The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Touring Lifestyle

I always say day 3 is when bike tours click in, but don’t sometimes exceptions prove the rule? And don’t my bicycle adventures always find some way to go sideways? Everything seems to be going just fine as James and I cycle away from our beach camp, but what could possibly throw a monkey wrench into our plans this time? Oregon Coast Remix - Part 3 Morning at Beachside State Recreational Site • Departure from Beachside around 8:30 AM. • Planning to stop at Yachats, about 10 miles away. • Encountered a group of young hikers. Camp Experience • Ratings for campsites along the way, with particular praise for South Beach and Cape Lookout. • The soothing sound of crashing waves as a backdrop at Beachside. Technical and Physical Challenges • Tim’s battery anxiety despite having sufficient power. • Horrific leg cramps and focusing on electrolytes. • The impact of caffeine on appetite suppression and performance. Journey Highlights • Departure from Beachside towards Yachats and reminiscing about a previous mishap in Ya

Stealth camping lets bike tourists keep costs down and ride more miles per day… but is it right for you? On this episode, we cover stealth camping upsides, downsides, tips, philosophies, risks, and some thoughts on the number one question… what to do if you get caught! Originally podcast April 19, 2019.

After a relaxing first night in camp, it was time to put in some real mileage over some real terrain. Fog and cool weather beckoned, but would it remain? And would our next new-to-us campsite with "beach" in its name live up to expectations? Oregon Coast Remix - Part 2 Morning in Camp • Coffee experiment failure: James’ protein powder mishap. • Chilly morning with heavy winds. • Plans for the day: ride to Newport and Beachside. Starting the Ride •Update from Highway 101 near Depot Bay: favorable tailwinds. •Tim’s new breakfast strategy: snacking on shredded wheat minis. •Weather and clothing conditions: cool, foggy, perfect for cycling. First Break •Brief stop south of Lincoln Beach. •Positive progress: good pace and energy levels. •Hydration strategy with electrolyte juice. Depot Bay Stop •Stopping for coffee and a treat at Pirate Coffee Company. •Reflections on past experiences and current ride satisfaction. Cape Foulweather Climb •Detailed description of the back road climb on Cape Foulweather. •Scenic vie

A big day of travel from DC to Oregon and then on to the coast… it’s not hassle-free, but the coast and its cooler temperatures await for a grand adventure celebrating ten years of the pod. But wait… who’s that in Lincoln City?   Introduction   • Opening remarks from Tim in Washington D.C. • Packing and preparation challenges. • Importance of cable run for bike handlebars.   Travel Troubles and Adjustments   • Delayed flight and rebooking with Alaska Airlines. • Adjusted travel plans leading to an early morning departure. • Personal updates: spending extra night with family and dealing with remote family health issues.   The Journey Begins   • Revealing Mysterious James as a trip companion. • Anticipation for the 10th-anniversary trip of the podcast. • Details of the bike setup and packing. • Weather conditions and impact on travel.   Flight to Portland   • Flight experience: busy airport and smooth connections. • Challenges with TSA and bike packing. • Arriving in Portland and rebuilding the bike.   Portland

Ten years ago, I embarked on one of my biggest adventures… cycling the entire Pacific Coast, from border to border. Since then, I’ve revisited sections of that ride time and again. And to be honest, I have some habits… tried and true places to camp and eat and even throw back a few. So to celebrate ten years of the pod, the Oregon Coast makes a lot of sense. But celebrating the past sometimes means looking forward, so maybe we shake it up…. remix the ride. On this episode, a preview of the tenth anniversary ride, the Oregon Coast Remix. Oregon Coast Remix Preview The ride   Lincoln City - Crescent City A couple of fast forwards (PDX-LC, Port Orford-Brookings) Reasonable mileage The remix - new to me campsites each night (except the last one - more in a moment) Pros - even though this a familiar ride, the tick tock of it isn’t so it’s going to be totally different. New challenges, new rhythms. Ability to spend time in the coastal towns differently. No Sunset Bay! Cons - I’ll miss out on some classic things lik

I’ve taken listeners on a bunch of rides on the C&O (including the current one!), so it's worth revisiting my guide to riding it. In the second of two parts, we go section by section from DC to Cumberland. It’s an audio guide to cycling the C&O Canal towpath whether you’re a first timer of a full on expert. Originally podcast November 18, 2021. Best of Pedalshift 263: Guide to the C&O - Section by Section

