I Rode 116 Miles & You Can Too.

I decided to get a long ride in last Saturday - my friends and family were out of town. I ended up doing a loop of 116 miles on my gravel bike. I used mostly Cleveland Metro Parks Trails "The Emerald Necklace". Great Lake Erie views, amazing lunch at Nuevo, and the Towpath Trail to finish. My planning was poor but I'm going to give you some tips and advice on doing a Century Ride the right way.
#centuryride #gravelbike
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[@PaddleAsia]

"...and the ride, by the numbers" 😉😂😆 good one.

[@GamerKidEdits]

Thank you kind sir. I’ve only been biking 4 months now and my longest ride has been 20 miles. Everyday I work on eliminating pain. Hope to get that century one day soon. Thanks again for bringing us along, cheers.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome. When I was four months back into cycling 20 miles was my long ride too. Stick with it. Definitely work on what is causing you pain - getting tired is one thing but the bike shouldn’t hurt. Consider a bike fit or at least watch some videos about bike fit and pressure points. Cheers!

[@craigthomas8198]

mammoth ride! I'm right here near the metroparks and they are jewel.

[@bobgabel6497]

I enjoyed every minute. Lakewood out to Strongsville is my daily on the Metro Park (11 min mark to 17). I can close my eyes and smell it. I used to do Royal View a lot too. Its nice to see all my local landmarks.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice!

[@jonathanbenn2241]

My last century was during the height of Covid. I loaded my five bikes in my van along with a large cheese pizza and a folding chair. I headed to a local community college that has a section of the Empire Trail that runs through it. One 10 mile out and back (20 total) on each bike with a little sit and slice of pizza between each lap. 20 miles on a phat bike was the hardest. About 9 hours total. Riding a 100 miles is more of an eating challenge with cycling thrown in than anything else.

[@TimFitzwater]

Oh wow - that is a wild and interesting way to do it!!

[@YinzerHouse]

To your question/point about tricks on longer rides vs. normal: this year I've really started making a habit of eating at least every hour (usually 30-60 grams of carbs) on longer rides (50+ miles) and really doubling down on both water and electrolytes (esp. salty snacks like pickles and salt & vinegar almonds). For me, food is generally a cliff shot/gel, but I'm sure figs, peanut butter, etc. does the same trick and you can still pedal while eating. I can't confirm scientifically, but I remember reading/hearing somewhere from cycling and running coaches that your body can shut down after about 2 hours of hard workouts without water or nutrients to the point where anything you eat or drink after that can make you sick if you're not careful. Again, not sure on proof points around that but so far it seems to be working better for me and I'm not hitting as much of a "wall" by the end. I never did this while running because it's unrealistic to carry so much stuff unless you're running an ultra, but for cycling it seems somewhat feasible. The only downside (especially with water) is it's basically comes to me putting a 2-3L Camelbak bladder in a frame bag, so I'm hauling more weight. Better safe than sorry on more rural trails.

[@TimFitzwater]

Good points. If I'm going really hard I tend to eat at least something every ten miles. I know in general I will bonk at a little over 30. I've really had it where I was pedaling in the hardest gear and then 10 seconds later can barely move the bike in the easiest. I'm good at avoiding that now - but just was being stupid on this ride. I rarely ride so rural that I need more than two bottle on the bike but as you said - its worth the weight if you do. We carried water filters in MI because we didn't know how often we would find refills. I never carried anything with me when running - but I rarely ran on my own over 6 miles.

[@stevemakin7007]

The snickers/Milky Way rant is oh so familiar, bonking is always guaranteed to take the smallest issue and bow it out of the water 😂😂😂

[@TimFitzwater]

Just wanted my dang Snickers! 😀

[@chrisfyb]

"Turns out the Makers isn't good for more than ten miles." 🤣

[@TimFitzwater]

Ya know - you never learn these kinds of things if you don't test them out.

