FulGaz

The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Cycling Workouts

david rybnicek — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:48:40 +0000

Unlocking Endurance: The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Cycling Workouts

Indoor cycling stands out as a cornerstone for building endurance, offering cyclists and triathletes a controlled environment to push their limits, refine their technique, and achieve remarkable fitness gains. Whether you’re prepping for a season of races, looking to elevate your overall fitness, or simply aiming to outlast the competition, our comprehensive workout library and structured training plans are your go-to resources for reaching your peak performance.

The Power of Our Workout Library

Our workout library is a treasure trove of cycling sessions designed to cater to every level of fitness and endurance goals. It’s not just about pedaling for hours on end; it’s about smart, targeted workouts that build strength, stamina, and resilience on the bike. From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions that boost your VO2 max to tempo rides that improve your muscular endurance, our library offers a diverse range of workouts to keep your training challenging and effective.

4 and 8 Week Climbing Booster Plans

Elevation is the name of the game with our Climbing Booster Plans. Tailored for those looking to conquer hills and mountains, whether in the real world or in virtual races, these 4 and 8-week programs are meticulously crafted to enhance your climbing prowess. By focusing on sustained efforts, power output, and climbing technique, these plans will help you tackle ascents with confidence and ease. Each week, you’ll be guided through workouts that gradually increase in intensity, preparing your legs and lungs for the demands of steep gradients.

12 Week FTP Plans for Every Level

Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a crucial metric for any cyclist, indicative of the highest power one can sustain through an hour of effort. Improving your FTP means enhancing your ability to endure higher intensities for longer, a key factor in overall cycling performance. Our 12-week FTP programs are designed with this goal in mind, offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced training plans to suit your current level and push you to new heights.

Beginner Plans: Ideal for those new to structured training or looking to build a solid endurance foundation. This program focuses on gradually increasing ride lengths and incorporating interval work to improve sustainable power.
Intermediate Plans: For cyclists with a season or two of training under their belts, ready to take their performance up a notch. Expect more challenging intervals, increased volume, and workouts designed to refine your ability to maintain a high power output over longer durations.
Advanced/Keen Program: Tailored for seasoned riders aiming for peak performance. This plan includes high-intensity sessions, longer endurance rides, and specific workouts to maximize your FTP and endurance capabilities.

Maximizing Your Training

To make the most of these plans, consistency is key. Aim to follow the prescribed workouts as closely as possible, and listen to your body to avoid burnout or injury. Pair your training with adequate rest, nutrition, and hydration to support recovery and ensure you’re getting stronger, ride after ride. Our workout library and structured training plans are more than just a collection of rides; they’re a roadmap to your endurance goals. With the 4 and 8 Week Climbing Booster Plans and the 12 Week FTP Plan, you’re equipped to elevate your endurance, power, and cycling performance to new levels. So gear up, log in, and let’s start the journey to building endurance that lasts.
Discover FulGaz today! Simply download it from your app store and embark on your cycling journey with our complimentary 14-day trial.

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How FulGaz Has Changed My Approach to Coaching Triathletes

david rybnicek — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 04:02:00 +0000

How FulGaz Has Changed My Approach to Coaching Triathletes

Written by Rob Dallimore, founder of Foot Traffic Endurance Sport Coaching.

FulGaz has revolutionised the way I coach my athletes. The ability to incorporate structured training and group workouts into their training plans gives an unparalleled way to target key events for them. Triathlon Coaching is becoming an increasingly dynamic space. Gone are the days of staring at the TV watching old race videos whilst following a training plan written on a piece of paper. With FulGaz we now have a groundbreaking tool to help an athlete successfully negotiate the challenge of training for triathlon, in particular IRONMAN events. I find FulGaz to be indispensable for coaching my own athletes, and assisting the wider Foot Traffic community train for theirs. The effectiveness in visualising race courses and training on key aspects of the terrain mean we no longer need to go to an event on the other side of the world blind and without an understanding of what awaits.

