Home » bicycle touring blog

bike touring harpers ferry

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

0

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

0

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!

0

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…

flying with your brompton

Flying with your Brompton

0

A typical Brompton with a rear rack and ez-wheels is a great bike for touring or just using for transportation at whatever destination is on your itinerary. What’s amazing about them is they can also fit in the overhead compartment of most larger aircraft… meaning you can have your bike with you as your carry on. Here are a few tips you need to know when flying with your Brompton.

Download Pedalshift Project #34: Flying with your Brompton

#1 Telescoping seat post FTW

detach your saddle while flying with your BromptonThe telescoping seat post is a real help when you’re planning on bringing your Brompton aboard with you. It lets you easily remove the saddle without tools, making your Brompton more compact to fit into two important places – the carry-on luggage belt and the overhead bins of most larger planes. It’s not that you can’t do this with the standard seatpost, but it requires you to unbolt your saddle… kind of a drag if you can avoid it.

#2 Know your plane

You probably noticed I keep hedging on this… you can get your Brompton in the overhead bins of most larger planes. If your itinerary includes a regional jet, or worse, something with propellers… your Brompton won’t fit on board. You’ll need to gate-check it and that means it goes into the belly of the beast. A lot of times you get the bike back as you exit, but sometimes the airlines make you collect the bike at baggage check along with the masses. If you do gate check the bike, ask to get it right after you land on the jetway to be safe. Sometimes that works, sometimes that doesn’t.

Even if you know you’re on bigger planes with bigger overhead bins, sometimes the world conspires against you… it’s always best to be ready for gate checking. A $5 Dimpa bag from IKEA fits a Brompton like a glove and gives baggage handlers a handle. I also recommend using some velcro straps to ensure your bike remains folded. I had to gate-check my Brompton once because of the volume of carry-ons and the Dimpa bag worked great and the bike came through without a scratch or a dent. Pro-tip: tighten down the frame bolts so they are locked down. This minimizes the chance they can get jostled and break. If things go well, you’ll get the bike in the overhead bin and you won’t need any of this advice. If not, you’ve got it as a backup.

For the record, here are a list of jets with overhead bins that a Brompton fits based on personal experience:

  • Airbus A319
  • Airbus A330-300
  • Boeing 757-300
  • Boeing 737-800
  • Boeing 777[footnote]The overhead bins on newer jets like the 777 are the style where the whole bin drops down, not just the door. It makes for a heavy close with the Brompton in there and you may need to adjust it on the way up. It fit, but when I first boarded a 777 flight in June 2016 I wasn’t sure it was going to work![/footnote]

(there are way more, of course)

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

rolling Brompton at IADI learned this the hard way as a newbie in the airport so learn from my mistakes! The Brompton rolls like a champ if you have the easywheels and you extend the handlebars or saddle post. I prefer the saddle post for a little more stealth. Problem is when it’s extended and you need to lift the Brompton, it unfolds just when you least want it.

Pro tip – extend the saddle post when you roll, collapse it to lift. Like I did over there at Dulles airport on a trip to Italy…

#4 Stealth mode

stealth mode bromptonI prefer to keep the identity of my bike as secret as I can. It helps to avoid overly officious airline personnel from trying to tag you with a fee or require you to gate check. That’s why I love the Brompton bike cover. It easily slips over the bike and makes it look like an odd piece of rolling luggage rather than a super cool bicycle. I always have the cover on when I’m near the check-in desk and the gate.

Update 12/15/15 — Never has it been more clear that stealth mode is important than now.

Ugh. Wanna know how and why?

#5 TSA/security + boarding tips

Ok, so you’re checked in for your flight, maybe checked your backpack or touring gear and you’re rolling to security. If you haven’t already, remove the saddle before you get too far in the line. Your Brompton is now small enough to go on the conveyer belt. It’s a bit of a dance to get your shoes off, and your other gear binned up but the bike’s pretty easy. Put it folding pedal side down and the shorter side facing the scanner. First time you do it, you’ll swear it won’t make it… but it does. Trust me.

Be prepared to have a security agent give you a knowing smile – the scanner gives away your secret pretty quickly.

Once you’re done with security, it’s best to get in position at the gate as soon as you can. Your best chance of getting your bike in the overhead bin is to be on the plane before as many people as possible. You know all those jerks who hover around the line waiting for their group to be called? Be that person this time.

