The Lab: things to do in a bicycle touring off-season

1 – Clean your bike
(drivetrain, nooks, crannies, the whole shebang)
 
2 – Assess your gear
Are your waterproof things still waterproof?
Is anything so worn it needs to be replaced?
Is there anything to upgrade? It is gift-giving and receiving season, after all!
 
3 – Declare there is no off-season and travel with your bike someplace else!
Go someplace warmer and/or dryer
 
4 – Start preliminary planning for next year’s tour(s)
 
5 – Monitor what you’re eating/drinking if you’re not biking as much
Apps like LoseIt can be helpful
 
6 – Get your bike tuned up
Many LBSs have winter bike tuneup specials – support them during the lean times and get a great deal on getting your bike in tip top shape before the spring rush
 

Five Star Reviews!

Ask Me Anything

Do you ride a fat bike at all during the winter to stay in shape? – Stick String in MI
 
Do you prefer to tour on a Brompton or on a full sized bike? (Mark in Columbus)
 
What’s your next tour? (FOTS in the Bay Area)
 
Marvel or DC? Star Wars or Star Trek? (Scott in IL)
 
Any plans for in-person events in 2019 like the episode 100 meetup at the Beermongers in PDX?
 

Pedalshift Society

Quick wrapup here about supporting the show through Pedalshift Society. With listener support, we’ve expanded the show to weekly, added tour videos, moved the Tour Journals from pay to in-podcast and helped pay for improved equipment and all hosting fees. And its all thanks to the people you hear in the end credits. As we reset to a new year, why not add your name to the list? Five bucks, two bucks or even a buck a month helps keep things going, and you can cancel anytime. There’s also annual and one-shot options too if you’re not into the small, monthly thing. Added bonus, it’s all working again if you’ve had trouble signing up! Check out pedalshift.net/society. On to the society!

Kimberly Wilson
Caleb Jenkinson
Cameron Lien
Andrew MacGregor
Michael Hart
Keith Nagel
Brock Dittus
Thomas Skadow
Seth Krieger
Marco Lo
Terrance Manson
Noah Schroer
Harry Telgadas
Chris Barron
Brian Hren
Mark Van Raam
Brad Hipwell
Paul Mulvey
Stuart Buchan
Todd Stutz
Mr. T
Roxy Arning
Nathan Poulton
Harry Hugel
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
Ruth DeVorsey
Michelle Miller
Matthew Lewis
Michael Baker
Billy Crafton
Paul Culbertson
Scott Culbertson
Matt Perry
Danielle Jepson
Cody Floerchinger
Tom Benenati
Bobby Ruple
Roy Evritt
Greg Braithwaite
John Maier
William Cairns
Sandy Pizzio
Richard Patch
Mark Messer
Jeff Muster
Seth Pollack
Dave Roll
Joseph Quinn
Susan Brewster
Drue Porter
Byron Paterson
Joachim Raber
And all anonymous and past contributors for helping make this show happen!

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Their latest album may be their best yet. Go get it.