What makes a participant do these things??

[Dogmama]

I
But they also have these stationary bikes that have a little video screen mounted to the handlebars that shows other rides, a pace rider, and different scenes you choose. I've used that--it's cool! It has gears, the seat position is similar to my Hybrid, and I get a good work out. You can set the pace rider to go as slow/fast as you wish.

Is there an advantage to doing "spinning" over something like the virtual bike?

I think the answer is in your question. On the video screen bikes you said you said you get a good work out, the bike is similar to your hybrid and you like it. Perfect!

[Pax]

The University just reopened the HUGE campus rec facility, it has a spinning "studio" with large flat screen monitors. They're going to run different "trips" where you cycle through Spain and learn Spanish at the same time, and another where you cycle through wine country and learn about the vineyards. The keep the lights really low so you can feel like you're actually there, I'm thinking I'll try the wine country one...think they'll mind if I bring a bottle of red along for a more complete experience??