Tag: northern tier

December 24, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 388: Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024

Shifty Saves the Holidays! It’s an annual tradition around here that we celebrate the holidays with my senior executive producer and best buddy Shifty the Elf celebrating the year that has been. This year, in a nearly all elf-driven plot, our guy Shifty finds the magic in 2024 to make the holidays special once again. Happy holidays all, and see you in 2025!

The Pedalshift Project 388: Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024

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Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024

Shifty Saves the Holidays

[Opening Scene: Sound of jingle bells and whooshing wind. The faint clinking of tools as Shifty the Elf tinkers with a magical sleigh in the background.]

Shifty (excited):

Duuuuuude! Tim told me this would be the year to shine, and what better way than saving the holidays with some pedal-powered magic? But uh… (pauses, worried) I kinda sorta misplaced the holiday cheer for Pedalshift’s big celebration. You know, the joy, the warmth, the… fuzzies. Without it, the show might as well be a flat tire in a snowstorm!

Luckily, I’ve got my trusty time-traveling sleigh. We’re off to relive the best Pedalshift moments of the year and find that missing cheer. Hop aboard, folks! Giddy up Rudolph… you slacker. Duuuude.

[Sound: A sleigh bell rings, followed by the roar of wind as the sleigh launches.]

[Scene 1: January, Pedalshift 349 – Daniel Troia’s interview.]

Shifty:

First stop, January! Ah, here we are—Daniel Troia, talking about his incredible documentary, We Are All in This Together. Imagine pedaling across the country and relying on nothing but kindness. Let’s tune in.

[Audio Clip: Daniel Troia shares an inspiring story of human connection.]

Shifty:

Did you hear that? Strangers becoming friends, the simple act of sharing—that’s holiday cheer if I’ve ever seen it! One ingredient found. Onward!

[Scene 2: February, Pedalshift 352-357 – Space Coast Loop Ride.]

Shifty:

Zipping ahead to February… Florida’s Space Coast! Look at that trail—Winter Garden to Disney World? That’s a dream ride. And Disney at the end? That’s pure magic.

[Audio Clip: Tim describes the journey, including sights along the Florida Coast to Coast Trail.]

Shifty:

Magic and adventure, folks. Two more ingredients for holiday cheer. Let’s keep rolling.

[Scene 3: May, Pedalshift 362-365 – Mindful C&O Canal Towpath Tour.]

Shifty:

May brings us to the C&O Canal Towpath. Tim’s riding slow and soaking in the scenery.

[Audio Clip: Tim reflects on the mindful pace of the journey.]

Shifty:

Mindfulness—slowing down to enjoy the moment. That’s what the holidays are all about. Add it to the list!

[Scene 4: June, Pedalshift 366 – 10-Year Anniversary Live Show.]

Shifty:

And here we are in June! Ten years of Pedalshift—what a milestone. Let’s peek into the celebration.

[Audio Clip: Audience laughter and Tim reflecting on a decade of podcasting.]

Shifty:

Laughter and community? Oh yeah, that’s the good stuff. Let’s rev this sleigh up for our next stop!

[Scene 5: July, Pedalshift 369-376 – Oregon Coast Tour with Mysterious James.]

Shifty:

The Oregon Coast with Mysterious James… a classic route with a remix twist. Let’s listen in.

[Audio Clip: Tim and James share banter about the trip and campsite memories.]

Shifty:

Friendship and nostalgia—check and check!

[Scene 6: Fall, Pedalshift 377-380 – E-Bike Build and WV Ride.]

Shifty:

Oh, here’s a fun one—building an e-bike and giving it a shakedown ride. DIY spirit meets adventure.

[Audio Clip: Tim narrates the first ride from the cabin to Hancock, MD.]

Shifty:

Creativity and perseverance—two more ingredients for our holiday recipe.

[Scene 7: October, Pedalshift 381-386 – North Dakota Adventure.]

Shifty:

October! North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and… bison! Watch out, Tim!

[Audio Clip: Tim recounts a close encounter with a bison.]

Shifty (laughing):

Courage in the face of giant animals. That’s definitely some holiday magic right there.

[Scene 8: December, Pedalshift 387 – Live Show with Mysterious James.]

