When one of our Certified Spinning® Instructors told us she had an interesting story to tell about a guy who took up Spinning and became a roadie, we were curious to learn more. Here’s the full story – and if you’re new to Spinning, don’t miss the last question/answer!
“True Story: How Spinning Changed My Life” by Joanna Morrison Griffin
Meet David W. Crothers. He’s a 69-year-old retired Department of Defense worker, a nationally recognized and published woodcarver, a husband/father/grandfather, and a Spinning® and road cycling enthusiast. I’m proud to say he’s also my dad.
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JMG: How did you get into Spinning?
DWC: After receiving a hybrid bike for Christmas at the age of 59 and riding outside for the first time in decades, I was given a 3-month membership to a Spinning class at a gym where my daughter and son-in-law were certified Spinning instructors. I was intimidated to even try it, but I didn't want the gift to represent a waste of money. So I bit the bullet and gave it a shot!
JMG: What has Spinning® done for you?
DWC: It’s made me a better rider overall and has allowed me to exercise when the weather is not cooperative for road riding. Plus, in Spinning® class I’ve met some of the nicest people I’ve been privileged to know. Everyone feeds on everyone else's efforts. It doesn't take long for a class to become a tight-knit group of friends.
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JMG: What types of efforts in Spinning are your favorites?
DWC: I suppose my "favorite" efforts are the ones I dislike the most. The areas where I have the greatest weaknesses and are hardest for me to do, they’re the areas that allow for the greatest gains. I don't like doing them, but I love having done them.
JMG: How has Spinning affected your road riding?DWC: Spinning made a huge difference in my ability to ride on the road. First, I upgraded from my hybrid bike to progressively better road bikes. Now when I ride outside, I am better able to pace myself, and I know how far I can push before it’s time to back off a little and recover. Spinning helps you learn to anticipate your recovery requirements. It has made me stronger when it comes to climbing hills. My form has improved (with a lot of guidance from the instructors) which has made road riding a whole lot more enjoyable. When things get tough, e.g. encountering a long or steep climb, I mentally picture a similar effort from class and put myself “in the zone" to push through it successfully.
JMG: You smoked for a long time. Why did you quit smoking, and how has that impacted your riding?
DWC: I smoked for 47 years (age 16 - 63). I decided to quit to see if my riding/Spinning would improve, in addition to improving my overall wellbeing. My ability to recover from an extreme effort began to markedly improve in a relatively short period of time. I could track my cardiac recovery time because I wore a heart rate monitor in both Spinning and while riding on the road. I was able to download the results onto my computer and literally SEE the improvements on the screen.
JMG: You mentioned you wear a heart rate monitor when you ride. What’s your take on them?
DWC: I love wearing one. It’s been my measuring stick because it’s a tool that allows me to visualize my progress both during the ride and after. My HR monitor also calculates the calories burned in an activity, so I am able to track my caloric burn in each class. During one year of Spinning classes (2x per week, 1 hour each) I ended up burning 100,516 calories. True story!
JWG: In addition to being a Spinner, you’re a roadie now. Why do you ride outside?
DWC: It's fun. It's challenging. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. I can take in the sights, smells, and sounds of the outdoors in a way I’d never be able to experience by riding in a car.
JMG: What is your most favorite part of riding?
DWC: Going at my own comfortable pace on roads of my choosing that will challenge me (hills) and give me some fun moments (downhill). Since I mostly ride solo, it is a perfect time to be at peace with myself and reflect on whatever happens to be on my mind that day.
JMG: Then, what’s your least favorite part of riding?
DWC: It’s scary and maddening, but some drivers have no regard for you or your rights on the road as a cyclist. But one large benefit from riding outside is that you will actually become a better driver since you have to ride defensively on the bike in order to stay safe.
JMG: What is your biggest ride accomplishment to date?
DWC: I rode the Nockamixon Century Ride in 2008. It was a one day, very challenging, 104 mile ride through beautiful, local countryside.
JMG: What are your riding goals at this point?DWC: Simply to ride until I can't ride anymore.
JMG: What mileage per year do you put on your road bike?
DWC: My greatest mileage was 1111.37 miles in 2007 (age 63). The least was 697.79 miles in 2012. However, most years I’ve approached or exceeded 1000 miles.
JMG: Back to Spinning…What advice or words of wisdom would you offer a beginner Spinner?
DWC: DON'T BE INTIMIDATED by the class, the instructor, by anyone. And DON'T APPROACH IT WITH FEAR! Everyone in the class was at your level at some point. They all had to start somewhere - just like you. I was never a coordinated athlete (and that has not changed due to Spinning!). In fact, when I first started Spinning I couldn't pedal out of the saddle for more than 20 seconds at a time! I was out of shape and didn’t know the proper technique. But I listened to the instructors and I learned what good form was. Years later, I found myself in a challenging class that had us out of the saddle for almost the entire hour. It was hard, but what a thrill!
One last thought…probably the most important aspect of Spinning…Remember that YOU are always in control of your bike and your efforts. Not the instructor, not the others in the class. You alone are responsible for the level of effort you desire to exert, and no one can take that control from you. That being said, a good instructor will give you the proper tools to push you out of your comfort zone but never into a danger zone. The instructors can really help you advance your skills and improve your endurance levels. They can make the classes fun so you want to keep coming back for more.
Interview conducted by Joanna Griffin, September 13, 2013. Copyright Joanna Griffin & Doylestown Ride, Doylestown PA 2013.
