TrainingPeaks Virtual supports “Group Rides” – events where there are no results or rankings, just good training.
Creating a Group Ride:
To create a Group Ride, simply select the Group Ride option when creating your own event.
To create a Group Workout by following these steps: Options > Organize Event > Add, then you can choose your event type. You will have the option to select the workout to do from any that are available, this includes all the built-in workouts, custom workouts, and workouts synchronized from your TrainingPeaks calendar.
Rubberband Feature:
During a Group Ride, a “rubber-band” effect is used to keep the entire group together.
- Those ahead of the main group will experience a force pulling them backwards towards the group.
- Those behind the main group will experience a force pulling them forwards towards the group.
The further away a rider is from the main group, the stronger the force – just like a rubber-band. The practical effect of this is that riders can ride at any power level they like and still stay together. Stronger riders can ride hard, and weaker riders can ride gently, and both will have their speed impacted by the rubber-band effect to ensure that they never get too far away from each other. Equally, riders can change their riding style and level of effort at any time – by riding off the front of the group they will get a harder workout, and by riding off the back of the group they will get an easier workout.
Note that if the event has Bots, then they will gauge their effort based on the amount of effort the humans are putting in. So if the human riders want a fast ride, then they just need to ride fast and the bots will speed up to stay with them. Equally, if the human riders want a slower ride, then they just need to ride slowly, and the bots will slow down too – they will even stop and wait for you if you stop.
Chat Tips
- Access chat settings by clicking "Menu" > "Options" > "UI Settings" > "Left"
- Here you can enable chat messages and set duration for them to appear
- Ride leader's messages will appear in red