WSSC and Blackboard

[spinnster10]

For those of you that are not JGSI, I apologize. For those who are, I am hoping someone can shed some light my way.
I renew my SPIN memberships for the Bloackboard newsletters and the discounts on workshops. Since I have attended most workshops, I considered letting my SPIN membership lapse.
However, I was originally told that this would be Lucinda's last WSSC. I have not yet had the opportunity to meet this amazing person. I decided to go to this year's WSSC Miami, mostly to meet Lucinda (Not an easy task for a mother of four!). I registered, promptly signed up for the Friday evening Johnny G ride, bought my plane tickets (non-refundable) and made my reservations.
A friend was going to wait until WSSC Chicago, only to have MDA tell her that it will not happen in Chicago this year. She signed up for Miami.
Now I hear that Lucinda's worshops at Miami have been given to someone else -- Lucinda is not attending. On top of that, Johnny is not coming to WSSC Miami! (We are supposed to get this info with our conference packets shortly)
On top of that, conspicuously, the last Blackboard did not have a note from Johnny. Now, I have never met the man. I understand that he gets a little excited at conferences. I also understand that he is a phenomenal person. He is the visionary and creator of MDA and the Spinning program.
I know some MIs are in this forum. Can someone please tell me what is going on at MDA? NO WSSC Chicago, no Lucinda, Johnny G is "on leave," and no forum (Thanks, Billy, for helping us here!). Something doesn't jive. :?:

I've never read a Black Bored that was worth 2 cents. And if you want to see poor form at it's finest, be sure to attend the group ride at WSSC.

Johnny is a nice guy and a marketing genius. Other than that he's just a mere human. A rich one at that. But that's okay; capitalism rules.

[hammertime]

Something may be up. I just got back from IHRSA, one of the bigger shows in the industy and where the heavy hitters usually show up. Went to the Star Trac/Spinning booth and there was no Johnny. Mr. Taylor was on stage teaching but he just doesn't compare to Johnny when it comes to trade show charisma and showmanship.

[spinnster10]

OK. I guess I need to pitch this up a bit . . .

Spinning and other indoor cycling classes are supposed to be indoor training rides for the outdoor cyclist. Of course, many people do not ride outside but enjoy the idea that they are being enabled to do so. Granted, not all classes represent training sessions, but that is supposed to be the idea, right?
The Director of Education of any such program should not only be a Master at the skills of outdoor cycling but should also know how to properly apply the cycling skills inside. Yes?
MDA lets go of one of it's most valuable resources for all of us who are truly trying to acquire the depth and knowledge necessary to help our members -- Lucinda Christian. :cry: For those of you who are not aware, Lucinda was the "lucky" individual who got to assess all of the STAR 2 and MI videos. Lucinda is also the person who received the workshop feedback. She then worked with each MI and went over the feedback. Lucinda also coordinated the research and application for new workshops.
Lucinda is replaced by two people (right there, that should tell you how valuable Lucinda is!). One person takes over as the Director of Education. She is very knowledgable and very professional. However, she is not an outside cyclist. She held a former position for AFAA. This info, to me, makes Spinning start to sound like any other aerobic program -- not a program based on the education of cycling.
Next, the individual who receives and transmits feedback to the MIs seems to be MIA. MIs who do regular workshops are not getting any feedback. Without the MIS getting feedback, how are they supposed to know if they are doing a good job of giving info or not? In my humble opinion, it sounds as if this person is A: intimidated by the MIs or B: can't handle HALF of the job Lucinda used to do.

The forum goes down -- no announcement and no apologies.

Johnny has seemingly disassociated himself with MDA -- he is not at shows and he is not going to the only WSSC this year in the US. :?

I have worked in several gyms of which the "controlling interests" only wanted to create members. They were not concerned in the quality of the classes as much as the class "numbers" and memberships.
Again, I am guessing here, but I think Johnny has lost any control of MDA. I think Johnny gave MDA heart and wanted to share the love of cycling, indoor and outdoor, with the best training individuals possible. I think the controlling interests have sold out the joy and educational aspects for higher profits (QVC and that weight-loss program -- what?!).

I think we are about to see some major changes in MDA and the Spinning program, and I don't think these changes will be for the best. :cry:

[Satori]

You are right on target spinnster 10....We will sorely miss them both...They both have my love and deep respect, and they can never be replaced....by anyone, no matter what MDAs thoughts are...
Peace and Balance in troubled times,
Satori

[SPARKY]

Dearest Spinnster:

Many thanks for the insight. I too have noticed some of what you are talking about and seems you have nailed the issue on the head !! Your assumptions surely appear to be well founded,... time will tell as to how it all shakes out.

As an extension to you comments on "selling out" and having gyms focus on ONLY the "numbers" is unfortunate. Sounds like Corporate America has entered the game and is stripping out the initial intent, integrity, and quality of Spinning and now ONLY cares about sales, numbers, etc. I am amazed at how terrible some rides are where the instructor teaches like an aerobics class on a stationary bike. The room is full,.. and the ridership does not understand that what is being offered is a "bastardized" version of Spinning. All the popcorn jumps, doing push-ups while on the bike, VERY high cadence to standing runs (translation,... almost zero resistance) and seated climbs with almost the same cadence as a quick flat. WHAT A JOKE !!!

