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.  

A Leap of Faith

When I saw Tripp’s picture of his mom and dad here dropping him off at the airport and then of his biological mother on the left coast I thought to myself what a leap of faith. A leap for Tripp his adopted parents and even his biological mom as well. Like being caught between two worlds our hero had to leave the company of the parents and a relationship that he knows so well for the company that is for all intents and purposes uncharted territory.  No easy emotional task. How did his parents in NY feel when they took him to the airport? I bet there was a lot of emotion they felt as the man they call their son left for the company of his biological mom.  

When we touch our heartstrings sometimes we are just not ready for the notes they play but somehow some way I think it will be the most enriching experience for Tripp and his mom there and his lovely parents here.  Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith to really find out who we are, where we came from and just how good we have it.  

Crossover

I figured out one reason why I love both Kristen and Tripp and their distinctively different and unique classes. This might seem a stretch for some but here goes. Coming from a family of 4 younger sisters and no brothers I am so in touch with the Yin side of me. I am truly a sentient man as I deem Tripp to be. He represents my softer side wild but still the sensitivity he has matches mine. Kristen on the other hand is my Yang. Her vision appeals to the masculine side of me and gives me the gregariousness and loquaciousness that is innate. Because these two have inspired the hell out of me these past 3 years I give them kudos for being my two favorite group instructors. (No disrespect to any of the great talent we have here.)

Tripp led off the 7:15 with one of my all time favorites: Evil Woman. I thought really? Maybe I am the only one that knows that is the nickname I have bestowed on Kristen but I don’t think so.  Admittedly ELO was only the chorus on this song but it lit the fire inside me like I haven’t felt in quite some time. A very spirited class this short version of the Trippmeister. All the classes seem to end prematurely even when we go a full 60 minutes but the 45 minute version always leaves plenty on the table for Saturday’s class.  

Some of the special people I love like Stacey, Constance and my favorite Debbie Jensen were there. These people along with the mop topped Crusader Tripp make my energy level soar just a bit higher with their presence. I saw a new member in the 3rd row his name is Keith and I spoke to him in the Boys Locker Room after and I welcomed him. This was his second class and he was incredulous about the difference spinning with cleated shoes versus sneakers. He had to learn that for himself. Welcome him I know he has a mission in mind and here in our 3rd space its just the place.  

Double Tripp Part: Unknown

A near packed house on Tripper Tuesday made the shortened week feel like Friday and when I got that call at 7:23 I knew someone wanted me in both versions of the morning show. And so I felt compelled to do my double dip of Tripp sending me in caloric deficit for the big feast happening at my sisters house two days hence.  When ever I take two classes I try to hold back but the magic man moves my pedal stroke into my autonomic unconscious and my alien spin gene takes command. 

Our mop top crusader of good deeds was handing out green wristbands for victims on the south shore and Hurricane Sandy. Always the humanitarian whether he’s fighting for the hungry, for cancer victims and now the victims of Mother Nature. I think one day we will see Mr. Doherty immortalized in bronze in his iconic pose of outstretched arms looking to the heavens for divine guidance.  Tripp Doherty; you gotta love him, and I do.  

My New Old Friend

We have a potential new member in our midst his name is Gregory. A long lost friend from half a lifetime ago took his 1st spin class at EQ on Tripper Tuesday.  Greg has never taken a spin class before let alone a class in-group exercises so for him it was a new experience. By days end Greg told me that he felt more energetic the whole day and it made him feel good and it made me feel even better. 

 I told Tripp tonight when a new member arrives in the Lavender Palace they are the most important person in the studio. Kudos to my friend Mr. Doherty because he made him feel more than welcome. Greg to his credit showed some enthusiasm as well and I think he will be back. 

Tripper Tuesday is a fixture in my spin life and yesterday the Trippster showed his authenticity yet again.