The Zommunique logo June '23

Virtual Velo Podcast-Ep. 6: The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America check in with Chris!

In Episode Six of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Joy and Ken catch up with Chris from Goshen, Indiana, population 34,586, as he passes the 40-day mark on the DIRT Dad Fundo Across America Adventure!

We hear the good, the bad, and the ugly of this epic ride.

Also, Joy fills us in on what broke the integration with the Zwift Activity Monitor and Ken tells us about his minor car accident that culminated in being stabbed and ending up in the emergency department. True story, you can’t make this stuff up! 
 

                                             Clip-in and take a conversational ride with us! 

Ep. 6: The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America check in with Chris!

On the go?

Follow the Virtual Velo Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, Stitcher, Castbox, RadioPublic, or Podbean, and take us with you!

Virtual Velo Network logo

Do you want to join the VVN team? Tap the logo for details!

Virtual Velo Podcast Ep. 34-WTRLs Martin Carew Talks Zwift Racing League
Check out Episode Thirty four here!
LevelVeloLogo

The Zommunique’ Community gets 10% off at LEVELVelo.com with coupon code “TheZomm gives 10% off”   

Get 10% off at LEVELVelo.com
Go
Zwift Hub One Promo Image

Click to get your Zwift Hub smart trainer here and support our work.

ZMS LiveStream Logo

Broadcast Partner to The Virtual Velo Network!

The DIRT Dad Fund

Click Here
Contribute to a great cause!
Click Here for caps
Click Here for bottles
Click Here for dirt socks
Click Here for stem caps
Click Here for skull towels

The DIRT Dad Fund

Share the power of The DIRT Effect

Zwift Cog and Click Bundle

Click to get the Zwift Cog & Click!

Mindful Child & Family Therapy logo

Jaclyn Long, MFT

Certified Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher

Marriage & Family Therapist in CA

Sports Anxiety Therapy

Zwift Play handlebar image

Purchase your Zwift Play controllers here!

Drink Coffee and Do Good!  

Click the Image and Shop now!

