Top 14 'Pain-Cave-Escaping' Virtual World Tours to explore at home on Your Smart Trainer
The rhythmic whir of the smart trainer, the steady drip of sweat, the unchanging view of your garage wall. Welcome to the "pain cave." It's a space of grit, determination, and incredible fitness gains. But let's be honest, it can also be mind-numbingly dull. Staring at watts and RPMs for hours on end is a mental battle as much as a physical one. Even a seasoned cyclist like Goh Ling Yong knows that motivation can be the hardest thing to clip into.
But what if you could transform that monotonous grind into a grand adventure? What if, instead of your basement, you could be climbing the epic switchbacks of the Italian Alps, sprinting down the Champs-Élysées, or exploring a futuristic Japanese metropolis? Thanks to modern smart trainers and immersive virtual cycling platforms, this isn't science fiction. It's your new training reality.
We're not just talking about structured ERG mode workouts. We're talking about pure, unadulterated exploration. It’s about trading boredom for breathtaking views and escaping the pain cave by getting lost in another world. To help you on your journey, we’ve curated the ultimate list of 14 virtual world tours that will make you forget you’re even training. Let's roll.
1. Conquer the Virtual Alpe d'Huez: Alpe du Zwift
If there is one virtual climb that's a rite of passage for every indoor cyclist, it's Alpe du Zwift. This is a nearly exact replica of the legendary Alpe d'Huez, famous for its 21 hairpin bends and brutal gradients. This isn't just a ride; it's a vertical challenge that tests your legs, lungs, and willpower. The climb is a relentless 12.2km (7.6 miles) with an average gradient of 8.5%, taking most riders anywhere from 50 to 90 minutes to complete.
The beauty of Alpe du Zwift lies in its segmented struggle. Each of the 21 turns is numbered, giving you a small psychological victory as you tick them off one by one. The scenery changes as you ascend, moving from lush green forests at the base, through alpine meadows, and finally to the snowy, barren summit. Reaching the top is a true achievement, and Zwift rewards you with a prize spinner that grants you gear you can't get anywhere else.
Pro Tip: Pacing is everything. Don't go out too hard on the first few switchbacks. Find a sustainable power output and rhythm you can hold for an hour. Use the brief, slightly flatter sections on the inside of each hairpin to catch a quick breath before the gradient bites again.
2. The Moonscape of Mont Ventoux
The "Giant of Provence" is another iconic Tour de France climb, and its virtual counterpart is just as formidable. Available on multiple platforms like Zwift and FulGaz, Mont Ventoux is known for its unique and punishing landscape. The ride starts in a pleasant, forested area but soon gives way to the famous barren, windswept, and almost alien-like limestone scree near the summit.
Riding Ventoux virtually is a lesson in perseverance. The gradients are consistently steep, but it's the psychological effect of the stark, open landscape in the final 6km that truly tests you. There’s nowhere to hide from the wind (or in this case, the relentless effort). It’s just you, your bike, and the unblinking weather station at the peak.
Pro Tip: Use a platform like FulGaz for a hyper-realistic video experience of the climb. The high-quality footage makes you feel like you’re actually there, battling the elements. This is a great route for a long, steady tempo or threshold effort.
3. Race the Pros in Innsbruck
Ever wondered what it feels like to ride a UCI World Championship course? Zwift's Innsbruck, based on the challenging 2018 course, lets you do just that. This route is a perfect mix of flat valley roads, a short but brutally steep climb, and a technical descent. It’s a complete test of a cyclist's abilities.
The centerpiece of the main loop is the "Leg Snapper," a 7.4km climb with sections that kick up to a punishing 17%. It's a punchy effort that will have you out of the saddle. Surviving the climb and bombing the descent back into the beautiful Austrian city replica is an exhilarating experience that’s perfect for race simulations or high-intensity interval training.
Pro Tip: Use the Innsbruck course to practice your race tactics. Attack hard on the Leg Snapper, recover on the descent, and practice your sprint in the final flat kilometer towards the finish line.
4. Explore a Sci-Fi New York City
For a complete change of pace, leave the real world behind and jump into Zwift’s futuristic vision of New York City. This isn't the NYC you know; it's a fantastical version set 100 years in the future, complete with transparent, elevated glass roads that weave between and through skyscrapers high above Central Park.
This world is pure escapism. The routes are rolling, with a few challenging climbs like the NYC KOM, a steep but short ascent up to the highest point on the course. It’s visually stunning and perfect for days when you just want to zone out and enjoy a ride without the pressure of a famous climb. The constant undulations make for a dynamic workout that keeps your legs engaged.
