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. 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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Attila K Csongrady

11 months ago

How cool is that! Go Christopher!

Author

Christopher Schwenker

11 months ago

Reply to Attila K Csongrady

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

Robert Nowlin

11 months ago

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

Author

Christopher Schwenker

10 months 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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The DIRT Dad Fund

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Jaclyn Long, MFT

Certified Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher

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Sports Anxiety Therapy

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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]

I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is my 5-Exercise Heavy-Hitting Home Leg Strength Routine

Follow this 5-exercise home strength training for cyclists routine to maximize your gains without hitting a gym.

Recent Cycling Science Shows Day-To-Day Heart Rate Variability is Not Indicative of Performance, But For Virtual Cyclists, it May

Daily HRV monitoring does not affect average cycling performance, but it is significant in a few key areas critical to eracers.

I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is My In-Season Total Body Strength Maintenance Program

Follow this 8-exercise home program to keep your strength gains without sacrificing cycling training time.

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.

How Esports Great James Joseph Barnes’ Coach Got Him Ready for the Indoor Season

Could training prep really mean doing nothing?

Elite Cyclist Aaron Borrill is Captain South Africa

Award-winning cycling journalist and elite cyclist Aaron Borrill is leading Team South Africa and esports into the future.

Boost your FTP with a Low Carbohydrate, Sleep?

Periodically manipulating dietary carbohydrates and subsequently muscle glycogen availability during exercise improves cycling performance for some.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty-Seven

Interior, South Dakota to Merriman, Nebraska

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Two

Utica to Minooka, Illinois

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.

Elite Cyclist Marlene Bjarehed’s Heart Beats For Esports

An interview with Team SZ and Movistar’s Marlene Bjarehed of Sweden.

Zwifter Carrie Matczynski Has A Lot to Celebrate on her Cranniversary

On May 8th Carrie Matczynski will celebrate four years as a brain tumor survivor and Ironman!

DIRT Daughter Marlow Manison is Riding 360 Zwift Miles to Help Find a Cure For Her Dad’s Juvenile Diabetes

To help support Marlow, the daughter of long-time DIRT Allen Manison read on! If you have a dry eye when you are through—shame on you!

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Seven

Monroeville to Solon, Ohio

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!

The Mental Embrace of a Cycling Interval

The cyclo-psychology of a successful cycling training interval. What goes through your mind?

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.

The DIRTy Pretzel Challenge p/b The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America

DIRT Do Work Challenge Partners with the DIRT Dad Fund to support its virtual cycling community!

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.

DIRT does Surrey Hills – IRL!

When DIRTs hit the hills, they do it right!

A Unique Perspective From Cycling Journalist and Elite Eracer Aaron Borrill

Elite esports racer and award-winning cycling journalist, Aaron Borrill, opens up about balancing work and training—and what it means to represent his country at the 2022 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.

The DIRT Dad Fund 2022 Year In Review

Through the generous support of the DIRT community, the DIRT Dad Fund distributed $7,429 in financial aid in 2022 and a total of $11,409 since inception.

The Virtual Journey to the First Live Illinois State Cycling Esports Championship

On February 25, 2023, REVO race director Gail Kocher joined fellow Chicagoland virtual cyclists live and in person to compete for the right to be called Illinois Cycling Esports Champion.

From The Feet Up Customs – Matthew Ralph is a Colorful Member of the Virtual Cycling Community

Matthew Ralph has created functional masterpieces for celebrities, pro cyclists, and many people in between, including his virtual cycling friends.

An Interview with Zwift Academy Group Ride Sweeper Matt Yankow

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

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Week 8 in Review

8 Weeks in Review!

The Difference Between Thirst and Drinking—Developing a Cyclist’s Hydration Strategy

Eliminate the guesswork with a systematic approach to cycling hydration. photo credit: tlbvelo.com

Ten Ways That Zwift Racing is Exactly Like Real-Life Road Racing and Not At All

Read the full article in CyclingNews thanks to the help of a few friends at all levels of virtual cycling success.

The Zom Preview for August 23rd 2021

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

The Zom Preview for January 10th 2022

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

The Zom Preview for March 28th 2022

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

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!

Under-Fueling is A Man Cycling Thing Too!

According to recent research, RED-S in male athletes, especially cyclists and virtual cyclists, is a significant risk.

The Zom Preview for August 16th 2021

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

Sprint Cycling Improves Muscle Strength, but As Much as Weight Training?

Recent research suggests that on-the-bike muscle strength building through max sprint cycling is as effective as weight training.

Elite Eracer Matteo Cigala Lets His Legs Do the Talking

On the heels of a strong showing representing Italy in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships Matteo shares a bit about himself.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty-Seven

Catskill to Holmes, New York

Stress and Mindfulness Training for Athletes and Cyclists

Becoming an aware athlete takes practice, but you will feel better for it. Physically and mentally.

Elite eRacer Anders Foldager Races to Win and Tell About It

When Covid lockdown turned Anders Foldager on to virtual cycling, it wasn’t long before he realized that he was good. Then he took 2nd in the first-ever UCI Cycling Esports Worlds.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Thirty-Nine

Oxford to Wilton, Iowa

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.

