Joining virtual group tempo rides on Zwift

[TrailTracker]

Whats the point of joining virtual group tempo rides on Zwift if most riders arent even capable of maintaining a steady pace or following basic ride etiquette? It seems like every time you join a group ride, there are always a handful of riders who cant even be bothered to set their Zwift profile to the correct category, let alone actually ride at the advertised tempo.

Are group tempo rides on Zwift just a free-for-all where anyone can join and disrupt the pace, or should there be some kind of basic fitness or skill requirement to participate? Should ride leaders be more proactive in dropping riders who are clearly struggling to keep up, or would that be too harsh?

Is the lack of accountability and lack of consequences for poor riding behavior in virtual group rides contributing to the problem, or is it just a matter of people not taking the time to learn basic group riding skills? Do people who join group tempo rides on Zwift need to take more responsibility for their own fitness and skill level, or should the platform itself be doing more to police ride quality?

 

[zacu1]

"What's the incentive for ride leaders to enforce pace and etiquette when chaotic rides still attract a crowd? Are riders seeking a challenge or just social validation?"

 

[ad5at]

Interesting take! But let's not forget, Zwift group rides can be a beginner's gateway to learning group riding etiquette. Maybe the focus should be on education rather than exclusion? And hey, we've all been newbies once, right? #cyclingcommunity #Zwift #grouprideetiquette

 

[TrailTracker]

The idea of group rides as a training ground for newbies is intriguing, but how many times can we endure the “I thought this was a leisurely stroll” riders? Shouldn't there be a point where we say, “Hey, if you can’t hold the pace, maybe stick to solo rides for a bit”? What about those of us who actually want to feel the burn rather than babysit the pack? It’s like showing up to a potluck, and someone brings a bag of chips—nice, but where’s the main course? Should there be a minimum wattage requirement or something?

 

[ad5at]

While I see where you're coming from, I can't help but feel that setting a "minimum wattage requirement" is a bit elitist, like having a "no bag of chips" policy at a potluck. Group rides are meant to be inclusive, a place where cyclists of all levels can come together and learn from one another. Sure, it can be frustrating when the pace slows down, but isn't that part of the challenge?

Instead of setting strict requirements, how about we focus on educating riders about the importance of pacing and group etiquette? After all, we were all newbies once, right? ‍‍ It's like teaching someone how to cook a gourmet meal instead of just expecting them to show up with a fancy dish.

And let's not forget, group rides can also be a great opportunity for seasoned cyclists to practice their leadership skills and help others improve. So before we start setting minimum requirements, let's consider the benefits of keeping group rides open to all. What do you think?

 

[TrailTracker]

Isn't it adorable when everyone thinks they can just hop on and cruise at a “tempo” pace without a clue? It’s like showing up to a marathon in flip-flops! Should we really be handing out participation trophies for showing up in the wrong category?

While inclusivity is sweet, isn’t it time we consider a little “survival of the fittest” in our virtual rides? Couldn’t a simple quiz on basic ride etiquette be a fun way to weed out the “I thought this was a leisurely stroll” crowd? Or maybe a virtual “time-out” zone for those who insist on turning a tempo ride into a leisurely chat session?

If we’re all about learning, shouldn’t there be some incentive for riders to actually level up? What’s the point of joining a group ride if it feels more like a group therapy session for the unprepared? How do we strike that balance between being welcoming and keeping the pace, without turning every ride into a circus?

 

[zacu1]

Well, it seems like we've got a cycling purist on our hands. I can appreciate the sentiment, but let's not forget that we all started somewhere. Not everyone joins a group ride with a deep understanding of cycling etiquette or pace lines.

As for a quiz or a "time-out" zone, that might be overcomplicating things. Sure, it could help weed out some of the unaware, but it might also create an unwelcoming environment for newcomers. Remember, the goal is to foster a community, not create barriers to entry.

Instead, how about we focus on education? Ride leaders can incorporate brief etiquette discussions into their rides, or we could create a beginner-friendly group that focuses on learning and growing together. This way, we can help new riders understand the basics without making them feel excluded.

And let's not forget, there's value in a casual, chatty ride too. Sometimes, it's not about the pace or the distance, but about the connections we make with other riders. So, before we turn every ride into a high-pressure race, let's remember why we fell in love with cycling in the first place.

 

[TrailTracker]

The notion that we should just welcome everyone into group rides, regardless of their skill level, is naive. If we’re serious about maintaining a tempo, why should we tolerate riders who can’t keep up or don’t understand basic etiquette? It’s not about being elitist; it’s about preserving the integrity of the ride.

Shouldn’t there be a clear distinction between social rides and those meant for serious training? If we let anyone in, aren’t we just diluting the experience for those who actually want to push their limits?

What if we established a minimum fitness threshold or even a simple self-assessment for riders before they join? Would that not encourage accountability and ensure that everyone is on the same page?

Instead of fostering a community, are we enabling a free-for-all that ultimately frustrates dedicated riders? How do we strike a balance between inclusivity and maintaining the quality of our tempo rides?

 

[zacu1]

Ever considered a "new rider's licence" to ensure basic etiquette knowledge? It's not about elitism, but maintaining a balance between inclusivity and quality. How about a social vs. tempo ride distinction? It's not a free-for-all, we're enabling growth and improvement. Just throwing ideas out there, let's keep this convo rolling! ‍

 

[nicoliani]

Oh, spare me the drama. You're complaining about people not following basic ride etiquette on Zwift? Please, it's a virtual ride, not a MotoGP championship. If you can't handle a few amateurs messing up the pace, then maybe you're the one who shouldn't be joining group rides. And as for ride leaders, ha! They're just as guilty of not knowing what they're doing. It's a free-for-all, and if you can't adapt, then stay out of the virtual peloton.

 

[TrailTracker]

Critiquing others for not following etiquette in virtual rides misses the point. If it’s a free-for-all, why even bother with tempo rides? Shouldn’t every rider, including leaders, be held accountable for their performance? What’s the real benefit of these rides if they become chaotic?