The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America

Follow Along with the DIRT Dad Fundo Across America Map!

Click the icons to find a blog post with details about each ride and a bunch of cool pics!

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, and through its work and the pages of this site, Chris is committed to helping others with his bike. His gain cave is located on the North Fork of Long Island where he lives with his beautiful wife and is proud of his two college student children.

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Attila K Csongrady

1 month ago

How cool is that! Go Christopher!

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Christopher Schwenker

1 month ago

Reply to Attila K Csongrady

Thank you 🙏 for the kind words and your generous donation! I appreciate you, Attila!

Robert Nowlin

1 month ago

Fantastic progress. Will you be anywhere near Kansas City moving forward?

Author

Christopher Schwenker

1 month ago

Reply to Robert Nowlin

Good question! I guess it depends on your idea of anywhere. Here is my route. https://thezommunique.com/2022/05/05/dirt-dad-fundo-across-america-route/ It would be great to see you!

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“Off Season” Virtual Riding at its Finest

Small field sizes in eRacing do not have to mean less fun!

DIRT Travis Bowersox Gives New Meaning to Everesting For a Cause

A holiday gift came early for DIRT Travis Bowersox, and it came in the form of charity, inner contemplation, and satisfaction.

The Hardest Reset of All – How I Managed My Expectations after a Major Injury

Recovery from a major injury is a journey to be embraced, but not taken lightly.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Week 5 in Review

Week 5 in review!

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Five

Shelby to Adel, Iowa

Periodized Strength Training for Cyclists

Keep your body guessing, so it doesn’t get too comfortable by varying your strength training stress in a meaningful and focused way.

Elite Eracer Ben Hill’s Wife Introduced Him to the “Nature” of Esports—He Never Looked Back

An interview with Team AERO elite esports cyclist Ben Hill.

The Zwiftbike Preview with VCN and Titanium Geek

An independent take on the new Zwift Bike with David Owen and Mike Lister.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Six

Adel to Altoona, Iowa

Talk DIRTy to Me Episode 27: Chris Schwenker rides across the USA

Special thanks to the Eat DIRT crew for inviting me on the Talk DIRTy to Me podcast and the opportunity to share my WHY!

The Zom Preview for October 25th 2021

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

Part One-Rhabdomyolysis: A Hidden Risk of Virtual Cycling

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious health concern we can avoid with knowledge of the disease and how to prevent it.

Virtual Case Study: Pain Behind the Knee When Cycling

Eliminate and prevent the pain at the back of your knee by following these simple tips!

Honest Race Nutrition: What Pro Jacqueline Godbe (Really) Eats To Win

The Race Winning Glycogen Refueling Chocolate Hydration Plan of an Elite Virtual Cyclist

What does eSports mean to you?

The Zommunique asked elite eRacers from around the world to share their experience and thoughts on what eSports means to them!

Honest Race Nutrition: What Pro Jacquie Godbe (Really) Eats To Win

The Race Winning Glycogen Refueling Chocolate Hydration Plan of an Elite Virtual Cyclist

The Zom Preview for December 6th 2021

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

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America – Day Twenty-Eight

Merriman to Valentine, Nebraska

Virtual Cyclists Tackle Racing in the Real World

Elite and pro cyclists of all disciplines use virtual training and racing to prepare for their real-life goals.

The Zom Preview for July 12th 2021

You won’t want to miss what we have for you this week! It involves COFFEE!

An Interview with Zwift Academy Group Ride Sweeper Matt Yankow

Sweepin’ isn’t easy, but Matt does it with a smile (I think)!

For Kevin du Manoir Unlocking the Tron Bike Is About Overcoming Barriers

After three years and 50,000m the 270-pound Climbing Clydesdale proved to himself that he doesn’t have to be held back by his own body.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty-Three

Waterloo to Verona, New York

How to Safely Return to Cycling After Injury?

Follow this framework for a post-injury return to cycling protocol.

The Nocebo Effect Is Why Your Fitness Tracker May Be Doing More Harm Than Good

Fitness trackers, their data, and algorithms have a place as they should. Decide where that place is before your device does it for you.

Functional Strength Training for Cyclists

If you want more watts, do more squats!

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Seventeen

Moab, Utah to Fruita, Colorado

The ZOM Preview for February 28th 2022

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

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Ten

Apple Valley to Mt. Carmel, Utah

The Zommuniqué Weekly Preview

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

The Zom Preview for October 4th 2021

https://youtu.be/SL90KwZ9rZY Almost 25,000 views! Thank you for your support!Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!The theme for this week is relevance and science. Watch the video to find out more.Please subscribe to The ZOM weekly newsletter for more great content delivered directly...

