386: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Takeaways
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Release Date: 12/05/2024
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
What happens when you’ve only got one day in Los Angeles, a conference that demands your physical presence, and a red-eye flight back home? You grab a Metrobike and explore, of course! On this edition, it’s a whirlwind bike share adventure from the hilly streets of Westwood to the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk and a race for that flight home. Los Angeles Metrobike Adventure Intro: •Location: Westwood, California •Reason: Quick trip for an AI conference •Game plan: Metrobike adventure from UCLA to Venice Beach and eventually towards LAX The Plan: •$5 Metrobike day pass –...
info_outlineThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Part 2 of 2. My three day weekend tour was about to be washed out by the remnants of yet another hurricane rolling through the area. And since the C&O isn’t exactly the best trail in a soaker, it was a good idea to reverse course and head back to my cabin. But would the tropical gusher wipe me out or would my “special” river crossing be impossible to traverse?
info_outlineThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
They say you only live once and some people shorten that up to YOLO, turn that into a verb and make questionable decisions. Sometimes that’s a pathway to adventure. And sometimes, it’s a convenient excuse to do things you aren’t supposed to. On my first day to complete a full ride of the C&O in 2020, I YOLO’d more than I typically YOLO.
info_outlineThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
I'd ridden an ok amount that year, but to be honest, as the year was winding down I realized there were two spots I always hit that I haven't been to yet. So I needed to play a little clean up and get wheels down on those two gems! In part 2, I revisit one of my favorite campsites… maybe one of my single favorite places I can get to from home, by bike!
info_outlineThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
I'd ridden an ok amount that year, but to be honest, as the year was winding down I realized there were two spots I always hit that I haven't been to yet. So I needed to play a little clean up and get wheels down on those two gems! In part 1, I tackle the big hill on the Cumberland side of the Great Allegheny Passage!
info_outlineThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
As I said last time… sometimes bad ideas go good, and good ideas go bad. And then there’s the latest bonkers idea of a tour I had… a game of chance. In the final installment, we learn preparation can sometimes be the key to a good tour, or it can mean you carry a lot in your panniers more for show. Originally podcast October 28, 2021.
info_outlineThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Sometimes bad ideas go good, and good ideas go bad. And then there’s the bonkers idea of a tour I had… a game of chance. In the first of two parts, let’s see how random selection of route, direction and more makes for a tour. Where are we going – chance decides! Originally podcast October 21, 2011.
info_outlineThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Four hundred episodes into this project, we gathered together on April 11, 2025 for a live show to celebrate the occasion. On this edition I revealed a new tour, announced a short spring break (with episodes, never fear!), and did some Ask Me Anythings! Pedalshift 400 Live Hey check out the video if that's your bag... https://www.youtube.com/live/EJfDdaQDgeE?si=NruP9cvgb0mgY8ip Introduction •Tim kicks off Episode 400 live with listeners in the chat •Reflects on 10+ years of podcasting, over 1.3 million downloads •Expresses gratitude to listeners and the broader bike travel...
info_outlineThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
It’s planning season for spring and summer tours! But if you’re in the US or planning a bike adventure here, there’s some real question marks about our national park system. From budget cuts to layoffs and reinstatements to ever-increasing demand… is this the right year to consider a trip through Yellowstone or Shenandoah? Pedalshift 400 Live Hold the date… Pedalshift 400 Live will be Friday April 11th at 8pm ET - 5pm PT. Check out Pedlashift on YouTube or for more. Ask Me Anything for sure, the rest is a surprise maybe to me as well? What’s Happening with US National Parks...
info_outlineThe Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
We’re often asked what you should get someone into bike touring… but what about a gift for a friend or loved one who is literally in the middle of a bike tour? Inspired by a Reddit thread, but not one of *those* Reddit threads… some fun ideas that would really help make someone’s tour! .
info_outlineBack 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 pedalshift.net/live.
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 seeing in person, but don’t expect them to get out of your way
TR NP is an excellent place to bike, but be aware that bison can and do come into the roadway and might scuttle your riding plans
The northern tier route is a good place if you want solitude
Bike adventures can mean a lot of things
Our national parks are treasures worth protecting, but so are our state parks and other public lands