Episodi
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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 1Statisitics
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 Fargo is way more of a city than I expected and really that’s my own fault because I should have done a minimal amount of research into the vibrant community that Fargo clearly is, and for that I’m a bad podcaster and I’m sorry? Wait… is there a number here? 9!
Flats 0
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Episodi mancanti?
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I’m going to North Dakota and I am unreasonably excited about it! For years I have been stuck at 48 states visited (and for real, not just airport states) BUT the final two were ND and Alaska, and no disrespect to North Dakota but Alaska needs to be my 50th. But the opportunity to get there was shattered ten years ago when my original ride on the Northern Tier route was scuttled by a heat wave I wasn’t interested in riding through. But now… I’m doing it. With a bike. And buffaloes.
The Adventure
Heavily car aided. Very heavily. Like, mostly.
Starting and ending in MSP (there for a work thing)
All camping
Brompton riding daily
Crossing the state TWICE
Urban camping in Fargo!
Theodore Roosevelt NP! Buffalo! Camping! Riding!
Finally getting wheels down on the Northern Tier bicycle route!
Rest stop car camping in the very friendly sleep-in rest stops of ND!
Did I mention the 49th state visit?
Itinerary
Day 1
Car rental
Camping in Fargo and Lindenwood Campground
Biking into town for dinner and all the Fargo nightlife I can handle
Day 2
Pre dawn departure
Gain an hour driving across the state into MT
Camping at TR NP at Cottonwood Campground
Buffalo herds nearby and sometimes they saunter into camp?
Day 3
Half day at TR NP to cycle a bit
Drive back across the state
Lose an hour coming back into CT
Rest area about halfway to MSP
Day 4
Pre dawn departure
Get back to MSP and fly home
Gear
Rental car
Brompton
Camping gear that fits in a checked suitcase - going with basics and adding "luxuries" if I can since this is car camping
Stove a must - likely buying fuel in MN or ND
Weather
Not as cold as you’d think for fall
Hoping for dry, preparing for not
How much biking?
It really depends. The idea here is to get a sample, not make miles.
Seeing TR NP at the speed of bike
Experiencing Fargo and its… bike infrastructure?
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So, the ebike works… and my confidence is up! What were my takeaways from the shakedown ride and what are the kinds of rides I’m considering for 2025 and beyond for my electric wonder?
Housekeeping
Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.
We have a new adventure lined up in a totally new to me state! Preview episode next week!
Takeaways
The bike works and I might be a better mechanic than I thought
I may have underestimated the range on this battery
I may have underestimated the recharge capabilities of the "slow charger" but maybe not
I need more hand positions (Jones Bar? Something else?)
I really should finish the bike but if I’m cutting cables I want to figure out the handlebars and height first
I’m going to buy all the things to outfit this without borrowing from my other bikes
The Future
I considered bringing this bike for my annual Florida ride, then reconsidered
Positioning an ebike for a ride is complex because transportation has to be by ground or shipping
I want to do more shakedowns before going "over the wall"
C&O to Cumberland and back (or train)
Full GAP/CO
East Coast Greenway segments from DC north and south
Connect OTET to Katy (Dayton-St. Louis)
KC to Denver
Denver to the Pacific Coast
What are you interested in hearing about?
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On this episode, I take my new ebike on its first shakedown ride to test its capabilities, from battery life to chain tension to, well… does this thing work? It’s a 40 mile round trip from my cabin in West Virginia to a campsite outside of Hancock, MD on the C&O towpath complete with terrain, headwinds, hills and riverside overnight!
Housekeeping
Lael Wilcox’s ride is weeks old now but shout out to listener and former guest Cyrus Fairivar for not only meeting with Lael, but getting an unnamed shout out on her pod!
Live Show announcement! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.
eBike Project - Shakedown Ride
Bike Setup & Preparation:
• Fully charged battery, loaded with two rear panniers, and adjustments for the first e-bike adventure.
• Changes from the last ride: added a stove for coffee and packed some food from Maria’s Taqueria.
Ride Experience:
• Initial observations on battery performance: The e-bike flattened the hills, averaging around 20-25 mph with minimal battery usage.
• Headwind and hill performance: Noted how the pedal assist (at level 4 and 5) made hills easier and allowed for faster cruising speeds.
