The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Touring Lifestyle

With the 2024 Florida ride in the rearview mirror, it’s time to assess how it went. I did the ride a bit differently this time… was it the right call? Is there something I definitely want to do next time? And what will I never do again in the Orlando area? Space Coast Loop - Takeaways A Brompton can do just about any kind of touring you throw at it Resist the temptation to leave tools at home, even for urban tours Best sun management for me - cover up arms and legs, sunscreen face and neck Cycling gloves do make a difference The rumors are true: upright riding is more comfortable The backpack trick is back, baby! Never take US192 to cross I4 - it’s not safe Cycling into Disney World is fun, and I think I’ll keep doing it Central Florida is constantly evolving - some of the trails I ended up on randomly (Shingle Creek Trail opened last year - thanks for the info Fernando!) FL C2C trail is A+ but I’m also intrigued with the Heart of FL trail and the St. Johns River to Sea Loop

The final day of the Space Coast Loop was supposed to be the easiest… a familiar route and a familiar destination, with maybe a quirk at the end. But would my luck avoiding mechanicals finally run out and would making a route change in the middle of the ride end up putting me in the middle of an interstate highway? Space Coast Loop - Part 4 An Early Start: Starting in St. Cloud, riding by a nearby farm. Route Change: Deciding to take a more direct route including an unfamiliar trail. Riding on US 192: Riding on US 192, recalling past experiences. Assessing Traffic Conditions: Planning to evaluate safety and traffic near Disney Resort. A Mechanical Issue: Facing and resolving a chain jam. Discovering and Using Trails: Finding and using multi-use paths and trails. Encountering Wildlife and Agriculture: Commenting on cows and agriculture near urban areas. Navigating Challenges: US 192 is a bad idea to ride when it crosses I-4! Reflecting on Planning vs. Reality: Reflecting on the differences between planning an

The Ohio to Erie Trail spans 326 miles diagonally across Ohio, linking up Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland and everything in between. On this episode, we chat about the trail and the experience biking across Ohio! Originally podcast March 14, 2019.

Day 3 of the ride was a return to a familiar road route that kicked off this whole riding in Florida thing all the way back in 2019. But after two days of mostly idyllic trail riding, would competing for asphalt with cars and trucks be a rude awakening? And also, what direction are the prevailing winds in Florida again? Space Coast Loop - Part 3 Morning Preparations and Departure Early morning considerations for layer adjustment due to temperature changes. Decision against taking a shortcut due to inferior biking infrastructure, opting for safer, longer routes with better facilities. Route and Scenery Travel south of Titusville on Indian River Road, enjoying the views and calm traffic with speed bumps to moderate speed. Encounters with beautiful landscapes, including Spanish moss on trees and scenic river views. Supply Stops Initial plan to stop at Walgreens, followed by a successful stop at Publix for supplies. Consumption of sugary drinks and snacks for energy, reflecting on dietary preferences and

Day 2 of the Space Coast Loop, starts with another early morning, and nearly twice the mileage of the previous day. Riding on the Spring to Spring and East Central Regional Rail Trails promised to be great, along all the Spanish moss and unique wildlife central Florida has to offer. But ah those pesky headwinds coming off the coast I’m trying to reach… will my less-than-robust pre-ride conditioning do me in? Space Coast Loop - Part 2 Morning start and campsite experience details Weather conditions and gear choices Appreciation for campsite amenities and value Plans for the day's ride, including terrain and stops Descriptions of the Spring to Spring Trail and East Central Regional Rail Trail Interactions with other cyclists and wildlife observations Food and hydration strategy throughout the day Physical and mental state reflections Overall journey reflections, including trail beauty and challenges Anticipation for future rides and route planning Evening reflections and campsite experiences Statistics Miles

Packing up and getting myself and my trusty Brompton to central Florida is a well-practiced mid-winter routine for me at this point. But this year, we’re mixing it up with a new route and (finally?) some actual camping in the sunshine state. But would the unfamiliar route and lack of decent conditioning through the holidays put the brakes on this adventure before we even start? Space Coast Loop - Part 1 Preparation and Packing Travel to Florida Arrival and Bike Setup in Winter Garden Trail Riding Experience Camping Preparations and Considerations Mechanical Adjustments and Bike Modifications Weather and Riding Conditions Navigation and Trail Experiences End-of-Day Reflections and Camping Experience Statistics Miles flown 862 Miles biked 35.4 Number of 44 stars given 1 Times my phone dropped off my MagSafe bike mount 4 Auto Clubs mentioned 2 Footlongs consumed 1 Flats 0 Trip Overview

