Interactive exercise apparatus

An exercise cycle comprising:

• a support structure for supporting a user;
• a means for providing user-initiated aerobic exercise to the user supported by the support structure;
• a steering mechanism proximal to the support structure;
• a mechanical linkage coupling the steering mechanism to a stationary base such that (i) the steering mechanism is operably independent of the exercise mechanism, and (ii) user manipulation of the steering mechanism causes tilting of the user supported by the support structure about a longitudinal vertical plane extending through the base;
• a processor for generating an interactive simulated environment and monitoring user manipulation of the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to determine user position in the simulated environment;
• and
• a display system spaced from the user and providing a visual display of user position in the simulated environment;
• the processor being configured to enable the user to (i) travel substantially unrestricted throughout the simulated environment by manipulating the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism, (ii) spontaneously modify user's course while traveling within the simulated environment, and (iii) participate in user selectable activities within the simulated environment.