp or what is more important myself, because I would be lamenting it for days.  So it was my feet that were met by the rug next to my bed and I got to  quickly dressing in the quiet as not to disturb my wife who was in deep REM.  

I was undaunted by the prospect that we might have to ride in the rain because it was the experience that I was more excited about than what Mother Nature had to say.  Tripp was on his way and by 930 there were 15 of us about to embark on a ride that I would never forget.

It turns out that we had everything nature could throw at us. Fog, rain, sun, sleet (yes sleet) cold, wind and mud.  The latter gave us the most to laugh about because near rides end all of us were covered in mud drops head to foot and it all felt just fine.

In our group was none other than Captain Pacer, Alex Aguera, and a few familiar faces like Christine and Buzz who gave me a sense that I was not alone and for that I was temporarily grateful. As we started out, my apprehension was elevated as everyone had mountain bikes and mine was a racer. The thing about my bike was that my tires were so thin compared to the mountain bike and that spelled less traction and a much bumpier ride.  Alex gave me strict instruction: No left hand braking (front wheels) and sit way back on the saddle so that I could better absorb the shock my butt was in for. 

At first I was content to lay back and not move forward on the riders in front of me until I got comfortable with my own capabilities, and what came to mind is the visual metaphor I have so often heard in KSC where we talk about imaginary riders in front of us. I used to run road races that way. I never was a “front runner” at the beginning of a race because it was mentally debilitating to have runners pass you as the race wore on. Since we were not in any form of competition I got a feel for my own strength as I passed my new found friends along our trek. It was great to feel the indoors translated virtually seamlessly to the outdoors in terms of effort. Of course the concentration level outside takes on a new dimension as I navigated the terrain that was in spots nothing short of treacherous, especially with my thin tires. 

Picture taking was the order of the day and I thought only a wedding reception had more clicks.  When you are grouped together in strenuous exercise outside it seemed to bring instant association, which is really lacking in the CS.  I am not sure why that is, but maybe moving over ground makes us more cognizant of the well being of each other where we really don’t have that dynamic in the studio. It’s just not as dangerous inside as it is outside but is it more than that? I submit that I would love more camaraderie inside. 

Something happened on that mountain on Thursday. What it was specifically I will attempt to expound on but this morning I can sense a sweet residue of delight and a quiet understanding that the seed of a deeper kinship was embedded in our collective psyche,  that will grow if nurtured with the added context of more rides and a continued upkeep of casual but consistent contact between us all. 





What ensued during the next 3 1/2 hours with 15 people in various stages of relationships from acquaintance to significant others riding bikes, was the sense that we were in our own moving commune. Nothing that nature could throw at us would interfere with our ride and the effort which gave someone like me a sense of pride that as an outsider who felt apart from rather than a part of was quite simply a gift.


The people attracted to Tripp was all I really needed to feel instant comfort because they were all friendly and totally willing to check on my progress and fill my water bottle which I inadvertently had forgotten to fill. There was this sense of sharing, and it made me realize this wasn’t an episode of some survivor show. 







Riding indoors can be such a solitary experience but there’s not much chance of remaining an introvert when pedaling outdoors.  I have always been gregarious by nature and I must admit that my mouth was clamped shut in the environs I found myself in, because I have never rode in a group before and I never rode in a group of what in my mind were the ‘real deal’ when it came to cyclists.



I dispensed with that notion soon enough, because I know that even though life is an ‘inside job’ it also doesn’t mean that feelings are facts. To the contrary I discovered, feelings aren’t facts.  I didn’t so much fit in with Tripp and his friends, as did they welcome me with virtual open arms as if I belonged there. Quite a different feel from spinning indoors where we all keep pretty much to ourselves, outside of our own little cliques as I have alluded to on at least one occasion in my chronicles.



I felt some trepidation about the multitude of surfaces we were riding over. Between rock, leaves, mud and gravel,  and plenty of divots, on the trail I paid particular attention to taking the smoothest path possible, but I soon discovered that I would in short order,  get used to my bumpy ride, and learn to love the thrill of it as long as I adhered to my instructions of loose upper body and not letting my butt get too comfortable on that padded seat of mine.



There was definitely a collective consciousness that I felt quite palpably. We seemed to know when to navigate past each other, when to hold back and when I saw riders ahead I used my natural drive to catch up as if we were all attached with a spring like rope that stretched and pulled us taut together. I think this is the ‘link’ I was feeling because even though there were times I couldn’t see anyone in front of me and no one in back of me I knew that I was never really alone. I also feel that if I never see my friends again, that the memory of that day will stay indelibly etched in my spirit all the days of my life.



As my ride neared its conclusion, we went a long stretch through mud and water and there was something glorious about it, as if it were part of the souvenir of the day. We had but one steep hill that had to be climbed before we got back to the parking lot and as it winded back and forth my trachea was pulsing with pain and my heart was on fire, but in the lower gear somehow I managed and when  I slowed to my stop back at the start, God gave us all a gift of the most beautiful rainbow that I can remember. It made me feel like a kid again and seemed but a fitting end to a day that I cannot wait to repeat.