10 takeaways from a bike trip that was supposed to be slow but ended up being quite different than anticipated... C&O But Slow Takeaways 10 takeaways from a bike trip that was supposed to be slow but ended up being quite different than anticipated: 1. Unplanned Higher Mileage Day: Despite the intention to have a slow and leisurely ride, the trip ended up requiring a high mileage day due to weather conditions and route changes 2. Changing Routes Due to Weather: The need to avoid bad weather led to a significant change in plans, including a decision to ride to the cabin instead of continuing on the planned trail 3. Encounter with Rolling Coal: The trip included an unpleasant experience of being coal-rolled by a truck, highlighting some of the challenges and hostility faced on the road 4. Gear Issues: Mechanical problems, such as issues with the bike's gearing, added to the difficulty of the trip. This required on-the-go adjustments and highlighted the need for future maintenance 5. Utilizing Lights for Safe

After a rejuvenating zero day to avoid the storms, I had one more day of road riding to catch my train. A familiar route, but not exactly one with mindfulness paid to bikes. Would I catch the train home? Celebrate 10 Years of Pedalshift Quick housekeeping if you missed last episode’s live show news… I’m off to Oregon for the 10th anniversary tour: Oregon Coast Remixed! We’ll pivot right into that as soon as we wrap up the C&O But Slow over the next few weeks, so stay tuned. Also another shout to Lael Wilcox’s pod… her adventure around the world continues so make sure you follow along Lael Rides Around the World wherever you get this pod. Unless you get it off my website, in which case go google hers ;) C&O But Slow - Part 4 Introduction Good morning from the cabin. Discussion about the day’s ride and weather conditions. Reflection on the decision to take a zero day due to bad weather. Travel Plans and Preparations Route description: predominantly downhill, then uphill, and flat sections. Ment

June 8th, 2014 was the very first episode of The Pedalshift Project, and since then we've gone on quite the journey, mostly by bike. On this live episode, we got a bunch of listeners together to chat about highlights from the last ten years, the evolution of the show, and the reveal of the Tenth Anniversary Tour this summer. Recorded live June 8, 2024. Watch the show https://www.youtube.com/live/-u45VErpq3U Top Ten Moments Honorable Mention Ten First episode - 001 First Brock - 002 First Aaron and first Sprocket Crossover - 004 Gillian Klempner Willman and The New Woman - 013 The Sprocket Podcast bike touring music crossover - 044 First Cat Caperello-Snyder 056 Thanksgiving on the C&O - 063 First Jasmine Reece 069 First Guthrie solo - 071 Green Goblin retirement tour - 252-258 Top ten 10. Social Distancing on the C&O (200-203) - April 2020) 9. Katy Trail  (118-126 May-June 2018) 8. eBikes with Biking Brian (Nov 30, 2023) 7. First Brompton tour in CA (048 - April 28, 2016) 6. Shifty the Elf makes his f

After leaving you all with a bit of a cliffhanger, the decision is made – my (formerly) slow and chill C&O ride now gets another 18 miles of riding to some sweet sweet roofed lodging at my cabin. But that means I cross into West Virginia where I encounter something I’ve never dealt with before. Explicit tag earned for this episode… Celebrate 10 Years of Pedalshift Live 6/8 The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, at 8pm ET. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. It'll be on the YouTube channeland here at pedalshift.net/live. ALSO, if you aren’t subscribed to and listening to the fantastic Lael Wilcox’s podcast, I can’t recommend it enough. She’s trying to break the world record for cycling the world and is audio journaling it every day. She’s recently completed her eastern US leg and by the time you hear this will be in Europe working her way east. It’s so good - laelwilcox.net for the details. She is a leg

I’ve taken listeners on a bunch of rides on the C&O (including the current one!), so it's worth revisiting my guide to riding it. In the first of two parts, it’s an audio guide to cycling the C&O Canal towpath whether you’re a first timer of a full on expert. Originally podcast November 11, 2021. Best of Pedalshift 262: Guide to the C&O - The Basics

After a surprisingly fast start for a planned slow tour, it was time to head down trail. But the muddy trail conditions of the night before don’t improve with more rain, and the forecast looks pretty wet and plans… well, they’re meant to change on a big bike trip! Celebrate 10 Years of Pedalshift Live 6/8 The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, at 8pm ET. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. It'll be on the YouTube channeland here at pedalshift.net/live. C&O But Slow - Part 2 Morning Setup and Reflections   - Description of the camping spot and the decision-making process regarding legal camping sites.   - Reflections on being overextended the previous night and the challenges of finding a good campsite. Weather and Trail Conditions   - Noting the weather holding off the rain for a few more hours.   - Observations about the better trail surface and concerns about muddy sections post-Paw Paw Tunnel. Camp

Starting with a semi-eventful train to Cumberland, the tour kicks off at an unexpected pace. But with rain already soaking the trail, and more on the way would the C&O reject my desire for a chill and relaxing start to my trip? Celebrate 10 Years of Pedalshift Live 6/8 The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, at 8pm ET. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. It'll be on the YouTube channeland here at pedalshift.net/live. C&O But Slow - Part 1 Introduction Preparing for a bike ride to Union Station Discussing train schedule and potential delays Trip Plans Aiming to reach Potomac Forks Concerns about sunlight and trail conditions Personal health and readiness Bike Setup New gear setup with fork bags Adjustments made for comfort and efficiency Forecast: hot and sticky with potential rain Union Station Departure Chaos with Amtrak procedures and bag tags Interaction with train attendants and

