Thanks @stumpy01 for the Zwift beacon to wear on Jennride. Unfortunately the helmet mount didn’t fit my helmet but a great idea (I think someone suggested I should wear one on Jennride so they could fine me).
Nice to meet some of the stw Zwift crew as well as I feel like I have been riding with you for the past year
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Not really any help stcolin but I used an iPad for years and it was the easiest set up I can imagine. Everything connected via Bluetooth is a matter of seconds 🤷♂️
Fast boot up, fast connection, only experienced one or two game drop outs, even then that wasnt too bad as I was one the AdZ but still in the game with no one else so grabbed the KoM Jersey. Which is entirely valid.
Still just got a pair of stupid gloves mind you.
Oh and cheers DrP and Oopnorth, monitor added as a birthday suggestion
Now that we are being released I was thinking that maybe we should see about a Sunday hills ride but in real life. It was great to meet up with @robbo1234biking and @slowpuncheur at Jennride and put faces to Zwift avatars and it might be cool to open that up.
So vague plan that was forming in my head was to do a ride for the Sunday hills crew around the Shropshire hills on MTBs picking up some good hills but mixing it up with some of the more fun out of the way trails too. So 30km and 1000m climbing ish.
Would anyone be interested in doing this and then we can see about when might work.
Well done Robbo, Paul and mrhoppy on the Jennride. I did the MTL on Saturday which is less than half the distance and height and certainly wouldn’t have wanted to do it again on the Sunday so hats off to you guys.
Robbo did you train for it exclusively on Zwift, I’m always a little concerned that time spent climbing on zwift or even on the road doesn’t translate perfectly to grinding up mega steep stuff on the MTB.
Any body still zwifting or racing these days, I think I’ve only done one race in the last month and before that just completed the new Mahdi routed. Should have probably suspended the subscription but didn’t get around to it and due to start a new venture and rota from August so may have to ride indoors more than out again.
Kirky - yes pretty much exclusively inside - I did 100km on the road bike and hilly Wednesday night social rides. I went on the MTB once to Cannock this year before the Jennride! That wasnt the plan but the wive's shifts limited the amount I could get out for a decent time. I used a TrainerRoad plan though and used Zwift for entertainment.
My biggest issue was that my cadence wasnt slow enough at times for my gearing so I need to do some slower cadence blocks next time. There was a lot of walking in any case as a lot wasnt rideable (well maybe by riding gods!) and once my HR was drifting into the 160s I would tend to get off and walk for a bit as although I could have completed the climbs I was always aware there was more to come and didnt want to knacker myself. At that pace my walking speed was similar to riding anyway! 90 miles in though and I was still able to spin away and get up the climbs. The last 6-8 miles were killer though as I got some saddle discomfort so gettting up and down out of the saddle wasnt good! Felt fine on the Saturday so think it was the damp bib shorts the next morning that did the damage.
@mrhoppy I would be up for a social ride but it would depend on my wifes shifts as she works on Sundays so a Saturday would be more feasible for me.
@kirky72. I've mixed and matched a bit more than Robbo but I found that zwift pushed FTP (especially during the race series) so on the climbs I was in a better place ref heart rate and fatigue than if I'd done road and MTB only. Focused workouts (Sweetspot and VO2 max especially) also really helped. Zwift has less constraints so I found doing 2 proper workouts a week was easy and complimented with races/outdoor rides built a really good base. I have a naturally low cadence but a few rides before on the MTB definitely helped for core strength. Workouts with massive changes in target power and frequent, short bursts would be of benefit. Good luck on the new venture!
@Mrhoppy sounds great in principle subject to dates.
Just jumped on Zwift again for what must be the first time in 6 months. I decided to do the FTP lite ramp test just to see what it was prior to starting a training plan.
No idea what the point of the lite version is, went in with an ftp of 270 but the test maxxed out at 250 which translates to an ftp of 190.
I don't think I'd have got anywhere close to the 270 but only having the chance to get 190 max seems a bit pointless?
No idea what the point of the lite version is
zwift says ( https://www.zwift.com/news/22154-how-to-ramp-test-lite?__znl=en-gb)
Ramp Test Lite is for lighter (under 60kg/132lbs) and more novice (<2 w/kg FTP) riders
Must be annoying to go through it without knowing that though...
Cheers @savoyad, to be honest I did see that bit but did it anyway because I thought it was probably just a simplified version not an artificially capped version.
