The 8:30 Galvanized

Any controversy that may have existed as to the most emotional spin class that I have ever taken in my short tenure was ended today in the 8:30.  The pulse at the outset was high I could feel it and if there was a meter to measure Human Energy it would have hit TILT.  Some of my favorites were in attendance: Mary McCann, The Twins, Lisa, Marcy, Maureen and Randi in the back row. These friends can be counted on to lift our spirits no matter what the day has brought us.  

The class was full at 55 and about 10 minutes in the whole course of the ride changed and brought us together in unison like I have never experienced before. Jessica had taken her place on an empty bike because of the 5-minute rule, which states that if you are not on your Schwinn 5 minutes before class commences you will forfeit your bike. It was now ten minutes in and a young woman and let me just call her “Big Brazil” by the detail on her tights started a confab with Jessica and we all knew what was happening and the net of it was that Jessica being the good sport she was got off and gave her bike to the late comer. Now it’s easy to lay judgment on someone we don’t know and call them egocentric and selfish but far be it for us to sit in the court of public opinion. Let’s focus instead on the fact that throughout the confab while the music played Jessica never changed her countenance, which was a broad smile. Some of us like me for instance might not have taken too kindly to be summarily unseated and I know personally since I had lost a bike under similar circumstances about a month prior. Jessica took it without so much as a shrug of her shoulders and as she started her exit the CS erupted with a sigh of indignation. However all was not lost Tripper to the rescue as he gave up his bike to Dr. Jessica. Pandemonium broke loose and he lifted the room single handedly. We have come together before but not like this. Just like Mary McCann from a week ago Jessica displayed the élan of yet another you want in that foxhole should the need arise. This is no act lady and gents this is authentic and the 8:30 will always carry a memory I shall not forget. 

More on this story here:

http://jackbriant.blogspot.com/2011/05/dark-side.html

P.S.

Projection is no more than speculation guessing with invisible ink. 

http://innerknockings.blogspot.com/

It's All About the Music

A friend of mine who is a devout Tripp aficionado was quite clear why she preferred Svengali and it was all about the music. The memories that his selections invoked for her in the end were the drawing factor. And it got me thinking at 545 this morning that  distinguishing one great spin class from another was for me not the music but rather quite simply the charisma of the instructor.

It’s no secret that I am not a fan of the American Top 40 because by simply adding a moog synthesizer into the musical production, just about anyone can carry a tune. Take the performers out of the studio and put them in front of screaming fans, and the catchy rifts that excite our adrenalin flow fall flat on the eardrums. The Black Eyed Peas for example are fantastic musicians but unless their voices are filtered electronically inside the studio when they play ‘live’ their voices are pedestrian at best. It makes me sad on one level but maybe it’s just because I am a child of the 60’s and singers well could carry a tune all by themselves.  

When Tripp plays Que Sera by Doris Day or a theme song from a popular Television show from 35 years ago it’s just another one of the ties that bind us to this unusual personality who at times we have trouble hearing over the music but it never seems to matter because we journey with this man whether it’s following his exploits up a mountain or his indefatigable spirit through the next Iron Man competition. So for me it’s not class versus recess or how I connect with the pedal stroke or even if Hall & Oates is playing. It’s whom we have a fondness for and Tripp Doherty just does it for me. 

So it’s all about the music or maybe it’s just because Tripp is Almond Joy, indescribably delicious, and like me the nut makes it a sojourn not a spin class. 

It's that woman again you know the one that gives up her bike to another. 

Mary McCann

In a playful mood yesterday as I crept into the 8:30 about 15 minutes late, and spied an open bike I thought that a double dose of Tripp might just be the tonic to get my long day into night started. Since I had booked for the 9:45 I was determined to stay within myself to make it through the second class. I am not like some youths like Maureen Russo and Mary McCann who can virtually go on forever. I need to conserve lest I run out of the energy kinetic. Well as you might probably guess that plan ran afoul as I was induced into his trance once again and got caught up in the choreography and fandango. Seems like this is a repetitive storyline here that happily I cannot escape.  

At the start of the second class, I thought I could instigate a little rivalry between the 8:30 and the 9:45 but that thought was changed when a rider arrived late for the bike next to mine and according to the 5 minute rule she lost her bike to a waiting line member. Tripp and his soft heart was visibly disappointed but rules are rules. As our chagrined rider headed for the exit, Mary McCann on bike #16 for her second class offered her bike up to the late comer. This seemingly simple act of kindness had me thunderstruck. I applauded her as she exited because who does that? Mary McCann that’s who. In the year and a half that she has been my acquaintance and spin mate Mary has shown me that actions speak louder than words ever could. A cliché to be sure but Mary says nothing and does everything. I cannot begin to imagine how blessed her nuclear family feels about her, far be it for me to know but here as a member at Equinox Mary McCann has continued to show over and over that she is someone you can count on to do things with integrity. Kristen say integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking this is Mary. I will never forget how she took the bull by the horns getting that Island Harvest food drive started last year. I am sure those that share a closer tie with Mary have your own story about this amazing woman that anyone would love to have in a foxhole with them.  

