Zwift, TR, Sufferfest etc

I know you guys must be dying for a TDZ update?! That is Tour de Zwift not Trump Derangement Syndrome!

I pulled into Stage 3 firing on all cylinders. Stick with the front leaders... pace and conserve energy when possible. Blast it on the hills... About 5 minutes in at the top of a hill me and a hand full of other riders suddenly veered off the race course and started following the god damned regular London Loop!!

It was a glitch, so many people in the system. Zwift broke a record that week with something like 10,000 riders in world at once.

I tried the turn around function to rejoin group. I was losing precious seconds. The lead group was quickly escaping my reach.

Oh well, might as well ride this loop for the workout... Super lame but it is alright there is chance at end of stages to redo missed events.

Stage 4: So tired and burned out from 55 hour construction work week in -5 temps. My race was 9pm friday nght. I told myself just get through it for the stage completion but of course after 15 min warmup I convinced myself I could hang.

I stuck with lead pack for less then 10 min. Fell off the back fair enough fell into large following. I can do this!

Holding 300-340 here and there. Around 35 minutes I found myself tailing at end of pack. I struggled to stay in draft. My numbers had plummeted, 280,, 270,, 250.... I'm tired.

The group was gone. I was in no mans land for a while then the late follow big pack caught up and blew around me. It was now hard to hold 230 and soon was cruising at 200 with 5-6 miles to go.

I stuck with it unhappily. Am I doing damage to myself?

The last 5 min climb to finish atop the volcano I felt surge of power and chugged some higher numbers to respectable finish of 70th/700. Collapse to floor...

Stage 5 was 2 nights ago. 3x 10 mile laps with 500 ft climb at last mile of each lap. I stuck with lead pack up until that first climb. MOther fuckers blast away at 6-7 w/kg and I m dropped to small follow pack of 3. We nudge back and forth for 12th place. All of second lap.

3 miles into last lap pack of 15 riders catch up now we are flying. It is amazing the way the Zwift physics engine calculates for weight and speed so close to IRL. Im heavier at 88kg and on the flats i can hang with group at x watts whatever. But as soon as the climb starts I am at disadvantage...

The final crushing watts sprint for last 5 min is brutal. Held 400 right to finish, so dead. 22nd out of 175.

I keep riding right around top 10% not bad I guess..

Tomorrow is the 3700 ft climb up Alp Du Zwift. I might die. Gonna push for new FTP... Im only level 9 and you need to be 12 to ride course outside of race so I am going in blind to course...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by carpathian

It is amazing the way the Zwift physics engine calculates for weight and speed so close to IRL.

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Update your profile to say you weigh 75 pounds. Winning!

yeah, 'cutting weight' in your profile is surest way to up your w/kg ratio and increase speed. But like the grammar nazis here, there are stop guards to catch cheats. If you run over 5w/kg for over 5 min the bike dork police with get after you. Or if you ride without heart monitor people are suspect.

then again what is the point? trying to simulate reality. After 6 weeks I dropped from 200 to 195 (2 kg) and saw noticeable increase in speed. If I could get down to 185 IRL,... yowza! This week i actually started the first diet of my life. No ice cream, latte, beer or donuts or energy drinks. MAGA!

Tonights race went alright. 49th/967 (.05%), 6th American, 3.6w/kg over 1:15 and 3750ft (4000 including leadin) of climbing over 17 miles. Painfull... getting stronger... I <3 Zwift

Stage 7: 20th/ 700. New FTP at 340

Stage 8: 40/1000 held 336 watt avg for 1:30

Stage 9: 20/250... Thought I could get high place with lower number but got dropped on the short punchy climbs of NY Central Park but still held 340 for 1:30. Fast mofos

I've been messing with zwift the past 3-4 weeks and do like it, but my biggest concern with Zwift is replacing what is normally a good time for rest and recovery of all things bike... and doing other stuff like easy runs with the dog, weights, climbing gym, swimming, etc with hammering the pedals every day might not be good for long term fitness, as much as it will feel good coming into the spring in shape.

Everyone is different but I can see some serious overtraining happening for a lot of people bored in the winter and riding the shit out of their bikes on zwift. Has me wondering if too much zwifting would turn that great feeling of getting back into peak shape in August and September into sore knees and back and injury.

Everything in moderation.....