Comfort Adjustments:
• Noted some tingling in the hands and plans to possibly add bar ends or horns for a better grip.
• A potential move to a more upright riding position, requiring cabling adjustments.
Battery Management:
• Discussed the range and recharge performance, observing that the battery was only down 25% after 20 miles of riding, even with heavy pedal assist.
• Insights on ideal battery storage and how the e-bike’s range matched expectations.
Camp Setup:
• Arrived at camp and shared thoughts on the bike’s potential for longer tours, with plenty of battery for return rides.
• Reflections on camping alone and observations on trail conditions and other cyclists.
The Ride Back:
• Further testing of the battery on uphill sections, confirming impressive performance with ample pedal assist.
• Final reflections on e-bike touring possibilities, noting a vastly improved return ride compared to previous acoustic bike tours.
Statistics
Miles biked: 40 miles
Average Speed on Flats: 23 mph
Battery confidence: 100%Efficacy of using coffee stirrers as chopsticks: 3%
Flats: 0
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Originally recorded live from Hedgesville, WV, this episode of the Pedalshift Project includes the (semi-doomed) 2018 fall tour reveal and gear tips for your fall bicycle touring. Plus banter with you… because it was live! Originally podcast September 27, 2018.
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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 basicsebike
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 routeRoad 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
WeatherFinally 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 tripEnsuring 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 plansSingle tour journal for the trip (there and back)
Separate takeaways episode to get into assessments, next steps, and potential ideas for 2025
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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 - couldn’t find a good used one that wasn’t $$$ Went with a Bafang middrive motor and a 52v 20Ah frame mounted battery - smaller than Brian’s, but still pretty big. Watched a ton of YouTube videos and bought some tools! This took me several weeks because the bike lived at the cabin and I was back and forth a bit as I built it This was a journey… and the episode is a little long, but definitely brings you along tour journals style for how it went…00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:54 Choosing the Right Bike for the E-Bike Conversion
05:52 Initial Setup and Component Replacements
10:56 Challenges and Adjustments
18:05 Programming and Configuration
28:45 Battery Insights and Expectations
41:03 Assembly and Troubleshooting
48:11 Rear Brake Discovery
48:27 Chain Installation Challenges
48:30 Nighttime Reflections
49:27 Final Adjustments and Cable Management
50:51 Chain Sizing Tips
51:47 First Ride Impressions
52:32 Handlebar and Screen Setup
52:51 Rear Brake Issues
55:28 Pedal and Crank Problems
58:54 Cable and Sensor Installations
01:01:44 Tire Upgrade
01:04:14 Battery and Range Concerns
01:04:53 Shakedown Ride Plans
01:07:23 Final Preparations
01:16:47 Shakedown Ride Execution
01:25:48 E-Bike Confidence Boost
01:30:36 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
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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 TakeawaysDon’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 along the Oregon Coast differed. For example, I noted that every time I rode the coast, I used a different bike or setup, which made each journey distinct and memorable.
Critical Importance of Food and Hydration: I discovered that my difficulties during the ride were due to dehydration, which affected my overall well-being. I shifted my focus from electrolytes to drinking more regular water, especially after noticing that my urine color indicated dehydration. Also, snacks like frosted mini-wheats helped manage my energy levels.
Oregon Coast Weather’s Dual Role: The Oregon Coast’s weather was both a blessing and a challenge. For instance, while the cool, cloudy weather made for pleasant riding, the sudden appearance of the sun during our ride to Sunset Bay increased the difficulty, especially on long climbs.
Companionship on the Road: I noted that riding with James added a positive social element to the trip. Despite generally preferring to ride solo, I found it enjoyable to share the experience and have someone to talk to about various topics along the way.
Campground Upgrades: We stayed at a variety of campgrounds, each with different amenities. For instance, we found the new hiker-biker campsite at Jesse M. Honeyman State Park to be an improvement over previous experiences, with brand new facilities, flat tent sites, and a charging station.
The Value of Good Sleep: At Honeyman State Park, despite the riding challenges, I noted how a good night’s sleep helped me recover, emphasizing how crucial rest is for endurance on multi-day tours.
Adaptability to Changing Plans: The trip required constant adaptation, such as when we chose to stay at Bastendorf Beach County Park instead of Sunset Bay. This change was partly due to past negative experiences at Sunset Bay and partly because we discovered Bastendorf had amenities we preferred.
Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Despite the physical and logistical challenges, James and I remained positive, often joking about the difficulties and focusing on the highlights of the trip, such as the beautiful weather and the enjoyable ride through Bandon.
Where Are the Cyclists?: James and I are still pretty puzzled about the lack of cyclist encounters on the entire ride. We talked about some of the theories, but none of them alone explain it. Having the camps to ourselves was great but if there’s lower demand will the amenities go away?
Programming note!
Lael!
Next week we enter a new era in bike adventures… remember that ebike project? Let’s just say things escalated and you get to join me in the process!
Also… we have two more bicycle adventures left this year alone and planning for the winter trip in early 2025 is locked in. Lots more to come!
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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 Tour Journals podcast 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. Originally podcast December 22, 2014.
(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.)
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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 6Segment 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 transport.
- Reflecting on the mixed feelings of leaving the Oregon coast but looking forward to more adventures.
Segment 2: Crescent City and Beyond
- Arriving in Crescent City via bus and experiencing the rapid transition south.
- The surreal feeling of covering in minutes what would have taken days by bike.
- Exploration of Crescent City, a quiet yet interesting coastal town with a mix of old and new homes.
Segment 3: Journey to Medford, Oregon
- Renting a Jeep for the drive to Medford, a stark contrast to the cycling experience.
- The logistics of packing up the bike and the relief of having more freedom with a car.
- Reflecting on the decision to spend extra money on a car rental instead of enduring a challenging bus experience.
- Arriving in Medford and enjoying some downtime with a few beers and a simple hotel dinner.
Segment 4: The following week in Mendocino
- Bonus content: Tim rides his Brompton to Mendocino, battling wind and heel strikes with his messenger bag.
- The beautiful yet challenging coastal route, with reflections on the unique experience of riding the Brompton.
- Meeting up with James in Mendocino for beers and conversation.
Segment 5: James' Solo Journey
- James shares his solo adventure from Bandon, Oregon, to Mendocino, California.
- Highlights include staying at unique campsites like Florence Keller in Crescent City and Sue-Meg State Park.
- Encountering heavy fog and low visibility while climbing out of Crescent City, but ultimately enjoying the beauty of the coast.
- Discussion of the strange phenomenon of not encountering any other touring cyclists during the journey.
Segment 6: Reflections on the Pacific Coast Route
- Tim and James reflect on the diminishing number of cyclists on the Pacific Coast route, speculating on reasons like the closure of Big Sur and the changing interests of the cycling community.
Statistics Miles Bussed from Bandon to Crescent City: 90 miles Miles Driven from Crescent City to Medford: 106 miles Miles Flown between segments: 5383 Total Bicycle Tourists Encountered in Camps: 0 Total Miles Cycled by James from Bandon to Mendocino: 412 miles Flats: 0 -
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 Road to the Seven Devils Decision to skip Sunset Bay and head straight to Seven Devils Road. Overview of the route and expected challenges. Reflections on the unique aspects of each trip and the enjoyment of new experiences. Riding the Seven Devils Tim describes the physical challenges of the ride, including dealing with humidity and climbs. Frequent breaks and efforts to maintain hydration and energy levels. Arrival in Bandon Arrival at Bandon Brewing Company for a well-deserved meal and beers. Reflections on the ride, weather conditions, and experiences in Bandon. Rating Bandon Brewing Company: 7.5/10 Final Stretch to Bullards Beach State Park The ride back to camp, facing headwinds and fatigue. Comparison of Bullards Beach State Park to other campsites visited. Rating Bullards Beach State Park: 8/10 Observations on the absence of other touring cyclists during this trip. Evening Reflections and Future Plans Enjoying the final night of camping and discussing future adventures. James plans to update his Adventure Cycling Association maps. Teaser for upcoming adventure plans involving the ACA. Statistics Miles biked 26.5 Devils 7 Beers 2 Cyclists in camp 0 Hikers in camp 1 Flats 0 -
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 in Reedsport Successful lunch, hydration improved. Decision to push for Sunset Bay, despite past unfavorable experiences. Journey to North Bend Planning to reach North Bend, with a potential new campground option. Discussions on the day’s remaining challenges and adjustments. Break at North Bend Safeway Confirmed hiker/biker campsite at Coos County Park. Reflecting on the tour’s modifications and feeling better health-wise. Arrival at Bastendorf Beach County Park Recap of the day’s ride and the new campsite. Comparison between Bastendorf Beach and Sunset Bay campsites. Highlights include a large grassy area, numerous picnic tables, and decent amenities. Campground Rating Discussion Tim and James rate Bastendorf Beach. Considerations include amenities, location, and overall experience. Final Thoughts Reflections on the day’s ride and feeling back to normal. Plans for the following day: potentially tackling the seven devils and exploring Bandon or heading towards Port Orford. Statistics Miles biked 55 Elevation gain 3200 feet Appetite improvement 100% Meaningless hill climbs 1 Buzzing lights at camp 0 Wine cans imbibed 1 Picnic tables available 40 Flats 0 -
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 3Morning 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 particular praise for South Beach and Cape Lookout.