Near Dark

We of the Friday 7:15 have made a declaration silently that not everyone needs class but everyone wants a great workout and to be entertained. An unusual time in the schedule to be sure and the fact that it’s only 45 minutes and is over in a flash makes it too little of a good thing.  But I wanted to mention here something about that group of our spin mates that we rarely get to see let alone get to know. 

Too early for me to rise for the 6:00 AM slot start; I can usually get there about mid session and thereby heat my frame up for the short version I have just mentioned. The pre dawn crowd is from what I can glean a very hearty bunch. After all they must look at that digital alarm at the ungodly hour before 5 AM. Virtually inconceivable for most of us to even open our eyes at that time they somehow do it on a consistent basis.   Those go getters that have vocations that start 9:00 AM or prior still make fitness a priority in their life at the expense of more shuteye. We are not likely to get to know them as we of the later crowd enjoy more comfortable timetables like the 8:30 or 9:45. But these members are not subterranean dwellers and although not a vociferous bunch they are nonetheless quite committed and waking up with Tripp is not exactly like a journey to the dentist.   

The 8:30

What has now become simply “The 8:30”, and clearly one of the most spirited classes offered in our CS, Tuesday is owned by Svengali.  Even the most serious of us cannot help but use those 12 facial muscles to smile (Anatomy Notes) when Tripp goes into his impromptu fandango. And make no mistake there are days like today when the heavens are wringing the sponge where we just don’t feel all that cheerful but somehow our incantation specialist convinces us the sun will be peeking out from behind those dark gaseous curtains very soon.   

Today Tripper played one from one of my all time favorites groups: Hall and Oates. This selection from almost 30 years ago still spikes my adrenalin like it did from the days of my life as a dancer. When the music strikes a chord within your framework, it’s the second best feeling in the world. What’s the first? Love of course what did you think?

  I have written about it before, Sven has the most eclectic musical lineup of all our instructors but it all seems to work its magic and I don’t know who else can play music that makes us all clap rhythmically. 

Shelter Island Ride Tomorrow Check Tripp via cell for weather

As a wide-eyed kid growing up in the 1950’s I experienced the awe and wonder of Coney Island. I also know that the rides of today might claim to be more thrilling but nothing in the 21st century even comes close to the heart pounding fear I felt back then riding Coney’s Thunderbolt Roller Coaster, Parachute Jump and Steeplechase Ride.   However, that same exhilaration is recaptured and is playing several times a week @ Equinox.  It runs on Tuesdays and Fridays and the ringmaster is Tripp Doherty.

This was the vision that struck my mind of heart as we saddled up in Tripp’s afternoon class today.  Just like a barker in a side show Mr. Mayhem had me wondering where to put my quarter so I could gain admission to his personal amusement park.  It was a foregone conclusion that the performance would be filled with his singular brand of ebullience and my only  concern was just how was I going to keep up with Mr. Astroland’s musical incantations filled with alternating speed, resistance and outer world charm as only he can conjure up. 

Today's ride made me think about my favorite Coney Island ride and it  was called The Steeplechase. Essentially it was a simulated horse race where one rode on a wooden horse suspended 30 feet in the air and as you sped down a steel track at 60 mph it gave you the thrill of a roller coaster.  And the power of what it might be like to be a jockey on a thoroughbred at Belmont. This was the imagery I felt today with the incandescent one.  Like a demonic cheerleader Tripp used his physiology on and off that stationary bike like it was part of his anatomy.

I love spinning as some of you might have guessed but today I was back in my childhood when Coney Island was the place to be every summer growing up. 

The Party of the First Part.....

We the party of the second part would like to inform the party of the third part that Tripp Doherty although an enigma to those that can only think with the conscious mind, that he is a life changer for many of us in the CS. We make that statement with no agenda only to bring attention to the fact that in-group exercise it is paramount that the instructor can lead the class because of a professional designation in the various protocols that require countless hours in achieving them. So the instructor must not only be proficient but charismatic as well with that attractability factor or that X factor that you either have or you don’t. 

 Since Equinox is at the top of the virtual class in fitness clubs, one of the things that make the Mother Ship happy is a studio that is filled to the four corners with members. Come by on a Tuesday and you will see not one nor two but three full studios in a row with the Master of Trance Induction; Mr.   Tripp Doherty Although he is not from any Jell-O mold we have ever seen, he carries a devotion that is unparalleled with no distinction in terms of gender or age.  A man for all seasons and a man for all people.  We love this man. We love him. 

Shelter Island Ride

Date:  Sunday  May 15

Starting point:  Sunset Beach Hotel on Crescent Beach ( Sunset Beach)  Shelter Island 11965

Starting times:  Early morning ride with Tripp    6:30 AM

                        Second ride with Tripp            8:30 AM

                        Main ride all levels                 10:30 AM

         The main ride can be anywhere between  10 miles up to 30 miles over varying terrain.

