Zwift Virtual Bicycling
I am an avid cyclist, but I work full-time, and I cannot leave the house to go on a ride every day. So, I spent a lot of time with a road bike on a “dumb trainer.” To try and avoid boredom, I would listen to a cycling workout or watch movies.
Then in 2018, a cycling friend introduced me to Zwift. Zwift is an app for cyclists, runners, and triathletes that makes indoor training fun. Zwift connects to a Bluetooth-enabled “smart trainer” and allows you to virtually ride in places like Southern Utah, France, and England. The app sends information to the smart trainer simulating the climbs and cobbles found on real-life roads. Zwift has many things you can do and a large community you can interact with through the following:
- Zwift has excellent workouts and different ways to ride with others.
- An algorithm in the app simulates drafting, making it easier and more pleasant to ride with others. You can take advantage of this by joining any of the many group rides available every day.
- New pace partners are automated virtual riders that you can join when you want to ride with others, but you have no one else with whom to ride.
- Additionally, you can join a team and race against others at your fitness level, no matter your age or ability.
- Each route has a sprint section in which you can challenge yourself and attempt to win the jersey. Many routes have climbs with a banner at the top that you can attempt to win the King or Queen of the Mountain and wear a spotted jersey.
- Be prepared to make friends while riding in groups or on a racing team. Many of these groups and teams have Facebook pages that you can join and continue the conversation.
Zwift Insider is a website that will help you get started and give you the information you need to succeed. Some key pages on Zwift Insider are the following: