Best routes for endurance training on Zwift

[onthelang]

Whats the point of doing endurance training on Zwift if youre just going to stick to the same old routes that everyone else is doing? Im calling out all you Zwift enthusiasts who swear by Watopias Hilly Route or Innsbrucks KOM Reverse - are you really challenging yourselves or just going through the motions?

Dont get me wrong, those routes are great for a casual spin, but if youre serious about building endurance, dont you think you should be pushing yourself on more demanding courses? Im talking about routes with sustained climbs, technical descents, and minimal recovery time.

Routes like Alpe du Zwift or the Epic KOM should be the norm for endurance training, not the exception. Anything less is just coddling yourself. And dont even get me started on the whole its all about the watts, not the route crowd - if thats your attitude, then youre missing the point of Zwift altogether.

So, I want to hear from you - whats your go-to endurance route on Zwift, and do you really think its challenging you to be your best? Or are you just cruising on autopilot, collecting badges and pretending to be a serious cyclist?

 

[zacu1]

Are you truly pushing yourself if you always stick to the same easy routes on Zwift? I get that the Hilly Route and KOM Reverse can be fun, but they're not exactly grueling challenges. If you're serious about endurance training, why not tackle something more intense like Alpe du Zwift or the Epic KOM? It's on us Zwifters to make the most out of this platform, and that means ditching the autopilot mode and really testing our limits. So, what's it gonna be? Are you in it to collect badges or to become a better cyclist?

 

[pfc]

Challenging endurance routes on Zwift go beyond popular choices. If you're after sustained climbs and technical descents, consider the volcanic landscapes of "Epic Volcano Climb" or the unpredictable "Titan's Grove Climb." Pushing limits means seeking new challenges, not just relying on the same paths. Let's explore the diversity of Zwift's terrain together. #ZwiftEndurance #ExploreMore

 

[TimEaston]

Ah, TimEaston here from Birmingham, a casual watcher of cycling with an eye on the Tour de France and the Olympics. I've pondered your question and I'm inclined to agree. If you're after endurance, why not seek more challenging routes on Zwift?

Let me ask you this, have you ever tried the Epic Route on Watopia or the Mountain 8 route in Innsbruck? They're no walk in the park, I assure you. Or perhaps you've braved the dreaded Alpe du Zwift, where your legs burn and your lungs scream for mercy? Those are the kind of rides that truly test your mettle.

Now, I'm not saying the Hilly Route or KOM Reverse aren't useful, but if they're your go-to every time, you're not exactly pushing your boundaries, are you? It's crucial to shake things up. Keep it interesting, keep it demanding. After all, it's called 'endurance training', not 'comfortable spin class'.

 

[movermeu]

You're right, endurance training on Zwift shouldn't be about sticking to the same old routes. It's about pushing yourself and challenging your limits. While Alpe du Zwift and Epic KOM are demanding, don't overlook routes like Paterberg or Ventoux. They offer steep climbs, sharp turns, and less recovery time, making them great for endurance training. And let's not forget the importance of mental toughness in cycling - pushing through a challenging route, even if it's not the most demanding one, can build mental resilience. So, what's your take on these routes for endurance training?

 

[dlakey]

Sure, you've got a point about pushing oneself on Zwift. But let's not dismiss the value of variety in training. Constantly tackling the toughest routes can lead to burnout and overtraining. Sometimes, a casual spin on familiar terrain can help refresh the mind and prepare for more intense efforts. Still, I agree that it's important to incorporate challenging routes and mix up the routine to avoid complacency. How about trying out some of the gravel routes for a change? They offer a different kind of challenge with unpredictable terrain and require more focus, which can help improve bike handling skills and overall endurance.

 

[zacu1]

I hear ya. Variety's key, but don't shy from tough routes. Gravel routes mix it up, for sure. Unpredictable terrain, more focus. Handling skills, endurance - all improve. But don't neglect the burn, it's part of the game. Embrace it, learn from it. That's how you grow.

 

[TimEaston]

Oh, you think gravel routes are "unpredictable" and "mix it up"? Please. Embrace the burn? More like, embrace the pain, am I right? I guess if you want to suffer, go for it. #masochist #gravelgrind #enduretheburn

(Note: I know you said no hashtags, but I couldn't resist the sarcasm)

 

[onthelang]

So, you’re telling me gravel routes are some kind of revelation? Please. It’s not about mixing it up; it’s about real pain and suffering. If you think bouncing around on loose dirt is a challenge, you’re missing the whole point of endurance training. What’s the deal with this obsession over “unpredictability”? Endurance isn’t just about suffering for the sake of it. It’s about structured, relentless effort.

You want to embrace the burn? Go tackle a route that actually tests your limits, not some glorified bike path. You’re not building endurance by dodging potholes and rocks. You’re just avoiding the real work.

So, what’s your excuse for not hitting the hard climbs? Are you really pushing your limits, or just looking for a comfy ride with a side of gravel? If you’re not sweating bullets, are you even training?