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Author: Tim Mooney

The Pedalshift Project 042: Offseason bicycle tour planning

With so many parts of the world shivering through winter’s icy grip, isn’t it nice to warm up to some offseason bicycle tour planning? On this episode of The Pedalshift Project we chat about some touring news, updates on my spring California coast tour and trying to keep weight off in the winter months to prepare for bike tours to come!

Offseason bicycle tour planning

Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 042: Offseason bicycle tour planning (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

Show news

The Journal

Car free in DC this May

17 miles of DC streets are going to be car free on 5/22! First ever DC Bike Ride… should be amazing (and sadly I have a weekend trip to NC already planned so no go for me!)

C+O Bikes in Hancock, no more?

Just found out that Dennis Hudson has sold C&O Bicycle to a Hancock businessman. It is not clear weather the new owner will continue to offer sales and services; and the operation of the bunk house is in doubt also. The shop is scheduled to reopen in April of 2016 so we’ll see then what changes have been made.

Update: Rumors are circulating that there will be no bicycle mechanic on duty, no parts & accessory sales and the bunk house will be used for lawn tractor storage. My take is that the new owners really don’t know anything about the bicycle industry and just bought the store for the “space”; will make a token effort to keep the “bike shop” going but will call it quits in 2017 because “it’s not making money”…

This is terrible news. Dennis was the king of the trail. It’s been the best shop between DC and Cumberland.

Bicycle tour planning for spring

California coast this April! Pacifica to I don’t know in late April. I have a flight booked out of LAX and zero chance of getting there by all bike so this one is going to be a play it by ear ride. Definitely hitting HMB, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, SLO and then maybe some of the central coast near Santa Barbara before figuring out the best fast forward to LA to finish up. Should be fun and it looks like special touring guest MJ will be along for the ride. Looking forward to it!

4 days enough to through-ride the C+O/GAP?

It’s totally possible to do 85 miles per day, but could suck if it’s not your idea of fun. Hell, it’s possible to do the whole trail in one day (not for me, but it’s been done!). Join me on nerding out with this bicycle tour planning:

  • If I had 4 days when I was a first timer, I’d have done all C&O or all GAP.
    • 4 days on the C&O averages 46 miles per day which means you can enjoy the time, take a dip in the river if you want, and even have time in some of the towns to explore.
    • 4 days on the GAP is perhaps a little too much for riding every day, but you could stay two nights in Ohiopyle or somewhere else scenic and enjoy being outside.
  • Amtrak fast forward options westbound (assumes a pickup or car rental in PGH at end of day 4.)
    • Alt 1
      • Day 1: DC to Harpers Ferry. Leave early enough and you can ride 60 miles, cross the Potomac bridge and grab the 5:16pm train westbound. Go two stops to Cumberland and stay at the Y’s campground in town ($10) or ride back 4 miles on the C&O to the free Evitts Creek campground.
      • Day 2-4 Ride the GAP to Pittsburgh in 3 days.
      • Easier because the mileage is flexible after day 1. DC to Harpers Ferry is a very typical first day. Downside is getting a loaded bike up the staircase to cross the bridge, but people do it every day.
    • Alt 2
      • Day 1: DC to HF
      • Day 2: HF to the Hancock area
      • Day 3: Hancock to Cumberland — grab the 7:17pm train and go to Connellsville. Camp at the free adirondack shelters at the western edge of town right on the trail (behind the grocery store… very well placed!)
      • Day 4: Ride 65 miles to Pittsburgh
      • A little more aggressive but gets you more exposure to the C&O plus a night at one of my favorite free campsites on the GAP.
    • Alt 3
      • Days 1-3: Ride the C&O
      • Day 4: Do a day trip on the GAP up to the eastern continental divide (about 25 miles) and then bomb down the hill again back to Cumberland. Get picked up there or take the 7:17pm train to Pittsburgh (pick up at 11:48 pm).
      • Gives you all the C&O plus some amazing views on the GAP with a rewarding downhill return to Cumberland. There’s also a train option to take you up the hill, but I recommend riding it. The end time in PGH is late.
    • Alt 4
      • Days 1-3: C&O
      • Day 4: GAP to Rockwood
      • Day 5: GAP to Connelsville, take 9:47pm train to PGH, pickup at 11:48pm.
      • Squeezing out a 5th day if you have a really helpful and understanding partner who also can handle that late PGH pickup!

