- September 30, 2021
- 2 Comments
The Zommunique asked virtual cyclists around the world to share their experience and thoughts on what Virtual Cycling means to them!
Tim Searle
Where do you live?
Sawtell, NSW, Australia
When did you start riding on Zwift?
I started in July of 2015
How many kilometers have you ridden virtually?
I've ridden around 230,000 kilometers on Zwift
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you, Tim?
Virtual cycling allows me to train when it would previously not always be possible. To me, the biggest attraction is the convenience of just being able to jump on and ride.
With a permanent setup, I can be riding in just a few minutes. As I like my rest, I’ve got the routine refined (I even leave the computer & trainer in sleep mode for quicker startup).
My wife would also say that she likes the safety aspect of not worrying about me, though it is not really a concern of mine. Not having to worry about poor weather is also something I do not have to think about when riding indoors.
One of the other major things I like about virtual cycling is that there is always someone to ride with and chat with, no matter what time of the day. It has become more important to me more recently with lockdowns.
If I could not access virtual cycling, I doubt I would train indoors and undoubtedly train less.
Where do you live?
Guernsey, one of the three Crown Dependencies
When did you start riding on Zwift?
I started in November of 2015
How many kilometers have you ridden virtually?
I've logged around 126,530 kilometers
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you, Chris?
I have enjoyed it immensely! I used it as an excellent training tool for Solo Race Across America.
One of my most memorable UltraCycling Records is on there, doing 2202.3 miles nonstop in 143hrs 35mins and winning Virtual Race Across Europe and my age group.
I have also tried to give a lot back to UltraCycling by leading weekly 100km and 200km rides. By forming TeamHoppo and inspiring others to push further than they believe possible and Never Give Up!
Tom Ove Kaland
Where do you live?
Norway
When did you start riding on Zwift?
I started in February of 2010
How many kilometers have you ridden virtually?
I've logged around 139,517 kilometers on Zwift
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you, Tom?
Virtual cycling is the same as access to effective training and social presence with like-minded people worldwide—all with a common interest.
Having the opportunity for good varied training, both physically and visually, is worth a lot when you live in a country where the weather plays a big role all year round.
Virtual cycling also provides the opportunity for those who do not have what is needed in bike skills. Virtual cycling is, in its own way, a new type of fun on the bike.
The social arena in Virtual cycling and eSports is unique and far from something everyone can experience IRL.
Without virtual cycling, there would be much less cycling, and one would be alone almost all the time. Not least cold on hands and feet in winter 🙂
Think of all the cyclists one had not become acquainted without in the big wide world.ed with out in the big wide world.
Yves Lenaers
Where do you live?
Kerniel, Flanders, Belgium
When did you start riding on Zwift?
I started in July of 2017
How many kilometers have you ridden virtually?
I've logged around 123,000 kilometers on Zwift
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you, Yves?
Well, I was born with a handicap on my hands and feet. And cycling and running were the only real things I was pretty good at in my younger years. But with age, I am becoming more prudent also, and as I can only break with one hand and could only use the back brake, I started indoor cycling.
Well, in fact, I already had a Tacx in 1995, I guess around that time. I killed many of those in time :p.
But why virtual cycling? It’s an excellent way to burn calories and stay in shape and still have interaction and fun at the same time with people from all over the world who I would never have had met without zwift.
And since I am a numbers guy, I like to climb the ranks in the distance, climbing and so on, keeps the motivation going.
Wolf-Dieter "Wiggly" Zastrow
Where do you live?
Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany
When did you start riding on Zwift?
I started in April of 2016
How many kilometers have you ridden virtually?
I've ridden 147,218.4 kilometers on Zwift
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you, Wiggly?
Hi, I’m Wiggly, and I’m new to Zwift. What virtual cycling means to me, uhhm… I want (after two accidents and countless perilous and aggressive experiences) to get a safe and, in the best case, most realistic (equipment, Watt reading) replacement for my outdoor rides.
I ride, if possible, every day (~100k daily). The riding helps me compensating for my imperfect lifestyle, holding my weight, yet also helps me in terms of my musical profession.
Sports are a valuable addition to professional music. It reduces stress and gives training for stressful solo situations. Why? It builds self-confidence, and since exercise causes a lower heart rate, I can easier handle the pressure on the podium.
