Motivation During the Dark Months?!

[@mikegutterman3427]

Thanks so much Tim! I'm particularly proud of this music track!

[@TimFitzwater]

You're welcome - I loved this one. Played it twice in a row since I ruined some of it by talking!

[@stevexolson]

I'm in MN, we do a weekly Wednesday night ride. All year long. The community is the biggest motivator.

[@TimFitzwater]

I read this originally when I was heading out for my year round Wednesday night ride! It definitely gets me out on nights I would have otherwise stayed in.

[@codyscott5215]

I saw my mail lady in the red Jeep. She is so nice.

[@jeffreyshanks1]

My motivation this year has been my mental health. The biking is one of few activities that clams down my ADHD

[@TimFitzwater]

Definitely a big part of my riding too. I’m not diagnosed but my girlfriend has armchair diagnosed me. Riding is one of the ways I can calm this busy mind.

[@nancybryson5488]

Oh the cat!

[@DAMN55117]

good tunes.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks

[@FollowThomas]

Any time is a good time when you can get out riding. I feel privileged here in Florida our riding season just got started.

[@TimFitzwater]

This is definitely the time of year to be in Florida! Your vids make me jealous. I might visit my cousins this winter in Sanford/Lake Mary though.

[@FollowThomas]

@@TimFitzwater Sanford area is great. One of my favorite bike trails is the Spring to Spring Trail there.

[@Roboprogs]

Similar here in the Central Valley in CA. It was about 60 and sunny on Sunday afternoon riding along the American River trail across from Folsom Prison. Come July, it will be 105. Now it’s pedal-bike season. When it gets to be 100, I appreciate my e-bike to help keep my “airspeed” up.

[@Roboprogs]

I love seeing these videos tooling around New England and nearby in the NE US in the fall. It’s beautiful.

[@arthurschierhoff6485]

I found new motivation with my recent purchase of a 1991 Trek 750 multi track. I put Panaracer Gravel King 38 c on there , and I'm looking forward to trying industrial gravel.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! New bikes and gear are great motivation(and the routes they can open up).

[@ervinslens]

Masterfully crafted upload my friend! This looks amazing!

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!

[@goodobservers]

As I get older, I hate winter riding more...........we're going to hit Arizona in February and do some 100 mile trail down there. That might be the best way to cope. The biggest drawback for me is putting on gear. I just like to hop on a bike and ride, so in winter when you have to put on 20 layers to the point you look like Chris the Sheep, it's just not real motivating to spend 20 minutes just on getting dressed, and then the layers feel so tight, too. It's just gnarly. That said, we'll still go out in 20 degrees this year. That's the cutoff.

[@TimFitzwater]

I agree 100% Everything is just a pain when it is cold. I put on my heavy gloves and realize the keys I need to lock the door are in my pocket - take the gloves back off. Its just non-stop small things. I'm usually fine when I do get on the road but.... I'm planning a warm weather trip too.

[@goodobservers]

@@TimFitzwater "Keys....gloves"... Lol. Exactly. Today we went out and it was 49 and sunny, no clouds, and then an hour into the ride all clouds. Must have dropped 15-20 degrees! Forgot about that scenario.

[@rogerhart612]

Any video you do Tim is a good one . Appreciate the effort that goes into making them. I hope Erin's ankle is healing well. Looking forward to the next video.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks Roger! Erin is well on track - she is now allowed to walk in her boot!

[@billyblaze700x9]

Living near Chicago, once it gets below 40, the outside riding is done for me, bike moves to the basement on the trainer. Hiking gets me outside, usually go up the Kettle Moraine area of Wisconsin for backpacking/hiking/camping. Do what you gotta do.

[@TimFitzwater]

Every year I plan to hike more but still end up out on the bike a lot. My cut off is closer to 20(but rain is another story - no super cold rain days for me)

[@Leo_SilverSunn]

The video we all needed!

