Zwift, TR, Sufferfest etc

Takeaways from tonight's ride: knowing the course a bit better helps for sure, not murdering myself on anything on laps 1 or 2 helps a lot when it comes to the race at the end, I still don't have the energy to push the 300-400w for 2-1/2 miles to stay in the mix. I did get a PR on a bunch of stuff on lap 3 tonight including Kleiner Hügel, the descent, the hill to the finish, etc. so that felt good.

But overall, I've been thinking about what I want to get out of riding indoors, and how to achieve that, and what progress would look like over the course of a couple months. I don't currently race, outside of friendly Strava dick-waving against my friends. And even then, we never talk about the climbs... only the descents and only the good ones. So I guess if I did race (and I've considered it, as I used to race sport class downhill i.e. beer-league DH) it'd be "enduro" and that's how I like to ride I suppose... steady and reasonable pace to the top then murder the fun part. So the "goal" (at least in general high level terms) is to be able to ride big, long rides at elevation with less fatigue and more ability to rail descents. It'd be nice to be able to climb at a speed closer to some of my faster friends, but ultimately I'm less worried about keeping up the pace and more concerned with ensuring I can go whatever distance and gain we decide in our stupid heads to do. Happy to take suggestions on things I could focus on to, or how to go about getting less fat / moar fit.

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Originally Posted by EWG

2,394 extra points for the Save Ferris sticker.

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Heh thanks man, I have this pic posted on a couple forums and I kinda figured someone would make a comment about one of the stickers at some point and I was wondering which sticker would be first. The Save Ferris sticker wasn't even one I considered, TBH.

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Originally Posted by Full Trucker

Takeaways from tonight's ride: . So the "goal" (at least in general high level terms) is to be able to ride big, long rides at elevation with less fatigue and more ability to rail descents.

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Yes dude.
This is the way.
With Keith upstairs now, you must come visit the DC compound this summer.



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Attachment 359051

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Originally Posted by Dee Hubbs

You skinny fucks.
I started Zwift last March and weighed in at 96kg - 211 lbs.
I’m 45yo and haven’t been under 200lbs since I was maybe 30?
Because of Zwift I’m now currently sub 86 -189lbs.
I’ve lost 10kg - 22lbs from a stupid bike/computer game.
]

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Just seeing this now. Holy shit dude -22lbs over that time period from zwift is inspiring! Great work

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Originally Posted by dan_pdx

Following suggestions from folks here, I selected a route to ride, and didn't make any changes at intersections, but it was totally unclear to me how I was progressing along the route - I didn't seem to get any "distance remaining in route" display or anything like that, just a "total mileage covered on this ride" display. How is that information displayed?

Question on sound: the only sound effects I got was rumbling when I went over wooden bridges, and a sound effect for thumbs ups. Other than that, Watopia was silent. What's that all about? Is that also a result of having a crappy computer? Is there no background music or anything?

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For routes I don’t think there is any display on your dashboard on the main screen or the anywhere on the companion app screen that shows your progress along your specific route - just the distance in the top dashboard of how far you have ridden (which includes the lead in).

I put an iPad on my side table with the route profile on it (from zwift insider website) because otherwise I’m too stupid to remember the route length (and the initial ride in length too) once I start pedaling and then I’m left wondering how far I need to go.

Once you finish a route for the first time a banner pops up on the screen for a few seconds saying you’ve earned that badge -it will be obvious.

Anytime you want to switch to a different route or world you have to exit out of the app and restart it (I believe)

If you’re looking to climb up the levels by collecting XP you should look at your dashboard of how far you have ridden and if you’re close to a full mile/kilometer (eg 12.8km already ridden when you finish a route) just pedal until you make the next mile/km as you’ll get extra XP for each mile/km (eg 20XP for each kilometer you ride)

If you really want to get lots of XP you can choose to ride your routes using a time trial bike (from the garage menu) - everytime you go through a banner that would normally give you a powerup you’ll instead get 10XP. Be aware that trial bikes don’t climb as well as the normal bikes and there is no drafting effect when you are behind another rider.

