It Rides Like A Dream(Again)

Swift Campout 2024 - our overnight solstice bike-camping trip to Garrettsville, OH. We met up at Dirty River Bicycle Works then set out on the Freedom Trail and off into the country. We do this quick bike packing trip every year to test our set up for our bigger bike tour. The Gunnar rode like a dream with its new cables and housings.
The routes included The Portage County Hike & Bike, The Headwaters Trail, & Summit County Hike & Bike Trail too.
#bikecamping #swiftcampout
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[@stephensaines7100]

Some may disagree with me, perhaps I have ingrained nostalgia, but we're just into August now, and I lament being on the 'downside' of Solstice. At Solstice, things are fully green, lush and inviting. And the day is the longest of the year. And there's the sense of endless Summer ahead, my God, I love that feeling. And now, seven weeks later, we're counting the days left. On the upside, that ticking of the clock is an imperative to get out and do and see as much while we can. I really enjoyed this vid.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I hear that but since I'm not on some kind of school schedule I still try to enjoy late summer - my garden is looking good! I do feel it though - those first few dying plants - the early leaf changes....

[@davidfroehlich4598]

Sorry about the cop interaction! Such a buzz kill! Sad fact, but life is just better without interacting with them at all!

[@TimFitzwater]

💯and I’m a middle aged white dude

[@peruvian05152]

"I don't have my ID with me, I'm on a bicycle" or "Can you explain why you need my ID?"

[@TimFitzwater]

Yup - the things I would have said if I wasn't so caught off guard.

[@zenobia256]

I think it's better not to volunteer any info with police just Yes or No answers. They're always looking to stick you with something...

[@TimFitzwater]

Yup. If I had a do over I would not have shown it. I don't need my name associated with some call in for not doing anything wrong. He just wanted to prove he did his job but that isn't my problem.

[@zenobia256]

@@TimFitzwater ...about 20 years ago some guy hit me on my bike as he did a U-turn in the middle of the street. (The timing was perfect and I didn't have anywhere to escape to.) ...long story short somebody claimed I was trying to pass on the right and the cop dinged us both.🤬 ( and it would have cost me more $ to fight the ticket than to just pay it )😠

[@richardleejagers6016]

​​​@@TimFitzwater im a born and bred g'ville boy. Just the way the local cops are. Checked ya cuz your not from town and wondered who ya all where. Thats all. Not alot happens ib the Big G. And you all where a novelty.

[@zackharlow6839]

1312

[@TimFitzwater]

I don't agree - but I also think I effed up in complying when I had no reason to. Lotsa bad cops - lots of people out there trying to do what is right also.

[@analoguegeek]

Also... cops... I swear they just love to make things so awkward...

[@mattrhoades1979]

HotLine BLING

[@getpoked101]

👍great ride and feel you on not IDing when you don't need to. Feels bad to give up things you don't need to.

[@themoodyteam]

He probably asked for your id because he had carried out a ‘search with consent’ viz you showing him your beers. He’ll complete a search form and that will make him look good with his boss 🙄

[@TimFitzwater]

Exactly.

[@thomasmcroy1756]

Ohio cycling looks fun. What is that bridge you guys always go over with a gorge or river underneath? Greetings from Oregon.

[@TimFitzwater]

That is the High Level Bridge over the Cuyahoga River. It separates Akron & Cuyahoga Falls. The Gorge is more ancient than the river - the Cuyahoga fell into it at some point. It is a beautiful Metro Park.

[@garthgordon9054]

spitting distance from my pops house. And that dirt road was right next to my mom's hahaha. Very unfortunate because it wasn't until this video did I find out the dirt road is no more. Not a good sign, more jobs yay, but fuuuuuck. Great vid as always

[@donaldoutterson3071]

Tim, cops cannot not talk about the info they get, but if some perp left some specific brand of beer can (or cans or smokes) that relates to his report he would be checking out your beer to see if the brand matches the evidence. Not likely a craft beer, but a major brand. In a small town like that the bad kids and the cops will meet before too long just by being themselves. I am sorry they were intrusive rather than just inquisitive. As a trail sentinel I often report bike trail violations to the park rangers and local law enforcement and have made several of them look good to their bosses and caused them to be praised in local publications. They need all the help they can get, but not at your inconvenience. I wish there was some way to raise the issue to the trail admistrator to made sure the police relations are proper. We have people coming from all over the world to ride Ohio's bike trails and see World Heritage sites. For the two million dollars a mile that Ohio spends to build a paved bike trail we can at least be kind and welcoming to locals and guests alike.

[@TimFitzwater]

I have hardened my position on this since it happened. He got called for open container and we didn't have those. At that point we were done with him. I don't call the cops on anyone - because I never know what cop I will get. Sure - some are fine - but a lot aren't. I get mad when I see someone effing up trail usage but I never want the police involved because too many have proven untrustworthy. That isn't on me - its one them.

[@donaldoutterson3071]

@@TimFitzwater We prefer trail sentinels to keep our trail in order and I let most things slide except unauthorized political stickers and motorized RV's on the bike trail. I never exceed my authority because I don't have any. I hope the wind is at your back on the Erie Canal!

[@tbull1545]

brah binghamton NY area guy i cant imagine riding them hill in ithaca.

[@TimFitzwater]

Working on those videos now! That climb to the campground was brutal!!!!

[@grumpycyclist3319]

Sorry about the Barney Fife experience.

[@evaristocisneros7682]

Nice ride! Wish I had that in AZ. To much desert not enough greens n overcast. On cops, I’m with you. Wouldn’t give them I D.I’ve had just lots of those incidents and I’m old guy that just rides or drives. Love your content

[@analoguegeek]

Whats your sleep system when its that hot at night?

[@TimFitzwater]

Some of my friends just bring the sleeping bag liner - I use mine like a fitted sheet over my inflatable sleeping mat. I carry a down quilt and just slept on top of it too.

[@dirtyratbasturdhowell8496]

I bet it was the kid's that called the cop's

[@TimFitzwater]

The cops were called ON the kids.

[@Eastercatgirl]

Is that a Granola bar you’re using? How is the ride on that handlebar?

[@TimFitzwater]

It is - love it. A few hundred miles in on a tour with thousands of feet of climbing- they are great. I actually dig them for mountain biking too(even though they aren’t rated for it).

[@Eastercatgirl]

@@TimFitzwater I ended up modifying my Cannondale Quick 5 remixte and put on a silver Granola bar and seatpost from Velo Orange..I also upgraded the tires to a WTB raddler 700x40C..I love the ride❤️🚲.

[@LarryMarsh]

He wouldn't have got my ID.

[@telepopepic]

Best of luck in the FLX. Unsolicited advice, stay high above the lakes and drop down when there’s something you want to visit. Lots of gravel above and between the lakes. Steuben Brewery above Keuka is a great spot. The outlet trail between Keuka and Seneca nice. Great climbs too. Enjoy!

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!

[@Wanderin-Wheels]

As regards to the police check issue….to me, regards which ever country one is from, those uniform or governments personnel are used to rank pulling and ego of their position is kinda upon their head. The both suggested submissions does have the pros n cons. However, I came from a country (now I moved out) that it’s illegal to have chewing gums. So you can imagine police spot check on the streets back in the 70’s was like for me. Yes, we have rights to lots of things as a human who was born free on this world but the ego of a policeman kinda made from glass. So you should know my answer to what is normal for me to do. Cheers! One step back don’t hurt =)

[@garthgordon9054]

Even a clip of the cop vampire tower for any locals who know the story ha

[@TimFitzwater]

Brad kept calling it that!

[@Abracadabrad]

That’s what Ben said him and his siblings called it when they were kids! Local Lore is my favorite lore!