I admire your continued commitment to "quality" and instruction/teaching instead of merely offering a sweaty workout to music. Doing an outdoor ride INDOORS takes some talent, dedication, and knowledge as to what you are doing. Thanks for standing up for whats the rigth thing to do.

Are you a SuperMom??

SPARKY

[gotta sweat]

Hey I heard from a good source that Johnny G was going to be at WSSC. I called MDA but they didn't verify. Does anyone know anything? They say he will be a Fridays ride and I am courious and I am signed up to ride...

Gotta sweat- Micheal

[yvonnej]

i understand that Johnny will be there, and there will be a friday night ride.

i don't know with any degree of certainty whether or not Lucinda will be attending ... just ask her, she's a member of this very board - she posts under her nick name "Looch".

all the specualtion and bashing is unnecessary. i've personally never personally experienced a professional or fitness conference sponsoring organization sending me anything relating to changes in speakers, presenters, but nearly 100% of the time there have been changes ... we adapted and the conferences went on sucessfully. if you're afraid you won't get your moneys worth based on the cancellation or reassignment of a few sessions, rest assured there'll be more information and education available than you can imagine.

just keep in mind that MDA may appear to be a huge organization, but really it's a small business with less than 25 staff members ~ who are a very close knit group. sometimes, there are issues that affect this small group of individuals that take precedence over making announcements about changes to a conference schedule.

y.

[bluenoser]

Yvonne, you are one of those people who I will miss SO MUCH this year :cry: I was just looking at pictures the other day that we took at Nemo's. If you change your mind . . . :)

[spinnster10]

Yvonne, it seems like you have had other opportunities to ride with Johnny. I've never been able to afford WSSC or to rearrange my life to attend before this year. More than likely, I won't be able to again for quite a while -- if ever.
For those of us for whom it may be a one-shot-deal, it is important that we get the experience you may have already had (or, at least, the opportunity).
Johnny is able and willing. I think it should be his call (But that's just my opinion!).

Yes, other conferences make presenter changes and cancellations. But any respectable conference would not cancel it's own spokesperson!!!

Lucinda is adamant, as of two days ago, that she is not attending this year. I truly wish she would reconsider.

[yvonne]

i'm really no authority on anything, spinnster10, but from what i underdtand there was a very understandable reason that JG had reconsidered his attendance this year. that, however, has changed.

have a wonderful experience ... if this is your first WSSC, be prepared for anything ~ go with an open mind, and trust that it will be filled with all kinds of things you never exptected!

y.

[AC]

If I am a participant in a ride, what difference is it to me what someone elses's form is like? If I am the instructor in my own class, it makes a difference.

I would hope whoever leads the Friday ride is well prepared and actually wants to lead the ride. If Johnny or anyone else' didn't have their heart into it, then it's right to stay away.

The purpose of my going to WSSC is to improve my teaching skills and my overall knowledge of indoor cycling class preparation and technical gaps in my own knowledge base. It will be great to meet people I have exchanged forum dialogue with, but from a business standpoint, I am paying for an educational weekend. In addition, the time spent learning counts toward a recertification process, that I subscribe to.

What exactly is the story with the rest of the bullshit on this thread?

[spinnerpom]

Perhaps Looch and Johnny are rearranging the deck chairs...

[Looch]

Actually Pom, I'll be the cleaning lady dumping the garbage in the middle of all the sessions. Rearranging of deck chairs is a job for the higher ups. :wink:

I will not be in attendance at WSSC. The reasons why are really not worthy of a discussion on a public message board.

I am confident the MDA staff and MIs will do everything in their power to make this WSSC as memorable as all others. How you perceive their effort is up to you.

As an aside, please note, the programming for WSSC is completed nine (9) months in advance of the show date. No doubt there will be changes in the schedule. If I recall correctly, not a single WSSC has occurred without at least one originally scheduled presenter cancelling. This upcoming show is no different. A LOT happens in nine (9) months.

Be well, have a blast mingling with each other in Miami, and most important of all, have some fun in the sun!

[Cheeze]

I miss you already Looch. You have too much knowledge and too many gifts to share. Subsequently I hope there is a come back in your future!

Cheeze

Spinnerpom here...

Looch, good to "hear" your voice!!! I'm not going to WSSC, but I'm sure you'll be missed by everyone in attendance.

Hope things are good with you...we miss the old forum, but this is starting to feel like home.

Sara

PS - Rearranging the deckchairs is a thankless job, anyway. :)

[spinmarvelous]

Looch,

I was always confident that I would receive a timely response from the education department at MDA when you were there. Now, I cannot say the same. Your efficient service, insightful perspective, caring nature, and helpful disposition is a great loss to the program.

Now that you will not be at WSSC, who will I chat with in between sessions? I liked that you had your "office" in the middle of the lobby. It always gave me comfort knowing you were there to help.

Your physical presence will be missed at WSSC.