Team BKool CycleChat

[AAAC 76C]

I must say, with all this talk of Zwift, the numbers do seem to be down for participants on the chaingang - only 6 did last night's I think. This time last year we were getting around 30 for each stage, and easily managing TTT's which we just haven't had the numbers for this year.
This is a real shame - and a little worrying for the longer term future of our leagues I think. Particularly as this is the ideal time of year for indoor cycling

I suspect part of the reason is it takes a certain type of nutter to want to go and race at full pelt 3 times a week, and many people want to do steadier group rides and training plans etc which Zwift is way ahead of Bkool on. Bkool's numerous glitches and their poor customer service is also another reason of course.

I haven't actually tried Zwift yet so have no views on it, although I do really like the sound of many of the features and it's clear that the people behind it are MUCH more user-focussed and open to feedback etc. than Bkool who are frankly awful with this kind of thing as we know.

I really enjoy many aspects of Bkool though - the variety of rides, the ability to do local rides I'm familiar with in the real world, the video rides, and the races and leagues with people I've got to know on here. My wife also likes to use the trainer too (see weight-gate ) and rather than race she particularly likes riding the sunny spanish videos and pretending it's sunny and warm rather than cold, dark and raining! And I'm not really bothered about training plans or steady group rides really - and there's nothing to stop me sometimes doing a slower ride on Bkool if I feel like it.

But, the lack of numbers is a bit worrying and I think it's only a matter of time until I at least try the free trial on Zwift. Don't think I'd pay for bothe Zwift & Bkool though as I won't have time to do justice to them both.

Sounds like a man bailing politely?
It would have been nice to think that the competition on Saturday would draw new members in but its more likely that those not in Cyclechat probably had no idea it was happening.

 

[bridgy]

Sounds like a man bailing politely?
It would have been nice to think that the competition on Saturday would draw new members in but its more likely that those not in Cyclechat probably had no idea it was happening.

No, I'm not bailing yet - just airing my thoughts

 

[Daddy Pig]

I must say, with all this talk of Zwift, the numbers do seem to be down for participants on the chaingang - only 6 did last night's I think. This time last year we were getting around 30 for each stage, and easily managing TTT's which we just haven't had the numbers for this year.
This is a real shame - and a little worrying for the longer term future of our leagues I think. Particularly as this is the ideal time of year for indoor cycling

I suspect part of the reason is it takes a certain type of nutter to want to go and race at full pelt 3 times a week, and many people want to do steadier group rides and training plans etc which Zwift is way ahead of Bkool on. Bkool's numerous glitches and their poor customer service is also another reason of course.

I haven't actually tried Zwift yet so have no views on it, although I do really like the sound of many of the features and it's clear that the people behind it are MUCH more user-focussed and open to feedback etc. than Bkool who are frankly awful with this kind of thing as we know.

I really enjoy many aspects of Bkool though - the variety of rides, the ability to do local rides I'm familiar with in the real world, the video rides, and the races and leagues with people I've got to know on here. My wife also likes to use the trainer too (see weight-gate ) and rather than race she particularly likes riding the sunny spanish videos and pretending it's sunny and warm rather than cold, dark and raining! And I'm not really bothered about training plans or steady group rides really - and there's nothing to stop me sometimes doing a slower ride on Bkool if I feel like it.

But, the lack of numbers is a bit worrying and I think it's only a matter of time until I at least try the free trial on Zwift. Don't think I'd pay for bothe Zwift & Bkool though as I won't have time to do justice to them both.

Maybe a nations cup qualifier in the future will entice people to cyclechat and league races in the future. Or we could even organise a UK challenge a bit like the WC and Summer cup but just uk routes. Not sure how this could be publicised but bkool may be able to arrange emails etc. It would be in their interest.

 

[AAAC 76C]

Maybe a nations cup qualifier in the future will entice people to cyclechat and league races in the future. Or we could even organise a UK challenge a bit like the WC and Summer cup but just uk routes. Not sure how this could be publicised but bkool may be able to arrange emails etc. It would be in their interest.

