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The Zwiftbike Preview with VCN and Titanium Geek

“A great piece of marketing that probably lacks substance for that price point.”

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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!

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Jaclyn Long, MFT

Certified Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher

Marriage & Family Therapist in CA

Sports Anxiety Therapy

Purchase your Zwift Play controllers here!

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indieVelo—Racebots Explained!

Newly enhanced AI-powered Racebots add a more lifelike, dynamic, and “aggressive” flair to the cycling esports platform indieVelo.

Elite Cyclist Richard Barry is Taking Esports Into His Hands

An interview with Team Ireland and NeXT Esports pb Enshored’s elite cyclist Richard Barry

Eat DIRT Community Racer J Bruhn Qualifies For the UCI Esports World Cycling Championships

While competing in his bathroom, J Bruhn fulfilled a lifelong dream and notched one for the average Joe cyclist. An interview with J Bruhn.

Core Strengthening Essentials for Cyclists

Learn about your core and how strengthening it will improve your cycling performance.

The Story of Brian Duffy Jrs Continental Qualifiers Race One Win

The 2023 Cycling Esports World Championship Qualifiers through the eyes of Team USA and NeXT Esports pb Enshored elite eracer Brian Duffy, Jr.

Hank Garnaat Is Introduced to Zwift by His 7-Year-Old Son

Hank Garnaat calls exercising with his kids on Zwift the ultimate form of fatherhood

I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and Here’s What I Say When Asked About Cycling With a Hernia

Follow this cycling Physical Therapist’s approach to safely and effectively cycling with a hernia.

One Yes Vote For Cycling-Specific Footbeds or Shoe Inserts

Replacing the flimsy insoles of your cycling shoes with sport-specific footbeds may be the answer to your pedaling pain problems!

Three Changes Zwift Should Add That Would Help Us Feel Better About Things

The time is now for Zwift to make the promised changes and good feeling acknowledgments.

Part Two-Rhabdomyolysis: A Hidden Risk of Virtual Cycling

Rhabdomyolysis is a severe health concern we can avoid by knowing the disease and how to prevent it.

indieVelo—Creating an Event

A comprehensive guide providing step-by-step instructions enables all users on the virtual cycling platform indieVelo, to create, organize, promote, and broadcast/stream their own races and group rides.

The Recovery Phase of the Pedal Stroke

Knowledge and understanding of the muscle activity during the upstroke of the pedal cycle from a Physical Therapist’s point of view are essential to optimizing power, efficiency, and performance.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twenty-Two

Alcova to Casper, Wyoming

Our Kids Have a Void in Their Lives and Virtual Cycling Can Fill It

The mass exodus from traditional youth sports to video gameplay has the potential to create a cascade of adverse public health concerns if the question continues to be left unanswered.

18 Everestings (14 virtual), 2 Non-Stop 1,000 km Rides, and 115,000 km and 800,000 m on Zwift, Saverio Addante adds a Second Virtual Everesting Roam

On November 26, 2022, ultra-endurance virtual cyclist Saverio Addante rode 1,000 km and climbed 10,000 vertical meters in under 28 hours. It wasn’t the first time and won’t be the last.

The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round Two—Through the Racer’s Eyes

Round Two Race Report by Saris-NoPinz eracer Liz Van Houweling!

Confessions of an Unapologetic Zwift Indoor Specialist

The Zwift “Indoor Specialist” is the new breed of cyclist that embraces an exclusive passion for virtual cycling and esports.

Virtual Platform MyWhoosh is Changing the Cycling Esports Game

Free to use with huge prize purses the virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh is a legitimate Zwift contender and is leading the esports charge.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty

Westfield to East Aurora, New York

Heat or Cold For The Sore Cyclist: The Three Rules of Thumb

The Rule of Thumb for treating cycling injuries with Cold, Heat, or Both!

indieVelo—”Flat Eight” Route Details

The indieVelo “Flat Eight” Route-7.7km (4.7 mi), elevation 73m (239 ft)-a flat route 94 percent of the time, but that 6 percent has 15%!

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty

Craig, Colorado to Rawlins, Wyoming

The Zom Preview for November 8th 2021

Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!

