MY 🍑 WAS HANDED TO ME! BRUTAL ZWIFT RACE! // Zwift Racing League

[@corymiller4543]

the most amazing thing about that video is how Katie is NOT sweating during it! Realize she had the fan full blast, but dude..i have a fan in front, fan in back and portable A/C in my 10x10 pain cave/exercise room in the house with the temp set to 70 - 72 degrees F. and 5 minutes in to almost any real effort, i'm already dripping. actually started last year wearing wristbands just to keep the sweat off my hands a little longer. good stuff though Katie....keep grinding!

[@carolinestoddart628]

I absolutely loved watching this! Lindsey from my Galaxy team totally smashed that last climb 👌 I ride in D group and am usually about midway, I also feel sick and need a proper lie down at the end 🤮But weirdly I love it!! Thanks for filming it Katie 💥💥

[@CyclingwithRuss]

Honestly the zwift racing is the best fun on zwift. I’d do it all the time if it helped achieve my outdoor rides I’ve got planned next year. Great effort Katie and those W/KG are incredible, I think you was toying with me on the alpe the other week 🤪

[@k1zzerd]

C'mon now! First race in a while, you did purdy darn good 🍻 if ya ain't havin' fun, it ain't worth it! Keep at it! 📣

[@jancoetzer9941]

Tough race! Good on you for getting out there! I am also very nervous beforehand, and no matter how hard I try to relax before a finishing sprint, I get so worked up that my heart rate is always super-high, even before the sprint! 😂😂 Keep racing, no matter how many times you get dropped - you will see improvement if you keep at it - you learn something new in every race.

[@StevieJD74]

Thanks Katie. What a great introduction to Zwift racing. This has provided me with the motivation to have go. See you in Watopia!

[@ScottBaker1]

The Canadian in me loves the Maple Syrup idea

[@treesnbikes]

Beat me to it🇨🇦

[@bengt_axle]

This is what I use in my bottle. A couple of tablespoons and a squeeze of half a lemon.

[@ianlyons]

Nice one Katie 👏 it’s been ages since I raced ZRL, this brought back fond memories 😊thanks.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Ian get back on it!!!!

[@kovie9162]

Although I've never raced a bike in my life, I've done the Central Park loop thousands of times. I lived just a block from the park and have been riding my whole life so it was my default ride. And the Zwift version (of the actual loop and not those made-up air roads) is dead-on accurate. Not just the terrain, inclines, curves, scenery, etc., but the actual feel. It gets hard and easy exactly where it's supposed to in exactly the way it's supposed to, with the endless climbs and descents right after the Harlem hill reliably breaking your heart no matter how many times you've done it. Just when you think you've cleared the last climb, another one comes along, all the way to the bottom of the loop where the NYC Marathon enters the park (which I've also run and of course famously ends with a slight climb). Then it gets easy for a short spell, only to resume the climbs on Cat's Paw hill. I haven't Zwifted since early spring and didn't do much outdoor riding this summer and fall, so I'm about ready to get back into it, probably next week. No racing though, not until I get back into some semblance of shape. But thanks for the reminder and a glimpse of one of my own favorite courses! Btw, why no virtual shifting? It's SO much nicer than "real" shifting, and less wear on your shifters & drivetrain.

[@dsmhiggins67]

Congrats on sticking it out. Far too many bin the race when its worth carrying on and sprinting for any place you can.

[@mattrg470]

Apologies if you've mentioned it before, but what trainer difficulty setting do you use?

[@SMLPhotography1]

That was strong right out of the gate!

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

I'm finally racing, but I'm at the bottom bracket, but I'm trying to improve. Also, welcome to New York! I did this race as well. Loved the availability of the anvil on the downhill! Was part of a team and we had a DS and he guided when to use the powerup.

[@seanmccuen6970]

there's your problem, you're 'at the bottom bracket' when you should be at the saddle and bars.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

@seanmccuen6970 I would love to be where I was in 2013. Several incidents stopped that...

[@bengt_axle]

You need to raise the saddle. Riding at the bottom bracket is way too low.

[@roman2227]

for riding at your limit, you still look good! stoic and composed. i'm an absolute wreck near max HR lol.

[@KatieKookaburra]

PAIN FACE! Thanks though haha!

[@RyoCyclingMotive]

So intense racing. Your power is impressive!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks! :)

[@Pmor75]

Great effort 👍👍 you did great! Is your heart rate usually so high?

