The Pedalshift Project 102: What not to do on a cold, wet bike tour

Happy new year! You know, I may not know a lot but I definitely know a thing or two about a cold, wet bike tour… and I have a story to go with it! Let’s kick off 2018 with things to look forward to this year plus that story on what not to do on a cold wet bike tour!

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The Pedalshift Project 102: What not to do on a cold, wet bike tour

Pedalshift 2018

Looking to do about 35-40 episodes this year (about what we did in 2017). I think 3 episodes a month is a sweet spot. You all can use a week off from me every month 😉

Tours this year… hoping to do two to three longer tours plus some weekend ones. I mentioned in the end of the year newsletter that I’m looking at tours as far away (for me) as Europe and as close as the tried and true C&O, plus some new ones.

Touring with pups… we adopted a new pug (Gizmo) but I think he might be a little long in the tooth to come on tour. Belle Starr seems to be my touring buddy this year ones the evening temps climb up in the spring

Expanding touring guides… I’m working on getting the online C&O guide completed and hope to add the GAP to that soon. I’m also working on another project I hope to unveil in the next couple of months.

Adding bike touring consulting… Are you looking to plan a tour but don’t know where to start? Planning a C&O/GAP, Pacific Coast or Erie Canal ride and want some insight? Starting this month I’m adding bike touring consulting to the Pedalshift options! Spend an hour with me by phone, Skype, or whatever works best for you and we can get much deeper into your needs than I can in the pod. If you’re feeling you want more than an hour, there’s 4-packs too (because who doesn’t dig a four pack?). Go to pedalshift.net/consulting for more and feel free to send me an email at pedalshift@pedalshift.net if you’ve got any questions!

More more more… I’m kind of excited about 2018. Are you? Let’s kick it off!

My “what not to do on a cold wet bike tour” gallery

Note the rain jacket that is more wet than water resistant. That was the best smile I could muster!
Pre-Ortlieb pannier time (I bought them soon after this… experience). The orange dry sack did well. The panniers from REI were great…. just not in the rain and snow! Also note: NO FENDERS!

Cold wet bike tour tips

  • Zero mile days are not for quitters
  • Cold and wet can be straight up dangerous if you’re not careful. Rock some layers, and make sure you’re using wools and synthetics in case you do get wet.
  • Consider hand warmers… the last few days I’ve been amazed how much of a lift I get from a simple chemical hand warmer in my pocket. I think this could be a huge thing on tour too. May chat these up in gear talk in a future episode.
  • Cold weather often goes hand in hand with short days – don’t overestimate the miles you can do with the sun up
  • Talked about cold (but dry) touring with Belle back in Pedalshift 062 and wet tent tips in Pedalshift 082 so check those out.
  • Microwave pizza does taste better under adverse conditions.

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