This is the second article in a series about Zwift, please read the first article if you are unsure of what you need to use the service.

Ok, you took the plunge and bought an ANT+ dongle (giggity) and signed up for a Zwift membership, good on ya!  What the heck happens next though?  I am glad you asked…

Step 1: Open the program and log in

You will need to create a username and password the very first time logging in to the service as well as input some other objective measures like your weight.  Please don’t be a digital doper, input your CORRECT weight!  Thereafter, Zwift will remember you and all you need to do is click the “Log In” button to access the service.

Step 2: Search for your devices

This step is crucial to allow Zwift to work properly.  Before you do anything, make sure the ANT+ dongle is plugged into your computer and working.  You know it will be working because the ANT+ graphic will illuminate and radiate circles from it.  After this, click “search” under any of the above options to seek out your available devices.

Step 2a: Find and pair your devices

Once Zwift finds your devices, the graphic will change from grey to blue as well as list the serial number of your device under.  Once you have all of your available devices paired up, hit the “ok” button.

Step 3: Select your route/rider/workout

You can select a few options here including what type of route you prefer…

So, flat, hilly, figure 8, follow riders around you, or, if you are the daring type, a surprise route (oh, how exciting!).

If none of these options do it for you, you can search for your friends on the drop down list and ride with them, or select one of the many workouts available on Zwift.  After you are pleased with your selections, click the “ride” button.

Step 4: Ride your bike

Woah mama!  Welcome to Zwift.  Let’s spend a bit covering the main screen here…

To the left, to the left…On the top left corner you will see your watts, cadence (RPM), and heart rate (BPM).  Below that you will see the virtual leaderboards as well as your PRs for each segment.  These will update based on where you are on course.

On the top in the middle of the screen you have your speed (MPH), distance, elevation gain, and elapsed time.  Below that you will find a straight horizontal orange line with a number on the left, in our case 14, and a gift on the right.  This line represents your progress until the next level, the number on the left is your current in game level, and the gift represents the next game unlock (bike, jersey, wheels, etc.)

Onto the right hand side of the screen.  On the top right corner you have the current gradient of the climb/descent.  Below that is the course elevation profile with the KOM, Sprint, and Finish points represented by polka dots, green, and orange respectively.  Finally, below that you have the riders around you, aka, those who will soon feel your WRATH!

Stay tuned for more articles about all things Zwift related!  Also, please let me know if you have any questions about the service, or if there is anything you would like me to cover.

Happy Zwifting!

For more information on GC Coaching and how we can help you improve your fitness, please visit www.gaffneycyclingcoaching.com