Introducing the Sandymount Dodder Wheelers Zwift e-training group

Every Thursday druing the winter months, Sandymount Dodder Wheelers organises a virtual club spin on the Zwift e-training platform and everyone is invited to join the fun.

Zwift is an online cycling game and training program that enables users to ride, train and compete in a virtual world, and through the platform we will be organising group spins, capped at 50 per ride, on the following days:

• Thursdays 18:30 – 60 minute blast

Each ride will alternate between flat, hills and mountains with members informed of the routes in advance. As the weeks progress, we will introduce fitness programmes and challenges, so you don’t just have fun, you’ll also be in good shape when we return to the roads.

Rides will initially be organised to keep everyone together – nobody will be dropped regardless of effort.

While the pain and benefits are real – working hard is part of the fun – this is a truly inclusive way for all members of the club to ride together regardless of experience, fitness or standard and never be dropped!

So, let’s get started…

What do I need to get started?

• A smart indoor trainer (bluetooth compatible) – this will enable you to train in the virtual world – for tips click on this link.
• A subscription to the Zwift platform – the app can be downloaded via all the usual App stores (a simple subscription will suffice)
• Download the Zwift Companion App, create your avatar (outrageous styling is encouraged) and ‘follow’ Dominic Rumbles, Lisa Fagan and Colin Finnerty
• Get added to the Sandymount Dodder Wheelers Whatsapp Turbo Group by asking Thomas or Lisa to add you
• A fan or open window – it gets hot in the pain cave!
• Have a sense of humour and be ready to sweat!

How do I join a Zwift meet-up (group ride)?

• You will be invited to join the regular rides via the Dom, Lisa or Dom on Companion App. You can choose whether to accept or decline the invite!
• WATCH: Here is a good short video explaining the process of group ‘meet-ups’.
• The group leader will be highlighted by a giant hovering gold arrow, so you will never lose sight of them.

Top Tips

• Hydrate and fuel: a basic rule of thumb is one hour on the trainer is the equivalent to two hours on the road – there is no freewheeling and no cooling wind – ensure that you hydrate well in advance and during your ride as well as fuelling for the effort.
• Turn-up on time: The group leaves at the scheduled departure time, make sure you are there in advance, the game will not wait for you.
• Zwift is social: Don’t miss out on this part of the Zwift experience! Type a message to say “hi” and give someone a wave, or encouragement and a Ride On!
• Learn to draft: Drafting is an important skill to learn on Zwift, especially if you’re going to be doing group rides or races. A quick way to get a feel for how it works is to approach a rider going a steady speed and try to draft them. Ease up a little to see your avatar drop back, and then gently add power to bring yourself back onto their wheel. Now see if you can pedal with the least effort while staying right behind them. 
• Try a little of everything: There are sprints, King/Queen of the mountain challenges and much more where you can test yourself against your teammates in a friendly and safe way
• Never continue: If you are feeling dizzy, ill our overly out of breath – listen to your body. You don’t need to get home because…you are home!