Zwift

[dave123456]

Might be covered elsewhere and it is not exactly the right time of year but…

I’m a bit puzzled by zwift…

The actual events seem to becoming more and more inaccessible, requiring a power meter etc. is there somewhere, where a average cyclist who just wants to hop on and knock out a quick 45-60 minute ride can join a group simply? Everything seems to be categorised, which in itself is a pain as people who are knocking out 6w/kg enter cat c class and thrash everyone.

I don’t really want to chat, just enjoy a bit of healthy competition to keep me pushing on.

Has anyone cracked it? I want to make it work, as it does work for a cyclist who hasn’t always got the time or inclination to go out on the road (my grandmother had a word ‘clat’ which applies a lot in my life, used to describe an activity where the hassle factor outweighs the benefit, women are regular generators of ‘clat’, usually based on what the girls at work are doing…

[JayRidesBikes]

It's typically only races that require heart rate monitors and accurate power, because people cheat.

You can join group rides or pace partners without any requirements usually. You'll be advised of the suggest w/kg required to keep pace though.

[dave123456]

JayRidesBikes said:

It's typically only races that require heart rate monitors and accurate power, because people cheat.

You can join group rides or pace partners without any requirements usually. You'll be advised of the suggest w/kg required to keep pace though.

Even the group rides now seem to require power meters, or they are very long.

[Harpoon]

Do you look for a group ride rather than a race?

This one starts shortly. A is 45 mins, B 30 mins - no power requirements or cat enforcement

https://www.zwift.com/events/view/3711210

No doubt the racing snakes (or serial weight BSers) will go off like a rocket but I'd expect there to be other groups at an easier pace

[dave123456]

Group rides around 1930 in the evening. 45 mins preferably and a reasonable pace.

[Harpoon]

Hotchillee Gain Train is a fun session but 18.30 on a Thursday.

Slowest group goes off first, intermediate 4 mins later and fast 2 minutes after then. Each group rides with a fence until caught by a faster group, at which point the fence drops, so you can "upgrade" to the faster group and see how long you can stand it. Or, stay with the ride leader you started with at the same power

https://www.zwift.com/events/view/3732876

[JPJ]

As mentioned above, there are plenty of group rides and the pace partners to ride with.

The only thing is that there are more rides kicking off around the hour e.g. 7pm and 8pm rather than 7:30 or other increments.

[dave123456]

Harpoon said:

Hotchillee Gain Train is a fun session but 18.30 on a Thursday.

Slowest group goes off first, intermediate 4 mins later and fast 2 minutes after then. Each group rides with a fence until caught by a faster group, at which point the fence drops, so you can "upgrade" to the faster group and see how long you can stand it. Or, stay with the ride leader you started with at the same power

https://www.zwift.com/events/view/3732876

This one sounds ok actually. Will have a bash

[esuuv]

Pace partners run groups 24/7 - the popular power numbers are pretty much big groups all the time.

What trainer are you using? a smart trainer that basically by default will have some sort of power measurement - makes the experience a world better.

[dave123456]

esuuv said:

Pace partners run groups 24/7 - the popular power numbers are pretty much big groups all the time.

What trainer are you using? a smart trainer that basically by default will have some sort of power measurement - makes the experience a world better.

https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/training/indoor-trainers/resistance-trainer/elite-turbo-muin-trainer-review/

An elite turbo muin. My intention is to replace it in the autumn. Any recommendations gratefully received.

[DickP]

I use a Wahoo Kickr v5. They're now onto v6 but don't think there's much in it between them apart from some newer connectivity tech and a much larger price tag.