Related Articles

indieVelo Update Version V0.2.1 Released
Latest update V0.2.1 released June 12, 2023 introduces Team Management functionality
DIRTy 22 Zwift TTT Record-Breaking Recap
DIRTs Stephen Katuska, Christopher “Serkit” Taylor-Kerr, and David Squirrell take down the Zwift single-day TTT record previously co-held by DIRT Tiago Barreira and Christopher “Serkit” Taylor-Kerr.
Adaptive Advocacy Month (AAM) to Raise Awareness on Zwift
Andy Shuttleworth, a member of the wounded, injured or sick (WIS) military veterans community, disabled/adaptive recumbent trike rider and ardent Zwifter is leading the charge for representation and inclusion of Adaptive Advocacy.
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!
ZMS Live Stream- Behind-the-Scenes
Damon Bates and his Crew are enhancing the virtual cycling experience through innovations in live stream viewing and interaction.
Zwift Esports is a Party for Elite Cyclist Josh Harris
An interview with Team Australia and Zwift Team Aero’s elite cyclist Josh Harris.
Chase the Yellow Brings Cycling Esports Stage Racing to indieVelo!
Stage Racing is coming to the cycling esports platform indieVelo, with four stages of men’s, women’s, and team-based GC competitions for elite and amateur racers. Here’s how to sign up!
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.
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.
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.
Part One: Virtually Trapped in My Own Mind
You have them! I know you do, but there’s no reason to be ashamed or afraid. Silence the negative thoughts that stand between you and the best cyclist you can be!
Johnny and Becki Roden Share Virtual Cycling to Cope With the Loss of their Son Tommy
Jon and Becki Roden turn to Virtual Cycling to help them cope with the death of their son.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twenty-Nine
Valentine to Stuart, Nebraska
indieVelodrome Oktoberfest—Ruleset
The indieVelodrome Oktoberfest ruleset, including the points and ranking system, performance verification, and hardware eligibility is here!
The Zom Preview for February 21st 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
indieVelo August 2023 Challenges Announced
The indieVelo August 2023 monthly challenge includes Training and Racing elements, including cumulative distance totals and Kilo ITT. Plus the results of last month’s challenge.
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 Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Six—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Six Winning Race Report, by Wahoo Le Col’s Marc Mäding!
indieVelo Team Showcase
Tactical Team-based racing is at cycling esports platform indieVelo core, and these teams make it possible. Find your team here!
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.
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.
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
Do Antihistamines Affect Athletic Performance and Muscle Recovery?
Recent studies describe the potential effect of cycling while on antihistamine and antibiotic medications.
The Virtual Cycling Newlywed Game – Featuring Brandon and Val Peterson
How well do you know the Petersons? Better yet, how well do they know each other? Let’s find out!
Elite Zwift #1 Cyclist Joakim Lisson is Focused!
An Interview with Team P.O. Auto – CeramicSpeed and Danish Cycling’s Joakim Lisson.
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.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Week 2 in Review
Half Moon Bay, California to Green River, Utah
The road.cc Podcast-Episode 44: Inside the World of Elite Zwift Racing
The Zommunique’s Chris Schwenker shares the road.cc podcast stage with elite cyclist Aaron Borrill to discuss Zwift virtual cycling and esports.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Four
Portage to Goshen, Indiana
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.
It’s Only a Number—Cyclist Luca Zanasca
An interview with Team Italy’s elite cyclist Luca Zanasca.
Pro Cyclist Sarah Gigante’s View From the Road Racing and Virtual Peloton
Professional cyclist Sarah Gigante races for Movistar and will represent Australia in the Esports World Championship—this is what she had to say.
Meet 2022 Zwift Academy Hopeful—Elite Cyclist Cooper Sayers
An interview with 2022 Zwift Academy finalist Saint Piran Pro Cycling’s Cooper Sayers.
I’m a Cyclist and a Physical Therapist, and This is Why An Understanding of Lower Crossed Syndrome is Vital to Cyclists Battling the “Sitting Disease”
A Cyclist’s Guide to Overcoming the Effects of Prolonged Sitting by Countering the Adverse Effects of Dynamic Muscle Shortening and Reciprocal Inhibition
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round Four—Through the Racer’s Eyes 
Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round Four Points Hunter Race Report by Saris No Pinz elite racer Liz Van Houweling!
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twenty-Six
Hill City to Interior, South Dakota
Falk Levien Found Cycling as a Way to Cope With the Grief, and Recover
Falk Levien depends upon his bike to take him away. Long Covid is trying to steal it from him. He is taking it back with the help of virtual cycling.
An Invitation to Get to Know Elite Cyclist Laura Šimenc
An interview with Team Slovenia and Zwift team Wahoo Le Col’s elite cyclist Laura Šimenc
The Influence of the Olympic Esports Series on Cycling Esports: Catalyst for Change or Valuable Lesson Learned
Measuring Success: UCI, IOC, and Zwift Weigh in on the Event’s Impact and its Promising Future for Cycling Esports
The Zom Preview for November 1st 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
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.
indieVelo Update Version V0.2.8 Released July 31, 2023
The latest indieVelo update V0.2.8 released July 31, 2023, introduces the popular and highly-requested race mode-Team Scratch Racing. The timing is perfect!
vCycling News Episode 2
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...
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and Here’s Why I Prescribe Hip Thrusts and Donkey Kicks For All Cyclists
Boost Your Cycling Performance: Incorporating Hip Thrusts and Donkey Kicks into the Cyclists’ Routine
The Zom Preview for September 20th 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of Zombeez this week!
Elite Cyclist Zoe Langham is Fortunate for Esports
An interview with Team Great Britain and Wahoo Le Col’s elite cyclist Zoe Langham.
Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: The Dead Bug Exercise Series
Be the fly swatter and not the fly of your group ride by learning this essential core stabilizing exercise.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Twenty
Craig, Colorado to Rawlins, Wyoming
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty-Four
Verona to Warren, New York
The Zom Preview for September 6th 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of Zombeez this week!
indieVelo September 2023 Challenges Announced
The indieVelo September 2023 monthly challenge includes Training and Racing elements, including cumulative climbing totals and 4 KM ITT on the Velodrome.
Dr. Taitem Jewell Knows Better
A cyclist, a physician, and a post-COVID-19 cautionary tale you need to hear!
Zwift says About New Zwift Play Controller and Beta Gaming Experience, “Indoor Cycling is About to Get More Interesting”