FulGaz stands out for its unparalleled realism in replicating race courses. Athletes training for events like the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona or Nice for example, can virtually ride these iconic courses, experiencing every twist, turn, and elevation change. This immersive experience allows athletes to familiarise themselves with the course intricacies, enabling better race-day strategy and mental preparedness. With most of the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 courses loaded you can train with confidence for almost any event around the world. One way of doing this is having an athlete ride key sections of a course and analysing the power and duration for that segment, then going away and structuring the training around it. Come race day the athlete is aware of what’s to come, and confident they have done the work to knock it off. With the ability to connect a Core Body Temperature monitor directly to FulGaz we can accurately structure Heat Stress sessions, so an athlete is able to work at the optimal core temperature for them to optimise their adaptation. Performance testing can also be performed through FulGaz by way of connecting a Moxy Muscle Oxygen Monitor and analysing the data to determine accurate power training zones. Both of these are things that previously could only be done in a laboratory setting, whereas now my athletes can do it at their own locations thanks to the integrations with FulGaz. I honestly couldn’t recommend it enough, it’s been a game changer for my business. Thanks – Rob Learn how FulGaz works with Coaches and Clubs to provide them with their own private space within the app to set up regular group rides, group workouts and more. [button text=’LEARN MORE’ link=’https://fulgaz.com/coaching-in-fulgaz/’ type=’new’]

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Mental Strategies for Long Indoor Rides: Journey Around the World

david rybnicek — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 03:30:39 +0000

Mental Strategies for Long Indoor Rides: Journey Around the World

For cyclists and triathletes, indoor training is essential, especially during inclement weather or when outdoor conditions aren’t ideal. However, the challenge of keeping motivated and mentally engaged over long sessions on a trainer is real. How do we transform these necessary yet potentially monotonous workouts into something captivating and mentally stimulating? The answer lies in combining strategic mental approaches with the innovative use of technology to travel the world virtually, all while pedaling in the comfort of our homes.

Embrace the Virtual Journey

The advent of 4K video technology and virtual reality has revolutionized indoor cycling. FulGaz offers virtual rides around the globe that not only enhance the visual experience with crisp, lifelike detail but also mentally transport us to different places, making each session an adventure. Imagine cycling through the lavender fields of Provence, scaling the challenging passes of the Dolomites, or cruising the scenic coastal roads of Big Sur—all in stunning 4K. This immersive experience is a powerful mental strategy to keep boredom at bay and maintain high levels of motivation.

Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Setting goals is fundamental in keeping your mind engaged and focused during long rides. These could range from completing a virtual “world tour” of iconic locations to hitting specific fitness milestones. Goals give you something to strive for and a reason to get back on the bike. As you achieve these targets, the sense of accomplishment fuels your motivation for future sessions.

Break It Down

Long indoor rides can seem daunting, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable segments can help. This can be as simple as focusing on reaching the next virtual landmark in your 4K journey or setting mini-objectives for distance, speed, or power output. Segmenting the ride allows your mind to focus on the immediate challenge, making the overall session more manageable and less mentally taxing.

Engage in Mindful Riding

Use your indoor rides as an opportunity for mindful exercise. Pay attention to your breathing, the rhythm of your pedaling, and how your body feels. This mindfulness approach can transform a physical workout into a form of moving meditation, providing mental health benefits alongside physical fitness. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the stressors of daily life and immerse yourself in the moment, further enhanced by the captivating visuals of your virtual ride.

Join a Group Ride

One of the most effective ways to stay motivated and mentally engaged is by connecting with a community of fellow indoor cyclists. FulGaz offers social features that allow you to join group rides, compete in races, or simply chatting with others during your rides. This sense of community adds a social dimension to your workouts, making them more enjoyable and giving you an extra push to get on the bike.