Shifty:

Finally, December! Tim and James answer listener questions live. What a way to wrap up the year.

[Audio Clip: A funny or heartwarming exchange from the live show.]

Shifty:

And there we have it—joy, laughter, connection, and all the good stuff that makes this season sparkle.

[Closing Scene: The sound of sleigh bells slows as Shifty returns home.]

Shifty:

Phew! What a ride. We found all the cheer we needed, and Pedalshift’s holiday spirit is back on track. Thanks for coming along, everyone. Happy holidays—and keep the rubber side down!

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.

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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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

December 12, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious James

A repodcast of Pedalshift Live from December 6, 2024 featuring special guest Mysterious James and YOUR questions for a big round of Ask Us Anything. Huge shoutout to the folks that came and made this one of the best live shows yet!

The Pedalshift Project 387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious James

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Housekeeping

Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!

Ask Us Anything (LIVE!)

1.Top 3 Must-Have Items for Bike Touring

•James: Once considered a cook set essential but now tours stoveless. Values minimal gear and adaptability.

•Tim: iPhone (multi-use tool), foldable backjack chair, and positive vibes for motivation.

2.Best Place for Car-Free Living with Transit and Nature Access

•James: San Francisco for its bikeability, walkability, and access to nature in all directions.

•Tim: Portland, Oregon, for its bike-friendly culture, infrastructure, and scenic options for bike tours.

3.Trail Recommendations

•Greenbrier River Trail (WV): Tim considers it for future e-bike touring despite challenging accessibility and trail conditions.

•Pine Creek Trail (PA): Known but less explored by Tim and James.

•Cowboy Trail (NE): On Tim’s radar, but accessibility challenges persist.

4.Approach to Bike Adventuring

•James: Minimal planning, go-with-the-flow mindset, and preference for off-road routes.

•Tim: Focuses on enjoying the experience rather than completing every mile, with flexibility to adapt plans as needed.

5.East Coast Greenway

•Highlighted as a potential cross-country ride option. Discussed challenges with camping and infrastructure but praised for its connectivity.

6.Tire Preferences

•James: Schwalbe Marathon and Mondial tires for durability and versatility.

•Tim: A long-time fan of Schwalbe tires for touring and e-bike use.

7.Mud Guards vs. No Mud Guards

•James: Initially used mud guards but removed them due to travel difficulties and now prefers to ride without them.

•Tim: Appreciates their value but acknowledges challenges with mud accumulation on trails like the C&O.

8.Motivation on Long Rides or in Bad Weather

•James: Allows trips to end naturally when motivation fades, embracing the experience regardless of completion.

•Tim: Stays motivated by focusing on the overall experience and prioritizing safety, especially in adverse weather.

9.Warm Showers Experience

•James: Prefers camping or hotels due to flexibility and introversion.

•Tim: Values the concept but hasn’t fully embraced it due to similar concerns.

10.Cross-Country U.S. Route Priorities

•James: Interested in rail trail-based routes for safety and scenery.

•Tim: Eastern Express and routes through national parks like the Lewis and Clark Trail.

11.Cycling Southeast Asia

•James: Enthralled by Cambodia’s culture and affordability but wary of heat, rain, and traffic.

•Tim: Intrigued but cautious about climate and road conditions.

12.Cycling Quebec

•Tim: Keen to explore Quebec’s Route Verte and its cultural richness, possibly linking it to U.S. rail trails for a larger tour.

13.Gap and C&O: Pittsburgh to DC vs. DC to Pittsburgh

•Tim: Initially preferred Cumberland-to-Pittsburgh for the downhill experience but now considers both routes equally, emphasizing convenience based on starting point.

14.Bikepacking Regions to Highlight in a U.S. Cross-Country Tour

•Must-see trails include the Great American Rail Trail, Katy Trail, and Northern Tier’s scenic sections.

Special Mentions: Regina Yan (East Coast Greenway), Adventure Cycling Association (route inspiration), and Schwalbe Tires (consistent performance).

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

December 5, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 386: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Takeaways

Back from North Dakota and the bike-adjacent adventures with national parks, bison and Bromptons… I’ve got some takeaways to share!

