My First Solo BikeCamping Trip
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- I had never gone on a solo bikepacking trip or a solo bike tour so I decided to try it out. I was heading to the Ann Arbor, Michigan area for a gravel ride and camping event and decided to ride there over two days. Both days would be over 100 miles with a camping stop at the White Star Campground in Sandusky County. Most of the ride was on country roads and bike path but there was some less-than-great suburban and industrial roads too. The North Coast Inland Trail was a highlight. I rode my Gunnar Rocktour which sits somewhere between a gravel bicycle and a MTB - an ATB if you will.
#bikecamping #biketouring
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I’m amazed how you CZcamsrs can entertain yourselves, by entertaining us on solo trips. Don’t think I can ever get used to talking to the camera. All your videos are great, but definitely enjoyed this one.
It really helps! Thinking about things then "writing" them in my head keeps me going.
Talking to the camera is 100% a learned skill not a natural one. It has taken tons of practice and I will still rarely do it around people.
When I first tried to start this channel I just froze up and had to give it a few years!
@@TimFitzwater you seem like a natural Tim. Always great content
🥰
Dont be afraid to do a tractor talk ride, or even some tractor talk merch lol.... Thanks Tim!
🚜.👨🏼🌾
i was so excited too hear tractor and then it went out the window!!!
"Cool way to drive, jackass," is my new favorite compliment 😂❤
Well, we said we wanted longer videos and you delivered! 🤘
I don't know why, but this might be my favorite video of yours.
Thanks!
Didn't know what people would think of this one so appreciate hearing that!
@@TimFitzwater You made us feel like we were with you by talking to us the whole time - in a way this wasn't really a solo trip, we were with you the whole way... thanks for the ride.
Having you guys there made it far more enjoyable!
I've only bike-camped solo. It's been hard syncing other people's schedules to periods of good weather. But, it's always a good chance to mentally reset, especially if you're out of cell service range.
As mentioned I am lucky to have friends to go with - though I can see more trips like this in my future. I meant to say it in the video but forgot - making these videos also makes it more enjoyable as I'm basically "writing" my thoughts.
One reason I love bike computers is that my phone can stay in the bag - as a freelancer though I do check it at stops. The flexible schedule's trade-off is almost always staying in touch as a small business owner - but I'll take that trade.
Cheers!
@@TimFitzwater A large amount of the American West still doesn't have cell service once you get out of larger cities and towns, so a lot of times it's not even a choice. Cheers to you too dude. Keep doing what you do.
Used to be able to ride from Toledo to Ann Arbor without much traffic, but that was 40 yrs ago. A good trail to ride in Michigan is route 35 up the west coast from New Buffalo to mackinaw city.
Tim~amazing trip-
@@eprohoda Tim-tastic voyage.
You keep raising the bar by just being yourself and doing those great rides and vids ❤
Thanks!
watched all the way through! Am on my first solo bikepacking trip as well, 90 miles on the GAP out of Pittsburgh in a day. (personal best) you are the man Tim, hope to ride someday
I love this one! I am about 1/2 way through and will finish later. You are a monster right now! 100+ miles, fully loaded, in that part of the country. I love your commentary to yourself. I always cut mine out but I think I am going to start leaving it in after watching this. Long solo rides induce a natural high unlike anything else. Great video! I really like this one.
Thanks! Nice chatting on the livestream tonight.
I think that inner commentary might be interesting to other cyclists because we all do it in our own way so its nice to hear someone else's?
And you are right - I really felt awesome at the campground. It was a unique sense of accomplishment.
Man you were right down the road from my house at the Michigan Line.
Nice!
Halfway through the video, take aways so far;
- flowering corn smells like sweet catpiss
&
- I'm pretty much a camel
;-) Loving it, all your observations paired together with the dub music
Greetings from The Netherlands!
lol! Those are the key points!
Tim, I am the GIS Coordinator for Ohio County WV (I draw maps for a living), it sounds like a few of these counties in northern Ohio need to update Google Maps or other apps with their bike paths.
For sure. Not sure why some stretches weren't on there.
Thanks!
Thank you!! ❤️
Does a congressman live on that nice new road with no one on it? This is often the case where I come from.
A giant amusement park is in this county - that is what my reference was. Way to many nice roads for the amount of congressman that would be out here!
Tim you are a beast!! Love the long format video! Cheers my friend! 🍻
Thanks so much!
Just moved here to Cleveland from Moore Oklahoma and I’ve been watching your videos. Love the casual cycling and exploring. More my speed rather than competitive. Trying to be more like you and cruise around beachwood but still learning how to ride in traffic. Love the vids.