Reward Yourself

Finally, don’t forget to reward yourself for completing long rides. Whether it’s a special treat, a relaxing activity, or simply marking your progress on a virtual map, acknowledging your effort reinforces positive feelings towards your indoor cycling sessions. Incorporating these mental strategies into your long indoor rides can significantly enhance the experience. By embracing the virtual world’s possibilities, setting goals, breaking down the challenge, practicing mindfulness, connecting with others, and rewarding yourself, you transform what could be a mundane exercise into an exciting journey. So, hop on your bike, and let the stunning 4K vistas inspire your next indoor adventure. Discover FulGaz today! Simply download it from your app store and embark on your cycling journey with our complimentary 14-day trial. Article written by – FulGaz

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Nikki Bartlett IRONMAN Marbella 70.3 – Group Ride Questions & Answer Session

david rybnicek — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:11:52 +0000

Unlocking Victory: Nikki Bartlett reveals winning strategies to FulGaz riders on IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella course

Tuesday 20 Feb, 2024 Join us as we ride alongside Nikki Bartlett, two-time reigning champion of IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella. Nikki recently joined FulGaz riders for a group ride on the course where she made history, now set to host the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in 2025. After months of winter training on FulGaz in the UK, Nikki’s excitement was palpable as she returned to the course that holds so many cherished memories. Here’s a glimpse into some of the questions she fielded during this special ride.

What do you like about the Marbella 70.3 course. It must suit you as you are the defending double champion?

Marbella as a place is beautiful, this attracted me to enter in 2022. The swim start is on the beach, easy to navigate, warm and lovely to swim in. Short t1 run with lots of spectators. Out onto the hilly bike course. With a flat and fast section to start, then the big climb into the hills with stunning views. A simple non technical descent into a fast out and back, before climbing the hill in reverse. A total of 1400m of climbing!!! The run is multi loop, spectator friendly on compact hard sand / tarmac. With the finish line ON THE BEACH, which is an epic way to finish.

Road or TT bike? Disc Wheel or not?

Definitely TT bike, the last two years have been fairly low winds. So I’ve chosen 60 front, disc rear. I averaged 34kph on the bike, so it does have flat and fast sections in the race

Any pro nutrition tips and secrets?

Practice practice practice. I’m no sports nutritionist, but I aim to get in 90g carb per hour on the bike. I sip on energy drink between a light breakfast and race start too. Then approx 2-3 gels per hour on the run. But I make sure I practice this in training, not just on easy rides but race pace too. Get the stomach trained, experiment with what works, how you’re going to carry the nutrition etc. Some people like solids, some just liquid. Find what works for you, and don’t leave it until 3 weeks before the event.

What were your winning margins the last two years?

2023: 6mins 45 seconds 2022: 4mins 30ish

Did you feel pressure last year as the defending champion?

I feel its a huge honour to head into a race as defending champion. How many opportunities in life can you say that? My first win there was just as special as my second.

Do you go hard on the bike and survive the run?

Brilliant question. Last year I had a fantastic swim, getting out just 90 seconds off the leaders. Which for me is unheard of. So I used my strength on the bike to try and give myself a couple of minutes lead into the run. It is very very rare that you feel great all day racing, and it was just one of those days I did. Which I grabbed with both hands, as you never know when you will get that again.

What would be your perfect 70.3 course?

Based on the races I’ve done…

IRONMAN Marbella 70.3 swim
IRONMAN Pays d’Aix Bike
IRONMAN Staffs or Pays d’Aix 70.3 for the crowds!

Do you use drinking straws?

I haven’t to date, mainly because I’m a heavy sweater and I think the admin / stress / anxiety around refilling it at an aid station is too much for me.

What’s the best mode to ride FulGaz in? Reactive or Steady?

Reactive mode will give you the best understanding of your true speed and effort as the video will speed up or slow down based on your effort. However steady mode has it’s place if you want to focus on checking out specific course landmarks like aid stations etc and might be crunched for time. In steady mode you will go at the pace at which the video was filmed, so for more IRONMAN courses that’s around 40-45km/hr.

Next Group Ride Details

Date – Monday 18th March
Time – 7pm GMT
Course Details – All will be revealed soon!

