Bike Trainer very different from the road

[MaineMaid]

...to all of you and this topic; I've been on the trainer 3-4 times a week and have been using a 20 year old Walkman, , to try to break the boredom. I thought it was ME!!! I thought everyone must LOVE jumping on the trainer!!! Thank god!!! And Jen....I'm laughing myself sick picturing you entering into some kind of zone and tipping the whole thing over.
Anyway, a friend has given me a mp3 player and I'm going to create a play list...(not that there's anything wrong with 25 year old music from Bruce Springsteen,Bob Seeger,Van Morrison,and Jimmy Buttet), but I need something more.
Have any of you listened to books on tape while on the trainer???

Jan

[KayTee]

I did try spinning to audiobooks a couple of times but, like Shagge, found that music helps me maintain a more consistent cadence and effort. It was also more difficult for me to time and concentrate on intervals while listening to a book.

Oh and if you have bad knees, can't do Coach Troy's off-bike squats and lunges, and want a break from standing in the big ring/12 instead, THAT's when you do the Time Warp

[Aint Doody]

Shagge, I use rollers. I ride them for 10 miles every Tues & Thurs morning while watching televison. Since I have to pay more attention to what I'm doing, it seems like it's not quite as boring as when I was on a stationary trainer. What a work-out! I've finally gotten where I can reach up and scratch my nose--a real accomplishment. I usually stop about every 3 miles to drink.

[mimitabby]

Shagge, I use rollers. I ride them for 10 miles every Tues & Thurs morning while watching televison. Since I have to pay more attention to what I'm doing, it seems like it's not quite as boring as when I was on a stationary trainer. What a work-out! I've finally gotten where I can reach up and scratch my nose--a real accomplishment. I usually stop about every 3 miles to drink.

so what happens if you get knocked off balance (by scratching nose or whatever?) on rollers?

[sbctwin]

I used rollers back in the late 70's, early 80's. I always used them in a hallway. I could never be sure of my balance. I don't know why I quit, but it kept my legs in shape, my seat in shape. I quit riding for many years - life, health - got in the way. Now, I am back riding. I am so happy to be able to ride again and looking forward to training for my first century (some day, if not this year, maybe next). My DH got me a trainer for Christmas (in Oct). I only ride 30 min a day. I work up a good sweat. I have a fan blowing on me from the time I start and we do not have the heat on in the house (house kept at 58 F at the most). I know that my riding has suffered, SOME. I take it in stride. I work hard on my trainer, but am thankful that I am riding. My trainer will keep my seat in shape that I will be able to start commuting to work when the weather is 30F+ in the morning (4:15am) and I can start "training for that century" for this year. It just depends on what you want. Yes, the trainer is boring. I tape the previous nights tv shows and watch parts of them. It keeps my mind active. On the trainer, I don't have to worry about my balance (for the most part). I am on my bike, I am riding, I create my own world for that period of time. It takes mental discipline, more than physical discpline, for me to succeed. I AM HAPPY......

[Wahine]

I used to ride rollers for 30 min for form work, then I'd switch to my stationary trainer for the rest of the ride, I would go at least an hour in total and up to 2. It really broke the work out up and helped my technique. But alas, we have moved and the rollers were one of the things to go when we downsized, so I haven't riden em recently. They do take a lot more focus and a lot more core. I also know someone who broke their wrist when the fell off a set of rollers.

[Aint Doody]

What happens is you crash & burn! It's a challenge to scratch my nose. I'm hoping to graduate to grabbing a quick drink while still on the rollers. I'm to much of a fraidy cat to try it yet.