The Pedalshift Project 273: Route Scouting Shorter Tours

Looking ahead to the spring and some new-to-me routes that can check some 2022 goal boxes! This episode, we close out the series to highlight some shorter tour options along with some honorable mentions. Will one of these be the one?

Pedalshift 273 - remote route scouting - shorter tours and honorable mentions

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Route Scouting Shorter Tours + Honorable Mentions

NoBo Missing Link (CA)

I talked about this on an earlier pod, but I’m flipping things round (literally) to avoid a logistics issue and make it safer

Quick review – the missing link is the portion of the SoCal route I fast forwarded around in 2014

Marine Base Pendleton is restricted

Southern gate is where you get access… not great for SoBo travelers

Original missing link tour was SoBo using I-5, which I think is still doable, but why?

New idea – start in San Diego and time my arrival to that southern gate. Get access. Continue

Likely to end the trip in Anaheim, making it a true missing link tour, plus some additional mileage for interest.

I really like this one.

Pine Creek Valley RT (PA)

Brand new to me, thanks to Reddit.

Starts in Jersey Shore, PA (insert fist pumping and Situation jokes here) ends in Stokesdale, PA

Follows Pine Creek, a trib of the Susquehanna River

I’m familiar with the area as it’s in the same valley that I drive through to go back to WNY

62 miles – would likely do this as an out and back in 2-3 days

Good camping options, not a lot of towns – pretty remote

Probably some easy stealth options too

Would need to do this later in the spring, just to have better weather

Might be interesting to link to a DC or Cabin to Rochester ride with its proximity to the N/S PA bike route

Greenbrier River Trail (WV)

Brand new to me, thanks to Reddit.

About a 3.5 hour drive from my cabin

78 miles, formerly part of the Chesapeake& Ohio railway – would likely do this as an out and back in 3 days

Runs parallel to the Greenbrier River, from the town of Caldwell to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

Great map shows off the many access points, restrooms, water points and more

Camping looks good with serval state parks on route

Probably some easy stealth options too

Trail is near towns, but goes through just a few with amenities, so I see carrying more food

This is in southeastern WV so it might be more doable if an earlier spring tour is in the cards?

I like this one because I’d like to explore more of the state. It’s rugged and beautiful and I’ve lived here long enough I need to see other parts!

Honorable mentions

Natchez Trace – MJ liked this one… definitely cannot fathom this one in the summer. Spring, then? Or maybe winter?

Empire State Trail – look, this is happening at some point to or from NYC. Does spring make sense?

Cowboy Trail – This one gets a lot of love, but Nebraska is tricky to get to and from easily. Needs more research

As always we like to close out the show with a special shoutout to the Pedalshift Society! Because of support from listeners like you, Pedalshift is a weekly bicycle touring podcast with a global community, expanding into live shows and covering new tours like this summer’s upcoming bike tour! If you like what you hear, you can support the show for 5 bucks, 2 bucks or even a buck a month. And there’s one-shot and annual options if you’re not into the small monthly thing. Check it all out at pedalshift.net/society.

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Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new track available NOW, and a new album dropping very soon AND Jason’s first solo album is now streaming on Spotify, including America, the Pedalshift theme. Go listen!