how do I use my trainer?

[Eden]

I generally tighten my trainer to the point at which if I grab the bike wheel and try to turn it, while holding the trainer flywheel still, I can't make the tire slip against the roller.

With a fluid trainer the harder you pedal the more resistance you get - pedal easy, not much resistance, pedal harder more resistance. It looks like yours offers variable resistance that you can change manually from your handle bars too. To gauge your workouts I'd suggest getting a heart rate monitor. It doesn't have to be super fancy, but having a monitor and figuring your your HR zones will help you to structure your workouts. Having workout DVD's is helpful as a starting point too. Check your local library - you might be able to check some out before you decide to buy. There are different styles and people often find they have a definite preference for one personality over another.

Keep in mind that trainer riding is *harder* than being on the road. There's no resting ever, so an hour on the trainer is going to feel like 2 on the road... Having a good fan is important too - its soooo easy to overheat on the trainer and have all your energy totally sapped away.

p.s. you definitely don't need to spend $100 on a trainer bock.... I have one in my basement that I made myself from 3 pieces of ply wood and a few screws with a hand towel to cushion and raise the front wheel a bit... I've seen all manner of things used at bike races when someone has forgotten a block - a shoe, a roll of duct tape...