[@spookyspxxky9413]

There's a big difference between liking climbs and being fast up climbs

[@tonystroudlewis6333]

I also like the Maple syrup idea, eat Jelly Babies, as for sprinting you need to up your cadence, I sprint at around 150 rpm, however I enjoyed watching this video, it’s time for me to start racing again in the Masters 😳

[@meme-d2h1g]

On my best day after two years of riding as often as I can, I couldn't keep up to you on your worst day, lol. Also I saw someone pushing 7.4 watts/kilo near the end there, that is pretty insane. You did well!

[@josephlawrence685]

I always end up on my own when I ride a race or group lol

[@Simon-ry6vx]

I had much the same kind of race (27th of 54, Cat C Open) but that finish is known to me as a sprinter's finish. It looks like a hill, but the duration matches that of a sprint segment so the sprinters just smash it up the little hill and beat the climbers. No shame in a climber being left behind there.

[@BrawndoDrinker]

Mooor power! Time to train for sprints! Stand up and smash those pedals for 10 then 20 then 30 seconds. I always find I regain my conditioning fastest by riding single speed mt bikes.

[@twl1979]

Damn Katie….some HR….way to hang in there

[@jimpeyton1459]

I've found a structured warmup helps keep me from redlining my heart rate in the first part of a Zwift race. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@KatieKookaburra]

Jim I need to take your advice and warm up properly too :) hope you’re enjoying the races!

[@2smallplots]

I went straight into A category and it was so hard and soul destroying!!! Haha. I would lov😢e to be a 'C' .. .. you worked it but those girls were pumping out of the saddle at the end.. you need to do this !!

[@n22pdf]

Great race Katie.. I love maple to hmm so nice :) Zwift is awesome love it to :) Ride on.. Pete

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks Pete!! This maple is from Costco and can HIGHLY RECOMMEND 🙂

[@n22pdf]

@@KatieKookaburra Arr thanks Katie, I'm a Lidl guy so pick up from there they have there own a sometimes do Buckwud which I also buy hmm nice :) Pete

[@rbonn3880]

Maple syrup...the breakfast of real champions!

[@ZRLRecon]

It was a good race but absolutely brutal, humbling getting dropped going up the New York KQOM

[@GoustiFruit]

How come your HR is so high *before* the start of the race ???

[@leehyson9831]

I was thinking the same. Very high indeed.

[@markhallsworth4111]

Hi Katie, hope you are well! What setup do you have? I ride using the Zwift app and mirroring it to my tv. I’ve heard some people use Apple TV or pc/laptop. I’m not sure what the best option is Thank you…Mark

[@KatieKookaburra]

I have a few videos on my channel showing the whole set up but will do another one soon :) I have a computer linked to a tv monitor though :)

[@markhallsworth4111]

@ perfect, I will do some binge watching later 👍🏻

[@ansettaustralia]

What do you set the training difficulty at?

[@rodbrown8306]

That's incredible, very interesting.

[@dylanwynroberts]

Does everyone use their 'normal' bike on a turbo, or do you have a cheaper bike for turbo duties?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Do whatever you need to - I have an older bike on the turbo but have used my best bike in the past :)

[@TenSapphires]

Good watts there 👏👏👏

[@ZenEndurance]

No lie, I used maple syrup for YEARS and it's incredible. Buy it pure and in big containers like you did and it's not too expensive. Tastes great AND the coolest thing is it isn't sticky when it gets on your stuff. Just a little water and it rinses right off. I did a full Ultraman (3 days of Ironmans) on maple syrup and it worked great.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yasssssss it’s legit the BEST THING ever! Everyone laughs at me swigging it back but it’s the best. Well done on the Ultra… WOW!!! Massive kudos for that my friend :)

[@CycletheNation]

I've still never raced! But, these are Tuesday nights and I'm normally busy climbing then. How would you say it differs to doing an Alpe du Zwift for training, as that's my 'effort' ride at the moment. I, like you, am more endurance based, but fascinated to hear how you think racing helps - or do you just do it because you love it so much? Can't help noticing how well you look at that cadence too - I'd be bouncing around at that speed! 🤣

[@blackflamesolutions526]

I've been dropped twice today in the 690-1000 group. I share your pain! Always fun when you get dropped on a climb, bust a gut to get back on, and then the gradient kicks up again :)

[@jeremykemp3782]

Hi there, how is your heart rate being monitored please?

