368: C&O But Slow Takeaways
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Release Date: 06/27/2024
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
With a bunch of snow and ice on the ground where I’m at, it’s a good time to focus on things that will help bike tours coming after the thaw. On this episode, an update on my winter fitness goals, what I’m doing to keep it going plus some ideas on winter bike maintenance. .
info_outline 388: Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Shifty Saves the Holidays! It's an annual tradition around here that we celebrate the holidays with my senior executive producer and best buddy Shifty the Elf celebrating the year that has been. This year, in a nearly all elf-driven plot, our guy Shifty finds the magic in 2024 to make the holidays special once again. Happy holidays all, and see you in 2025!
info_outline Best of Pedalshift 231: Exploring BikepackingThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
I’ll admit, I’ve been bikepacking curious for a while. As my touring continues to expand and evolve I’m thinking more about bikepacking options and I thought I’d share the process on the pod. Join me, won’t you? .
info_outline 387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious JamesThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
A repodcast of Pedalshift Live from December 6, 2024 featuring special guest Mysterious James and YOUR questions for a big round of Ask Us Anything. Huge shoutout to the folks that came and made this one of the best live shows yet! 1. Top 3 Must-Have Items for Bike Touring • James: Once considered a cook set essential but now tours stoveless. Values minimal gear and adaptability. • Tim: iPhone (multi-use tool), foldable backjack chair, and positive vibes for motivation. 2. Best Place for Car-Free Living with Transit and Nature Access • James: San Francisco for its bikeability,...
info_outline 386: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure TakeawaysThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Back from North Dakota and the bike-adjacent adventures with national parks, bison and Bromptons... I've got some takeaways to share! Housekeeping Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the next week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at . Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year! Takeaways Folks, North Dakota is worth the trip! When checking a bike, pay attention to all the vulnerable parts that jut out and don’t shirk the corner padding Wild bison are worth...
info_outline 385: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 4The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
The final day of the NoDak adventure (finally?) explored the beauty of Medora, North Dakota, on bike, reflecting on the unique experience of cycling the Northern Tier Route. Beautiful views of TR NP, offbeat historical tidbits and some reflections and "what ifs" that prevented me from getting there earlier… all part of the 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...
info_outline 384: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 3The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
A frosty start leads to adventure, navigating through Theodore Roosevelt National Park! From a sub-freezing camping morning to a literal standoff with a bison, listen in as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of fall adventures in one of North Dakota’s most scenic landscapes. 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...
info_outline 383: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 2The 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,...
info_outline Best of Pedalshift 174: Bicycle Touring EtiquetteThe 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! .
info_outline 382: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 1The 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...
info_outline10 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 Safety: Riding on exposed and less-traveled roads necessitated the use of fully charged lights to ensure safety, especially in low visibility conditions
6. Importance of Flexibility: The trip underscored the importance of being flexible and adapting to changing conditions, such as unexpected weather and route challenges
7. Strategic Zero Days: Taking a zero day (a rest day with no riding) proved to be a wise decision to avoid riding in bad weather and to recuperate from a strenuous day
8. Food and Hydration Management: Managing food and hydration was crucial, with stops to consume snacks and hydrate, especially given the physical exertion and varying conditions
9. Navigating New Routes: The journey involved navigating new and less familiar routes, which added an element of exploration but also required careful planning and adjustments
10. Reflection on Pace and Experience: Despite the trip being more challenging than expected, it offered valuable experiences and insights, leading to reflections on the importance of pace, enjoying the ride, preparation, flexibility, and resilience.
Best of next week and then we continue the celebration of 10 years of Pedalshift with Oregon Coast Remixed!