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!

Team Foudre Announces 2023 Zwift Belgian Cup

Team Foudre and the Federation of Cycling Wallonia-Brussels are organizing a four-round Zwift Belgian Cup beginning March 2, 2023.

The Zom Preview for September 6th 2021

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

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty

Stuart to Neligh, Nebraska

Elite German Eracer Martin Maertens Has Found a Niche For Himself in Esports

The German hill climb champ, cyclist Martin Maertens tells what he does to be in the right position when it matters, which for him is on the podium of the Esports World Championship.

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.

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.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twenty-Nine

Valentine to Stuart, Nebraska

The Zom Preview for July 26th 2021

Check out what is coming to The Zom this week!

The Zom Preview for February 7th 2022

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

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.

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

Indoor training is no longer something to dread!

Does Alcohol BLURRR Your Focus and Put a Nightcap on Your Cycling Performance?

The honest account of how this Zwifter switched his focus from hops to watts. What does giving up alcohol do for his performance and motivation?

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.

DIRT Andrew Holland Wins the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship

Way to go Andy!

Shayna Powless is Much More Than a Professional Cyclist

Shayna Powless is a member of the 2022 North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of fame class, but it may not be for cycling—she’s much more than that.

Roasting those Pits – Part One

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

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

Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round One Race Report by Saris-NoPinz eracer Liz Van Houweling!

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-One

Geneseo to Utica, Illinois

Wise Athletes Podcast Ep. 93-55,500 Miles on Zwift w/Chris Schwenker, P.T.

Wise Athletes Podcast host Joe Lavelle interviews Chris Schwenker about his Cycling Weekly article “55,500 Miles Going Nowhere” and what it takes to be strong and pain-free despite where you ride.

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!

Core Strengthening Essentials for Cyclists

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

Elite Eracer Vicki Whitelaw Is Positioned For Esports Greatness

Coming off an amazing showing representing Australia in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships Aeonian’s Vicki Whitelaw shares a bit about herself.

vCycling News with Titanium Geek – Episode 2!

With prizes in eSports becoming more prestigious and increasing in value, what can riders and event organizers do to ensure that the winners are legitimate?

I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For Wrist Pain From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Follow this cycling PT’s approach to preventing, treating, and eliminating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome When Cycling.

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!

The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Zero

“Fall asleep with a dream and awake with a purpose.” -Unknown

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 Case Study: Pain in the Front of the Knee While Cycling

Ride strong without that nagging pain in the front of your knee by following these tips!

Some Cyclists Aren’t Virtual Cyclists. Who Knew?

Are you ever tempted to defend your love of virtual cycling?

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!

Musings of the Curious Cyclist – Part Two: Does FTP Matter?

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

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Seven

Altoona to Malcolm, Iowa

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.

The Zom Preview for April 4th 2022

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

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twelve

Kingston to Loa, Utah

The Zom Preview for January 17th 2022

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

Memorial Ride to Celebrate The Life of Kris Yip on Sunday, January 29, 2023

A memorial ride to celebrate the life of passionate elite cyclist Kris Yip who tragically passed away on January 18, 2023.

The Zom Preview for November 29th 2021

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

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-One

Neligh to Wisner, Nebraska

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Thirty-Three

Fremont to Omaha, Nebraska

Self-Awareness for Athletes – A Coach’s Point of View

The importance of Self-Awareness for Athletes from a pro cyclist and USAC certified Coach.

The Anatomy of The Race From the Mind of the Aerospace Engineer of Esports, Daniel “Jammers” Jamrozik—Part Two

The 2023 Cycling Esports World Championship Qualifiers through the eyes of Team USA and Restart Racing’s elite eracer Daniel “Jammers” Jamrozik.

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!

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!

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.

The Plea For Accessibility By Visually Impaired Cyclists on Zwift

Visually impaired members of the subscriber base describe Zwift as “the most inaccessible app out there,” but when will Zwift see to it?

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America Route Details

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

Team Movistar’s Beth Maciver Started Bike Racing on Zwift and Hasn’t Looked Back

An interview with elite eracer Beth Maciver, whose first introduction to racing was on Zwift and her drive and motivation to learn all there is to know.

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.

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty-Eight

Holmes to HOME!

The Zom Preview for September 13th 2021

The recent changes to Zwift’s eSports Ruleset concerning Junior racers. Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!

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

Does Liz Van Houweling have a bullseye on her back?

Harness the Power of Your Mental Chatter When Cycling to Get Through the Tough Times

Six science-based tricks to control the narrative of your inner mental dialogue and improve your cycling performance.

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

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

Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Two Race Report by NeXT pb Enshored’s Zach Nehr!

The Power of Asking for Help—More Than Just Extra Watts!

A quality cycling coach will help you reach life goals on and off the bike.

The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round One—Through the Racer’s Eyes

Round One Race Report by NeXT pb Enshored’s James Joseph Barnes!

The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America

Follow Along with the DIRT Dad Fundo Across America Map!

The Zommuniqué

The DIRT Dad Fund

The DIRT Dad Fund

Drink Coffee and Do Good!

What could be better than that?

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