It is funny you say that. I just watched this video yesterday talking about Zwift training plans being bad by design and how ppl burn out by June because too much riding...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xmVZshpLaqs&t=329s

And this one

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YarGXB-GUfE

That hectic January race schedule wore me out...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ridinshockgun

I've been messing with zwift the past 3-4 weeks and do like it, but my biggest concern with Zwift is replacing what is normally a good time for rest and recovery of all things bike... and doing other stuff like easy runs with the dog, weights, climbing gym, swimming, etc with hammering the pedals every day might not be good for long term fitness, as much as it will feel good coming into the spring in shape.

Everyone is different but I can see some serious overtraining happening for a lot of people bored in the winter and riding the shit out of their bikes on zwift. Has me wondering if too much zwifting would turn that great feeling of getting back into peak shape in August and September into sore knees and back and injury.

Everything in moderation.....

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I've not ridden yet this year due to a few factors but will be getting back on Zwift in the next week, and so I couldn't take part in the TDZ, which I was really looking forward to in January. Looked like a great event!

Last year I also used TR and learned a variety of recovery rides and so programmed those same style rides on Zwift. Many of my rides are in ERG because I like having a set wattage to ride at as I know what my HR will be and can thus plan accordingly for my weekly TSS. I typically will do two easy rides for every interval workout I do to try and have ample recovery time. I think too many people take no pain, no gain way too seriously and don't understand how to train properly - and don't understand that rest/recovery is more important than interval training.

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Originally Posted by carpathian

3 Coors Lite + fat joint + my first FTP test = 308

I'm just trying to set my self up for personal growth.

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A J before and some headphones is awesome, but Coors Lite? Damn.

Enjoyed your writeup of the KOM. Great ride up, but nothing like ADZ. Have you had the chance to spin up that one yet?

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Originally Posted by satori

A J before and some headphones is awesome, but Coors Lite? Damn.

Enjoyed your writeup of the KOM. Great ride up, but nothing like ADZ. Have you had the chance to spin up that one yet?

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Yeah that ADZ is long enough. It's like "oh god I'm only at switchback 14..."

Last night I made 1st attempt at completing 'Four Horseman' route. For those that don't know, it's 55 miles with 13,000ft climbing.

I kept watts under control around 1.9-2.2 w/kg. (185 watts)

Problem was I started at 8:30pm. 3 hours, 5000' and 30 miles later I was around turn 10-12 on ADZ and I was almost falling asleep in the saddle. Called it a night with a good attempt. Previous long ride on Zwift was 1:45 .

I love having the carrot on the stick to plan my next attempt. Feels like trying to climb real mountain.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by carpathian

Yeah that ADZ is long enough. It's like "oh god I'm only at switchback 14..."

Last night I made 1st attempt at completing 'Four Horseman' route. For those that don't know, it's 55 miles with 13,000ft climbing.

I kept watts under control around 1.9-2.2 w/kg. (185 watts)

Problem was I started at 8:30pm. 3 hours, 5000' and 30 miles later I was around turn 10-12 on ADZ and I was almost falling asleep in the saddle. Called it a night with a good attempt. Previous long ride on Zwift was 1:45 .

I love having the carrot on the stick to plan my next attempt. Feels like trying to climb real mountain.

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I had a similar thing happen on one of those group rides (i actually misread the ride description - it was the three original hills in one direction and then everything backwards) only I started at close to 10pm my time so by 1:00 AM I just shut down. Group rides are nice and all but no pace set and was waiting an extra 25-30 minutes for the stragglers to get up the first KOM climb.

Anything beyond 2 hours on the trainer starts pushing you into black dog territory.

Definitely dealing with a certain amount of 'overtraining' in the last month. Get on the bike and can barely hold 200 watts. 300 seemed impossible. Would push up a little bit here and there and the body is like "no thanks." Conscientiously cruising at 2w/kg and not allowing myself to 'get all crazy' chasing who ever. Felt good, allowed a for some adaptation.

Got on bike the other day around mid day for a planned 1.5 hr cruise where ever. Headed towards the Jungle. Feeling good. Rolling with random guy for 10 min lead in at like 2.1. I hadn't topped out on ADZ in a while so figured at least go bag the summit would be good.

Right as the map switches ADZ switchback count guy jumps to 3.5 and I'm like "Shit see ya later" . I bumped her up to 3.0 and suprisingly felt alright. Legs felt strong. UP to turn 21 I eased up to 3.2 then 3.5. Felt easy enough.

