Dear Zwift,
I would first like to say, EPIC!! I love a good session on Zwift on my Tacx trainer. The package is almost complete for me, with a few tiny exceptions.
First up, the positives. The immersive experience of the worlds is great for taking the mind away from what the body is enduring. Even on my medium spec machine, the details are enough to make the mind wander for a while. Especially Watopia!
London, being my home town, is a little less impressive, but then I get to ride the real thing on any day I please, so I am spoiled.
The different surfaces generating feedback through the Tacx Neo are also brilliant, with that little bit of energy sapping shudder. Thank heavens London's roads are not realistic in this case! Phew.
I have just made a start on some of the training built into the software too, doing the 4wk FTP Booster, and have to eat a slice of humble pie, and admit it is a little more exciting than I first imagined. Having used another product previously, I was not convinced such training was for me. The interface and data from Zwift now has me convinced otherwise. I love it.
There is such a great positive feeling out there for Zwift, I feel I can cheat and just said I echo what the others say. That said, I have to add a shout to Shane Miller for being the hard working producer of some of the videos which convinced me which trainer and software to go with. It's your fault Shane!
So now a couple of pleas.....
1/ Looking back at older versions, the gradient guide (top right) also had an exploded version with more info 3.2% etc. I would love to see something like this as an option, as it is quite obvious when riding that the gradient is changing within the percentage bracket displayed.
2/ Segments. When riding a route, even if the goal is not to complete it, but deviate midway, seeing a segment start, then have no idea where to turn to stay on it, unless you know it well is frustrating. It would be lovely if the option either on-screen or on the companion, to be able to know which direction to turn. Even if it was just an icon within the box. I do love a segment PB.
That's it. I would love to see these happen, but I know it is wishful thinking. Just wanted to put them out there in hope lol.
In the meantime, keep up the amazing work, and here's to many new courses and adventures on Zwift. You have changed my world. Thank you.
Showing posts with label tacx. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tacx. Show all posts
Monday, March 19, 2018
Friday, February 2, 2018
Is Zwift really "riding" ?
In November I decided to buy myself a smart trainer. A Tacx Flux to be precise. wheel off, direct drive, with good resistance. Why? Well Zwift of course! Having had my attention drawn to it, and watched many videos on YouTube about it, and smart trainers, it sounded right up my street.
I am no gamer, I have owned many consoles and all have gone unused until I sold them. So the attraction to Zwift is certainly not that of a gamer. My mindset when buying was a simple one, don't let my legs get lazy on off days, or days it was not practical to get out and ride. Having had a few injuries (non cycling related) over the years, I thought it would be nice to be able to jump on and do a few miles without too much strain on the feet and legs, with the added bonus of not ending up stranded somewhere if all went wrong.
The main aim though, I admit, was to get more riding in when I was feeling too lazy to go for a ride in the cold and damp of winter. However, before I get bombarded with people saying I should man up and get out onto the roads and ride like a real man.... I commute 5 days a week, cover about 100 miles and don't let the weather bother me, unless the conditions are going to make things a little too risky to take on South London's roads at rush hour. I'm brave, but not stupid!
So far this month (January) I have covered about 700 miles, 265 were Zwift, and the remainder split between commuting (which to some doesn't count either) and road rides. 22,894ft of elevation. Again 9,692 on Zwift (Three Sisters you bitches!!) and 13,202 real world.
Were any of the Zwift miles easier, sure they were, no wind in my face, controlled temperature etc. But I should also point out that the power figures were similar to road rides, so my legs were working pretty hard all the same. The nice thing I have found of course on Zwift is, on days that I have been tired, I have been able to pace myself, and still get in pedalling time.
As for the elevation, again no it was not "real" riding, but the effort made, power developed, and nausea which was induced was all pretty damn real. Strengthening my legs, allowing me to develop my climbing, practise out of saddle efforts, and improve myself. While all the time putting my body through the mill.
Something to be aware of, which some "real road or die" people might no know, is that depending how you ride, stopping pedalling on a trainer is just not the done thing. Where you can enjoy freewheeling a descent after a long climb, this feels less natural on a trainer and Zwift, so you are inclined to keep pedalling and developing power. So you are right, its NOT the same, you end up putting more effort in.
