Anzac Day Public Holiday Classes
City – CLOSED
North Fitzroy
7am regular class
830am Hawthorn CC private booking
930am regular class
1030am regular class
As always bookings essential, bikes will be held till 15 minutes prior to class commencement. After this time bikes are released to public.
Cheers
Awesome early 6am kick off this morning! The first of the next three months working with the powerhouse women of Hawthorn, Coburg, St Kilda and Northcote cycling clubs.
Lots of cadence and time trial work partnered with ample sweating, groaning, swearing and dry reaching!!
All women belted the sessions, is so inspiring to see so many strong female riders getting into the classes and smashing the numbers out of the park! Look out guys we are taking over.
Sam and I are excited to be working with you all and look forward to the many sessions to follow watching you all get fiercer and stronger!!
A big thank you to Liz Hall who heads up the Hawthorn Womens Cycling Squad for organising the sessions and inviting the girls from surrounding clubs too.
A few snaps of the interior overhaul we have recently had at North Fitzroy Spin Room.
Big thanks to Thomas and Pierre, a couple of backpackers out here splashing there mark locally to local shops in the outer Melbourne area.
We gave them free range to coat our once boring white walls in our brand colours, the guys needless to say did a great job!!!
Easter Weekend hours guys as follows:
Good Friday – 9am Standard class. 10am Womens only class.
Easter Saturday – 730am Standard class. 830am Womens only class.
Easter Sunday – CLOSED
Easter Monday – 9am Standard class. 10am Womens only class.SEE YOU THERE!
Tues/Thurs – Elite Hills 730 resumes following week.
CA$H FOR KILOMETRES – GUYS DUE TO A HIGH NUMBER OF ORGANISED EVENTS ON THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 24TH I AM REASSIGNING THIS EVENT TO THE WINTER MONTHS WHERE THE RIDING CALENDAR IS QUIETER AND YOU CAN ALL ATTEND! APOLOGIES FOR THE SET BACK. WATCH THIS SPACE………………….
Kicking off in 2012 once again we will be making all you spin folk turn the pedals for a worthy cause. After last years success for Karen Munro’s charity Ride Hard to Breathe Easy we have been digging about trying to nut out how to both punish you all with a grueling physical feat whilst supporting someone/a charity in need of help.
This time I have selected the Cancer Council, on behalf of a friends campaign called Crusin 4 a Cure.
Firstly I need to give you a little background of this campaign and the amazing women behind it.
THE PURPOSE
Meet Vanessa Wyder….
I was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in November 2006 at the ripe age of 21.
I had been feeling quite unwell for around 11 months with stomach problems and general lethargy. After having a biopsy it was confirmed that I had stage 3b Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Hodgkin’s disease is a neoplastic (tumour) disease which is characterised by painless, progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes and the spleen. There are four stages of Hodgkin’s, and 3b meant that the cancer was in both my upper and lower diaphragm and spleen. Looking at my scans from 2006 there were approximately 50 tumours within my body ranging from <1 to 5.4cm in diameter.
Hodgkin’s can be treated by radiation and chemotherapy; in my case I had the most common ABVD chemotherapy treatment, which was 12 fortnightly chemotherapy sessions.
The treatment was overall very tolerable, I was always a day oncology patient that meant I would go in for a couple of hours on every second Tuesday to have the chemo administered, and then I would go home and recover.
Generally, the treatment made me feel nauseous and tired for a number of days, but I would always come around again by the Sunday.
By March 2007 I had reached remission, was just a bit balder, weaker and fatter. Even though I did not realise at the time, it also had a great emotional impact on me and I suffered from a mild case of depression for a number of years. This was partly due to losing friends that were unable to deal with the illness so decided to cut ties with me, and also the fact that I was dealing with 27 additional kilos I had gained from the steroids that made me feel quite uncomfortable in my skin.
Biting the bullet, I decided to go on an adventure to Europe and America for 3 months, which was amazing. I did half of the journey by myself and the other half with a friend and it was crazy fun! I returned reinvigorated and was able to start losing the weight I had gained and got back to a normal life.
In saying that, I did still at times feel very anxious at the thought of the cancer returning and when lumps developed in my neck in November 2009 I had a feeling that my stint was not yet over.
In July 2010, I was diagnosed with relapsed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, although there were only around 10 tumours, the course of treatment for relapsed Hodgkin’s is the same. Salvage therapy chemo, stem cell transplant and optional radiation.
In August I started with the salvage chemo, which was weekly chemo for two months called PACEBOM. The purpose of the PACEBOM was to put me in remission so that I was able to have the stem cell transplant. On the first week I would have the PACE chemotherapy drugs which would make me feel nauseous and fatigued, and on every second week I would have the BOM which would produce flu like symptoms. I found this treatment quite tolerable and continued to work 4-day weeks whilst I was having the treatment.
After the eight weeks of salvage chemo, I went into the Alfred Hospital to have my stem cells harvested. The stem cells harvested would then be my lifeline after I had the stem cell transplant. This is similar to dialysis where the blood is washed and all stem cells are separated to be frozen and stored ready for transplant day.
After the harvesting I had a month off to get my body ready for the transplant, but I encountered an issue. At the end of November I ended up in ICU after falling unconscious from a severe infection that I caught from my Hickman’s which is an intravenous catheter that hangs from the chest, tunneled under the skin to the jugular vein and is a port for administering chemo.
I had been at home experiencing shakes and was feeling overall quite unwell. I had to get my Hickman line changed that day so I went into the day oncology ward. Not long after they had finished cleaning the Hickman I started shaking uncontrollably, vomiting and had reached a temperature of 39.5. With a weakened immune system it was no surprise that I fell unconscious and my blood pressure had dropped to unprecedented levels.
I was then placed on noradrenalin and spent 5 days in ICU. When in ICU I was told that had I not been in hospital at the time I fell unconscious I would have died of a cardiac arrest. It was at this moment that I knew that I was one lucky girl who was protected by some amazing guardian angel and could achieve anything! I was going to beat this cancer once and for all.
The good luck just continued, when I returned home I had an email from a work colleague that I had been discussing my love and dream of travelling in a motor home with, and he advised me that Jayco have offered me a motor home for 12 months to take around Australia and follow my dreams. It was at this moment that I could only look forward and started to plan my fundraising trip.
On the 23rd of December I was checked into 3 West in Box Hill public hospital and began the chemotherapy for the stem cell transplant. I was initially given oral chemo and then intravenous chemo two times a day for six days in a row. Despite uncontrollable vomiting on the first day, I found that I was relatively ok during the chemo and spent most of my time socializing with the three old Greek men I shared a room with.
December the 29th was the big day when my stem cells were to be returned to me intravenously so that my body could start repairing itself. I didn’t really feel any different, except I could taste tomatoes in my mouth and friends told me that I smelt like a tomato plant for a few days.
In late January the 5 week stay in hospital finally came to an end and the recovery was to continue at home. At this point I was completely wiped out and bed was the only option for me. A great opportunity to continue planning the trip and catch up on a lot of movies.
In February it was time for the radiation to start, and this was to be 24 treatments with 5 weeks off, and then a further 24 treatments. The treatments were every day and were relatively pain free. However, it was certainly an interesting experience to be strapped to a table by my head.
There were a few bumps and hospitalizations during the treatment, but I emerged a new and cancerous free woman in July 2011.
There is no turning back for me, and whilst many people consider me unlucky to have experienced this, I consider myself extremely lucky! I have been given a second chance at life, an opportunity to pursue and chase my dreams.
THE CAMPAIGN
Departing on the 23rd of January 2012, Cruisin 4 a Cure kicks off and Vanessa Wyder is in for the adventure of a lifetime!
A two times Hodgkin’s survivor, Ness has seen the effects that cancer has on individuals and families and does not want to see anyone else go through the same suffering. She believes that there must be another way to fight this demon without destroying all that is good within ones body.
After the overwhelming generosity that was displayed by Jayco who have offered her a motor home for 12 months, Ness will be dedicating the next twelve months to raising money for the Cancer Council that will be used to fund research grants looking at increasing overall immunity to beat cancer. It will also support other opportunities for treatment that encompass all different types of cancers.
Ness will begin her travels departing from Melbourne and will be visiting towns all around Australia holding fundraising events, and meeting with individuals and businesses to help her reach her goal.
