Solo Rides Suck?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- I often head out on my own because of my free-lancer schedule. If the sun is out mid-day I can make the decision to ride my bicycle and work later. On some days the time is there but the motivation isn't. I find that I still enjoy a solo ride to a point - but the longer rides tend to get boring for me without a purpose. How far will you ride on your own?
#cycling #gravelbikes
Swag:
www.fitzwaterc...
My Bags
Swift Industries Affiliate link:
alnk.to/biqzedP
My Bike Lights of Choice:
10% OFF Coupon code: TIM4
Olightstore: www.olightstor...
Thermowave Wool:
tinyurl.com/2h7...
Deal on Magic Shine Lights:
magicshine.com...
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @timfitzwater
Strava of the Ride:
/ strava
Cycling Instagram:
/ fitzwatercycles
Buy prints:
fineartamerica...
Blog:
zippercityphoto...
Professional portfolio:
fitzwater-photo...
Discord Server:
/ discord
Music by: Tack Tribe - YT Music
Support the channel!
www.paypal.com...
I am a lone rider! I love riding all the rail trails around the country and am planning on riding the GAP and the C&O this spring, yup, all by myself!!
Have a great ride! Done it twice, both directions. It is wonderful
A good journey, go for it, never boring.
Yup the alone ranger 😊
Maybe someday I'll do a bigger solo trip but for now I'm glad to have friends to ride with. I mostly work alone so that is also a factor in me enjoying company.
@@TimFitzwater you've already done bigger solo rides .
remember last year when you waited for Erin to get off work and she was in another city and you rode your bike over 70 plus miles I believe ( don't quote me on that)
So in my humble opinion you've done bigger solo ride. They just get bigger from there 😊
Dustin Klein releases an introvert cycling video on the same day Fitzwater releases an extrovert cycling video.
I appreciate the accidental symmetry.
I was thinking the same thing.
So I recorded this a couple weeks ago and scheduled it for Monday - when I saw his title(haven't watched it yet) I pushed this up so it didn't seem like a reaction video!
It is interesting though as I realized I work alone most days - so that is also probably a big part of me wanting to ride with people.
I ride solo for many reasons but I ride my mtn. bike more than anything so I end up meeting people out on the trail and having conversations so it's kinda, sorta like riding with others. If I had a cool group of friends to ride with like you do I would probably be more into group rides. Cheers!
I try to get out at least 3 times during the week at lunch or after work and do between 15 to 30 miles. On the weekend I would try to do at least one 40+ mile ride, and sometimes both days on the weekend. All those rides are solo. Although, lately I either go MTB with my grandson and/or a 15+ mile ride with my granddaughter on the weekends. Less miles but a lot more fun. Always great to hear your thoughts Tim.
Tim, I am a relatively new cyclist (5 Years) in my mid 60s. I found your channel sometime ago and thoroughly joy each and every one of your videos. However, despite the age difference we do share a couple of commonalities. I am currently living in Southwest Florida, where like you, it is extremely convenient for me to jump on my bike and ride from my home. However, I do find that becomes boring from time to time when I make these longer rides because it is often a repetition of similar routes. Prior to moving here though our home was situated on a two Lane state highway with no shoulder for miles. At that point, any ride that I took required putting my bike in a vehicle and driving somewhere to ride, absolutely the opposite of my situation here. I now find myself considering putting my bike back in my vehicle and going somewhere else to ride. Another factor we share is that on January 1 I decided to make a few changes in my health and my daily activities. I decided to exercise every day and on that I give myself a B. I also decided to drink a minimum of 1 gallon of water each day and then that I also give myself an A+. I decided to clean up my diet, and on that I will give myself a B. I also decided to read at least one chapter of a book, I prefer nonfiction, each day and on that I will give myself a C. I am the only person here in Florida who does not drink alcohol (J/K) as I stopped five years ago, so that was not an issue. My compliments again on your informative and enjoyable productions and I’ll continue watching. Have an amazing 2024!
