My bike is 200 miles away, and it's gross enough here in Ohio that I couldn't ride even if it was here (it was 17 degrees today!). My university's cycling club holds spin sessions between November and April to fill in the gaps. I met them there to drop off a check for a jersey order this evening. They seem like a nice group of people. I was nervous about being the only woman there, and it looks like I won't be. (My university has a very, very skewed gender ratio.) I get to hang out with some different people. And hey, I can get myself into some kind of shape for when I can get back on the bike.

Here's the issue. I hate doing cardio activities at gyms. I'm seeing this as a lot like running on a treadmill--you're not going anywhere, and you're staring at a wall/mirror/other sweaty people. This doesn't really appeal to me. Anyone have any suggestions on getting over it?

I have one other question: What does one wear to these? I saw a mix of cycling clothes and regular workout clothes. I'm a little reluctant to show up in bike clothes on the grounds that those who do appear to be the racers...and male. I'd like to be comfortable, obviously, but I'm not sure I'm confident enough in my "game" to show up in a jersey and spandex.

Of course, parts of my brain are saying I'm silly to be worrying about such things...