Let me start by saying I dont work for Cycleops. And its winter here down under.
Recently I took the plunge and bought a Garmin 500, JetFluid Pro Trainer and a Powertap.
I cant believe the change its made to my cycling. Being able to quantify my workouts and compare them has given me untold motivation and focus. I am watching what I eat, setting goals and researching training methods.
Before I would ride without purpose and eat without discipline.
I feel more powerful and have better endurance each time I ride and have lost weight.
Here is a comparison of a session 2 1/2 weeks ago and todays
So if youre thinking of training with power, just do it!

https://connect.garmin.com/activity/c...tyId2=83551451

We "don't have sufficient privileges" to view this comparison.

Summary

22 May 2011 4 May 2011

Distance 25.06 km 19.36 km
Time 00:49:19 00:42:36
Avg Pace 01:58 min/km 02:12 min/km
Calories 626 C 562 C
Avg Moving Pace 01:58 min/km 02:12 min/km
Moving Time 00:49:19 00:42:36
Avg Speed 30.5 km/h 27.3 km/h
Max Speed 37.9 km/h 38.5 km/h
Best Pace 01:35 min/km 01:33 min/km
Avg HR (bpm) 141 bpm 145 bpm
Max HR (bpm) 141 bpm 145 bpm
Avg HR (% of Max) 76 % of Max 78 % of Max
Max HR (% of Max) 82 % of Max 92 % of Max
Avg HR (z) 3.6 z 3.8 z
Max HR (z) 4.2 z 5.2 z
Avg Power (W) 242 W 205 W
Max Power (W) 522 W 524 W
Avg Power (z) 2.3 z 1.9 z
Max Power (z) 6.4 z 6.4 z
Avg Bike Cadence 87 rpm 90 rpm
Max Bike Cadence 137 rpm 107 rpm

Glad you are getting the motivation.

I hit The Spin Room (Preston or Nth Carlton) when I'm back in town and in need of some motivation. There is nothing like an ex-pro rider calling you out when you are slacking off in the back of the class!

However...The weather is not that bad in Melbourne...get out and ride to Frankston!