The Lab

Miles per gallon.. of olive oil!

David Merfeld on FB: Last week I saw a courier with a bag saying something like “55 miles per burrito”. That got me thinking about what our “miles per gallon” actually are. So, here goes. Olive oil is 8.8 calories per gram, and is also 911 grams per liter. Since there are 3.79 liters per gallon, what works out to 30,384 calories per gallon of olive oil. Using rough numbers from various web sites, I found that a cyclist riding 11 mph needs 379 calories per hour, or 34.45 calories per mile. Divide that into 30,384 and, and you get 882 miles per gallon. Sorry, I’m a CPA, this is just the kind of thing we do.

Revisiting weight loss

Using Lose It, an app to keep track of my calories in the off season. As I’m typically accustomed to, I gain weight when I bike less and particularly when I go more than a few months since a real tour. This is becoming a part of my winter bicycle tour planning and prep that I’d prefer not to have to do, but it’s helpful for those hills come spring! Check out my past posts on this:

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ album, Habitat, wherever cool music resides.  I just heard Jason’s new album and it is AWESOME. More info when that drops this spring!

bike touring lessons with mysterious james

The Pedalshift Project 041: Bike touring lessons with Mysterious James

A chat about our bike touring lessons learned with Mysterious James. MJ returns for the “bourbon soaked” after hours dance party (most of those things were not a part of the podcast) where we chat about our bike touring lessons and experiences. If you missed part 1, go check that out… Mysterious James and I started bike touring together, but he’s taken it to a whole new level with trips to the remote corners of western Canada, Alaska, the Great Divide, South America and more.


Bike touring lessons with Mysterious JamesHey it’s the direct download link for episode 041: Bike touring lessons with Mysterious James
 (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

The Interview: MJ and bike touring lessons learned

global bike touring mj
Mysterious James on one of our first tours in Oregon
  • Part one of the interview on global bike touring
  • MJ’s “bio” at uncommonlysilly.com
  • Santiago’s bike district (!)
  • Memories of small places on big tours
  • How long is your limit for touring? Expectations.
  • Mongolia vs. Norway for 2016?
  • First time tourers in Patagonia
  • The accessibility of bike touring
  • The age demographics of bike touring?
  • Working from the road
  • Internet connectivity in South America
  • Using a GPS with no maps in South America
  • Power saving MJ mode
  • Connected vs. disconnected touring
  • Dynohub vs. extra batteries
  • Sun and heat are our enemies
  • Touring your lineage
  • Should vs. want to tours in North America
  • US Bicycle Routes + NYS/PA bicycle routes

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ album, Habitat, wherever cool music resides.  I just heard Jason’s new album and it is AWESOME. More info when that drops this spring!

bikecentennial

The Pedalshift Project 040: Bikecentennial at 40 + 2016 tour planning

Do podcasts get middle aged? Well we’re 40. Know what else is turning 40 this year? Bikecentennial… arguably the origin of modern bicycle touring. We’ll touch on one of the things going on to celebrate the milestone, dig in on some 2016 tour plans and hit the backlog of gear talk and connections from before the holidays.

Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 040: Bikecentennial at 40 + 2016 tour planningPSP 040: Bikecentennial at 40 + 2016 tour planning (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too. Newsletter drops January 15th, so sign up before then and you’ll get January’s!

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

Bikecentennial 40

Bikecentennial on Wikipedia
The TransAm and Bikecentennial
Bike your park day 9/24/16
Path Less Pedaled has some cool images:

Tour Journals

Spring CA coast ride
Considering hosting a weekend Pedalshift tour from DC to my cabin in WV.

