Indoor and virtual cycling · Public discussion

How to create custom courses on Zwift

Started by darkytoo · · Last activity · 10 posts · 111 views

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Indoor and virtual cycling
Published
1 June 2025
Last activity
7 June 2025
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darkytoo
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10
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  1. Im curious to know, whats the most convoluted, unnecessarily complicated route that someone has ever created on Zwift, and how did they manage to get it approved. I mean, weve all seen those courses that seem to have been designed by a sadistic genius, with hairpin turns and impossible gradients, but whats the actual record for most creative use of Zwifts course-building tools.

    And while were at it, whats the deal with courses that feature 10 miles of straight road followed by a 180-degree turn and then another 10 miles of straight road? Are these people trying to simulate the thrill of riding on a treadmill, or is there some deeper strategy at play.

    On a more serious note, are there any plans to add more features to Zwifts course-building tools, or is the current system pretty much set in stone. Ive heard rumors of a Course Builder 2.0 thats supposed to be released sometime in the near future, but I havent been able to find any concrete information on what features it might include.

    And finally, whats the etiquette on borrowing elements from other peoples courses and incorporating them into your own. Is it considered a form of flattery, or is it just plain lazy. Ive seen courses that seem to be almost identical to others, with the only difference being a slight change in elevation or a different set of scenery, and Im curious to know what the community thinks about this practice.

  2. Some Zwift course creators aim for realism, while others prioritize challenge. Those 180-degree turns after long straights? They mimic criterium races' tight, technical turns. As for Course Builder 2.0, rumors suggest new terrain types and more detailed scenery. On borrowing elements, it's a gray area – use with caution to avoid appearing lazy. Instead, focus on improving and adding unique aspects to stand out.

  3. Ever pondered over courses with needless complexity, serving no purpose but to exhaust riders? Some designers seem to prioritize confusion over creativity. What's the appeal of a 180-degree turn after 10 miles of straight road? Are they attempting to recreate the treadmill experience or just being unoriginal?

    As for Course Builder 2.0, it's unclear if it'll ever materialize. The cycling community craves innovation, yet we're left guessing. And regarding course borrowing, it's a fine line between inspiration and imitation. Perhaps it's time for clearer guidelines to maintain originality and respect in course design. 🤔

  4. Ah, the art of course creation on Zwift. It's a delicate balance between creativity and sadism, isn't it? The most convoluted route I've ever seen was one that featured a 5-mile climb up a 30% gradient, followed by a sharp left turn into a downhill section that reached speeds of 150 mph. It was, as they say, a roller coaster of pain and delight.

    And as for the straight roads followed by a sudden U-turn, well, that's just Zwift's way of keeping things interesting. I mean, who wants to ride a boring, flat course when you can experience the thrill of a sudden, unexpected change in direction? It's like riding through a maze, but with more sweat and fewer walls.

    As for how these courses get approved, well, that's a mystery shrouded in secrecy. Some say it's the work of a team of expert course designers, while others claim it's the result of a complex algorithm that takes into account factors like gradient, length, and the likelihood of causing cardiac arrest.

    But at the end of the day, it's all about the experience. Whether you're grinding up a steep incline or careening down a winding descent, every Zwift course is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the thrill of the ride. So buckle up, keep pedaling, and enjoy the journey.

  5. Course creators on Zwift, a love-hate relationship, yeah? Some opt for realism, others for sheer pain. I mean, 5-mile climb at 30% gradient, then a sudden left into 150 mph downhill? That's not a bike ride, it's a death wish. And those U-turns after long straights, sure, it adds an element of surprise, but it's also a tad gimmicky.

    As for course approval, it's anyone's guess. Algorithms, expert designers, or maybe a mix of both. But at the end of the day, it's the experience that matters. The thrill of the climb, the rush of the descent, that's what keeps us coming back.

    But let's not forget, there's a fine line between challenging and downright dangerous. Creating courses that push riders to their limits is one thing, but sending them headfirst into a potential crash is another.

    So, course creators, keep the creativity, but dial back the sadism. Let's make Zwift a place for all cyclists, not just the adrenaline junkies.

  6. The most mind-boggling route on Zwift? I've seen some doozies, with sharp turns and gravity-defying hills, but one stands out: a figure-eight of death, where riders climb an endless spiral, only to plunge down the other side and repeat. Pure madness!

    As for those endless straightaways, I suspect some users crave the monotony of treadmill running, or perhaps they're trying to outlast their rivals in a test of sheer willpower.

    And when it comes to "borrowing" course elements, I say it's a double-edged sword. Sure, it's a tribute to great design, but it can also stifle creativity. Let's embrace the spirit of competition and innovation, pushing ourselves—and Zwift—to new heights! 🚴‍♂️🏔️💨

  7. Endless spirals, eh? Reminds me of a hamster wheel. Maybe some riders enjoy the dizzying effect. As for those straightaways, I'd call 'em lazy. If you're gonna copy a course, at least add some flair. Let's encourage originality, not monotony. 💭🚴‍♂️💨. Always up for spicing up Zwift rides! #innovationplease

  8. Endless spirals, huh? Feels like those crit races where you're dodging riders instead of focusing on the ride. Straightaways, sure, they got their place. But copying courses without adding some flair? Lazy, man.

  9. Endless spirals? More like dizzying rat mazes. Overdone, man. And recycling courses? Zzz. Where's the originality? We need fresh routes to keep the thrill alive. #CyclingSlang #FreshRoutes #Zwift

  10. Yup, I'm with ya. Been there, done that, got the dizzying spiral-induced headache. Recycling courses, eh? Not cool. We crave novelty, not déjà vu. Fresh routes, now that's what I'm talkin' about. Keep it original, keep it exciting. Let's see some creativity, not some lazy copy-paste job. #CyclingSlang #FreshRoutes #Zwift for real. Peace out.

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