Pro Tip: Try the "Grand Central Circuit" for a rolling ride with plenty of variety. Keep an eye out for the flying cars and other futuristic details that make this world so unique.
5. Sprint Glory on the Champs-Élysées in Paris
Every cyclist dreams of sprinting down the Champs-Élysées to finish the Tour de France. On Zwift, you can live that dream anytime you want. The Paris course is a fast, flat, and thrilling criterium-style loop that takes you past iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre.
This is the ultimate course for practicing your sprinting or for a high-cadence spin. The virtual crowds lining the streets add to the atmosphere, making you feel like you're in the final stage of the world's greatest race. It’s a relatively short loop, so it's perfect for knocking out multiple laps in a quick, high-intensity session.
Pro Tip: Join a group ride or race on the Paris course. The dynamics of riding in a virtual peloton and contesting the sprint finish every lap is one of the most exciting experiences virtual cycling has to offer.
6. A Scenic Spin Through Kyoto, Japan
If you’re looking for a more tranquil and culturally rich experience, the virtual roads of Kyoto are your destination. Featured on platforms like Zwift (as part of the Makuri Islands) and Rouvy, these routes offer a stunningly beautiful ride through ancient temples, serene gardens, and traditional Japanese villages.
Riding through Kyoto is a feast for the eyes. The augmented reality on platforms like Rouvy, which overlays your avatar onto real-world video, is particularly immersive here. This isn't about smashing power records; it's about enjoying a beautiful, scenic endurance ride. For my own training, much like the plans Goh Ling Yong advocates for, I use these long, scenic routes for my crucial Zone 2 days.
Pro Tip: Select a route that takes you through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The feeling of riding through the towering stalks of bamboo is incredibly calming and a fantastic way to de-stress while getting your miles in.
7. Tame the Switchbacks of the Stelvio Pass
The Stelvio Pass in Italy is a bucket-list climb for any serious cyclist, renowned for its seemingly endless wall of hairpin turns. With 48 switchbacks on the iconic northern ascent, it's a visual and physical masterpiece. Platforms like FulGaz and Rouvy offer breathtaking, real-video versions of this epic climb.
This is a true endurance challenge. The gradient isn't the steepest you'll ever face, but its length and consistency are what wear you down. The reward is the incredible sense of scale and the stunning views of the Ortler Alps that open up as you climb higher. The virtual experience does an amazing job of capturing the grandeur of this Italian giant.
Pro Tip: Don't get mesmerized by counting the switchbacks. Instead, break the climb down into 15-minute segments. Focus on maintaining a steady effort, fueling properly (even on the trainer!), and enjoying one of the most beautiful climbs in the world.
8. Ride the Legend: Col du Tourmalet
Steeped in Tour de France history, the Col du Tourmalet is one of the true giants of the Pyrenees. Tackling this beast from your pain cave is a way to connect with the legends of the sport. Found on platforms like Bkool and Kinomap, the Tourmalet is a long, demanding climb that gets progressively harder as you near the summit.
The virtual ride captures the raw, rugged beauty of the Pyrenees. You’ll pass through small villages and green pastures before the landscape becomes more stark and mountainous. Reaching the virtual summit, with the famous cyclist statue, feels like a genuine accomplishment. This is a ride that demands respect and rewards you with a deep sense of satisfaction.
Pro Tip: Choose which side you want to climb. The ascent from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan is longer but generally considered slightly easier than the steeper, more direct route from Luz-Saint-Sauveur.
9. A Fantasy Ride in Watopia's Volcano
Let's head back to the world of make-believe with a Zwift classic: the Volcano Climb. This route takes you spiraling up, around, and into a massive, lava-spewing volcano. It's pure video game fun, and a fantastic workout to boot. The climb is a steady, manageable gradient that’s perfect for a 20-30 minute sweet spot or threshold effort.
The visuals are the star here. You ride on glass-like roads suspended over rivers of lava, with steam vents hissing around you. The constant loop inside the volcano is mesmerizing and provides a great distraction from the burning in your legs. It's a popular route, so you'll almost always have other riders around you for motivation.
Pro Tip: Use the Volcano Climb for structured intervals. The steady gradient makes it easy to hold a specific power target. Try doing two ascents with a short recovery descent back to the bottom in between for a killer 60-minute session.