Hey - great comment- very interesting!
Sounds like very reasonable grades on the resolutions.
Thanks and cheers!
I do max 25 miles solo. I rode the Withlacoochie trail in FL with a friend a week ago & did 30 miles & it went SO much faster! But, I'm 68 & only go 11 mph so it's hard to find people to ride with! Most people ride e-bikes and I don't (yet). I enjoy your channel!
Thanks!
A lot of places do have more chill shop rides or weekend "party pace" rides. Worth popping in the local bike shop and asking.
Cheers!
I love a long solo ride, done a 140 mile ride last year, riding is meditative alone, plus when you stop I think you tend to talk more to people you meet on the way
Dang - that is a long one!
I’ve only been cycling a couple of years. I’ve never done a century. I’ve never even done a half. It’s impressive how nonchalant you are about putting those kinds of miles behind you. Your videos are inspiring. I’m planning on doing some touring on the OTET this spring/summer.
Thanks - cheers! So many cool parts of the OTET!
Bro, you are so lucky. I live in Australia. I work in civil construction - driving machines... excavators, rollers etc. I always have to drive a car to work. But you know what? I hate cars. They are so expensive in general. They cost too much, they cost too much just to run and traffic sucks. I wish I could just ride my bike to work. But that will never happen because the job sites always change. Count your lucky stars. The only time I get to ride my bike is in the afternoons for 30 minutes and sometimes on the weekend with my kids. And they are little and can't even ride far. And i love drinking beer... there's nothing better than flogging your arse all day in the heat, then having a cold beer. All-time!
Cheers mate! Thanks for the comment.
I felt very similar in my days woking on a farm. I am glad I was able to change my life up.
Tim, I ride solo several times a week. Usually 15 - 30 mile routes, mostly based on the amount of time I have available to ride. Great video, thank you for putting it out there.
Nice!
Cheers! 😎
Best part of solo rides is not having a destination! I often put on an audio book (one earbud, never both!) and get lost in the ride. 2024 for me is a 100k ride and I probably won’t even have a destination or route to follow, just a compass point and sprint the hills.
I definitely just wander sometimes too. It can be fun - I’ve found some cool spots doing that.
I often ride solo - once I am off the streets I toss on an audiobook and ride. That said, I do have a reliable squad for group rides so I get a bit of both.
15:58 Tim, I find your videos unusually inspirational, go figure. I need to rehabilitate a total knee replacement this year and I’m thinking that C&O trail Will be one of my planned trips this year. I enjoy doing local overnights to county and state parks as training rides (mostly to check out gear).They are usually interesting rides to and through the Parks.
Thanks so much!
Good luck with the knee!
In good weather the C&O should be good for that.
I'll do at least one solo overnighter per year. I like solo rides to decompress, but also try different setups. You're not worried about keeping up with the group. My overnighters are around 45-50 miles.
A big factor for me is I'm often alone in m studio for many hours - so it makes it nice to ride with people. I think I don't need to "get away" from everything the way other people might as much.
I am a solo rider these days. Group riding always felt dysfunctional for me, and I also tend to ride late morning or middle of the day when others are working. I still go on long rides, but they are a lot different than the sufferfests done in the name of fitness I did years ago.
I think a big factor for me is that I have close friends that ride and I mostly work alone.
Solo rider, I’m naturally a slower rider and prefer to just go at my own pace. One thing that really changed my perception of what I was capable of was riding an Ebike. While I can imagine Tim might not be fond of them, I would encourage you to consider it a tool that allows you to elongate your potential range. It got me comfortable doing a 50mile loop with 3,000ft of elevation, and doing that ride regularly got me to believe I could do it on my regular bike. I may not be fast, but getting an Ebike actually helped me discover my endurance potential.
I’ve never said anything negative about e-bikes. I think they are great. I just don’t need one yet - sure I will at some point.
I actually end up riding a bit slower on some of my rides so I can ride with friends - doesn’t bother me.
But I get why so many dig doing there own thing.
Cheers!
I just started cycling seriously last year. My average solo ride is 20-25 miles. My “long” rides are between 35-50 miles. I’m doing some longer events this year so I’m gonna be increasing volume and doing more long rides up to 100 miles. I agree, riding with people is so much better and sometimes I don’t go as far because I’ve done certain routes so many times.
Sounds like we are pretty much on the same page!
Cheers!
I don't have a max solo distance. One of my regular gravel rides is 40 miles. One of the reasons I like biking so much is the ability to be entirely self sufficient. Cutting back on the beers is one I am working on as well.
I spend a lot of time alone already because of my job - which is a big reason I do like to ride with friends when possible.
Cheers!
Makes sense and people like you so that fits. Here's to a great 2024 of rides.@@TimFitzwater
I agree with youre dilema, cycling is crucial to life but sometimes it can be hard, mentally. I do all sorts, touring, day rides etc, it can get challenging from a motivational point of view. Yeah group riding can be very therapeutic and real hard, but rewarding, in the end. The bike is about learning how to suffer, how to take the pain both mentally and physically, although the best thing is the joy, the freedom and the euphoria, without the drugs.
Right on - cheers!
Love solo biking !
Interesting Blog. I can relate to many of your points.
Solo distance 60km
Same route over and over. I stoped cycling with some buddies because of this reason. I felt like cycling at times riding the same route week after week.
Chance to keep up on group rides. It’s a motivator.
Beers. Well they taste so good after a hot day on the bike.
Solo touring. Love it. You are more approachable and people come and want to here your story.
Thanks - cheers!
Most of my rides and miles are solo, and I enjoy solo riding (best thinking and creative time it seems) but also enjoy weekly group rides. Most of my solo rides are in the range of 30 to 40 miles, 2-3 hours, about 4 -5 x /week.
Really like and agree with your comment about “years are just numbers” and so is the measure of time…
You make great videos and content!
I think the key to enjoying many things is a healthy mix.
Thanks s much - cheers!
Hey Tim, great vid as usual, i quite often forget to comment or like vids, but always watching!
I love how a lot of your rides are on paths alongside the railway , they look like they go on for miles.
Fantastic ❤️🏁
We are lucky to have so many abandoned rail lines turned into paths here.
Thanks so much! Cheers!
Normally 20-30 miles is enough for me solo. One thing I started doing is seeking new trails. Sometimes that involves driving to trailhead. Ultimately- I think I might be moving to another state with ripe new trails outside my back door so I’ll probably start filming again.
Nice! Erin has been planning a lot of new routes so far this year and it’s been fun to explore some new territory.
I like the stuff you do like this. Food for thought.
Thanks!
Solo rides rule! It is absolute freedom. I volunteer as a trail sentinel on my local bike trail and use my regular rides to remove any unauthorized signs (or stickers) and report anything (like 4x4's) that are out of the ordinary. Every day the details of trail look different the from the angle of the sun, the birds (both land and water) and the conditions of the plants. The first flowers (Fig Buttercups) of Spring came out on the South facing banks of the Little Miami bike trail a half mile North of Avoca Park last week. The flowers were covered with thirsty honeybees. On the weekends I will drive to 40 miles North on the same trail to avoid the weekend crowds near the city. I have made lots of good friends all along the trail and we wave all the time now. I am 69 and try to ride my comfort bike at least 20 miles 3x per week. The type of riding I do is called "rolling meditation". I've done 75 miles before but with 2.5" tires that is an all-day effort. I also belong to a bike Co-op that fixed up old bikes and gives them away to poor kids (and adults) as well as teach bike repair to anyone that is interested. Nothing boring about it! I have become the master of my little section of trails, just like Tim has become the master of his local trails. See you out there!