[@Mr2fiveone]

At the age of 55 I feel as though I have to ride all year round. Being in Minnesota is tough, but I would not change a thing. I love cycling and cannot let the frigid winter temps get me down. The word for the day is LAYERS🙂. i am thankful that this year will be a bit more mild!!

[@TimFitzwater]

I do too now. I was out in the snow today - lots of wool layers. Cheers!

[@christiancoy3745]

Putting in the time and effort to get the appropriate gear keeps me motivated, the “No bad weather, just bad gear” approach. Having fenders, bar mitts, studded tires, fresh brake pads, and warm clothing all dialed in makes it easier to get out the door and take advantage of the investment in time and money spent on acquiring those things

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure. I agree for the most part. My limit is the cold and wet. I have no desire to be out when it is low thirties and raining.

[@johnmclean8643]

This summer I’ve done 35 century plus rides,108 mile average per ride on a 1985 Schwinn Tempo (frame made by Panasonic)..28 mm Gatorskins..My “Dirt Road bike “..At 64 with improved diet (Apple Cider Vinegar prevents leg 🦵 cramps).. I’ve taken back the sport I love..Great channel,thanks for the motivation 👍🚲❄️

[@TimFitzwater]

Wow - that is a lot! More than I've done in my life I think. I have a friend who has a Tempo. Cheers and thanks!

[@johnmclean8643]

@@TimFitzwater I have a handmade Iglehart steel fork off of a cracked Merlin frame I put on that Tempo that really brought that bike to Life …⚡️🧊…Ice Rider

[@thomasmcroy1756]

Bright LEDs turn night riding into adventure riding! At least its dry. Its been raining in Oregon for 14 days.

[@TimFitzwater]

Daaang! Two weeks - that is rough. Yeah - we were out riding the cutty stuff after dark tonight. 35 degrees but it didn’t drop - so not awful.

[@jasoncollins9640]

Your such a cool guy , keep doing what you do Tim , thank you .

[@TimFitzwater]

Hey - thank YOU! 🥰

[@MattFisher70]

Nice one Tim. Motivated me!

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@AileenClifford-xu3ut]

Greetings from Ireland, winter riding invariably involves rain here, so we just get out into it

[@TimFitzwater]

You are the heroes over there! The cold and wet is my biggest weakness!

[@conniehoyle2669]

I’m happy for your videos

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@leomccarthy2999]

Tim, I enjoy your videos. I wish I had the tools you have at home. Anyway, I did not know where you were riding on this video. Then suddenly, I knew! You passed in front of Szalay’s Market. Then I knew you were on the Ohio & Erie Canal tow path. I rode the entire length of it back in 2021. From Cleveland to Zoar and back tracked to round off to 100 miles. I’m from Pittsburgh and often ride in Ohio.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! Yeah - that is my home trail - I'm on at least a bit of it every few days. Started riding the part by Szalay's when I was a kid and it was first completed. I ride in Pitt occasionally too. With the tool thing it has been a slow accumulation....

[@justincapek1132]

Above 32, River trails around PGH. Below 32, MTB or Peloton. Less cold wind chugging up muddy hills than on the gravel bike

[@TimFitzwater]

Makes sense. There is still so much that depends on the conditions too - no matter the temp.

[@DIY-DaddyO]

I get through the winter glumness by watching your videos 👍

[@TimFitzwater]

Heck yeah!

[@caveboy9988]

Thanks for the chilled video. Weather in uk at the moment is really horrible. I can only ride outside at weekends this time of year. Riding off-road is fun if I have a singlespeed and don’t care about it’s maintenance too much and can hose down easily. when it’s 0c and below offroad is the only option as roads are too dangerous. Motivation for me is keeping it a little mixed or having a goal. Early next year is race across Rwanda for me. Oh, if you forget to drink you can easily set a reminder on your head unit to DRINK every 15 mins. I always forget

[@TimFitzwater]

The UK winter looks horrible to me. (we are having UK winter weather today - 38F and rain). In certain conditions I can ride the snowy roads with my studded tires - but yeah - off-road is the only option other times. I know people who set the custom alerts for drinking or eating - I feel like it would annoy me even though it would be helpful!