Keep your cover on and roll your bike so you’re between it and the check-in attendant. This is the first of two human obstacles to the overhead bin, so stealth mode is pretty important here.

Once you get your boarding pass processed, keep rolling to your plane!

#6 Getting down the aisle and in the overhead

So you’re rolling down the jetway like a champ… now comes the tricky part. Collapse the seat post so you can lift the Brompton without inadvertently unfolding. Lift the bike by the top tube and make sure you give the flight attendant a big smile and a hello. On full flights most are trained to discourage larger roll aboards and encourage gate checking. I’ve run into a few that think my “bag” won’t fit. Being friendly and saying you’ve flown with it before and been able to stow it often works. This is where getting aboard early pays back big dividends.

Once past the flight attendant, it’s time to get to your seat and stow the bike above! I always keep an eye several rows ahead in case the overhead for my row is occupied. If it is and there’s a spot before, grab it. Worst case, keep looking past your seat for a spot in a bin toward the rear. It means waiting for everyone when you land, but better to be in the overhead than running out of space and sheepishly needing to gate check your bike after everyone’s boarded.

Congratulations! You’re flying with your Brompton AND you got it on as a carry on! Take that celebratory photo and impress your friends and family…

IMG_4638IMG_4640

bicycle tourists table

The Pedalshift Project 032: Bicycle tourists we love (and the other kind)

0

Brock and Adele from The Sprocket Podcast rejoin The Pedalshift Project, already in progress! In part two of our chat, we discuss bicycle tourists and people we meet on tour… some of them we don’t connect with so well, and others warm our little hearts. This is also part of a cross-over with Sprocket Podcast episode 259 and Pedalshift Project 031 with our Friends of the Show from the land of sunshine and bunnies.[footnote]AKA, Portland, Oregon[/footnote]


psp032Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 032 (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 pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the brand new Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

The Interview

brock and adeleBrock and Adele are stalwarts of The Sprocket Podcast — Adele being a frequent guest of the show, while Brock has been the co-host since the show’s inception in 2010. Their bicycle tours, and their bicycle tour eff ups, have been the fodder for the podcast and their co-written blog, Brock and Adele go Bicycling, chronicling their 2012 touring adventure to Colorado.

Videos

The flood…

The guys from Massachusetts and their “baby effing whale” — if by some miracle this viral wonder hasn’t hit you yet…

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ new release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And hey, a video for Ghost!

Featured image (cc) courtesy of Jason on Flickr.

bicycle touring eff ups

The Pedalshift Project 031: Bicycle touring eff ups

0

Brock and Adele from The Sprocket Podcast join The Pedalshift Project! In part one of a two episode Pedalshift Project extravaganza, we discuss our epic mistakes — our bicycle touring eff ups, if you will.[footnote]Except we use the actual eff-word, so listener beware.[/footnote] This is also part of a cross-over with Sprocket Podcast episode 259 with our Friends of the Show from the land of sunshine and bunnies.[footnote]AKA, Portland, Oregon[/footnote]

psp031Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 031 (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 pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the brand new Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

The Interview

brock and adeleBrock and Adele are stalwarts of The Sprocket Podcast — Adele being a frequent guest of the show, while Brock has been the co-host since the show’s inception in 2010. Their bicycle tours, and their bicycle tour eff ups, have been the fodder for the podcast and their co-written blog, Brock and Adele go Bicycling, chronicaling their 2012 touring adventure to Colorado.

Videos

The flood…

The guys from Massachusetts and their “baby effing whale” — if by some miracle this viral wonder hasn’t hit you yet…

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ new release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And hey, a video for Ghost!

Featured image (cc) courtesy of Jason on Flickr.

The Pedalshift Project 030: The Mysterious bicycle tour and flipping bicycle pumps

0

Mysterious James checks in on his South American adventure, plus how to flip bicycle pumps from presta to schraeder and more connections than you can shake said bike pump at…

psp30Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 030 (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 pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the brand new Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

Followup

Amtrak trainIt’s official…
Roll on service is officially official between Chicago and DC!

Amtrak press release (PDF)

Cycle Oregon rerouted

First time in tour history, due to Oregon wildfires. More from Bike Portland.