Gear Talk

Bromptons: when flying, go stealth mode

And eff Delta. And eff Brompton traitors who work for Delta.
Never has it been more clear that stealth mode is important than now.

Ugh. Wanna know how and why?


It’s a trap!

Tech on the road

bike touring recovered iPhoneFOTS Paul Mulvey:

Selected past posts on tech:

Google Maps bike directions

FOTS Paul Mulvey on issues with Google Maps bike layers See the Google Maps product forum thread for more.

Followup on bulging tires

Mike Cobb from Facebook:

A section of plastic soda bottle, cut to a size extending 1.5″ outside of the bulge, with sanded edges (using patch kit sand paper or pavement), duct taped to the inside of the tire, can often provide a permanent solution to damaged casing on a tire wider than 1.5″. Narrower tires can be fixed similarly, but the lump is felt.

I find this comforting, because in the U.S., it’s pretty easy to find discarded soda bottles on the side of the road or at least in garbage cans.

Connections

global bike touring

The Pedalshift Project 039: Global bike touring with Mysterious James

Happy 2016! We kick off the year talking about global bike touring with the one and only Mysterious James in the first of a two parter. James and I started bike touring together, but he’s taken it to a whole new level with trips to the remote corners of western Canada, Alaska, the Great Divide, South America and more.

global bike touring with mysterious jamesHey it’s the direct download link for episode 039 (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

Housekeeping

We’re kicking things off in 2016 with weekly shows… to start. Last year I promised biweekly/fortnightly shows and did more than that. This year I hope for even more episodes than last year and tour journals as well. Exciting things on the way!

New for 2016… if you want more Pedalshift Project the monthly newsletter will be essentially a bonus podcast. Sign up  and get the members only show every month!

The interview with Mysterious James is in two parts: Pedalshift 039 and 041. Sandwiched in-between? A full episode of connections, gear talk and more as Pedalshift 040 drops next week!

The Interview: MJ and global bike touring

global bike touring mj
Mysterious James on one of our first tours in Oregon
  • MJ’s “bio” at uncommonlysilly.com
  • How we met
  • Learning which bike was for him (Surly LHT eventually)
  • Early tours
  • West coast
  • How he ditched me for greater glory
  • Alaska
  • The Great Divide
  • Epic injuries and rescues
  • A year of healing up
  • South America
  • Touring at elevation
  • Expedition touring
  • What’s next
  • What you get out of bike touring

Look for part 2 on Pedalshift Project 041, coming soon!

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ album, Habitat, wherever cool music resides.  I just heard Jason’s new album and it is AWESOME. More info when that drops this spring!

pedalshift holiday spectacular bike touring

The Pedalshift Project 038: The Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular

It’s the end of the year and that means it’s time for the Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular! Join Tim and a special mystery guest (no not him… another mysterious guest) as they chat about the best of 2015. Happy holidays one and all!

Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 038pedalshift holiday spectacular (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

The Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular

  • January — Featured tour, Matt Weiner [PSP 012]
  • February — Gillian Klempner Willman on Annie Londonderry [PSP 013]
  • March — Protecting your food from critters [PSP 015]
  • April — Nathan Clevenger’s cross country kickoff [PSP 018]
  • May — DC to PGH [PTJv2 and PSP 021]
  • June — The epic rant [PSP 023]
  • July — Crossing NY [PTJv3 and PSP 026]
  • August — Transit Aided Tour DC-BOS [PTJv4 and PSP 028]
  • October — Brock + Adele + cool people [PSP 031]
  • Louis the Pug Bicycle Touring experiment #1 of 1

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ latest release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And a little birdy tells me Jason’s recording some new music. More when I know…

Featured image, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – Even The Bikes Are Lit (cc) Joe Penniston
sturdier touring bike touring

The Pedalshift Project 037: Sturdy touring bikes + opening cans without tools

Sturdy touring bikes need to be able to handle weight… on this episode we delve into some of the ways to make your touring bike even sturdier, and maybe figure out a way to lighten the load a bit too. Plus, tons of oddities and good news from the world of bike touring, and some self-described crazy Russians show us how to open a can with our bare damn hands. Because we can! <– see what I did there?


Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 037
Pedalshift 037 Sturdier touring bikes + opening cans without tools (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

The Journal

  • MJ in Argentina – less than 2 weeks remain!
  • Amtrak expands roll-on service down the east coast. NYC south to Miami, New Orleans, Atlanta and everything in between (Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star and Crecent routes). $20 and unboxed, just like the Capitol Limited.
  • White’s Ferry goes rogue!
  • Flying with your bike? Check the chart. JetBlue, Frontier and SW are the best (50-75 each way) vs. American and other legacy carriers $150-200 each way!
  • Attention Pacific Coast bike tourists hitting Southern Cal in January — you’ll be hitching a ride:
I just received notice from the U.S. Marine Corps that the Camp Pendleton Bike Path—the only bike access between Las Pulgas Rd. and Basilone Rd. along Interstate 5 (I-5)—is scheduled to be closed for military operations between Jan. 25 and Jan. 29, 2016. Under normal circumstances Caltrans would open the freeway shoulders to bicyclists, however there is a construction project that has closed the shoulders of I-5 in that segment. Caltrans will provide a 24/7 on-call shuttle for bicyclists to pass through the closures in the I-5 corridor between Oceanside and San Clemente. The phone number for the shuttle is (619)385-3267. There will be pick-up locations at the Las Pulgas Rd. parking lot for northbound cyclists, and at the south end of the Old Hwy. 101 bike path at Basilone Rd. for southbound cyclists. Those locations will serve as drop-off locations for the opposing directions of travel. Signs at both locations will include the shuttle phone number. Please share this information and make your plans accordingly. We apologize for any inconveniences in advance.
FYI– The construction on I-5 between Oceanside Harbor Dr. and Las Pulgas Rd. is scheduled to wrap-up in mid-December, so the freeway shoulders in that segment will re-open to cyclists at that time. The on-call shuttle that services that segment of I-5 will cease operation when the freeway shoulder access is re-opened to cyclists.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Seth Cutter
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
Associate Transportation Planner
Multimodal Programs Branch
Caltrans District 11 Planning Division

Gear Talk

Open cans without tools

h/t Crazy Russian Hacker (no really, that’s dude’s handle!)

Weight-limits and sturdy touring bikes

I was a PNWer (Seattle) until I, too, relocated to DC.  Now I’ve moved to Sonoma County CA.  I’m replacing my 2011 Fuji Touring bike (stolen), and I appreciated your reviews of the Long Haul Trucker and the Novara Safari (I like it, but still don’t understand why it’s less expensive than the Novara Randonee, which doesn’t have discs?). The Fuji was OK, but it was kind of kludgey and their newer ones are less committed to touring, so that’s out.

I rode to Cleveland via the C&O canal trail, GAP, and roads through Amish Country when I was 270 lbs and had about 100 pounds of gear (front & rear panniers). That destroyed a wheel and my crank (which was probably a little loose).

My issue right now is that I’m 260 lbs and the Safari says it has a 250 lb weight limit. I’m 6’5”, so I’m trying to evaluate that.

Question:
“What constitutes overloading on a touring bike?  What are the consequences/weak points of the bike that could be beefed up to handle heavier loads? This is especially important for us bigger riders.”  — David


  • Steel frames are close to a must (can handle the stresses of load over distance way better)
  • Consider building sturdier wheels than come stock on the bikes you’re considering.
  • Find ways to reduce the weight of your gear. Usually you can do a round of weight cuts just by leaving things at home rather than spend money on ultralight gear. Maybe ditch the cooking gear altogether? Go bivvy or hammock over a tent?
  • Consider a trailer. Remove that weight from your bike and you might be able to skirt the wheel builds altogether.