Is Temperature Doping in Virtual Cycling a Thing? – An interview with Jason Boynton, Ph.D

Dr. Boynton is a sport scientist, cycling coach, and an expert in the effects of environmental temperature on training and performance of endurance athletes.

This is Your Brain on Bikes

Strenuous race efforts that leave you cross-eyed may make it hard to think straight, but you can prevent it from going any further than that by being mindful.

Meet 2022 Zwift Academy Finalist—Chiara Doni

An interview with 2022 Zwift Academy finalist Chiara Doni of Team Castelli.

MIRT Cecelia Taggart Shares Her Love of Family and Community, With Bikes

Mom, Cyclist, Philanthropist, and an Inspiration. The true embodiment of the definition of MIRT!

The Zom Preview for January 17th 2022

Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!

The Zom Preview for September 27th 2021

This week we will be kicking off the Indoor Specialists season by highlighting the Virtual Cycling community. I hope you enjoy it!

The Zom Preview for August 16th 2021

Check our what we have for our loyal hive of Zombeez this week!

The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Minus-20 Years to Day Minus One

“A bicycle ride around the world begins with a single pedal stroke” – Scott Stoll

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Seven

Monroeville to Solon, Ohio

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty

Stuart to Neligh, Nebraska

Get to Know The Petersons and Why Their Lives Would Not Be The Same Without Virtual Cycling

Virtual cycling is an essential part of married life for the Peterson’s, and they can’t imagine living without Zwift.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Four

Omaha, Nebraska to Shelby, Iowa

The Cycling Performance Club Podcast

When the cutting edge cycling coach and sports scientist Jason Boynton Ph.D. asked for a contribution to his podcast, the answer was clear.

A Pain Cave Built for Two

In-home trainer etiquette is the key to couple’s cycling therapy!

indieVelo—”The Swan” Route Details

The indieVelo “The Swan” Route-10.7km (6.6 mi), elevation 223m (732 ft)-starting and ending at South Lake with a bit of climbing in between!

Zwift’s Partnership to Innovate Talent ID Raises Policy and Priority Questions

BORA – hansgrohe and Red Bull are launching a youth talent identification program using Zwift segments. The partnership points to inconsistencies in Zwift’s message and project priorities.

Virtual Case Study: Hip Pain While Cycling

Hip pain, the result of long periods of time slumped over the handlebars or seated at work, can be prevented by following these simple steps.

The $100,000 Zwift Grand Prix 2023/24 Details Are Here!

The Zwift Grand Prix details, including participating teams, event formats, scheduled courses, important dates, and the $100,000 for racers.

MyWhoosh Uses Proprietary Performance Verification and Prioritizes Esports Racing to Pave a Path to the Pros

For the new breed of cyclist with dreams of finding a pathway to the pros, the free virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh’s value is more than its lavish cash prizes.

The Larson Family Zwifts Together, including Eight-Year-Old Antonia, and Collects Memories in the Process

Eight-year-old Antonia Larson has an impressive list of Route Badges, and her parents are not too bad at playing bikes themselves.

Team Italy XTRA League – A Mixed Categories Zwift Event That Gives Racers of All Abilities the Chance to Contribute the Team’s Success

With the option of mixed teams and racers assigned to their own category, and with the same score assigned across all the categories, the races are fun, all-inclusive, and the final results fair!

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty-One

Rawlins to Alcova, Wyoming

Part Two: Virtually Trapped in My Own Mind

An interview with the Sports Psychologist for the USA Track and Field team.

The ZOM Preview for February 28th 2022

Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!

Recent Scientific Discoveries Explain the Role Our Genes Play in Determining the Type of Cyclist We Are

Scientists have discovered genes that determine our response to training stress and the key to unlocking endless performance potential.

New Science Suggests That You May be Able to Change the Type of Rider You (Think) You Are

By focusing your cycling training approach, you can change your muscles and eliminate your cycling weaknesses by causing muscle fiber adaptations.

World Indoor Cycling Rankings Race Series is Here!

The World Indoor Cycling Rankings Series is coming to determine THE best virtual racer! With Prizes!

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Five

Shelby to Adel, Iowa

DIRT does Surrey Hills – IRL!

When DIRTs hit the hills, they do it right!

indieVelo Update Version V0.2.18 Released October 9, 2023

The latest indieVelo update V0.2.18 released October 9, 2023, includes a welcome letter from the developer and essential resources.

Controversy, What Controversy? The First Virtual No Saddle Century is This Monday, November 22nd, 2021!

Chad Tavernia will be riding 100 miles non-stop on rollers without a saddle. Yes, you heard correctly. He will be standing up the entire time!

indieVelo—”Coastal Loop Reverse” Route Details

The indieVelo “Coastal Loop Reverse” Route-15.9km (9.8 mi), elevation 41m (134 ft)-follows the perimeter of The Island clockwise!

Biking With Your Children—Year Round, Even When the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate

Zwift is a great way to share the love of cycling and promote a healthy lifestyle with your children.

I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For Shin Pain When I’m Cycling

Follow this cycling Physical Therapist’s five-step approach to preventing, treating, and eliminating Shin Pain While Cycling.

I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What to Do For Low Bone Density in Cyclists

A new study suggests low bone density and osteoporosis begin in cyclists before age twenty and last long after our riding days are over.

West London VR’s Monday Malarky on indieVelo—The Platform’s First Scratch Race Series

Beta-tester and West London VR’sDave Morrison is bringing one of the first race series to the rapidly evolving virtual cycling platform indieVelo

The Zom Preview for May 23rd 2022

Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!

The Zom Preview for January 31st 2022

Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!

Terminal Cancer Isn’t Stopping Zwifter Glenn Utteridge

He was diagnosed with a rare cancer while in the hospital, being treated for a broken neck after a coach ran him over when he was riding.

Chris “Hoppo” Hopkinson Celebrates 100,000 Zwift Miles in Ultra Fashion

It isn’t that he did it, but how that makes Chris Hopkinson’s Zwift achievement stand out.

Zwift Grand Prix 23/24—Men’s Round Four: Format, Course, Teams and Where to Watch

Here’s a brief preview of the Zwift Grand Prix 23/24 Men’s Round 4, along with a recap of the exciting action from the Round 3 Women’s race.

indieVelo Update Version V0.2.23 Released November 13, 2023

The latest indieVelo update V0.2.23 released November 13, 2023, adds automatic custom results credibility controls, new routes, and a helpful message for Mac users.

Too Little Fat Can Be a Big Cycling Problem

Don’t make the same BIG Fat mistake I made! Avoid Low-Fat Diet Risk for Cyclists!

I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For That Puzzling Foot Pain

Follow my tips and tricks to get rid of that nagging Plantar Fasciitis When Cycling!

Zwifter Diane Letheren Didn’t Let Defeat Stop Her From Riding 1,000Km

After injury and disappointment caused her to abandon her first 1,000km attempt, Diane Letheren found strength and knowledge in the Zwift community

When Jan Butaye Lost His Arm in a Cycling Accident, Zwift Helped Him Up

When a tragic bike accident took his arm and his will, one-armed Cyclist Jan Butaye credits Zwift for rebuilding him and the community’s support for lifting him up.

Elite Eracer Teppo Laurio is Back From the Bench

Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Three Race Report by Wahoo le Col’s Mercurial Fin Teppo Laurio!

Strength Training is Essential for the Senior Athlete and Masters Cyclist

Strength exercise is essential for the masters athlete to avoid the devastating effects of age-related muscle loss.

Indoor Training, This Time It’s Going to be Different!

Indoor training is no longer something to dread!

I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do To Power the Gluteus Medius

Unlock the Secret of the Gluteus Medius When Cycling to Improve Pedaling Strength, Efficiency, and Prevent Injury

Authority Magazine and Thrive Global – eSports: Christopher Schwenker On The 5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In eSports

Tyler Gallagher of Authority Magazine asked me some great questions. I hope you enjoy my responses.

2024 USA Cycling Esports National Qualifiers and Echelon Racing League Info Now Available

In partnership with USA Cycling and Zwift, Echelon Racing Promotions announces league and national qualification details, including equipment and performance verification requirements.

USA Cycling Sets 2024 Esports World Championship Team Selection Criteria

Criteria for 2024 UCI Esports World Championship qualification revealed by USA Cycling. Event set for Abu Dhabi, UAE in late 2024.

DIRT Frederic Audet’s Big Zwift Adventure!

The beautiful, eloquent, and passionate story of one man’s quest to fill his spreadsheet—Zwift Badge hunting and DIRT Zwift Team daily motivation!

New Research Explores the Correlation Between All Six Leg Muscle Groups and Peak Cycling Sprint Power

The power-generating capacity of our glutes and quads is of primary importance, but scientists reveal that our calf muscles are essential in producing sprint cycling torque.

Virtual Case Study: Lower Back Pain While Riding

Eliminate and prevent low back pain while riding by following these simple tips!

Two Epic Zwift Records Set in Three Days

In the span of three days in early January 2023, Zwifters broke the single-day TTT record and set the bar for the first sub-three hour 150 km.

OTR TTT on indieVelo—The Platform’s First Team Time Trial Race Series

OTR Virtual Event’s James Ogilvie brings the first Team Time Trial race series to the rapidly evolving virtual cycling platform indieVelo

The Cyclist Bladder is a Thing, and There Are Things For That

Overactive Bladder when cycling can be prevented with this training program.

303 Endurance Podcast Featuring Chris Schwenker

The 303Endurance Podcast mission is to create a global community of endurance athletes. To inspire participation in endurance sports by connecting you to coaches, experts and professional athletes.

The Most Common OTC Pain Relief Drug Worldwide Inspires Risky Eracing Behavior, Or Does It?

UCI Cycling Esports World Champion and tour pro-Jay Vine, his wife Bre, and an elite group of eracers sound off on the tactical mindset differences between indoors and out.

Zwift’s Cycling Esports Commission Chairman and ZADA Lead Move On From the Company

Dr. George Gilbert and Bjoern Ossenbrink unite to create indieVelo leaving the cycling esports community wondering, and Zwift responds

The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day One

Half Moon Bay to Ripon, California

Musings of the Curious Cyclist – Part One: Does FTP matter?

Challenging the validity of an accepted training metric and discussing alternatives.

Overhydration—A Cycling Hidden Danger and a Potential Medical Emergency

Should you take sodium tablets before or during a big event? Exertional Hyponatremia from overhydration is a life-threatening condition that is avoidable by following these simple steps.

The Power Phase of the Pedal Stroke

Knowledge of the Power Phase of the pedal stroke is crucial, and by following these tips you will be able to maximize it! It’s all about your Glutes! [Featured image courtesy of eBike Shed Ltd @ ebikeshed.com]

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Nine

North Kingsville, Ohio to Westfield, New York

How the Top-Ranked Zwift Eracer Got There and Does She Intend to Stay

Does Liz Van Houweling have a bullseye on her back?

Get to Know the USA Women’s 2022 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship Team

A bit of background and DS notes—a one-stop guide to the fast, exciting, and fun eracers of the US national esports squad.

Dead Butt Syndrome – A Real Pain in the Cyclist’s A–

Dead Butt Syndrome is a common cycling condition that can be treated and prevented by following these simple steps.

I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For That Cycling Pain in the Neck

Perform this five-minute neck rehab routine and follow these bike position tips to tackle stubborn neck pain while cycling.

indieVelo Update Version V0.2.11 Released August 21, 2023

The latest indieVelo update V0.2.11 released August 21, 2023, includes TWO NEW ROUTES and other quality-of-life enhancements.

To Embrace Discomfort is to Truly Evolve In Cycling and Life

In cycling and life, knowing how to suffer is evolving as a person.

indieVelo Team Showcase

Tactical Team-based racing is at cycling esports platform indieVelo core, and these teams make it possible. Find your team here!

The Zommuniqué Weekly Preview

See what we have coming this week to The Zommunique’!

vCycling News Episode 1

About vCycling News Virtual Cycling News will bring you news, rumours and reviews on all things RGT whilst looking at some of the other online training apps that are available. The show is hosted by Mike Lister, an eRacer with over 15,000 miles logged on Zwift and...

The DIRT Dad Fund Supports the Freter Family as They Say a First Hello and Last Goodbye

In the emotionally powerful words of DIRT Johnathan Freter, himself.

Community

The Zwiftbike Preview with VCN and Titanium Geek

The DIRT Dad Fund

The DIRT Dad Fund

Drink Coffee and Do Good!

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