[@garthgordon9054]

@@Abracadabrad yeah I had buddy tell when you go threw, you open ever door on the way up, and the door at the top when it's opened, will slam all the other doors shut, ghosts or something. But, it's more than like convection or a vacuum of air. But ghost would be cool. Lol. And the story went something like the cops of the local town gather at the tower, and their vampires, on Halloween or something along those lines. Lol this is what we did before internet. Miss the shit outta those lands. California is great and all, but I don't think there's much on this planet that can compare to NE Ohio

[@Qeloton]

I grew up in Watkins Glen, looking forward to the coverage of your ride & route! The hills are no joke there.

[@TimFitzwater]

I've hiked and driven so I do know what it looks like. Our routes have lotsa climbing on the profile so we did shorter mileage days. Hopefully have the video out the week after.

[@Qeloton]

​@@TimFitzwater Awesome! I walked my bike the hill up every day after school ha. It's been ~10 years since I've been back, looking forward to living vicariously through your trip.

[@TFB2000]

I feel insulted when being treated like a criminal. I would have hesitated providing my license if not avoided it altogether, but hindsight of course.

[@jeabou_]

acab ☺️💛

[@TimFitzwater]

I more of a ‘most’ cops are bad guy.

[@jeabou_]

@@TimFitzwater mcab has less of a ring though hahaha.

[@Ego_Katana]

When I lived in Kent - I would do the Lake Rockwell route to get out into the country all the time. Loved it... Peck Rd, etc.... back in the mid 90's there was like zero cars.

[@Cycling_Brian]

I run long levers on my alt bar bike too. They’re a nice upgrade from the typical cheap 2-finger levers that fit these bars.

[@michaelhayward7572]

You guys over the pond running your brakes front/left, rear/right?

[@TimFitzwater]

Yup

[@-NateTheGreat]

Normally I do not carry an ID on most my rides. I respect officers and thank them for their service but the guilty until proven innocent mentality rubs me the wrong way also. Ride safe!

[@TimFitzwater]

I always have it on me but I should not have shown it. Being a police officer is a tough job - but it isn't MY job.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Appreciate the video, enjoyed it! On the police in the petrol station, I personally would have given them my ID. It just makes it go smoother if cooperate. Seems just like bad timing/luck - the kids were making the noise etc and when the cops turned up it was just you lot. You lot look younger than you are! Cycling keeps us well.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! It was just bad timing but that isn’t my problem. In hindsight I wouldn’t have shown it - it’s not my responsibility to make a Cops job go smoother when I haven’t done anything wrong. 🤷🏾

[@Cycling_Brian]

Looks like a good camping overnighter. Sorry about the hassle from the fuzz. I probably would have given him my ID, too, then regretted it later.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - in the moment it almost felt like a joke. But then I thought - I don't need my name on some kind of list for the cops getting called when I hadn't done anything.

[@1Fmarcel]

Going on a holiday monday morning. Taking a big loop in Northern Germany on my bike. I guess some people don't know the concept of freedom when hiking/biking and we could just as well be aliens.

[@TimFitzwater]

Have fun!

[@jetsmon3367]

The groovy music 🎶 🤙🏼

[@jordanwilson4425]

i was just catching up with your vids, sweet!!!!

[@bffaris]

Nice video and ride Tim.

[@rogerhart612]

Brad's bike is interesting. What bars is he running. Very wide but look comfortable. 🤔. Awesome video. 👏 👏

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks. He has told me a million times and I can't remember(they are super wide). I'll try to conjur him up here. The bike is a Surly Bridge Club.

[@Abracadabrad]

They are the Ramble Bars from Simworks, they are a collaboration between Simworks and Golden Pliers Bicycle Shop. They are made by Nitto and are 710mm wide, I am currently running them with a 90mm stem!

[@jokawood]

I was scheduled to do the same last week but it was over 100 degrees and it was called off. Glad the weather "looked" cooler there.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nah - it was HOT.

[@daniellarson3068]

Why would that cop be so inquisitive? Maybe there was another bearded cyclist riding a Gunnar bicycle that robbed a bank or something.

[@TimFitzwater]

Most Likely.