I blare music from iTunes so can’t comment on zwift sound effects :)

The zwift veterans may have more helpful tips

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Originally Posted by dan_pdx

Following suggestions from folks here, I selected a route to ride, and didn't make any changes at intersections, but it was totally unclear to me how I was progressing along the route - I didn't seem to get any "distance remaining in route" display or anything like that, just a "total mileage covered on this ride" display. How is that information displayed?

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Perhaps someone with more experience will have a better answer but the map in the upper right corner of the screen has a side view of the route at the very bottom that shows your progress. Maybe on your old laptop it's hard to see.

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Originally Posted by Garth Bimble

Perhaps someone with more experience will have a better answer but the map in the upper right corner of the screen has a side view of the route at the very bottom that shows your progress. Maybe on your old laptop it's hard to see.

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Thanks! I'll look for that next time.

Route progress... As others said, go to zwiftinsider.com and get the route list, it will have the length of the badge plus the lead-in. Memorize or write down the distance. Once you get familiar with the world's you'll have a better idea where you are and what is left to finish.

Other way, when selecting the route, watch the little map above the route selection. It will show you the route. Most start and finish in the same place (except the big climb ones)

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New trainer will be waiting for me when I get home from work trip!!!

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Originally Posted by joetron

Yes dude.
This is the way.
With Keith upstairs now, you must come visit the DC compound this summer.



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So fucking in for this.

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Originally Posted by Whiteroom_Guardian

New trainer will be waiting for me when I get home from work trip!!!

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Nice!

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Originally Posted by bennymac

Just seeing this now. Holy shit dude -22lbs over that time period from zwift is inspiring! Great work

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I got my trainer last April when lockdown started, weighed in around 172 at the time. I've gotten down to 156 at the lowest, hovering around 159-161 right now, if I laid off the beers for a month I'd have to re-tune all the suspension on my bikes!

Other thing about routes is they always start and end at arches. You start on the road somewhere, then go through an arch for the official start (the lead in) so your total distance is always going to be a bit longer than what's listed. Then you are not done until you go through an arch and get the "route achieved" banner across the screen.

Thanks to all that have posted tips for Zwift. Got my trainer last new years and weighed 207. Down to 182 at start of summer for a good 25 pounds lost. Been creeping back up to 190 but also started back on the trainer this month. Rode Rouvy last year and it was fun. Not a big gamer but trying my free month of zwift. I may stay with it if I can figure out all the tricks.

I went with the Kickr snap as my bike is campy and the wife's bike is Shimano. Easy to switch back and forth. Units been OK, I'd rather have a wheel off unit but it works. They did replace it last spring when it developed a loud ticking noise. Great customer service.

I know the goal isn’t always weight loss (although I could stand to drop some for sure) but it’s impressive to hear these stories of substantial drops.

My only regret is not getting in zwift last winter - I kept waiting for the $700 power pedals to go on sale - that was dumb.

I can’t recommend the Tues/Thurs TGR group rides enough - they are a nice complement to free riding routes or doing workouts - we’re like a group of dogs chasing each other around the park :)

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Originally Posted by bennymac

I can’t recommend the Tues/Thurs TGR group rides enough - they are a nice complement to free riding routes or doing workouts - we’re like a group of dogs chasing each other around the park :)

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Glad you joined a d you’re enjoying it. I want everyone to know it’s not intimidating to join this group. And we are all there to help/make the newbie understand how it works.
The more riders we have the more fun it is for everyone.

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Originally Posted by bennymac

I can’t recommend the Tues/Thurs TGR group rides enough - they are a nice complement to free riding routes or doing workouts - we’re like a group of dogs chasing each other around the park :)

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If I stick with zwift I may attempt to keep up for a bit. Mostly been doing workouts to ease back into it. The few freerides I've done I did have fun getting attached to a pack and drafting. That's the difference from rouvy that I like the best. Not sure about the etiquette in Zwift but I treat it like riding with friends and try and take a turn pulling if I can.

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Originally Posted by Flounder

If I stick with zwift I may attempt to keep up for a bit. Mostly been doing workouts to ease back into it. The few freerides I've done I did have fun getting attached to a pack and drafting. That's the difference from rouvy that I like the best. Not sure about the etiquette in Zwift but I treat it like riding with friends and try and take a turn pulling if I can.