Thanks! Cheers!
safety first
I know we just see a highlight reel but really lovely countryside. Much more fun to have things to look at and look forward to passing to help make the distances more manageable. Love the pack setup you got going that looks quite nimble and lean.
Thanks for the video!
Cheers!
I'm new here and am loving your channel, Tim!!! I'm in the Hudson Valley area and saw your rail trail vid you made last October with that other rider. You uploaded it on the 28th of October of 2023. Well that date sticks out for me because I was on that trail on the 27th of October and it was the most beautiful day I've ever rode. It was a dry, bright blue sky, warm day and peak fall foliage. I was well rested, light and strong feeling that day. One of those kind of days I just keep thinking about how perfect it was. Anyway keep up the great content!!! AWESOME CHANNEL!
Awesome!
Thanks so much!
I took your advice and watched this video in segments, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I must say that I appreciate your openness to riding on the sidewalks! Your consistent inclination towards safety is admirable and has helped me out on more than one occasion. Afterall, let's make it to our destination!
Yup - I definitely end up in some places I don't always want to be but try to ride with my safety in mind - even if that means breaking the rules. Those were made for cars anyways.
Hey Tim, thanks for documenting your trip. It's great insight into traveling through north east Ohio.
Northeast to Northwest!
Great vlog. I am envious of all of the bike paths and trails. In southern Missouri nothing is flat and bike paths are few. I did have a farmer on a tractor race me. He won because it was a hill! Oh well, he loved being able to pass rather than being passed. 😂
Ha!
Solo! I can identify with that. Love it!
I live a half mile from the Chessie Trail. Iwould have given you a better route through Toledo. It's not the most bike friendly city, but it's slowly getting better.
I've ridden downtown and on the other side and enjoyed it. I was taking the routing's word for it though because I couldn't afford to add more miles.
"It does feel weird to be going down this side of the road" Now you know how us Brits in your audience feel watching most of your videos 😆
Except that even there the traffic isn't coming at you!!
@@TimFitzwater You've got a point there! I do occasionally catch myself leaning over towards the left in my chair when I'm watching over the shoulder footage of you riding on the right 🤣
Wonderful video, as always, and haven't even finished it yet. Love the increased length. Keep going!!
Thanks!
Great job! I love the North Coast Inland Trail. I've ridden from Toledo to Ann Arbor. I know some routes there with gravel roads. I hope to ride with you sometime. I'm in Toledo. I'm not afraid of long miles. I'm still a working man though.....thanks for all your efforts.☮️🍷🍄🚴♂️
I loved the rant about water fountains, I feel the same way. I hate having to stop at wawa for a bottle of water when it's super hot. My main complaint is public bathrooms. Bigger parks have them, but a lot of municipalities keep them locked. Most parks will have a portable, but there are still a lot of them with nothing!
Locked bathrooms at the parks is so lame - I agree - it shouldn't be that hard to find a bathroom or water.
Heck of a ride! All those markings in the Perrysburg Toledo area were from the Toledo Metro parks tour ride. Did the 100 mile route that weekend. There are some really good places to eat and good brewery's in the area if you ride into downtown. Great video
Cool - thanks - I’d been meaning to look that up.
I’ve been to Toledo many times and enjoyed riding the downtown too. No time for that on a ride like this though!
Cheers!
Love the long format video, Tim. I'm heading out on my own for a 3-day solo bikepacking trip through parts of The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany at the end of the month. Part of the reason is trying to see what my limits are, unburdened by friends. I find that setting off and every break takes so much longer with more people. I'm not doing crazy lengths, so I have time to waste, but still. Longest day will be 130 km with 1520 m of elevation gain (80 miles, ~5000 ft). Looking forward to the wild camping!
Awesome! Good luck to you and I hope you have a blast!!
A couple weeks ago I desperately needed water on a long hot ride and got mad at a store clerk because they wouldn't fill my bottles, instead pointing to a cooler full of water bottles. I left in a buff refusing to buy more plastic. Then proceeded to get dehydrated. I'n hindsight I should have just paid for the damn water.
I know the feeling. Some gas stations still have the water on the fountain drink machines but some don't.
One time at a venue the waitress tried to say they didn't have tap water to my friend. "Use what the dishwasher uses to fill her bottle!" I yelled.
I really enjoyed this - love from the Uk
Wide tires really help with rough roads! I remember riding bike tours on Schwalbe Marathon Plus 32s. They rode like wooden cart wheels on those rough roads. I’ll never go back to those tires!
Same. I was riding my vintage Trek on 32s. No thanks!
Great video! When it's a 110 here in Arizona, it makes me want to come back to Ohio and ride in the green!
Tim what's wrong with tractors I love tractors👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🚜🚜🚜
Trying not to go down that nerdy rabbit hole on you guys!
I was stoked to see a White Dealer sign with old Oliver's.... I could really bore some people - Erin, Ben and I will check out some nice implements too.🤠
That looked like so much fun!
I definitely enjoyed it more than I expected!
I think it wonderful and watching this was extremely therapeutic to me.
I dream of being able to ride in an area like this.
I can’t believe how Little traffic there is.
I’m about 40 minutes south east of Charlotte, NC and it’s miserable here. Too much traffic, no safe place to ride here and with endless sprawl no quiet stretches of road.
And the drivers here are horrendous, so I don’t do much road riding.
Needless to say, I regret ever moving here. It is not bike friendly at all!
Originally from western Massachusetts where I did a lot of traffic free riding.
Thank you for this excellent video sir!
I worked there for a week so I know exactly what you mean.
Thanks!
Great video, really enjoyed it.
You are an inspiration
Thanks!!!
Now that’s Rollin
Great video Tim, I broke it up into four sections took me 4 hours to watch it totally worth it🎉🎉🎉🍻
Thanks Randy!
That is what I do with long vids too - I never watch YT vids this long in one sitting. Will be curious to see how it does overall.
Well done. Nice ride(s)!
Thanks!
Fantastic 👍🏻
Thanks so much!
New subscriber here. Really enjoy the vibe of this channel. Your attitude and approach to riding is very motivating for my style. I ride a steel Breezer Radar X. A little heavy but plush!😂
Have you done a video in the past where you nerd out on your approach to nutrition and fluid intake? I know you mention it a lot in your videos, I'm just curious about a deeper dive on macros, snack selection etc.
Thanks!
Thanks so much!
I don't have a video like that because it isn't really something that I focus on. I try to "drink before I'm thirsty and eat before I'm hungry."
I don't count calories or bottles and I buy and consume what I'm in the mood for.
I do know myself well enough that if I push much past 30 miles(usually about 35) on a loaded bike or at just a high pace I will bonk.
I also don't buy anything that is marketed as "sports nutrition" or drink mixes....
Ames thinks that is crazy but we did get into that a lot on this livestream with her and the chat:
czcams.com/users/livesJn-hA-7oBA?si=2H04nZRWQMji5jnR&t=1145
@@TimFitzwater So a more laissez-faire approach. Makes sense that it is probably an individual specific thing. I tend to graze as a full belly lands my body on the couch! :) I watch in awe when you pound a burger, fries and beers and then head out on the bike. My strategy tends to be high calorie low volume foods approach. Recently did a 90 mile canoe route in Northern Ontario and I just had to eat every hour or so. Seemed to work. My bike rides are normally in the 20-35 mile range with a few over 50. I'm starting to ride around the Finger Lakes. Small ones first. Planning on a route around Keuka soon. Overall, planning to up my game so this issue will be a thing for those longer rides. Thanks for your videos!
I enjoyed your solo trip video a lot! I've done bike trips of all sorts over my 50 years of cycling but don't think I have anything close to that in me anymore. I got a kick out of your route that took you through my town of Perrysburg. I ride that bridge over to Maumee often and head along the river to the south on the Wabash-Cannonball Trail and Oak Openings (many cross country riders take that trail). Sorry about the miserable part of the ride in Toledo (the Chessie Trail is nice but too short but plans are to make it longer all the way into Toledo). Toledo roads and traffic can be pretty sketchy and scary at times I agree. They are working on improvements but as you might guess it will take years to complete and I'll be in a wheelchair or assisted living by that time;). Again thanks for a stellar video and commentary and keep up the good work. BTW I checked out your portfolio and you have a very good eye and great work (my previous job before retirement was corporate photographer and graphic designer). Well done!
Thanks so much! I truly appreciate it.
I've ridden around downtown Toledo and then over toward Oregon - a bit north of their actually and it was fun. This side as a bike route was just not that great.
We have also camped near Providence/Grand Rapids on the river and taken the Towpath and roads up to Maumee and Perrysburg which was mostly great. (We had dinner at a brewery call "Five to Go" or something like that.
Akron is the same - some good bike paths but when you need to go in a specific direction it can get rough.
Cheers!
I enjoyed the ride Tim, but like Chance the Gardner, I just watched.
soundtrack=cool!
🌴
You are so funny . Cracking me up
Wow Tim was in my town! I live just outside Toledo and dislike most the roads but I was on the Chessie trail surprised I did not pass you. I took that same route to Ann Arbor. It's "Ok" but Michigan gravel is where it's at. Most of those bike routes are junk!
Its interesting because I had a great ride a few years ago in Toledo and towards Oregon. I bet there is a better route to be had but I didn't have the time to add more miles - already going so far.
I didn't ride the whole Chessie trail on this route.
Definitely not the first time I've been on "bike routes" with really bad sections.
@TimFitzwater honestly once you crossed over the river into Maumee I would head straight north to Michigan and skip 90% of toledo. Sylvania here is quite bike friendly!
I thought I had done that lol. My original directions had me crossing the river in Toledo so I thought I'd be better off in Perrysburgh - didn't realize I would still end up in the city(just over by campus).
Very cool. Moving to the UP michigan soon, wondering what the county roads are like for bikes with tourist season. One guy said it's not that bad because the traffic volume is still pretty light . I learned something new about RR crossings from a FB friend who's toured XC dozens of times. Last week, in California, He caught his front wheel in a 2" seam in the steel plate that should have had a weld. The seam was after the rail , on the opposite border of the second rail . And this was in a bike path . At 10 MPH, fully loaded, he did an endo and a faceplant, his helmet was ineffective. Borderline concussion and subdural hematoma. profuse bleeding. So I looked at some of the ones in my town, sure enough, I found FOUR at one crossing. I do sort of bunny hop this crossing at decent speed , The ones I saw were rubber boots, or trim borders, though , but they could still be a front wheel trap. They are very easy to miss seeing. Yes, he was crossing totally perpendicluar , as per the textbooks . But that's something a rider might miss if it's raining, or low light or They're a bit groggy. Douchey commenters were like "it's an expansion joint ! Like on bridges!" (that guy is not a civil engineer he's a nurse so please OMG STFU) and of course other commenters blamed the victim like "were you wearing your helmet?"
The UP will have tons of great places to ride having driven through and ridding a bit last year. Woods, roads, trails etc. Though beware of the sand!
I tend to always pay attention crossing tracks - but shit happens I guess. Wide tires definitely make a big difference though.
I hate the "helmet" thing - I get so sick of other cyclist jumping in on this anti-cyclists behavior. I call it our when I can. Accidents, just like with the tracks, can always happen - but safe infrastructure is the solution not helmets.
(I wear one almost always and never judge people who don't).
@@TimFitzwater Totally agree with you on that . If you saw the pics of the rail you would so freak . I will take my helmet off on steep climbs or when it's ridiculously hot out . I often run ice on my occiput. I just got a really high end wound Trauma bag, USA made. I have CPR, but am now brushing up on serious trauma. My biggest fears, besides , the usual psychos at 3 AM are intense weather and especially lightning .
Have you seen this kid yet. The new Dylan. czcams.com/video/LtScpL5o7cg/video.html
poison hemlock (the queen anne's lacey thing :))
Beer, you either like it or you don't.
Omg you were in my neck of the woods! How did you like the ride to/in/around Fremont?
I really enjoyed the ride around Fremont. Would definitely head that way again.
What length stem are you running on that bike. Thanks. Keep up the great work.
I'm not sure. Shop put something they had on there and it doesn't have a length printed on it.
Cheers!
@14:16 - would you ever consider converting your drop bar gravel bike to sweeps? I have all the parts to do that on mine, but just haven't pulled the trigger yet.
No - but mostly because I have this. I ride my drop bar gravel bike as my "endurance road bike" too - or to be 100% honest as a normal road bike - so I appreciate the drops when I still really want to push the pace. Those times do become a little less often but the Sheetz video is an example where I still want a bike set up like that.
If my drop bar gravel bike was my only bike or wider tire bike it might be a different decision.
Question @26:30 Would you rather have to backtrack or have a head wind? Me personally I can't stand backtracking. Enjoying the video.
Headwind - it would take something really big(leaving my phone somewhere?) to backtrack.
Cheers!
Thank you. Enjoyed that ride!
Is a rear-view mirror not likable for you?
Never saw the point - just think it would make the ride more stressful. I like to be aware but focus on what is in front of me.
Cheers!
Hi Tim, are those front bags the Swift Jr Ranger bags. Just wondering, thinking about getting a set. Thanks.
Yeah - I like them.
Long form video? Talk about a great excuse to enjoy a few cocktails while it's 103 degrees outside. Don't mind if I do!
