Get ready to explore the exciting new world of TrainingPeaks Virtual! With the introduction of the GPXplore feature, the platform has taken a massive leap forward, offering an incredible experience for athletes and coaches alike. Imagine being able to virtually ride any route on the planet, from the comfort of your own home - it's a game-changer!
GPXplore allows you to import GPX routes and embark on a virtual journey, feeling the elevation changes and navigating the curves just like you would on the actual road. The feature even attempts to incorporate satellite imagery as a base map, blending it with 3D graphics to create a realistic landscape around you. While it might not always capture the exact scenery, the core experience is spot on.
Let's dive into the details and uncover how this new feature works and what it means for your training.
Getting Started with GPXplore:
To begin your virtual adventure, you'll need to create or export a GPX route from various platforms like Strava, Garmin, or Komoot. Once you have your route, importing it into TrainingPeaks is a straightforward process, although it involves a few steps. You'll need to log in to the TrainingPeaks website and navigate to the 'Routes' section to upload your GPX file. It's a bit of a manual process, but the team at TrainingPeaks is known for their quick response to suggestions, so we can expect some streamlining soon.
Creating Your Virtual Event:
After importing your route, it's time to create an event within the TrainingPeaks Virtual app. Here's where things get a bit controversial. The feature is currently hidden under the 'Events' section, requiring you to create a new event, which feels a bit cumbersome. Ideally, it should be easily accessible from the main dashboard, especially for those who want a quick ride without the hassle of scheduling. After all, the purpose of TrainingPeaks acquiring this platform was for deeper integration and a seamless user experience.
When creating your event, you'll have the option to select your imported route and even choose a biome to set the environment. Additionally, you can customize the number of bots riding with you and add other settings. However, these options are a bit hidden, and it would be great if they were more visible and accessible.
Riding Your Virtual Route:
Once your event is set, you'll be placed in a starting pen, even for private events. The default setting includes 29 simulated riders, but you can adjust this in the settings. The route itself is an accurate representation of your GPX file, capturing the elevation changes and road turns perfectly. However, the surrounding terrain and road surface might not always match reality, but that's where the fun begins!
There are some bugs to be aware of, especially when routes overlap, which can result in some interesting 'fence-navigating' moments for the riders. Additionally, you might notice some cyclists pushing their non-UCI-compliant bikes to the limit, melting into the pavement. Despite these quirks, the overall ups and downs of the course are well captured, providing a realistic riding experience.
The Benefits of GPXplore:
Having a feature like GPXplore within a larger, mainstream app like TrainingPeaks is a huge advantage for many athletes. It allows you to ride upcoming race routes, understand the elevation profile, and get a feel for the course without leaving your home. For athletes like your writer's wife, who has been using TP for nearly 20 years, this feature is a game-changer, offering a convenient way to prepare for races.
Final Thoughts and Future Improvements:
GPXplore is an exciting addition to TrainingPeaks Virtual, offering a unique and immersive riding experience. While there are a few minor tweaks and improvements to be made, such as streamlining the process and making it more accessible, the core functionality is solid. The TrainingPeaks team is known for their quick response to feedback, so we can expect some enhancements soon.
So, what do you think about GPXplore? Are you excited to give it a try? Let's discuss in the comments! Your feedback and thoughts are always welcome and appreciated.
