362: C&O But Slow Preview
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Release Date: 05/09/2024
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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 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...
info_outline 365: C&O But Slow - Part 3The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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 and...
info_outline Best of Pedalshift 262: Guide to the C&O - The BasicsThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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. Best of Pedalshift 262: Guide to the C&O - The Basics
info_outline 364: C&O But Slow - Part 2The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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 and here at . C&O But Slow - Part 2 Morning Setup and Reflections ...
info_outline 363: C&O But Slow - Part 1The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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 and here at . C&O But Slow - Part 1 Introduction Preparing for a bike ride to Union Station Discussing train...
info_outline 362: C&O But Slow PreviewThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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...
info_outline Best of Pedalshift 106: Beginners Series (2018)The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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.
info_outline 361: The Science of CyclingThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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...
info_outline 360: Mindfulness and Bicycle TravelThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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...
info_outline The Pedalshift Project 359: Urban Bike TouringThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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...
info_outlineFinding 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 bars
- 7L each side
- Very narrow - a little too narrow?
- Allows me to be a bit more nimble
Pacing
- First night will be close to a new moon unfortunately
- Would love to do 20 miles even though it’s night riding
- Don’t have specific plans for any particular campsites
- The end of the tour is up in the air… I have two options (Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry) so if I’m really enjoying the riding, I can make the miles. But if I’m enjoying the vibes (or other things) I can make this a shorter trip with some road riding on the final day
Food/water
- Will likely carry more food than I have on past trips
- BUT going to do backpacking meals. Keeping it simple and light
- NPS no longer treats the wells, so I have a new gravity fed water filter. Trying not to carry as much as I have in the past
- Stove needed for meals, so I can at also enjoy coffee
- Weather
- Looks wet but not hot. Will be prepared
- This might be the thing that impacts choosing a short or long ride… trail conditions, preferring to stay in the tent for a morning rain, etc. etc.
Other stuff
- Paw Paw tunnel is reopened!
- Not intending on climbing up to stay at my cabin (although it’s a backup option)
- Name of the game is slow and steady and enjoying the ride rather than just banging out miles. Would have preferred a little more riding time on Saturday to spread it out a bit more