10. The Breathtaking Dolomites
For sheer, jaw-dropping mountain beauty, it's hard to beat the Dolomites in Italy. Rouvy's collection of augmented reality routes in this region is second to none. Rides like the Sella Ronda circuit take you over multiple stunning mountain passes, surrounded by the distinctive, jagged peaks that make this area a UNESCO World Heritage site.
These are not short, punchy climbs. These are long, epic mountain passes that are perfect for your weekend endurance rides. The combination of real-life video and your 3D avatar makes the experience incredibly immersive. You’ll feel a real sense of adventure as you crest one pass and descend into a valley, only to see the next massive climb looming ahead.
Pro Tip: Plan for a long session and settle in. Put on some music or a podcast and just enjoy the scenery. These routes are about accumulating time in the saddle and building that deep aerobic base, all while "sightseeing" in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
11. Cobbled Climbs in Richmond, USA
The 2015 UCI World Championship course in Richmond, Virginia, is another fantastic real-world route available on Zwift. What makes this course unique are its short, sharp, cobbled climbs, particularly the infamous Libby Hill. This is a course that rewards punchy riders who can put out big power for short durations and recover quickly.
Riding the Richmond course is a dynamic and exciting affair. You’ll be constantly shifting, getting in and out of the saddle to power over the cobbled kickers. It's an all-around workout that tests your anaerobic power, bike handling (virtually, of course!), and tactical awareness.
Pro Tip: The "23rd Street" and "Libby Hill" climbs are perfect for practicing seated and standing climbing techniques. Try to attack over the top of each one, simulating a race-winning move.
12. Coastal Beauty in the Norwegian Fjords
Escape the mountains for a while and head to the stunning coastline of Norway. Platforms like Kinomap and FulGaz offer a wealth of user-generated videos from this incredible region. You can ride along winding coastal roads, dip into dark tunnels that cut through mountains, and emerge to spectacular views of deep blue fjords and dramatic cliffs.
This type of virtual tour is less about structured climbing and more about enjoying a unique and varied landscape. The rolling terrain keeps the ride interesting, and the sheer beauty of the scenery is a powerful motivator. It's a perfect choice for a recovery ride or a day when you just want to spin your legs and explore somewhere new.
Pro Tip: Search for routes that include the "Atlantic Ocean Road." This famous stretch of road features a series of incredible bridges that hop from island to island, offering one of the most unique driving (and riding) experiences in the world.
13. The Gritty Roads of Yorkshire
Host of the 2019 UCI World Championships, the Yorkshire circuit on Zwift is a true test of grit. This isn't about long alpine climbs; it's a war of attrition over constantly rolling, heavy roads. The circuit is relentlessly up and down, with short, steep kickers that sap the energy from your legs lap after lap.
This course perfectly captures the essence of classic British road racing. The scenery is rugged and beautiful in its own way, but the main feature is the punishing terrain. It's an excellent course for building muscular endurance and practicing how to ride efficiently over undulating roads.
Pro Tip: The Yorkshire circuit is fantastic for "over-under" intervals. Push a threshold or higher effort on the climbs and recover at a high tempo in the short sections between them. This will simulate the demands of a real road race.
14. Explore the Diverse Makuri Islands
Our final stop is Zwift's Makuri Islands, a sprawling virtual world inspired by Japanese culture and landscapes. This world is a treasure trove of variety, offering several distinct regions to explore in one place. You can ride through the tranquil countryside of Yumezi, with its cherry blossoms and mystical temples, or dive into the futuristic, neon-drenched cityscape of Neokyo.
The Makuri Islands provide endless opportunities for exploration. From gravel paths and temple climbs in Yumezi to flat-out criterium circuits in Neokyo, there's a route for every mood and training goal. The visual diversity keeps things fresh and makes it a world you can come back to time and time again without getting bored.
Pro Tip: Don't miss the "Castle KOM" in the Yumezi region. It's a beautiful, winding climb up to a traditional Japanese castle at the summit, offering the best views on the entire island.
Your Adventure Awaits
The pain cave doesn't have to be a place of suffering. With a smart trainer and the right virtual world, it can be a launchpad to anywhere you can imagine. Your indoor training can now be a time of exploration, adventure, and breathtaking beauty, all while you're getting fitter and stronger.
So, the next time you're dreading a session on the trainer, pull up this list, pick a new world to conquer, and trade the monotony for motivation. Escape the cave and start your journey.
What's your favorite virtual route to escape the pain cave? Is there a hidden gem we missed? Share your top picks in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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