Can’t Be Together? Zwift Together!

Ben and John Cowgill enjoy sharing father-son bike rides, even while they’re 2,000 miles apart.

Originally from Kentucky, John now calls California “home.” His father, Ben, lives across the United States in Virginia. They’ve combined Zwift and video conferencing software to make it feel like they’re riding together again.

“As a kid, me and my dad used to go on rides all the time,” John says. “That was the primary way we’d exercise together.”

That’s how John first started riding a bike – alongside his father, with leashes looped around the handlebars as their dogs ran ahead. It’s been about 15 years since they cycled together outdoors, but he and Ben have found another way.

While riding Zwift, the two chat like they would if they were side by side, using Zoom video conferencing software. They might talk about recent events in their lives or something interesting they see on the road. It’s a more fun, active way to connect from a distance than just calling on the phone.

“I love my son, and I’m very proud of the fact that he’s a healthy, athletic guy,” Ben says. “It is a joy for me to be doing this with him and try to keep up with him.”

“It’s totally my recovery day,” John says, and they both break into laughter.

He’s teasing his father, but John says that these rides do help him get some more steady miles in. It keeps him from getting too competitive on days where he wants a less intense workout.

Above all, it’s a way for the two to enjoy an activity together even when they’re thousands of miles apart.

“I’m so proud of Dad and how much he’s committed himself to fitness over the last year,” he says. Obviously, I love my dad and want him to be around for a long time, so it’s really cool to do things together that are about fitness and keeping a healthy lifestyle.”

Ben’s own father died at age 67 – just two years older than he is now. John was six months old at the time, so he never knew his grandfather.

“He was a great guy, well-liked and well-admired by a lot of people, but… he did not attend to his own health,” says Ben. “I am determined to put in the effort and take the time to be healthier than my father was.”

Meetups and Messages

Ben runs Zwift on an iPhone connected to a big TV screen. His iPad runs Zwift Companion, which gives him a map, a second display of his data, easy access to messaging, and more. Finally, he connects to Zoom on his laptop computer.

Meanwhile, John uses a laptop computer connected to a TV for Zwift and smartphone for the video call. He got a bike mount for his phone so that it stays in place on his handlebars.

John’s setup (left) and Ben’s setup (right)

To make it easier to ride together, they’ll often use Meetups. Here’s how they work:

• Anyone can invite up to 100 people who are following them to a Meetup at a certain day and time. John is usually the creator of the Cowgills’ meetups, which means there’s a yellow leader’s beacon above his avatar that his father can follow.
• Selecting “keep everyone together” allows riders of different abilities to stay together as long as they keep pedaling. So far, the Cowgills have turned this setting off, which motivates Ben to work harder to keep up!
• Zwifters log in before the Meetup is set to start and join the event when prompted.
• If one of them is already riding, the other can select his name at the starting screen, and click or tap “Ride With.” This doesn’t let him join a Meetup that’s already started, but it does drop the latecomer in right next to his riding partner.

Learn more about joining friends in a Meetup

Even when they can’t hear each other, Zwifters like Ben and John can still message with friends and family while riding or running together. Here’s how messaging works:

• Zwifters type to each other using a keyboard or Zwift Companion. Press “M” on the keyboard, type a message into the box that pops up, and then hit “Enter.” This will send the message to everyone nearby, or just those within an event if the rider has joined one. When using the app, just select the “messages” tab at the bottom of the screen and type in the chat box.
• Want some privacy? Send a message to one person with Zwift Companion. Either select their name from the nearby list or search for it, and tap the message button on their profile. Use the chat tabs to switch between global, event, and private messages.

New Roads to Better Health

Ben found Zwift after resolving to take better care of his health as he got older. When he and his wife moved to Lynchburg, Virginia several years ago, he wanted to take full advantage of the beautiful scenery in the area. Ben bought a bike and enjoyed riding outside for a while.

Then he got into an accident in the summer of 2019. Ben wasn’t seriously hurt, but the experience shook him. He decided to stick to exploring the outdoors on foot.

When he found Zwift later that year, it helped him feel comfortable riding his bike again. This time he could enjoy the scenery in a virtual world! Without knowing anyone else on the platform, though, he found it hard to stay motivated.

“I did a little bit and dropped out of it, as with other aspects of my exercise,” Ben says.

In early 2020, John’s gym in San Fransisco closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His work in venture capital moved to his home. He had been cycling off and on for a few years, so he decided to pick it back up, but he needed a way to exercise at home. That’s when his father mentioned Zwift to him and helped him pick out a smart trainer.

“At least early in the beginnings of the shelter-in-place order here, I wasn’t sure how I felt about riding my bike outside,” John says. “So I started doing Zwift, and it’s been super fun – a really cool way to get exercise without having to go outdoors.”

Now, he’s back to riding both inside and outside. Both types of riding complement each other well. Training indoors lets him do harder and more focused workouts, or to hop on for a relaxed ride with his father. Outdoor rides allow for fresh air and exploration.

Both men have found new motivation to keep getting on the bike. After so many years without an outdoor ride together, is another one in their future? It’s hard when they’re living on opposite ends of the country, but they say they want to try.

“I’d love for us to go for a ride in person again,” John says. “I’ve really gotten back into cycling as a result of this pandemic, and I really want to keep doing it.”