The first tour of 2024 is a little bit of an old friend, but with brand new parts. Central Florida in early winter has treated me well, but things need to be shaken up. How about crossing a chunk of the state on a fantastic trail and mixing in some camping for the first time on one of these adventures? On this episode, we preview all of the excitement to come! Space Coast Loop Preview Trip Overview Announcement of returning to Florida for the Space Coast Loop Brief mention of the Brompton setup and intention for a different kind of trip Trip Details The loop trip's basic structure and logistics Emphasis on Central Florida as the chosen location Decision to include camping and the planning involved Discussion about flight logistics and bicycle transportation, focusing on using a Brompton for ease of travel Gear and Preparation Explanation of the gear-hauling strategy using a backpack Mention of potential weather challenges and preparations Details on packing light and meal planning Itinerary and Route Planning

So it’s your first bike tour and you have no idea where to begin… that’s where the Pedalshift Beginners Series comes in! On this edition, we cover training (especially when you’re off the bike) plus raising funds if your ride has a charitable component! Originally podcast April 12, 2018.

The big project for 2024 is building the ultimate custom ebike. On this episode we go over the three key components to the build, from picking the perfect frame, the right  mid-drive motor and a battery that gives range and power. What’s better than a project that blends tech with cycling?  Building an eBike The Ebike Build Plan Overview    - Intentions and possibilities for the ebike build, including cost considerations and potential delays. Inspiration and Goals for the Custom Ebike    - Aim for a custom battery build to cover more ground in less time, inspired by Biking Brian’s rig. Bicycle Selection Criteria    - Choosing a durable and compatible frame, with considerations for material (steel vs. aluminum) and geometry. Mid Drive Motor Choice    - The importance of selecting an efficient mid-drive motor, focusing on power output and brand reliability. Custom Battery Build Exploration    - Options for a custom battery build, prioritizing safety and capacity, and the possibility of a prebuilt battery. Roadm

Just like last year, let's set some goals for bike adventures in 2024! Studies show you are more likely to achieve your goals if they are specific and measurable, plus you write them down and share them with others. As a nudge to get you to do the same, I'm sharing my goals for bike adventures in 2024 here on the pod! 2024 Bike Adventure Goals 1. New Experiences in Bike Travel Goal Plan at least three bike trips to destinations never visited before, including local hidden gems and longer journeys. Measurable Aspect Track and document the number of new places visited with photos and a travel journal. 2. Exploring and Enjoying the Trips More Incorporate Unique Activities or Experiences Goal Add at least one unique activity or experience to each trip, like local cuisine tasting, community event participation, or historical site exploration. Measurable Aspect Record and rate each unique experience on a scale of 1-10 for enjoyment. Plan a Low-Mileage, Slow-Paced Tour Goal Conduct a bike tour emphasizing slow trave

We kick off 2024 with an interview of filmmaker Daniel Troia on his award-winning documentary, We Are All in This Together which tracks a cross-country bicycle journey with the hope of gaining a better understanding of the human connection, relying on the kindness of strangers. Filmmaker Interview - We Are All in This Together - Introduction - The Documentary - Social Issues and Cycling - Route and Experiences - Previous Cycling Adventures - Dumpster Diving and Food Waste - Encounters and Human Connection - Bicycling Mechanics and Gear - Reflections on Social Division in the U.S. - Closing and Additional Information Links and Resources https://www.weareallinthistogethermovie.com Daniel’s YouTube: The Travelin Dude Daniel’s Instagram: @the_travelin_dude

You’ve got our bike, you know where you’re going… the next biggest thing is what to bring and how to pack it! On this edition of the pod, my top five strategies for packing for a bike tour. Originally podcast October 29, 2020.