I caught and paced with guy until next turn. He slowed to 3.2 I felt good still and bumped to 3.8 then a bit of 4.
"man I feel great!" Next thought was 'damn this is gonna hurt'

My none-race PR was 56min. My Tour Du Zwift stage 6 time was 52:30 but that was after a hellacious 20 min lead end. I was in it now, hunt for new PR!

10 minutes later having second guess on my previous ambitions. "Do this for another 45 minutes?! Thats too much!"

5 minutes later, "Do this for another 40 minutes?! Thats too much!"

And so on.... Suddenly I was at turn 10. Not so bad. Problem was I knew that I was on track for new PR and If I gave up 3/4 up I would have to recreate the ambition later just to get back to where I was. A self imposed hellish trap I say!

My tactic was to take each turn and stand up and push 400-450 for a maybe a minute then sit back in saddle but not drop below 320-330. Never below 300... Good to change muscle groups on the fly I reckon.

By turn 5-6 I think I could fall off bike. "So dumb! this is not fun!" So close though. I make it to last switch and little ETA number pops up... OMG it says 50:10... at THIS pace. Horrible... gotta break 50 I think. Tunnel vision...

I stand up for last pitch holding 450 and ETA drops to 49:50. I hold it for maybe 20 seconds then realize my heart might actually explode. Drop to the saddle struggle to hold 375... ETA slowly dropping, dropping. Im dying dying
Cross the finish at 50:09. Collapse to heap on floor.

The good news is I got PR in a video game. The bad news is I didn't break an arbitrary time of 50. The funny part is I looked over on Zwift POwer and my time put me in 500th overall time. So ridiculous dudes getting 35 min...
/blog

Just got to Kona for 5 week training block in the heat. One thing Zwift is good for as it turns out , is heat adaptation. I had to ride 3 hours from airport to get our car down south and I surprisingly didn't die from heat stroke. Felt pretty good. Sun exposure is a whole other thing for this white white haole.

On the other hand Zwift is bad bad for bike handle skills. Here I am bombing on the ocean side of the highway with like 6" clearance between cars on my left and 50' drop off side of road . Felt sketchy

Sorry didn't read through this whole thread. So why Zwift over TR? I just renewed my TR subscription to prep for MTB racing season. I have the latest version of the software on a powerful (although not fully updated macbook pro running OSX 10.10.5). TR software is sooooo slooow. When the actual training programs are up it runs fine, but all other parts of the interface are dead slow even when I have nothing else running.

Other than that I do think the programs are good for training. Although boring.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Whiteroom_Guardian

Sorry didn't read through this whole thread. So why Zwift over TR?

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For me, I already have my own training plans and don't need what TR offers (same for training plans in Zwift). I like the engagement that Zwift offers me. Very similar to outside training, I know what the plan for the day needs in terrain and I ride to that location in Zwift and start my work. I enjoy the virtual riding and the challenge of finding the terrain that is needed to match the day's plan (if that makes sense).

Took 6 week break from Zwift for some outside riding which was quite pleasant . Got back online to check out the new desert route through fictional american southwest. Nice cruisey terrain.

Regained old route up to Epic KOM. Got that horrible nervous feeling of 'oh no I want to crush this' with about 20 seconds before start line ... Went all out! It is funny cross traing back from real world to Internet riding. Feels pretty good , no cars to dodge on narrow shoulders.

Watching the watts kick between 360 and 420.

15 min start feeling the desperate gassed fear that we know and love .i can't do this!!. Stay strong!

Thank god for those perfect little downhill rests they tuck in there . Those guys thought this shit out.

Pushing hard , 500 watts last minute... New PR at 22:45! Yayyy!

Also managed new FTP of 348 (3.95 w/kg) up from 340. Based on 20 minutes within workout at 367.