Heck yeah!
I love it! Cheers!
I hope to take a ride with you later this Spring if you have time. I bought a few stickers from you a few weeks back. The local Cincinnati bike people enjoyed them too@@TimFitzwater
We are planning a meet up with rides March 23rd and 24th. Info is in our Discord community if you are interested:
discord.gg/HvnHvSAK
Yea, hey!
I ride anywhere my week causes me to go.
And my habits are changing as I’m going to be working again now.
But when I’m out it could be anywhere between 2 and 30 miles depending on what I’m doing.
And I love riding around by myself- I agree it’s very zen.
I’ve never been fortunate enough to have cycling friends.
See you Tuesday! I’ll still be training out of town. ☮️❤️🚲
Nice!
Yeah - it is really amazing(lucky) how many bike friends I’ve made around here. …and it happened really quickly after I got back into riding.
Cheers!
I ride mainly alone because it´s my favourite way to commute and get anywhere (work, beach, errands...), even though it can get a little tedious. I always find your vids entertaining and inspiring.
Thanks - cheers!
I don't like riding alone, but it was most of what I do. 20 - 25 miles is my normal. Music with one earphone helps. I just ride for Strava miles and fresh air.
I solo ride sometimes out of necessity, it is good to clear some headspace but I do prefer riding with others as it makes the miles go by. Biggest solo was probably 45 miles (mixed surface), mostly UK country roads.
It goes both ways for me - sometimes I do like to clear my head but many of my work days are already spent alone.
I made a resolution to drink less, eat healthier, and become a stronger cyclist. I'm happy to say I'm still on track! 🍻
Very Nice! 👍🏿
Most of my rides are solo, so I make the best of it. For my centennial rides, I have minimum 6 hours of instrumental guitar by Phil Keaggy (Ohio Native) that gets me into a meditative or contemplative zone. I prefer fellowship - and think that would get me out the door earlier. I'm notorious for late starts, with sundown driving my distance. I'm thankful for DRBW and Yeti, because I'm meeting more people who get it. Come as you are, do what you can - enjoy life! I believe there are pros and cons to solo/non solo, but each has unique benefits. Personally, I have plenty of opportunities for solo rides, so I embrace any chance to join others in long rides. Wondering if we'll see any Edmund companion rides! I've seen dogs on the trail, but no cats (in tandem) . Happy trails! Thank you for these gems.
Phil Keaggy------Glass Harp-------- the Best of the best!
@@jeffdziak6455 🎶🎸❤️ can you hear me brother? 🙂
I'm definitely that kind of mix. Rides like Yeti are a great chance to meet some people who may want to do other rides in a different style. So many little groups form out of it.
I do have a trailer a friend gave me - it was a dog trailer - but you know I have to try it!
Cheers!
@@TimFitzwater Ha, I caught your last live stream (replay) and heard you mention the trailer. Edmund was very vocal on that stream, but seemed to shy away from the camera. He is a great addition to your channel! "Meow!"
Solo a lot and group a lot. Bikepacking solo with my little ShihTzo (she loves the rail trails). Usually ride anywhere from 40 - 80 miles per ride.
Too funny - was talking to someone last week about maybe just driving 30 mins from home to start some rides this year just to get some new routes in.
I really need to do that more.
Cheers!
I enjoy riding with my husband the most but don't mind riding by myself on weekend overnights using Amtrak to go somewhere new, especially on the Empire State Trail. Mileage varies, but prefer 30-40. I enjoy looking around. As for alcohol, I love NE IPAs and now limit myself to certain days of the week ,3, and only one. I'm 2020 it was every day . I'm starting back on my yoga routine this weekend, recovering from broken ribs.
I’m starting to plan a ride hitting a bit more of the Empire Trail so cool to hear.
I wish Amtrak was useful here in Ohio.