[@davidfroehlich4598]

Excellent ride Tim! As someone who has done more than his fair share of centuries, you remind me that there's more than one way to skin a cat. In other words, I would have done it a little differently. The gravel bike is a fine choice, since top speed isn't really necessary, but top comfort is. To that end I would use slick tires for lower rolling resistance. I know you like Rene Herse tires, so the 44 mm Snoqualmie Pass tires are excellent and should fit your Raleigh. I've had a pair before, and I'm currently riding the 48 mm Hatcher Pass tires on my gravel bike, and enjoying them. Both can handle all the gravel you want to throw at them, so long as it's mostly dry. Clearly you realized your mistake with that heavy lunch. It looked awesome, and made me want to check out that restaurant next time I'm in Cleveland. But, while I think a little protein is good on a century ride, keeping it on the light side, like maybe a small turkey sandwich, is a safer bet. Peanut Snickers is also a good choice for a little protein. I understand the temptation to drink beer on any summer bike ride, but I would save it for party pace rides. It takes extra H20 to process the alcohol, so it really becomes counter productive. Better off drinking something sugary, or straight water if you have many miles to go. Thanks for sharing, and keep the great content flowing!

[@TimFitzwater]

I really don't mind the Rene Herse knobbies even on the pavement - they roll fast enough - and I'm not going to change out tires depending on the ride - which is why they are my tire of choice. I think rolling resistance is over rated unless we are talking about true MTB tires. If I did it again I would still eat that meal as I was trying to enjoy myself - it just would have been at an earlier hour so there was less pressure to try and move quickly right after. Lots of mistakes in here - the main one being doing this anyways after I slept in!!! Cheers!

[@kitchencarvings4621]

My, what fantastic bike trails you have.

[@TimFitzwater]

We truly are super lucky in that way - I just wish the regular infrastructure would catch up.

[@billyblaze700x9]

Snickers peanut butter squared. Pretty much the only candy I can't control myself around.

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! I have limited self control around any sweets. Which is part of my problem - can’t keep anything around the house to save for the rides.

[@Handletaken4]

116 miles on mostly flats is perfect

[@Patrick-wk7rv]

Came for the century advice, stayed for the snickers rant

[@TimFitzwater]

😎🤣

[@rustyshackleford9498]

taking a left at lakewood park gets you to Casa de Rusty. Keep that in mind for next year.

[@TimFitzwater]

I will!

[@davidblanchard6785]

Your making me homesick!! I'm born and raised in Cleveland😢

[@TimFitzwater]

Ah! I was born in Parma Heights but been here in Akron/Cuyahoga Falls most my life.

[@davidblanchard6785]

@TimFitzwater I lived on w133st by Jefferson park

[@dannydirty_life_and_times8916]

I did my first 100 mile ride recently, it was the first time I wore bike short, besides trying them on. I was lucky on the ride they were very comfortable, any ride less than 50 miles personally I don’t need ‘em the seat is comfy enough

[@TimFitzwater]

I get why people like them - I used to wear them a bit before I switched all the bikes I do long rides in to Brooks B17s.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Tim ..a Snickers should indeed consistently be a Snickers...I am OAF though , and many things seem wrong to me . Good job , be safe out there

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah / or at least have the original option too! Thanks! Cheers!

[@jakefr5150]

Epic ride dude. Just getting back to riding in the 216 after a long absence. Had a few 25+ mile rides, but will need much work to get the legs for 100. Keep grinding.

[@TimFitzwater]

You’ll get there if you want. No worries if it isn’t in the cards though. Just have fun!

[@neildrabinski3330]

climbs Uhler for the finish #beastmode

[@TimFitzwater]

Gotta get home somehow!

[@p49N]

so true, good plan, flat, no new equipment, and pick a bail out train back option if you feel deathly

[@discowhisk483]

“If you buy white Snickers you should be arrested and put in jail.” Prime line.

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@Oldschoolnoise]

I’m 52, just started riding again last year. Before then I was 22, got hit by a car and it deterred me. Last summer I pushed and did 60 on the c&o canal towpath. My butt was super sore but I was so pumped I did that much. Wanna try a century but I’ll have to do it with someone for the extra motivation

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! Glad you are back in it. Good luck getting out there and doing the hundred!

