Rollers

Recieved my Tacx Antares rollers yesterday. So far they seem to be of really high quality. They are very sturdy and run quiet.

One thing though....
During the reading around I did when deciding which set to buy, I never really noticed anyone saying how bloody tricky they are. The tacx site has a nice video a man and a women having a nice relaxing warm up session, before joining friends on the track.
I set them up yesterday, and promptly realised I could'nt get on my bike (I have near zero clearance on the BJ). Luckily my 3yo has an Ikea step. I fetch that, hopp on the bike, then very quickly hopp off the bike. I managed to use the rollers with the aid of a step for mounting, and the back of the sofa for balance. But man that was tricky. You look bloody stupid falling off a stationary bike too (I think Mrs Smallfurry secretly enjoyed it). Like those first few clipless 0mph falls. Why do these things require so much humiliation?

Been looking for tips this morning, and found this quote..

*What the experts will tell you: "Riding rollers is an excellent way to smooth out your pedal stroke, gain balance on the bike, and stay fit in all weather conditions." *
What they ought to tell you: "Riding rollers is going to make you feel like a drunken hippopotamus on a tightrope, and if you're not comfortable with the idea of being outwitted by a bunch of metal, you may want to find a new hobby."

http://www.coachseiji.com/rollers.html