Finding my way back onto the C&O is hardly a surprise, but this spring’s ride is taking a page from my 2024 goals… try to take some of these tours a little more slowly. On this preview episode, we cover how I think it’ll go down. C&O But Slow Preview Celebrate 10 Years of Pedalshift Live 6/8 The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, time TBA, but mark it down now. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. The basics Full size bike New config (more on that in a moment) Cumberland with Amtrak from DC and then… ? Going with a stove this time All camping Forecast looks like rain I’m getting over a cold, so not sure how that will impact things New config? The front rack from last season is fine but I want to try something new Found I couldn’t get the bike in the Dogsbody bag last year and I didn’t want to keep having to install/unintall. Might end up on my ebike? Solution: Fork bags + Hanging sleep kit from

Are you brand new to bicycle touring or like seeing things through the eyes of a first-timer? You’re in luck! On this episode, we revisit  the 2018 Pedalshift bicycle touring beginners series, following James from NYC on his journey to his first bicycle tour. Originally podcast February 8, 2018.

Ever wonder why it's harder to cycle up a hill? Or why it's easier to ride on smooth asphalt with skinny tires instead of wide tires on gravel? Turns out, there's an answer: SCIENCE! On this edition, we delve into the (very) basics on what works against us while riding, and how we convert food into motion! The Science of Cycling Programming notes Best of next week Spring tour preview the week after, followed by the tour journal! The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, time TBA, but mark it down now. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. The Physics of Cycling 1. Rolling Resistance Definition: Explain rolling resistance as the force that opposes the motion when an object (like a bicycle tire) rolls on a surface. Factors Affecting Rolling Resistance: Tire Type and Pressure: Soft tires or low pressure increases resistance. Surface Type: Rough surfaces like gravel increase resistance compared to smooth surface

When we talk about mindfulness in bicycle travel, we mean paying close attention to our experiences and feelings while we are biking. Sometimes this is a natural thing to do and doesn't require any added thought, and sometimes it's helpful to be intentional about it because it can often enhance your travel. On this edition, we talk about how bicycling can be a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness and Bicycle Travel 1. Introduction to Mindfulness in Bicycle Travel Definition of mindfulness in the context of biking Importance of being present and enjoying each moment of the ride Concepts of self-awareness and non-judgmental observation Benefits of mindfulness for enhancing the enjoyment of bike trips 2. Mindful Preparation and Planning The role of careful planning and setting intentions for bike trips Choosing routes and destinations mindfully How mindful planning enhances connection to the adventure 3. Experiencing Joy While Riding The practice of being present during bike rides Techniques for staying mindfu

So much of our bike travel is out on the open road, or along some back country trail. But what about the cities? On this edition, we talk about how to make cities and suburban riding a fun and enjoyable part of your next urban bike tour! Urban Bike Touring Planning Your Urban Adventure - route planning in urban areas. - researching bike-friendly cities and regions. - know the area and any rules of paths Choosing the Right Bike and Gear - bike and gear choices for urban touring. - have a flexible setup - Gear recommendations - locks, lights, and bags Navigating Cities and Suburbs - Tips for navigating city streets safely and confidently. - Discuss bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and public transportation integration. - Strategies for dealing with traffic and busy intersections. Finding Accommodations - Roofed vs unroofed -hotels, hostels, rentals, camping. - Plan ahead vs. staying flexible Immerse Yourself - Highlight the unique cultural experiences that urban touring offers. - Suggestions for exploring loc

An interview with Jesse Herbert on his experiences biike touring Canada (and around the world), plus a ton of great ideas, hacks and tips on all things bicycle touring, from lightening your load to braving a chilly night in a hammock. Originally podcast October 11, 2018.

The big project for 2024 is building the ultimate custom e-bike. On this episode we update where I'm at with the project... have I narrowed things down or am I hopelessly lost in  the paradox of choice? e-Bike Build Update Overview of the e-bike build vs. buy decision. Experiences and research done in Portland, Oregon, highlighting e-bike focused shops. Special mention of Nomad Cycles for custom bike builds. Discussion on the drawbacks of commercially available e-bikes, particularly around proprietary battery systems. Attraction to the "Biking Brian" style of massive battery and universal adapters for custom builds. Considerations against "chonky" e-bike frames for a sleeker, non-e-bike appearance. The decision leaning towards a custom build for its expandability and customization. Thoughts on suspension and tire width for e-bike comfort and stability. Exploring the option of converting the host’s Safari touring bike into an e-bike. Financial and technical considerations of a DIY build. Potential barrier