Group Workouts
On Events on the Companion App, you can filter for and join a Group Workout. Log-on a few minutes before the start of your Workout and, on the menu screen, just hit Ride. You’ll then be given a prompt to join the Group Workout and will be re-spawned in a start pen on a virtual turbo.
At start time, you’ll all roll-off and it’s essentially the same as following a Solo Workout regarding ERG mode except you’re in a group.
Regardless of FTP and ability, the group stays together. So, if doing a FTP interval, one rider could be at 4 w/kg another at 2 w/kg but they’d be going at the same speed
Top tip: More of a warning but, if you’re fussed about the virtual KM’s you cover, Group Workouts might not be for you. The speed of the bunch is determined by the slowest rider and, as such, distance covered can be disappointingly low.
Group Rides
Again these can found and signed up for on Events on the Companion App and, like Group Workouts, if you’ve signed up, once you’ve hit Ride on the menu screen you’ll be prompted to join the ride.
In terms of feel and settings, it’s the same as Just Riding but you’re in a group. There are loads of different types of Group rides including social spins, women only, sprint leadoffs and 100km sportives. Some, unsurprisingly, can get a bit “racy”.
Every Group Ride will have a description as to what it involves and will often refer to a w/kg target for the ride or sections of it. They will also sometimes use the following FTP w/kg categories.
• A = 4.0 w/kg and above
• B = 3.2-3.9 w/kg
• C = 2.5-3.1 w/kg
• D = 2.4 w/kg and below
For Group Rides, you can’t only enter rides that apply to your category but the pace will be at the category band given.
There’s also an E category which means everyone – read the description though as this doesn’t always mean easy!
You might also find on a Group ride that there’s a Fence in front of the ride that denotes the speed (w/kg) you should be doing. This is set by the ride leader and, if you pass it, you’ll get a countdown to return behind it or you’ll get booted from the ride.
Top tip: On many Group Rides you’ll all be in the same jersey and it can be quite easy to lose yourself. Head to your garage and pick some garish socks or big hair so you can spot yourself.
Races
Find and sign-up on Events on the Companion App and, in most respects, a Race is no different to a Group Ride.
Most are based on the categories above but some are done on age-group bands but this will always be clear in the description.
There’s a load of different types of races including short crits, TT’s, handicap “Hare and Hounds” and epics up and down the Alpe de Zwift.
My advice is to try a few, don’t be intimidated and you’ll get a great workout. If you do get into racing, you might also want to sign up to ZwiftPower which tracks results and weeds out obvious cheats.
Top tip: Warm-up well before heading to the start pens and, with 5-10 seconds to go before the gun, ramp up your power. If you don’t do this, you’ll be left trying to chase a group that’s rapidly disappearing up the road.
Meet-ups
Meet-ups are what we’re using for our HotChillee CC VirtChillee Rides and can take the form of Group Rides or Group Workouts. There are a few subtle differences but club members will have received an e-mail telling you all you need to know.
Safe indoor miles and don’t forget to keep an eye out on the Companion App for VirtChillee meet-up invites and on our blog for more Zwift How-to’s and general advice on how to get the most out of your indoor training!