The Journal

Mysterious James South America tour update

SPOT updates and messages (nice to get those but a bunch didn’t go through since)
WhatsApp checkin from Salinas, Equador on Saturday and then at the foot of Chimborazo Tuesday
Some gorgeous images from Eduador:

Gear Talk

Bicycle pumps

Going back and forth from Presta to Schrader:

Connections

New listener Ross checks in

James Hardy’s Amtrak Express success story (original post on Amtrak Express)

FOTS Scott Mcalister Morgan with #statesivebikedin…

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ new release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And hey, a video for Ghost!

brooks saddle

The Pedalshift Project 029: Bicycle touring all 50 states?

0

Takeaways from the recent transit aided tour from DC to Boston, some amazing news from Amtrak plus… have you hit all 50 states bicycle touring?

psp029Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 029 (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 pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the brand new Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

Followup

Digesting the transit-aided ride – takeaways:
– I love the Dahon (check out the review), but I’m getting a Brompton
– Transit in the NE US is pretty reliable (small sample size!)
– NYC, particularly 8th Avenue is a really challenging place to ride, but awesome.
– Just because you can do it doesn’t mean it’s a good tour
– Lighter and smaller FTW
– Wild camping is fun, but respect the space you choose.
– Not all people are asshats
– Using transit or trains is absolutely #notcheating
– Sleep is really important
– Always be prepared for someone to tell you “no”
– Bringing positivity to things is really important to me
– I’m going to use these lessons in a bigger tour next year

Amtrak brings us some great bicycle news
– Amtrak trainAmtrak threw a curveball and is implementing roll aboard service on the Capitol Limited (CHI-DC)
– Unboxed bikes everywhere still not a reality
– What it means for GAP/C+O touring
– Cost is $25, which is about the same as baggage service if you bought a box from them
– “as soon as this week” to “next several weeks”
– Articles from Adventure Cycling, the Post Gazette, and the Herald Mail.

Connections

FOTS Eric Iverson asked me and a few others #howmanystatesivebikedin

My answer (after forgetting a few and amending) was 15: DC MD VA WV DE NY FL SC MT WA OR CA AZ CT PA

Who out there can beat that? And for my international listeners, #howmanycountriesivebikedin is waiting for you too! Chime in on Facebook, Twitter and the comments section below!

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ new release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And hey, a video for Ghost!

Featured image (cc) Kevin G. Saunders on Flickr
dahon

My Favorite Touring Bicycles, Part 4: Dahon Vitesse D7HG

0

A recent question about my late summer 2015 transit-aided sprint from DC to Boston essentially turned out to be a decent review of the Dahon Vitesse D7HG.[footnote]Be sure also to check out reviews of the Surly Long Haul Trucker, hacking your own ride, and the Novara Safari[/footnote] I think it has a lot of good features for touring, although it’s best role is for commuting.

The Dahon review

I’m a fan of the Dahon, particularly the DH7 that I had. It’s best use is as a commuter because it can handle carrying a small bag with ease. I love the internal hub and its low maintenance, and I think it rides pretty comfortably, even on rides longer than your average commute. The downside to the Dahon is pretty much what you’ve mentioned… it’s a little heavy (trade off for the hub) and is geared for moderate hills at best. One other piece I haven’t mentioned is the handlebar gets a little wiggly at the folding point. The best analogy I can give you is it’s equivalent to the point when you’d wnat to tighten a loose headset on a traditional bike. Because it rides upright, it doesn’t feel unsafe, but it’s the one thing you find yourself needing to tighten every few rides. This bike is like the folding equivalent of the Novara Safari in that it comes standard with a ton of things you’d usually need to add… rack, fenders, etc. so there’s a bonus.

If I recall this bike is well below $1000 and you can even get it on Amazon. I wanted to buy it at a LBS but they discontinued carrying Dahons because they were selling for so much cheaper online. That may be the story for them in other places too. My preferred LBS has been able to handle maintenance on it without a problem though.

Second to last thing… Dahons are not easier/cheaper to fly with than a traditional bike. I tried all sorts of things to make it fit in a non-oversized checked bag and it just doesn’t fit. If avoiding flying fees is one of the purchasing notions, the Dahon’s not the right choice. I’m sure there are people who’ve done it (see the comments below for one example!) but the margins are really tight and you have to take apart things in a way that are tricky to re-assemble (for me anyways). I got the bike thinking it would be a snap to take it on a plane for $25 as a standard checked bag, but I found it was just a bit too big.