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I bet you will enjoy the TGR group rides. And this is coming from someone who, in the 2 rides I’ve done, finishes in the bottom 10%. (It’s a group ride that turns into a friendly “race” in the final 15%)

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Originally Posted by bennymac

I bet you will enjoy the TGR group rides. And this is coming from someone who, in the 2 rides I’ve done, finishes in the bottom 10%. (It’s a group ride that turns into a friendly “race” in the final 15%)

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by race you mean jamal leaving us in his dust... :biggrin:

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Originally Posted by grrrmountainman

by race you mean jamal leaving us in his dust... :biggrin:

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There will never be a risk that my fat non-greyhound ass might catch the rabbit.

Last night was the first time Dee didn't have to escort me to the finish

I like taking flyers on the mid ride sprints, but it does tend to catch up with me during that last final flat. That shit is brutal. I’m looking forward to next Tuesday, been out of it for a few weeks due to end of day beer drop offs at the shop . Hard to resist.


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Buttahflake, any race tactics advice on the Sand Seqoia Race?

I'm figuring keep as close to front as possible and stay in draft through the flats then be ready to hammer the climb to Titan Pass (is what 5-7 min?) then try to rest on the downhill back it the flats, repeat. try not to barf?

Dude, I love sand and sequoias when I’m noodling around in zone 2. Doing it zone 4 is freaking brutal! All those little rollers both before and after the climb are punishing. Try to keep your cadence high on the rollers, it’s easy to get bogged down and dump big watts. I really did almost barf, it’s rugged. You can recover for a long ways before the pain train begins again. Hide in the blob as much as possible.

Just got Zwift mostly sorted, did ten minutes of the Watopia intro ride. Fucking humbling. Still have a few things to sort out (need it to recognize the Garmin HR sensor), but it was really fun. Started in my PJ’s to just do a test minute, but when the tron bikes went flying by, I just had to pick up the pace. I was sorta soft pedaling except for those efforts, and it was about 2.6 w/kg, which I am assuming is quite low. But it was just a test ride in a 70 degree room.
Dee, how do I join the TGR group, again?
I didn’t see any request options or search options, but I have only been on it for ten minutes.

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Originally Posted by rideit

Dee, how do I join the TGR group, again?
I didn’t see any request options or search options, but I have only been on it for ten minutes.

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Follow me on Zwift, that way I can invite you to the rides.
Easiest way is download “Zwift COMPANION”app, this is different than the Zwift app.
Once in the app go to the bottom right “3 dots more” button, it opens to a screen where “Find Zwifters” and type in Dee Hubbs.

Ok, I’ll give it my best Gen X-er try.
Should I DL the companion app on my phone?
(I didn’t see an option for windows)

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Originally Posted by rideit

Ok, I’ll give it my best Gen X-er try.
Should I DL the companion app on my phone?
(I didn’t see an option for windows)

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Yes on your phone.
It’s designed to run this app the same time as your computer or appleTV runs Zwift.
While running Zwift on your computer/appleTV, the companion app runs simultaneously on your phone to help you out. It allows you to connect to Bluetooth devices (like heart rate monitor), it shows you an overview map of your ride, allows you to chat with riders easily, change your view, change course or U-turn.
It also an easy way to find events or group rides.

Nice, thanks!

Since this is the hottest thread....

Where to ride outdoors in Denver on a Friday night for 90 minutes? Is Cherry Creek path a viable option?

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Originally Posted by buttahflake

Dude, I love sand and sequoias when I’m noodling around in zone 2. Doing it zone 4 is freaking brutal! All those little rollers both before and after the climb are punishing. Try to keep your cadence high on the rollers, it’s easy to get bogged down and dump big watts. I really did almost barf, it’s rugged. You can recover for a long ways before the pain train begins again. Hide in the blob as much as possible.

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Copy, high cadence, don't barf

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Originally Posted by Whiteroom_Guardian

Since this is the hottest thread....

Where to ride outdoors in Denver on a Friday night for 90 minutes? Is Cherry Creek path a viable option?

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Do you have access to a car? Or have to ride from your downtown accommodation?

Describe you’re Zwift addition with only a picture:
Attachment 359301

Dee Hubbs I followed you as well.... R Shackleford....what time are the Thursday rides again? 6MT?


