Each week Zwift sends me an email summarising my activity for the week. For previous weekly reviews click here.
The most interesting thing I did on the bike this week was to try RGT Cycling. For those unaware, this is an online cycling software similar (in many, many ways) to Zwift. I wrote up my thoughts after my first ride. In short, it’s free and well worth a try.
As a heads up, as I write this weekly review, I am on my dinner break sat in the car. I will only get to post this update later this evening, so if things seem a little out of order then please accept my apologies.
I’m looking forwards to riding on RGT Cycling again, particularly the London map. Who knows, by the time this is posted, I may well have done.
The are a number of downsides to RGT Cycling, when compared to Zwift. One of which would be the lack of riders online at any given time. When I was riding there were 10 other cyclists spread over however many courses they have – at least 5 as best I am aware. Compare this with Zwift, which over the weekend had 3600 riders online on Sunday morning. Even if cycling is not the most social sport (during the ride), it is nicer to suffer with others.
Another downside would be that the only integration with third party software is to Strava. I like Strava, but I also heavily use Training Peaks. Whilst RGT Cycling doesn’t automatically integrate with Training Peaks, I’m going to see if RGT Cycling spits out a .fit file which I could then manually upload to Training Peaks. Again, by the time I get to post this, I might have figured that out.
As a result of riding on RGT Cycling this week, my Zwift stats are somewhat skewed. I was effectively “down” ~20km on my weekly riding goal. As a result, when it came to Sunday morning I had only 50km on the Zwift riding goal count down.
Before Sunday morning’s ride I decided I would, ideally, put in a 50km ride and get to the 100km weekly riding goal. Yes, this would really put me at ~120km for the week, but what’s the harm in that?
I did manage to reach 50km, and as such did meet the Zwift riding goal on the week. I’m not going to push myself to do this every week, should I ride in other software. Instead, I will use the Strava riding numbers as a general marker. However, if I can get 100km on Zwift then I will do so.
This past week has certainly felt less intense than last week. Without the Zwift Academy rides to enforce a set training routine I have had more freedom in my riding. When looking for a structured workout I have returned to the FTP Builder program, which I continue to enjoy.
On the subject of FTP, it’s probably time to do another test.
I have mentioned previously that the next test I do will be the Ramp Test. Without having yet completed a Ramp Test I do find myself questioning the reliability of this when compared to the proper FTP Test.
I’ve said several times in the past that the FTP Test was the hardest physical thing I have ever done. I stand by that. It was absolutely brutal.
I question whether doing the shorter Ramp Test will provide a metric that is as accurate as a 20 minute tank emptier.
As Harry Hill would say, there is only one way to find out.
Much like before my first FTP Test, I feel nervous of the next attempt. I’m not as bothered about the “score” I get. It’s more the activity itself. The hell of the thing. The more thought I give it, the more reluctant I get.
When given a choice between tackling the Ramp Test, or an FTP Test, versus doing something else like a structured workout or a race, I’m going to opt for the (insert literally anything else here) every time.
If anything this last week has been an easier week than my last few weeks of riding. This was largely intentional. Having both a Friday and a Saturday off the bike is something of a luxury, but I feel my legs needed it. They definitely felt better on Sunday after two days rest.
With the intention of racing again this forthcoming Friday (all being well), my plan is to do something like:
- Monday – 30km free ride (RGT Cycling)
- Tuesday – FTP Builder workout
- Wednesday – 1 hour Zwift rider’s choice free ride
- Thursday – Rest day
- Friday – Race
And then see what happens on the weekend.
If I’m being honest I feel like I’m ready for an FTP bump now. The structured workouts at 195w do not feel as taxing as they did just a few weeks ago.
All that said, I still don’t know how the hell I would manage any more than I did on my last FTP test…
Anyway, enough ramble for me. In short, not a bad week in hindsight. Here’s to the week ahead.