[@dalemonaco]

One summer a friend and I used to ride the Towpath to Cleveland from Akron every Sunday. We'd always stop at Melt, fuel up and ride home, great times.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! Melt rules too.

[@friendofships]

Another awesome video Tim, loved the Dustin Klein shoutout at the end!

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - thanks! Just rolls off the tongue!

[@noisufnoc]

You rode right through my usual route near the east side of Cleveland in the Bedford and South Chagrin reservations! Some of my favorite places to ride!

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! I rode through Bedford again yesterday - we did a shorter route linking from the Towpath through Valley View along Tinker's Creek.

[@noisufnoc]

@@TimFitzwater I just rode over there on Friday. Park Place near the Bedford reservation has good ice cream 👍

[@TimFitzwater]

We got lunch there!

[@m1les7]

Fantastic ride, bravo!! I watch Dustin too 😜😜💪🏁🏁

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I was trying not to word it like that at the end - then it was like “hell, just embrace it” 🤓

[@kmccarr]

I love that you’re always up for an adventure! Nice ride, great video as always.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks so much!

[@tomordr]

I can’t imagine starting a century in mid afternoon. Most I’ve ever done is 62 miles in one day but that was southbound on GAP trail with full touring gear and I was shot! Learned the value of proper seat height setup on that one. Useful tips you gave. Thanks for the video.

[@TimFitzwater]

Friday night Tim vetoed Saturday Tim’s early start. 😂 This is my most dialed in bike and I would have been furious be with proper precautions… Cheers!

[@davidli782]

Great to see you riding on all my favorite metro park trails! Love the emerald necklace

[@TimFitzwater]

Truly an amazing resource. Fun to hit so much of it in one ride!

[@keithressler5400]

I just discovered your channel and I'm really identifying with your style and am watching them all! Your avatar says it all! I'm in my mid-forties and love the idea of planning around good beer and food stops and prioritizing a comfortable ride while also getting the adventures in! I live in PA near the Rothrock State Forest and I'm going to do my first overnighter this weekend!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! I just turned 45 yesterday. Definitely enjoy having cycling be fun even if there is an occasional challenging ride. I looked up Rothrock - I've been to State College and stayed at a KAO somewhere near there before. Have a blast on your overnighter! Cheers!

[@Bobby_Pyn]

Long solo rides are my thing, I love this.

[@TimFitzwater]

Sometimes it is so nice to go at the pace you want to(fast or slow) and exactly where you want to for sure!

[@samulihirsi]

i am always amazed by the size of the american homes, like almost empty room for cardboard boxes and snacks.....

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - those were definitely bigger than your average - but still you are right. (those neighborhoods along some of the parks are pretty ritzy.

[@scottatkins8381]

Almond Snickers is the bomb!

[@TimFitzwater]

They should have just given it a different name.

[@fiinpowell]

This was great! We've all been there but to see the cycling equivalent of the Kubler-Ross stages of death condensed into one digestible video was fun to watch. Two observations, (1) you're a brave man stopping for a Makers and a beer so close to home, and (2) you're correct, regardless of size who in their right mind shares a Milky Way?

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha - thanks! Well - the hope was for food and a beer but with the credit card minimum and closed kitchen…..I did my best 🤷🏻‍♂️🥸 That rant went on even longer and got into BS fat-shaming and corporate lies - but I decided to cut it. I wasn’t that coherent at that point anymore 🤓

[@barriobikes68]

Too good. The commentary on your final snack stop? Priceless. I mean...totally true, but priceless. So, I think my body has an aversion to doing a century ride. The first time I planned for one, I ended up with COVID that took me half a year to recover from. The second time I prepped for one...bronchitis. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha - yeah - it’s like that sometimes- you just want what you want. Bummer to hear about the illnesses- especially the long recovery. I got really lucky that I caught the mild variant and after being vaccinated- just a few days of mild sickness (even rode once which was stupid in hindsight) Who knows though - maybe the stars will align for you one day.