I am aware of the differences between riding up real hills and virtual hills. I am no pro rider, but I do like a challenge, so pushing my heavy body up the hills in Southern Spain in the summer has been fun. As have some of the nice little hills in the UK, up to Pyg Track, the Horseshoe Pass etc. Both have their challenges, both take it out of you, but I completely agree that riding on a real road up a real hill feels..... real'er ?
My view on the comparison between real and Zwift is simple. The real road stuff is great, nothing like having a leisurely ride with a friend, stopping for coffee, taking in the sights, snapping some pictures, and making a lovely Relive video at the end. Lighting up some more of the heatmap. I love it, and enjoy getting out on the bikes as often as possible.
Sometimes however, it is just not sensible to go out on a bike, especially solo. Kudos to anyone who does, but for me there are limits, and they start with my own safety. Damp roads and super low temperatures, meaning slippery roads, nope, I will use the trainer thanks. I have had my fair share of spills now, and picked up injuries which have kept me off the bikes for weeks, so I do not wish to repeat any of those.
Torrential rain with a forecast which says it won't let up for the whole weekend. Again, no thanks. I am more than happy to ride in the rain, but again I have my limits. Catching pneumonia is not on my bucket list. Me and fully waterproof jackets don't get on, the feelings of bathing in buckets of sweat is just not me. Sweat and breathable clothing, great, but wearing things like my Proviz 360 for hours on end are not my favourite thing to do. Not to say I have not done 60-70 mile rides in them, but would rather not do it.
Of course there are other reasons to ride at home, or spend time on a trainer. First of course being structured and controlled training. But that doesn't seem to be an issue for people. Clocking up miles on trainers while "training" is OK, but less so for Zwifting, for some reason. Maybe it is the "game" aspect which offends? Cycling is serious don't you know!
Then there are other commitments, like looking after your kids, being limited by time, no one to ride with, and many other good genuine reasons why people feel uncomfortable getting out on their bikes.
To simply sneer and jeer at people for their decisions of when and when not to ride "properly" is a little childish really. We all have our own reasons and limitations, so respect them, don't make people feel bad for not wanting to go outside their comfort zone. When I say that I mean it with regards to the arena they choose to ride in. Of course we should all be well outside our comfort zones when it comes to physically riding. No pain, no gain and all that.
Now while I am defending the merits of Zwift, please don't think I don't understand what some peoples point is, of course I do. When it comes to challenges on Strava there need to be parameters, and a way to differentiate between real and virtual rides. Veloviewer does a lovely job of this, and you are able to break down your data by riding type, bike, efforts and much more. As long as I can see a breakdown of my own data like that, I am happy. So it would be nice to see the same divisions to be drawn for challenges which allow virtual rides to be included.
When it comes down to leaderboards, I am very unlikely to figure anywhere higher than the midway. At 245lbs, build is against me there, so I am happy to muddle along. However I can understand the frustrations of those nearer the top, battling for that extra position or two, and being pipped to the post by someone doing virtual rides.
Even the segments which emulate real world sections of road should not be compared, and would not be for a second by any sane person. Box Hill on Zwift is certainly not the same riding experience as it is in the real world. But both are good to ride in their own individual rights.
Would be interesting to see how many people are happy to allow their miles and elevations numbers to count towards their annual totals, but still dispute their inclusion in challenges. And more to the point, it would be interesting to know how many trainer haters even use one, or have experience on platforms such as Zwift.
One important note of course... The cheats. Those entering false body weight and data to fool the algorithms, and thus gain a power advantage are only cheating themselves. However I can imagine such people really do piss off those at the top end of their game. There, and just about only there, can I see a point.
I guess what I am saying here is..
1/ Don't beat up on other people who's riding life differs to yours. Not everyone has the same fitness, time or ability to commit as you.
2/ Pushing along at 90% FTP for 2 hours is near as damnit as hard work on the road as it is on a good trainer. Especially with elevation and resistance changes.
3/ There should indeed be a way to differentiate and split results on Strava between real world, and trainer miles.
4/ Cycling is meant to be enjoyable to at least a certain level. Stop stressing and enjoy life.