The Pedalshift Project 386: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Takeaways

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Housekeeping

Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT – topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.

Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!

NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Takeaways

Folks, North Dakota is worth the trip!

When checking a bike, pay attention to all the vulnerable parts that jut out and don’t shirk the corner padding

Wild bison are worth seeing in person, but don’t expect them to get out of your way

TR NP is an excellent place to bike, but be aware that bison can and do come into the roadway and might scuttle your riding plans

The northern tier route is a good place if you want solitude

Bike adventures can mean a lot of things

Our national parks are treasures worth protecting, but so are our state parks and other public lands

Pics & Videos

coming soon

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

November 28, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 385: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 4

The final day of the NoDak adventure (finally?) explored the beauty of Medora, North Dakota, on bike, reflecting on the unique experience of cycling the Northern Tier Route. Beautiful views of TR NP, offbeat historical tidbits and some reflections and “what ifs” that prevented me from getting there earlier… all part of the adventure!

The Pedalshift Project 385: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 4

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Housekeeping

We’re shifting the schedule around a bit here as we close out the year… we’re going to delay the final best of for 2024 so we can go straight through to finish the NoDak Adventure with no interruptions. But also…

Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT – topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.

Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!

NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 4

Highlights:

•Cycling the Northern Tier Route:

•A ride along the official Northern Tier Route through Medora, including scenic stops by the Little Missouri River and the Medora campground.

•Observations on the route’s history and recent adjustments due to safety concerns in northern North Dakota.

•Historical Nuggets: The tale of William Riley Luffy and a historic gunfight near the Little Missouri River.

•Wildlife and Natural Beauty: Reflections on bison herds, prairie dog cities, and the stark beauty of the Badlands.

•Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

•Exploring the charming Wild West vibes of Medora and its support for cyclists.

•Insights on Theodore Roosevelt’s complex legacy and the transformative power of the landscapes that inspired him.

•Personal Reflections:

•The joys and challenges of biking in cold weather.

•Thoughts on the unique beauty of oft-overlooked places like North Dakota.

Takeaways:

•Cycling Lessons: Even short rides can offer profound connections to the landscapes and communities you explore.

•Travel Wisdom: Embrace the unexpected, whether it’s historical surprises or the realization that your bike can take you farther than you think.

•Gratitude for Adventure: Recognizing the privilege of discovering new places and bringing listeners along for the journey.

Resources:

•Plan your Northern Tier adventure with the Adventure Cycling Association.

•Discover Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park on the official websites and NPS site.

Statisitics

Miles biked 5

Cyclist encounters 1

Cowboy themed museums and shops in Medora 5

Flats 0

Pics & Videos

coming soon

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

November 21, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 384: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 3

A frosty start leads to adventure, navigating through Theodore Roosevelt National Park! From a sub-freezing camping morning to a literal standoff with a bison, listen in as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of fall adventures in one of North Dakota’s most scenic landscapes.

The Pedalshift Project 384: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 3

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 384: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 3.

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Housekeeping

Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT – topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.

Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!

NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 3

Folks, heads up this episode contains zero biking, but the next one does as temps eventually warmed up. And as you’ll hear… probably for the best it was too cold, because one particular TR NP resident was not interested in yielding to any of us….

Highlights:

•Cold Camping Realities: Waking up to 31°F in a frosty tent, layering up for warmth, and reflecting on the joys and challenges of camping in such conditions.

•Wildlife Encounters:

•Visits to “prairie dog cities” and observing their fascinating social behaviors.

•Sightings of deer, jackrabbits, and a variety of birds, including a mysterious pheasant-like species.

•A memorable standoff with “Gandalf,” a bison blocking the road for over 30 minutes.

•Reflections on Theodore Roosevelt: Insights into the history and legacy of TR’s connection to the park, alongside a discussion of his mixed-bag of a legacy.

•Midwestern to Western Transition: Observations on how North Dakota’s geography and culture bridge the Midwest and the West.

•Prairie Dog City Philosophy: The ecological role of prairie dogs and their perception as pests versus vital contributors to their ecosystem.

Takeaways:

•Gear Tips for Winter Camping: Always pack gloves and insulated footwear to keep extremities warm.