Hi Tim, Totally agree, the sweet spot for solo rides for me at the moment is between 20 to 30 miles. If I’m short on time I’ll go for a run for half an hour or so, but I enjoy riding the bike so much more.
Love Brooks saddles, I’ve found they are really comfortable and the more you ride the better they get - they don’t wear out, they wear in!
All the best Tim. Cheers!
Yeah - just what I'm feeling now - maybe it will change but I doubt I'll be doing lots of super long solo rides anymore.
The Brooks I put on this is just getting to that perfect point now - got my lil cheek divets in there!
Cheers!
GREAT TOPIC. Solo ride are great but group rides are better for me. It’s to easy for me to just say to myself I ride tomorrow but for group ride I feel I can’t bail out on my riding buddy’s. Makes it easier to go ride if you got meet up with someone. My goal for this year is to ride at least 20 + mile no less than that.
I feel the same way - plus I work alone mostly so having friends to ride with is great for me.
Cheers!
99% of my rides are solo, and rarely for any purpose other than recreation. Traditionally, I've been a long ride guy, 2-3 days a week, but in the past year have switched it up to short rides 4-6 days, and I'm enjoying it. Still do longer rides 1-2 days a month, but only when the weather is nice. Took a trip last year and did long rides most days, and that was fine, so like you said, maintaining the fitness pays off. Skipped the New Year's resolution, but giving up grains (bread, beer, etc.) for Lent... not that I'm religious, but the timing is right transitioning from winter to spring.
Nice!
If I ride the stuff I'm very familiar with, I get bored after about 2 hours unless I have good company. For the stuff that's new or I'm less familiar with I can go much longer. I did 1 or maybe 2 solo overnighters and honestly I really enjoyed it. But the couple overnighters I've done with friends has also been really great.
Definitely feel the same on almost all of this - except that I've never done the solo over nighter. Maybe someday....
I wish I had locals to ride with. My two riding friends live hours in separate directions. It's not easy coming up with new local rides. I get a little bored with my usual routes. This is my 60th year, and I have two goals: 1. to do a road race/crit (haven't raced road since '93) 2. ride my 60 mile birthday ride on a bike my age or older (still looking for bike).
Awesome! Good luck!
Have you ever checked with the local shops to see if there are any social rides? I've met a lot of friends that way.
My goal for last few years has been to get back out there and start taking pics (and shoot some vids as well) I'll just blame the cold weather for the slow start.
And most my ride have been solo rides. Only other time was biking with mom and few times biked with someone I connected with through Twitch Live streams. 109km is my longest ride
Yeah - I'm over the cold now. 50s/60s in the forecast so I'm skipping this 28 degree day.
Marrying the photo taking with the bikes has been motivating me more lately. I'm getting my friends to stop when I want to take photos. Canon R8 on my back. It helps that there is more light now too - tough to be motivated when you have to leave in the dark....
A good ride for me is 3-4 hours with a halfway point. Longer rides for me can get dull if I can't find multiple POI along the way, seems 50-60 miles is the point of diminishing returns for me. It's never been about the distance only the journey.
I hear that! Cheers!
I feel ya on the getting bored of the same routes. I started my "serious cyclist" phase in '03 as a road bike racer. With tons of training, I got pretty fast and could ride for 80-100 miles like it was nothing. However, that meant that any fun cycling route within 100 miles of me had been covered a multitude of times. So when I stopped racing and wanted to ride around just for fun, it was especially hard to do going solo. That happened about the time gravel came around, so luckily, I got a bunch of new routes to explore.
Makes sense.
Besides some of our “industrial gravel” cuts the good gravel roads are a bit too far to ride directly too on a typical day. I do want to drive to more of them this year.
What a lovely ride.
No plans for this year, except a few longer hikes and most importently: My bike ride to Dresden and back to Denmark this summer via the Baltic Sea on the ferry and the buffet.
That sounds rad!
Glorious winter weather 😊
Heck yeah!
I do solo rides because none of my buddies ride haha I'm always driving to new trails though! Goal for this year is to hit a few events and meet some cool people who would be down to ride 🤝
Events and even local shop rides are definitely a great way to meet people.
I wear out the trails from my house but I’m never motivated to drive to bike. Always looking for new trials to explore. 30mi is a good solo distance
I rarely am but I really think I need to this year to keep it fresh.
Take it from an old bike mechanic when dealing with dissimilar metals like aluminum seat posts and necks in a carbon steel frame set use the silver anti seize compound you can find in auto parts stores. It works Thanks
an old bike mechanic built this - I just need to do more routine maintenance.
I think solo riding goes some way to explaining Strava, I commuted last year and nerding out on the numbers was some of the fun. Plus you get to share which counters the if a tree falls in the forrest and no one hears it feeling. 😂
I agree - Strava and the numbers do help motivate. As someone who often spends hours alone working though it does make it nice to get out with friends.
a couple goals I had was to fast from my smart phone. i did it for 21 days and it was a unique experience. I purchased a basic flip phone and just used that. What bike books are you reading? I've read several but always looking for others. I also just finished "The Rifleman" about the revolutionary war.
Nice!
I read a lot of history and also classic literature. Definitely a good mix of bicycle books too. I just finished 'Two Wheels Good' which was fantastic.
@@TimFitzwater sweet I'll check it out!
Solo rides are the best!
Nope. Now you have to document a solo overnighter. You made your bed.
Ha! I thought someone might say that! 🫠
What selfie stick r u using? How do you switch from self view to path view so quickly. Or is that editing when you change.
It is a Pro Standard mouth mount.
So which is better. Riding the same ride every time but in a group or riding solo on a new route every time?
A mix of everything.
I love riding on my own I don’t particularly like people 🤣
I don't like most people - but I like the people I've chosen to hang out with.
Solo cycling is a socially accepted way to avoid people! At least people we don’t like/need. Same reasons I SUP alone.
Try hopping a bus with your bike to get to new routes. Train would be better, but i know you don’t have anything close by.
buses don't really run me in routes to get somewhere new around here either.🙁
@@TimFitzwater you can take a bus to Cleveland from AAkron. Hour and a half bus ride. Amtrak trains run out from Cleveland. Theres also the Lakeshore Limited Line that goes at least as far as Erie. Dramatically expand your range. Or ride the bus south to New Philadelphia and ride from there…
It is so inefficient to take buses here - cars are just so much faster on every route. And that Amtrak is so widely delayed.Was delayed 3 hours the first time I took it - 2 hours the next.
Its different here.
nice vid !!!!!!
Merci beaucoup!
Get over surgery by spring
I ride alone because I find the boy racers who have never raced to be arrogant knobs heads
There are other kinds of people to ride with.
if you think solo rides suck, sorry for your loss. Wish you well
I recommed you ride a MTB, on decent trail. Will beat the fun from road for sure
Watch the whole video before making a stupid ignorant comment. I literally said that. 🙄
@@TimFitzwater sorry bud saw the title and passed. Still commented 🤣 sorry
56 yrs old, 50 or 70 mile loop path ride every sunday year round. Cafe & food stop halfway. Summertime same route but at night. Weekdays are limted to shorter errands on the town bike. Seems to be a good rhythm/life. You're doing fine. Long bike paths are👍
My work life is very solo which is probably part of why I want to be with friends - especially on the weekends....but I get why that isn't the case for many.
I rode the GAP Trail out and back. 300mi - 6 days solo. After which I started riding 3x50mi a week to stay in shape, solo. All on same trail. Rode my first century solo last year.
Wow - impressive!
I ride solo all the time because it's so convenient. Basically 20-30 miles; 80 - 110 miles per week; 4000 miles per year.
Solo today 29miles. Max solo 62miles so far. Thanks for the rad videos Tim
Nice!
Thanks!