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Doesn't matter who wins the race Katie B, fitness head start on 2025's Bayeux Tapestry of adventures ! :) Half a million a week Prima Donnas at City, been handed their arse back to them on a plate for the last 6 matches ! ☀️ 🍓🐿

[@paulwilliams4990]

Just have to try not to burn too many matches too early. I aim for for half way minimum finish like you.

[@robowen66]

Hi Katie, have you tried virtual shifting? Its an absolute game changer! You do need a compatible trainer though, which doesn't include tacx

[@RoyClare]

“Type 2.0 fun” 😂🎉

[@KatieKookaburra]

🙃🙃

[@theonlyketanridesbikes]

I always need to pee at least 5 minutes before a ZRLrace because of nerves probably because I am part of a team! Never an issue when solo racing!

[@ghostrider7103]

How do I set my Zwift up to record and narrate?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Record the screen and then record a voice over - then put them together :)

[@14Xaveco]

50 seconds in and immediately 180 heart rate 😅

[@GMSlash]

I feel like I'm not good enough and way too nervous to attempt racing on Zwift..!

[@KatieKookaburra]

EVERYONE is good enough. there are different categories so you get put with people of your fitness level! You will love it and hate it at the same time haha! So fun though :)

[@davewright8206]

you swig maple syrup ?😶‍🌫

[@dmbambino]

Her honorary Canadian Citizenship is now in the mail!

[@treesnbikes]

@@dmbambinomight take a while with Canada Post on strike

[@vitalyfedoseev8340]

A beautiful woman who races on Zwift and chugs maple syrup, am I dreaming? Keep rocking girl❤

[@Wyliedawg]

I regularly feel the same way on spicy group rides that "aren't races".... no such thing on Zwift, but it makes us all stronger over time!

[@carlpentney290]

For the price Zwift seriously needs to upgrade those graphics. Rouvy looks much better.

[@BryanIrhehlblackmetal]

looks like GTA😆 i want to try this oneday 🚴

[@KatieKookaburra]

DO IT! :) Take a water bottle.

[@Avioto]

You can actually do this in GTA. Look up the "Grand Theft Bike" mod.

[@BryanIrhehlblackmetal]

@@Avioto with a rocket launcher 😇😂

[@BryanIrhehlblackmetal]

@@KatieKookaburra with 3water bottles and a maple syrup 🤤Heaven🚴🕺

[@joelapointe771]

You are a strong cyclist.

[@jim_nix71]

I wonder how many riders (athletes) are bit economic with the truth regarding their weight 😂😂. I see it all the time on zwift group rides

[@MervynStanley-ed3jl]

Lindsey is a beast Katie, don't beat yourself up too badly about it... (She's also my wife!) 😍🤣

[@KatieKookaburra]

She is a rocket!!!! :) I will be back after some training though .... hahahah

[@MervynStanley-ed3jl]

@@KatieKookaburra Great fun! Look forward to seeing you on the start line next time.

[@MarkWood1960]

You do know you’re asked to add your team name to your name?

[@KatieKookaburra]

It’s strange as it’s there at the end - think it’s as my name is so long :)

[@cracked229]

I love the concept of zwift racing, all the weight dopers ruin it.

[@vitalyfedoseev8340]

You went too early during the finish, save your power and go full out the last 2-300meters

[@thedoginside]

Have you thought about trying to improve your sprint? That'd make a good vid, i think so anyways

[@KatieKookaburra]

Haha I would but… it wouldn’t really help anything else of my riding apart from racing. But I don’t like the pain haha

[@andygoldensixties4201]

I wonder why you still struggle with those zwift races, despite your good wattage. Group racing can be a big issue, there's is always someone who is too strong and "chokes" those who who are not accustomed to brutal bursts. I think you should do a better warm-up, and do some interval training during summer, solo rides are not enough

[@KatieKookaburra]

I think lack of any long efforts like that in a LONG time. You wait, I will be back on it in no time woop woop!

[@MrGlenndini]

WTF are all the thumbs ups dropping?

[@KatieKookaburra]

These are Ride Ons :) it’s just us all saying hello to each other 👋🏼

[@szankony6276]

Do you know, Katie, why the graphics in zwift are of such poor quality that there is no point in installing this crap? This virtual world of Zwift is so depressing that it is better to wait for the snow to fall and go skiing in the Czech Jizera Mountains :D

[@kovie9162]

The graphics could definitely stand for a refresh but I'm guessing that most of their subscribers don't have the tech to handle much better graphics so they figure it's not worth the bother.