I don't see why they'd do it, if someone who hasn't trained with power but can actually smash out the watts selects this they're selling themselves short.
Ok so I have put out an invite for a sprint and chill session next Tuesday (17th) at 18:30. Might not get many attendees but seen a few more people on Zwift recently and even if you aren’t currently subscribed if you use your free 25km for the month then that will get you through the ride as they don’t Chuck you off until you finish that ride.
Done a loop of makuri and there are two sprint segments per lap. Might get 2.5 laps in so maybe 5 sprints.
Yeah why not.
What layout you got there mate? I'll need to pre ride to see.
Flatland loop. There is a little bit of climbing but only gentle slopes - nothing steep!
I might jump on Robbo, I’m not getting my usual mid week rides in at the moment so unless the weather is too nice not too ride outside I’ll be there.
Likewise the mrs is working and weather looks pants this weekend so if any body fancies a Sunday morning spin let me know.
Ok so I have put out an invite for a sprint and chill session next Tuesday (17th) at 18:30.
I will try and join in. I'll spend a little time prior to the session checking for updates and looking for my cycling clothes.
I'll be there! Always enjoyed these. Not done any Zwifting or anything really bar bimbling and commuting for months now 😬
Aye go on.
https://zwiftinsider.com/route/flatland-loop/
This is the route - rode it this morning. Should be good with the 2 sprint sections. After the first sprint section there is a small hill - we will take it easy the first two times round and then on the last sprint carry on through and race up the hill if people want to. Ill try and let everyone know the sprints are coming up.
Double check you got the invite - I had to resend it as Zwift removed everyone from it, so if you already accepted you might need to re-accept!
Coming back from injury, so will tagalong at the back probably, hope to be there.
oo - just realised its 6:30, and I'm doing this at 5:30 with son Jack - the 'autocat classics', done the last 3 so I'm sticking it out.
https://www.wtrl.racing/zwift-classics/#schedule
If I make it I will defo be limping along at the back.
The autocat series is an attempt to level the playing field against height and weight dopers, so got to give them some support in testing it out.
@robbo1234biking can I get an invite please? Also coming back from injury, but it would be great to get back into it
Thanks
Can’t make this Tuesday doing stage 4 off the MAPP but count me in for future events.
cheers
Neil
I'm in, thanks. I was thinking last week it would be nice to do some of these evening meetups again, and the next day you sent the invite! I'm assuming the Peesbees will be beasting all of us in the sprints again!
@phil56 you should have an invite
Got 10 or 11 in so far.
Should be good. I’ve gone for meet-up only view so we don’t get tangled up with other groups. I’m thinking 4 short sprints and 1 long sprint up a hill!
Just a bump/reminder for tonight!
See you there at 6.30pm (if you want to join us!)
Are we running discord for chats?
Was just going to go with the in game chat/messenger. You dont get the bleed through from other groups now which is good plus Discord only really seemed to take off with those who did the TTTs.
@haloric is too modest to admit he won his zwift classics race last week so I'll point it out for him. Nice one!
I don't think I can make this tonight, but the bike is on the trainer ready so if family stuff allows I'll jump on at the last minute. Thanks for organising @robbo1234biking.
Considering a zwift set up for my wattbike. Apple TV seems to be the most robust choice. Would purchasing the latest 4k version be wise? I'm also going to purchase a TV also and if I can get away without a 4k one then the cost comes down quite a bit.
Any opinions?
@YoKaiser the ATV controller is infuriating with Zwift (down to their poor UI design). Other than that it’s a great setup. The actual 3d graphics aren’t 4K but I think they’re better/smoother than the non-4K ATV as it has a faster processor? The text/menus are 4K though which probably makes them a bit clearer & easier to read.
unfortunately cant make tonight, as i am riding in the real world. Defo invite me to the next one tho!
I'll certainly be on for at least some of it... Had a chunk of outdoor stuff lately and at Swinley again tomorrow so may end up just doing half to save a bit of legs... doesn't help that i crashed on Corkscrew yesterday either !!!
I have updated Zwift, checked my trainer firmware and sensors. My free 25km is ready to be used at the back of the pack and last in the sprints! Going for a power nap, i'd better set my alarm just incase I oversleep. See you all later, i hope?!
@haloric is too modest to admit he won his zwift classics race last week so I’ll point it out for him. Nice one!