[@DAMN55117]

By the farm again? Funny smell. I am all about comfort all the time. I am done with discomfort - that goes for bikes, bike clothing, etc.

[@TimFitzwater]

For real - and as stated - comfort is speed and endurance. Being comfortable is everything.

[@shalakabooyaka1480]

I feel like I'm walled up at 16-20 miles, but I just started cycling after a 20 year hiatus and I gotta remember that when I hit that wall. It's ok, go home get some rest and recoup. Go again tomorrow.

[@TimFitzwater]

It takes time. I had about an 8 year hiatus when I got back into it and I rode 20 mile rides for a season before getting into anything much longer.

[@p49N]

tip: switch out dry socks and shoes if you bonk and its not getting better, even if that means crocks or sandles,and drop a tiny pinch of Himalayan salt in you water (if you don't have a heart condition)

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice.

[@TheRickurb]

Well done sir! I’m especially impressed you had time to play with Legos on such a tough ride.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Erin’s dang lexicon getting in my head!

[@mitmon_8538]

WHEW! Solo 100+. I've done a few 100+, but always with friends. You've given me inspiration, dude! Also, that bridge at 7:27 is amazing!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! That section of Cleveland with the bridge is really cool - it is the Cultural Gardens. It begins with all the museums and then there are different monuments for all the ethnicities in Cleveland. Very cool windy parkway. Cleveland's reputation is changing for the better - but there are some amazing places that have been around here for over 100 years.

[@muskrat1731]

I like the repeating shadows at 13:09 ; this sequence suggest the lagging of strength against time.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I actually saw it and felt it in the moment. Left it in the edit knowing some might see it.

[@trevgrooves]

Your channel is my favorite bike content. It just makes me want to get on my bike and ride for hours. Love it! Cool bikes too ✌🏻

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! That is my favorite thing to hear!

[@dontipton4570]

I agree. Great low key content. Helps that I also live in Ohio. Keep up the great work!

[@leoburge5318]

Hey, this is one of the most nicely reported rides I´ve ever seen. Beer stop, very important.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!! 🍻🍻

[@davidgriffin8717]

Shadow Ghosts!

[@TimFitzwater]

👻 !

[@morganfox6579]

I’ve also noticed that Strava and RWGPS will alter the routing when I use the reverse function.

[@TimFitzwater]

My friend Ben just told me if any of the route was hand drawn or included sidewalks or non-regular stuff it will re-route to a “better” option. I remembered we did make some cuts to hit certain destinations or even went through some parking lots - so makes sense. Thankfully it did a good job on the changes.

[@glennpettersson9002]

Tire noise is wasted energy so you could go further or faster. Great riding 💪

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!

[@mikegutterman3427]

Thanks Tim and great tips for the long ride!

[@TimFitzwater]

Heck yeah - cheers!

[@markthorrowgood3266]

White Sickers?! None of those in Korea yet, but damn, man, that sounds like some good ride fuel right there. The best US one is Reeces Peeces IMO, if you can get American candy, but I love Yakgwa on longer rides, an oily sweet traditional Korean cookie. Shin ramen as well, for simple carbs and salt.

[@TimFitzwater]

I do love some Reese's Pieces! Do you get all the weird flavored Kit Kats or is that Japan? I can't remember but someone sent my buddy a bunch and we taste tested them on a live stream.

[@markthorrowgood3266]

@@TimFitzwater Yeah, we get a few wacky flavors here, but nothing like the Cherry Blossom type flavors you see in Japan. I think they may do an orange autumn pumpkin one? Like that odd American style pumpkin flavor latte you get at Starbucks in the autumn here sometimes. Great video BTW. I have a buddy near you who I met here and who rides some of those same paths sometimes. Looks like some good riding you have there.

[@desert.mantis]

You be da'man, Tim!

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@RruinerR]

Gonna comment before I watch. Mostly cause I just got back from a 10 mile ride and I feel like you upped the ante pretty hardcore.

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! Definitely a long day out !

