indieVelo Pacebots are continual steady group rides rolling around The Island, and there's one for everybody. Here's how to join in!
The indieVelo Hub is the go-to spot for discovering Pacebot rides offered by indieVelo. Think of these Pacebot rides like ongoing cycling clubs circling throughout the indieVelo universe, always ready for you to join in.
The ingenious feature of Pacebots is how they support riders in their vicinity. If you are within 50 meters behind a Pacebot, you get an extra draft, which is a fancy term for reducing wind resistance, making your pedaling more efficient. And for those ahead of the bot, it adjusts its speed slightly to ensure everyone stays together in a cohesive group.
Here’s a handy tip: Your position in relation to the bot determines your workout intensity. Want a harder workout? Stay ahead of the bot. Looking for a gentler pace? Just hang out behind the bot.
As for the power ranges mentioned in the Hub menu, think of them as the energy or effort you’ll need to match each Pacebot’s speed. It’s a personalized guideline designed according to your profile. For example, if you’re a heavier rider, expect to exert more power than lighter riders, especially when the Pacebot takes you on a rolling route.
The pacebots are colored according to Training Zones, and you can join your favorite from The Hub by accessing the “Pace” section.
Also Read: How-to-Guide-Displaying Weight and Relative Effort
Introducing Your Pacebots!
Oli Obsidian: 90 to 110w
Suzie Sapphire: 115 to 135w
Eddie Emerald: 135 to 165w
Anna Amber: 155 to 195
Cyril Citrine: 180 to 220w
Roxy Ruby: 205 to 245w
Aaron Amethyst: 225 to 275w
Daisy Diamond: 245 to 305w
Here are some exciting ways you can utilize the Pacebots
Warm-up and Cooldown: Preparing for a race or challenging group ride? Join a friendly pack to get your legs warmed up. It’s more enjoyable than riding alone. Plus, it’s a great way to switch into group ride mode.
Practice Group Riding and Drafting: Still mastering the art of drafting and riding efficiently in indieVelo? Pacebot groups are the ideal environment to learn. Experiment with different positions in the group, and you’ll notice how your effort level changes based on whether you’re leading, trailing, or nestled somewhere in the middle.
Ride Long and Steady: Need a steady pace for your workout? With Pacebots, you can always predict the pace, making them perfect for consistent training or long-distance rides.
Do Some Unstructured Intervals: Spice up your interval training by joining a Pacebot-led group. It’s more fun than solo workouts. Challenge yourself by leading for a set number of minutes, or drop to the back and then sprint to catch up.
Test Your Fitness: Want to test your limits? Pick a Pacebot that rides faster than your usual race pace, and see how long you can keep up. It’s a great way to measure your progress and set new goals.
Meet Up With a Friend: Looking for a riding buddy? Simply tell your friend which Pacebot group you’ll be joining, and they can hop in any time they wish!
Also Read: How-to-Guide-NVIDIA Control Panel Settings
Check out indieVelo—How-to-Guides for more helpful tips and tricks!
Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
Thanks Christopher
I appreciate you!
Is there MPH option on this platform?
Everything is customizable, if that’s what you’re asking? Go into settings and explore a bit. There’s a lot there.
Is there a way to switch to a different pacebot mid ride? Ideally I would like to ride at a certain speed and then switch to different group after I am warmed up..
Sure, Reid. Press “J” to join another rider. You can find all of the keyboard shortcuts here.
https://thezommunique.com/2023/06/19/indievelo-keyboard-shortcuts/