363: C&O But Slow - Part 1
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Release Date: 05/16/2024
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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...
info_outlineThe 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_outlineThe 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_outlineThe 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_outlineThe 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_outlineThe 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_outlineThe 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_outlineThe 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_outlineThe 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_outlineThe 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_outlineStarting 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 passengers
- Departure and initial impressions
-
Arrival in Cumberland
- Commentary on Amtrak's inconsistent procedures
- Starting the ride on the C&O towpath
-
Trail Conditions
- Night riding experiences and wildlife encounters
- Challenges with muddy trail sections
- Strategies for night riding and trail navigation
-
Camp Setup
- Passing multiple campsites
- Decision to push on to Potomac Forks
- Filtering water and setting up camp in low light
-
Day Zero Reflections
- Impact of coffee on performance
- Enjoyment of night riding despite challenges
- Final campsite setup and reflections on the day
-
Closing Remarks
- Observations on trail and ride experiences
- Preparations for the next day’s ride
Statistics
- Miles biked 18
- Frogs a babillion
- Stops to pull mud out of fenders 2
- Proper bike tags requested by Amtrak personnel 1
- Bike tags properly procured 0
- Dark chocolate bars eaten 1
- Flats 0