This Ride Scares Me! Blackfork Gravel Grinder

Blackfork Gravel Grinder 2023 went really well. I rode this gravel race once before and it scared the bejesus out of me. I was a little unprepared for just how steep, fast and gnarly these gravel road descents would be. This time I was a little more prepared having done it before and also being on my Gunnar Rocktour with its 55mm tires, sweep bars and fantastic Growtech Equal brakes. I didn't so much race but there is no easy way to ride this cycling event - its a tough day out any way you slice it.
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[@mikecampana6074]

Awesome recap!

[@okc4]

One thing I worry about being new to all this is etiquette. I don't ride in groups yet but going into the bike shop it gets me. I screwed up my partner's breaks when fixing a flat and took it in, it was the easiest fix and they didn't charge me but I kinda wished they did. Like, your knowledge is worth something don't let me steal it.

[@TimFitzwater]

Part of the point of the video is to spread what I believe good etiquette is - but in truth - most of it is pretty much common sense. Be aware and considerate of those around you. On shops hooking up small jobs - I think a lot of us do that in life - a little bit of charity here and there....

[@Punxish]

Really enjoy your narrated ride videos like this. Thanks 👍🏻

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks so much!

[@garrettthompson327]

Thanks for this video! I’m doing my first sets of gravel rides this spring and this will be my second one. Glad to have some insights into the course and a good reminder to practice good bike etiquette! Thanks!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! I'm glad you took it that way which was my point - some people got mad at me for dropping some truth.

[@MatthewHoffman]

Looks like a great ride and race! Thanks for sharing this video!

[@TimFitzwater]

It was - went well. Cheers!

[@TheBarnCarsandBicycles]

Great job with the voiceover. I did this event in 2017 - it rained so hard about 70% of the ride. Didn't make it too fun. Choose to ride it on my carbon hardtail MTB which ended up being a good choice. Maybe I'll try again. Thanks for the vid.

[@TimFitzwater]

Oh man - a bunch of rain wouldn’t be fun on this route! Thanks - cheers!

[@pinonoir7287]

Loving the commentary on this ride; I can relate! Racing Lycraboys don't like to look in 'the mirror'.. .

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@briangoodman8990]

damn. looks like a sweet trip. friends are the best and it looks like you have a darn fine group of them.

[@TimFitzwater]

Super tough but really fun. Yes - the friends make it all worth while.

[@nickpatten5263]

Super video and great commentary. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Cheers!

[@mitmon_8538]

Oof! That's some serious climbing on those routes! Well done to you and Erin. Group ride etiquette is one huge benefit of road bike rides that include drafting. When drafting, you have to communicate to make sure everyone makes it and works together. It's a lost art on gravel rides, it seems, which is understandable since drafting isn't really needed or possible most times. Thank you for spreading the etiquette lessons! It's hard to relay the messages nicely. I'm sure that's why most people are turned off to road bike group rides. Yeah, it's kinda barking orders, but when the alternative is the chance of crashing yourself and/or others, stern instructions are warranted.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Yes - super tough but beautiful. I think simple etiquette should apply across all disciplines. People are definitely drafting in gravel races too....

[@cb6866]

Thanks Tim , fun on wheels !

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@kimrice394]

Looks fun! Tough but Cool route!

[@TimFitzwater]

Really beautiful but incredibly challenging! Good times!

[@glennstep1]

"little less racing looking guys..." love it. I certainly fit in that category. I want to try these hills without the crowd (so I don't get in the way) Love your vids, love the dialogue. Thank you!

[@glennstep1]

Also, you show a great deal of grace towards people who are either unaware or ignore protocol. You provide a friendly learning space. Kudos for exposing these rides and giving a great representation of what to expect.

[@TimFitzwater]

Inevitably some people will take this as me being too harsh - but that isn't the goal. People who ride alone need to learn to respect other riders when they are in a group. This is a great ride - but not one you want to show up to not knowing what to expect - it is a challenge!

[@markday1714]

once again brilliant content! thanks

[@TimFitzwater]

Cheers!

[@MrMarumari]

Those are some beauty roads!

[@TimFitzwater]

They really are! Made the challenge worthwhile!

[@ianthompson6268]

interesting. I'm Jokey McJokester on the start line of my Masters Cyclocross races. I never thought that maybe it's my nerves talking. Thanks.

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! I bet it is!

[@rogerhart612]

Awesome video. That area of our state is beautiful. With all your apprehension it still sounds like you had fun. I would to ride it sometime.

[@TimFitzwater]

It was still worth it - absolutely beautiful. Definitely be cool to go and check out on a non-race day - maybe even skip a hill or two!

[@spaceghost8995]

A RACE? I'm like a big tortoise out there! There is no racing going on here. 😂 Doing the OTET though May 25! Nice vid anyway!

[@TimFitzwater]

Gravel races are only races for the serious ones. Plenty of people out there just getting through or enjoying the ride. Good luck on the OTET - hopefully the weather cooperates!

[@330_Crew]

Bummer you didn’t hit the MTB trail. It’s the only MTB trail in Ohio listed as an IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) Epic. A trail has to meet criteria for distance, elevation, and back country experience.

[@TimFitzwater]

Interesting. We all want to get back down there to try them out - not really that far.

[@alexanderrigda7002]

Great job on the tough ride. Also that jersey is SICK

[@shawn595]

Oh yeah, that's a fantastic looking jersey!! Definitely a fan.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I used to stalk ebay for vintage wool on the cheap.

[@shawn595]

@@TimFitzwater That's a fantastic idea! Thanks!

[@ronstuff6330]

Seeing the video, looks like the Gunnar was a good choice. Nice work!

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Definitely the right choice - a lot more fun on that.

[@markday1714]

6.20 in your commentary, CAN I GET AN AMEN !!!!

[@TimFitzwater]

Hallelujah!

[@YinzerHouse]

Nice job! Looks like a solid outing and the Gunnar killed it. I always have similar thoughts with running races; it feels like such a cattle drive or "running of the bulls" at the start and when the course narrows. At least with running it's far less treacherous to dodge people in the way. Did they have a course review session for riders at all? I know a lot of trail running events do that and sometimes make it mandatory just so the medical staff isn't overworked.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah it is just kind of a hard thing to avoid. I do feel like if you've done this ride before and you know you are going to walk you should hang back a bit - but hard to say how many are aware. I don't believe there was a course review. Thanks - the Gunnar was the right choice!

[@the_derpler]

Great video. It has been a long while since I've done an event.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! It was a tough one - but worth it.

[@ashurany]

Good job! I wonder how many of those who had to hike a bike up the hills and not "playing nice" were in their first group event/race. Seems that it takes a bit to learn some of the etiquette.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I think probably a decent amount. That is why I try to have a bit of patience - and why I want to also call it out a bit so hopefully people learn. But I did have a couple make smart ass remarks when announcing myself to pass - I didn't bring that up in the video but it was really lame by some older dudes who definitely were just bitter and seeing a stronger rider(s).

[@ashurany]

@@TimFitzwater I hear you. Can be hard to have patience. Good for you for keeping the frustration contained. I think maybe that organizers of these types of events should remind people before the ride that if they're hiking it up hills or they breakdown to get to the side. It's not only an inconvenience issue, but a safety one.

[@TimFitzwater]

100%

[@DmitryKoupriyanov]

Been thinking more and more to try do events but have the fear of doing something stupid. (or looking stupid)

[@TimFitzwater]

I'm probably the one who looked stupid to a lot of the people out there. Don't worry about that at all. On doing something stupid - that was a bit of the point of some of my commentary - to give advice on how to behave. Don't let anything stop you from getting out there and riding though. Maybe start with an event that isn't competitive to get used being around a lot of other riders. Erin was really afraid of doing these kind of things at first too.

[@Cobwobbler]

Looks like a grand day out. I think the Gunner is a cool bike. I've got those kind of sweep back bars on my commuter bike and I like them. Make you feel like you're riding a 1930's motorcycle I imagine. Was the hand position ok?

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - super tough but really beautiful. I was happy with the Gunnar - the hand position was mostly fine for a more than four hour ride. I probably still prefer drops for climbing like that but all in all I still think the Gunnar was the right choice.

[@ChrisCapoccia]

Usually the etiquette from friendly group rides don't really apply in races. Calling out road hazards in a race? Maybe, but probably not when you're trying not to cooperate with everyone

[@TimFitzwater]

I would respectfully, but completely disagree for a number of reasons. One being I watch tons of pro, World Tour Racing and it is extremely common for the worlds best riders to all look out for each other, pointing out obstacles is normal. My friend Ames(who stayed with us in the cabin) won the gravel race series in Ohio and I know her and the other top riders do the same. But even if that wasn't true "in a race" I am no where near the race part of this ride. The people I'm around are just out to finish. We aren't racing each other for 70th place or whatever. These riders were slowly walking - not running these hills. Etiquette and safety are always the right move when possible.

[@carlcoburn4528]

For this race, would you recommend road gearing 2x 50/34 or something easier on hills?

[@TimFitzwater]

I did it on road gearing years ago and it was tough with my easiest being 34x34 - I wouldn't do that again. Lot of people walking the hills.

[@theogohioan1633]

What wool jersey do you have? I did the 23 mile ride and about died. My area of the state is flat so i need to find somewhere to do some climbing practice. The first three hills were terrible

[@TimFitzwater]

Its a vintage one - ebay find. I try different search terms to try and score deals. Yeah - it is a tough day out at any of the lengths. Lots of short punchy climbs like that here in Akron so I was a little prepared.