Ha ! - I'm currently right on the upper limit of a D rider, and the autocat system keeps putting me in C6, which seems to suit me. Poor Jack gets into C5 or C4, and is getting pushed to the limit. I'm also riding the 'D' class of the 'no sandbagging, you will be flagged' crits, which seems to be full of sandbaggers who can output 800 watts in the last 30 secs, and have yet to be flagged despite pushing the upper boundary. I suspect I will be formally a C in a few more rides.
Am unlikely to be present now, got a tradesman turning up at sometime after 6.
That was fun! It was great to have one of these social rides again. I enjoyed it so much I have a new max HR from that last hill climb. Thanks @robbo1234biking and everyone who was there.
Was good to do that again. Thanks all. More meet-ups on the way!
There is a IRL meet-up on the 4th September organised by mrhoppy. Link below to the thread.
https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/zwifters-assemble-sunday-hills-irl-04-09/#post-11986344
I enjoyed the ride and the virtual company! Made a change from not biking. Might take me a fair bit of effort to get slowly up to a better standard but hopefully these events will help me out.
Thanks again Robbo. 👍
Enjoyed that, well, when I say enjoy....
No, it was good, was pleased to hang in for 30mins as I'm starting back on the road to fitness. Needed that impetus to get on and ride so thanks for the invite.
Nice hit out, not been on for a while and it was telling as I was missing the top end for the sprints.
Hi guys. That was an enjoyable hour last night. Robbo is away next week so I'll sort something for same time next Tuesday if there's interest. Any preferences for a route? I guess something not too hilly with 4/5 sprints over an hour?? I'm following everyone who was on last night and some others but if you'd like an invite, just shout (Paul Tunstall STW)
Yep enjoyed it (even if legs totally went at the end 🤣), defo up for something similar next week.
Thanks for sorting last nights session out Robbo.
I tried to blast from the back on the first lap and then provide some lead ins on the second lap. Enjoyed the last little chase for the village arch and went fairly deep, Paul seemed pretty surprised as I passed him halfway up the hill.
Sorry I didn’t reply to the messages later on, my companion app was playing up. It kept loading in and out, every time I typed a message it went off before I got to hit send.
In reply to Robbo asking about starting my role, yes I’m three weeks into nine weeks or training, unfortunately mostly over teams apart from role playing, personal protection, first aid and comms. Should hit the streets early to mid October.
Unfortunately looking at my standard rota I’m going to be lucky to make more than 3 or 4 of any given Tuesday in a 9 week block. I’ll still try and take part but won’t be troubling the leaderboards next time, probably wouldn’t any way as form seems off.
Send us an invite for next Tuesday Paul I’ll try to join if I’m not out IRL. Standard courses for spin and sprint is Richmond flat but that’s only one sprint per short lap. I find RGV France gives good bang for your buck with 4 sprints per lap. Probably takes 75/80 minutes though for two laps. 60 minutes would get 6 or 7 sprints in though.
Cheers @kirky72. Sounds like a lot of stuff going on but it'll be good to see you when you can make it. I totally misjudged the finish last night. It was a good hit out wasn't it? I wrongly thought Rob's finish was only a few hundred metres on from the banner. I've only done that route on a workout so normally not really thinking (or seeing straight)! I'll know for next time...
Can I suggest London Classique for next week? 6km lead-in and 5.4km laps with a sprint on The Mall (forward) each lap.
I've sent the invite. There's a few from last night who I can't invite as they aren't following me. Follow me and I'll ping you an invite.
On meet up you start on the circuit so no lead in to be messing about with.
Hello Zwift folks, I am in the process of doing up the garage/cave and interested in your thoughts how I could turn a Tacx Flow, bike, spare wheel, HDMI TV into a zwift set up. I have an old LanLi PC case, new 500W PSU, 120Gb SSD, keyboard and mouse.
I have about £500 to spend on:
1) Motherboard/CPU/RAM
2) Graphics card.
Hi @Wally. Rather than suggest something here I would recommend looking on FB for a group called ZPCMR - Zwift PC Master Race. There is quite a lot of really good content there in the form of PDFs and how to set up a Zwift specific PC.
Hi STW zwifters. Autumn is coming. So advance notice: let's try and put a Team Time Trial team together starting from 2nd September.
@robbo1234biking is in already. We'll probably pester you a bit in the meantime - and then post a thread for signups that week. Everyone is welcome.