It feels good to almost not be shitty, lol . Just now on the high end of average on the FTP charts . Give me a break

Well 3.95w/kg isn’t average IMO. In my area you’re mixing it up at front of Cat 1 XC fields with that if your a good bike handler. If you have punchy power on top of that + great handling and you’re a player in mid-pack Elite/Open.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VTskibum

Well 3.95w/kg isn’t average IMO. In my area you’re mixing it up at front of Cat 1 XC fields with that if your a good bike handler. If you have punchy power on top of that + great handling and you’re a player in mid-pack Elite/Open.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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https://zwiftinsider.com/rider-categ...w-do-you-rank/

I've only ridden outdoors a few times again this year, and with temps finally starting to drop here in Sapporo I might not get outside again this year. I have a really good mate back home who is a serious rider at roughly 400km/week and he rides outside almost daily. I have to say I wish I had the time he does bc if I did I probably would ride outdoors more often, and attempt to meet up more with mates for rides. But I have almost no time between work and family, so I am up and riding around 5am. This is what I love about riding Zwift. In the one hour that I am riding I can maximize my time and training and get the best bang for my buck. One hour on the trainer, at least to me, is worth at least 1:30 outdoors. That's probably not too far off and riding in ERG with some of the workouts I've created, some that I liked from TR and programmed into Zwift, and those that are already in it give me such solid workouts and precise recovery rides that I almost can't imagine training outdoors much anymore - unless I'm riding with mates. I understand the purists and those who only want to ride outdoors, but the beauty of walking into my pain cave with a cup of coffee, getting some headphones on, turning the fans on, and clipping in is pretty awesome especially given the killer workout I get in 60 minutes.

Has anyone tried any of the other platforms out there other than the three big ones? How are they? Anything promising?

I'm on week 3 of Zwift. Love it! First objective is to lose weight with some long, steady group rides (group C). Target is 20 lbs (from 180 to 160). That'll make me much much faster come spring.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by satori

I've only ridden outdoors a few times again this year, and with temps finally starting to drop here in Sapporo I might not get outside again this year. I have a really good mate back home who is a serious rider at roughly 400km/week and he rides outside almost daily. I have to say I wish I had the time he does bc if I did I probably would ride outdoors more often, and attempt to meet up more with mates for rides. But I have almost no time between work and family, so I am up and riding around 5am. This is what I love about riding Zwift. In the one hour that I am riding I can maximize my time and training and get the best bang for my buck. One hour on the trainer, at least to me, is worth at least 1:30 outdoors. That's probably not too far off and riding in ERG with some of the workouts I've created, some that I liked from TR and programmed into Zwift, and those that are already in it give me such solid workouts and precise recovery rides that I almost can't imagine training outdoors much anymore - unless I'm riding with mates. I understand the purists and those who only want to ride outdoors, but the beauty of walking into my pain cave with a cup of coffee, getting some headphones on, turning the fans on, and clipping in is pretty awesome especially given the killer workout I get in 60 minutes.

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I totally get it, and I have Zwift and do use it and like it for many of the reasons you just mentioned but if time permits I really try to sack up and go outside and ride my bike as much as I can.

Because there is nothing like the feeling of actually riding a bike, even just out on a local bike path or a cruise through the city. The fact that it is fun is part of what makes it so great of a "workout".

Quote:

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Originally Posted by huckbucket

I'm on week 3 of Zwift. Love it! First objective is to lose weight with some long, steady group rides (group C). Target is 20 lbs (from 180 to 160). That'll make me much much faster come spring.

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Awesome. I've lost weight riding with Zwift, but have packed on more muscle with my weight training that I'm back to a similar weight, although with less of a belly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ridinshockgun

I totally get it, and I have Zwift and do use it and like it for many of the reasons you just mentioned but if time permits I really try to sack up and go outside and ride my bike as much as I can.

Because there is nothing like the feeling of actually riding a bike, even just out on a local bike path or a cruise through the city. The fact that it is fun is part of what makes it so great of a "workout".

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Yeah, I know what you mean. I love the scenery, wind flying past you, seeing the local wildlife, banter with mates, etc. Nothing is more fun that outdoors. No argument. We're almost finally to winter mode so streets are finally starting to get covered in snow!!

Have you guys raced any? Have you joined any teams on Zwift?

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a smart trainer for the winter. I have about $400 to spend, so thinking that a wheel on is probably my only option at this point.

Any suggestions? Anything to avoid? If anybody is looking to upgrade, feel free to hit me up.

Seth

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sethschmautz

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a smart trainer for the winter. I have about $400 to spend, so thinking that a wheel on is probably my only option at this point.

Any suggestions? Anything to avoid? If anybody is looking to upgrade, feel free to hit me up.