I have started an active recruiting campaign by going to the UK Rankings.
I have been through page 1 of distance in 2017 and invited anyone as a friend that has not locked their profile (over 75% have).
If they accept I will invite them to join Cycle Chat and the leagues.

I don't do Facebook but someone that does might want to plug us there.

I am now going to go through page 2 of the rankings.

I might not get any new members but I might get some new 'Friends', 'Cycling Friends'.

 

[berty bassett]

tried dabbling my toe in zwift and i think if it goes to closed group racing then its the way to go for me - bit busy on there at the minute and i sort of get lost with new tech - still get lost on bkool and i have blundered some how now if any one can help me
how can i delete a ride in bkool ? as it has shown up that i have done one twice - the second one is a tad over powered like i have became bionic or at least had some of dp cider
also the new promotion of elite 10 is going to take some keeping up - best i get a keg of gut rot

 

[Marino.g]

I must say, with all this talk of Zwift, the numbers do seem to be down for participants on the chaingang - only 6 did last night's I think. This time last year we were getting around 30 for each stage, and easily managing TTT's which we just haven't had the numbers for this year.
This is a real shame - and a little worrying for the longer term future of our leagues I think. Particularly as this is the ideal time of year for indoor cycling

I suspect part of the reason is it takes a certain type of nutter to want to go and race at full pelt 3 times a week, and many people want to do steadier group rides and training plans etc which Zwift is way ahead of Bkool on. Bkool's numerous glitches and their poor customer service is also another reason of course.

I haven't actually tried Zwift yet so have no views on it, although I do really like the sound of many of the features and it's clear that the people behind it are MUCH more user-focussed and open to feedback etc. than Bkool who are frankly awful with this kind of thing as we know.

I really enjoy many aspects of Bkool though - the variety of rides, the ability to do local rides I'm familiar with in the real world, the video rides, and the races and leagues with people I've got to know on here. My wife also likes to use the trainer too (see weight-gate ) and rather than race she particularly likes riding the sunny spanish videos and pretending it's sunny and warm rather than cold, dark and raining! And I'm not really bothered about training plans or steady group rides really - and there's nothing to stop me sometimes doing a slower ride on Bkool if I feel like it.

But, the lack of numbers is a bit worrying and I think it's only a matter of time until I at least try the free trial on Zwift. Don't think I'd pay for bothe Zwift & Bkool though as I won't have time to do justice to them both.

I've tried both but my bkool pro was virtually useless using Zwift but I preferred using bkool sim for various reasons anyway.
I've not had much time to join the cycle chat rides due to work commitments but when I can I've really enjoyed the TT races and the organisation by Geoff has been first class.
Saturdays is a non starter for me due to golf matches but I will definitely try and make Tuesdays whenever possible.
For me bkool is my preference and cyclechat bkool adds to that experience.

 

[Bored Man]

For all bkool's failings I'll most probably stay with them. Zwift just doesn't appeal. What frustrates me with bkool is that things that once worked now don't or are inconsistent.

I will miss my new friends as they depart for virtual new roads..

On a positive note - suns shining up here and I got out this morning. Very nice it was too.

 

[AAAC 76C]

I have started an active recruiting campaign by going to the UK Rankings.
I have been through page 1 of distance in 2017 and invited anyone as a friend that has not locked their profile (over 75% have).
If they accept I will invite them to join Cycle Chat and the leagues.

I don't do Facebook but someone that does might want to plug us there.

I am now going to go through page 2 of the rankings.

I might not get any new members but I might get some new 'Friends', 'Cycling Friends'.

Just done page 2.
Did you know Berty Basset is now an Elite 10, well done Berty, where were you on Saturday!