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Originally Posted by Sandbox

Dee Hubbs I followed you as well.... R Shackleford....what time are the Thursday rides again? 6MT?


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Just invited you. Tuesday 6pm MST, Thursday 6pm EST.

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Originally Posted by Dee Hubbs

Do you have access to a car? Or have to ride from your downtown accommodation?

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I ended up doing 24 miles from Glendale down the Cherry Creek Trail to the state park and back. Actually pretty nice and a weird empty ride to do at 9pm on a Friday in January.

I'm working on troubleshooting my power lag issue. When I'm riding in zwift most functions (u-turning, messaging other riders, hitting a powerup) happen instantly without any flickering of the screening or lagging of the image. But there is a 8-10 second lag from when I apply power and/or increase cadence to when zwift responds to this (I can understand there being a 1-2 second lag).

Where we live the internet signal is weak by 2021 standards - and at first I just figured that was the issue but I don't think that's it - or at least it's not the only issue. Our internet is good enough to stream netflix without issue - but I guess with zwift it's more data "heavy" and perhaps it's the upload speed that is more important? As you can tell this kinda stuff is not my forte.

For reference my setup is
bike: spin bike with no transmitting capabilities
power and cadence: Garmin Vector pedals (bought new in November) - transmitting via bluetooth
HRM: whaoo kickr fit armband transmitting via bluetooth
companion app: on iphone
zwift app: on 2014 imac desktop hardlined into internet router - imac has a bluetooth keyboard and a bluetooth trackpad that are in use when zwifting

I always reset the internet and restart my computer and close any other apps before zwifting and I make sure my wife isn't using any internet devices at the same time.

Question: with there being 4 devices (pedals, HRM band, keyboard, trackpad - maybe also iphone?) using bluetooth is this where the lag is coming from?

Would switching some of these devices to ANT+ using a USB dongle be beneficial? Both the pedals and the HRM can transmit via ANT+. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try - just looking for advice as any new stuff needs to be mail ordered in

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Originally Posted by Dee Hubbs

Just invited you. Tuesday 6pm MST, Thursday 6pm EST.

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Got that! Times may be tough but I’ll certainly do my best to make a couple!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bennymac

I'm working on troubleshooting my power lag issue. When I'm riding in zwift most functions (u-turning, messaging other riders, hitting a powerup) happen instantly without any flickering of the screening or lagging of the image. But there is a 8-10 second lag from when I apply power and/or increase cadence to when zwift responds to this (I can understand there being a 1-2 second lag).

Where we live the internet signal is weak by 2021 standards - and at first I just figured that was the issue but I don't think that's it - or at least it's not the only issue. Our internet is good enough to stream netflix without issue - but I guess with zwift it's more data "heavy" and perhaps it's the upload speed that is more important? As you can tell this kinda stuff is not my forte.

For reference my setup is
bike: spin bike with no transmitting capabilities
power and cadence: Garmin Vector pedals (bought new in November) - transmitting via bluetooth
HRM: whaoo kickr fit armband transmitting via bluetooth
companion app: on iphone
zwift app: on 2014 imac desktop hardlined into internet router - imac has a bluetooth keyboard and a bluetooth trackpad that are in use when zwifting

I always reset the internet and restart my computer and close any other apps before zwifting and I make sure my wife isn't using any internet devices at the same time.

Question: with there being 4 devices (pedals, HRM band, keyboard, trackpad - maybe also iphone?) using bluetooth is this where the lag is coming from?

Would switching some of these devices to ANT+ using a USB dongle be beneficial? Both the pedals and the HRM can transmit via ANT+. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try - just looking for advice as any new stuff needs to be mail ordered in

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This is kind of helpful, kind of not. You not only one with the problem, these guys run through a bunch of variables, with no obvious solution.

https://forums.zwift.com/t/delayed-p...date/475275/26

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Originally Posted by carpathian

This is kind of helpful, kind of not. You not only one with the problem, these guys run through a bunch of variables, with no obvious solution.

https://forums.zwift.com/t/delayed-p...date/475275/26

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thanks! I did do a google search and read some of the forums posts but not that thread - will review. Cheers