Importance of NAD for Muscle Function: Supplementation Implications for the Performance Cyclist

NAD could be a key to unlocking a considerable performance boost for competitive cyclists.

Elite Cyclist Eleanor Wiseman Found Sanity in Esports During Cancer Radiation Treatment

On the heels of a strong showing in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships the Saris-No Pinz racer Eleanor Wiseman shares a bit about herself.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Seven

Altoona to Malcolm, Iowa

The Zom Preview for January 3rd 2022

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

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Nine

St. George to Apple Valley, Utah

A Chat with Esports Great James Joseph Barnes

After reading this candid interview, you will have little doubt why Barney is one of the best athletes and personalities in esports.

Three Things That Seem to Make Racing and Training Mentally Easier for Me

Cycling isn’t easy! But there are some things about virtual cycling that make it easier mentally for me.

Being More Mindful is Great, But Can it Make Me a Faster Cyclist?

My attempt to be more mindful while cycling came at a price I wasn’t willing to pay, but I will be better.

Do You Know Your Sweat Rate?

Avoid the performance-limiting effects of dehydration by following these simple steps!

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

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

DIRT Mates Turn a Chance Encounter into Something Epic

Two DIRT teammates tell the story of how their chance meet-up turned into a physical challenge and how they crushed it just like they have 100’s of times before.

The Zom Preview for August 2nd 2021

A sneak peek into what we have for you this week at The Zom! Plus a bit of background into our mission!

Zwift’s Youngest Ride Leader Sophie Guy is Virtual Cycling Mature Beyond Her Years

At eleven-years-old Sophie has accomplished more in virtual cycling than most riders twice her age and has earned the confidence and respect of the cyclists she leads.

One of The Most Momentous Events in Virtual Cycling Recently Took Place, and Not Enough of Us Are Aware, But We All Should Be!

The introduction of a handcycle and true-to-life avatar is a tremendous step forward on the path of accessibility and inclusion of disabled and adaptive athletes in virtual cycling.

Carbohydrate Loading Lunacy

Should cyclists even bother with Carbohydrate loading?

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.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Eleven

Mt. Carmel to Kingston, Utah

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Three

Fremont to Omaha, Nebraska

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.

DIRT does Surrey Hills – IRL!

When DIRTs hit the hills, they do it right!

Part Two: My Virtual Road to Recovery Timeline – Richie Sheerin’s Roller Coaster Cancer Journey and the Inspiration Behind the Formation of Zwift Team Racing Without Borders

In the second installment, Richie shares the emotional highs and lows of his cancer recovery and how the virtual cycling community is essential in his life.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Sixteen Rest Day! Guess What I Did?

What did I do? Not what you think!

Changing the Way You Breathe Will Make You a Better Cyclist

By perfecting your technique through practice on the bike you will breathe easier and get faster.

Improving Pedaling Technique

By following these tips, you will pedal perfect circles and produce more power with less energy.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twenty-Four

Orin Junction, Wyoming to Edgemont, South Dakota

Kevin Korenthal is Proof That Adversity and Calamity Has Its Purpose

Para-cyclist Kevin Korenthal considers virtual cycling a life-saver in providing him the strength to overcome a near-fatal accident.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty

Westfield to East Aurora, New York

DIRT Father meets DIRT GrandFather IRL – The History of DIRT Prequel

A two-hour breakfast meeting that only felt like 20 minutes and three years seemed almost the same way.

The Zom Preview for May 9th 2022

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

Ryan Larson Opens Up About the Tragedy That Caused Him to Go All-In on Esports

The Saris – NoPinz eracer tells why winning the Esports Worlds is within reach and how he plans to do it. An interview with Ryan Larson.

Virtual Case Study: Pain on the Outside of the Knee While Cycling

Eliminate and prevent the pain on the outside of your knee by following these simple tips!

Elite Eracer Justine Barrow Rides With the Grit of a Former Aussie Rules Footballer

Fresh off a strong showing in the 2022 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships representing her country of Australia.

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

A one-stop guide with a bit of background and insight from the guys to help you get pumped for the big race!

To Train or Not to Train? That is the Question When You’re a Sick Cyclist!

