Who uses Rollers?

[7rider]

Thanks, Spokewrench for the great tips.
My DH rides rollers a lot in the off season. It has really improved his pedalling technique and form on the bike. He looks like a pro on the bike and is a joy to watch (but maybe I'm biased! ).
This past winter, I got a pair of "cheater" (parabolic) rollers from Performance. They are tapered up at the end of the rollers, so you can't easily ride off them - my biggest fear.
DH gave me these pointers to get me started:
1. Put the rollers next to somethng solid (like a washing machine - inside a door frame is often suggested, too) to give you something to hold onto during those "Oh, crap!" moments.
2. Start out and ride in a fairly high gear. Riding faster is easier to balance than riding slower (his threshold is about 13 mph, I think).
3. Look at a spot about 5-10 feet in front of the bike. Don't look down at the handlebars or wheel!
I managed to ride them for 30 minutes, then my butt started to hurt too much because I couldn't change position much. I also had to stop to drink and wipe my brow (DH can remove his shirt while riding rollers...yikes!). I think like anything, you get better and smoother with practice.
P.s. Oh, and tho' I have Speedplays on the bike, I work sneakers on my feet because I was nervous about clipping in/out. DH rides with his regular bike shoes and clips in. Maybe I will when I'm better, but for now, I'm content to use sneakers on my Speedplays. Not the most efficient, but when I'm in the basement, who cares!