The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures

A podcast about bicycle touring, bikepacking, bike camping... any way you describe adventure travel by bike, it's covered here! From tips and tricks to ideas on how to ride your ride. Let's shrink the world by bike.

Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 3 07/03/2025

Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 3 So the ebike is a brick in the back of my Rav4, but it still works like a normal bike, so let’s keep going! But a sudden realization may provide the solution to unlock all the battery goodness, just as another stunning discovery makes me realize, this trip’s Plan B was all meant to be. Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 3 Hotel pack-up & quick diagnosis Morning in Oswego, NY. Realizes the motor cut-off is just a loose brake-lever magnet. Simple electrical/duct-tape fix brings the e-bike back to life. Route planning & launch Scraps the closed Cape Vincent ferry idea decides to drive the east shore of Lake Ontario, scouting state parks and quieter wildlife areas instead of sticking to busy parks. Lake-side stops Quick visit to Black Pond Wildlife Management Area (too restricted for bikes). Heads north to Westcott Beach State Park for a short beach walk, photos, and a quick battery test run. Drive to Canada Long detour to the Thousand Islands bridge (the only open crossing) because the south-end Wolf Island ferry is closed. Smooth Canadian customs stop; grabs ice cream and activates a Canadian eSIM for data. Kingston → Wolf Island ferry Misses the boat by two cars; 80-minute wait becomes a snack-and-people-watch session. Free ferry ride over; hotel is literally a block from the dock. Marysville check-in Rustic ground-floor room, lake view, no A/C needed. Drops bags, scopes dinner options (hotel café). Evening e-bike shake-down 14-mile out-and-back along Route 95 to the shuttered U.S. ferry dock on the south tip. Cruises at ~20 mph, marvels at wind turbines, farmland scenery, and micro-climates. Confirms minimal battery draw and re-affirms “twice the speed, half the effort” mantra. Wrap-up reflections Happy the brake glitch happened early—it forced a car assist and avoided being stranded. Wolf Island deemed a stellar, low-traffic cycling spot; sets intentions for next day’s ride and keeps an eye on looming Toronto weather. Statistics Miles biked 15 Closed ferry terminals visited 2 Open ferry terminals visited 2 Missed ferries 1 Denomination of Canadian currency that may or may not smell like maple syrup unless the bartender was trolling me 50 Flats 0 /episode/index/show/pedalshift/id/37209675

Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 2 06/26/2025

Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 2 Episode 404? Isn’t 404 a website error? Well part 2 of the Lake Ontario adventure corrects for the very serious 404 we had with the ebike. Still a mystery, but we’re recovering and adventuring by bike in amazing towns like Sodus Point and Oswego, exploring apple orchard memories and historic nuclear power plants in between. Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 2 Abandoning the E-Bike Dream (For Now) The electric bike project is benched due to reliability issues Reflections on bike trust, touring logistics, and rethinking the approach New trip plan: use the RAV4 Prime to support bike day rides Pre-Booked Lodging Dilemma All lodging was pre-booked and non-refundable How that shifted priorities to maximize the trip by driving to each spot The “acoustic” bike becomes the tour hero Day One Route & Destination Base: North of Webster, NY Original plan scrapped; new mission: mini bike adventures in each locale Exploring route options en route to Oswego, NY Riding Past a Nuclear Legacy Passing the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant on Lake Road A personal memory and historical reflection on the 1982 radioactive steam release Commentary on U.S. nuclear energy anxiety vs. European acceptance Beechwood State Park to Sodus Point Ride Decides to ride directly from Sodus Point due to better parking and facilities Observations of the ride: comfortable unloaded, with scenic lake views Reflections on Sodus Point, tiki bars, and surprisingly modern homes A Sentimental Apple Orchard Memory Flashback to camping with dad in a lakeside orchard Emotional moment recalling powdered milk, childhood camping trips, and family history Reflection on development replacing orchards with McMansions Lunch, Tiki Bars, and Town Vibes Tiki bar surprise: Jack’s Good Time Tavern! Bike parking logistics and electric vehicle charging frustrations Exploring local businesses Bonus Ride to Sodus Point Beach Park Beautiful weather, sandy beach, and kite-filled skies Soaking in the views with the acoustic bike and good mic in tow Ferry Fiasco Averted Critical discovery: the expected ferry from Oswego isn’t operating Realization: the whole trip could’ve collapsed if not for the car-based pivot Learning: Always confirm ferry schedules Oswego River + Downtown Bike Loop Late-day ride along Oswego’s waterfront and Cahill Pier Thoughts on Oswego’s economic history, SUNY Oswego, and bike-friendly waterfront Scenic photo ops with a sailboat and lighthouse Infrastructure Observations Comments on visible power plants, nuclear and traditional Reflections on energy production, environment, and how the infrastructure shapes the town Memory-Making in Motion How a disappointing start turned into a meaningful, flexible, and scenic experience New appreciation for blending car support with bike touring Looking ahead: next stop, Canada – via car, not ferry Statistics Miles biked 10 Nuclear power plants 2 Tiki bars in Sodus Point 2 Kite flying festivals attended 1 Misidentified rivers 1 Flats 0 /episode/index/show/pedalshift/id/37140315

Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 1 06/19/2025

402: Lake Ontario 2025 Preview 06/12/2025

401: LA Metrobike Adventure 06/05/2025

Spring Break: Filling in the Blanks Part 2 05/29/2025

Spring Break: Filling in the Blanks Part 1 05/22/2025

Spring Break: Clean-Up Tour Part 2 05/15/2025

Spring Break: Clean-Up Tour Part 1 05/08/2025

Spring Break: A Game of Chance - Part 2 05/01/2025

Spring Break: A Game of Chance - Part 1 04/24/2025

400: Celebrating 400 Episodes [Live] 04/17/2025

400: Celebrating 400 Episodes [Live] 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 community Shout-Outs & Tributes •Listener shout-outs: •Forrest from Whitehorse on the GAP Trail •Byron and the Sprocket listener crossover poll (results were a 50/50 split) •Tribute to The Sprocket Podcast: •Final episode recently released •Strong influence on Pedalshift’s creation •Encourages new listeners to explore the Sprocket back catalog •Shared values and crossover episodes remembered fondly Tour Reveal: Circumnavigating Lake Ontario •Dedicated to Tim’s late father; the lake was important to him •Starting in Western New York, likely near Tim’s mother’s home •Full loop around Lake Ontario •Using the e-bike with a second battery for extended range •No camping: entirely hotel or Airbnb lodging •Expected duration: under a week •Part of 2025 goals: new route, international travel, expanded e-bike touring Pedalshift Spring Break •First planned break in podcast history (show remains weekly) •Begins April 24, 2025 •Through May, rebroadcasting selected past mini-tours: •Game of Chance Tour •Cleanup Tour •Fill in the Blanks Tour •New content returns in June with: •Los Angeles Metro Bike Adventure (Episode 401) •Lake Ontario Tour coverage begins with Episode 402 Ask Me Anything (Live Chat Q&A) Tour Planning and Equipment •Uses RideWithGPS, Google Maps, and Street View for route planning •Recommends overlays like RideWithGPS heatmaps for checking route popularity •Apple Notes is the go-to tool for organizing transit and fast-forward trips •Safari and Brompton are the most used bikes for local/urban riding •Gravel/dirt touring is appealing, especially with proper gear; has done C&O and Erie Canal •Tour terrain preference: tie between forested and coastal routes C&O Canal Guidance •Cumberland to DC is a favorable direction due to logistics and parking •Recommends Harper’s Ferry to Shepherdstown segment for beginners Tour Ideas and Alternatives •Florida ride likely to be retired after repeated versions •Considering Arizona desert rides, Florida Keys, or San Diego to Phoenix •Airline logistics (especially Southwest policy changes) influence decision-making •Possibility of international touring (Europe later in 2025, Australia someday) Fun Pop Culture AMA •Favorite Prince songs to bike to: •Let’s Go Crazy •Seven (all-time favorite) •Raspberry Beret, Purple Rain, 1999 also mentioned •Brief discussion of cycling music and personal playlist choices Future Travel Hints •Canada’s Lake Ontario loop is Tim’s first true international bike tour •Possibility of a short European ride in late summer 2025 •Dreaming of riding in Australia during shoulder seasons Closing Remarks •Gratitude to listeners and live show participants •Encouragement to get out and ride, share stories, and connect with community •Next live show planned for later in the year •Spring break content begins April 24, new episodes resume in June /episode/index/show/pedalshift/id/36116570