[@clarelafrance306]

I like to plan the year's big trip and little excursions and then it becomes motivation to get ready for it. I also always set my goal of miles for the year and that helps. I count miles indoors toward the goal and that made me feel much less demoralized by bad weather because I can still chip away at the mile goal inside.

[@TimFitzwater]

Right on. I definitely count inside miles. They are actually harder in a way for me. One - just the nature of being stationary- but two I just ride harder sitting on a trainer.

[@Hartofohio]

Thanks for another great video Tim. My husband and I did a ride on Saturday almost exactly like yours! We couldn't pass up the opportunity to get outside even though the skies were cloudy and the trees are bare. It would have been so cool to see you out on the trails and roads! Keep up the great videos that offer inspiration to others...we appreciate you!

[@TimFitzwater]

Ohio is not pretty this time of year unless there is snow that is for sure! Cheers - thanks!

[@anthonidanowski9404]

for me in the portland oregon area, during the nice months im always riding into the mountains and doing grand adventures at elevation but during the long dark crappy months i tend to do rides exactly like you did here. its actually pretty nice to just meander around the city and stop by coffee shops or bike shops. yesterday i did a 50 miler hitting most of of my favorite portland buttes and ending it with a muddy rip through forest park. i love my full coverage fenders, my 50 year old Mafac cantis not so much. i wish i had the motivation to make vids like this.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! Yeah - the more interesting rides get saved for the better weather most of the time. I know I should have a full fender bike but just never do it. I have 50 year old Mafac's on a build I did a tour on - thank god it wasn't too hilly! They slowed me but they did not stop me with my full load! Cheers!

[@greg1083]

Peanut M&M's. Always bought a bag when I had to make the trip to the rear while doing my turn in the Big Muddy. Had to finish them before I went back out. Otherwise they would turn into goo from the heat and humidity . A little slice of home.

[@TimFitzwater]

Don't have to worry about them melting this time of year!

[@iecrime]

Decided to go the emtb route. For awhile I've been thinking about picking up an ebike to use to run errands around my extremely hilly mountain town, but now I'm facing several months of treatment that will likely cause fatigue, so the thought of possibly being too tired to pedal back up the hill home convinced me to make the plunge. :)

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice. No shame in that. I bet you’ll love it.

[@Cycling_Brian]

I still ride my commute during the winter, which is about 28 miles round trip. A group of us ride together on Saturday mornings on our “Floating Crapgame Rides,” meaning a different route and breakfast stop each Saturday. We usually keep the mileage down around 35-40 miles and enjoy the ride.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice. That sounds like a perfect way to keep getting after it. My Wednesday night group rides with beer stops are definitely one thing that gets me out the door when I otherwise would not have.

[@randyhale4181]

I do ride all winter but I figure if I get one ride a week outside then I'm good, I also go to the gym 3 days a week so that really helps to.

[@TimFitzwater]

I'm not a gym guy(nothing against it - just not my thing) so getting outside often is my goal. I do have an indoor trainer here though for when it gets really bad for extended periods of time.

[@miketitus3592]

another great video- thx!

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@767bob]

I try to ride with the club twice a week, I also have friends who are not in the club who ride a bike too and we go out to do metric centuries every month. I also like to do solo short 10 to 25 milers close to where I live. It is nice to see the change of the seasons in my area.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice. The group ride is a huge motivator in the winter. I get out for my Wednesday night ride on nights when there is no chance I would go out alone.

[@kervilou5905]

vos films sont très intéressants ! Est ce dans votre règion que vivent les Hamish, avec leurs fermes traditionnelles et leurs chevaux ????? do you ride in the country of Hamish people and their horses , old farms ?????

