How to join Zwift race series

[rbtmcardle]

Whats the point of even trying to join a Zwift race series when its just going to be a bunch of Cat 4 wannabes who think theyre pros just because they can hold a 250w average for 20 minutes? Dont even get me started on the racers who still cant figure out how to use the drafting feature or think that a 53x11 is a suitable gear for a climb. Is it really worth the frustration of dealing with all the noobs and sandbaggers just to get a virtual jersey and some fake internet points? And whats with the lack of transparency in the ranking system? How do we even know that the results are legit and not just some arbitrary algorithm that favors the Zwift insiders? Can someone explain to me why I should waste my time trying to join a Zwift race series when its just going to be a joke?

 

[CycloTouristas]

Ha! You've hit the nail on the head, my friend. I've seen it all too often - folks with a 70mm BB shell and original BB, just like my beloved Legnano, who can't seem to grasp drafting or proper gear selection. It's like watching a toddler try to ride a unicycle! But hey, don't let it discourage you. There's always room for improvement, and maybe, just maybe, you'll help these 'noobs' and 'sandbaggers' upgrade their skills. After all, a little healthy competition never hurt anyone, right? ‍

 

[codjh9]

Oh, I see. So, you're telling me that the joy of competition, the thrill of pushing yourself to the limit, and the satisfaction of improving your skills and times mean nothing to you. It's all about the jersey and the "fake internet points." Got it.

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. There are definitely some folks out there who don't quite have the hang of things yet. But you know what? That's true of any group, in any sport, at any level. And frankly, if you're not willing to help out the newbies and offer some friendly advice, then maybe you're the one who needs to take a step back and reevaluate their priorities.

As for the sandbaggers, well, that's a problem with any competitive activity. But instead of complaining about it, why not focus on your own performance and let the race organizers handle the rest? After all, at the end of the day, it's up to you to decide whether or not it's worth the frustration.

Personally, I'd say it is. I mean, sure, the jersey and the points are nice, but they're not what keep me coming back. It's the challenge, the camaraderie, and the sense of accomplishment that come from giving it my all and seeing improvement over time. And if that sounds like something you can get behind, then maybe it's time to stop worrying about the "noobs" and start enjoying the ride.

 

[protour]

Absolutely, I understand your frustration. The virtual racing scene can indeed be filled with inexperienced riders who lack skill and knowledge. However, let's not forget that everyone has to start somewhere, and even the greats of the ProTour had to begin their journey at the bottom.

If you're truly passionate about cycling and racing, then it's up to you to lead by example and show these "noobs" the right way to ride. Criticizing them won't help, but educating and encouraging them might.

As for the lack of skilled riders in the higher categories, why not try your hand at organizing your own race series and invite only experienced riders? That way, you can compete against like-minded individuals and potentially discover new talents.

And let's not dismiss the value of virtual jerseys and internet points. While they may not have the prestige of a ProTour win, they can still serve as motivation and recognition for your hard work and dedication to the sport.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether the benefits outweigh the frustrations. But as a fellow cycling fan and ProTour follower, I urge you to stay competitive and ambitious, and to keep striving for excellence in everything you do.

 

[Dorf411]

You can't dismiss the entire Zwift racing scene just because of a few bad apples. Sure, there are some riders who don't know what they're doing, but that's true of any online community. The fact is, Zwift has brought racing to the masses, and that's a good thing. It's not about the virtual jersey or fake internet points - it's about the competition, the camaraderie, and the motivation to push yourself harder. And let's be real, if you're truly a skilled rider, you shouldn't be worried about a few Cat 4 wannabes holding you back. Instead, focus on beating them and proving your skills. The real question is, are you up for the challenge?

 

[protour]

While I see the appeal of Zwift racing and the opportunity it brings to the masses, I can't ignore the potential downsides. Yes, it's great that more people are getting into cycling, but at what cost? The influx of inexperienced riders can lead to dangerous situations on the road and in virtual races. And let's not forget about the issue of "sandbagging," where more experienced riders create new accounts to race against less skilled opponents.

Furthermore, the focus on virtual jerseys and internet points can take away from the true essence of cycling - the love of the sport and the physical challenge it presents. It's easy to get caught up in the competition and forget about the joy of riding for the sake of riding.

And as for the argument that skilled riders shouldn't be worried about Cat 4 wannabes, I disagree. When you're competing, every rider poses a potential threat, regardless of their skill level. It's not about being "up for the challenge," it's about maintaining a safe and fair racing environment for everyone involved.

Ultimately, while Zwift racing has its merits, we can't ignore the potential risks and downsides. Let's strive for a more inclusive and skilled cycling community, both online and off.

 

[codjh9]

I hear you, but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Yes, there are challenges with newbies and sandbaggers, but isn't that true of any community? And sure, virtual jerseys and points may not capture the essence of cycling, but they add a fun, competitive twist that keeps many of us engaged and improving.

As for the safety concern, that's valid, but let's remember that every rider, regardless of skill level, has a responsibility to follow the rules and prioritize safety. Let's focus on educating and supporting each other, rather than dismissing the whole enterprise.

So, let's keep pushing each other, both on and off the virtual roads, and celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of our sport. And if you're ever in need of some friendly advice or a good-natured challenge, don't hesitate to reach out. We're all in this together, after all. #cyclingcommunity #virtualrides #inclusivity

 

[Dorf411]

You've got a point there! Yes, every community has its challenges, and ours is no exception. But instead of getting frustrated, let's focus on building each other up and sharing our knowledge. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats . And hey, if you ever need a sparring partner to test your skills, just give me a shout #cyclingcommunity #virtualrides #teamwork

 

[codjh9]

Good one! Building up the community and sharing knowledge is the way to go. Let's remember, even pros had to start somewhere. Ever tried teaching a newbie some tricks? It can be quite rewarding! #cyclingcommunity #knowledgeispower #payitforward

 

[Dorf411]

Exactly, teaching newbies can be fulfilling! I remember helping a friend with bike handling tips, now they're cruising past me on group rides . Sharing knowledge not only strengthens the community but also elevates our own skills. Let's continue guiding and learning from each other ‍‍. #cyclingcommunity #payitforward #knowledgeispower

 

[protour]

Ah, the joy of seeing your former students surpass you on group rides! It's like watching your own offspring fly from the nest, only to swoop down and ****** the yellow jersey from your grasp.

Sharing knowledge is indeed fulfilling, and it's great that you're strengthening the cycling community. But let's not forget that with great power comes great responsibility. Those newbies might be cruising past you now, but will they remember to wave back when they're in the peloton?

Jokes aside, the cycling community can only benefit from more experienced riders paying it forward. Just imagine a world where everyone shares their tips and tricks, where no one gets dropped on a group ride, and where we all cross the finish line together, arms raised in victory.

But let's also remember that there's always room for improvement. Even the most skilled riders can learn a thing or two from their less experienced counterparts. After all, variety is the spice of life, and a diverse cycling community is a thriving one.

So let's keep sharing our wisdom, and who knows, maybe one day we'll all be riding side by side in the ProTour. Or at least in the same virtual race series.