It may seem an odd concept that training in a virtual world like Second Life will improve your cycling performance in your next triathlon race, but that's exactly what Wolfgang and Suzy Spaatz, the founders of SL Triathlon, are proposing. SL Triathlon is Second Life's first and currently only global triathlon club supporting those tri-atheletes, who compete in the swimming, cycling and running races every year, rather than spending all their time at their computers and in SL. It provides a social meeting place and shop, but also provides a unique service by offering spinning (or stationary cycling) classes.

Wolfgang Spaatz, an active triathlete for over 25 years and a multiple Ironman, came up with the idea of providing classes in Second Life while sitting on his turbo trainer at home because many triathletes and cyclists I know train indoors on their turbo trainers in front of a TV or PC whenever they have time. They usually listen to instructions from a DVD or just listen to music on their iPods. Rather than just watching a DVD, why not an interactive session via Second Life? Participants who attend these classes can cycle at home on their turbo trainers, while their avatars sit on exercise bikes in Second Life. A live music stream and class instructions are provided by Wolfgang and Suzy during the one hour session that truly mirrors a real life gym spinning class experience.

The SL Triathlon spinning class is on a beach and after the hard workout in Real Life & Second Life, and folks hang out after training to share tips with their new triathlon buddies from anywhere across the globe.

Since launching the first live classes on Feb 24. 2007, the SL Triathlon group has grown to over 40 members and numbers are rising rapidly, as the word spreads. It's early days yet, but Wolfgang and Suzy are already considering expanding their property to cope with demand. They are also planning to bring professional triatheletes into SL and running a triathalon IN SL.

For more information, visit SL Triathlon at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Envy/159.108/56.0298 or IM Wolfgang and Suzy Spaatz. Training sessions are Tuesday and Thursday at 12 noon SL Time, but please get in touch first.