 

[bridgy]

One of the problems (in the UK at least) Bkool has, which doesn't help in getting new participants is the lack of publicity, which leaves the impression that Zwift is the ONLY option for the type of thing we do on Bkool. I've just read this recent article on Road.CC - http://road.cc/content/feature/217593-zwift-vs-trainerroad-which-best-you - which clearly illustrates this point. The opening line about Zwift is:

Zwift’s biggest feature and its unique selling point is the ability to ride in a virtual world against or alongside other people from across the world

It then goes on to list a number of other "unique" features, most of which are also provided by Bkool, which isn't mentioned at all

 

[AAAC 76C]

For all bkool's failings I'll most probably stay with them. Zwift just doesn't appeal. What frustrates me with bkool is that things that once worked now don't or are inconsistent.

I will miss my new friends as they depart for virtual new roads..

On a positive note - suns shining up here and I got out this morning. Very nice it was too.

Jim.

You don't need to accept my friends invite, I missed the fact it was you.
I won't be hurt but will be deleting and acceptances as and when I have spread the word as I don't do friends outside of cycle chat as it just clutters up your home page.
Plus messaging via the home page is a total failure unless you have few words to say (which is definitely not me).

 

[bobinski]

Maybe a nations cup qualifier in the future will entice people to cyclechat and league races in the future. Or we could even organise a UK challenge a bit like the WC and Summer cup but just uk routes. Not sure how this could be publicised but bkool may be able to arrange emails etc. It would be in their interest.

Bkool have a FB page BUT they dont have a linked events page like zwift. I have just looked at zwifts and can see all the planned races, social rides etc for weeks ahead if needs be. I can join in advance and it will show when i log into zwift and then invite me to join the event ride. I click join, even if riding already, and i am at the start in the kit the event organisers have chosen. It is SO user friendly. Now, perhaps persuade bkool to have an events page not just for races THEY organise. Then link to here or, if you set one up, a cyclechat FB page Like most here i abhor FB but it has its uses and unfortunately is the place of social media contact for so many now it just cannot be ignored. It may be a better option than expecting people to come here where people will see a lot of men of a certain age talking about cider
I am just suggesting this is a bit of a self selecting group-a superior one no doubt but still self selecting. All that guff about computer code gave the game away boys!
There are lots of happy bkool users out there that know nothing about this group. I try and send them here, een via the zwift riders FB page, much to some peoples ire that even got a lots of posts deleted!! So dont think I am just praising zwift. I just want a hassle free fun ride/race and to not finish it feeling cheated, not by fitness, but by software.

here ya go-as you will see events listed, you can filter by ability and type and then when you click on event picture you get taken to organisers page details etc

http://zwift.com/events/

 

[BILL S]

Maybe a nations cup qualifier in the future will entice people to cyclechat and league races in the future. Or we could even organise a UK challenge a bit like the WC and Summer cup but just uk routes. Not sure how this could be publicised but bkool may be able to arrange emails etc. It would be in their interest.

I think a Nations Cup qualifying league is a great idea. The question is, should we have the qualifier league in the same format as the Nations Cup itself (3 back to back races on a weekend) or should it be a more open/flexible format like chaingang/mtngoats?
Would we get enough entrants? Of course we don't know if there'll be another Nations Cup but we could just assume that there will be.

 

[berty bassett]

Just done page 2.
Did you know Berty Basset is now an Elite 10, well done Berty, where were you on Saturday!

Watching you lot in the make believe world on Saturday made me decide to take it to new levels ! I am now in cuckoo land where everything is the wrong colour Including my hat ! Fully expecting zombies and flying elephants on next ride

 

[AAAC 76C]

I think a Nations Cup qualifying league is a great idea. The question is, should we have the qualifier league in the same format as the Nations Cup itself (3 back to back races on a weekend) or should it be a more open/flexible format like chaingang/mtngoats?
Would we get enough entrants? Of course we don't know if there'll be another Nations Cup but we could just assume that there will be.

10 km TT followed by 3 bottles of wine.

 

[AAAC 76C]

Watching you lot in the make believe world on Saturday made me decide to take it to new levels ! I am now in cuckoo land where everything is the wrong colour Including my hat ! Fully expecting zombies and flying elephants on next ride

Is your turbo playing you up/