[@PatrickTrosken-yr1hp]

On a long ride i took enough food and enough to drink, my rain equipment and tools. But every best prepairing i forget someting😂😂😂😂😂. Shit happens😂😂😂😂

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha - yeah! I should be too smart for these mistakes at this point but.....

[@Cobwobbler]

That's an epic ride out. I prefer wool as my go to rain protection. Old school for the win . And beer for food never ends well for me 😂 Excellent advice. I agree comfort is the key.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I know that beer calories really don't get me anywhere - had to hit that credit card minimum though ya know!!

[@Cobwobbler]

@@TimFitzwater Ah, a valid reason. Truly inspirational ride out. I think as long as you get the pace right you can achieve great mileage. And always carry emergency pork pies 😉

[@terrycrowley8933]

Sometimes just a snickers will do great video thanks

[@TimFitzwater]

For real! Cheers!

[@andrewkleinhenz8487]

You know it is bad when one recognizes just about every clip of bike trail in your video! Great ride! I will give it a go sometime. Out here in North West Ohio we have the "eternal hill" called wind!😂 I grew up just few miles from the CVNP and miss the area and challenges of Truxel rd. and all the others that climb out of the valley.....I was much younger then.... Wonderful video and great ride! I think it is time to make a trip out east for Szlays corn and to ride the Cuyahoga valley! Peace Andrew

[@TimFitzwater]

Oh man - I know about long days like no the wind. Had one of the worst on the trails outside Toledo. At least with hills you can anticipate them. I worked at Szalay’s for about 10 years.(didn’t ride much then - many 14/15 hour days) but now I’ve done about every climb both ways out of the Valley. Thanks - cheers!

[@Cycling-Brian]

I share your opinion on using rain gear during summer rides. My riding partner and I got caught in a downpour today. He got hot and clammy in his rain jacket, making him a wet, miserable mess! I didn’t use a rain jacket, so I was wet, but not miserable. Plus, he had to tie that rain jacket around his waist once the rain stopped, because he didn’t have his bar bag today.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - if it isn’t chilly I don’t bring it anymore. I just make sure to wear quick drying clothes. The only reason I bring one on camping trips is in case it is raining at camp. (Especially in the morning) Rain feels so much ch cleaner than sweat! Doesn’t matter how “breathable “ they claim something is - of it truly keeps you dry it’s too hot for summer. Cheers!

[@christopherwebb3517]

Whatchamacallit is the best candy bar.

[@TimFitzwater]

Don’t think I ever get those. Snickers 4 life!

[@anthonidanowski9404]

that area looks pretty fun to ride. moved out to the pnw from the ann arbor area. miss those chill metro park rides.

[@TimFitzwater]

Definitely want to ride in the Pacific Northwest some day. But yeah - the bike paths around here are pretty decent.

[@anthonidanowski9404]

@@TimFitzwater we definitely have some cool stuff here. it hardened me up pretty quick because you cant go on a adventure without climbing like 5000 ft. no more single speeds for me.

[@commonbirdsband]

Nice one, man. My longest ride is 70 so no real advice for a hundo. But on those rides I always try to plan them around the cooler summer days. Hopefully see you guys in chat! Bike movies??? How about songs about bikes?? Haha.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - cooler days make a huge difference. If you can do 70 you can do 100(I mean, if you want to) Songs about bikes - that will be a good chat topic . Banger of a vid you guys put out today from the show too - I love it!

[@commonbirdsband]

@@TimFitzwater Thanks!! Yeah I'm still logged into that account from uploading. Can't keep track of these accounts. I think this Fall we're going to shoot for our first Century on a nice cool day. Just hope there's enough light that time of year (that's probably another good tip for the video).

[@BigRon092]

Love this channel! Too much time in the dark for me tho.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I definitely should have hit the road earlier and avoided the darkness at the end. But heck - unfortunately it’s time to start getting used to it again. Sun is setting earlier everyday….

[@sadhu6740]

I always carry jellybeans to stave off the longride 15 miles to home bonk

[@TimFitzwater]

Peanut M&Ms are usually one of my big go-to’s and what I kept thinking I would grab.

