Comparing an exercise bike to a real bicycle is like comparing chalk and cheese.

An exercise bike lets me get my legs moving, but that is very different from being on a bicycle that really moves; and that lets me get outdoors. An exercise bike also does nothing to develop handling skills; and the one I\’ve been using the past week doesn\’t have a bottle cage, which drives me crazy.

Yes, I\’m thankful to have access to the exercise bike. It\’s helping to keep my leg muscles from becoming totally atrophied; and I know I\’ll be glad of that when I\’m back home and on a real bicycle. On the other hand, I am now suspicious about the accuracy of the exercise bike\’s mileage meter.

Before this morning I didn\’t think about it; but today I noticed that the miles seemed to be racking up far too quickly. I have a hunch that the \”ten\” miles I pedaled are really only four or five miles.

The climate difference between Spokane and New Orleans is also chalk and cheese. Mornings are cool, and even chilly; whereas New Orleans still has overnight lows in the mid-70s.

But the biggest difference is the humidity level. Spokane is far less humid than N.O.; and consequently more comfortable in either heat or cold. In fact, Spokane in the teens doesn\’t feel as cold as N.O. does at 40 degrees! I just checked the forecast for the coming week back home; and it\’s full of rain and T-storms. I must say, it\’s rather depressing to think of going home to that.

But once home, I can go for a REAL ride!