Tag: bike routes

September 14, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 336: PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 1

Day 6 was the big one… a never-before-taken bus fast forward that serves as a critical push to the biggest climbs of the Pacific Coast route. Does the bus exist? Will I be in the right spot? And what’s the weird shimmy I’m feeling in the rear rack?

The Pedalshift Project 336: PDX-SF2x - Day 6, Part 1

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PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 1

Quick catchup on the tour plans

PDX-SF

Every day has some biking and bussing

Connections are… tight in parts

Fully loaded, but on the light side

Got my bike serviced ahead of departure. We’ll get into that.

Listen to episode 330 for more!

Statistics

Miles bussed – 25
Miles biked in part 1 – 21
Zip ties used to stabilize the rear rack 4
Red Bulls purchased at the Peg House 2
Flats 0

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.

Kimberly Wilson
Caleb Jenkinson
Cameron Lien
Andrew MacGregor
Michael Hart
Keith Nagel
Brock Dittus
Thomas Skadow
Marco Lo
Terrance Manson
Harry Telgadas
Chris Barron
Mark Van Raam
Brad Hipwell
Mr. T
Nathan Poulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
Cody Floerchinger
Tom Benenati
Greg Braithwaite
Sandy Pizzio
Jeff Muster
Seth Pollack
Joseph Quinn
Drue Porter
Byron Paterson
Joachim Raber
Ray Jackson
Jeff Frey
Kenny Mikey
Lisa Hart
John Denkler
Steve Hankel
Miguel Quinones
Alejandro Avilés-Reyes
Keith Spangler
Greg Towner
Dan Gebhart, RIP
Jody Dzuranin
Lucas Barwick
Michael Baker
Brian Bechtol
Reinhart Bigl
Greg Middlemis
Connie Moore
William Gothmann
Brian Benton
Joan Churchill
Mike Bender
Rick Weinberg
Billy Crafton
Gary Matushak
Greg L’Etoile-Lopes
James Sloan
Jonathan Dillard
John Funk
Tom Bilcze
Ronald Piroli
Dave Roll
Brian Hafner
Misha LeBlanc
Ari Messinger
David Gratke
Todd Groesbeck
Wally Estrella
Sue Reinert
John Leko
Stephen Granata
Phillip Mueller
Robert Lackey
Dominic Carol
Jacqi McCulloch
John Hickman
Carl Presseault
David Neves
Patty Louise
Terry Fitzgerald
Peter Steinmetz
Timothy Fitzpatrick
Michael Liszewski
Hank O’Donnell
David Zanoni
David Weil
Matthew Sponseller
Chad Reno
Spartan Dale
Carolyn Ferguson
Peggy Littlefield
Lauren Allansmith
Eric Burns
Thomas Pearl
Darrin McKibben
Richard Stewart
Dave Fletcher
Jack Smith
Luke Parkinson
Ryan Patterson
Cyrus Farivar
John Gardiner
Sam Scruggs

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

August 31, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 335: PDX-SF2x – Day 5

Day 5 features critical bus connections using three transit services to whisk me through gorgeous terrain, delivering me a reasonably short ride through glorious redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants for a stay at my favorite hiker/biker campsite on the planet. The bus systems are designed to connect, but will they do that on a critical day of transit reliance to get me to my campsite amongst some of the world’s most famous trees?

The Pedalshift Project 335: PDX-SF2x - Day 5

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PDX-SF2x – Day 5

Quick catchup on the tour plans

PDX-SF

Every day has some biking and bussing

Connections are… tight in parts

Fully loaded, but on the light side

Got my bike serviced ahead of departure. We’ll get into that.

Listen to episode 330 for more!

Statistics

Miles bussed 129

Miles biked 29

Transit systems used 3

Attempts to convince me Newark, DE is ponounced the same as the similarly spelled city in NJ 1

Percent correct that my guy Daniel – who said he lived in Newark – was 0

Beers at Eel River Brewing 1

Phones left in the bathroom and then recovered off mic at Eel River Brewing 1

Stops along Avenue of the Giants 8+

Flats 0

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

August 24, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 334: PDX-SF2x – Day 4

A solid night’s sleep and the lost phone drama fully behind me, it was time for a short but fun day riding the Seven Devils. But that pesky missing climbing gear… would I be pushing more than riding before testing the bus drama that has been a companion every day of this tour?

The Pedalshift Project 334: PDX-SF2x - Day 4

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PDX-SF2x – Day 4

Quick catchup on the tour plans

PDX-SF

Every day has some biking and bussing

Connections are… tight in parts

Fully loaded, but on the light side

Got my bike serviced ahead of departure. We’ll get into that.

