Habanero
Posts:257
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| 02/24/2021 10:54 AM |
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I set up a team for VNF alums who want to ride on Zwift.
You can sign up here:
https://www.zwiftpower.com/team.php?id=15257
I know it will be difficult to get everyone out at the same time given the time zone differences and various obligations, but I thought it would be fun to have a team and ride with whoever is able to.
I hope this finds everyone safe and well!
Hab |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/24/2021 01:11 PM |
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Along the same idea, I have been doing a couple of weekend rides pretty regularly that are well-run and hold their advertised pace(s)....if you stay with the yellow beacon group.
On Saturdays, it is the BMTR 100 ride (7:12am Central). I usually do the B group (avg 3 w/kg) but if others are doing the another group, I could be persuaded to join.
On Sundays, the 3R Steady State ride (9:00am Central)...usually the C group (avg 2.5 w/kg). It tends to be a 100k ride, but distances may vary. Nice easy tempo ride and you can cruise in the pack pretty easily.
For both rides, you don't have to do the full distance....just ride as long as you want and drop out when you are done. Don't feel like you have to join the other idiots and me for the full distances.  |
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| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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Habanero
Posts:257
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| 02/24/2021 02:32 PM |
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| Sounds great CK - I'll see about checking out those rides. As for the ride distances, I'm also one of those idiots! |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/24/2021 02:59 PM |
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I'm also one of those idiots!
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| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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79pmooney
Posts:3189
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| 02/24/2021 05:05 PM |
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| Sounds like fun and I am a VNFer but I am way too illiterate to do Zwift. (So is my trainer setup!) PLus, not now. My hernia repair (and the rest of my abdomen) gets bent out of shape doing 15 mph on the old Cyclops. |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 02/24/2021 07:10 PM |
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CK those miles you put in are insane. And that average speed, impressive.
I’d kudo it but they’re virtual rides lol. |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/25/2021 08:54 AM |
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And that average speed, impressive.
When you are doing big group rides, it is all about the Zwift algorithm. Even on some of those dead flat courses, there is no way the wattage I am putting out would equate to a similar mileage total outside. 2 weeks ago we "rode" 100 miles in 3:47 but I averaged 215w. That wattage would never get me close to that speed in real life. But when you get a huge group on Zwift, you can really fly on the flats ebcause of how they work the in-game physics.
So I just focus on my watts and my time....the "mileage" ends up being just a gauge for how much longer the ride will be. |
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| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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Habanero
Posts:257
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| 02/25/2021 10:40 AM |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 02/25/2021 11:49 AM |
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Interesting that it has a drafting algorithm. Does it recognize where you are in group or is it just generic if you are part of a group it kicks in? I'd think the advantage would have to max out once you reach about 20 riders, any additional size would not result in more draft.
215 watts is still 30% more than I typically put out. Haha. |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/25/2021 12:04 PM |
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Does it recognize where you are in group or is it just generic if you are part of a group it kicks in
Supposedly, yes....the biggest draft benefit is in the middle of the bunch, the worst is near the front or back (even if you are still drafting others). The goal is to get everyone to "blob up" so you move faster as a group.
For one of the 100 mile rides, my buddy finished right in front of me. He averaged 199w for the ride and I did 215....but he was further back most of the ride than I was. So this Saturday I am gonna force myself to stay with the ride leader in the middle of the blob and see what happens to my wattage. |
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| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 02/25/2021 12:34 PM |
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That makes sense with what is known about group aerodynamics.
So then what happens if everyone tries to be in the middle of the blob - a virtual crash? Or is it like Rouvy (who use actual street footage) where you can virtually ride straight through a car captured in the footage? |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/25/2021 12:49 PM |
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| Oh... you just move through and overlap other riders. Sometimes you'll get pushed out the side and out of the group and lose the draft...which if the hammer is down and the "double draft" effect is on, can lead to you getting shelled pretty quickly! |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/25/2021 12:50 PM |
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| But the effect of just sitting in the group is like being in a washing machine....you get pushed to the front of the group if you don't pay attention and then you have to drop back....over and over again. |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/26/2021 08:50 AM |
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I went full indoor training geek yesterday and ordered the Elite Sterzo Smart steering block. Connects to Zwift and gives you the ability to "steer". Allows you to take better lines through turns (sometimes the game pushes your avatar to the outside) as well as shifting "lanes" when in the bunch to stay in the middle if you want.
Also will help you avoid the "sticky draft" effect when passing other riders.
Yeah, I know....I need help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo1yQejM6ZY
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| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 02/27/2021 05:57 PM |
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Noticed you dropped a few watts yesterday. Did that get you closer to middle of blob?
And how did that steerer work? |
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