FOLLOW NIKKI ON HER JOURNEY WITH FULGAZ

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Maximizing Your Indoor Cycling Performance

david rybnicek — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:12:42 +0000

Maximizing Your Indoor Cycling Performance: Insights from Precision Fuel and Hydration’s Chris Harris

We’re thrilled to share the highlights of a recent CoachCast where we had the incredible opportunity to chat with Chris Harris, the senior sports scientist at Precision Fuel and Hydration. This session wasn’t just your average ride; it was a deep dive into the crucial aspects of fueling and hydration, especially tailored for the unique demands of indoor cycling and you can enjoy the full interview whilst riding in FulGaz.

The Importance of Indoor Cycling Nutrition and Hydration

Indoor rides often trick us into overlooking nutrition and hydration. But as Chris pointed out, understanding the nuances of indoor sessions is vital for optimal performance. Whether you’re gearing up for a casual hour on the trainer or preparing for a challenge like the Grand Tour, getting your fueling and hydration strategy right is crucial.

The Role of Sweat Testing in Indoor Cycling

Sweat testing is a game-changer for indoor cyclists. Chris explained the significance of understanding individual sweat sodium concentrations and how it impacts performance, especially in the different conditions experienced indoors compared to outdoor cycling. By analyzing your sweat, you can personalize your electrolyte replacement strategy, which is essential for longer or more intense indoor sessions.

Hydration Strategies: Before, During, and After Your Ride

Chris shared some golden tips on hydration:

Pre-Ride: Preloading with a high-sodium drink can boost your body’s fluid balance, enhancing thermoregulation and reducing cardiovascular strain. During the Ride: For shorter rides, the key is to not overdo it – drink to thirst. In longer or hotter sessions, a more structured approach may be necessary. Post-Ride: Rehydrate adequately. Your body’s ability to absorb nutrients post-exercise is heightened, making it a critical time for recovery.

The Science of Fueling: Carbohydrates Are Key

Fueling for indoor cycling revolves around carbohydrates. Chris emphasized the importance of arriving at your session with topped-off energy stores. He suggested a carbohydrate-rich meal a few hours before your ride and possibly a quick carbohydrate source like an energy gel right before starting, especially for early morning sessions.

The Balance of Protein and Carbs in Recovery

While protein is vital for muscle repair, carbohydrates play an equally important role in recovery. Post-exercise, a combination of both helps replenish energy stores and repair muscles, setting you up for better performance in subsequent sessions.

Planning Ahead: The Key to Success

Chris’s parting advice was simple yet powerful – plan ahead. From setting up your trainer to prepping your nutrition, every little detail counts. Precision Fuel and Hydration’s online tools, like their fuel and hydration planner, can be invaluable for tailoring your strategy to your specific needs.

Wrap-Up

This coachcast with Chris was more than just informative; it was a revelation in understanding the intricacies of indoor cycling from a nutritional standpoint. Remember, your body’s needs on the trainer are unique, and tailoring your approach to fueling and hydration can make a significant difference in your performance and enjoyment. Until next time, keep those pedals turning and stay hydrated and fueled! ???????????? NEW TO FULGAZ? TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR 14-DAY FREE TRIAL AND LISTEN TO THIS COACHCAST

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The Foundation of Success: Base Building in Cycling and Triathlon

david rybnicek — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 23:09:07 +0000

The Foundation of Success: Base Building in Cycling and Triathlon with FulGaz

In the world of cycling and triathlon, success is built on a foundation of solid base training. This phase of training, often overlooked in the pursuit of more exciting high-intensity workouts, is where endurance athletes lay down the essential groundwork for peak performance. Today, we delve into the importance of base building and how using a tool like FulGaz, can revolutionize this fundamental training phase.

The Cornerstone of Endurance Training

Base building is the initial phase of any well-structured training plan, aimed at developing a deep reservoir of aerobic endurance. It’s about long, steady rides that condition the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and increase the stamina necessary for endurance sports. This period is characterized by lower intensity but higher volume, allowing athletes to build a robust aerobic base without the risk of burnout or injury.