On June 14, 2023, Zwift Announced the release of the Zwift Play controller and multi-input gaming, putting Zwift interaction at the user’s fingertips and the future in the company’s hands
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!
His Sincere Thoughts Have Left the Barn—An Interview with Iconic Cycling Announcer Dave Towle
Passion personified, Dave shares his earliest cycling experience, the pivot to virtual cycling, and how he fell in love with bike racing.
For Zwifter Caleb Carl, the Day He Was Almost Killed Was One of the Best Days of His Life
Caleb Carl has fallen back on the support of his Zwitch community to go full-circle to find closure, and it has made him a better man to his fiance’, family, and friends.
Cycling Canada Returns to Zwift for 23/24 Esports Season, National Team Selection on MyWhoosh
23/24 Calendar Highlights: Weekly Group Rides, Social Rides with Team Canada racers, Fundos, and 2024 Canadian Esports Championships Dates
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Three
Minooka, Illinois to Portage, Indiana
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For Shoulder Pain While Cycling
Perform this ten-minute shoulder pain while cycling prevention and rehab routine.
Is “Pain Cave” Stupid?
It’s not what you think, and it’s okay to take it seriously.
The Zwiftbike Preview with VCN and Titanium Geek
An independent take on the new Zwift Bike with David Owen and Mike Lister.
Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: The Bridge Exercise Series
Bridge the gap between your trunk and the pedals by following this core strengthening progression.
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport: Are we Cycling our Way to Illness?
It is important to become mindful of our energy needs and avoid the severe consequences of cycling and other sport-related energy deficiency.
How-to-Guide—Rider Weight and Interpreting Effort in indieVelo
The approach to Rider Weight and Interpreting Effort in indieVelo is unlike what you’ll find on other virtual platforms, and for good reason.
Musings of the Curious Cyclist – Part Two: Does FTP Matter?
Challenging the validity of an accepted training metric and discussing alternatives.
indieVelo October 2023 Challenges Announced
The indieVelo October 2023 monthly challenge includes a Hill Climb Time Trial and accumalive distance totals, one for the goats and diesels.
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Five—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Zwift Grand Prix Men’s Round Five Race Report by Abus Lecol’s Lennert Teugels!
5 Essential Yoga Poses For Cyclists
Integrate these 5 Yoga Poses For Cyclists with video instructions into your routine to optimize performance, prevent injuries, and enhance recovery.
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is What I Do For Wrist Pain From Handlebar “Cyclist’s” Palsy
Follow this cycling physical therapist’s approach to preventing, treating, and eliminating Handlebar “Cyclist’s” Palsy When Cycling.
The 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship Team USA Women’s Hopefuls
Do the American Women have a chance to win the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships? Yes!
Jean-Philippe Leclerc—Sir Zwift-a Lot, More Than Just the Worst of the Best
An interview with Restart Racing’s elite cyclist JP Leclerc.
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.
Adaptive Athlete Representation is Coming to Zwift!
When I asked Zwift if they were going to represent adaptive and disabled athletes with true-to-life equipment and avatar integration, the short answer was “Yes.”
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Fifty-One
East Aurora to Rochester, New York
Team INC-led Group Sets Zwift Sub-4 Hour 200 km Mark
Fresh off their record-breaking sub-3 hour 150km, Team Innovation Cycling is the first to 200 Zwift km in under 4 hours.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Nine
St. George to Apple Valley, Utah
The Zom Preview for November 15th 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
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.
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.
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!
How-to-Guide—indieVelo From Your Phone: VloMote Touch Portal
indieVelo VloMote uses the Touch Portal app to give remote access to shortcuts and keyboard chat functions from your mobile device.
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!
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.
The Inside View of the Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round Five—Through the Racer’s Eyes
Zwift Grand Prix Women’s Round Five Race Report by Liz Van Houweling!
From Never Riding a Bike to A-Cat Eracing Wins to a Real-Life Cat 3 on the Road and Track in Under Two Years? The Story of Steve Mayes!
The Steve Mayes Cycling Story!
I’m a Cyclist and Physical Therapist, and This is the Full-Body Stretch Routine I Do After Every Ride
Follow this 10-minute post-ride stretching exercises for cyclists program to jump-start your recovery.
Zwift Grand Prix 23/24—Round Three Women’s Race: Format, Course, Teams and Where to Watch
Here’s a brief preview of the Zwift Grand Prix 23/24 Round 3 Women’s race, along with a recap of the exciting action from the men’s race.
DIRT Dad Fundo Across America—Day Forty-Seven
Monroeville to Solon, Ohio
Will Virtual Platform MyWhoosh’s Millions Sway Racer Loyalty and Forge a Path to Professional Cycling Esports?
The $1,000,000 MyWhoosh Championship Series beginning on April 28, 2023, boasts the biggest prize purse in cycling esports history and moves toward securing a living wage for the sport’s elite.
Elite Esports Racer Brian Duffy Tells All it Takes to be Great!
I think Brian may have given away too many of his secrets!
How the Top-Ranked Men’s Zwift Eracer Got There and Does He Intend to Stay
Zwift #1 cyclist J Bruhn gives his thoughts on the view from the top of the esports world.
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.
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.
MyWhoosh and UCI’s World Championship 2024-2026 Partnership is an Investment in Cycling Esports
UCI’s Landmark Decision: UAE-based virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh to Organize Cycling Esports World Championships 2024-2026.
Zwifter David Donovan Bunn vEverested to Prove He Still Had More Life Left
After using Zwift to recover from three cancer reoccurrences!
indieVelo July 2023 Challenges Announced
The indieVelo July 2023 monthly challenge includes Training and Racing elements with something for grimpeurs and roleurs alike.
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.
indieVelo Update Version V0.2.13 Released August 28, 2023
The latest indieVelo update V0.2.13 released September 4, 2023, adds customizable “Neutral Zones” allowing the creation of Keirin-type events.
The Zom Preview for January 24th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
Your Brain on Bikes – Brain Fog Clouds a Cyclist’s Judgement
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.
Facebook Pinterest Instagram Linkedin

Contact Us if you have a Content Idea or Want to Advertise!

We have partnerships with brands such as Amazon and Zwift. When you click on these affiliate links and purchase, it helps support our work. I appreciate your support!

Christopher Schwenker, P.T. – webmaster                   chris@thezommunique.com

Our Promise
Disclaimer
Terms of Use
Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy