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!!
PLEASE NOTE OFFER ONLY VALID AT NORTH FITZROY, NOT IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS.
BONUS CARD OFFER EXPIRES 24TH DECEMBER 2011.
MERRY CHRISTMAS GUYS!!!
CA$H FOR KILOMETRES – SATURDAY 24th MARCH 2012
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.
TRAINING PACKAGE OFFER FOR ALL ENTRIES
Being the number of you getting out and about on the road in support of many a good cause, I wanted to touch lightly on one event running next year.
The 2012 Ride to Conquer Cancer benefitting the Peter Mac Foundation.
October 27-28, 2012. Riding through Victoria’s most inspiring landscapes in two days. You’ll proudly cycle out of majestic Melbourne as the urban landscape gradually gives way to the rolling hills and vineyard views of the world-class wine region of Yarra Valley. This event isn’t just for athletes or experienced cyclist, but for anyone wanting to make a difference!
The Ride to Conquer Cancer® benefiting Peter Mac Cancer Centre is for anyone who wants to challenge themselves for a great cause. All you need is motivation, a bike and a helmet. The money you raise for The Ride will benefit Peter Mac, the only public hospital in Australia solely dedicated to cancer. YOUR epic ride will move us closer to a cancer-free tomorrow.
Entries are still open guys and as a special offer of our support for anyone who enters the event or is already enetered and training we will be providing 10 pass cards for our classes for only $100.This is a saving of $50 and a chance to increase your training leading up to the big event.
Please contact me if you are interested.
Entry forms and info will be held at our North Fitzroy studio
For further information on the event please jump onto there website by clicking HERE
Hope to see you at The Spin Room soon!
Cheers
Time to shine a light more often on some of our key sponsors and friends of The Spin Room.
Starting with the best hands in the business – Scott ‘Scooter’ Vercoe of Impact Massage.
I met Scooter a few years back hanging out at the local St Kilda crits, since that time I refuse to see anyone else when it comes to a massage therapist that is so fully in tune with a cyclists needs. Even a recent work trip of his overseas for 6 months left me waiting in agony till he came back to work out all the damage that daily pedalling had done to the old legs in his absence.
A little about Scott below taken from his webpage………
ABOUT…..
Originally, I went to Uni with the idea of becoming a sports psychologist, but I got distracted and fascinated by anatomy. The body caught my imagination more than the mind. After finishing my degree (BSc (Human Movement)) and studying various other interesting things I caught a bit of the travel bug.
The necessity of paying off various travel related debts led me to a variety of jobs suitable for itinerants. As luck would have it, I stumbled upon one of the best jobs on the planet, bicycle messenger.
I spent 10 years riding a bike for a living, travelling all over and meeting some of the best people. I was also involved in setting up bicycle messenger associations and organising the cycle messenger world championships (CMWC 2006, Sydney).
At some point, it was time to reskill. I returned to my fascination with the physical therapies and completed a Diploma of Remedial Massage. As well as running my own clinic predominantly treating cyclists and other active people, I started working on tour with various cycling teams.
So now I am a soigneur. Soigneur is derived from French terms to care, or to heal. The role of the soigneur is to take care of the riders needs. This involves everything from food preparation, to laundry, to driving between stages, to first aid, and of course the important massage after the day’s racing. It’s a busy job and I love it.
BONUS CHRISTMAS OFFER………
Make an appointment (NEW clients only) with Scooter this next month and mention The Spin Room sent you and you will receive $20 off an hour massage.
CONTACT………
Scott “scooter” Vercoe
Working from: First Place Osteopathy
260a High St, Northcote.
Availability: Mon-Wed, Fri 12-7, or by appointment.
By phone: 0404768067
By email: info@impactmassage.com.au
By post: PO Box 2052, Fitzroy, 3065, Vic
Jump on the WEBSITE and read more about Scooter on his regular blog.
Aaaaaaaaahhhhh been slack again and the weekly news has drifted out to a month.
So much happening…..so many events and going ons!
Lets cover off the locations first.
North Fitzroy is doing great, full classes, waiting lists, extra classes and more incentives for riders.
Kicking off from tomorrow we are starting our womens only class at 730pm every Monday night. This will run as a 4 week term at only $50 for the 4 sessions. Ongoing offer but prepay on the first night you commence. Join at any time!! Classes will cater as always for beginner through to advanced but in a more relaxed social environment. First session tomorrow night is close to booked out which is great news!!
As for the other class goss our My Mountain sessions came to a close recently after a fantastic and fun number of weeks training the guys up for the Gravity Enduro. Was fantastic to have lots of fresh new faces and plenty of go get em oomph at working hard in class.
As a result we have re signed the guys up again in addition to some new MM crew! Including Mark aka Crusty who has returned back home to continue managing the MM store.
But with Marks return we see Wills departure as he heads off overseas with his partner Suzie. Will was a massive asset to My Mountain and as a key sponsor has helped grow our business and clientele in Marks absence. We wish Will the best of luck on his travels. Meanwhile excited to have Mark back and the discussion of future ideas for cross promotion and support.
Check out the latest and greatest the boys have on the floor by clicking HERE
As for other cycling news there has been many events that have seen many of our spinners involved. The Gran Fondo, Around the Bay in a Day and recently the Great Ocean Road Classic which saw many teams entered that were carrying a number of our riders. The GORC in summary is a team 120km time trial. All 6 team members must cross the line to qualify so in short you are only as strong as your slowest rider and believe me someone will always have a bad day.
The days events could not have been more perfect, the weather, the course set beautifully along the coast starting and finishing in Lorne, also going inland through Deans Marsh and Forrest. A big thankyou to Richard McDonnell aka Macca from Great Ocean Road Cycling for organizing the day and involving us in the days events. Click HERE for more photos and details on how you can get involved!!
Below are a few snaps of some of the teams that were out in force!
Team – The Belle Lap – Sam I’m too cool to wear team colours Stapleton, Glen Oleander, David Wilcott, Tim Wight and co.
Team – The Musettes – these guys had a million bazillion teams out in force, amongst that was our spinners Andre Roberts & Cyclecam Sharky!
Team – Nemesis - these boys killed it out on the road, regulars from class Andy Vanbergen and Liam Wallis
Team – The Spin Room – all girls team this year leading the charge, the ONLY all female team, consisting of Laina McKenzie, Johanna Fraser, myself, Jacqui Goodall, Andrea Frankpitt and Suzy Barrett.
Team – Cardno – one of our newest Banana Alley riders James Brownlie
Big ups to all the teams out on field that day, was great to see so much support and comradeship!
Last but not least the final stage of the Jayco Sun Tour was hosted on Lygon Street Carlton as does annually. Many of you were spotted out supporting the Elite men and women on one very blustery day!
However before the big guys make there final appearance there are a series of men and womens criteriums running on the famous course that again saw many of our crew out in force.
Ben Loughland (second from the right), a regular from ye olde days back at Northcote smashed the course taking a place in the mens C Grade Criterium. Since then has followed many wins in C down at the St Kilda crits that now have him back in full force in B grade on his way to A where he belongs.
Brett Kellett looking sharp with his race face on leading the pack in the Masters support crit!
Remember guys to send in any pics of stories you want splashed on our pages!! We want to hear about your adventures. Paul this means you! I want the details on the teachers games!!!
That wraps up today guys, will work harder to update more regularly. Stay safe on the roads, and keep working the pedals harder in class!
Cheers
Sarah@spinroom