Why Base Building is Crucial

Enhanced Aerobic Capacity: Increasing your body’s ability to consume oxygen during exercise leads to improvements in overall endurance and performance. A strong aerobic base allows you to sustain higher intensities for longer periods.
Improved Muscular Endurance: Consistent base training strengthens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, preparing them for the rigors of more intense training and racing.
Increased Fat Utilization: This phase trains your body to burn fat as a primary fuel source, preserving valuable glycogen stores for higher intensity efforts.
Better Recovery: A solid aerobic base improves your recovery rate, enabling you to handle higher training volumes and intensities as your plan progresses.

Revolutionizing Base Building with FulGaz

Enter FulGaz, a cutting-edge indoor cycling app that brings the world’s roads to your home. With its extensive library of high-definition, real-world video routes and advanced physics engine, FulGaz offers a uniquely immersive and effective way to build your base from the comfort of indoors.

How FulGaz Enhances Base Training

Realistic Riding Experience: FulGaz replicates the actual resistance of outdoor routes, making your indoor training sessions not just a workout but an authentic riding experience. This realism is crucial for base building, as it ensures your body adapts as it would on real roads.

Wide Range of Routes: With routes available from around the globe, you can simulate riding in different terrains and conditions, adding variety to your base training phase. This variety keeps the mind engaged and the body adapting to varied demands, laying down a more versatile aerobic foundation.

Structured Workouts: FulGaz also offers structured workouts designed to optimize your base building phase. These workouts are tailored to maintain the right intensity to maximize aerobic development without tipping into the anaerobic zone, ensuring you build a solid base efficiently.

Integrating FulGaz into Your Training Plan

Start by setting clear goals for your base phase, focusing on duration and consistency rather than intensity. Schedule regular sessions on FulGaz, exploring different routes to keep your training engaging. Pay attention to your heart rate and power output to stay within the right intensity zone for base building—typically 60-75% of your Functional Threshold Power (FTP). Incorporate a mix of longer, steady rides with some shorter sessions that include low-intensity intervals. This approach helps improve your endurance while also beginning to introduce some variability in your training, which can be beneficial for muscle adaptation and overall fitness.

Conclusion

Base building is an essential phase in any cyclist’s or triathlete’s training plan, setting the stage for later successes. With FulGaz, athletes have a powerful tool at their disposal to make this foundational phase more effective, engaging, and enjoyable. By leveraging the realistic riding experience and diverse routes, you can lay down a solid aerobic base that will support your ambitions, whether you’re aiming for a personal best or the finish line of your next triathlon. So, saddle up and let FulGaz guide you through the most scenic roads around the world, all while building the endurance you need to excel. New to FulGaz? Download it from your app store today and start riding with our 14-day free trial.

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Marty Robb

david rybnicek — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 01:55:25 +0000

After we put a call out for riders from NZ to help grow the number of rides from New Zealand, Marty stepped up and offered to help grow our collection of rides from the region.

Lucky enough to call the stunning Wānaka in New Zealand home, Marty Robb (72) is one of our newest contributors.

For his next adventure, Marty is off to conquer the Alps to Ocean (A2O) route, a 300 km ride from Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru on the east coast. It features spectacular mountain scenery, rivers, hydroelectric dams, and vineyards until finally, you meet the ocean for a well-earned swim at the end.

Here’s a little bit more about Marty and why he chose these rides.

Tell us about this collection

These rides are based around where I live in the Wanaka region of New Zealand, a favourite area for biking, hiking, mountain climbing and skiing.

The scenery of the region is stunning and some of the Lord of the Rings footage was filmed around here, as well as footage for Mission Impossible and many other movies. I hope to film many more rides as time goes on.

What’s favourite real-world ride?

I like many of the off-road bike trails around Wanaka. Unfortunately, I think they’re a bit too rugged for FulGaz.

Favourite FulGaz ride & why?

I like so many of the FulGaz rides it’s hard to pick a favourite, but at the moment I love the Cornish Fishing Ports rides, having been there on holiday a few years ago.

How did you start filming rides for FulGaz?

I saw on the FulGaz Facebook group discussions that volunteers were needed to film more New Zealand rides, so I put my name forward.

