Touch Me

This song by The Doors carried such special meaning to me as a teenager and now eons later as I hear it the pressure in my solar plexus is palpable. When this recording was released in 1968 it was a favorite of mine to try and recreate with my limited range of voice especially in the shower. Well one day the closest human being alive in my life my sister Carol was in earshot of my caterwauling as I vainly attempted to cover Jim Morrison’s hit.  Well needless to say when I exited the bath my sister teased me like she never had before imitating my horrific rendition of the tune. I was embarrassed at the time but now it is one of my fondest memories. Thanks Tripper for playing it now and again.  

Lately maybe as I get deeper into my sexagenarian years I am finding that those that “touch me” in my life have given me pause for thought about just how short life really is.   Heretofore I was usually nonplussed by life’s comings and goings but not now. My felt sense is that we do only pass by but once and every moment is precious even those that might leave us reeling back on our heels. My thought is that every step back is responsible for the next two steps forward. 

Spin class has as I have said before spawned many fond friendships and acquaintances and these liaisons have given me more sensory acuity to those closest to my heart. Love has never felt better in this old mans life as it does now. Thank you my friends you’ve changed my life outside the Lavender Palace too. 

Lest I forget this is a Tripp Doherty blog, I watched our hero today with a discerning eye. I still see a man hugely devoted to his riders and his students outside the rooms as he inspires with his authentic raw energy and enthusiasm. And as he speaks to us in his inimitable way he touches me to keep coming back. 

The Restoration

I thought if a Tripp was worth a trip last week it might be worth another this week. And so back I came into the 830 the place where the best times I have ever had in spin took place. I got away from Tripper because of my own eccentricities and I have to tell you either I am seeing Mr. Doherty in a new light or maybe he’s different. It doesn’t matter really because I think I am back in the fold once again. For one  I get to see members I don’t see in other classes and that’s a good thing to reacquaint myself with friends I haven’t seen in awhile. I happen to love the variety of spin instructors EQ has to offer but the originals for me will always be Kristen James and Francis Doherty. It’s where I grew up and cut my teeth. 

Some old movies need a restoration to bring them back to their original shape and color and so that’s what I have done restored Tripp back into my spin repertoire. 

Inspiration

My friend Tripp Doherty thanked me that I got him a job? If he’s happy I am as well.  I can only guess that he was referring to my blog about him.  It’s been a while since my schedule had me in his class but I found that opportunity today in the 7:15.

 Tripp’s thing is more about what goes on “Outside” the Lavender Palace than what takes place within its four walls. Two of his inspired women have done just that. Constance Korol and Heather (Featherr) Blank who both completed their 1st Half Iron Man. From my bike these two women are sporting a physiology only athletes wear.  

I used to identify the difference between Kristen’s class and my buddy Tripp’s as Class vs. Recess or Order vs. Chaos. I am here to say that comparison no longer is. It’s all about inspiration and feeling good and giving it our best effort every day. I just had to say that Tripper. Thanks for a great ride.