Seth

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Just went for it yesterday. Got the Wahoo Kicker Snap bundle for $569. Non Bundle price was $445. Gonna join the zwift party. I can’t not ride. I get grouchy and whatnot. Plus it will make getting out in the spring a whole lot easier. I suffered with my fitness all the way into June this year. Not good.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sethschmautz

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a smart trainer for the winter. I have about $400 to spend, so thinking that a wheel on is probably my only option at this point.

Any suggestions? Anything to avoid? If anybody is looking to upgrade, feel free to hit me up.

Seth

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I just bought the sensor to make my OG Kurt Kinetic Road Machine into a wheel-on smart trainer. Works reasonably well. I'd love a Kickr Core, but just not a major priority.

Sensor is sold separately for ~$50. So might be worth searching the local classifieds for a Road Machine (dime a dozen, last I looked) and then buying the sensor a la carte. Could save some cash. I remember seeing them in good shape for $100-150. So you'd be in for like $200 and then could spend whatever else on nice peripherals.

My Road Machine was purchased circa 2009, and compatible with the sensor. So they go at least that far back. To determine compatibility, look for the little hole on the tire mating surface. It's the little black and silver circle in the photo here: https://www.amazon.com/Kinetic-Road-.../dp/B00XLKVC44 Silver part is the sensor, black is the rubber grommet it comes with to insert into the hole.

The sensor is the InRide 3. Amazon has it for $40 right now.

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Originally Posted by buttahflake

I get grouchy and whatnot. .

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You?
Grouchy?
Unpossible.

So, Zwift/Smart Trainer Question...I might need to join the 21st century if I need surgery, as rollers would be out for a while. Has anyone used Zwift while recovering from an ACL or other serious injury?
Are there ‘courses’ suitable for that?
This would all be new to me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rideit

So, Zwift/Smart Trainer Question...I might need to join the 21st century if I need surgery, as rollers would be out for a while. Has anyone used Zwift while recovering from an ACL or other serious injury?
Are there ‘courses’ suitable for that?
This would all be new to me.

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Absolutely. Zwift has "worlds" online where you ride. In those worlds you can select flat, hilly rolling, whatever. You can do solo at specified watts. You can do group rides that have w/kg restrictions. It's really all about distracting you from the fact that you're sitting on a trainer indoors.

Oh and I wouldn't recommend doing zwift without a smart trainer. Defeats the whole purpose. Smart trainers react to terrain and you can draft off of others. Check out some vids on youtube for hands on.

Oh, yeah, I am shopping for a Kickr. *might* even be able to get some insurance skratch to buy it...,

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Originally Posted by rideit

Oh, yeah, I am shopping for a Kickr. *might* even be able to get some insurance skratch to buy it...,

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I wonder if anybody has ever used their HSA to pay for one and gotten away with it? Never thought about it until you mentioned it, but have a bunch of HSA cash I need to use by the end of the year.

The zeal with which she attacks the Peloton clearly speaks to some deep, unfulfilled need somewhere in her life. Here she is — young, beautiful, successful, with a child and financial security– and yet, something inside her is still so obviously and utterly broken that only an unhealthy fixation on indoor cycling can help mend it.

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/12/pel...lease-help-her

"Reluctantly crouched on the starting line... Engines pumping and thumping in time... The green light flashes, the flag goes up, churning and burning, they yearn for the cup..."

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sethschmautz

"Reluctantly crouched on the starting line... Engines pumping and thumping in time... The green light flashes, the flag goes up, churning and burning, they yearn for the cup..."

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

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Lulz, "she's going the distance...."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sethschmautz

"Reluctantly crouched on the starting line... Engines pumping and thumping in time... The green light flashes, the flag goes up, churning and burning, they yearn for the cup..."

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

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I chuckled

Quote:

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Originally Posted by buttahflake

Just went for it yesterday. Got the Wahoo Kicker Snap bundle for $569. Non Bundle price was $445. Gonna join the zwift party. I can’t not ride. I get grouchy and whatnot. Plus it will make getting out in the spring a whole lot easier. I suffered with my fitness all the way into June this year. Not good.

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Just watch out you might be over trained and burned out by April now, lol

Tour du Zwift coming up in January I think. You have a month to get ready !

Quote:

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Originally Posted by carpathian

Just watch out you might be over trained and burned out by April now, lol

Tour du Zwift coming up in January I think. You have a month to get ready !