[@Brackcycle]

I get the frustration of noobs being in the way but you have to support them. I don't know what the solution is, but the event should be sharing some of the suggestions you have to improve everyone's experience. I am new here and have all of 1 event under my belt. So i am possibly guilty of some of these things. I'll tell you that the tone of the video would not encourage me to join an event if I had never done one before. So many say just try it, then they complain about you when you eff up their ride. Your videos are generally so welcoming and laid back but this one had a tone that wasn’t. Again, I understand the frustration but don't see how this video will help to remedy anything. I hope you take this in the spirit it was intended which was to point out that being new is intimidating and that experienced riders can forget that. When that happens it isn’t going to be fun for anyone.

[@TimFitzwater]

The point is to explain these things to newer people but call out the older dudes just being selfish also. I probably should have went a bit deeper into the bad experience with the people who should know better though. I felt like I made it clear I wasn't mad about people learning who don't know. Its tough - I don't have enough time to make these videos - this was one take. I talked to Erin about making a video specifically focused on this topic because I think it deserves a well thought out and kind approach. When people aren't using simple common sense is what triggers me. You don't need experience to move over when asked....

[@Brackcycle]

@Tim Fitzwater I get it. I can't imagine the challenges of getting things out there so frequently. The reason I wasn't going to comment was my experience with your other videos has been the opposite to this one. I think a good video for first time gravel event riders would help to improve everyone's experiences. Maybe a series of shorts:noobs; experienced riders and the most important one for the crusty old buggers who know better! Looking forward to it!

[@330_Crew]

Did you see the news today that Waterford and Gunnar are shutting down at the end of next month?

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah / what a bummer!

[@CrabgrassFarmer]

Great review and action. Is the 30 mile route less crowded with walkers on the climbs?

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Everything rolls out together and hits those first few climbs - so even though I’ve never done the 30 the answer would be no. Next year I’m going to just go out hard to get ahead of more of that - even though I hate riding fast in the beginning.

[@CrabgrassFarmer]

@@TimFitzwater Thanks. I also wanted to mention that I appreciated you calling out inconsiderate behavior. How else are people expected to learn? You sure can't count on people figuring it out for themselves. In 90 percent of the cases, that's not going to happen.

[@TimFitzwater]

I appreciate hearing that. Some people took it the wrong way. I was hoping to educate the people who didn’t know but yes - shame the people who should know better. We all have to learn. It’s not like I knew this when I started group riding.

[@tomordr]

Nice video but boy somebody was hangry when doing voice over narration 😂

[@TimFitzwater]

People have had a hard time with some truth. 😎

[@drpulpit]

But! The crucial question: Who won the boat race?

[@TimFitzwater]

everyone!

[@TheSwartz85]

What does BS stand for?

[@TimFitzwater]

I’ll explain when your older. (Also why I haven’t responded to your texts yet - no cell out there)

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Get racey with it next year rent a bike get a bike fit , you only live 1 time

[@TimFitzwater]

I have a gravel race bike - felt like I was gonna die riding it 4 years ago here. I’ll stick with the chunky tires at Blackfork.

[@grumpycyclist3319]

Too bad about the Lance wannabes, looks fun otherwise...

[@TimFitzwater]

lol. Hey - wear and buy whatever you want just be cool(and get out of my way if you want to walk!)

[@bah5310]

Humans have to ruin everything. If you rode that ride again and you asked us which bike to take, we'd say the same thing.

[@TimFitzwater]

I wouldn't say it was ruined - but definitely frustrating. Ha - and I'd do it again!

[@suersu3963]

Man dude. judgey.

[@TimFitzwater]

Truth hurts I guess.

[@oldNavyJZ]

Yeah, guy just begs for a nose punch.

[@TimFitzwater]

I’m not hard to find - come try it.

[@CrabgrassFarmer]

Being called out is how people learn. Would you rather be called out while watching a youtube video, or called out on the trail?

[@suersu3963]

@@CrabgrassFarmer deliberately dangerous riding? Maybe I'd yell to get over my hurt feelings and make me feel better. Incompetent/inexperienced/overambitious (never made it up this hill before but fuck it YOLO. (The first 2 hills are tough)) riding? Why would I care, not my place to say shit and disagree people learn (what are they supposed to learn exactly? Don't walk? Get out of my way? Shit be faster, problem solved) by being yelled at by random knowitalls . I don't remember the video very well but think mostly I was objecting to the "only 1 way to ride a bike, my way" attitude, but I apologize if I misunderstood the point. Blackfork is my favorite event (done every one) and really like how it gets riders of all types and ambitions. Sorely needed here in Ohio.