The World's Toughest Social Ride

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
  • Higher Ground Hundo in Johnstown, PA is a tough ride on a perfect day. This was not a perfect day. 8,000 feet of climbing over 70 miles in the driving rain in the low 40s! It was an experience. Gravel, single track, country roads, industrial areas - this ride has it all, all on hills.
    The camping and conversations with friends - old and new - are what really make it all worthwhile. Thanks David and Jared from Hope Cyclery!
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ความคิดเห็น • 93

  • @christopherwebb3517
    @christopherwebb3517 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I don't have to worry about shouting "on your left."
    I never pass anybody.

  • @esromoski
    @esromoski 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Team swept back bars and inner tubes 🏄🏻‍♂️💪

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Heck yeah!

  • @DN-hz6ob
    @DN-hz6ob 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for the video! It was a super tough and fun day. Congrats on finishing the 70+, I finished the 50+ and loved it!

  • @christophercallinan
    @christophercallinan 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Funny, that clip at 18:18 was my GO TO bar in college

  • @samtheblade8461
    @samtheblade8461 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Making Lemonade you did!
    Great job as usual, thank you...👍

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks - cheers!

  • @Cycling-Brian
    @Cycling-Brian 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    What an epic challenge when you add in the weather!

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah - it was nuts last year under blue skies. This really is a challenging ride!

  • @Punxish
    @Punxish 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Congratulations on surviving that ride! Love your narrated videos.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks so much!

  • @kimrice394
    @kimrice394 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    A rain ride is good for the soul! (Given your moderately comfortable).

  • @StrengthCircusDD
    @StrengthCircusDD 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Dude I rode so many miles solo when I had my first group ride I was clueless. I found a spot and payed attention and noticed people doing all those things you mentioned and I now try to always put them in practice riding with others.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Same - I didn't know any of it. Thats why I try to bring it up in videos every so often.

  • @markthorrowgood3266
    @markthorrowgood3266 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Buy the ticket, take the ride, damn straight. What a woeful day for it, though...

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It was rough! But overall still worth it.

  • @mikegutterman3427
    @mikegutterman3427 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks Tim!

  • @madisondeans5566
    @madisondeans5566 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Good 1, Tim !! 🌧☔️😉👍

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks! This one was tough!

  • @jeremylutersz3374
    @jeremylutersz3374 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Very Cool 👍🇨🇦

  • @DAMN55117
    @DAMN55117 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Those are tough days...its all mental.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      A lot of it - with 8,000 feet it was physical too!!

  • @where2then
    @where2then 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Glad you finished the 70! Glad we bailed after 30! What a day. I'm definitely rethinking my rain set up, what worked for commuting did not work for Higher Grounding. Last year that last hill darn near broke me and I can't say that I missed it this year. See ya at the next!

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You made a smart choice. That weather was no joke on an already super-tough ride.
      See ya next time - cheers!

  • @hamsterecology
    @hamsterecology 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Similar in Uk but ‘on your right’ 😁

  • @tonywmckinney
    @tonywmckinney 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You’re a beast dude. Amazing ride. Thanks for sharing it!

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yeah man - thanks for checking it out!

  • @MattFisher70
    @MattFisher70 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Cool video…beautiful ending…

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks! Just glad I got some clips without mud on the camera!

  • @WheelersAtLarge
    @WheelersAtLarge 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I find swept back bars give really good control and with the wider tyres it sounds like a solid choice. The red and gold colours are looking amazing already, great looking ride Tim 👍

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It’s interesting- because there is the control but it also livens up the steering on a wide-tired bike a bit. Best of both worlds.

  • @Kyleridesbikess
    @Kyleridesbikess 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Nice, can’t wait for the the nutmeg video

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks!
      I'm debating whether to do that one next and bump it up or keep everything in chronological order as I shot a vid almost every day on this trip!

    • @bah5310
      @bah5310 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@TimFitzwaterchronological please.