Connections

Johnny K brings the leather care knowledge (part 1, part 2), plus kick sleds for winter touring
First Pedalshift Meet up in New Jersey with the legendary PBJar Matt!
PBJar Matt

Five star reviews!

moar5starz

Thanks to all the reviewers! You rock!

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ latest release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And a little birdy tells me Jason’s recording some new music. More when I know…

thanks bicycle touring bike touring

The Pedalshift Project 036: Thanks bicycle touring

On this holiday week where we in the States offer gratitude for all that is good, let’s take the time to say “thanks bicycle touring” for all it gives us. We also revisit tire inflation and chat leather saddle care. A bounty for your holiday week!

Pedalshift 036: Thanks bicycle touringHey it’s the direct download link for episode 036 (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

 

Thanks bicycle touring

  • Adventure
  • Community
  • Self-reliance
  • Nerding out
  • Having the physical ability to do it

Gear Talk

Revisiting tire inflation

  • See PSP 019 for the initial talk (including a tire pressure calculator)
  • Laziness led to a nicer ride on the C+O: turns out a really “under inflated” tire on certain surfaces can be better than what you’d roll on asphalt
  • MJ finding the same in Patagonia – “just above pinch flat pressure”
  • For wider tires, softer seems to be better on trails and gravel.

Leather saddle care

  • My first Brooks saddle has me wanting to protect it!
  • Wet leather can make the saddle fail
  • Many (most?) use Brooks Proofide to treat the leather and swear by it (some dissenters, especially in hotter climates)
  • One extreme: protect against any and all moisture… cover it even while riding in rain!
  • Other extreme: my saddle has never been covered and it’s 15 years old and fine.
  • I like the middle… cover at night to avoid rain and dew. Proofide 1-2x per year.

Connections

Twitter

https://twitter.com/tripplanb/status/669214166557827073

Instagram

Hammerhiker on Instagram letting me know about lighter stoves… yep! Did a segment on stoves on PSP 017! In colder weather I like to bring my “green dragon” as I call the heavy but beastly stove I brought on my recent C+O tours.
FOTS Scottmacs on instagram thinks I would be a fan of Bromptonmafia… right as always sir!

Five star reviews!

Screen Shot 2015-11-24 at 4.52.09 PM

Screen Shot 2015-11-24 at 4.52.22 PM

Thanks to all the reviewers! You rock!

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ latest release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And a little birdy tells me Jason’s recording some new music. More when I know…

bike touring harpers ferry

The Pedalshift Project 035: A fall C&O bicycle tour + trying out Amtrak’s roll-aboard service

A recap of a gorgeous fall C&O bicycle tour, a review of Amtrak’s new roll-aboard service on the Capitol Limited line, plus gear minimizing and cold weather camping thoughts.

psp35Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 035 (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

The Journal

 

  • Halloween Spooktacular Ride
  • Amtrak Roll-aboard service on the Capitol Limited
Amtrak Capitol Limited bike
Loading a bike on Amrak’s Capitol Limited (photo by Amtrak)

The Amtrak press release gives some good info:

Good News for Capitol Limited Customers: Bike Service Begins Aboard Trains 29 and 30

 

Effective September 15, 2015 Amtrak is pleased to announce that starting September 15, passengers can bring bikes on the Capitol Limited for only $20. Before bringing your bike aboard, please note the following:

