Level up: Zwift group ride Sunday 15th November, 10.30am

Something a bit different this week. We'll be doing 10 laps of the Volcano circuit , no-drop as usual. Each lap is just over 4km so with the lead-in the total will be just under 50km. Total ascent will be about 150m so it's almost flat.

This is the easiest way to move yourself up a level or two in Zwift, if you haven't done this route before. In addition to getting a chunk of XP (Zwift's level points) the first time you complete the circuit, you get another bonus chunk the first time you complete 5 laps in the one session. The same again for 10 laps. If you want to keep going you'll get more bonus XP at 15, 20 and 25 laps.

The ride will take about 90 minures. You can drop out during it if you're short of time. A recent change in Zwift means you can join the ride up to 30 minutes after it has started, but you can't join it after that.

All welcome, any age, any level, and from Zwift first timers to hardened old hands. Zwift's "no-drop" magic means the group will stay together no matter how hard you ride on the front or how easy you take it on the back. If you haven't tried a Zwift meetup before, or even if you haven't used Zwift before, this is an ideal way to start. If you need help getting set up for Zwift look at recent posts here in the forum, or just post a question below. We're here to help.

Join the Ride

1. Make sure you're following Orwell Wheelers on Zwift. Use the "Zwift companion app" on your phone to find "Orwell Wheelers" and follow it.

2. Just post your Zwift name below and you'll receive an invitation on the Zwift companion app on your phone.

3. Don't forget to accept the invitation so that you can join the ride.

Then just get set up and log in to Zwift 10 or 15 minutes before the meetup is scheduled to start. The extra time is to allow for things you've forgotten, things that aren't working as they should, and Zwift updates that may be needed. Start riding on any route, and a few minutes before the start time a message will pop up asking if you want to join the meetup.

Join the chat

We'll be using Discord for voice chat during the ride. If you've already joined the Orwell Discord channel then all you have to do is log in to Discord again before the ride.

The club has used this successfully for chat during many online activities. If you haven't tried it yet give it a go this time. It adds hugely to your ride experience, and it's really easy to set up - just install the software, create an account, and click on the link below.

If you haven't yet joined the Orwell Discord channel, then install the Discord app on your computer or phone, create an account for yourself, and then click on this link:

Part of the message is hidden for the guests. Please log in or register to see it.

If there's a choice, select "open with Discord". If required, select "Join". Click on the Orwell yellow O icon. There is a text channel and a voice channel. To get to the voice channel, click on the menu icon (3-lines) if necessary, then under "Voice channels" click on "Group ride banter". If requested, grant Discord the permissions it needs to use your microphone and speakers.

Reconnect to the Discord channel before our ride starts by logging back in to Discord and selecting "Group ride banter" as above. There's no need to keep the Discord app displayed, it will work perfectly well in the background or with the screen off.

Headphones or earbuds + microphone are strongly recommended. You'll hear better, and others will hear you better. Please try to keep your microphone muted when you're not talking, to avoid background noises from trainers, pets, children etc being heard by everyone.

Hi Barry,

I will be a newbe for my first club Zwift spin this Sunday.

Regards

John Murray

Thanks Barry. Count me in.

Me too please:)
Thanks
Lou

Count me in too Barry.
Thanks a million for organising.
Muirna

Count me in. I like the sound of “almost flat”

Don't forget that you can do a structured workout during our no-drop ride tomorrow. It can be one of Zwift's workouts or it can be a workout on some other platform. Your trainer resistance will be controlled (if you're on a smart trainer) by your structured workout instead of by the Zwift terrain, but the no-drop magic means you'll still stay with the group as your power steps up and down.

If you want to do a workout on TrainerRoad or similar just make sure that TrainerRoad is controlling your trainer, and that Zwift is not controlling it (unpair trainer control on the pairing page of Zwift). Zwift will still pick up the power values from your trainer.

John Anslow

Thanks

Hi Barry
Can you add me ......and thanks

Aaargh, the one week you decide to do my fantastic idea I'm off with a mysterious wrist injury.

What you're aiming to level up for, is to be able to get to
Level 10: to be able to buy the Canyon Aeroad 2021, which is very fast frame. Pair it with the DT Swiss ARC, or Zipp 808s and its nearly as fast as the Tron bike.
Level 12: to be able to ride Alpe du Zwift.

Hi Barry
Sign me up thanks for posting
H

Hi Barry,
I'll join too if its wet in the morning
Ian

Hi Barry, Please add me if you get a chance before the spin.

Thanks,
Diarmuid

Still time to join this club ride this morning. Just post below.