  • @Cycling_Brian
    @Cycling_Brian 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It always surprises me that folks still pass without a call out or using a bell. It’s more than just common courtesy, but it’s also a serious safety concern.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Right!? Especially on a lonely gravel road in the rain! How would I know they were there? But anytime really - just do it.

  • @toddnisbet9792
    @toddnisbet9792 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love it!! Great meeting you Tim, solid recap and footage here

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks - great meeting you too!
      It was an awesome couple weekends.
      Getting to kick it late at Higher Ground was a highlight - for real.

  • @MW-ud8zp
    @MW-ud8zp 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Exposure to elements like that takes a surprising amount of mental strength. I always end up feeling very vulnerable and fragile shortly after events like those. It makes you more resistant in the long run though.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      For sure.
      The nice thing about this one was hanging out wit ha bunch of fun, supportive people immediately after the ride.

  • @tonydean2541
    @tonydean2541 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    A positive attitude will carry you through every time. Well done, great effort.

  • @someofthebeans1814
    @someofthebeans1814 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Wow. Way to make the best of it. 🎉

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Its all you can do, right?!
      I do think a lot of people bailed on the weekend or went with the shorter 30 mile route - which was probably smart too...

  • @matts8
    @matts8 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Riding in the rain is tough, but riding and filming it? - your're Rain Badass!

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Ha! Thanks!
      There were times when pushing the pedals or turning on the GoPro both seemed like bad ideas!

  • @rogerhart612
    @rogerhart612 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Despite the weather the ride looked awesome. I'll definitely put it on my to do list.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It was still cool - I'm glad I showed up. A friend asked what I was going to do about the weather and I said "get real wet".

  • @laivotajs
    @laivotajs 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Liked this video, and your style of presentation in general. Tough ride and conditions. Cheers from Latvia!

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks! Cheers!

  • @FrankKrahenbuhl
    @FrankKrahenbuhl 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Nice job! After watching going to get out of work early tomorrow and ride. Thank you

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Heck yeah!
      Luckily we are having a beautiful week for late October here now.

  • @Planetone.
    @Planetone. 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    That's a very cool video, I probably would've not road that day but kudos to you and all whom had that courage to do so! Always bringing the goods❤ bikes are fun and the people who ride them.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks! The ride was worth the commiseration!🥸

  • @TheLankyCyclist
    @TheLankyCyclist 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    With all the rain, I kept thinking about the Johnstown Flood. Biblical conditions out there. Nice work.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks!
      I said that exact thing to Aaron as we were rolling out - "great thing we are riding in a downpour in a city whose claim to fame is a great flood!".

    • @TheLankyCyclist
      @TheLankyCyclist 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@TimFitzwater As long as Bezos and Musk aren't damming up the local rivers to sail their yachts... probably should be ok. 😉

  • @bah5310
    @bah5310 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    First off you're a rock star. Great job Tim.
    What cassette gears are you running? How do you prepare for the distance with the climbs. I'd like to try these types of rides next year. The rain is totally a mental thing. I've ridden a motorcycle many miles in bad weather but i have a goretex suite and heated liner.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My bikes are all 2x - the easiest gear on this one is 28-42.
      To be honest I don't really do anything specific to prepare - I don't "train" in any organized sense. I just happen to live somewhere with hills and ride my bike all the time.
      I know it is an unsatisfying answer - people ask me about getting ready for bike tours and all that. I average about 120 miles a week and living at the edge of the Cuyahoga Valley hills are inevitable.

    • @bah5310
      @bah5310 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@TimFitzwater Thanks Tim. I live near a rail trail which as you know are basically flat. WV has lots of hills but the roads here are not biker friendly.

  • @Cycling-Brian
    @Cycling-Brian 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Outstanding job on the ride! I enjoyed your video.

  • @francisblackwell7597
    @francisblackwell7597 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Dedication!!

