Hi Ksbell

I've also got a home trainer - it's an Elite and is also built like a tank so i don't have to worry about doing out of the saddle work. You can also adjust the tension if you want to make the work out harder.

Dogmama mentioned protecting the frame from sweat. This is very true as the minerals in and salt in sweat can damage your paintwork over time. You can just drape a towel over the frame or you can buy actual protectors made out or stretchy material which you attach to the handle bars with velcro and an elastic loop goes over the saddle and seatpost.

I tend to use the trainer maybe once or twice a week in the evenings . However, I still prefer to be outside and at the weekend I always try to ride outside. I must admit, it's hard work to got out when it's already raining, but once you're in it ok.

The only weather I think twice about is very strong winds or if the roads are very icey/frosty. I'm afraid I don't really know what the climate is like in Tennessee in the winter, but as long as you wrap up warm I'm sure you'd be fine. Obviously if there's snow around then I think I'd probably stay in, but don't let the weather put you off. It's nice to get some fresh air.