I've written here previously about my unbridled enthusiasm for spinning. For those of you with no clue what the hell that is, you can find the basics here at the Spinning website.
The two most incredible hours I've spent in some time took place in early October at Revolution Fitness in Santa Monica, when trainer extraordinaire Gary Kobat (whose clients include Jim Carey and Will Ferrell) guided a full class on a virtual Tour de France. With a full size projection screen in front of us, we rode along with the TdF DVD, experiencing the ride from the riders' point of view. When Lance climbed, we climbed. When Lance sprinted, we sprinted. When Lance fell ... well, we all groaned with disbelief, even though we've seen the footage many times before.
Gary is a remarkable, inspiring coach. He's hard working and competitive - his classes are for advanced riders only, and billed as "Not for the faint of heart" but if you're someone who thrives on a challenge, on being pushed beyond comfort zones, you'll never find a trainer like Gary. At the end of the two hour ride, I was exhilarated and could have ridden on.
The Virtual Tour returns to Revolution on December 12. Sign up early as this class fills up quickly. And come check out Gary's classes - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 5 p.m. You'll find me in the front row for each one.