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      A little bit of dedication and toughness - and a bit of stupidity! 😎

  • @mitmon_8538
    @mitmon_8538 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Amazing ride! Maybe I missed it, but did you give or list the wool tights model you wore? From REI, correct? I'm a year round commuter in the Midwest and I'm also just fine with good tights under shorts for most of the year. So much so that my main pair of tights have some holes in them. So I need to replace those.
    When it's mid 20 degrees F or below, I do usually put on some lightweight hiking pants over tights, just to block a little more of the wind.

    • @larrgemarrge
      @larrgemarrge 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Check your local bike shop too- could have some good options

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      They are made by Smart Wool but I can't find or remember the actual name. I definitely run pants over my tights when it is colder. I do now order all my Smart Wool through my local shop. I bought these at REI as a last minute purchase a few years ago before a Fall tour.

  • @enlightenedpreparingep4006
    @enlightenedpreparingep4006 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Tim Fitz you rock brother. You make riding look so cool.
    I'm our here on the road and I swear I think I'm bi-polar crazy. Sometimes I love it and others I wonder what the hell am I doing.
    Had another mechanical problem today ( support arm on my Wald messenger rack broke). As of now no biggie, some zip ties , engineer wire, bankline and Gorilla tape and I'm back in the game. Hopefully it holds up cause I got another 120 miles or so before I'm at a friendly place to order a replacement part. Plus to mention one of my saddlebags is being held on by a bungee and safty pins so I'll probably end up having to get a new set of bags as well.
    I think my ride would be more enjoyable if I wasn't weighed down by 100+ lbs of gear. I'm shedding something every day but being homeless on a bicycle I kinda need all this crap.
    It might also help if I knew what I was gonna do when I get where I'm going.
    I'm so lost I hope I find myself on this journey.
    Much love my brother thanks for the inspiration.

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oh wow! Hang in there brother!

    • @enlightenedpreparingep4006
      @enlightenedpreparingep4006 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@TimFitzwater I just uploaded a few videos on my YT channel if you want to see how ridiculously overpacked my donkey is. ☮

  • @conniehoyle2669
    @conniehoyle2669 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Well done my body just can’t,so I love your videos

  • @gantiplex
    @gantiplex 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    good stuff, Tim; nothing like going out for a long ride in the rain, haha 🌸

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks - definitely not my usual cup of tea!

  • @glennpettersson9002
    @glennpettersson9002 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Amazing effort doing 70 miles in that weather, if you had swum that far you wouldn't be any wetter. 😄

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks! That is what it felt like!

  • @conniehoyle2669
    @conniehoyle2669 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love your videos

  • @conniehoyle2669
    @conniehoyle2669 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Tuff stuff

  • @distortohio
    @distortohio 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Way to go dude!

  • @kmccarr
    @kmccarr 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Would he been a good day to try a pair of waterproof socks. I grew up in SW PA and you learn to ride in the rain or never ride. Cold and wet is a fun idea until you’re completely saturated. Lot of steep hills in that area

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have one pair but I don't like them - get a bit too swampy from the sweat. Maybe there is something else out there but I have the same feeling I do about the waterproof pants and jackets - insulation from wool is just better. Obviously that might break down in some colder temps though. I'll be honest - I'm not going out in 30 something degree rain and may have even bailed on this.
      Yes - the hills are wild here!
      Cheers!

  • @TheRickurb
    @TheRickurb 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Cudos sir! Huzzah to the content creator! Huzzah!

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank Rick!

  • @nathanmace3936
    @nathanmace3936 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Doin' cool hard ass shit as usual! I like your style. 😎

  • @christopherwebb3517
    @christopherwebb3517 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    How hard is it to clean your bike after a ride like this? Do you have to take it apart and relube everything?

    • @TimFitzwater
      @TimFitzwater  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      We were on the road after this…I wiped it down and relubed the drivetrain. It got even worse on last Saturday as we were blasting through mud and puddles over the bottom bracket. So now a lot of it will be broken down a bit. I need to make sure it isn’t holding any water. My BB will probably just get replaced as it isn’t serviceable. It is a real mess.

  • @markday1714
    @markday1714 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    damn, life is complete

  • @markday1714
    @markday1714 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    fuck ya !! you all rule !