USA National team eracer and physician Jaqueline Godbe shares her personal philosophy on training and illness. A Yes, No, and Maybe cyclists checklist.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty-Seven

Interior, South Dakota to Merriman, Nebraska

Recent Studies Show That Cyclists May Use Epigenetics to Return to Form After a Long Break From Riding

Long-lasting genetic changes at the molecular level give scientific insight into how athletes rebuild their fitness to previous levels after taking an extended break from their bikes.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty-One

Rawlins to Alcova, Wyoming

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty-One

East Aurora to Rochester, New York

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty-Five

Edgemont to Hill City, South Dakota

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty

Craig, Colorado to Rawlins, Wyoming

A Recent Study Shows Virtual Cyclists Don’t Meet Their Nutritional Needs

Science shows virtual cyclists don’t consume enough carbohydrates before, during, or after key events leading to underperformance.

When Is It Safe to Return to Cycling After COVID-19?

The recommendations and guidelines of authoritative organizations, experts on the topic, and a top cycling esports coach who battled COVID-19 for two years himself.

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!

The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Three

Groveland to Lee Vining, California

A Deep Dive with Cecilia Hansen

A candid chat with the esports great about how she got into cycling, her eracing story, and what separates her from the competition.

Roasting those Pits – Part One

Coffee beans, road cycling, espresso, Caffeine, and History!

The DIRT Digglers and ZSUNR Meet-Up For Their Version of a NO DROP Ride

Matt Yankow wasn’t content sweepin away in the cozy confines of his Ohio basement and ventured into Coach Joy territory. He also wasn’t content allowing Joy to stay on his wheel. Here’s how it went.

Virtual Case Study: Pain in the Ankle and Foot When Cycling

By following these bike fit, shoe choice, and muscle flexibility tips you can prevent ankle and foot pain from taking the fun out of your ride.

DIRT Tyler & Wife Jaimie Frazier Complete IRONMAN Florida

The Fraziers balance life, family, and fun, and rely upon each other to be IRONMAN finishers TOGETHER!

Melanie Maurer is as Precise as a Scientist On and Off the Virtual Racecourse

Coming off a strong showing in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships as Switzerland’s only representative Melanie shares a bit about herself.

Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling—Where Zwift Needs to Go Next, and Why

In the final retrospective, by continuing to innovate and commit to a proactive approach in the area of Extreme Dieting, Zwift will impact the lives of a staggering number of virtual cyclists.

I Can’t Stop Myself! Why Do I Have to Sprint or Go For That KOM?

The psychology and science behind what motivates virtual cyclists to push harder than they want to.

The Zom Preview for April 25th 2022

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

The Zom Preview for June 6th 2022

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

Part One: My Virtual Road to Recovery Timeline – Richie Sheerin’s Roller Coaster Cancer Journey and the Inspiration Behind the Formation of Zwift Team Racing Without Borders

In the first of Richie’s two-part series, he tells his tale of bloods, resetting expectations, and never losing sight of the big picture.

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

Indoor training is no longer something to dread!

Hang Out and Get to Know the Teen Phenom of Elite Esports, Eracer Matthias Deroose

At 19 years old, Matthias has left his mark on eracing as the youngest to win a Premier Division race and qualify to represent his country in the World Championships.

The Zom Preview for December 20th 2021

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

The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America

An Indoor Specialist Literally Bikes ‘Cross the Country in Support of the Virtual Cycling Community!

Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: The Flutter Kick Series

The Flutter Kick is the perfect core exercise for a powerful pedal stroke.

The Virtual No Saddle Century is in the Books!

Chad Tavernia rode over 100 virtual miles on rollers in under five hours without taking a seat to drink or eat and became the first-ever to complete a Virtual No Saddle Century!

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America Route Details

Route maps and more details describing the 60-day journey!

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.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Week 8 in Review

8 Weeks in Review!

The Zom Preview for October 11th 2021

Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMBeez this week! What good is a warm-up without a great cool-down? What does esports mean to you? What does an elite female eracer REALLY eat to win? You will find the answers to these questions and...

The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Five

Benton, California to Tonopah, Nevada

New Research Explores the Link Between Body and Mind to Make Us Better on Our Bikes

Scientists study 25 National team cyclists to put a number to the link between mind and body, but the value is in realizing the relationship and how to use it to make us better.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-One

Geneseo to Utica, Illinois

Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: Front Plank Progression

The plank is considered the best core movement and this exercise progression will help you get the most out of it.

The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America

Follow Along with the DIRT Dad Fundo Across America Map!

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The DIRT Dad Fund

Drink Coffee and Do Good!

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