399: Cycling US National Parks in 2025 04/10/2025

399: Cycling US National Parks in 2025 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 in 2025? •Brief overview of the budget situation: potential closures, service reductions, delayed seasonal openings February firing of a category of federal employees Buyout offer to some employees Just recently a court order led to reinstatement of them Still a huge gap in the staffing needed for the increasing demand •Types of services at risk: ranger programs, campground availability, road maintenance, shuttle systems, water access •Examples of parks most likely to be affected - Yosemite, Yellowstone and most of the majors that are on bike routes. Impacts on Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking •Common bike routes through or around National Parks (e.g., Skyline Drive, Natchez Trace, Blue Ridge Parkway, Yellowstone Loop, etc.) •How closures or reduced services complicate trip planning •Campgrounds unavailable or unmaintained •Fewer refill spots for water/food •Riskier road conditions due to lack of maintenance or ranger presence •Potential increase in car traffic on fewer open roads •Implications for car-free or low-impact travelers Tips for Bike Travelers Navigating These Changes •Research and plan ahead: how to track park-specific updates •Use apps and websites that reflect real-time closures (NPS.gov, iOverlander, RideWithGPS updates, ACA forums) •Be prepared for self-sufficiency: water filtration, food storage, backup shelters •Consider alternative routes: National Forests, state parks, BLM lands •Join or support advocacy efforts for bike access and funding for parks /episode/index/show/pedalshift/id/36047530

Best of Pedalshift 287: Gifts Ideas for a Person on a Bike Tour 04/03/2025

398: Florida Coast Takeaways 03/27/2025

398: Florida Coast Takeaways The Florida adventure is in the rear view mirror but I have so many lessons learned from this trip… and I’ll share a bunch of them with you here on the takeaways edition to close out the trip. 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? Takeaways from the Jacksonville-to-Orlando Bike Tour Day 1 (Jacksonville to St. Augustine) 1. A Ferry Ride to Kick Things Off – The journey began with a ferry ride across the St. Johns River, adding a scenic and unique element right from the start. Incorporating ferries into bike tours always makes for an enjoyable experience. 2. Gate Code Saves the Day at Anastasia State Park – The planned shortcut to the campsite led to a locked gate, but having the code allowed access without a detour. Avoiding extra miles at the end of a long day was a major win. 3. Improvised Gear Setup on the Brompton – A key piece of the backpack-mounting system was missing, requiring an improvised fix using a monopod and zip ties. The setup held up well throughout the ride, proving that adaptability is key in bike touring. Day 2 (St. Augustine to Flagler Beach Area) 4. Bananas Are the Best Electrolyte Solution – Instead of relying on electrolyte pills, which can cause nausea, bananas proved to be an effective way to prevent leg cramps. A simple, natural solution that made a big difference in managing hydration and muscle recovery. 5. A Route Adjustment Shortened the Day, but It Was Still Challenging – The original 57.7-mile plan changed with a 20-mile fast forward, making for a shorter but still demanding day. Even with the adjustment, Florida’s heat, humidity, and terrain required careful pacing and hydration. Day 3 (Port Orange to Rural Central Florida) 6. Headwinds and Humidity Made for a Tough Solo Ride – With no fast forward on this leg, the ride covered the full planned distance through sticky, muggy conditions. After the challenging conditions of the previous day, endurance and smart pacing were crucial to finishing strong. 7. Road Noise at Campgrounds Was a Constant Issue – Unlike remote wilderness bike tours, the campgrounds on this route were consistently noisy, with traffic sounds carrying late into the night. Sleeping conditions were impacted by a combination of humidity and the urban-adjacent settings. Day 4 (Final Push to Disney) 8. A Pre-Dawn Start Took Advantage of Cooler Temperatures – The ride began at 6:15 AM, allowing for several miles before the sun and heat became overwhelming. The early start also meant less traffic and a peaceful stretch along the trail. 9. A Fast Forward to Winter Garden Allowed for New Route Exploration – Instead of repeating a previously ridden portion of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, a fast forward brought the ride to Winter Garden, where new routes could be explored. This decision balanced efficiency with the excitement of seeing something different. 10. A Challenging Finish with More Traffic Than Expected – The final approach onto Disney property was busier than usual, making the last miles more hectic than anticipated. Despite the increased traffic, the ride concluded at the planned finish line, maintaining a long-standing tour tradition. /episode/index/show/pedalshift/id/35750710