[@TimFitzwater]

Oui. I'm signed up for a race in "Amish Country" in March. There is also a cool trail for horses and carriages not far from here.

[@kervilou5905]

merci, bonne route, bravo !!!!@@TimFitzwater

[@Rlaplante73]

I enjoyed tagging along with your ride on a cool December day. I'm new to your channel. Temp here in Florida today, Dec 04, was 82 degrees :)

[@enlightenedpreparingep4006]

Sure rub some sunshine in our faces 😅

[@TimFitzwater]

I have a plan to get down to FLA for a quick trip this January. I'm hoping its not like the last time when they had a record cold spell!

[@jamesenloe2791]

I rode this weekend. It was 5 c out and very moist. I found myself instantly regretting going out and was looking for any reason to quit. Bike pooter battery went dead and coffee shop closed in small town on my route. Called SAG, but realized I had my Garmin watch and used that. Called SAG back , but she was already left. Boy was she mad when I said never mind. Basically, I force myself for motivation

[@TimFitzwater]

Wow! What a day!

[@tonyalewis9053]

I’m glad you enjoy making videos I enjoy watching! I enjoy DKlein too! 😂 😊🚴

[@TimFitzwater]

Cheers - thanks so much!

[@clarelafrance306]

I hope Erin's recovery is going smoothly.

[@TimFitzwater]

Saw the Doctor yesterday who said everything is going great!

[@Pleasure_Baron]

A bikeable commute is everything. I’m so grateful for the base miles I get for commuting on days I’d otherwise stay inside due to __fill in excuse__. I cherish nicer weather more but am more likely to get out regardless due to being tempered by my commute.

[@TimFitzwater]

I have friends like that too. Being that I live at my studio I really do need to motivate myself to find other reasons. Errands being a good one too - grocery store, product pick ups etc.

[@christophersmith7703]

I like riding during the winter months because there are fewer bikers and pedestrians on the trails, and drivers tend to drive more carefully.

[@TimFitzwater]

I do love having the trails mostly to ourselves. I feel the opposite about the drivers though - I feel like they don't expect us to be out there(not to mention how early it gets dark).

[@TheRickurb]

I use a combination of weed, and being Polish to keep my rides fresh. Im constantly getting lost, and forgetting that I’ve ridden there before. Its a win/win

[@TimFitzwater]

Excellent strategy.🤣

[@kmccarr]

I took an evening ride on a 59° day down here in FL last week and was pretty much dressed for a winter ride 😂. I did take off some merino wool before I went out the door, and glad I did. I’m not sure I’d ride under about 48° these days, but sure was fun when I was younger. Thanks for taking us along on your ride.

[@jimmansi1187]

48? Here in Pa my cut off is 20 degrees for mountain biking & 30 degrees for road or gravel. I know you riders down there just aren’t used to the cold so up here it’s either layer up & ride or stay home, I’d rather ride, stay safe out there!

[@kmccarr]

@@jimmansi1187 LOL. Yes my lower limit has changed because of location (and age). I’m from PA so I know where you are coming from and I agree. 54 days of sunshine and only a few months of nice weather, you have no choice. Stay warm!

[@TimFitzwater]

I have a cousin from Buffalo who lives in Florida now. It is amazing how quickly our tolerances for temperature changes.

[@conniehoyle2669]

Such a nice ride

[@TimFitzwater]

Not a bad loop at all.

[@enlightenedpreparingep4006]

I dont mind cold weather rides. But for me its more of the destination than the ride for sure.

[@TimFitzwater]

My one friend was mentioning the early sunset is more frustrating than the cold and I tend to agree. I agree with you too - coming up with a destination is definitely a big motivator to winter riding.

