Team BKool CycleChat

[gbrown]

I screwed up scheduling my own video and ended up doing it by time (not distance), which is naff, and now I can't export it.

I did more than the 14.5 km length (actually 18.1 km) in the 32:33 so it was obviously an OK time, but I can only estimate it at around 26 mins, so about 4 mins faster than my best in real life.

I would say that just about accounts for not needing to slow down for the junctions and when people wander across the road in front of you ... why do they always step into your path when surprised?

Perhaps a little faster on the descents than I am used to going, but really more realistic than I would have expected.

The video turned out OK, the sun was low for the first 1/4 but the later bit looks quite good, when it is to one side or behind. Already had 24 people attempt it!

The 3D is unrecognisable!

I'll sneak it into a Thursday night league sometime, and exploit home knowledge!

So learnt another interesting bit of bkool knowledge, if you schedule a session by time you can't export it, so always do the normal runs by distance!

Geoff

 

[Add]

Right, I'll be having another go at that, and this time I'm pumping up my rear tyre!

Would it help if I said that I felt fine after doing it?

Geoff

No, no it wouldn't!

 

[gbrown]

Heads up for anyone interested,

Gadget show tonight (Monday), Channel 5, 7pm,

Jason Bradbury doing a triathlon, He used bkool as part of his training so it might or should be featured on the show.

Thanks, I've just watched it and it was quite interesting. They picked the Wahoo KICKR hardware but used the BKool software, which is quite a compliment for BKool.

The implication was that the Bkool simulator really helped his cycling time, so another plus!

He had the simulator spread across three screens, which looked interesting. Still think a 55 inch OLED screen would be best!

So many toys, so little time ...

Geoff

 

[Add]

Thanks, I've just watched it and it was quite interesting. They picked the Wahoo KICKR hardware but used the BKool software, which is quite a compliment for BKool.

The implication was that the Bkool simulator really helped his cycling time, so another plus!

He had the simulator spread across three screens, which looked interesting. Still think a 55 inch OLED screen would be best!

So many toys, so little time ...

Geoff

His bike was a lot posher than mine too!

 

[BILL S]

Felt really nauseous for the last mile, wondered if I was going to make it at all! Will try this one again I think, before it expires. Funny how, the more you hate a route, the more compelled you are to keep attacking it! Thankyou Bill, a good choice!

It was a strangely punishing and difficult stage I thought. Totally picked randomly because the gradient and distance looked ok, however it had a lot more to it than I originally though. Not quite the uphill slog I had hoped for and I found it especially tiring with trying to keep the power on downhill. Its weird how on the bkool its the opposite of the real world where we love the downhill as it gives us a rest. In the bkool world it just tells you your power is low and your time to the end has increased by a minute. They really need to get that fixed and make time to the end a function of average power rather than present time power.

Anyway, you and Geoff seem to like the route even though it's a tough one so its all good. You're getting into these hills now I think . Col de la Madeleine next. I'm dreading it and will be starting it at cruise speed to last the distance. Hope the others get the time/motivation to have a go too.

 

[Runexeter]

Anyway, you and Geoff seem to like the route even though it's a tough one so its all good. You're getting into these hills now I think . Col de la Madeleine next. I'm dreading it and will be starting it at cruise speed to last the distance. Hope the others get the time/motivation to have a go too.

Haha my running legs dictate what I'm doing and after my sub 40 min 10k Sunday(for which I might add for some reason didn't count to raise my fitness rating) I wont be doing any of the hillier one's any time soon, I'll leave that to you mountain goats that seem to love it on them

 

[Asa Post]

Hi.

A new Bkooler here so om sorry if this question already been answered.

Anyway, I have been making my own routes with google maps exporting them to .gpx. I get distance/slopes etc but they never seem to work for 3D. Ive also uploaded routes from Runkeeper and these works with 3D.

What am i missing when i create routes in Google Maps? Im using this to convert the .gpx file: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/convert_input?convert_format=gpx

//L

Bkool are gradually creating 3D versions of all the routes, but it's a slow job and the order they do them in is entirely their choice. I have stuff a year old that isn't in 3D yet.

 

[RickB]

on thurs do you want me to turn the lights off and lock up when i finish ? as i will be the last one there

Not likely Berty - I tried following your ghost on last weeks and got left for dead! I've a long way to go to get bike fit again.

 

[Add]

Hey Geoff, fancy having a go at doing that Rebel ride together this evening some time? No worries if you can't fit it in, just thought I'd ask, since we were both so close, and both have unfinished business on that hill! 7:45pm would be ideal for me, so I can help get the kids to bed first.
But I'll leave it with you.

 

[Richylad]

Sorry mate, I am a complete plum with this sort of stuff!

Hi.

A new Bkooler here so om sorry if this question already been answered.

Anyway, I have been making my own routes with google maps exporting them to .gpx. I get distance/slopes etc but they never seem to work for 3D. Ive also uploaded routes from Runkeeper and these works with 3D.

What am i missing when i create routes in Google Maps? Im using this to convert the .gpx file: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/convert_input?convert_format=gpx

//L

I think the 3d routes are created by bkool, ie, as they get round to doing them, might be in there faq.

 

[gbrown]

Hey Geoff, fancy having a go at doing that Rebel ride together this evening some time? No worries if you can't fit it in, just thought I'd ask, since we were both so close, and both have unfinished business on that hill! 7:45pm would be ideal for me, so I can help get the kids to bed first.
But I'll leave it with you.

Sorry, I've just finished it! Awaiting validation for some reason I can't fathom!
It's amazing how much easier it is with air in your back tyre.

Still couldn't get close to Bill.

Good luck with your run. If you beat me, have the grace to make it by a decent margin this time!

Geoff

 

[Add]

Sorry, I've just finished it! Awaiting validation for some reason I can't fathom!
It's amazing how much easier it is with air in your back tyre.

Still couldn't get close to Bill.

Good luck with your run. If you beat me, have the grace to make it by a decent margin this time!

Geoff

I have messaged BKool, and told them not to validate your run! I can see I am going to have to resort to dirty tricks to stay ahead in this game!

 

[gbrown]

Another simulator update, the riders are wearing much snazzier outfits now ...

 

[kipster]

2nd go on Pro, the watts are a little bit all over the place, one second 250w, the next 160w, a bit later (on a hill) it seemed to settle down. Are other pro users getting this or are yours more stable?

Now waiting patiently for the 'your fitness has decreased' message :-(

 

[gbrown]

2nd go on Pro, the watts are a little bit all over the place, one second 250w, the next 160w, a bit later (on a hill) it seemed to settle down. Are other pro users getting this or are yours more stable?

Watts seem pretty stable to me, so long as I have the ANT+ dongle near enough to the back wheel and the Bkool trainer.

When I was having problems keeping a steady link with the trainer it did tend to stick, shoot up, then suddenly reduce again!

I've just left it on a USB extension lead now and have it sat just behind the front wheel, and tend to get rock solid readings now.

It has to be said the watts don't really make much sense on a descent, as it is giving very little resistance and you have to pedal like mad to get beyond coasting speed.

Incidentally, what's the maximum wattage anyone has managed to get out of their bkool? Mine is just under 700 watts, not sure if it would go any higher or if I'm just not capable of pushing any harder!

Geoff