I think I enjoy checking my data after a ride, seeing in numbers what I have done and, in the best case, where I did improve; and on Zwift group rides (esp with AsC), I personally enjoy most guess.
Generally, it’s simply my main hobby, and I think it makes it easier for me to face the challenges of life. Thanks, everyone, ride on, have fun!
Cat Allen
Where do you live?
London, England
When did you start riding on Zwift?
I started in January of 2017
How many kilometers have you ridden virtually?
I've ridden 142,000 kilometers on Zwift
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you, Cat?
It means sanity for me in the crazy world of working and solo parenting.
It means feeling amazing and being able to indulge in treats.
It means showing my daughter you are never too old and focus, and that determination is rewarding.
It means amazing friendships made. I would always find another outlet if I couldn’t cycle.
It’s not in my DNA to not throw myself into something wholeheartedly! I used to run marathons!
Sharron Yaxley
Where do you live?
Turners Beach, Tasmania, Australia
When did you start riding on Zwift?
I started in February of 2016
How many kilometers have you ridden virtually?
I've ridden over 167,000 km of riding and just passed over 1,000,000 meters in climbing!
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you, Sharron?
Zwift has provided me with a brilliant, safe, and convenient platform to train, have fun, stay socially connected whilst simultaneously achieving fitness goals.
I train on Zwift for IRL cycle tours – these days, we do these self-supporting (see my blog http://www.psyclepaths.com). I have ridden from short distances up to 24 hours.
I lead and support events and Zwifters. I try to be a role model for other cyclists. The friends that I have made along the way sustain me – and I have had the opportunity to visit some of these (the Czech Republic and New Zealand) with more tours planned to catch up with others (when traveling permitted)!
I get up daily around 445 am to be on my bike by 5 am and ride until I need to get ready for work – Covid has allowed me additional km!
I love joining the Coco crew for early banter before heading off to various events.
I have ridden over 167 000 km and just achieved 1 000 000 meters of climbing – not sure what my next Zwift goal is but -Ride on!
Jesper Agertoft Pihl
Where do you live?
Denmark
When did you start riding on Zwift?
I've been riding virtually for 8 years
How many kilometers have you ridden virtually?
I've ridden over 210,000 kilometers on Zwift, 400,000 kilometers total!
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you, Jesper?
Esports and virtual cycling make it easy to do my training and take care of my job and my family at the same time. And virtual cycling makes friends all over the world.
Esports has grown a lot in the past 2 years, and it will continue as the internet gets faster. And the platforms and equipment are getting better.
Jon Werme
Where do you live?
Sunne, Sweden
When did you start riding on Zwift?
I've been riding virtually since December of 2016
How many kilometers have you ridden virtually?
I've ridden about 36,000 kilometers on Zwift
What does Virtual Cycling mean to you, Jon?
To me, virtual cycling means a lot. The availability to be able to quickly take a workout or competition in the stress of everyday life is the perfect relaxation.
Then being part of Team SZ which is a wonderful bunch of cyclists does not make things worse.
Every race we run is incredibly fun and we push each other to success.
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Semi-retired as owner and director of his private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice after over 20 years, Chris is blessed with the freedom to pursue his passion for virtual cycling and writing. On a continual quest to give back to his bike for all the rewarding experiences and relationships it has provided him, he created a non-profit. Chris is committed to helping others with his bike through its work and the pages of his site.
In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to New York to support the charity he founded, TheDIRTDadFund. His “Gain Cave” resides on the North Fork of Long Island, where he lives with his beautiful wife and is proud of his two independent children.
You will read him promoting his passion on the pages of Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. Chris is co-host of The Virtual Velo Podcast, too!
Awesome stuff, Chris! Looks a lovely group of cyclists you’ve interviewed, as well!
For me as a triathlete, virtual cycling and running allows me to meet the training volume demands of two sports, in the convenience of my own garage. This saves me time…loads of time, which allows a work / life / triathlon balance that’s been unrivaled prior to Zwift.
I’ve met some fantastic friends in DIRT, and throughout this epidemic, has actually been my go to social avenue.
Keep up the great content!
Virtual cycling has changed my life. Thank you for your comment, Brock!