Listen to episode 330 for more!

Statistics

Miles biked 23.2 miles

Devils deviled 7

Miles bussed 88 miles

inches of subway sandwiches consumed 6

Chocolate martinis 2

Flats 0

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

August 17, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 333: PDX-SF2x – Day 3

I always say the 3rd day of a tour is when things really click, and this tour was no different. Leaving beautiful Newport for tranquil Yachats promised a great start for a classic third day of riding. But would bus drama hit me for the third day in a row, but with more of a vengeance?

The Pedalshift Project 333: PDX-SF2x - Day 3

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PDX-SF2x – Day 3

Quick catchup on the tour plans

PDX-SF

Every day has some biking and bussing

Connections are… tight in parts

Fully loaded, but on the light side

Got my bike serviced ahead of departure. We’ll get into that.

Listen to episode 330 for more!

Statistics

Bus miles 71 (24+47)

Bike miles 36 (4+26+6)

Phones lost 1

Meters futilely run after departing bus with said phone 50

Cost differential for hotel upgrade 130

Flats 0

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

August 10, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 332: PDX-SF2x – Day 2

Day 2 begins with a moist tent from the misty influences of the Pacific Ocean just a few hundred meters away. With more cycling than bus riding, plus old hangs like Pacific City and Lincoln City, the day promises an easy scale up to more miles. But what if the critical bus doesn’t have a bike rack like it normally does… again?

The Pedalshift Project 332: PDX-SF2x - Day 2

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PDX-SF2x – Day 2

Quick catchup on the tour plans

PDX-SF

Every day has some biking and bussing

Connections are… tight in parts

Fully loaded, but on the light side

Got my bike serviced ahead of departure. We’ll get into that.

Listen to episode 330 for more!

Statistics

Bike miles 48

Bus miles 19

Consecutive number of times my bike’s been jammed inside a bus since this started 2

Beers consumed 1.5

Tents dried in the Newport air 1

Flats 0

The Pedalshift Project 332: PDX-SF2x - Day 2

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

August 3, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 331: PDX-SF2x – Day 1

After weeks of planning, the transit aided, double speed tour from Portland to San Francisco kicks off! A far-too-quick overnight in Portland puts me on the road to a bus and a night at one of the premiere campgrounds on the Oregon coast. But would modifications to my trusted touring bike be a net plus, or a net minus? Also… are we getting early signs of a cursed tour?

The Pedalshift Project 331: PDX-SF2x - Day 1

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 331: PDX-SF2x – Day 1.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
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Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

PDX-SF2x – Day 1

Quick catchup on the tour plans

PDX-SF

Every day has some biking and bussing

Connections are… tight in parts

Fully loaded, but on the light side

Got my bike serviced ahead of departure. We’ll get into that.

Listen to episode 330 for more!

Statistics

Buses taken 1

Miles bussed 75

Miles biked 18

PB&J wraps eaten 1

Beaches visited 2

Flats 0

The Pedalshift Project 331: PDX-SF2x - Day 1

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

July 20, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 330: PDX-SF2x Tour Preview

The wait is over, it’s time to talk about the big 2023 summer bike tour… and it’s an established route, but with a brand new twist! Normally, cycling the Oregon and California coasts between Tillamook and San Francisco takes about 16 days. What if we leveraged the fantastic (and sometimes surprising) transit opportunities and made this tour like listening to some of your favorite podcasts… at 2x speed?

The Pedalshift Project 330: PDX-SF2x Tour Preview

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PDX-SF2x Tour Preview

The route

My classic favorite… PDX-SF via the Oregon coast

The twist

Heavy. transit. help.

I’m able to get this ride done in half the time with the help of a series of transit agencies starting in Portland and ending in Santa Rosa, CA. What normall takes 16 days is going to take me 8. Assuming it all works.

The gear

We’re going fully loaded

Going to try to minimize the weight within that load

Going to fly the big bike, so that means a measurable portion of a pannier will hold my Dogsbody Ground Effects bike bag.

Flying back and forth on Alaska Airlines, which means the bike is free to fly (I’m MVP and get two free checked bags)

Big duffel handles the rest of the gear and will be critical for the transit fast forwards

I have to figure out when the last time I had the Safari out west… it’s been more than a few years, so this is exciting.

The weather

Likely a bit of a chill in the air, except for one notable portion

Rain is possible, but reasonably unikely this time of year

The basics on schedule

Fly into Portland on a Saturday night

Bus out to Tillamook Sunday late AM

Bike and camp at Cape Lookout SP

Combination of bike and bus

to Newport day 2

to North Bend day 3

to Brookings day 4

to Avenue of the Giants day 5

to Fort Bragg day 6

to Samuel P Taylor SP day 7

All bike to SF day 8

Transit agencies – 8 different ones!

