364: C&O But Slow - Part 2
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Release Date: 05/23/2024
383: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 2
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Starting from Fargo and driving clear across North Dakota, I had little to prepare me for what awaited on the western edge of the state. But would I see the bison that I low key really wanted to see, and would some discovered damage on the Brompton scuttle the bikey part of this bike adjacent adventure? Housekeeping We’re shifting the schedule around a bit here as we close out the year… we’re going to delay the final best of for 2024 so we can go straight through to finish the NoDak Adventure with no interruptions. But also… Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA,...
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Best of Pedalshift 174: Bicycle Touring Etiquette
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
We all want to do the right thing, hopefully, and within any community there’s an unwritten code of conduct for proper behavior so we can all get along. On this episode, we cover some of those rules of bicycle touring etiquette! .
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382: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 1
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
On this episode, we start the long journey to bike in the badlands of North Dakota… it turns out, perhaps the biggest reason I haven’t had a chance to visit North Dakota before is because it is tucked out of the way in the US northern plains. Maybe its remote nature is a part of its draw? Its largest city of Fargo is the gateway to the adventure… would it surprise me from the start? NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 1 Statisitics Miles driven 249 Miles biked 0 States visited 49 Number of campers in camp 1 Number of bikes in camp 1 (Mine!) Dashed expectations for a cowboy bar because...
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381: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Preview
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
I’m going to North Dakota and I am unreasonably excited about it! For years I have been stuck at 48 states visited (and for real, not just airport states) BUT the final two were ND and Alaska, and no disrespect to North Dakota but Alaska needs to be my 50th. But the opportunity to get there was shattered ten years ago when my original ride on the Northern Tier route was scuttled by a heat wave I wasn’t interested in riding through. But now… I’m doing it. With a bike. And buffaloes. The Adventure Heavily car aided. Very heavily. Like, mostly. Starting and ending in MSP...
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380: eBike Shakedown Takeaways + 2025 Adventures
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
So, the ebike works… and my confidence is up! What were my takeaways from the shakedown ride and what are the kinds of rides I’m considering for 2025 and beyond for my electric wonder? Housekeeping Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at . We have a new adventure lined up in a totally new to me state! Preview episode next week! Takeaways The bike works and I might be a better mechanic than I thought I may have underestimated the...
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379: eBike Project - Shakedown Ride
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
On this episode, I take my new ebike on its first shakedown ride to test its capabilities, from battery life to chain tension to, well… does this thing work? It’s a 40 mile round trip from my cabin in West Virginia to a campsite outside of Hancock, MD on the C&O towpath complete with terrain, headwinds, hills and riverside overnight! Housekeeping Lael Wilcox’s ride is weeks old now but shout out to listener and former guest Cyrus Fairivar for not only meeting with Lael, but getting an unnamed shout out on her pod! Live Show announcement! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm...
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Best of Pedalshift 137: Fall Touring (Live)
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Originally recorded live from Hedgesville, WV, this episode of the Pedalshift Project includes the (semi-doomed) 2018 fall tour reveal and gear tips for your fall bicycle touring. Plus banter with you… because it was live! .
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378: E-Bike Project - Shakedown Preview
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
On this edition, we preview a short but momentous little overnight adventure on my brand new ebike… we’ll discuss goals and strategies, plus recharge options and… hey, we’re getting back on the C&O again! eBike Project - Shakedown Preview The basics ebike full charged battery Two panniers and maybe the sleep kit on the handlebars No food, no stove Sleep clothes only (no additional clothing) Rain gear only if rain ends up being possible extra tools - chain breaker, master link breaker, more The route Road route from cabin to Hancock’s city park, then onto one of the closer...
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377: eBike Project - The Build
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
In this episode, follow an in-depth, step-by-step journey of transforming a surprisingly decent Ozark Trail mountain bike into the first Pedalshift e-bike (n=3 or 4 if you’re counting). This mega-pod takes you from the initial setup to final tweaks, including component replacements, brake and pedal adjustments, and install of a mid drive motor. I’m hardly a bike mechanic, so will things to go sideways at least once like my typical bike adventures? eBike Project - The Build Hey I got an ebike! Where did I end up? Decided on build over buy - more flexibility Decided on new over used -...
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376: Oregon Coast Remix Takeaways
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
The remix is in the rear view mirror, but as always I like to look back and discuss takeaways from every trip. On this edition, ten takeaways from the Oregon Coast Remix, celebrating ten years of the pod! Oregon Coast Remix Takeaways Don’t Rush Tent Setup: I experienced a rough night at Bastendorf Beach County Campground due to improper tent setup. I had to get out of the tent at 12:30 AM to stake it properly, improving airflow and reducing internal condensation, which kept me awake as large drops of water hit my forehead. Every Trip Is Unique: James and I reflected on how each of our trips...
info_outlineAfter 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 Setup and Gear Adjustments
- Detailed account of morning activities, including packing and adjusting gear.
- Challenges with the fork bag and adjustments made to the tent setup.
Journey Begins
- Initial miles covered with observations of the surroundings and the condition of the trail.
- Encounters with traffic and reflections on the proximity of roads to the trail.
Trail Experiences
- Encounters with other cyclists, particularly a group of LE officers, and reflections on group riding dynamics.
- Decision to avoid a large group of cyclists to maintain a personal pace and experience.
Weather Check and Gear Adjustments
- Checking weather forecasts and preparing for rain by adjusting clothing and gear.
- Clearing fenders from mud and dealing with bike maintenance issues on the trail.
Scenic Observations
- Descriptions of the flora and fauna observed along the trail.
- Reflection on missing the red bud season but enjoying the current wildflower bloom.
Paw Paw Tunnel Experience
- Detailed ride through of the Paw Paw Tunnel, including conditions and the tunnel's history.
- Observations on the descaling and maintenance efforts.
Trail Challenges and Maintenance
- Continued struggles with mud and fender issues.
- Descriptions of efforts to keep the bike in good condition amid challenging trail conditions.
Decision Points
- Considering various options for the day's ride and the impact of weather on the plans.
- Reflections on potential stops and the possibility of a zero-mile day due to expected rain.
Hancock
- Arrival in Hancock and decision-making process about accommodations and next steps.
- Consideration of resupply options and potential camping sites.
Concluding Thoughts
- Reflection on the day's challenges and successes.
- Cliffhanger about the decision on where to stay for the night and future plans for the ride.
Statistics
- Miles biked 42
- Trail surfaces 3
- Liters of water purified 2.5
- Decisions to be made on where to spend the night 1
- Flats 0