The Pedalshift Project 208: Western C&O Loop, Day 1

Everyone’s universe has shrunk a lot since the beginning of the pandemic, and nowhere has it hit home more than bicycle touring. I’m fortunate enough to have one of the country’s crown jewel routes right around where I live. The first trip this year looped the eastern third near DC. This time, I roll out into the wilderness of the western third, looking for adventure and solitude. On Day 1, I picked up a freshly repaired bike in Hancock and rolled off. But would the bike behave and more importantly, would my body betray me after just a day on the trail?

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News and housekeeping

Hey, be sure to make your vote be heard! Ok, that too BUT ALSO for the Episode 207 Bike Touring Draft. Click here to rank your top 4. Aaron Flores seems to be in the lead in early precinct results! We’ll tally the votes at the end of June, so make your voice be heard!

Pedalshift Tour Journals: Western C&O Loop

On Day 1, I picked up a freshly repaired bike in Hancock and rolled off. But would the bike behave and more importantly, would my body betray me after just a day on the trail?

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Statistics

Miles biked: 40
Grilled cheeses grilled: 2
Gear disasters averted by Dollar General run: 2
Campsites on the wrong side of the trail: 1
Embarrassing screams from debilitating and weird leg cramps: 2
Future bike tours where I don’t bring electrolyte pills: zero

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 spring’s DC to Cincinnatti 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. Sunfields’ latest album may be their best yet. Go get it.