• The soothing sound of crashing waves as a backdrop at Beachside.
Technical and Physical Challenges
• Tim’s battery anxiety despite having sufficient power.
• Horrific leg cramps and focusing on electrolytes.
• The impact of caffeine on appetite suppression and performance.
Journey Highlights
• Departure from Beachside towards Yachats and reminiscing about a previous mishap in Yachats.
• The importance of breakfast and managing indigestion during the ride.
• Discussion on the beauty and challenges of the Oregon Coast terrain.
Midday in Yachats
• James and Tim enjoyed a coffee break and discussed Lael Wilcox’s podcast.
• Description of the Oregon Coast’s scenic beauty, cool weather, and the joy of riding with a tailwind.
Mechanics and Adjustments
• Issues with bike gears and attempts at barrel adjustment.
• Reflecting on the bike’s performance and necessary future adjustments.
Arrival at Jesse M. Honeyman State Park
• Rating the new hiker/biker campsite at Honeyman State Park.
• Reflecting on the day’s ride and the impact of indigestion on performance.
Rider Reflections and Future Plans
• Tim and James discuss their potential next stops and the flexibility needed when plans go awry.
StatisticsMiles biked 35.3
Elevation gained 1427 ft
1472 ft - 435m
Calories eaten at lunch maybe 50
Bikers encountered at camp 0
Nephew post credit scenes 1
Flats 0 -
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! Originally podcast April 19, 2019.
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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 2Morning 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.
•Weather and clothing conditions: cool, foggy, perfect for cycling.
First Break
•Brief stop south of Lincoln Beach.
•Positive progress: good pace and energy levels.
•Hydration strategy with electrolyte juice.
Depot Bay Stop
•Stopping for coffee and a treat at Pirate Coffee Company.
•Reflections on past experiences and current ride satisfaction.
Cape Foulweather Climb
•Detailed description of the back road climb on Cape Foulweather.
•Scenic views and serene atmosphere.
•Comparison to previous rides and current weather benefits.
Lunch in Newport
•Meeting James for lunch in Newport.
•Longer than usual break, reflections on its impact.
•Post-lunch ride strategy and sunscreen mishap.
Riding to Waldport
•Update on the ride to Waldport after lunch.
•Grocery run and preparations for the evening.
•Anticipation for Beachside State Recreational Area.
Arrival at Beachside State Recreational Area
•Initial impressions of the campground: close beach access, sandy terrain.
•Comparisons to previous night’s campsite.
•Reflections on the ride and overall experience.
Evening Reflections
•Enjoying the evening with beverages.
•Discussion on the ride and campsite rating.
StatisticsMiles biked 50
Protein powder mishaps 1
Other cyclists in camp 0
Hikers in camp 5
Flats 0
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A big day of travel from DC to Oregon and then on to the coast… it’s not hassle-free, but the coast and its cooler temperatures await for a grand adventure celebrating ten years of the pod. But wait… who’s that in Lincoln City?
Introduction
• Opening remarks from Tim in Washington D.C.
• Packing and preparation challenges.
• Importance of cable run for bike handlebars.
Travel Troubles and Adjustments
• Delayed flight and rebooking with Alaska Airlines.
• Adjusted travel plans leading to an early morning departure.
• Personal updates: spending extra night with family and dealing with remote family health issues.