[@sadhu6740]

@@TimFitzwater m&ms quickly turn into a melty mess here in the daily radiation storm that is Tucsonistan. As in from May until October it's strictly night rides. The uv level here is genuinely hazardous during the summer. From late October until early May is supernice

[@rockeastwood]

Thanks for the motivation. i'll build up to it though. Go for 50 first 😀

[@nathanmace3936]

Go for 62 miles= 100k

[@rockeastwood]

@@nathanmace3936 Dang. Good idea! Goals. Thank you!

[@nathanmace3936]

@@rockeastwood if you can ride 30, you can do 62. It's mind over matter. And I try to make sure I drink one water bottle an hour. I set an alarm on my bike computer to go off every 15 minutes and I know to drink. Also if you use sugar in your daily life make sure you feed the machine. Gatorade with the sugar helps a ton. Jelly belly has some awesome cycling beans as well! Good luck to you! 🤙

[@rockeastwood]

@@nathanmace3936 Really appreciate the tips! I will use them & go for it. Thanks again!

[@TimFitzwater]

Yup - the metric century!

[@jbour]

Great ride, congrats! I believe I saw you at Edgewater park ~ 5:30 -6? we were biking downtown to the Guardians game

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I definitely remember passing some people on bikes heading that direction and the timing would be right on too.

[@jbour]

Your GAP and C&O videos convinced my wife we could finish that ride - if those guys can do it we can too 😁 We biked DC -Pittsburgh this spring. All the information you provided was a big help for us to do that trip, thank you for making these videos! Next time you are up this way we will make sure you are properly fueled!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome!

[@analoguegeek]

I just looked up Burke Airport... holy shit there's NO REASON why they should have that airport blocking all of the lakefront. Should be a massive park put in there instead.

[@TimFitzwater]

There’s room for a park and development if they wanted. It’s such a shame.

[@rogerhart612]

Awesome video . I find it easier to ride long distances with other people. It makes the miles go by quicker. What was the brand of shorts you are wearing. I'm interested in getting some. Thanks Tim

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! It is nice sometimes to be solo because you get to choose your own pace and stops - but definitely goes faster with friends. The shorts are pricey(even though they are on a huge sale right now) but I'd say they are worth it - there isn't a thread out of place after thousands of miles... swrve.us/collections/shorts/products/_blk-label-limited-edition-bicycle-nomad-trouser-shorts-vol-2 Seeing the sale I might buy a second pair.

[@matts8]

Nice ride. How do you like that pancake rf 28 lens? Already bougth R8 partialy becasue you said good things about it - and I love how small it is and how fast af is. My old 17-40mm L got new life with R8!

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I’m loving it. I find it to be a perfect focal length for riding. It’s so small and light especially combined with the R8. It doesn’t replace L 1.4’s - but for fun stuff it is surprisingly good. (To be honest I photographed a few jobs too from the bike with it - any flaws are pretty easy to adjust these days if necessary)

[@FollowThomas]

That was a long ride 116 miles. I like the route you chose, lot of variations, roads, trails, tunnels, elevations. Going solo allows these kind of long rides. I ride solo, so I do those 100+ mile days quiet often. It's easier here in Florida since it's flat. A couple of months ago I did my longest ride 192 miles, 17 hour ride by A1A from Jacksonville to Melbourne. I have the video too if you wanna check it out. I was planning 200 but the hotel got me before, the next one was after 30 miles didn't have the strength for that maybe next time I try again 200.

[@TimFitzwater]

Wow - 192 - that is awesome! I must have missed that video - I will go back and check it out. We have been talking about a Fall 200. My friends who are doing it ride really fast though so I'm not sure. My longest is in the 130 range and that was exhausting!

[@kitchencarvings4621]

Wow at about the 5-minute mark, that person passing you in that narrow lane with oncoming traffic and a postal vehicle stopped up ahead of you should not be allowed to drive.

[@TimFitzwater]

I never get over what drivers will do to avoid hitting their breaks for a few seconds...blind curves, blind hills - putting everyone on the rod at risk.