Active solitude is great. As a full-time health care program administrator, the constant decision making is draining. Solo rides give me decompression time.
I think that might be why I sometimes prefer to be with friends - I work alone most days.
Active solitude! I like that - it’s the opposite of sedentary solitude which seems to be the direction the world is headed. Stay active stay alive
Active solitude! Love that. Humans are draining AF. I actively seek time away from the humans. Deep nature is so peaceful. Charges battery 🔋
Thanks from Georgetown, Ontario😊
Iam also a lone rider here in japan. Stay hippie tim 🇵🇭🇯🇵
It’s partly a mental heath benefit for me being in a group because it is a distraction from a crowded mind.
Funny thing is, this year I have started more solo rides with more resolve to keep on peddling and I have built some a set of 55mile routes from my house with some good climbs. The first one was a drag and I found my mind would not release me from stress about work.
I kept it up again and now have 4 good solo rides behind me and feeling good about the effort.
My preference would always be to ride with one or more friends but I think rather than cancel this year if friends are busy I am going to go solo.
A related topic for me is that overnight camping. If I do an away day I am lucky to have a camping van, so I will camp in the van on my own before an organised ride event. Never tried bike packing on my own though and it’s impressive to see people embrace that.
Distance wise I basically like to have a solo ride done by early afternoon at the latest and when I visit Ireland on vacation 🇮🇪 it’s always been a solo ride but I would love to find a group, even when away for a vacation.
Interesting. A lot of people commented that the reason they like solo rides is to get away from everything after work. Just shows that everyone is different.
I think I am a lot like you - I’d prefer people but it isn’t going to stop me.
Cheers!
@@TimFitzwater I can dig deep and find fun in the solitude but it does risk me drifting into letting intrusive thoughts about work and life grip me. I can enjoy it and relax into it sometimes but its not the instant answer to letting the stress of work roll away. :)
Pretty much agree with all of that Tim... We dont train for anything specific and are definitely in a bit of a winter slump just now. We're both taking a different approach to that, mine is miles on the bike, so im out early around town, lots of pedalling. I know that will become tiresome soon but for now...
Boston sounds exciting, all the best for that 👍
Boston was great - bo bikes which was fine as the work and friend hangs were great.
Cheers!
I assume many cyclists would welcome cycling companions but have no choice but to go solo. You're fortunate.
A lot of people say they prefer going solo - a surprising amount of comments over the years actually.
I enjoyed your musings. I never get bored. There is always something new. I spend much of my time in solitude. I go backpacking,, bikepacking and cycling alone. It is a state of mind. I never feel alone or lonely. I socialize with folk with friends and at Church. May folk struggle to be alone with themselves.I am based in Yorkshire England. Known as "God's own Country".🙃🌈
I hear that.
For me I spend a lot of my days alone working - so I like to see people when I get out. But I definitely enjoy both.
Cheers!
Tim nice ideas for 2024! I solo ride to work a few times a week 30miles each way…it’s a great stress burner. Do you ever encounter trail rabbits in Ohio in the Spring, Summer, or Fall? Those rabbits we have in Washington state seem intent on ending their lives at times. Keep up the good works and those infinity straps ROCK!
I do see a lot of rabbits but I've haven't had any close calls yet. Erin did hit a groundhog once though!
Thanks - cheers!
I ride solo probably 99% of the time, mainly because of my work schedule. I fully understand the monotony of riding alone on the same old roads. Regardless, when I do get out and ride, I have a set minimum of miles that I make myself do to make getting the bike and myself ready....20 miles. I am fortunate that one set of mtb trails near me is so rocky that rain doesn't shut them down, you can even ride while it's raining if you want.
I brought my mtn bike last year to Ohio when visiting family, and because of all the rain the week before, I never got to ride because the trails were closed. A total bummer hauling my bike 750 miles for nothing, it had been 27 years at that time since I had ridden at Caesars Creek, East Fork Lake, or Hueston Woods since moving to Oklahoma.