The Journey Begins
• Revealing Mysterious James as a trip companion.
• Anticipation for the 10th-anniversary trip of the podcast.
• Details of the bike setup and packing.
• Weather conditions and impact on travel.
Flight to Portland
• Flight experience: busy airport and smooth connections.
• Challenges with TSA and bike packing.
• Arriving in Portland and rebuilding the bike.
Portland to Tillamook
• Riding through Portland to brother’s place.
• Adjusting the bike setup.
• Detailed plans for the next day’s travel to the coast.
• Reflections on using local transit systems.
Arrival in Tillamook
• Experience at Tillamook Safeway.
• Bus journey details and using transit apps.
• Mysterious James’s progress on the coast.
Lincoln City Campground
• Campground features and setup.
• Ratings and comparisons of the camping experience.
• Discussion on the evolution of cycling tourism post-COVID.
Wrapping Up
• Final thoughts on the day’s travel and setup.
• Looking forward to the ride through Newport to Beachside State Park.
Statistics
Miles Biked 2.5
Bike tourists in camp 0
Wine-based Choclotinis purchased 2
Mysterious Jameses encountered 1
Flats 0
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Ten years ago, I embarked on one of my biggest adventures… cycling the entire Pacific Coast, from border to border. Since then, I’ve revisited sections of that ride time and again. And to be honest, I have some habits… tried and true places to camp and eat and even throw back a few. So to celebrate ten years of the pod, the Oregon Coast makes a lot of sense. But celebrating the past sometimes means looking forward, so maybe we shake it up…. remix the ride. On this episode, a preview of the tenth anniversary ride, the Oregon Coast Remix.
Oregon Coast Remix PreviewThe ride
Lincoln City - Crescent City
A couple of fast forwards (PDX-LC, Port Orford-Brookings)
Reasonable mileage
The remix - new to me campsites each night (except the last one - more in a moment)
Pros - even though this a familiar ride, the tick tock of it isn’t so it’s going to be totally different. New challenges, new rhythms. Ability to spend time in the coastal towns differently. No Sunset Bay!
Cons - I’ll miss out on some classic things like South Beach SP. Would have liked more time. Not in proper bike shape for the ride?
Unknowns - there are h/b campgrounds, but are they any good?
Ride to Union Station, Portland
Bus to Tillamook
Ride to Pacific City?
Bus to Lincoln City
Ride hits so many new h/b campgrounds
Final night… wanted to do Cape Blanco, but in retrospect it’s just too much to get up there (steep and narrow road). Luckily, Humbug Mountain is close enough to Port Orford to bike back to grab the bus. Only campsite I’ll stay at that’s not new to me (barring disaster/change in plans)
Fast forward Port Orford to Brookings and then another bus to Crescent City airport for my car (puke avoidance tour 2024)
The gear
The Safari - same bike (well same frame and a few of the OG components) as the one that road the coast in 2014
Back from the shop and hopefully riding perfectly
Fully loaded, even bringing a stove
Flying with the Dogsbody bag (which has definitely paid for itself at this point)
Two rear panniers
Fork bags, but using the eVent bags instead of those skinny bags that came with them
Will be the closest to a "4 pannier" setup I’ve ever done
Handlebar roll (new bag)
Lots of capacity, but will try to keep amount of gear and clothing to a minimum. May look heavier than it is?
The challenges
Not in the best shape
My usual stops won’t make sense so I’ll be improvising a bit
The upsides
Brand new campgrounds - new sights to see and new perspectives of the coast
Different rhythm to the ride makes it closer to new
I’m in this for fun, not breaking speed records… hoping to stop at a few cool places I usually pass by
Might have some surprises. It’s the ten year anniversary adventure, after all!
Tour Journals start… next week!
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I’ve taken listeners on a bunch of rides on the C&O (including the current one!), so it's worth revisiting my guide to riding it. In the second of two parts, we go section by section from DC to Cumberland. It’s an audio guide to cycling the C&O Canal towpath whether you’re a first timer of a full on expert. Originally podcast November 18, 2021.
Best of Pedalshift 263: Guide to the C&O - Section by Section -
10 takeaways from a bike trip that was supposed to be slow but ended up being quite different than anticipated...
C&O But Slow Takeaways10 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!
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