[@RottenMechGaming]

Please can you confirm what selfie stick you use for the gopro and, more importantly, how you stow it quickly between takes without dismounting the bike and fiddling with it?

[@TimFitzwater]

I don't use a selfie stick. It is a Pro Standard mouth mount. I either hook it on my camera strap across my chest or if I don't have a camera with me I hook it in my pants pocket. I learned the technique by watching Dustin Klein videos - I couldn't figure out how he was going from first person to selfie and filming everyone around him. That is how. I also shoot with the GoPro in the 8x7 5.3k mode so I can slightly reframe the image during editing - give me up and down leeway when working in a normal 4k 16x9 timeline.

[@livegood9876]

Are you wearing a chamois with the swerve shorts and that brooks saddle?

[@TimFitzwater]

Nope. I don’t wear chamois - that’s the point t of B17s.

[@Happyjohn72]

For a long ride like this , what was the sling bag you used. I can’t find one that is comfortable enough for a long ride

[@TimFitzwater]

It a Peak Design sling - great bags and really easy to adjust the strap on the fly. I don’t usually ride with bags on me but when I want more camera gear these are the best.

[@vampirekiller16]

Those tires look pretty knobby? I know if i do more than like 20 i swap out my midnight special with teravail cannonballs for my roadbike. Do u push thru the chunk or do they actually roll ok?

[@TimFitzwater]

They roll awesome. It’s why I’m willing to spend the money on Rene Herse - they aren’t even noisy. They corner well on pavement too. The philosophy is that he is removing material not adding knobs. Not sure if that makes sense but when you run them it does. Only tires that will grace my gravel bike since I also use it as an endurance road bike.

[@Obscurity202]

Where do you find friends to bike with lol

[@TimFitzwater]

Strava DMs.😹

[@MrGrenadeMcBoom]

Is that a Jack rack under your bag?

[@TimFitzwater]

Yes - love it. Not really necessary for the smaller bag just using it more to keep the bag off the headtube. Really dig it for my Swift Zeitgeist. (or just strapping things to it)

[@MrGrenadeMcBoom]

@@TimFitzwater I backed them as well, it really helps turn the CX bike into a commuter without having to have a pack on my back in the summer.

[@Sapoguapo]

Do you wear padded shorts for long rides like this? Also, for long rides do you ride flats or clipless?

[@TimFitzwater]

I never wear padded shorts and I always ride flats. I prefer to find saddles that are comfortable for me - which in my case is a Brooks b17. I don't have any problem with clipless - I just don't have any desire to use special pedals and shoes to ride my bike.

[@Sapoguapo]

@@TimFitzwater I love your style man! I’ve been wanting to swoop a b17, you and many others have nothing but good things to say about em!

[@michaelchristopher1989]

What part of Cleveland do you live in?

[@TimFitzwater]

No part

[@michaelchristopher1989]

@@TimFitzwater I'm considering moving there from Oregon. Trying to get a lay of the land. I want to be in a bike-able part of town.

[@TimFitzwater]

Lakewood borders Cleveland on the westside and has the most cycling infrastructure it seems - also leads into the city proper. I roll through a few times a year but I live 35 miles South. Could be worth reaching out to a rad shop like Joy Machines for advice. Those guys commute into their shop and lead rides in Cleveland.

[@michaelchristopher1989]

@@TimFitzwater Thanks

[@daniellarson3068]

I got tired just watching the video. I guess I am not at all into the night riding thing.

[@TimFitzwater]

Normally I’d leave earlier for a ride this long - but couldn’t on this day. But I do end up doing a lot of night riding anyways I guess - it gets dark not long after 4 here in the winter. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@carlhansen9512]

Maybe head out before 2:00pm next time so you're not on the road with drunk drivers in the dark?

[@TimFitzwater]

Well I headed out at 12:30 but I am allowed to ride whenever I want.

[@Levelc]

Ah yes, curse the people because they’re parked on the street and not in the driveway. If their driveway is blocked, that’s obviously where they would park. Go ride out to Punderson or the “Stairs” at Holden.

[@TimFitzwater]

They were in the bike lane!