[@enlightenedpreparingep4006]

@@TimFitzwater I dont mind riding at night sometimes I actually prefer it. Truly I find my temperance for riding, be it time of day/night, weather conditions or even the length of the ride be it long or short to be contingent in my mental and spiritual well being. I tend to go at life alone which I have mixed feelings on. I find focusing on gratitude, kindness & being of service to others helps tremendously. Sometimes intelligence can be as much a burden as it is a asset. But I digress. Keep rockin brother

[@tonywmckinney]

I feel your pain. My wife had knee surgery this year. Put a dent in our mileage. I ended up cycling indoors more.

[@TimFitzwater]

Losing the riding partner is a bummer. I think it might lead to more indoor miles for me too. Good news is the doctor gave her the go ahead to walk in her boot now - so not too far off from returning...

[@enlightenedpreparingep4006]

@@TimFitzwater maybe some tandem bicycles are in order

[@TheBikeChallenge]

Hey Tim, is Jack the bike rack ok for carrying bikepacking stuff too? Like a tent and sleeping bag? Check out win wing from ass savers as fender. It's the best one I've found apart from full fenders

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I've used it with my bike-packing set up with the Zeitgeist (like in this video) but you could easily just strap dry bags to it or whatever you wanted. I have friends who love the Win Wing - I have plenty of seatpost on my bikes so no trouble with the clip on ones.

[@jonathanbenn2241]

As long as there is little or no ice, I commute. Phat bike on local trails with a little snow is as much fun as you can have with pants on. When it's icy, I hit the basement with ESPN/You Tube and old DVDs. 300-400 miles a month Dec-Feb.

[@TimFitzwater]

I really dig the MTB trails when the snow conditions are right. I don't have a fat bike but my old MTB with studded tires works for me.

[@auricschiller]

The Tamland has real bolt-on fender mounts, why not go for something like PDW full metal instead of a clip-on?

[@TimFitzwater]

I really don't ride in the wet all that much - so just something to keep my backside dry that I can switch between bikes works best for me. I've also just had some problems with fenders on really rough or muddy stuff. If I was a daily commuter I would definitely have a dedicated fender bike and I have set up bikes with fenders for touring.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Tim...Surly , huh ? And...try dark chocolate peanut M&M's sir ....whoa , dude !

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - a 650b build. It felt nice. I do like good dark chocolate - but sometimes I'm just in the mood for some junk!

[@IS-xk3iq]

Listening to Motivational Speaker David Goggins works.

[@Liketheoutdoors]

Hi Tim. Nice video as always. I noticed you have a headlight affixed to the Jack the Rack. I ride a similar setup with a Jack the Rack and a BxB Piccolo bag, and need to find a way to attach the light to my rack. I tried using the Origin8 Eyelet Stub, mount that to the rack front "eyelets" and put the light on it. However, the stub rotates no matter how tight I install it... How is yours setup? Thx for the tip. Also, I'm with you on fenders but I have had issues keeping clip-on fenders like yours aligned with the back wheel on rougher terrain. My current solution, and one that I am very happy with, is the Win Wing. Cheers!

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I'm using two Modl Infinity Tools. They are stretchy/grippy bands - I actually carry these on all my trips now because they are so useful. I haven't had any problems with the light slipping but it does point up a little too high so I need to figure out something for that. I don't have any problem with the fender slipping either - it has a nice rubber "pad" in the back that can really be tightened down. I have lots of friends who love the wing though.

[@KenPierpont]

Fun video. I try to walkout 15 minutes every day and back 15 minutes. 30 minutes. Every day. One day off a week.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! Thanks!

[@Truthmatters4u]

Great video. What camera are you using?

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! It’s the GoPro 11. I usually upgrade every year but the 12 didn’t have enough compelling(same sensor same processor).

[@havefunandbikestuffOver40]

Rad, I dig the chill vibe ride. BTW what did you think about that blue ghost whisperer you sampled?

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I liked it. It was stable but not sluggish feeling. Definitely on the heavier side - but that stoutness is kinda what Surly's are all about.

[@DmitryKoupriyanov]

For last little while been lacking motivation. Mostly get out on my own so I can stream on Twitch. Need to start making more YT video biking/taking photos so I start doing that as well.

