387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious James
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Release Date: 12/12/2024
394: Florida Coast Part 1
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
The first day of the Florida Coast adventure starts from the cooler air of Jacksonville, carrying me south through a series of beach towns on the way to a state park outside of St. Augustine with two entrances… the short way has a locked gate… would I be able to get through or have to go all the way back around (complete with extra miles) to get to camp? 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? Florida Coast Part 1...
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393: Florida Coast Preview
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
My annual tradition of a winter ride in the sunshine state continues! Unlike past years, I’m shaking things up with the start and focusing on a coastal ride along the East Coast Greenway before turning inland. But the Florida Coast is the name of the game for this adventure, and on this episode we preview the ride! Florida Coast Preview The ride Jacksonville to WDW over 4 days! East Coast Greenway! A ferry! Mostly coastal riding with the ocean over my left shoulder (who knew?) Revisting the Florida Coast to Coast Trail Riding all the way to my finish line resort at WDW (no Lyfts at the end...
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Best of Pedalshift 292: Touring Bike Essentials
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
I ride three different bikes for touring, and each one has plusses and minuses depending on what kind of ride I’m looking for. But if you’re new to bike touring or looking for another bike, what should you be thinking about? On this episode, the things I look for in a touring bike! .
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392: eBike Range Test Takeaways
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
So I successfully rode 75 miles on a single charge of my eBike battery (with a little bit of a top off!). What did I learn from the adventure and what does it mean for future trips with my ebike? eBike Range Test Takeaways 75ish miles is pretty great with a little top off… that’s amazing for the C&O and other reasonably flat terrain! 1.Battery Management is Key •The ride underscored the importance of efficient battery use. Keeping the e-bike battery between 20% and 80% for everyday use is recommended, but for extended trips, charging to 100% proved essential. However, overuse...
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391: eBike Range Test Part 1
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
On this episode we ride from my cabin to Cumberland, MD on the C&O towpath to see if we can squeeze 75 miles out of my eBike battery! With only one real opportunity to top off, this is a real test with fairly unfun consequences if I run out… did I make it or did I have to pedal the last bit without that little extra boost? Quick programming note… this episode is a beast, so I’m going to do takeaways next episode… feel free to listen to this one in chunks as it’s over an hour!
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390: eBike Range Test Preview
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
On this episode we turn the page back to last fall when I did a secret mini tour with a big purpose… to test the range of my eBike battery on the C&O trail! Can I stretch one full charge enough to get a full day’s ride in with all of the pedal assist I want? Let’s find out the hard way! eBike Range Test Preview The ride Cabin to Cumberland, road and trail 1 day, 1 charge* eBike! The idea Can I stretch the battery enough to get me 75.1 miles from cabin to Cumberland? Learning about range Learning about methods to conserve power Can I pedal this bike comfortably without pedal...
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389: 2025 Bicycling Goals
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
On this edition of the pod, we kick off 2025 with the intent to make it a year of celebration in a time of loss for me. But celebration is more fun, so let’s do that. 2014’s trip was a shout out to my grandmother and 2025 now has to be the same for my dad, who passed away at his home in NY just before Christmas. So, what are we doing by bike to celebrate his life and all sorts of other things? Celebrating plans already made, and taking care of yourself - yes, I’m in western NY for a few weeks this winter but I’m taking some time to ride my ride in Florida. Familiar trip...
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Best of Pedalshift 270: Winter Fitness and Bike Maintenance
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. .
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388: Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024
The 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!
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Best of Pedalshift 231: Exploring Bikepacking
The 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_outlineA 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, walkability, and access to nature in all directions.
• Tim: Portland, Oregon, for its bike-friendly culture, infrastructure, and scenic options for bike tours.
3. Trail Recommendations
• Greenbrier River Trail (WV): Tim considers it for future e-bike touring despite challenging accessibility and trail conditions.
• Pine Creek Trail (PA): Known but less explored by Tim and James.
• Cowboy Trail (NE): On Tim’s radar, but accessibility challenges persist.
4. Approach to Bike Adventuring
• James: Minimal planning, go-with-the-flow mindset, and preference for off-road routes.
• Tim: Focuses on enjoying the experience rather than completing every mile, with flexibility to adapt plans as needed.
5. East Coast Greenway
• Highlighted as a potential cross-country ride option. Discussed challenges with camping and infrastructure but praised for its connectivity.
6. Tire Preferences
• James: Schwalbe Marathon and Mondial tires for durability and versatility.
• Tim: A long-time fan of Schwalbe tires for touring and e-bike use.
7. Mud Guards vs. No Mud Guards
• James: Initially used mud guards but removed them due to travel difficulties and now prefers to ride without them.
• Tim: Appreciates their value but acknowledges challenges with mud accumulation on trails like the C&O.
8. Motivation on Long Rides or in Bad Weather
• James: Allows trips to end naturally when motivation fades, embracing the experience regardless of completion.
• Tim: Stays motivated by focusing on the overall experience and prioritizing safety, especially in adverse weather.
9. Warm Showers Experience
• James: Prefers camping or hotels due to flexibility and introversion.
• Tim: Values the concept but hasn’t fully embraced it due to similar concerns.
10. Cross-Country U.S. Route Priorities
• James: Interested in rail trail-based routes for safety and scenery.
• Tim: Eastern Express and routes through national parks like the Lewis and Clark Trail.
11. Cycling Southeast Asia
• James: Enthralled by Cambodia’s culture and affordability but wary of heat, rain, and traffic.
• Tim: Intrigued but cautious about climate and road conditions.
12. Cycling Quebec
• Tim: Keen to explore Quebec’s Route Verte and its cultural richness, possibly linking it to U.S. rail trails for a larger tour.
13. Gap and C&O: Pittsburgh to DC vs. DC to Pittsburgh
• Tim: Initially preferred Cumberland-to-Pittsburgh for the downhill experience but now considers both routes equally, emphasizing convenience based on starting point.
14. Bikepacking Regions to Highlight in a U.S. Cross-Country Tour
• Must-see trails include the Great American Rail Trail, Katy Trail, and Northern Tier’s scenic sections.
Special Mentions: Regina Yan (East Coast Greenway), Adventure Cycling Association (route inspiration), and Schwalbe Tires (consistent performance).