This morning I was scrolling through my Twitter feed and a post from ZwiftInsider caught my attention. Zwift released update 1.0.60239 adding four new Watopia routes. So far all of my rides in Zwift since I restarted my subscription for the winter took place in events. Today with the new routes I opted for a “free rider” not an event. There were plenty of Zwifters out along the Ocean Lava Cliffside Loop I chose. At times I saw over 3,200 other riders on the course.

The course description from ZwiftInsider, ” 19km long with 156m of climbing, this is the most exciting of the new routes, because it includes the longest stretch of new road! Zwift has the added the “Epic KOM Bypass”: ~2.7km of fresh road which connects the bottom of the Epic KOM Reverse (near the Jungle entrance) so the bottom of the Epic KOM Forward (after crossing the suspension bridge). It’s a rolling, twisty road, and even includes a tiny dirt detour.” When I first read about the new routes I checked the Strava segment to see what the first riders were doing. They were fast. The fastest averaged 29.9 mph taking 23:41 to ride the loop. My time was significantly higher at 45:07 at 16.0 mph average speed.

After installing the update I got ready to ride the Ocean Lava Cliffside Loop but my sensors would not stay connected. I tried the usual fixes but the problem persisted. I ended up closing Zwift and restarting and all my sensors connected using the companion app on my phone. I opened my garage and switched my frame from the Canyon to Cannondale Evo. It had been awhile since I navigated the rides and courses so it took a few tries to find the Ocean Lava Cliffside Loop because I didn’t click on Watopia. Once I opened the Watopia routes I found it. I chose this one because it was the longest and had the least amount of climbing.

Some shots from the ride.

With the new route I racked up a number of personal records according to Strava. Not being in an event didn’t mean easy riding. The course gained 467 feet with one spot at 12% causing me to get out of the saddle to pedal. Fortunately it didn’t last long. Average power came in at 117 watts with a max of 259 watts though I thought climbing that 12% hill it would’ve been higher. I passed some people and many passed me.

Now I will ride the other new routes.