Updated: Anyone tried or contemplating Zwift?
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2015 5:29 pm
With the winter months encroaching, I’ve been playing around with Zwift for the last few weeks and I’m curious to learn if any other members are active with it, or if it’s piqued anyone’s interest.
What is Zwift?
Launched just over a year ago in beta form, Zwift is essentially a massive multiplayer video "game", designed to take the monotony out of indoor (turbo) training. Unlike the Tacx and BKOOL training videos, Zwift provides an interactive, immersive experience - you're watching YOURSELF ride/race with other riders. However, like TrainerRoad and other tools, Zwift also features structured interval workouts and training plans.
Zwift allows users to participate in real-time, virtual group rides, races, workouts and other events with options to interact with other riders, including group text and voice chat. You can see other riders around you (name tags) and except in workout mode, the game even simulates the effect of drafting another rider; adjusting your effort/speed when drafting. It displays a “Close the gap…” message if you start to fall behind.
In addition to "real" riders (i.e. other players), there are a number of transparent blue AI or “Ghost” riders roaming the course, allowing you to draft and/or hold pace.
The game also features a leader board, with Overall (Lap), Points (Sprint) and KOM jerseys allocated each lap and held for up to an hour.
Each user is depicted by a cyclist avatar, decked out in full-kit, complete with optional hair, sunglasses, helmet, gloves, socks etc., and one accumulates points by participating, unlocking additional kit and bike options along the way. There are a number of riders already whizzing around on fancy Pinarello, Trek and Canyon bikes, adorned with various aero wheelsets, the marginal gains of which I assume are factored into the game.
At this time here are only two road course options (expect this will be expanded), and riders don’t get to choose which one they ride. The schedule is;
1) From Sun-Tue each week, riders cycle on a simulation of the ~16.9Km Richmond 2015 UCI World Road Championships course.
2) From Wed-Sat, riders cycle a ~10Km loop around the fictional island of Watopia (GPS data references Jarvis Island in the South Pacific). The route is mostly flat/low-rolling with a 10% hill a couple of Km from the start line. After descending the hill, the rest of the course is basically flat with a few minor bumps.
You can ride the Watopia course in either direction, including the option to turn-around at any point and even complete hill repeats or sprint intervals. However, it appears that the Richmond course is unidirectional.
Finally, to add an element of realism, there’s simulated road noise, nature sounds, daytime and night riding. While the standard view is from the rider behind you, users have the option to select different views. There are even Grand-Tour style aerial shots, complete with helicopter sounds
How do I get started with Zwift?
Users can download Zwift and install it on a PC or Mac. Currently, due to resource requirements, Zwift is not available on mobile/tablet platforms; however, it will run on the Microsoft Surface Pro, basically a laptop masquerading as a tablet
Those wanting to take a peek without commitment or financial outlay can simply install the application and select “Just Watch” once the game loads, to get a feel for the screen layout and how things work. In addition to watching the whole race/ride, you can select and view individual riders in this mode, including seeing their ride data.
There’s a small outlay required for those wanting to play.
Most of us have a bike with a speed and/or cadence sensor (power meters and HRM’s also work in the game) and if you’ve read this far, I assume that you have a (turbo) trainer of some kind, or even a set of rollers.
Beyond that, all you need to get started is an ANT+ USB dongle to get your sensor signals picked up by your computer/laptop.
This Anself device seems to be the cheapest compatible dongle from Amazon, at £8.99 plus free shipping. However, its size could be a disadvantage; it could easily be broken when connected to the laptop or lost when it's removed.
I chose the acclaimed Suunto Mini Movestick at £16.95 and grabbed a tube of electrolyte tabs to make up the £20 minimum order for free shipping. The benefit of the small form-factor is that I can leave it in my laptop 24x7 without hindering use of said laptop.
Another good small form-factor candidate is the Garmin USB ANT Stick at £21.89
All the 2nd generation ANT2/USB2 (8 channel) devices should all be compatible, so you pay your money and make your choice.
The Suunto Mini Movestick was a snap to install (no software required) and was immediately recognized by Zwift and paired with my Garmin HRM and the Garmin Speed/Cadence sensor on my bike.
What (turbo) trainers are supported by Zwift?
Trainers basically fall into two categories;
Smart Trainers contain varying degrees of electronics and usually require being plugged into a mains socket (the rider-powered Tacx Bushido Smart is an exception) to provide power to said electronics.
Depending on the specific model, smart trainers provide various sensor data, including speed, cadence and some more expensive models contain power meters. The latter are invariably slightly less accurate than bike-mounted power meters, but can usually be calibrated to match (a friend of mine calibrates his Wahoo Kickr trainer to his Quarq before every session).
A new breed of smart trainers also support the recently ratified ANT+ FE-C protocol, allowing the trainer resistance to be electronically controlled by Zwift, TrainerRoad and other applications. Examples of these are the Tacx “smart” series, BKOOL "electronic" models, both Wahoo models and some from Elite and others. Many manufacturers are scrambling to update the firmware in their current models and/or rushing out new models to be compatible with Zwift.
The Garmin Edge 520 supports ANT+ FE-C right out of the box, and the Edge 1000 will do so with an imminent firmware upgrade. The cool thing about this feature is that you can repeat your outdoor rides on your (turbo) trainer, subject to certain limitations e.g. max gradient supported by the trainer etc.
Classic Trainers generally don't contain electronics and thus don't require supplemental (mains) power. These are often referred-to as "dumb" trainers.
In the absence of a power-measuring device, Zwift ascribes a virtual "zPower" power curve. Zwift has the resistance profile data for a few trainer models e.g. Kurt Kinetic, and will match the zPower curve to it.
If your trainer manufacturer did not provide the resistance profile data to Zwift, you're essentially on your own, which is fine. In this case, Zwift uses your profile data (gender, age, height and weight) to estimate your Functional Threshold Power (FTP), and you can complete an FTP test if you want a more representative score.
Although the published range isn’t exhaustive, Zwift works with a wide range of (turbo) trainers and some people are even using rollers. My legacy Blackburn magnetic trainer wasn’t listed as supported, but once in the game, I found a similar Blackburn device and selected that.
Sensors are important to Zwift and while it will happily display the output from your Cadence and HRM, the application cares most about Speed, and if you have it, a Power measurement. To paraphrase that, users of classic/dumb trainers MUST have a Speed sensor.
I have a Garmin GSC10 combined Speed/Cadence sensor and found that even with the sensor paired, if the magnet was missing or misaligned, then Zwift would not allow me to start riding. Thus, after pairing your sensors on the opening screen, spin the pedals and make sure that you are seeing non-zero numbers before proceeding to the ride screen,
Those serious about racing probably already have a power meter and/or might want to invest in a “smart” trainer that provides power data. However, the mere mortals among us can probably get by with the FTP ascribed by Zwift from your trainer and/or profile data, or preferably by completing an FTP test.
Like TrainerRoad, regardless of which trainer you are using, the FTP test is fundamental. Those using power meters will get accurate data, some of the smart trainers provide reasonably accurate data, but for the rest of us, accuracy is secondary to establishing a baseline for your maximum sustained effort in your current setup/environment and using this to gauge your ride effort and/or tailor your workouts.
Note that in workout mode, Zwift tailors the intensity to your FTP. You can also repeat the FTP test at any time; and probably should if you change any variables: trainer, bike gearing etc.
Since I'm using a "dumb" trainer, Zwift initially assigned me an FTP of 210 based on my profile data. After a couple of rides I felt this was too low, and so after completing an FTP test, Zwift updated my profile with the new, higher number
I've also completed Zwift group rides and found that after holding a decent pace for an event, Zwift informed me that my FTP had improved and again offered to update my profile. Hopefully, it won't suggest that I degrade my FTP if I decide to take it easy on a group ride
In cases where Zwift is not controlling the resistance, regardless of your actual wheel speed, it degrades your on-screen speed when climbing hills, forcing you to work harder to maintain pace.
For those not using power meters, or trainers that provide power data, Zwift caps "dumb" trainers at 400W.
Per above, I'm using an older Blackburn trainer. It allows me to select resistance from 1-5 via a slider at the brake, but I can't reach this while riding. Some of the newer models feature a handlebar mounted cable-control, which is way more convenient.
One downside to using a legacy “dumb” trainer is that the only variables I have to increase or reduce power (as directed by Zwift) are pedal cadence and the gears on my bike. Lacking a finer control, I have difficulty hitting a precise power number, and usually default to going slightly higher. Zwift also uses a tolerance band and will ask you to increase or reduce power if you’re out of the range
It can also be difficult to quickly change power for short intervals e.g. when Zwift asks you to "go up to X power for 20 seconds". In my case it can take 10-15 seconds to get to the target power. Much easier for those with handlebar mounted resistance control
Zwift Workout Mode
Recently (Oct 26, 2015 to be precise), Zwift added workout mode to their game.
Similar to TrainerRoad and other tools, this mode allows a user to select from a series of structured workouts and also contains a few training plans. I’ve heard this capability will be extended and there’s also rumour of a workout editor coming, allowing users to create their own workouts and training plans.
After selecting workout mode, you pick your desired workout and still ride the standard course du jour, however, other users will see a heads-up screen in front of your avatar, signalling that you are in workout mode, and not participating in a competitive activity.
Note: The ability to draft other riders is disabled in workout mode!
The workouts are categorised into <60 minutes, 60-90 minutes and 90+ minutes duration, so there’s plenty to choose from, including structured training plans for TT and century rides.
After completing a workout, Zwift leaves you on the road course, allowing you to continue riding at your own pace, join a group ride or simply quit.
If your workout performance exceeded your FTP score, Zwift will provide the option to update your profile with the new FTP value.
Zwift Group Rides
Zwift is building a global cycling community, with riders participating from many countries. While Friday seems to be widely designated as a rest day, there are already a handful or more group rides scheduled on most of the other days of the week. Most are organized regionally; USA (East/West coast), Europe (GMT/CET) and Australia/NZ.
The rides vary from full-out races, to training and endurance rides, to no-drop group and social rides. Some people have also posted real-world rides as a means for Zwift users to meet and ride in person.
Here’s a UK timezone calendar of Zwift Rides. You can click on each ride to read the details; starting point, pace, kit requirements and other participation rules. This calendar is public, so anyone can add their own rides.
Zwift Mobile Link App
This free app for Android and iOS allows you to control the game from your mobile device and also interact with other riders, basically an alternative to using your computer keyboard.
The app Dashboard displays your key stats during the game – Power, Speed, Distance, Cadence, HRM. Controls also allow you to change the view and turnaround i.e. ride in the other direction on the Watopia course.
On the user interaction side, the app allows you to send group text messages as well as give kudos, a wave or even flick an elbow at another rider.
In offline mode (you're not logged-in/riding), the app allows you to peek at the current rider list, see what individual riders are doing and follow (with alerts) them. Like Strava, you can also be followed by other riders.
Zwift and Teamspeak
Teamspeak is a free software application (PC/Mac) that the Zwift community has adopted to enable real-time voice chat during the game.
Many of the scheduled group rides in the group-ride calendar (above) provide coordinates to their Teamspeak channel.
You can download Teamspeak3, set it up with the Zwift coordinates and enjoy the most realistic of all rider social interactions.
Here's a short Youtube video with more details of setting up TeamSpeak3 with Zwift.
Zwift and Social Media
Zwift is tightly-coupled with Strava, and if you have an account linked to Zwift, the latter records your ride statistics (as virtual, not real-world rides).
Note: Zwift is not yet integrated with TrainingPeaks or Garmin Connect, but these are supposedly in the development plan, in that order. However, Zwift stores the .fit files in the /documents/Zwift/activities folder on your PC and you can upload them to other platforms and/or applications.
While I don't personally use Strava, I've heard that it fully accepts .fit files from Zwift - verbatim, however, there's a small niggling issue when you load files created on the Watopia course to Garmin Connect.
Since Watopia is a fictional island, Garmin Connect zeros-out the climbed-elevation field, and the time-stamp is wonky. Climbed elevation is correctly recorded for rides on the Richmond course (I manually disable Elevation Corrections) and the time-stamp is correct per the USA-EST timezone.
There are many Facebook pages and groups setup, a small sample of which includes;
Zwift Facebook
Zwift Events
Zwift Riders
UK Zwifters
There’s also a Zwift Twitter account.
Zwift Teams and Clubs
There are already a number ot Teams and Clubs established in the Zwift community, but I don't yet find a Clifton CC .
Teams are either Closed (invitation only) or Open to new members. Clubs are generally open. Note the Cornwall CC is established as a team, not a club, presumably because they restrict membership to county residents.
What does Zwift cost?
Zwift was free for the first year, while it was in beta mode. However, as of Nov 5, 2015 the beta test ended and instituted the following policy;
Zwift is FREE for the first 14 days, or 50Km of riding, after which a no-contract subscription model is used.
Zwift will be £8 per month (incl. VAT) in the UK, with no minimum term. If you only use it in the winter months, Zwift will retain your statistics until you login again next year or whenever.
Note: Strava Premium users have been promised 2 months of free Zwift, apparently starting in November and repeating every year.
---
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Zwift in any way. The above is intended to provide a brief introduction to Zwift, and hopefully whet the appetite of a few Clifton members.
This is by no means an exhaustive guide, but I’m happy to help and/or answer questions.
More detailed information is available online at Zwift and a plethora of 3rd party online fora.
What is Zwift?
Launched just over a year ago in beta form, Zwift is essentially a massive multiplayer video "game", designed to take the monotony out of indoor (turbo) training. Unlike the Tacx and BKOOL training videos, Zwift provides an interactive, immersive experience - you're watching YOURSELF ride/race with other riders. However, like TrainerRoad and other tools, Zwift also features structured interval workouts and training plans.
Zwift allows users to participate in real-time, virtual group rides, races, workouts and other events with options to interact with other riders, including group text and voice chat. You can see other riders around you (name tags) and except in workout mode, the game even simulates the effect of drafting another rider; adjusting your effort/speed when drafting. It displays a “Close the gap…” message if you start to fall behind.
In addition to "real" riders (i.e. other players), there are a number of transparent blue AI or “Ghost” riders roaming the course, allowing you to draft and/or hold pace.
The game also features a leader board, with Overall (Lap), Points (Sprint) and KOM jerseys allocated each lap and held for up to an hour.
Each user is depicted by a cyclist avatar, decked out in full-kit, complete with optional hair, sunglasses, helmet, gloves, socks etc., and one accumulates points by participating, unlocking additional kit and bike options along the way. There are a number of riders already whizzing around on fancy Pinarello, Trek and Canyon bikes, adorned with various aero wheelsets, the marginal gains of which I assume are factored into the game.
At this time here are only two road course options (expect this will be expanded), and riders don’t get to choose which one they ride. The schedule is;
1) From Sun-Tue each week, riders cycle on a simulation of the ~16.9Km Richmond 2015 UCI World Road Championships course.
2) From Wed-Sat, riders cycle a ~10Km loop around the fictional island of Watopia (GPS data references Jarvis Island in the South Pacific). The route is mostly flat/low-rolling with a 10% hill a couple of Km from the start line. After descending the hill, the rest of the course is basically flat with a few minor bumps.
You can ride the Watopia course in either direction, including the option to turn-around at any point and even complete hill repeats or sprint intervals. However, it appears that the Richmond course is unidirectional.
Finally, to add an element of realism, there’s simulated road noise, nature sounds, daytime and night riding. While the standard view is from the rider behind you, users have the option to select different views. There are even Grand-Tour style aerial shots, complete with helicopter sounds
How do I get started with Zwift?
Users can download Zwift and install it on a PC or Mac. Currently, due to resource requirements, Zwift is not available on mobile/tablet platforms; however, it will run on the Microsoft Surface Pro, basically a laptop masquerading as a tablet
Those wanting to take a peek without commitment or financial outlay can simply install the application and select “Just Watch” once the game loads, to get a feel for the screen layout and how things work. In addition to watching the whole race/ride, you can select and view individual riders in this mode, including seeing their ride data.
There’s a small outlay required for those wanting to play.
Most of us have a bike with a speed and/or cadence sensor (power meters and HRM’s also work in the game) and if you’ve read this far, I assume that you have a (turbo) trainer of some kind, or even a set of rollers.
Beyond that, all you need to get started is an ANT+ USB dongle to get your sensor signals picked up by your computer/laptop.
This Anself device seems to be the cheapest compatible dongle from Amazon, at £8.99 plus free shipping. However, its size could be a disadvantage; it could easily be broken when connected to the laptop or lost when it's removed.
I chose the acclaimed Suunto Mini Movestick at £16.95 and grabbed a tube of electrolyte tabs to make up the £20 minimum order for free shipping. The benefit of the small form-factor is that I can leave it in my laptop 24x7 without hindering use of said laptop.
Another good small form-factor candidate is the Garmin USB ANT Stick at £21.89
All the 2nd generation ANT2/USB2 (8 channel) devices should all be compatible, so you pay your money and make your choice.
The Suunto Mini Movestick was a snap to install (no software required) and was immediately recognized by Zwift and paired with my Garmin HRM and the Garmin Speed/Cadence sensor on my bike.
What (turbo) trainers are supported by Zwift?
Trainers basically fall into two categories;
Smart Trainers contain varying degrees of electronics and usually require being plugged into a mains socket (the rider-powered Tacx Bushido Smart is an exception) to provide power to said electronics.
Depending on the specific model, smart trainers provide various sensor data, including speed, cadence and some more expensive models contain power meters. The latter are invariably slightly less accurate than bike-mounted power meters, but can usually be calibrated to match (a friend of mine calibrates his Wahoo Kickr trainer to his Quarq before every session).
A new breed of smart trainers also support the recently ratified ANT+ FE-C protocol, allowing the trainer resistance to be electronically controlled by Zwift, TrainerRoad and other applications. Examples of these are the Tacx “smart” series, BKOOL "electronic" models, both Wahoo models and some from Elite and others. Many manufacturers are scrambling to update the firmware in their current models and/or rushing out new models to be compatible with Zwift.
The Garmin Edge 520 supports ANT+ FE-C right out of the box, and the Edge 1000 will do so with an imminent firmware upgrade. The cool thing about this feature is that you can repeat your outdoor rides on your (turbo) trainer, subject to certain limitations e.g. max gradient supported by the trainer etc.
Classic Trainers generally don't contain electronics and thus don't require supplemental (mains) power. These are often referred-to as "dumb" trainers.
In the absence of a power-measuring device, Zwift ascribes a virtual "zPower" power curve. Zwift has the resistance profile data for a few trainer models e.g. Kurt Kinetic, and will match the zPower curve to it.
If your trainer manufacturer did not provide the resistance profile data to Zwift, you're essentially on your own, which is fine. In this case, Zwift uses your profile data (gender, age, height and weight) to estimate your Functional Threshold Power (FTP), and you can complete an FTP test if you want a more representative score.
Although the published range isn’t exhaustive, Zwift works with a wide range of (turbo) trainers and some people are even using rollers. My legacy Blackburn magnetic trainer wasn’t listed as supported, but once in the game, I found a similar Blackburn device and selected that.
Sensors are important to Zwift and while it will happily display the output from your Cadence and HRM, the application cares most about Speed, and if you have it, a Power measurement. To paraphrase that, users of classic/dumb trainers MUST have a Speed sensor.
Code: Select all
Trainer Type: Smart Classic
Power Meter Optional* Optional
Speed Sensor Built-in Mandatory
Cadence Sensor Optional* Optional
HRM Optional Optional
Optional*: Many smart trainers provide cadence data, and some also provide power.Those serious about racing probably already have a power meter and/or might want to invest in a “smart” trainer that provides power data. However, the mere mortals among us can probably get by with the FTP ascribed by Zwift from your trainer and/or profile data, or preferably by completing an FTP test.
Like TrainerRoad, regardless of which trainer you are using, the FTP test is fundamental. Those using power meters will get accurate data, some of the smart trainers provide reasonably accurate data, but for the rest of us, accuracy is secondary to establishing a baseline for your maximum sustained effort in your current setup/environment and using this to gauge your ride effort and/or tailor your workouts.
Note that in workout mode, Zwift tailors the intensity to your FTP. You can also repeat the FTP test at any time; and probably should if you change any variables: trainer, bike gearing etc.
Since I'm using a "dumb" trainer, Zwift initially assigned me an FTP of 210 based on my profile data. After a couple of rides I felt this was too low, and so after completing an FTP test, Zwift updated my profile with the new, higher number
I've also completed Zwift group rides and found that after holding a decent pace for an event, Zwift informed me that my FTP had improved and again offered to update my profile. Hopefully, it won't suggest that I degrade my FTP if I decide to take it easy on a group ride
In cases where Zwift is not controlling the resistance, regardless of your actual wheel speed, it degrades your on-screen speed when climbing hills, forcing you to work harder to maintain pace.
For those not using power meters, or trainers that provide power data, Zwift caps "dumb" trainers at 400W.
Per above, I'm using an older Blackburn trainer. It allows me to select resistance from 1-5 via a slider at the brake, but I can't reach this while riding. Some of the newer models feature a handlebar mounted cable-control, which is way more convenient.
One downside to using a legacy “dumb” trainer is that the only variables I have to increase or reduce power (as directed by Zwift) are pedal cadence and the gears on my bike. Lacking a finer control, I have difficulty hitting a precise power number, and usually default to going slightly higher. Zwift also uses a tolerance band and will ask you to increase or reduce power if you’re out of the range
It can also be difficult to quickly change power for short intervals e.g. when Zwift asks you to "go up to X power for 20 seconds". In my case it can take 10-15 seconds to get to the target power. Much easier for those with handlebar mounted resistance control
Zwift Workout Mode
Recently (Oct 26, 2015 to be precise), Zwift added workout mode to their game.
Similar to TrainerRoad and other tools, this mode allows a user to select from a series of structured workouts and also contains a few training plans. I’ve heard this capability will be extended and there’s also rumour of a workout editor coming, allowing users to create their own workouts and training plans.
After selecting workout mode, you pick your desired workout and still ride the standard course du jour, however, other users will see a heads-up screen in front of your avatar, signalling that you are in workout mode, and not participating in a competitive activity.
Note: The ability to draft other riders is disabled in workout mode!
The workouts are categorised into <60 minutes, 60-90 minutes and 90+ minutes duration, so there’s plenty to choose from, including structured training plans for TT and century rides.
After completing a workout, Zwift leaves you on the road course, allowing you to continue riding at your own pace, join a group ride or simply quit.
If your workout performance exceeded your FTP score, Zwift will provide the option to update your profile with the new FTP value.
Zwift Group Rides
Zwift is building a global cycling community, with riders participating from many countries. While Friday seems to be widely designated as a rest day
, there are already a handful or more group rides scheduled on most of the other days of the week. Most are organized regionally; USA (East/West coast), Europe (GMT/CET) and Australia/NZ.The rides vary from full-out races, to training and endurance rides, to no-drop group and social rides. Some people have also posted real-world rides as a means for Zwift users to meet and ride in person.
Here’s a UK timezone calendar of Zwift Rides. You can click on each ride to read the details; starting point, pace, kit requirements and other participation rules. This calendar is public, so anyone can add their own rides.
Zwift Mobile Link App
This free app for Android and iOS allows you to control the game from your mobile device and also interact with other riders, basically an alternative to using your computer keyboard.
The app Dashboard displays your key stats during the game – Power, Speed, Distance, Cadence, HRM. Controls also allow you to change the view and turnaround i.e. ride in the other direction on the Watopia course.
On the user interaction side, the app allows you to send group text messages as well as give kudos, a wave or even flick an elbow at another rider.
In offline mode (you're not logged-in/riding), the app allows you to peek at the current rider list, see what individual riders are doing and follow (with alerts) them. Like Strava, you can also be followed by other riders.
Zwift and Teamspeak
Teamspeak is a free software application (PC/Mac) that the Zwift community has adopted to enable real-time voice chat during the game.
Many of the scheduled group rides in the group-ride calendar (above) provide coordinates to their Teamspeak channel.
You can download Teamspeak3, set it up with the Zwift coordinates and enjoy the most realistic of all rider social interactions.
Here's a short Youtube video with more details of setting up TeamSpeak3 with Zwift.
Zwift and Social Media
Zwift is tightly-coupled with Strava, and if you have an account linked to Zwift, the latter records your ride statistics (as virtual, not real-world rides).
Note: Zwift is not yet integrated with TrainingPeaks or Garmin Connect, but these are supposedly in the development plan, in that order. However, Zwift stores the .fit files in the /documents/Zwift/activities folder on your PC and you can upload them to other platforms and/or applications.
While I don't personally use Strava, I've heard that it fully accepts .fit files from Zwift - verbatim, however, there's a small niggling issue when you load files created on the Watopia course to Garmin Connect.
Since Watopia is a fictional island, Garmin Connect zeros-out the climbed-elevation field, and the time-stamp is wonky. Climbed elevation is correctly recorded for rides on the Richmond course (I manually disable Elevation Corrections) and the time-stamp is correct per the USA-EST timezone.
There are many Facebook pages and groups setup, a small sample of which includes;
Zwift Facebook
Zwift Events
Zwift Riders
UK Zwifters
There’s also a Zwift Twitter account.
Zwift Teams and Clubs
There are already a number ot Teams and Clubs established in the Zwift community, but I don't yet find a Clifton CC
.Teams are either Closed (invitation only) or Open to new members. Clubs are generally open. Note the Cornwall CC is established as a team, not a club, presumably because they restrict membership to county residents.
What does Zwift cost?
Zwift was free for the first year, while it was in beta mode. However, as of Nov 5, 2015 the beta test ended and instituted the following policy;
Zwift is FREE for the first 14 days, or 50Km of riding, after which a no-contract subscription model is used.
Zwift will be £8 per month (incl. VAT) in the UK, with no minimum term. If you only use it in the winter months, Zwift will retain your statistics until you login again next year or whenever.
Note: Strava Premium users have been promised 2 months of free Zwift, apparently starting in November and repeating every year.
---
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Zwift in any way. The above is intended to provide a brief introduction to Zwift, and hopefully whet the appetite of a few Clifton members.
This is by no means an exhaustive guide, but I’m happy to help and/or answer questions.
More detailed information is available online at Zwift and a plethora of 3rd party online fora.
Perhaps Santa will be kind this year? 