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Just mounted a ‘trainer tire’ onto my old road bike this morning. My order shipped yesterday. Let’s do this!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rideit

So, Zwift/Smart Trainer Question...I might need to join the 21st century if I need surgery, as rollers would be out for a while. Has anyone used Zwift while recovering from an ACL or other serious injury?
Are there ‘courses’ suitable for that?
This would all be new to me.

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Here's my 2¢ FWIW. I did a bit of research and picked up a Tacx Flux 2 to sit on during my rotator cuff repair recovery. I was wavering between that and the Wahoo Kickr Core. The Flux had a couple of extra features I liked, seemed like the more up to date unit, and I could get a better deal on it. I threw my old cross bike, which was mostly regulated to kid hauling duty, on it and have cranked out about 500 miles in the last few weeks.

Things I'd wish I done...
Found a cheap or used road bike with a true road 2x11 gruppo. I find myself needing some more speed. The 1x10 with a 39x11 ratio is shit.
Gotten the model with "Road Feel." Supposedly it'll use the trainers magnetic resistance to simulate different road conditions, cobblestones, wooden bridges, etc. I've got a bad case of ADD and need all the virtual stimulation I can get to keep me interested. (But it's also twice the price.)

Things I'm glad I did...
Put it in front of a decent TV with streaming capability. See ADD.
Used my desktop PC as the Zwift host. I tried a tablet, but the bluetooth connection would drop all the time.
Invested in a cheap USB - ANT+ dongle. Fuck bluetooth.
Found a desk fan with a remote. I always start out cold, but 10 minutes later my ball sweat has ball sweat.

All in all, I've found Zwift to be interesting enough. There's a few routes that I seem to default to, they usually have some decent climbs, but there's routes for every type of rider. Good Luck.

Can not get over how much I like this shit! The Kickr is super easy to setup and it works perfectly with Zwift. Mindbender, the resistance on the hills, the benefit of the draft, very real. Blows my rollers out of the water. I look forward to getting on it for an hour or more everyday.

About 10:30 last night I decided to jump into my first Zwift race since last January. It didn't go good. I didn't know how long the race was until we started ; 42 miles yikes maybe we will start slow...

Stuck with the front pack for first 5 min until we hit climb up Fox Hill on the Surrey Hills course in London. All these fuckers start punching 4.5 to 5.5 w/kg and pulling away like nothing. I held 4-4.5 wish for a few minutes then realized the legs were just not there. I held on steady 3.8 -4 and made it through first climb.

I was now solo on the DH and I knew to conserve energy and also knew that the pack of 5 behind me would catch sooner than later because they were going way faster in a group. I rested and when they came rocketing by I had to jump on the gas to catch their draft. We cruised for 4-5 minute at 300 watts or so until the next climb. I was feeling alright like maybe I had some in the tank and maybe I could hang on through this 'fun' activity .

I made the next climb and coasted the DH and did not feel good. That beer and ice cream sandwich was not sitting well in my stomach. Ugh , sweaty and bloated and tired on the 3rd climb it was now 11pm and I was technically tired on all fronts.

Abort mission. Sit on chair and contemplate lack of bike fitness...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by carpathian

About 10:30 last night I decided to jump into my first Zwift race since last January. It didn't go good. I didn't know how long the race was until we started ; 42 miles yikes maybe we will start slow...

Stuck with the front pack for first 5 min until we hit climb up Fox Hill on the Surrey Hills course in London. All these fuckers start punching 4.5 to 5.5 w/kg and pulling away like nothing. I held 4-4.5 wish for a few minutes then realized the legs were just not there. I held on steady 3.8 -4 and made it through first climb.

I was now solo on the DH and I knew to conserve energy and also knew that the pack of 5 behind me would catch sooner than later because they were going way faster in a group. I rested and when they came rocketing by I had to jump on the gas to catch their draft. We cruised for 4-5 minute at 300 watts or so until the next climb. I was feeling alright like maybe I had some in the tank and maybe I could hang on through this 'fun' activity .

I made the next climb and coasted the DH and did not feel good. That beer and ice cream sandwich was not sitting well in my stomach. Ugh , sweaty and bloated and tired on the 3rd climb it was now 11pm and I was technically tired on all fronts.

Abort mission. Sit on chair and contemplate lack of bike fitness...

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Awesome! The real point being .... who would have thought you could accomplish all of that on a stationary trainer? Zwift kills it.

Here we go!! Jan 15

https://zwiftinsider.com/tour-de-zwift-2020/