Try the Real Time Loop?

[Cyclist2]

Used the Real Time Loop for my warmup before my "real" workout today. An interesting change of view from just numbers, but can't see myself using it for a dedicated workout. It's sort of like the fish game on my RowErg monitor - fun every now and then but not enough of a draw (for me, anyway) to do it for more than a warmup or cool down.

I'm not into all the on-line stuff (no social media, no Row Pro, Zwift, etc.) so I can't compare. Maybe eventually, they will incorporate a WOD into the Real Time with specific start times so several people would be doing the same workout together (isn't that sort of what Row Pro does?) Their blog article says they'll incorporate features based on user feedback.

[JaapvanE]

I'm not into all the on-line stuff (no social media, no Row Pro, Zwift, etc.) so I can't compare.

I can compare it to EXR, which I use almost daily. EXR has a much more realistic environment, so it makes a row less boring. That is their goal: remove the boredom of rowing (so the race parcours is still on their to do list). A couple of months ago they introduced multiplayer, which is fun as you encounter people. Through the EXR Discord channel, the users and EXR organise group rows themselves. You see two types of rows:

• EXR group monthly rows are typically on Lake EXR 1600 meter loop, so you get a situation similar to Time loop, but with a more realistic looking environment and people sitting in boats rowing, everyone doing his own thing. In all honesty, it is sometimes fun to to see the lake crowded and pass someone every 200 meters, but it is not the most thrilling experience. It is chaotic and every man for himself. Think stampede or a Head of the River Charles regatta busy: not a relaxed row for me. Personally, I'd rather have an empty lake then, or encounter two or three people in 30 minutes (i.e the usual number of people).
• User group rows which a group of us organise 4-5 rows a week, where we typically use the Boston Muddy River course (almost 20K long loop). We agree on a steady state pace beforehand, so it allows people to see if it fits their ambitions for that day. As users can join other users while rowing, so people can drop in any moment and join the group when its rowing. And we accept that people leave early (and sometimes sprint away doing it). As some are true long distance rowers (doing 3 HM's a week), you then get a 90 minute window for a group row. People are experimenting with the voice channel of Discord, allowing each other to discuss pace and to cheer people on. I find this extremely usefull, as it is fun to row alongside other people (reduces boredom) and it helps me keep my pace. Yesterday I rowed with a group of 6 for an hour on a nice steady pace of 2:15. During such a row I like the scenery but also like the fact that we are keeping one pace, so no staring at numbers, just keeping up with a couple of friends.

The last is quite benefitial. And one of the most requested features is "rubber banding", allowing slower people to row along faster rowers and kind of keep up. So there is room for a social aspect here.

But when I look at the C2 time loop, it is more like the first and not enough of the last. That is why I see it as a gimmick, and not as something usefull. But again, I might not see the benefits here as I'm spoiled by EXR.

[sheethead]

Is it just me or does the distance seem off by around 15 meters compared pm5 and the mobile? Everything else in sync..

[Joebasscat]

Is it just me or does the distance seem off by around 15 meters compared pm5 and the mobile? Everything else in sync..

Yes, it’s a bit delayed.

[RDL]

Used it yesterday. It crashed. Got a little under 4000m in and lost connection with the server which its almost immediately regained but booted me. ErgData didn't record the data but the PM5 did so had to use C2Utility to get the workout into my logbook. Not ideal. Will try again. Hopefully just a one off.

Overall. Ok for what it is. Certainly better than just straight up numbers and I can see me using for 'just row' type workouts with no specific goal beyond getting some metres in. Can see it needing some discipline however to not chase or speed up if boredom starts to set in!

See what it develops into. As @Cyclist2 says could be interesting if they could work the WOD into it or even just occasionally do some races over the traditional set distances.
I'm sure C2 will develop this feature more.

[/skn]

Joined the forum to basically say I think it's great. I'm new to rowing, but have been rowing most days.

Today there was a user gradually catching me over several hundred metres. They went ahead for a bit, but then slowed so I caught up and we rowed 'together' for ~10k and I rowed an hour before my bum and legs told me that was enough. I guess someone at the same pace as you on the other side of the loop and you'd never know but for a free feature I like it. Perhaps the loop times of real users be useful.

I had a movie on Netflix and think I must have watched the loop just as much as the TV.

[stevegaspars]

Does anyone know if the feedback contact is rowing@concept2?

I really like the RTL 'gimmick'. It makes it a little more distracting to keep rowing, or rowing harder.

I personally would like to see along with the 'closest rowers' lines, the ability to pick a rower on the loop and track your speed relative to them... no matter where they are on the map. It would allow me to know how much i need to catch up to my nominated competitor or vice versa, currently if they're not within range I have no idea.

Another thing that would be neat, is if you have a training partner, to race against their workouts previously using the loop interface. Even multiple training partners, kinda like what the dishonourboards are meant to do; but less cheaty.

Seasoned rowers may think these are frivolous. Curious if anyone else thinks the above wants are worthwhile or not.

[Citroen]

Does anyone know if the feedback contact is rowing@concept2?

The feedback for Ergdata is rowing@concept2.com.

[DavidA]

Does anyone know if the feedback contact is rowing@concept2?

I really like the RTL 'gimmick'. It makes it a little more distracting to keep rowing, or rowing harder.

I personally would like to see along with the 'closest rowers' lines, the ability to pick a rower on the loop and track your speed relative to them... no matter where they are on the map. It would allow me to know how much i need to catch up to my nominated competitor or vice versa, currently if they're not within range I have no idea.

Another thing that would be neat, is if you have a training partner, to race against their workouts previously using the loop interface. Even multiple training partners, kinda like what the dishonourboards are meant to do; but less cheaty.

Seasoned rowers may think these are frivolous. Curious if anyone else thinks the above wants are worthwhile or not.

I like those ideas as well.

David

[stevegaspars]

Has anyone else noticed that in the overhead view, sometimes the white dots can grow in size and then return to their original size?

Does anyone know why?

[EAB1]

Good catch! I'd not noticed that before!

It appears those larger dots are those in the loop closest to your position (ahead or behind) -- the ones with distance deltas shown in the top right of the perspective view.

Evan

[stevegaspars]

Kinda obvious when you know. Thanks.

The next mystery is why your location arrow does a little spin at the bottom of the course. At least it was doing it there for most of my 15k row tonight. It doesn't appear to be split related, or any meaningful distance. It happened just prior to the 600m mark each lap.

[sheethead]

What are the little icons next to user picture? i saw a sad blocky face and a blue scissors..

[EAB1]

Sad blocky face is a BikeErg, and the scissors is a SkiErg - icons to show what others in the loop are on if not the RowErg.

[EAB1]

Kinda obvious when you know. Thanks.

The next mystery is why your location arrow does a little spin at the bottom of the course. At least it was doing it there for most of my 15k row tonight. It doesn't appear to be split related, or any meaningful distance. It happened just prior to the 600m mark each lap.

.

That sure looks like a bug in the program's resolving of the azimuth for the location arrow - seems to glitch as it goes past what appears to be 270 deg.