As a content creator for usabikers.net, I’m always looking for fresh and exciting cycling challenges. Having previously tackled Zwift endurance feats like 100km for 60 straight days and a 3000km advent calendar, I was eager for a new test. This time, a somewhat crazy, yet brilliant idea sparked: could I unlock the coveted Tron bike on a brand new Zwift account using only the 7-day free trial?
Earning the Tron bike, or Concept Z1, in Zwift is a badge of honor, requiring a grueling 50,000 meters of elevation gain. Breaking this down over a 7-day trial meant averaging approximately 7,143 meters of climbing each day. It sounded daunting, a true test of grit and determination, but also within the realm of possibility. The decision was made – I was going for it. Careful planning was essential, focusing on crucial aspects like nutrition, hydration, and effective pacing strategies to sustain the intense effort.
Adding purpose beyond personal challenge, I partnered with Mieli ry. Charity, a Finnish organization dedicated to children’s and youth mental health. Setting up a fundraising account, I aimed to leverage this demanding endeavor to support a worthy cause. With everything in place, Wednesday, December 15th, marked the start of the Tron Biker journey.
The initial day was a typical workday, necessitating a split approach. A 2,000-meter vertical climb in the morning was followed by the remaining 5,000 meters post-work. Day two became synonymous with Alpe du Zwift. Five ascents of this iconic climb were undertaken, punctuated by a brief respite before tackling it once more in a race. This additional climb, perhaps a questionable decision in hindsight, was driven by the pursuit of points in a local Finnish racing series. The seventh climb of the day proved particularly taxing.
Cyclist undertaking a demanding climb in Zwift as part of the Tron Bike challenge.
Following the Alpe du Zwift marathon, the focus shifted to the Radio Tower route. Its shorter, steeper climb and quick descent made it ideal for efficient elevation gain. This route became a form of intense interval training, maximizing vertical meters within a shorter timeframe. The subsequent days were strategically designed to be slightly less demanding, a calculated move to prepare for the looming 12-hour ride.
With several days completed, and confidence growing in my nutrition and pacing, I felt ready to push harder. Sunday became the designated 12-hour day, aimed at making significant progress towards the Tron biker goal. Having previously completed vEveresting, the concept of “trenching” – descending 10,944m, equivalent to the Mariana Trench depth – presented a new and intriguing challenge. This epic ride spanned 11 hours and 5 minutes of moving time, maintaining a normalized power of 210w, covering 184km and accumulating a staggering 11,597m of elevation gain. It was a profound test of physical and mental endurance, pushing me closer to my limits than ever before.
Trenching day propelled me ahead of schedule, allowing for slightly shorter rides in the remaining days. However, these “shorter” rides still felt unexpectedly long, triggering mental fatigue and internal negotiation. Unsurprisingly, the day after the 12-hour effort was exceptionally challenging. Already 2kg lighter than five days prior, and with accumulated fatigue setting in, motivation waned. Monday was managed in shorter segments, breaking down the required elevation into more manageable chunks for both body and mind.
The Zwift community proved invaluable during this demanding period. The support and camaraderie from those joining the livestream, offering words of encouragement or riding alongside virtually, provided a significant boost. This sense of community spirit is a defining aspect of the Zwift experience.
The final day arrived with depleted motivation, but the finish line was within sight. At this point, it was no longer about motivation, but sheer determination to complete the challenge. Maintaining pace was a struggle, both physically and mentally, but the focus was on efficiency, avoiding any unnecessary extension of the ride. The final 1000 meters approached, triggering a final surge of effort. Then, it was over. Just like that, the Tron bike was unlocked.
Two screenshots showcasing the Tron bike customization options in Zwift.
I customized the Tron bike, selecting colors to match my Wahoo-Le Col kit, a personal touch to celebrate the achievement. The final statistics of the Tron biker challenge were: 50 hours and 11 minutes of moving time, 50,051 meters climbed, and an average normalized power between 200w-210w. Unsurprisingly, my legs were exhausted, but the Zwift free trial still had some time remaining.
The unlocked Tron bike, a testament to completing the 7-day Zwift challenge.
This Tron bike challenge was more than just a test of physical endurance; it was a profound lesson in understanding personal limits and the nature of cycling. Cycling, in essence, is about compromise – balancing effort and recovery, pushing limits and finding sustainable rhythms. The key is discovering a balance that works for you, allowing you to enjoy the ride, whatever challenge you choose to undertake.