397: Florida Coast Part 4 03/20/2025

396: Florida Coast Part 3 03/13/2025

Best of Pedalshift 290: Beginner Mistakes 03/06/2025

395: Florida Coast Part 2 02/27/2025

394: Florida Coast Part 1 02/20/2025

393: Florida Coast Preview 02/13/2025

Best of Pedalshift 292: Touring Bike Essentials 02/06/2025

392: eBike Range Test Takeaways 01/30/2025

392: eBike Range Test Takeaways 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 of higher pedal-assist levels (like Level 3) quickly drained the battery, emphasizing the need to stick to lower levels (1 or 2) to maximize range. 2.Comfort Adjustments are Ongoing •Experimentation with the saddle and handlebars revealed that finding the right configuration for long rides is a process. While the new saddle and bar extensions offered some comfort, they weren’t perfect, suggesting that further adjustments or a different saddle type (like a Brooks) may be needed for better ergonomics. 3.Weather and Trail Conditions Impact Performance •The dry, cool weather and improved trail conditions (like the newly paved Western Maryland Rail Trail) enhanced the ride experience. However, headwinds were a challenge, requiring adjustments in effort and assist levels to maintain speed. 4.Range and Effort Balance •The ride confirmed that the e-bike could cover about 70-75 miles on a single charge, with minimal hills and strategic use of pedal assist. This opens possibilities for long-distance touring with the addition of a second battery but highlighted that even with assist, significant physical effort is still required, particularly on longer rides. 5.Preparation and Redundancy are Crucial •While the ride was successful, minor issues like forgetting a bike lock, misplacing microphone components, and underestimating hydration needs pointed to the importance of thorough preparation. Carrying a spare battery, hydration supplies, and tools for adjustments proved beneficial. The ebike is absolutely in my plans for some adventures - Train and bike to/from DC - really anyplace but emphasis on east coast - Circumnavigation of Lake Ontario - More east coast greenway riding - Another segment of the cross country ride /episode/index/show/pedalshift/id/34983565

391: eBike Range Test Part 1 01/23/2025

390: eBike Range Test Preview 01/16/2025

389: 2025 Bicycling Goals 01/09/2025

Best of Pedalshift 270: Winter Fitness and Bike Maintenance 01/02/2025

388: Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024 12/24/2024

Best of Pedalshift 231: Exploring Bikepacking 12/19/2024

387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious James 12/12/2024

387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious James 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, 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). /episode/index/show/pedalshift/id/34341195

The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures

TOPICS