Nice.
I know the pain of hauling a bike and not getting to use it too!
I prefer riding alone. It's harder to match pace with another rider, and I don't have to worry about when to stop - just when I want. That said, I get bored with all the out-back and loop rides I do here in Denver. I really love going somewhere for a reason or somewhere completely new. The best rides I've had are multi-day rides with a destination. Gives me a reason to keep pedaling!
I guess I don't mind adjusting my pace to be able to ride with others. I also work mostly alone so a lot of my cycling time is my time to hang with friends.
Cheers!
I'm from Boston I enjoy your channel I live not to far from the Charles river which the complete about 23 miles
I walked along the Charles last night. I had hoped to have time to rent a bike or at least ride a City Bike but it didn't work out this trip.
The Arizona Trail is practically in my backyard; there are a lot of trails that connect to it. So lots of nature, cacti, desert beauty. I ride the bike to go farther than when hiking these trails. I can't over the fact that most who ride these trails seem to be in hurry, what with all that frenetic pedaling. I slow roll, enjoy the scenery, meditate. 100% solo.
Nice! 🌵
20 to 30 miles on the same loop almost 5 days a week and throw in a couple Zwift rides and every now and then a 50 mile ride usually always alone. good for the stress and just feeling good physically.
Most of my work days are alone so I think that is a big reason that I like to ride with friends when possible. If I still worked a more normal job I could probably ride like you do.
My rides are 90% solo and yes I don't ride as far as I used to.I think it has something to do with I've been there done that and I don't need to prove to myself that I can do it if that makes sense . It might also have something to do with age? Keep up the good work Tim🎉🎉
Cheers - thanks!
in summer I usually ride 30+ this year I want to do more each ride,, going to ride my age in April ! its 70
Awesome! Good luck on the ride!
I totally understand the boredom of riding same trail/ route solo. I also travel to other places to ride. I live in an area everyone drives to to ride, I drive to get out. I am. Or a group ride cyclist. Do the overnighter, I do them and enjoy the peace.
Thanks - cheers!
I think I like Akron and your videos help big time. Thanks Tim.
Awesome!
I was raised in rural Ohio, always doing things alone, which has made it a lifelong struggle for me to socialize. All my rides thus far have been solo, never tried a group ride.
I feel that I'm lucky to have so many friends to ride with. I mostly work alone which is also why I don't feel the need to escape solo as much.
who's Edmund?
My cat! 🐈⬛
yo Tim, I didnt realize you had a youtube! What trail were you on around 3:20 into the video? for the life of me I cant figure it out.
Yeah - for a long time but I've been posting weekly since the beginning of 2020.
Its the Freedom Trail - that part is right outside of Downtown Akron.
@@TimFitzwater Thanks!
My solo rides seem like mtb trail riding only, as my partner isn't keen. She and I do road and touring together.
When I met my GF she would only ride roads - now she has gravel and mountain bikes - I don't even own a true MTB!
Also - thanks for your sticker order - it just got picked up by USPS!
@@TimFitzwater Good to hear she's expanding the collection.
You're quite welcome! Loving the channel, found ur coverage for the GAP trail and now we're doing it in May.
Awesome - have a blast!
Introvert here. I think I get enough social activity watching your channel. Last fall I did a solo five-day trip on Cape Cod, camping in state parks. The best part of solo riding is that you can do whatever you want without disrupting someone else's plans. I like to establish a base camp and explore the area on my bike. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is really beautiful and uncrowded in the fall. I'm looking forward to going back again this spring and fall (summer is too busy on the Cape).
We’ve considered heading out there too. Maybe after our yearly trip to CT next fall.
I think I’m lucky to have a close group of friends that are on the same page for we all often want to do. I understand that doesn’t work for everyone though.
Another good video Tim...thanks for sharing your thinking process.
Thanks - cheers!