I am no gamer, I have owned many consoles and all have gone unused until I sold them. So the attraction to Zwift is certainly not that of a gamer. My mindset when buying was a simple one, don't let my legs get lazy on off days, or days it was not practical to get out and ride. Having had a few injuries (non cycling related) over the years, I thought it would be nice to be able to jump on and do a few miles without too much strain on the feet and legs, with the added bonus of not ending up stranded somewhere if all went wrong.
The main aim though, I admit, was to get more riding in when I was feeling too lazy to go for a ride in the cold and damp of winter. However, before I get bombarded with people saying I should man up and get out onto the roads and ride like a real man.... I commute 5 days a week, cover about 100 miles and don't let the weather bother me, unless the conditions are going to make things a little too risky to take on South London's roads at rush hour. I'm brave, but not stupid!
So far this month (January) I have covered about 700 miles, 265 were Zwift, and the remainder split between commuting (which to some doesn't count either) and road rides. 22,894ft of elevation. Again 9,692 on Zwift (Three Sisters you bitches!!) and 13,202 real world.
Were any of the Zwift miles easier, sure they were, no wind in my face, controlled temperature etc. But I should also point out that the power figures were similar to road rides, so my legs were working pretty hard all the same. The nice thing I have found of course on Zwift is, on days that I have been tired, I have been able to pace myself, and still get in pedalling time.
As for the elevation, again no it was not "real" riding, but the effort made, power developed, and nausea which was induced was all pretty damn real. Strengthening my legs, allowing me to develop my climbing, practise out of saddle efforts, and improve myself. While all the time putting my body through the mill.
Something to be aware of, which some "real road or die" people might no know, is that depending how you ride, stopping pedalling on a trainer is just not the done thing. Where you can enjoy freewheeling a descent after a long climb, this feels less natural on a trainer and Zwift, so you are inclined to keep pedalling and developing power. So you are right, its NOT the same, you end up putting more effort in.
I am aware of the differences between riding up real hills and virtual hills. I am no pro rider, but I do like a challenge, so pushing my heavy body up the hills in Southern Spain in the summer has been fun. As have some of the nice little hills in the UK, up to Pyg Track, the Horseshoe Pass etc. Both have their challenges, both take it out of you, but I completely agree that riding on a real road up a real hill feels..... real'er ?
My view on the comparison between real and Zwift is simple. The real road stuff is great, nothing like having a leisurely ride with a friend, stopping for coffee, taking in the sights, snapping some pictures, and making a lovely Relive video at the end. Lighting up some more of the heatmap. I love it, and enjoy getting out on the bikes as often as possible.
Sometimes however, it is just not sensible to go out on a bike, especially solo. Kudos to anyone who does, but for me there are limits, and they start with my own safety. Damp roads and super low temperatures, meaning slippery roads, nope, I will use the trainer thanks. I have had my fair share of spills now, and picked up injuries which have kept me off the bikes for weeks, so I do not wish to repeat any of those.
Torrential rain with a forecast which says it won't let up for the whole weekend. Again, no thanks. I am more than happy to ride in the rain, but again I have my limits. Catching pneumonia is not on my bucket list. Me and fully waterproof jackets don't get on, the feelings of bathing in buckets of sweat is just not me. Sweat and breathable clothing, great, but wearing things like my Proviz 360 for hours on end are not my favourite thing to do. Not to say I have not done 60-70 mile rides in them, but would rather not do it.
Of course there are other reasons to ride at home, or spend time on a trainer. First of course being structured and controlled training. But that doesn't seem to be an issue for people. Clocking up miles on trainers while "training" is OK, but less so for Zwifting, for some reason. Maybe it is the "game" aspect which offends? Cycling is serious don't you know!
Then there are other commitments, like looking after your kids, being limited by time, no one to ride with, and many other good genuine reasons why people feel uncomfortable getting out on their bikes.
To simply sneer and jeer at people for their decisions of when and when not to ride "properly" is a little childish really. We all have our own reasons and limitations, so respect them, don't make people feel bad for not wanting to go outside their comfort zone. When I say that I mean it with regards to the arena they choose to ride in. Of course we should all be well outside our comfort zones when it comes to physically riding. No pain, no gain and all that.
