I have been on and (mostly) off the virtual cycling platform Zwift for a few years but when the price went up big time about eighteen months / two years ago, I cancelled my subscription and as I was only riding occasionally, switch to the free My Whoosh platform.
About a year ago, I was messing with various virtual cycling apps (MyWhoosh, Biketerra etc.) and, for comparison, tried the free trail, back, on Zwift.
Although, superficially very similar to MyWhoosh, Zwift just felt a bit more polished but the main difference was the number of other riders – Zwift just has so many more.
I wrote a post about my decision to return to Zwift (LINK) back at the beginning of June last year. I have managed at least one ride per week and this week my streak reached fifty two weeks.
Today’s effort was the monthly, Beth’s Badge Hunt ride. This is a Wobble Cycle Club event and features a longer, less ridden route.
The ride is also banded meaning that as long as you keep pedalling, you stay with the group so it’s ideal for this kind of outing.
Back to this morning’s ride. The course was Three Step Sisters and features three, increasingly more difficult, climbs culminating with The Grade which I have ridden / suffered before.
Last time I attempted The Grade was at the end of July last year. The climb is in two sections with a very short reprieve in the middle. My times last time were 28:58 and 17:16. Today, I clocked 20:20 and 11:45. I’m sure riding in a group with banding helped but it was still MY legs that did it.
July 26th 2025
May 30th 2026
Along with walking (and the occasional row) I’m sure that my fitness is improving. The knees are alright but still giving me disturbed sleep.
I do have to option of a knee replacement but I’m very reluctant considering the extended recovery and chances of complications. I’ve an appointment with the consultant next week and I’ll take that opportunity to ask about alternatives such as a Cortisone injection.
kevbaldry