NoVA CBG Training Wheels - Getting started with Zwift 2026

This meetup describes what is needed to use an indoor training environment at your own home using ZWIFT. I am assuming you are using a "dumb" trainer and your normal road bike. Obviously feel free to reach out to me and I will try to assist with your setup.
gary@novacbg.org // 703...568...1550 (cell/text).

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THE STUFF
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1) A ZWIFT Subscription (you can do two different types):

• Gary's ZWIFT Referral Code:https://www.zwift.com/invite/b7vxe9n3fg
• Annual Membership $199.99/year (12 months for the price of 10)
• Monthly Membership $19.99/month (Gary does this one but traditionally I keep it Dec, Jan, Feb, and March and then drop it).

2) A Bluetooth Enabled Speed Sensor:

• This is just one example of a speed sensor:
  Magene Speed/Cadence Sensor
  https://www.amazon.com/Magene-Cycling-Cadence-Buletooth-Wireless/dp/B08252X8VS
• If you are already own a speed sensor (for your Garmin let's say) check if it is Bluetooth enabled, if so then you're all set.
• If you have a SMART trainer (or any cycling system that is Bluetooth or ZWIFT enabled) then you are also all set.

3) (OPTIONAL) An HDMI cable:

• Whatever computer you are using to connect to your speed sensor you CAN use that screen to see the virtual world of ZWIFT.
• But let's say you're using a laptop (tiny screen) you COULD plug the laptop into your BIG SCREEN using an HDMI cable to see the virtual world of ZWIFT in a much larger screen.
• Not sure how far your computer is from your big screen, but here's a 25 foot HDMI cable that I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AY14AW

4) (OPTIONAL) A tire you will use on your trainer:

• If you are using a trainer where your tire is on the flywheel, over time that tire will flatten out.
• Gary puts an old tire on (the rear) and uses it just for the winter.

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THE HOOK UP
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1) Setting up your Speed Sensor:

• I'm assuming you just bought the Magene S3+ Speed/Cadence Sensor.
• Product Guide: How to use Magene S3+ Speed/Cadence Sensor https://youtu.be/Q4CYsuf5TOc?si=_Qrw7boAaJUtfEJT
• If blinking RED (cadence mode) just open the back, remove it, and then put it back on, it should be blinking green at this point.
• Short Story - make sure it is set to SPEED mode (green blinking light) and that it is attached to your rear wheel hub (the wheel that will be spinning).

2) Make sure your computer can find Bluetooth devices:

• Windows: Start -> Settings -> Devices -> Bluetooth and Other Devices
  (Set Bluetooth to "ON")
• Apple: I don't know, maybe someone can tell me how to make sure that Bluetooth is ON.

3) Setting up ZWIFT - COMPUTER:

• Download the ZWIFT install.exe for your operating system (save ZwiftSetup.exe to your download folder for now so you can run it): https://www.zwift.com/download
• Run the install program "ZwiftSetup.exe" that you just downloaded.
• You should see a ZWIFT launch icon on your desktop.

4) Run ZWIFT - COMPUTER:

• Launch ZWIFT then click the "Let's Go" button.
• You'll see the "Bluetooth" symbol SEARCHING for any Bluetooth device.
• Click "Speed Sensor Search" for ZWIFT to look for your sensor.
• You'll have to be spinning the wheel of your bike with the sensor on it for the sensor to be "active" for your computer to find it.
• When ZWIFT finds your sensor, it will have a "name" ... the name might not make a lot of sense but basically if ZWIFT finds a sensor it is most likely the one on your bike.
• Ta Da... ZWIFT is on your computer and the ZWIFT application has found your speed sensor.
• At this point you can make sure your ZWIFT profile is all filled out the way you want it and any other ZWIFT stuff needed.

5) Setting up ZWIFT COMPANION APP - PHONE:

• https://www.zwift.com/companion
• ZWIFT on your computer is what runs the virtual world and connects your bicycle (speed sensor) together.
• The ZWIFT Companion App runs on your phone and allows you to "interact" with the ZWIFT world and others. Think of this as a "remote control" that you use while riding. So you phone becomes the remote control for ZWIFT.
• Load the ZWIFT companion app onto your phone.

6) Come join the "NoVA CBG Zwift Riders" club on Zwift.

• We have our own "club" on ZWIFT called the "NoVA CBG Zwift Riders"
• You'll want to just become a member of that as well to see the rides and stuff we schedule.
• https://www.zwift.com/clubs/e4780b0c-7dc8-4a21-8954-cf34b0326103/home

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ZWIFTING
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At this point, you're pretty much setup to do a ZWIFT ride. You can do a ZWIFT ride by yourself OR with CBG when we schedule a ZWIFT event. I do recommend playing around with ZWIFT yourself first to get the feel of it all.

CBG will help you out as best we can so if you really REALLY want to do the ZWIFT thing, start your process now so we can work through it before January.