Recently I was able to squeeze in a spin class in Minneapolis while away on business. This is what I learned:
1. Anyone can teach spin class. The instructor of this class was a very short and powerful woman. I don’t think she has ever set a left cheek on a real bike saddle.
2. The spin groupies shout Indian-like war cries while trying to hit their “AT”.
3. Every guy in Minneapolis has a beard. I thought the media was just stereotyping Minnesotans, but this truly is the truth.
4. Guys from Minneapolis love to wear sweat bands. I felt like a true outsider. I had no head/wrist bands and was clean shaven
5. Due to the cold temps, all cyclists ride in time trial positioning. Either this is true or everyone here is a tri-geek
6. People EVERYWHERE show up to spin class in full kits and bring gel packs for the breaks between zone 2-3. My highlight was the dude in the Taco Bell kit, with a beard, bald head and you guessed it head and wrist bands!
7. Techno music is the voice of the Sirens for the people located in the great North. I guess the Scandinavian like weather helps these fine folks associate with this Divine genre of music. Nothing says cool down like uptempo synthesizer!
8. Flannel is the cloth of choice for spinning. Just kidding this isn’t true
9. The cycling community is VERY tight knit. I was welcomed with open arms and even invited out to their first “indoor” tri of the year.
Ouch-Got a bike and support car upgrade. 
Bianchi doesn’t have a team in the Tour of California, but they got an upgrade anyway
The bikes from Astana and Lance’s custom TT bike were not overhauled due to the unknown, NASA developed carbon blend they were fabricated from. Instead, each bike received a 24 carat gold spare wheel. 