The journey will also be an opportunity for Ness to experience what this vast and beautiful country has to offer and show everyone that whilst things may at times seem grim, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
THE SPIN ROOMS INVOLVEMENT
Vanessa and Crusin 4 a Cure has an extraordinary target of $1,000,000 to reach by the end of 2012, this will involve donations on her travels, fundraising events held by friends and other sponsors, charity can shaking on streets and of course small business donations of which we are proud to take part in.
YOUR CHALLENGE
Ok so last year we made you ride for 24hrs and go without sleep, a massive effort on alls behalf but this time we will go a little easier. Lets just say that Sarah proved to everyone what no sleep and fatigue can result too!
This time we are raising CA$H FOR KILOMETRES.
The idea and challenge behind this is for every kilometre you ride you earn $1, based on how many sponsors you can obtain this can add up to a hefty sum. This can be your own individual sponsorship, your friends and family and on a bigger scale your workplace.
Just think if one person did………..
If we had 50 people with 5 sponsors did 50 kilometres each that would add up to –$12,500
If we had 100 people with 5 sponsors did 50 kilometres each that would add up to –$25,000!!!!
There is no pressure to ride fast, it’s in your own time and you can get on and off the bike as much as you need.
The doors will open at 1000am Saturday 24th March at the North Fitzroy location and will close 1200am Sunday 25th March allowing much earned sleep for participants and the chance to have a celebratory nightcap to end the day’s hard earned work!
As for the days events we will have the support once again of Pete McGrath and his musical troop to set up there decks and provide tunes all day to help you all stay motivated and charged.
In addition plenty of food and drink will be on hand to keep hydration and energy levels soaring. Even for those of you not riding and just supporting grab a beer and something off the BBQ out back and cheer on your mates.
Non riders can still be involved by making a donation directly to the website by clicking HERE, OR at The Spin Room on the day.
In addition we will be running other events leading up to the day that will offer other opportunities for fundraising.
THE RULES
All participants need to register with The Spin Room and sign a participant waiver just so we know you’re in tip top shape to get involved.
When a rider gets on and off a Wattbike they need to check in with myself or Sam, to ensure there kilometres are noted.
Riders under 16 will need to have a parent or guardian present please.
THE PRIZES
Well we cant have you going home empty handed can we??
Throughout the day there will be spot prizes awarded for different physical feats, however major prizes will be awarded in the following categories -
For now I want you all to start thinking and talking about your efforts and sponsors.
I will upload the waiver and a sponsorship form in the next week.
Lets make it bigger and better next year guys, looking for your support in what will be a great day and a whole lotta fun.
Quick update on opening hours for next Monday Labour Day.
Classes as follows -
North Fitzroy – 9am standard class, 10am womensonly class.
City – CLOSED
Classes fill fast guys, remember bookings are essential any day and time. TXT Sarah on 0412 170 944 to lock a bike in.
Been a busy month so soon after Christmas and occasionally nice to touch on the faces that grace our North Fitzroy digs.
Below are just a few snaps proving that anyone young old, cyclist or non cyclist can be involved in our classes.
Again proving anyone can belt out a class, Ethan Munro at only 9 years of age was back with his Dad Paul for his second class today. Max rpm 122!! Max watts 360!! Competition on the horizon!!
Braidy and her father John was along for a bruising last night in class. Always good to see new faces. John doing his best to get as aerodynamic as possible on the bike!!
Well the 10am class this last week turned out to be a little chaotic. Within seconds we had what can only called a boys locker room with boys from the Northcote Cougers and the Preston Bullants plus a few of our regulars including a few scared women fighting it out over a 10km time trial. Massive morning good to see everyone working so hard they were all on the floor after!!!
Finally if the above session wasn’t enough the Preston Bullants were back again for a preseason training session where we made them run a 10km time trial in the heaviest gear minus the saddle! No option to sit and rest just keep on climbing!! Below pictured is Michael Sortino who took out first place.
CLICK HERE to see the live account of the boys in pain!!
Last but not least………..
Public holiday this Thursday guys!
As a result we are closing in the city and opening at North Fitzroy for a 10am class ONLY. Class is filling fast, so bookings as always are essential.
Group ride leaving after class at 1115am, all levels, male, female, animal, vegetable are welcome!
Happy Australia Day guys!!
