Hitting the road online: a participant uses the virtual trainer. (Submitted photo/Mike Horn)

By Ian Gustafson

Power of Technology

Final Winter Time Trial of the indoor cycle season

Feb 29, 2020 | 7:06 PM

Thanks to technology Prince Albert retailer Fresh Air Experience and the Rock ‘N’ Road Cycling Club teamed up to bring enthusiasts the final Winter Time Trial of the season.

The series was run once a month starting back in November.

Store owner Mike Horn said the province was linked up as well for the first time at other cycling shops in Saskatoon and Regina.

“There’s a cycling group called HPL Cycling that organized it and put the idea together,” Horn told paNOW. “So, it’s pretty neat, it’s a virtual time trial all done online. Times are recorded and it’s been going since the beginning of winter.”

He said there were six trials in all in Prince Albert.

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“The guys that are participating typically are fairly avid cyclists and keep up their fitness through the winter months on their indoor trainers,” he added. “It was kind of a test run this year to see how many people would be interested and hopefully build it for next year and maybe increase the number of events.”

The idea is to keep the cyclists engaged and give them an event to look forward to.

“Just adds to the exposure, having them in the stores so people can come in and maybe say ‘hey what are these guys doing?’ and explain indoor training because it has really evolved,” Horn said. “The trainer technology is incredible and the online capabilities and riding in virtual worlds to keep yourself entertained and motivated through the winter has been a huge component and a game changer for cycling.”

He explained there are a few companies on the market who make the ‘smart trainers,’ allowing people to get on the saddle and race indoors,virtually.

“It’s all wireless technology, it’ll sync up to your computer, your tablet,” he said. “There’s a program called Zwift that has a monthly subscription and it’s got hundreds and hundreds of kilometres of terrain that you climb.”

When the participant climbs up a mountain in the simulation the trainer makes it harder for the cyclist and the cyclists are training with people from all over the world.

“It’s really quite fun; it’s challenging when you’re climbing a mountain pass. Your heart rate goes up and you’re sweating and it’s a good workout.,” Horn said.

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Editors Note: This article was ammended to fix the correct name of a cycling club to HPL Cycling not HLC as originally reported.

Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12