Ha! Awesome!
Beer patio
thanks for sharing tim! what helmet are you wearing?
It is a Kali - I like it because of the built in lights.
Enjoyed the vlog. I see you run swept back bars. Does the extra comfort take away from leverage (pull) compared to flat bars on Long uphill climbs?
On long climbs I wouldn't be standing so I'd say no. But I also mountain bike on this and love it so I don't have a problem on punchy stuff either.
That being said I haven't run flat bars on anything for years.
@@TimFitzwater. Thanks for the perspective.
Where do you mount your GoPro when you are not hand holding it? I’ve tried to spy the mount but can’t quite seem to locate it. Is it on your helmet, body or handlebars?
I don’t ever mount it. I just use the mouth mount from Pro Standard.
Watching you ride on those no shoulder roads was making me nervous! Do you at least have a mirror so you could see traffic behind you?
I've never felt the need to have a mirror - seems like it would just be more stress. On a road with no shoulder I try to stay aware - but I need to keep my eyes on the road in front - not sure what good seeing behind me would do. Its not like I'm going to bail into the ditch everytime a car comes by.
I reviewed a radar tail light too and those just annoy me. I'd rather just ride and control what I can.
Gah…I hate that hill/bend up Yellow Creek
Its always bad - but add a loaded bike at morning rush hour - just awful.
What tires are you using ? Seems like they ride good on road, gravel and dirt.
Rene Herse - these are the 55 mms. Love them. They roll fast for knobbies on the road and give the grip when needed. I run the 44mm on my drop bar gravel bike.
I use the Endurance Casing on this bike and the Standard Casing on my gravel bike. The light and standard are so awesome riding - but can be hard to get set up tubeless.
Tell me bc again what bars you’re running, please. Thx
Velo Orange Granola Bars
@@TimFitzwater Thank you
Boy oh boy,,, a 100 miles per day is too much,,, I go by time,,, 6 too 8 hours pedaling with breaks is lots since it gives a person a chance too take in the sigths and get too a destination early too set up camp and walk around looking at things... i might average 40 ish miles but I'm in prime shape each day and everyday with zero burn or set backs... each person gets too pick and choose what works... I'll never do a 100 when bike packing,,, I'm all about slow even if its a 20 or 30 mile day... lol... and a chance too visit with folks...
Western Canada Don
I hear you. It depends on what you are doing. I definitely like to take “vacations” on my bike and have time to eat, drink, sightsee and more. These rides were fitting the mileage and destination into the time I had. I had two days and a place to be - so I did it. The other option wasn’t less mileage but driving my car. I would do it again - but I definitely don’t want the majority of my trips to be like this.
Another section of I do not recommend ever is one part of route 20 which is Euclid road and that's somewhere past mentor on the lake on route 20 there is a section of highway it went from 30 mph to about 50 mph with no shoulders and a 3-ft berm in other words that berm you are above the road by 3 ft on people's yards trying to get forward which does not work well with a fully loaded down bike such as yours or mine and nothing like seeing trucks flying by at 50 60 miles an hour scraping dirt that you are above looking down
I've only ridden Lakeshore but closer to Euclid then toward Cleveland.
I have no idea how you're able to manage 19 mph almost constant I'm lucky enough well yes I am lucky enough because my knees just to maintain 14 to 16 if that both kneecaps like to pop out whenever they damn will feel
Oh - my average was just a bit over 13 mph. I definitely had stretches where I was cruising pretty good but not 19 on a loaded bike.
I would take the lane on the busy roads and make people go all the way over to pass. Hugging the edge only invites close calls.
You’d be dead. I know when to take a lane.
What kind of camera are you using?
This is filmed with a GoPro 11 and I’m carrying my Canon R8 on my back. I use a R5 for work.
What make/model are those sweet bars?
I believe that Tim said previously that they were Velo Orange Granola Bars
@@jcmkk3 Thanks! I’ll look around for some.
Longer videos? Naa. Keep em to 20 minutes.
They do really well when they are longer - but in general most will still be in that 15 minute range.
Music makes it hard to hear your narration.
I’m sorry it doesn’t work for you and what you listen on. I make corporate videos for a living and it is within the specs of where volumes should be. Sorry again - channel probably won’t be for you.
Hello= Drinking fountain's = Flint Michigan but yes 3$ for bottled water does suck =Bye
No - most water is not like Flint's. I drink tap water in my city and most places I travel to.
Sorry you believe that.
Like! ❤
Thanks!
Thank YOU!! 😊