If we can muster a B-team again too I'm in 🤣 Not been doing much of anything for a while!Hi STW zwifters. Autumn is coming. So advance notice: let’s try and put a Team Time Trial team together starting from 2nd September.
I would be surprised for the first couple of weeks if we get enough for more than one team and will recognise a reduced pace as most others are in a similar situation!
yeah fair enough! I am in then 😃
Me too. Looking forward to getting back on it.
Hi Slowpuncheur, not on FB, so I will have a Google and read the swift forums to work it out. Cheers for answer.
Hi STW zwifters. Autumn is coming. So advance notice: let’s try and put a Team Time Trial team together starting from 2nd September.
At least my current heart issues have given me a proper excuse this time! 😀 Although right now I'd love the pain of a good fast race on zwift!!
Best of luck everyone!
Depending on where I get to with restarting Jupiter either I'll be up for a ride (if I fail) or able to offer cat C's a ride at an earlier time slot (If I'm successful).
ill try to jump on the time trials when i can. i should be able to make either the race on tuesfay or TT on a thursday , one or the other, when they are both running.
I should be up for it, really really need to do some proper exercise
I’d be keen to join some TTT action or group rides. I tend to stick to workouts more often than not with a couple of young children in the house the time that I get out the the garage for a ride varies between the back of 7 and 8pm. What time do you guys meet for your weekly group rides? I’m a Cat B rider
Any chance of an invite for ride tomorrow - if there is one.
Just followed you (slowpuncheur/Paul t) on zwift.
Cheers pb/peesbee STW
I'm away this week but back ready for the next one.
Hi @Highland28. At the minute we've just started a Tuesday night meet up at 6.30 to get back into things again. There is a race series which is run by @Robbo1234biking which is due to recommence in 3 weeks on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. See: Linky
Hopefully, there'll be 40-50 riders mainly from here. You're very welcome to join up.
Then there's the Thursday night WTRL TTT league. We have one or two teams of between 4 and 8 people of varying abilities. See: TTT thread
@Savoyad off here organises that one. It's around 7-40 -8pm start on a Thursday (depending on where we are placed on the starting line up). I think we've pencilled in next Thursday as first one back.
Finally, and once summer disappears I suspect we'll restart the Sunday hills group ride. Normally quite early on a Sunday morning but a group ride of a couple of hours or whatever the route is. At Cat B you'll be more than comfortable.
Look forward to seeing you around.
Hi Guys
sorry not going to make tonight only just got in from work , need to set bike up and have something to eat, hopefully make next week .
Neil
I'm a no show also. I've had a long day. I have re subscribed to Zwift though so I will be back at some point. 🙂
Anyone up for a Sunday hills tomorrow? 7.30 or maybe 8am start but I need to be done by nine. Just looked at the makuri Islands routes but it seems they're either very flat or very short so I'll open to suggestions!
As promised, I've entered a team into the TTT for this Thursday.
New thread here: https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/zwift-team-time-trial-thursday-evenings/
Paging @robbo1234biking @zilog6128 @slowpuncheur @mrhoppy @kirky72 @dangeourbrain @highland28 in particular because they expressed an interest in this thread, but everyone is welcome...
Anyone for picking up Sunday hills again this week?
I might be around this Sunday morning. What time did it used to be? I will prob only do an hour but depends on the route!
i should be up for some Sunday hills, i certainly need them.
just let me know when.
I might be back in for this, it's been quite a while...
I've a big ride planned this weekend but it's weather dependent and we'll be heading out on the better of either Sat or Sun.
Wasn't it usually about 7:30/8am?
Thought I might break us in relatively easily, how does mountain 8 at 8am sound?
That sounds OK to me. Wish there was the option to wait at the bottom of the radio tower though in a meetup!
8am sounds civil enough.
I'll sort an invite out. Sorry Robbo, I rather forgot the radio tower was on that course
go on...ping me an invite please..
DrP
The Radio Tower isnt so bad really - its over very quickly but it just doesnt add anything to any ride!
I have my heart op tomorrow but once I'm sorted and back on the bike I'll definitely be in for Sunday hills rides, it will help the endurance come back.
I'll join as soon as I can.
The forecast for Sunday is looking more favourable atm, but I'll join in if we do head out Saturday.
Can I have an invite? 8 might well be too late for me, but I'll join in if everyone else in the house is still snoring.
I hope tomorrow goes ok @oopnorth.