Tripp's Cell Phone

845-863-7006

In the Near Distant Past

In the near distant past I started writing about Tripp Doherty. His popularity has risen meteorically and I am happy to be part of this sensational ground swell surrounding this most curious personality. He often carries on conversations in position #41 that I have come to understand now as if we were having a conversation sitting across a table at lunch. It wasn’t always that way from the start, but with familiarity there comes an understanding. And with this understanding I have come to know that Svengali is not only a trip but a unique experience as well. Not often do people come around in your life that not only inspire you but leave you with a residue of energy and unmistakable charm. Tripp does all of these things. Don’t take my word for it just ask any of the riders in the CS they’ll tell you.  

Today in the 945 segment I was determined to take it a little easier having had a dose of The Corso Zone on Monday, but as is his wont Sven had me gasping for air and drenched head to foot. One segment had us at level 8 for 90 seconds and I had to count pedal strokes just to keep my focus. Not often does my desire wane for this sport but there are times quite frankly where I have to bring the body, hoping to mind will follow. When I go to Doherty’s class my spirit comes along for the ride too.  

Brock Mealer Feature

Tripp asked me to post this short video on youtube.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18PB4DKHVDA&feature=player_embedded

Young Dana

Truly inspired was I amongst yet another SRO crowd in the CS for an afternoon “stroll” with Svengali.  He has the heavy day on Tuesday’s and young Dana held her own with not one, nor two but three sessions with his Majesty of incantation.  

More as I post up by late today.  

Flash: Lake Minnewaska Invitation

Thursday October 21, 2010 

9 AM to 6 PM

Your Host With The Most

Tripp Doherty

Trance Induction

A particularly inspired Tripp greeted us in the 715 edition, and the newly named Svengali, seemed almost hypnotic like as he used trance induction to pull us through with his spirited exhortations.  His T shirt, Team Beam, told the story of a fellow Iron Man competitor who has stage 4 cancer and he asked us to say a prayer for this young woman engaged in the fight of her life.  

Not 12 hours before I was in The Blue Sapphire’s class and it had me thinking, I had bitten off more than I could chew, but there was young Dana in front of me, a friend of Ms. Beam, and she was taking her second straight class, and so I put that irrational thought back in my head.  Although let’s get real as I write this she is 30 something I am almost 60.  Nonetheless I had plenty of energy as Sven talked about how we can share energy between us. I never really gave much credence that there was an energetic presence that we riders tap into for strength and inspiration to keep it going. I searched the room for the validation and guess what I found?

He is indeed a talented man because you like him and you just can’t put words to it. I am trying and when I do I will write them, I promise you.  

Theater Magic

I have decided to change the look and title of Tripp Doherty's blog. I am calling it "Svengali". Some might know that Svengali is a mythical character from the 1894 book called "Trilby".  Today's entry follows soon.  

It dawned on me today in the middle of a noon spin with Tripp Doherty, that I was compelled to change his nickname and his blog title. In another jam packed house in the CS, I got it from the faces I scanned.  Because there was nary a cyclist that didn’t seem mesmerized by our incantation specialist, now dubbed; Svengali. 

In one of his most inspired sessions, Svengali, (formerly known as the artist Mr. Mayhem) treated us to his eccentric version of spinning choreography that blends like my socks and shoes. It just clings and fits perfect.

It surprised me and didn’t that Svengali had a waiting list, as he seems to be growing from cult status to full matriculation of the mainstream devotees of spin. Even the hardcore aficionados of this art are flocking to this magician in short pants. 

Young Dana and I had a short discussion, and she gets up at 4 am to sign up for Sven’s 6 am session on the next day and then turns over to continue in somnolence. She told me in no uncertain terms that she only has a few minutes to tab her reservation otherwise she is shut out. Devotion yes, popularity definitely. Oh My God, 4 am? If you want it you have to go get it. Dana may have a heartfelt story to tell. 

So what do you think? Svengali? I like it. 

Planet Neptune

This morning in Mr. Fantastic’s class I got in last minute next to Stacy. She was beaming even brighter than the rings on her fingers. That man is one lucky guy, congratulations Stacy. The nuptials took place Saturday before last and the powerful spinner is back in our midst.  

I am looking for the word or words to describe how Tripp is able to inspire us the way he does. Every one of the Equinox stars does it in their own singular way, but Mr. Mayhem takes his cues from the man on neptune. (Is that still a planet?)  The whole front row had smiles glued to their faces as they plowed through one of toughest spins in my recollection, the Corso Zone notwithstanding. I had the bike that clicks only to be replaced by another that had play in the pedal stroke but it all matters little when I’m at the amusement park with Tripp Doherty. He is pure joy and he uncorks it every time whether he is in the saddle or he is in a trance with his own fandango.  

I am not always able to discern what he is saying, something akin to  my cell phone when you catch every other word, but that’s half the fun, because it allows me to fill in the blanks with the story I think he is telling or the one I want to hear. I looked up passion in Webster and it had just recently posted Tripp’s face and if you’re here you know why.