Now while I am defending the merits of Zwift, please don't think I don't understand what some peoples point is, of course I do. When it comes to challenges on Strava there need to be parameters, and a way to differentiate between real and virtual rides. Veloviewer does a lovely job of this, and you are able to break down your data by riding type, bike, efforts and much more. As long as I can see a breakdown of my own data like that, I am happy. So it would be nice to see the same divisions to be drawn for challenges which allow virtual rides to be included.
When it comes down to leaderboards, I am very unlikely to figure anywhere higher than the midway. At 245lbs, build is against me there, so I am happy to muddle along. However I can understand the frustrations of those nearer the top, battling for that extra position or two, and being pipped to the post by someone doing virtual rides.
Even the segments which emulate real world sections of road should not be compared, and would not be for a second by any sane person. Box Hill on Zwift is certainly not the same riding experience as it is in the real world. But both are good to ride in their own individual rights.
Would be interesting to see how many people are happy to allow their miles and elevations numbers to count towards their annual totals, but still dispute their inclusion in challenges. And more to the point, it would be interesting to know how many trainer haters even use one, or have experience on platforms such as Zwift.
One important note of course... The cheats. Those entering false body weight and data to fool the algorithms, and thus gain a power advantage are only cheating themselves. However I can imagine such people really do piss off those at the top end of their game. There, and just about only there, can I see a point.
I guess what I am saying here is..
1/ Don't beat up on other people who's riding life differs to yours. Not everyone has the same fitness, time or ability to commit as you.
2/ Pushing along at 90% FTP for 2 hours is near as damnit as hard work on the road as it is on a good trainer. Especially with elevation and resistance changes.
3/ There should indeed be a way to differentiate and split results on Strava between real world, and trainer miles.
4/ Cycling is meant to be enjoyable to at least a certain level. Stop stressing and enjoy life.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
My cycling goals for 2018.
I have been pondering for the last week now about how to verbalise my cycling goals for 2018, without sounding like they are some sort of resolution, or set in stone target. After much consideration, I thought I would put it all in a blog entry. One I can come back to this time next year and check how I did. As well as visiting throughout the year to check, and update.
This is my 3rd full year of cycling for leisure, and my first year of commuting. I started commuting around March 2017. Looking over last years results I was pleased to say the least. A huge jump in totals. Over 3,500 miles, 105,000ft of elevation, many hours and so on. In short, smashed it! 2,000 miles alone was commuting.
However it is worth noting that for 17 weeks of the year, through illness and laziness, no cycling happened. In total I rode for about 170 days out of the 365 available. So statistically I could have doubled my mileage. However I am not that naive! In reality I could have done more, that is the long and the short of it.
Before I get on to this years goals, I just wanted to add that after much back and forth at the hospital and specialists, I have also been given the green light to start running again. So some time and energy will be expelled getting back into shape, which in turn I hope will help with my riding. Fingers crossed, no injuries this time around, now I have learned that I need to take it a bit easier.
I have also added a Tacx Flux to my cycling equipment list, so during bad weather, or when the mood takes me, I can get some proper miles done indoors, rather than looking out of the window and saying sod that! Less excuses!
So, onto 2018. The goals...
Mileage of about 4,250 would be nice. Based on last years numbers and available ride time, it should be doable. As the year progresses, we will see, but I am hopeful.
Distance rides. I have never done a 100 mile ride, so I thought committing to doing 4 this year was the way to go. I don't think the mileage is really an issue, as long as the route is right. 76 miles with 4,500ft of elevation is my longest yet, so 100 with 1,000ft should be fine.
Gran Fondos. I hit a few last year, and one maybe two in 2016. This year, I want them ALL! One every month would be lovely. Although maybe a bit unrealistic, we shall see. I am aiming for one a month for now.
Power. This is a tough one for me. Breaking a lot, and hurting myself by pushing too hard has become a common occurrence for me, so I have slowly started to learn my limits. However I DO like numbers, so hitting a few power figures is never a bad thing. Now I can do this indoors, in the comfort of a controlled environment, I am happier pushing a bit here and there. So have set myself some power goals which are within reach of current achievements. But when it comes to FTP , I am less interested. I like to see what I do on rides. When I feel like pushing, I like to be able to.
