Colin McPhee

Hi all, just a note to invite any riders (jets over 16) or senior riders to take part in zwift racing league season 2 which commences in January. Riders need to sign up to WTRL (link below) and register with zwift power. Then post me your zwift id which is found in your profile on zwiftpower.
https://zwiftpower.com
https://support.zwift.com/en_us/locating-your-zwift-id-H1WiyxS_I
https://www.wtrl.racing/zwift-racing-league/#about
https://discord.gg/SXPkeMYz
Post your zwift id in the weekly teams channel on discord and I’ll add you to the roster 👍
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Although the play offs have still to decide on promotion / relegation from EMEA Africa Division B3 in the two races on 23rd November and 4th December, I can happily report that JWCC B secured 9th spot in the league out of the 14 teams. It all started on the 27th of September with the opening team time trial and the ruling of allowing other teams to pass when caught was hotly debated over discord. It ended with the bike swapping fun of the temple climb on the Makuri Island course. Although 13 riders were registered to race in the season, only 7 actually took part but the B's had a good core of 3 riders who raced every raced valiantly on every stage, so special mention to Darryl and Ali for keeping me company on discord for every race and making sure we fulfilled the league obligations and Mark who only missed the last race.  On reflection 5 things were key to improving performance in season 2. 1 Careful preparation to minimize technical problems (experienced by most riders at some point during the season). 2 Dealing with issues affecting the race category threshold so as to avoid having points nullified, e.g. riders who are borderline Cat A can ride within the category limit for the first three races so as not to be bumped up a category and subsequently race within the limits while utilizing their superior power where it matters. i.e. sprints and climbs. 3 Early notification if riders are not available so replacements can be sought and the full compliment of 6 riders are available for all the races as this is what yields the largest points tally. 4 Recruitment of a sprinter someone who has the capability to take points on the fts and fal sections. 5 Making sure all riders have a stopwatch for the start delay in the ttt's !! All and all it was a great season and hoping to continue with the same core of 4 riders for season 2 as there is a learning curve involved in the basics of event racing on zwift. Well done to all who took part and see you in January 

Although the play offs have still to decide on promotion / relegation from EMEA Africa Division B3 in the two races on 23rd November and 4th December, I can happily report that JWCC B secured 9th spot in the league out of the 14 teams. It all started on the 27th of September with the opening team time trial and the ruling of allowing other teams to pass when caught was hotly debated over discord. It ended with the bike swapping fun of the temple climb on the Makuri Island course. Although 13 riders were registered to race in the season, only 7 actually took part but the B's had a good core of 3 riders who raced every raced valiantly on every stage, so special mention to Darryl and Ali for keeping me company on discord for every race and making sure we fulfilled the league obligations and Mark who only missed the last race.  On reflection 5 things were key to improving performance in season 2. 1 Careful preparation to minimize technical problems (experienced by most riders at some point during the season). 2 Dealing with issues affecting the race category threshold so as to avoid having points nullified, e.g. riders who are borderline Cat A can ride within the category limit for the first three races so as not to be bumped up a category and subsequently race within the limits while utilizing their superior power where it matters. i.e. sprints and climbs. 3 Early notification if riders are not available so replacements can be sought and the full compliment of 6 riders are available for all the races as this is what yields the largest points tally. 4 Recruitment of a sprinter someone who has the capability to take points on the fts and fal sections. 5 Making sure all riders have a stopwatch for the start delay in the ttt's !! All and all it was a great season and hoping to continue with the same core of 4 riders for season 2 as there is a learning curve involved in the basics of event racing on zwift. Well done to all who took part and see you in January 

Although the play offs have still to decide on promotion / relegation from EMEA Africa Division B3 in the two races on 23rd November and 4th December, I can happily report that JWCC B secured 9th spot in the league out of the 14 teams. It all started on the 27th of September with the opening team time trial and the ruling of allowing other teams to pass when caught was hotly debated over discord. It ended with the bike swapping fun of the temple climb on the Makuri Island course. Although 13 riders were registered to race in the season, only 7 actually took part but the B's had a good core of 3 riders who raced every raced valiantly on every stage, so special mention to Darryl and Ali for keeping me company on discord for every race and making sure we fulfilled the league obligations and Mark who only missed the last race.  On reflection 5 things were key to improving performance in season 2. 1 Careful preparation to minimize technical problems (experienced by most riders at some point during the season). 2 Dealing with issues affecting the race category threshold so as to avoid having points nullified, e.g. riders who are borderline Cat A can ride within the category limit for the first three races so as not to be bumped up a category and subsequently race within the limits while utilizing their superior power where it matters. i.e. sprints and climbs. 3 Early notification if riders are not available so replacements can be sought and the full compliment of 6 riders are available for all the races as this is what yields the largest points tally. 4 Recruitment of a sprinter someone who has the capability to take points on the fts and fal sections. 5 Making sure all riders have a stopwatch for the start delay in the ttt's !! All and all it was a great season and hoping to continue with the same core of 4 riders for season 2 as there is a learning curve involved in the basics of event racing on zwift. Well done to all who took part and see you in January 

Great write up Colin. Many thanks for taking the lead here, I’m not sure we’d have managed without your steady hand guiding us through it all. Already looking forwards to the next race series in January.
Have to say it has been an absolute blast. Anyone who fancies racing for their club should give it a go. It’s online so of course it’s not like irl. But, it’s safe, inclusive, a good workout, and the weather can be as warm or cool as you wish.
I think we are recruiting for more team members to compete, so don’t be shy, drop me or Colin a line and  hopefully we’ll be able to field stronger teams with a full complement of riders for the next series of races in January.