Contiguous opportunities all the way to Benbow, CA and then you need to bike

Technically only about 66 miles of this route is completely uncovered by transit – and it’s up and over Leggett Hill

The timing of this is critical because many agencies don’t run on some or all of the weekend… to avoid a forced zero, this has to go as is.

The compromises

Some stellar parts of OR coast

South Crescent City Hills + Elk Prairie CG

Major chunk of Mendocino coast

What I still get

Much of the best of OR coast

Favorite 2 campsites in OR

Brewers on the Bay

Seven Devils

Bandon

Harris Beach – maybe 3rd fave campsite?

Eel River Brewing

Burlington

FF past Garberville

Leggett

Hotel in Fort Bragg – North Coast Brewing

Samuel P Taylor

Golden Gate Bridge

So much fun, looking forward to sharing this with you!

Programming reminder – next week we’re slotting in the August best of a few days early

The following week… we’ll start the tour journal!

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

July 13, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 329: The Jalepeño Popper Tour (Feat. Brock Dittus)

Enough of my tour journals, let’s shake it up and bring in special guest star and longtime friend of the show, Pedalshift Society member Brock Dittus in on a tour of not the Oregon coast! Brock travels solo through some of the steepest riding in the state, fueled by fried spicy goodness. Would that be enough to handle the climbs and our old nemesis, wildfire smoke?

The Pedalshift Project 329: The Jalepeño Popper Tour (Feat. Brock Dittus)

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The Jalepeño Popper Tour (Feat. Brock Dittus)

Check out photos on Brock’s Insta

No shownotes, only vibes this time!

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

June 29, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 328: Midyear Bike Touring Goals Check-In

In January I set up some fitness and bike touring goals. Six months later, have I completed any of them or am I really behind?

The Pedalshift Project 328: Midyear Bike Touring Goals Check-In

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Midyear Bike Touring Goals Check-In

Health/Fitness

Drop the weight

HELL YES… not quite at full goal, but mostly there.

Weigh in at least every other day all year (unless traveling) and set a back on the wagon number

YES! Near daily even.

Back on the wagon weight also set. I’m getting below that number now

Fitness center plan

None, zero. I’ve only been cycling, but can revisit this on the back half of 2023

Dry January Feb

YES – plus I’ve dramatically reduced drinking overall, if only for the calories.

The wonders of NA beer… is it as good? No. But is it a nice alternative? Yes.

Touring

5 multi day tours in 2023

3 and counting, 4th is imminent, 5th I have an idea. Possiblity of more than that? Maybe.

At least one 7+ day tour

Preview episode coming soon!

At least one fully new-to-me trail or route

NOT YET, looking at the 5th tour for this

Cross a new state by bike

NOT YET, and may have to figure out an easy one 😉

Whacky things

A heavily transit aided tour

Preview episode for the summer tour, coming soon 😉

A microcamper aided tour

NOT YET… might be a fall one? Or the state crosser?

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

June 22, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 327: The Evolution of Bike Touring Gear

Every once in a while it’s nice to look back on where it all came from – on this edition, we explore the evolution of bike touring gear from the beginning of the modern era in the 1970s through today’s high tech enhancements to bikepacking and more. Plus, a nod to what the future might hold with new materials and tech to make bicycle adventuring more fun and accessible!

The Pedalshift Project 327: The Evolution of Bike Touring Gear

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The Evolution of Bike Touring Gear (1970s-Present)

Bike Touring in the 1970s

Discuss the state of bike touring in the 1970s:
- Bike touring during this era was gaining popularity as a way to explore the world and embark on long-distance adventures.
- It was a time when people sought alternative modes of travel and embraced the freedom and simplicity that bike touring offered.
Overview of the popular bikes used for touring in that era:
- Steel-framed touring bicycles were the go-to choice for bike tourers in the 1970s.
- Brands like Raleigh, Peugeot, and Miyata were known for producing reliable touring bikes.
- These bikes were designed with longer wheelbases and relaxed geometry to provide stability and comfort during long rides.
Introduction to the traditional panniers and racks used for carrying gear:
- Panniers, typically made of canvas or nylon, were the primary means of carrying gear on bike tours.
- They were attached to racks mounted on the front and rear of the bicycle.
- These racks were often heavy and made of steel, adding extra weight to the bike.
Highlight the limitations and challenges of the gear available at the time:
- Bike touring gear in the 1970s had some limitations.
- The panniers were not as efficient at distributing weight evenly, which could affect bike handling and stability.
- Additionally, the racks added significant weight to the bike, making climbs and maneuvering more challenging.
Share anecdotes and stories from notable bike tourers of the era:
- Renowned bike tourers of the 1970s
- Thomas Stevens, who completed the first documented bike trip around the world,
- Anne Mustoe, who cycled around the globe in the 1980s.
- Bikecentennial 1976