Favourite cycling memory?

My favourite cycling memory is riding the beautiful Newcastle Track alongside the Clutha River near home with my daughter in spring with the wildflowers in full blossom.

Dream bike or favourite bike?

My favourite bike is a Specialized Epic MTB.

You can find all of Marty’s rides in FulGaz by searching Robb as he grows the collection of routes from NZ over the coming months.

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Kathryn Robinson

david rybnicek — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 22:46:49 +0000

Kathryn Robinson spent her childhood in the Chiltern Hills and studied in Scotland where she cycled around the East Neuk of Fife on a one-speed 1950s Raleigh with a wicker basket on the front. Later in life, she moved to Sweden’s north to live in Umeå with her husband Nathaniel.

Kathryn is an avid outdoor enthusiast, who loves to ride and hike as much as time and weather permits as winters in Northern Europe force most people inside.

What’s your favourite real-world ride?

One of my favourite rides is a loop of the Lövöudden peninsula at Holmsund, on the coast near Umeå. It is a fun little ride with a holiday feel.

Favourite FulGaz ride & why?

While I love FulGaz rides from all over the world, my favourites are in the UK. Lochie McLochface reminds me of childhood holidays in Scotland, and Chinnor Hill 2019 passes my family’s home in the Chiltern Hills.

How did you start filming rides for FulGaz?

There was little coverage of this part of the world, so I applied to FulGaz’s contributor program and was glad to have the opportunity to fill this geographic gap in Sweden. Thank you to the FulGaz team for sending a GoPro to film the rides with, and for developing this content.

Favourite cycling memory?

Probably an idyllic three-day backpacking/camping adventure around Ankarsund, Arjeplog and Ammarnäs in Swedish Lapland. The weather was perfect, the roads were quiet, and the local food was delicious.

Dream bike or favourite bike?

My dream bike would be a fat bike. It would be fun to ride on the frozen lakes and snowmobile trails in the winter.

You can find all of Kathryn’s rides in FulGaz by searching Robinson. Give Kathryn a follow on Strava below to stay up to date with all of her cycling and hiking adventures!

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Joanna Sharpe

david rybnicek — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:15:33 +0000

Hailing from Coromandel in New Zealand/Aotearoa, Joanna is a 48 year old ultra endurance athlete and LOVES to ride.

Joanna also is the first individual to ever vEverest using FulGaz, completing this achievement in early 2022.

Find out more about Joanna and what drives her.

Why do you ride?

I love adventures, especially those with lots of climbing, the more remote locations the better but riding gravel…well let’s say I need improvement. I run my own business so am a fully-fledged member of the 4am club, training full-time but in the early hours of the day. FulGaz helps me to reach my racing, adventure and world record goals by being so efficient. I love supporting racing, I have recently embraced the joy of self-supported brevt and love and also love an indoor challenge. I believe that everyone should ride in whatever way gives them joy wherever or however that may be, just ride how you feel.

What’s favourite real world ride?

That is such a hard question. I live in the Coromandel, New Zealand because I love cycling in this area so much. One particular ride across Whangapoua hill never ceases to give me joy. My other favourite place to cycle in the world is the South Island of New Zealand. I love the Southern Alps and riding any of those mountain passes. I am still to cycle through the Dolomites however so maybe that can change my mind I have always wanted to cycle through Australia’s central desert including Uluru. I can’t wait to do that in 2024.

Favourite FulGaz ride & why?

I would have to say Gerlospass Everesting climb. I was fortunate to be the first to vEverest on FulGaz and this was this climb I used. Not only did I have a great time but we raised a heap of money for Bowel Cancer NZ as well. I ride FulGaz for all my indoor training from interval sessions to power-based training so I have a heap of favourites I like to switch between.

How did you start filming rides for FulGaz?

The FulGaz team got in touch with me because there were so few New Zealand rides and being such a great place to ride I was really happy to jump in and get filming. I hope to bring a gravel series and other great ride locations to FulGaz library soon.

Favourite cycling memory?