Darryl 

Still plenty of space in B and C teams for league starting on 28th Sept. Where else can JWCC compete on a world scale 😂

Would like to join this but I’m busy on the evening of the 28th Sept. does qualifying have to be done at a specific time?

Hi Karen there is no form to fill just let me know if you want to ride that’s cool for Oct 

Hi regarding the upcoming Zwift Racing League season 1. Please see the following
 
📢 **WTRL Zwift Racing League 2021 - Season 1**📢 
Hello @everyone,
<@188714705060102145> is delighted to inform you that registration for the new ZRL league is now **OPEN**.
**__Timeline __**
**15th Sept** - Rider register via sign up form (link below)
**16th Sept** - Captains selected
**16th-17th Sept** - Captains select teams of 8 riders
**18th/19th Sept** - Riders allocated their teams and discord channels
**23rd Sept** - Captain Registers team
**28th Sept** - Qualifying Race 1
For those experiencing the ZRL for the first time, allow me to explain the league and requirements from the riders to compete within this league.
There are a few important pieces of info to know prior to signing up and these are detailed in the form via the link below.  In short -
🔹 Teams will have 8 riders with a max of 6 riders racing each week 
🔸 Riders who sign up will be ranked within race categories (A+ to D) using a bike calculator based on your individual Zwift Power data
🔹 Team captains will select their squad and as a team decide on the most appropriate race time (which is unchangeable for the league duration)
🔸 Riders can move between squads if times don't suit or with rider UPG if there is space in another team
In order to race you need to...
🔹 be registered with Zwift Power
🔸 join Zwift Power JWCC Team
🔹 have JWCC as primary team on Zwift Power
🔸 have accurate weight and height on Zwift Power
🔹 have a smart trainer or power meter 
🔸 have a heart rate monitor (HRM)
🔹 have raced 3 races on Zwift in last 90 days to receive an accurate ZP Cat
If you tick all these boxes (or can get these boxes ticked before the start of the league on 28th Sept) then please sign up via the link below.
If you need any additional information, ask on the zrl-info txt channel 
***Don't delay, get your registration entry in. Post in the discord txt channel if you intend to ride 

I just wanted to wish our members all the best for the festive season, and beyond. It’s been a strange old year. Let’s hope we can get back to some semblance of normality in the new year.
Cheers and best wishes 
DG

Keep route for next Sunday thanks for posting 😀

Hope to make it this week 👍

I’ll be out also 😊

Chapeau guys very pleasant ride today ! 

Will b at club rooms and out for a bit anyway 

Like Paul's suggestions. The whole idea IMO is for all members of each group to contribute to the pace, regardless of what that pace may be. (with the exception of the Clune). Liked the steady through and off. This provides good training benefit, even if some riders find it easier than others !

Like Paul's suggestions. The whole idea IMO is for all members of each group to contribute to the pace, regardless of what that pace may be. (with the exception of the Clune). Liked the steady through and off. This provides good training benefit, even if some riders find it easier than others !

Very impressive Chung. Properly serviced hubs feel great.

Fantastic Cedric !

8:15 bridge of weir viaduct or 8:30 Pullman in Kilmacolm see you there whoever is out 😁 weather looks good !!

Hi people,
the title of my post might have set alarm bells ringing. Sorry for that.
So.... I’ve not been well for the past 3-4 years. Up & down. Making bad choices then punishing myself for it. Caught in a loop. Eventually went to get help.
Basically l, I had a really bad experience when I was young that I hidaway from.Denied it happened. Beat myself up for it. 
Eventually, I sought help. I was referred to a councillor and a CBT therapist. I won’t lie, having to discuss my issues and experiences was brutal. 
Why am I telling you this? Because if I hadn’t I probably wouldn’t be here.
Things got so bad that, what I thought was my salvation, “cycling” became toxic. Watching my weight, training, trying to keep up &, as life unravelled, being dropped was very crushing. I saw cycling as being my validation but it became a pressure & a stressor.
Thanks to mental health professionals & some very good friends in the club who have given me council, I’m on the mend. Thanks, guys.
I’m still cycling but for now I’m just going out when I feel like it. I’m also eating like a horse with no qualms or worries about “racing weight” I never raced much anyway!
Why am I posting this? We live in a society that is so driven by aspiration and the need to “get on” and compete. I’ve come to the conclusion that after my experiences I’m just lucky to be here. I’m quite proud to be alive.
So my message is- if you are struggling, don’t be ashamed to seek help and if you think a friend is struggling don’t shy away from asking if they are ok.
you just might savesomeone’s life. 
If you are struggling and looking for help, message me. I might not have the answers but I can signpost you to people who can help you.
It’s ok not to be ok!

There's no stopping Cedric!   Another top result! 

Mechanical. Hope it was good.

Jan
They just need a reminder when they do it plus remind the resting rider not to chase the wheel if they do go through too hard, it’s the same people so they know who they are, anyway I will be too pissed to care COYS 

Going to the pub to watch the big game