378: E-Bike Project - Shakedown Preview
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Release Date: 09/26/2024
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...
info_outline 377: eBike Project - The BuildThe 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 -...
info_outline 376: Oregon Coast Remix TakeawaysThe 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_outline Best of Pedalshift 010: Pacific Coast 2014The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
In the summer of 2014, I took 6 weeks to ride the Pacific coast from Victoria, BC to the US-Mexico border. I recorded a 2-5 minute audio entry every day for the to share the more detailed aspects of the ride, but always intended to edit and condense it into a more manageable length to share here. . (Note, I say this hasn't been released in 10 years, but it got some love as a best of in 2019. Management regrets this error and the offending parties have been sacked. Or promoted. Not sure what to do with me.)
info_outline 375: Oregon Coast Remix - Part 6The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Sometimes journeys have distinct ends and sometimes those endings are a little more flexible. In the penultimate episode of the Oregon Coast Remix we mash together my departure from Bandon and my return a week later a few hundred miles south on the Mendocino coast where MJ and I catch up on his ride and reflect on what’s going on with cycling on the Pacific Coast. Oregon Coast Remix - Part 6 Segment 1: Departure from Bandon, Oregon - Early morning departure, catching the bus to Crescent City. - The stark contrast between cycling for days and the sudden speed of motorized...
info_outline 374: Oregon Coast Remix - Part 5The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
A short but challenging ride up and over the Seven Devils would be the last days of cycling for James and I on this adventure, but the remix theme gave us new things to try… a new brewery, time in a great town I usually skip, and one more new-to-us campground to rate! Oregon Coast Remix - Part 5 Morning Update from Bastendorf Beach County Campground Tim shares challenges with condensation and a disrupted night’s sleep. Discussion on the overall rating of the campsite and amenities. Plans for the day’s ride: Seven Devils Road to Bandon and finally to Bullards Beach State Park. On the...
info_outline 373: Oregon Coast Remix - Part 4The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
If you can’t fuel your cycling, you can’t ride very far. At least that’s what grandma always told me (editors note: she did not). So, waking up in camp without much appetite doesn’t really bode well for making very many miles. But what if the solution were to just get on the bike and go? And would my reward be a night at my least favorite state park campsite? Oregon Coast Remix - Part 4 Morning Update from Honeyman State Park On the Road to Reedsport Riding along Highway 101 Hydration and appetite improving. Reflecting on the camping experience and the tour’s challenges. Arrival...
info_outline 372: Oregon Coast Remix - Part 3The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
I always say day 3 is when bike tours click in, but don’t sometimes exceptions prove the rule? And don’t my bicycle adventures always find some way to go sideways? Everything seems to be going just fine as James and I cycle away from our beach camp, but what could possibly throw a monkey wrench into our plans this time? Oregon Coast Remix - Part 3 Morning at Beachside State Recreational Site • Departure from Beachside around 8:30 AM. • Planning to stop at Yachats, about 10 miles away. • Encountered a group of young hikers. Camp Experience • Ratings for campsites along the way, with...
info_outline Best of Pedalshift 161: Stealth Camping TipsThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Stealth camping lets bike tourists keep costs down and ride more miles per day… but is it right for you? On this episode, we cover stealth camping upsides, downsides, tips, philosophies, risks, and some thoughts on the number one question… what to do if you get caught!
info_outline 371: Oregon Coast Remix - Part 2The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
After a relaxing first night in camp, it was time to put in some real mileage over some real terrain. Fog and cool weather beckoned, but would it remain? And would our next new-to-us campsite with "beach" in its name live up to expectations? Oregon Coast Remix - Part 2 Morning in Camp • Coffee experiment failure: James’ protein powder mishap. • Chilly morning with heavy winds. • Plans for the day: ride to Newport and Beachside. Starting the Ride •Update from Highway 101 near Depot Bay: favorable tailwinds. •Tim’s new breakfast strategy: snacking on shredded wheat minis....
info_outlineOn 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 campsites on the C&O
Returning the second day to Hancock for any additional charge ups necessary and then up the hills back
Approx 40 total miles, maybe a bit more if I ride further out on the trail
Why so short?
Need to keep things close in case we have something happen that requires a vehicle rescue
May be a short ride but it has a lot of climbing, long flats where speed is helpful, and more
Trying to gauge how much range this bike and battery has on real terrain
Minimal gear and gas station cuisine
Hancock has plenty of food options close to the city park that has electric
Will bring water purifier for the trail just in case, but likely will have enough water on hand to make things work
Trying to keep the variables to a minimum
Weather
Finally starting to cool down around here!
High projected to be in 70s (24C), lows in the mid 50s (13C)
Rain in the forecast for a couple of days before, but ending that morning so it should be dry but might have wet ground
Down bag, tent, pad… nothing too crazy necessary as we transition into fall
What I’m looking for out of this trip
Ensuring the build is solid and safe - rack, brakes, cables no longer pinched
Testing range on the battery
Getting more experience climbing with the boost
Seeing how "fast" my 3A charger can charge (not a lot)
Getting a feel for a suspension bike
Getting a feel for the tires
Assessing comfort - how long can I be in the saddle?
Assessing need for more add-ons
A chill night on the C&O… haven’t been camping since Oregon this summer!
Pod plans
Single tour journal for the trip (there and back)
Separate takeaways episode to get into assessments, next steps, and potential ideas for 2025