[@bffaris]

But he didn’t have positraction.

[@zensukai]

Another great ride along -- thanks Tim. =] Question, I see you have a Canon around you while riding -- what is the model you like to roll with on the two wheel chariot?

[@TimFitzwater]

It is a Canon R8. I ride with the nifty fifty on it a lot. I still prefer my Canon R5 but I love the tiny form factor of the R8 on my bike.

[@zensukai]

@@TimFitzwater Thanks Tim ... I am going to look into it, as I am in the market for a new one. =] Cheers

[@jeremylutersz3374]

Yeah you did the right thing. Just show him some ID and get on your way. I know it pisses you off but why turn it into a big deal. You guys were having fun so why spoil it.

[@TimFitzwater]

In hindsight I disagree - the cops were called on those kids and I had no obligation to comply so they could say they did their job.

[@jeremylutersz3374]

@@TimFitzwater I still think you did the right thing.

[@itotech7845]

Awesome. I always find your videos refreshing. You have a great story telling voice. Can’t wait to I move back to Cleveland in a couple weeks. Maybe we can meet in a ride one day. Cheers.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Check out Joy Machines when you get back - those are my favorite guys that way and we meet up often.

[@itotech7845]

@@TimFitzwater perfect. I sure will

[@keithlukas2581]

never forget the beers !

[@TimFitzwater]

🍻

[@mitmon_8538]

I haven't had too many police interactions, but I think some police ask for IDs just to guage cooperation, which is very much a power dynamic issue. I'm guessing they stopped bothering you once you showed your ID? I bet things would have been different had you refused. I know they are just trying to do their job, which I'm sure sucks most of the time, but I wish there was a better process when dealing with police.

[@Mr_Zzzeee]

YOu absolutely do NOT need to cooperate with Police during a consensual (ie. not detained) conversation.

[@TimFitzwater]

I wasn't detained so I had no obligation to show it. He wanted to be able to call it in and have the situation be over - but that really isn't my problem.

[@jhubb408]

I am a retired Police officer. Your situation is something that happens all the time. It sounds like the officers were doing their job. I also totally get your logic on the situation. Really once you showed the officer you had unopened beers, that really should be the end of it. And you actually didn't have to show the officer the beers, but I think you did the right thing. As a matter of "routine" officers will ask for ID and go through the "motions". I have had plenty of people refuse ID when they didn't have to, and I say ok have a nice day. As an Officer we handled many bogus calls, and it was our job to prove or disprove the situation. Yes, many officers get worked up when you defy them (when you are right) and that is aggravating to other officers also. I and many other officers usually can visually see what is going on. We can have good conversations with people about the situation. The officers here were just doing their "robot" job and seems like it went well. Believe me when I say this: Officers are just as aggravated on handling these types of calls as the people like you. As for refusing the ID, I get it and that is a tough call. Real world thoughts: What town are you in and does the officer look young or a seasoned veteran? Seems weird and not right but that is real world. If you refuse an officer might pull the "Obstructing Official Business" charge (really not applicable here, but it is done) and threaten to arrest you. This is not a perfect world, and I think you did the right thing. Show the ID and move on. Maybe try to have a conversation after showing the ID and see how it goes. I hope all that makes sense.

[@TimFitzwater]

It does. He did seem confused a bit too. "why did some one call on THESE guys". Still - I wish I hadn't showed my ID. I didn't need to show the beers either but that didn't bother me. It was a fine conversation - he wasn't being mean or threatening - I just feel it isn't my job to make his easier when I wasn't doing anything wrong.🤷🏻‍♂️

[@williamwgardner9375]

My riding buddy out in AZ is a retired LA Co sheriff. Hey said sometimes the small town PDs are bored and looking for something to do ..lol I would do what you did . That’s not a fun job anymore. Loved the video.

[@karengleason4791]

Why can’t your friend wear his helmet instead of strapped to bike….

[@TimFitzwater]

Why can’t people worry about themselves?

[@tracerxrider]

There was a time when I'd comply. Cool ride!