Climbing. One of my weakenesses, and something I am slowly addressing. With the last ride of the year being on a single speed 48/18 Langster, and being 40 miles, with 2,250ft of elevation, I am happy with my progress for sure. But I want to improve here. Having downloaded the two Top 100 Climb lists on my phone, I have already started on them, and hope to tick off as many as I can this year. So getting my climbing legs on is key. Obviously being almost 250lbs, climbs are a battle against gravity. So hopefully the small life style changes will drop maybe 10% off that number during the year.
Sportives. A few events this year will make me happy, with some official recognition of my commitment to the sport. Just enough to keep me grinning. London to Brighton, Cotswolds, Ride London 100, and Hayward Howler are all lined up for now.
So that is about it for now.
Improve power to assist with climbs. Cover more miles, including more elevation. Longer rides, some being sportives.
Oh one final thing.
My aim is to ride (any distance) for as many days as I can this year. My Veloviewer and Strava infographics look a bit lacking from last year, so this year, I will fill in more spaces !
Watch this space!
This is my 3rd full year of cycling for leisure, and my first year of commuting. I started commuting around March 2017. Looking over last years results I was pleased to say the least. A huge jump in totals. Over 3,500 miles, 105,000ft of elevation, many hours and so on. In short, smashed it! 2,000 miles alone was commuting.
However it is worth noting that for 17 weeks of the year, through illness and laziness, no cycling happened. In total I rode for about 170 days out of the 365 available. So statistically I could have doubled my mileage. However I am not that naive! In reality I could have done more, that is the long and the short of it.
Before I get on to this years goals, I just wanted to add that after much back and forth at the hospital and specialists, I have also been given the green light to start running again. So some time and energy will be expelled getting back into shape, which in turn I hope will help with my riding. Fingers crossed, no injuries this time around, now I have learned that I need to take it a bit easier.
I have also added a Tacx Flux to my cycling equipment list, so during bad weather, or when the mood takes me, I can get some proper miles done indoors, rather than looking out of the window and saying sod that! Less excuses!
So, onto 2018. The goals...
Mileage of about 4,250 would be nice. Based on last years numbers and available ride time, it should be doable. As the year progresses, we will see, but I am hopeful.
Distance rides. I have never done a 100 mile ride, so I thought committing to doing 4 this year was the way to go. I don't think the mileage is really an issue, as long as the route is right. 76 miles with 4,500ft of elevation is my longest yet, so 100 with 1,000ft should be fine.
Gran Fondos. I hit a few last year, and one maybe two in 2016. This year, I want them ALL! One every month would be lovely. Although maybe a bit unrealistic, we shall see. I am aiming for one a month for now.
Power. This is a tough one for me. Breaking a lot, and hurting myself by pushing too hard has become a common occurrence for me, so I have slowly started to learn my limits. However I DO like numbers, so hitting a few power figures is never a bad thing. Now I can do this indoors, in the comfort of a controlled environment, I am happier pushing a bit here and there. So have set myself some power goals which are within reach of current achievements. But when it comes to FTP , I am less interested. I like to see what I do on rides. When I feel like pushing, I like to be able to.
Climbing. One of my weakenesses, and something I am slowly addressing. With the last ride of the year being on a single speed 48/18 Langster, and being 40 miles, with 2,250ft of elevation, I am happy with my progress for sure. But I want to improve here. Having downloaded the two Top 100 Climb lists on my phone, I have already started on them, and hope to tick off as many as I can this year. So getting my climbing legs on is key. Obviously being almost 250lbs, climbs are a battle against gravity. So hopefully the small life style changes will drop maybe 10% off that number during the year.
Sportives. A few events this year will make me happy, with some official recognition of my commitment to the sport. Just enough to keep me grinning. London to Brighton, Cotswolds, Ride London 100, and Hayward Howler are all lined up for now.
So that is about it for now.
Improve power to assist with climbs. Cover more miles, including more elevation. Longer rides, some being sportives.
Oh one final thing.
My aim is to ride (any distance) for as many days as I can this year. My Veloviewer and Strava infographics look a bit lacking from last year, so this year, I will fill in more spaces !
Watch this space!
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