Technological Advancements in the 1980s and 1990s

Technological advancements that impacted bike touring gear in the 1980s and 1990s:
- During this period, advancements in materials, components, and design significantly influenced bike touring gear, making it more efficient and comfortable.
- Introduction of lightweight materials such as aluminum and titanium for bike frames and components:
  - Aluminum frames started gaining popularity in the 1980s due to their lighter weight compared to traditional steel frames.
  - Titanium frames, known for their strength and durability, also emerged as a high-end option for bike touring enthusiasts.
The emergence of clipless pedals and the impact on efficiency and comfort:
- Clipless pedals, which allow riders to securely attach their shoes to the pedals, were introduced in the late 1980s.
- This innovation improved pedaling efficiency and comfort, especially during long rides and climbs, by allowing for a more direct transfer of power.
Innovations in camping gear, including lighter tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment:
- Camping gear manufacturers started focusing on lightweight designs in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Tent materials, such as lightweight nylon and aluminum poles, reduced overall weight while maintaining durability.
- Sleeping bags with improved insulation and smaller pack sizes became popular, and compact cooking stoves provided efficient meal preparation options.
The rise of waterproof materials and improved clothing for inclement weather:
- Waterproof materials like Gore-Tex became widely available during this era.
- This allowed for the development of waterproof panniers and cycling apparel, keeping riders dry and comfortable in rainy conditions.
- Clothing advancements included breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics that enhanced comfort during long rides.

The Rise of Bikepacking in the 2000s

Explain the concept of bikepacking and its differences from traditional bike touring:
- Bikepacking is a form of self-supported, off-road bicycle travel that emphasizes lightweight gear and the ability to venture into rugged terrain.
- Unlike traditional bike touring, which often involves paved roads and larger amounts of gear carried on racks, bikepacking focuses on carrying essential gear in frame bags, seat packs, and handlebar rolls.
Introduction to bikepacking-specific gear, such as frame bags, seat packs, and handlebar rolls:
- Bikepacking gear is designed to optimize weight distribution and stability while navigating off-road terrain.
- Frame bags attach to the bike’s main triangle, seat packs secure under the saddle, and handlebar rolls fasten to the handlebars, providing ample storage space while maintaining a balanced load.
The impact of mountain biking and gravel riding on the development of bikepacking gear:
- The rise of gravel riding in the 2000s plus the influence of mountain biking impacted the development of bikepacking gear.
- These disciplines demanded lightweight and durable gear that could withstand rough trails and demanding conditions.
- As a result, bikepacking gear evolved to meet the specific needs of off-road adventurers.
Discuss the benefits and advantages of bikepacking gear in terms of weight distribution and off-road capabilities:
- Bikepacking gear allows for a more balanced weight distribution, as the gear is distributed within the bike’s frame rather than on racks.
- This improves handling and stability, especially on challenging terrain.
- Bikepacking gear is also typically lighter and more compact, enabling riders to navigate through tight trails and rough conditions.
- Downside… can’t carry as much!

Modern Bikepacking Gear and Trends

Lightweight and durable materials like Dyneema and Cuben Fiber
- These materials offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, making gear lighter without sacrificing durability.
Integration of technology with bikepacking gear
- For example, GPS navigation devices specifically designed for bikepackers have become popular, allowing for easier route planning and navigation in remote areas.
- Additionally, solar-powered charging systems have been developed to keep electronic devices powered during extended trips.
- Battery improvements
The emergence of bikepacking-specific clothing and accessories:
- These items are designed to meet the unique demands of off-road riding, such as moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics, specialized bikepacking shoes, and rugged yet lightweight helmets.
- None of this is new, but the tech is improving and costs for basics are dropping
Trends in minimalist bikepacking and ultra-distance races:
- Discuss the rise of minimalist bikepacking, where riders aim to carry the bare minimum gear for maximum efficiency and speed.
  - Explore the growing popularity of ultra-distance bikepacking races, such as the Tour Divide or the RAM , and how gear choices impact participants’ strategies and performance.

Future Possibilities and Closing Thoughts

What’s next?
More evolution to bikepacking
Will “bike touring” ever go away?
Wrap up

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!