[@TimFitzwater]

I've been thinking up some more interesting KZbin ideas to excite me to get out also.

[@vaquerosupreme3189]

RE: clip on fenders. The Ass Saver Win Wing 2 is pretty good (it's actually a strap-on). Looks cool, too.

[@TimFitzwater]

Some of my friends have those - they say they work great. I have plenty of seat post on all my bikes so these kind work for me.

[@vaquerosupreme3189]

@@TimFitzwater You know, I should've realized you would know about the Ass Savers as they're very popular! Didn't mean to imply you're not up on the bike stuff. I'll be more circumspect next time. 🙂

[@Truthmatters4u]

Hey Tim, what do you recommend for software for putting frame shots together once filming is done. Thinking about picking up the go pro 11 for my KZbin channel while I am riding. I am new to this. Or can I get away with using my iPhone for a while?

[@TimFitzwater]

I would use your iphone for a while if it is working for you. GoPros are nice because they are easier to hold while riding(and dropping a phone can be very expensive). I use Premiere Pro because I'm a professional photographer/videographer so I have all of Adobe's products. There is a really big learning curve though and it is expensive. There is a free version of an app/program called Davinci Resolve. It might be more worth experimenting with that. With software or equipment you will know when you are bumping up against your limitations - that is when you upgrade. The most important thing is just doing the work and being consistent - the gear and all that can fall into place later.

[@Truthmatters4u]

@@TimFitzwater Tim, thanks the time to reply. I wanted to share my experience with my first time vlogging with my iPhone. The stabilization wasn’t bad, however the audio suffered. I am going to see if they make windscreens for iPhone. 👍

[@TimFitzwater]

Tons of accessories out there for it. There are even lightning port mics(and USB-C depending on the phone)

[@Truthmatters4u]

@@TimFitzwater Nice, I will be searching the web for those accessories. Thanks again for the input.

[@Roboprogs]

“20 miles in”. Man, my ride this weekend was only about 19 miles, which is a long ride for my 30, 40 pound overweight butt 😁

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! With it being one of the only nice days I was trying to get a long one in!

[@danohart]

Early this year, I set a milage goal in January. I didn't hit it, but it got me out and working towards it. However, now that we're getting a year away from that, I'm having trouble setting a goal again just because I didn't hit it. I guess I could lower my goal a little, but that seems like going backwards in some way. I think the tip on planning a ride with other people is one I'm going to work on. Send out some messages.

[@TimFitzwater]

You still have 3 weeks! Go for iiiiiiiit!

[@audracostlow]

How'd the grappler feel?

[@TimFitzwater]

I liked it - it was an interesting set up. I felt that the 650b wheels quickened the handling of what is a pretty slack bike. They are noticeably heavy - but I think being stout is part of the point of the model(and most Surly's in general).

[@timsmith8089]

I've had a GG for a few months now and sometimes feel guilty that it's the bike I'd rather ride most times. I'm not doing big mileage and certainly not riding at pace, so the GG can just just about anything I need.

[@TimFitzwater]

That is what happened to me.

[@jered2177]

Work commute.

[@you43584036]

If I need motivation will watch one of your videos. Or buy bike stuff.

[@TimFitzwater]

Excellent options! 😎

[@sir_lander]

Th le winter is always a pain cause if you get warmer then you get cold and this variations of temperatures finally end in sickness. Personally prefer the voice over, i like look more around the paths or roads

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure. I like doing voiceovers because I can be more coherent - but I also like doing some of these vlogs because it gives me a way to entertain myself on these less-than-ideal rides!

[@paulvanreesch2493]

Tim, it's pronounced /'leTHərjē/. Sorry, you asked, I couldn't resist 💩

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!! 🤓

[@ronniebiggs4026]

Very very annoying music

[@TimFitzwater]

Very annoying comment. Eff off.