          There will be maps handed out for the main ride. There are no road markings for the ride.

Directions to Sunset Beach Hotel ( It takes about 2.25 hours to get there from exit 36 on the LIE including the ferry)

              The ferry to Shelter Island is in Greenport on Route 114. As you come into Greenport you will see signs to the Shelter Island. Just get on line with your car and they will direct you onto the ferry. They run continuously.  Get a round trip ticket. As you exit the ferry go up the hill and then bear right on to Grand Ave. Stay on Grand Ave 1/4 mile ( do not turn onto 114) straight and then bear left onto New York Ave. Stay the speed limit which is 25 mph. You will drive along side the golf course till you come to s stop sign. Turn right on to West Neck Road and go up the hill. Continue straight up the hill which becomes Shore Road which will take you to Crescent Beach. You will come to the staring point as you make the turn. 

Here is the first loop link  so that you can map your ride. 

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/33125142

The Planetarium Ride

It is so difficult not to sound like I am writing in hyperbole about our Planetarium ride on Thursday night, but it was so singular in nature that the experience was incomparable to any spin session this writer has ever had. The caveat of course was how could it be because of the setting and the theatrics attached to it. This made the ride so introspective that all five senses save the olfactory were engaged and engaged like never before.  

 The young O’Connor twins, Rose and Marguerite who selflessly gave of themselves to raise money for AIDS research, spearheaded the event. People like that are moved personally and their desires to take on a project like this have to be congratulated not only for their effort but going outside the box of their own personality. 

Our instructor, John Hinrichsen with a resume that would rival any professional athlete, has a demeanor that flies in the face of being the center of attention. He is naturally self-effacing, which   allows you to travel on a journey within that is unencumbered by our own self-consciousness.  We in a felt sense ‘fly’ with no boundaries and with the vista of the overhead stars cape that is the planetarium the ride takes on a Zen like prayer as we look at our own lives absent the egos that constrict us. 

Along for the ride was our own Tripp Doherty, which gave all of us a sense of belonging and we rode together in spirit as well as in effort. The O’Connor twins accompanied by their mom were beaming ear to ear from start to finish and after they thanked us for coming John took over with a craft that affirm his other talents. This writer will be back again because this experience will only serve to enhance every ride in our CS back in our home at Equinox. 

It Ain't Jack

't j

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush as the ancient idiom goes.  It dates back to medieval falconry according to the phrase finder just in case you are interested in useless facts.

My day included a sojourn   to Queens and as I lay in my comfortable bed this morning I mused that I could probably make the 12:15 Tripp class in Woodbury if all things went according to plan. But wait Jack things rarely go according to plan so why not seize the opportunity and go to Tripp’s 7:30 and in this way I have that in the bank. And so that is what I did as I write this tome about the 45 minute express version of Svengali.  

Seeing Janene was a pleasant surprise and in the front row no less had me taken aback as well. That studio in Roslyn with no windows can be tomb like but with the likes of Tripper it matters little because he brings his own environs with him. I have gotten so accustomed to the 60-minute versions of spin class that on the rare occasion that I take a 45-minute one the clock time rockets by and today was no exception. It seems that by the time I have worked up a real sweat, the cool down is upon me and it always leaves me with wanting more.  

And as the noon hour is approaching here in Queens there is little likelihood I make it in time even for half of Svengali back in Woodbury so the decision this morning was indeed a good one.  

Tomorrow night you will find some of us including yours truly and Tripper at the Vanderbilt Planetarium for the charity ride starting at 7 PM. I think as of this writing there are two bikes left according to our friend Rose. If you are interested e-mail me at JackBriant@mac.com.  

Assessing the Universe

So often as I watch Tripper look to the heavens (even though there is a ceiling overhead) I see his eyes dart in a myriad of directions and I have come to the conclusion he is assessing the universe for his communiqués with the world ethereal. Might sound farfetched to some but if we examine why we are in the studio with him in the first place maybe this conjecture is not out of the realm of possibility.

As I have recounted before, we are not exactly aware of all the reasons why he makes us smile and how he motivates us in the saddle and out in the real world, but let’s face it he just does. So why is it not possible that he gets guidance himself for the journey he will take us on? I believe that there are forces unseen that provide the direction for our compass needle but it seems Tripp has his finger on Magnetic North.  

Maybe it’s fanciful but just like we can’t see the forces of two magnets that alternatively are repelled and so strongly attracted, we cannot necessarily see why someone has charisma and why the energy of another is just muted albeit temporarily.  Take my new young friends Margaret and Rose, (Identical twins) they are fairly new to the CS and when I met them about a month ago their particular charm and charisma was apparent like a 100 points of light and when people like that join our company it makes for the unseen energy in the CS just come alive in a very palpable way. By the way both have spearheaded this Thursday nights charity 90-minute ride at the Vanderbilt Planetarium and I think there are a few bikes still open. It starts at 7 PM and I know Tripp will be there so if you can support a great cause, please come. Almost like a road Tripp.