It would have to be reaching Bluff, the southernmost part of New Zealand having become the first female, and only the 5th person ever to cycle the length of New Zealand non-stop. The crew and I were ecstatic, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

Dream bike or favourite bike?

Chapter 2 Toa for climbing, Koko for areo and AO for adventure and off-road.

You can find all of Joanna’s rides in FulGaz by searching Sharpe. Give Joanna a follow on Strava below to stay up to date with all of her adventures!

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Iain Crawford

david rybnicek — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 03:59:42 +0000

Originally from just south of Glasgow, but now calling Aalsmeer in The Netherlands home, Iain Crawford has contributed a number of fun and unique routes to FulGaz over the last few years.

It was whilst living in London, on the Surrey periphery, he acknowledged his 40th birthday with a sports bicycle and the rest, as they say, is history.

Family camping holidays to mainly France included the bikes and when in the Alps or near the Pyreneans, Iain snuck away to bag a famous ascent or two.

Residing in the Netherlands, Iain and his wife do everything on their bikes and really only use their car (small camper) for holidays, and of course, the bikes go too.

Tell us about your most recent ride collection.

We had always wanted to visit the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, but never got around to it until this summer and we were very fortunate that our trip coincided with great weather. We spent three weeks there in our small campervan and toured; Lewis, Harris, Benbecula, Barra and the Uists.

Since we weren’t sure of; the weather, wind, terrain and road surfaces we took our day-to-day ebikes and I think that was a good choice for a ‘non-cycling’ holiday. The Butt of Lewis ride (97 Km) actually started and ended in Stornoway and I thought that little stretch looked quite attractive and interesting, considering it’s remoteness.

Prior to that, I was battling into a NE headwind all the way and the camera battery ran out on the way back.

The Valtos Peninsula ride started next to our campsite and I was again able to go out alone and film it. It was such a nice day and the short loop and varied scenery was just a no-brainer to film. I am glad that I was on my ebike as I would have struggled up that steep climb without wobbling at a crawl. Even though I say it myself, it’s a favourite and I would hope that members enjoy it as much as I did IRL.

The Clunch Road ride is a tough one that I have done a number of times over the years when I am back in the Glasgow area. However, the road surface on the Windy Yett section is disgraceful and I have had many punctures on it. This was my third attempt at filming it after a number of glitches and even this one, I had to start at a point beyond where I had intended.

It’s a testament to video processing that riding this one virtually banishes all the negative feelings I had while recording it. I could have taken the sports bike that I keep in Scotland but used my eBike with it’s fatter and more puncture-resistant tyres.

What’s your next big ride to do in the real world?

I haven’t done the Stelvio yet and possibly time is running out for me, but I always fancied Transfăgărășan: Romania’s Best Mountain Road Trip. Maybe someone will film it for FulGaz?

Favourite FulGaz ride & why?

I like many of the rides in France filmed by Rob Bennett; they are always bright, colourful and interesting and invoke the desire to go there and do them IRL.

France is one of my favourite destinations and is easy to get to for me. I particularly like the Alps around Embrun where I have enjoyed cycling and white water kayaking.

How did you start filming rides for FulGaz?

I use Zwift and FulGaz and find them both very enjoyable in their own way. With an IT background, I was always into the next gadget and the fact that I have been effectively retired for 8 years with time and fantastic cycling infrastructure on my doorstep, it seemed the logical step to film and share. Now wherever I go, I take my GoPro gear with me.

Favourite cycling memory?

Riding the three ascents of Mont Ventoux in 2014 for the Cinglés du Mont Ventoux. He rode: Bédoin, Malaucène, Sault and saw aw the sun come up and the sun go down during this challenge. That day combined with such a beautiful area and pleasant vibe.

Dream bike or favourite bike?

I like my Focus Cayo Evo 4, which is now 10 years old. However, I think that I may succumb to an Orbea Gain ebike in the next few years.
You can find all of Iain’s rides in FulGaz by searching Crawford. Give Iain a follow on Strava below to stay up to date with all of his adventures!

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