Giving Back While Getting Cardio Burn

What started as a series of high-energy early-morning workouts has turned into an annual fundraiser for brain tumor research, raising about $5,000 this year. 

Despite the 6 a.m. start, the "Spin Revival," which took place over five days at Sportime in East Quogue, rarely had more than one or two bikes open each day.

Roland Walker, a spin instructor who leads the classes, said the concept began back in 2009 when he had to take 10 days off from teaching to work at the US Open — He's a State Parks Police Officer. 

Those who religiously took his class first thing in the morning were disappointed, he said. "I said 'When I come back, I'll do five straight mornings to make it up to you.'" He called it "Spin Revival."

"You know how you have a church revival? Well, we have a revival of spin," Walker said. It became an annual event.

Last year, one of his most faithful students suggested turning it into a fundraiser. Michele Papajohn, who lives in Quogue, said she was inspired to raise money for brain tumor research because her sister in England had recently organized a fundraiser after a friend of theirs was diagnosed with brain cancer. Around the same time, Papajohn was diagnosed with a benign tumor on her pituitary gland. 

"I thought, 'How can I do something?'," she said. First she organized her own class, raising about $2,000, the first year, but then asked Walker to help her. 

Together, they raised $4,300 in donations last year, and surpassed that amount this year, which will be donated to the American Brain Tumor Association. Papjohn, who takes medication that has prevented the tumor from growing, said she looked for an organization that would use the money for research. 

"People have been so generous," she said. 

Some riders participate all five days, some only a few days. There were about 70 different riders taking part. Preference is given to Sportime members who have been riding all winter long, Walker said. A minimum of $20 is required on Tuesdays and Thursdays (the rest of the days are regularly scheduled classes), but donations are taken throughout. 

A committee of five people, including Walker's wife Devora, formed. They decorate and put together gifts to raffle off to riders.  "They are like the animation of spin revival. They really bring out all the fun stuff," Walker said. 

This year they gave him glasses and bracelets with lights to wear while teaching the class, adding to the high energy and enthusiasm throughout the room. "It's amazing — everyday," he said of the spirit of participation. 

With 34 bikes available at Sportime, Walker brought in an additional 10, borrowed from Jason Cofield at Evolution Fitness in Southampton, so that more people could participate. "Jason is a very giving person. He likes to give back. He knows this is something based in the community. Last year, also loned me bikes too," Walker said.

"I couldn't do it without him," Papajohn said of Walker — whom she's known for 25 years. "He's amazing. He draws on so much energy. We partied all week long," she said.