One last thing… I got the Dahon a year ago, passing on Bromptons and Bike Fridays because I wasn’t 100% sure I’d like or use a folder. One year later, I’m all in and getting a Brompton because I can travel with it more easily and it’s a better touring option. I don’t regret getting the Dahon, but if I were to do it over again (knowing what I know now) I’d get the Brompton first. Check out my experience flying with the Brompton and touring with the Brompton.

Conclusions

Overall, I really like this bike. There’s a newer version of tike (the Dahon i7) that looks quite similar. A few things I’d recommend adding on: a side mirror (I love this bar end one) and your lights of choice (I strongly prefer this one by Portland Design Works for the rear of all of my rides).

Is this better than a Brompton or a Bike Friday? Not for touring. But for commuting, it’s a really great bang for the buck that can handle some light tours as well.

dahon

dahon
“Loaded” bike, if you can call it that.

Want more?

There’s a whole series on my favorite touring bikes that I already mentioned, but you might also be interested in listening to The Pedalshift Project bike touring podcast. If you’re really into bike touring (new or not!) consider signing up for the free Pedalshift monthly newsletter for even more bike touring goodness. Also, if you’re into folding bikes, check out my experiences with flying with my Brompton.

dahon

The Pedalshift Project 028: Transit-aided bicycle touring

0

On the eve of the transit-aided bicycle touring trip for the ages (or should it be the bicycle-aided transit tour?) here’s an overview of the trip, the segments, the schedule and the very unforgiving weather forecast. All that, some gear talk on how to rig up a tarp and stay dry!

psp028Hey it’s the direct download link for episode 028 (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 pedalshiftproject@gmail.com or call the brand new Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

The tour

DC to Boston in under 24 hours by bike and transit
Rules
  • Only forms of transportations allowed are bicycle and transit
  • No Amtrak, no Bolt Bus
  • Regional commuter transit (rail and bus) is allowed
  • One night of self-supported wild camping is required
Route
  • DC
  • Perryville, MD
  • Newark, DE
  • Philadelphia
  • Trenton, NJ
  • NYC
  • Waterbury, CT
  • Hartford
  • Enfield, CT
  • Springfield, MA
  • Boston
  • 11 segments
  • 2 by bike (Perryville to Newark; NYC – about 22 miles total)
  • 5 by rail (front loaded)
  • 4 by bus (back loaded)
Overnight
  • Last train from DC north
  • Camping between Perryville and Newark
  • Have a few spots in mind using Google Maps
  • Limiting the night riding as much as possible but will be lit up well
  • Stealth camping… likely in the rain
Friday sprint to Boston
  • The key to making this work is maximizing the inbound commuter routes, timing them with the first NYC outbound commuting routes
  • Like catching a wave while surfing
  • The bike is necessary to connect the northern terminus of Baltimore/DC with the southern terminus of the Philadelphia system… also helpful in making the transfer in NYC between Penn and Grand Central Stations.
  • Tightest transfer point is 13 minutes in Enfield, CT – missing that could really suck, but the transfer is designed by the two systems to meet.
  • Arrive in Boston with plenty of time for the 9:30pm Amtrak that will bring me back to DC overnight
Ok, why?
  • Because it’s therePSTJV4
  • Making the challenge mode limitations rather than distance
  • Wild camping element
  • Folding bike element
  • Lessons from this will likely help with some tour planning for 2016
  • #notcheating
Follow along
Pedalshift Tour Journals Volume 4 will bring you along for the adventure!

Gear Talk

With the likelihood of rain Thursday night, I need to be able to rig up a rain tarp quickly. Here’s how with a hat tip to The Ultimate Hang:
  • Paracord
  • Tarp
  • Create a ridgeline and tighten with a taut-line hitch
  • I’ve pre-tied one end of a 50’ line of paracord on the middle ring and will loop and tie around two trees to create a quick shelter that can cover my hammock and bike for the night.
  • The trick is to keep your gear in its dry sack and get the shelter up first, then setup underneath.
  • Drying off with a pack towel before hopping in the hammock
no-knot-continuous-ridgeline-tarp
H/T theultimatehang.com

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band Sunfields‘ new release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides. And hey, a video for Ghost!