  • Arrive Early If you are checking a bike, get to the station at least 30 minutes prior to train departure to allow time to get your tickets and take your bike to the baggage car.
  • Bike Reservations Bicycle reservations are required. Reserve your bike on Amtrak.com by selecting “add bike to trip” when booking your train travel. You can also call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or make reservations at any Amtrak ticket office. Bike reservations cannot be made through Amtrak’s mobile apps. Don’t forget to bring the ticket (travel document) for your bike to present to the conductor.
  • One bike is permitted per person, and only standard size bikes are allowed. If your bike has a large seat/saddle bags, you will need to remove it from the bike before loading it on the train. The seat can either be carried on the train or checked, where permitted.
    Loading and Storing Your Bike Once you arrive at the station, take your bike to the coach/baggage car where it will be stored during your trip. A crew member will open the baggage car door.
  • You must be able to lift your bike onto the train and stow it in the rack. You must also attach the stabilization bar with the strap provided to your bicycle frame. Amtrak employees are not responsible for storing or securing bicycles. Upon arriving at your destination, a crew member will guide you to the car to retrieve your bike once the train comes to a complete stop and it is safe to do so.

Enjoy your journey aboard the Capitol Limited, and thank you for choosing Amtrak.

Gear Talk

  • Lighten your load and compress your packing
  • Cold camping thoughts

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ latest release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And a little birdy tells me Jason’s recording some new music. More when I know…

The Pedalshift Project 034: Flying with a Brompton

What’s it like flying with a Brompton? Can you really get it in the overhead of your plane? On this special edition of the Pedalshift Project, we cover 6 tips (probably a lot more really!) on how to get your folding touring bike onboard as a carryon. Flying with a Brompton is easier than you think, and it opens up a whole new world for bike touring.


psp034Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 034
 (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

6 tips on Flying with a Brompton

#1 Telescoping seat post FTW

#2 Know your plane

#3 Know when to roll em, know how to fold em

#4 Stealth mode

#5 TSA/security + boarding tips

#6 Getting down the aisle and in the overhead

Read more on flying with your Brompton.

 

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ latest release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And a little birdy tells me Jason’s recording some new music. More when I know…

flying with your brompton

The Pedalshift Project 033: Cycling Italy with special guest, laryngitis!

A first hand report on what it’s like cycling Italy, well at least in Tuscany, plus can my raspy voice hang on for a preview of my upcoming Halloween weekend ride on the C+O and connections with Friends of the Show from all over the world? You’ll have to listen to find out!

psp033Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 033 (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

The Journal

Cycling Italy

  • Avoid during hurricane remnants
  • Hills are no joke – steep and windy near Lucca where I rode
  • Roads are narrow but it doesn’t stop people from biking
  • Really good cycling culture – leans a lot more toward road bikes and heavier commuting bikes. Saw a few folders!

DC-Harpers Ferry Halloween Spooktacular

  • Riding out for the Halloween weekend
  • Less about miles and more about enjoying the ride and bike camping for the first time in months
  • May do a transit fast forward Friday depending on daylight and my desire to camp further out
  • I’m planning on recording the trip and sharing pieces on the next show
  • Trying out Amtrak’s rollaboard service Sunday to max out my biling time out… The bike cost more than me!

Gear Talk bonus next week on Traveling with a Brompton

In the meantime, check out my recent post on flying with your Brompton.

IMG_4638Connections

Caleb in the UK answers the call for international listener checkins:
FOTS and national treasure Johnny K wrote the longest most detailed comment ever in response to my call out on the big crossover… go read it in the show notes for Episode 31. Thank you sir!
FOTS MJ checks in! He’s been holed up during some classic good old South American unrest, streaming Netflix and resting up from the ride. He and his mysterious traveling partner are on taking a fast forward to Chile to cycle the Carretera Austral to Patagonia. Got some more images in the show notes from recent days journeys… again, hope to get them on the show this winter to hear more about the adventure!
south america by MJ
Ho, hum just another insane vista courtesy of MJ
glacierbandits on the GAP
Photo of Paul aka glacierbandits at the confluence in PGH on Instagram
FOTS Paul Mulvey aka glacierbandits is working his way down a soggy GAP… hey, shout out if you’re in Harpers Ferry Saturday night, I should be at Huckleberry Hill campground. Hopefully with dry weather!

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ latest release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And a little birdy tells me Jason’s recording some new music. More when I know…