The power of communities

Cycling is one of the only sports you can do both as an individual or as part of a group. While solo rides have their place – you can take it at your own pace, decide how far you want to ride and will only get slowed up if you have a mechanical – it’s hard to beat the feeling of riding with others. From leisurely social spins to full-on chain gangs, riding with cyclists of a similar ability is a lot of fun, making the miles whizz by and, if you have a competitive streak, can add some extra spice to proceedings during those all-out sprints or thigh-burning hill climbs.

Whether it’s a handful of friends or a local cycling club, the social aspect of cycling is a significant part of the attraction both on and off the bike. And thanks to online training platform Zwift, the Lycra-leaning community has been taken into the virtual space, mirroring and complementing cycling’s focus on comradeship based on a shared passion.

Here, we’ll explore how this dedicated community has the power to make a real impact – both on individuals and the sport as a whole.

Adding a social element to a solitary spin

There have been cycling clubs for as long as there have been bicycles. Although their origins vary (with some, such as the Clarion Cycling Club, forming to spread the word of socialism), pedal-based activities soon prevailed as riders of all abilities discovered the enjoyment that comes with exploring the world by bike and in the company of others.

Today, most group rides (whether it’s friends or a cycling club) will have a social element to them – from going at a low enough intensity for riders to be able to chat as they pedal, through to the essential mid-ride café stop(s) and post-ride debrief – which can provide some much needed

motivation, especially on those days when the weather’s not on your side.

Zwift’s group rides perform a similar function. The Zwift Companion app shows all of the upcoming events you can join and details their length and category (with four different options available that are based on your watts per kg), but unlike a club ride, you don’t have to fit your day around the ride – meaning you can have a lie in at the weekend and enjoy a sociable spin.

As Zwift is a global platform, there is a group ride for you at any hour of the day, and there will always be plenty of other people to ride and chat with on the virtual roads of Watopia.

A community full of support and advice

One of the best things about cycling with others is the support that’s on offer. From providing encouragement to get up a hill to teaching you how to ride in formation, riding with experienced cyclists can help you learn more about the sport, making you a better all-rounder in the process.

It doesn’t end with on-bike assistance, either. Mechanicals that would have ended a solo ride in its tracks can generally be fixed by the side of the road when there are a few old hands in the group, while you’ll often be able to pick the brains of other cyclists for advice on everything from gear and bikes to nutrition and recovery.

Although you won’t suffer a puncture when riding on Zwift, there is still plenty of support available for anyone starting their indoor cycling journey. The Club feature lets you join friends, your IRL club or a virtual-first group, with Facebook and Discord links included that enable you to chat, co-ordinate and ask any questions you have about riding online.

Riding with some added spice

First and foremost, cycling clubs are about socialising. But some also have a competitive edge, allowing members to represent their club’s colours against others in their local area in a variety of disciplines – from road racing and time trialling, to cyclo-cross and criteriums. Some clubs even put on their own events; the UK’S autumnal obsession with hill climbing instantly springs to mind.

Zwift carries this need for speed into a virtual space. Originally started by the grassroots

Zwift community, official and user-led races can now be found on the Zwift Companion app 24 hours a day; like its group rides, events are advertised by categories, enabling you to sign up for a race you’ve actually got a shot at being competitive in. A fast and furious affair, they are an experience unlike anything else, and can be completed solo or as part of a team if you want to add some tactics to the equation.

A sport with community at its heart

Cycling clubs were initially just that – a space for people who were passionate about cycling to come together, ride and enjoy each other’s company both on and off the bike. Now, there are sub-categories of clubs (both in-person and virtual) that cater for every walk of life. And whichever one you choose, you’re sure to benefit from the power of the community.

“One of the best things about cycling with others is the support that’s on offer”