For the final epsiode of 2023, we take a peek at the future at the intersection of technology and cycling. It seems like artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing everything else, so how could it help with bicycle travel? On this edition we dream up AI-assisted route planning, gear selection and maintenance tips from our robot overlords (kidding!) to help keep your ride smooth. AI in Route Planning for Bike Touring How AI can optimize route planning based on terrain, weather, and personal preferences. Example: AI tools that analyze hills, weather patterns, and scenic routes. AI-generated personalized routes that cater to different cycling levels and interests. Case Study: A beginner cyclist planning a scenic and easy route vs. an experienced cyclist seeking challenging terrains. Benefits of real-time updates and rerouting options based on current conditions. AI-Driven Gear Recommendations How AI can suggest the best gear based on trip length, terrain, and weather. Example: AI suggesting lightweigh

Dude, this is the aftershow if you want more of the Holiday Spectacular conversation with Tim, Brock and Aaron.... listen to this second. - Shifty the Elf

The annual tradition continues! Did you know that during this special season of giving I often visit the old retired podcasters home to spread some holiday cheer? Why don't you come visit with me? You never know who we might run into! (If you like the conversation, there's an aftershow in your feed too!)

On this episode of The Pedalshift Project, we explore slow travel and its relevance to your bicycle adventures. We also circle back to our previous discussion on eBikes, reflecting on some listener feedback and exploring the evolving role of eBikes on the future of bicycle travel. E-Biking Adventures Follow-Up A recap and appreciation for the previous episode's guest, Biking Brian. Discussion on the high listener engagement and feedback from the eBike episode. Future implications of e-bikes in bicycle travel. Addressing listener feedback on the capabilities of commercially available e-bikes for touring. Slow Travel by Bike Defining Slow Travel Embracing the Journey - the importance, the rewards, the opportunities Slow Travel Planning Slow Travel Benefits

On this edition, how to fast forward your bike adventures. It’s your ride… make it the best you can by bypassing parts you don’t want, catching up on a schedule or accommodating an extra day in a cool spot! Originally podcast March 23, 2017.

On this episode of The Pedalshift Project, we welcome eBike expert Biking Brian to chat about his eBike touring and adventures. We discuss his background in bicycling and touring, his experiences with building eBikes and battery packs, and the future potential of eBike travel. eBike Adventures with Biking Brian Brian's eBike touring experience Brian's charger and battery pack Brian's background and early bicycling experience Building eBikes and battery packs The ease of installing eBike components Potential future eBike tour routes The challenges of finding charging spots during the day The availability of online videos for guidance in installing eBike components The future of eBike touring and its potential popularity The complexity and process of building eBikes and battery pack Future adventures Watch this conversation https://youtu.be/sq0l93VDXDM  Biking Brian on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bikingbrian Brian's Indiana to Boston ride route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/432

As an aficionado of crossing states by bicycle, there's big ones on my list like NY, CA and OR... and then there's less impressive ones that still absolutely count. Welcome to the Delaware Double Cross! Delaware Double Cross 00:03 Intro 01:05 The Start of the Delaware Double Cross 02:01 Challenges of the Journey 02:49 Exploring the Eastern Shore 07:45 The Journey Continues: Crossing the State 15:56 Arrival at Delaware City 17:52 The Return Journey 25:16 Takeaways on the Adventure 27:04 Closing STATISTICS Miles biked 30 Wheels on Brompton when I left Chesapeake City 6 Wheels when I got to Delaware City 5 Numbers of people who asked me how much my bike weighed 2 Melty ice creams eaten 1 Beers imbibed 1 States crossed 1 (x2) Flats 0

My fall 2023 adventure checks the box on one of my goals from the beginning of the year... I love crossing states by bike, and is it my fault that some of them are very, very skinny? Ok, fine I'll cross it TWICE to make it count! Previewing my next ride... the Delaware Double Cross! Delaware Double Cross Preview 2023 goal... cross a new state by bike DELAWARE! First plan... the one I didn't choose ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ All transit and bike MARC to the northern terminus in Perryville Bus to Elkton Ride across to Delaware City Ride to Wilmington Amtrak to DC Why didn't I choose this? Safety! Bike situation near Elkton was even dicier than the Florida sidewalk and shoulder riding I've done that is pretty marginal Google Street View revealed possible options, but the more I scratched at the surface, the worse it looked What I chose - the LaCrosse! and a simpler off-road option Drive to Chesapeake City MD Ride the Mike Castle Trail to Delware City along the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal to