A snowy day here. Perfect for an indoor workout. I chose to do the next stage in the Zwift TDZ ride. Stage 5. I got everything ready, hopped on and logged in. The kit was up and running. I was there at about 4 minutes to go. I was fumbling through the menus to find out how to join. I think they allow riders until 5 minutes prior. There was a "Join" button that teleported me to the start line. I knew how the group rides work now. As the previous, no one was controlling the pack. I tried staying with the front group. I couldn't see the riders up front. A limitation of the game. So, I was having to rely on the corner of the screen that showed my position. I think I was around 800 or 900. So, I tried moving up. I think I got as close as 600th. The pace was the same as the previous stage. Pretty much, no holding back. This course was one lap that went around the island, and then the volcano. About half way through, the connection to my trainer went out. At first I thought I was DQ'd or something. So, (while cursing), I repaired the wireless connection and I was up and running again. I was about to give up because everyone was passing me. After getting the trainer paired again, I noticed that I was still around 800th out of 1200. So, I said, to heck with it, I can still get a good workout in. I decided to continue. From that point on, the trainer remained paired. I was doing good. Most of the time, I was at the front of the group. Like last time, I tried to control the pace without jumping out of the pack. I'm learning that I have to spin real fast on the flats. I've yet to get that ironed out. My HR was above 150 most of the time. But, I was able to hold it there. I wasn't hypoxic, but definitely breathing hard. I was able to make up ground on the climbs. In the end, there was a two mile climb to the top of the volcano. I was able to make up ground. I crossed the finish line, but I don't remember what place I got. Concentration was very good. I was captivated by the moment. Gear worked, with the exception of the dropped connection on the trainer. Balance and form felt much better today. Ailments, some hand numbness and soreness. I think it was better than last time. My lower right quad was getting sore on the last climb. Not a cramp, but felt similar. Other notes, There were about 15,000 riders when I first hopped on. About 1200 riders in the group ride.

Other notes, the screen recorder went out some time when the trainer connection went out. I think I lost about 20 minutes of coverage.