•Embracing Flexibility: Knowing when to pivot plans, like transitioning from biking to exploring by vehicle when temperatures and wildlife dictate.

•Respecting Wildlife: Acknowledging the park as the animals’ home and adapting to their presence rather than forcing interactions.

Resources:

•Visit the official Theodore Roosevelt National Park website for information about visiting this stunning location.

•Learn more about the Northern Tier Trail here.

Statisitics

Morning temp range 21-32 F

Percent of “loop” covered 40

Lord of the Rings wildlife namings 1

Prairie Dog sightings 18 bazillion

Flats 0

Pics & Videos

coming soon

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

November 14, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 383: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 2

Starting from Fargo and driving clear across North Dakota, I had little to prepare me for what awaited on the western edge of the state. But would I see the bison that I low key really wanted to see, and would some discovered damage on the Brompton scuttle the bikey part of this bike adjacent adventure?

The Pedalshift Project 383: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 2

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 383: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 2.

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.

Housekeeping

Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT – topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.

Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!

NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 2

Driving North Dakota Adventures

– Reflections on the landscape: vastness, agriculture, and wildlife sightings along the drive

– Observations on North Dakota’s scenic beauty, especially during fall

– Jamestown Buffalo Museum mention and the fascination with the changing golden hues of the farmlands

Arrival in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

– Excitement for the park’s wilderness, iconic buffalo herd, and camping at Cottonwood Campground

– Insight into campground conditions: first-come, first-served, no water or services, and gear preparations

– Planning for a night in the chilly North Dakota weather

Camping and Wildlife Encounters

– Capturing buffalo sightings, exploring the park, and photographing the scenic Badlands

– Cycling experiences within the campground and nearby closed loops, including brief cycling issues

– Observations on the local flora, geology, and prairie dog sightings

Unexpected Gear Lessons and Camping Essentials

– Discussing travel gear logistics: food, fuel, and camping supplies for a no-service campground

– Bike challenges: saddle issues and minor damages to bike parts during transport

– Lessons learned for future trips, particularly with bike handling and protection

Biking and Buffalo Close Encounters

– Memorable encounters with buffalo while biking, and the unique thrill of seeing them up close

– Reflection on safety tips and maintaining distance with wildlife while biking

– Experience of witnessing prairie dogs and other local fauna in their natural habitat

Wrapping up the Day and Reflections

– Preparing for a chilly night with layered gear and warming up with hot food and drinks

– Reflections on the uniqueness of North Dakota’s landscapes and the satisfaction of fully exploring the area

– Plans for a cold morning bike ride, additional wildlife sightings, and beginning the drive back to Fargo

Statisitics

Miles driven 333

Bison sightings 1 herd, 1 lone, um, wolf

Bashed Brompton rack tires 1

Impending temperature drop – 34 degrees F, 19 degrees C

Lighters forgotten, and subsequently purchased 1

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!

October 31, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 382: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 1

On this episode, we start the long journey to bike in the badlands of North Dakota… it turns out, perhaps the biggest reason I haven’t had a chance to visit North Dakota before is because it is tucked out of the way in the US northern plains. Maybe its remote nature is a part of its draw? Its largest city of Fargo is the gateway to the adventure… would it surprise me from the start?

The Pedalshift Project 382: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 1

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NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 1

Statisitics

Miles driven 249

Miles biked 0

States visited 49

Number of campers in camp 1

Number of bikes in camp 1 (Mine!)

Dashed expectations for a cowboy bar because Fargo is way more of a city than I expected and really that’s my own fault because I should have done a minimal amount of research into the vibrant community that Fargo clearly is, and for that I’m a bad podcaster and I’m sorry? Wait… is there a number here? 9!

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!

October 24, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 381: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Preview

I’m going to North Dakota and I am unreasonably excited about it! For years I have been stuck at 48 states visited (and for real, not just airport states) BUT the final two were ND and Alaska, and no disrespect to North Dakota but Alaska needs to be my 50th. But the opportunity to get there was shattered ten years ago when my original ride on the Northern Tier route was scuttled by a heat wave I wasn’t interested in riding through. But now… I’m doing it. With a bike. And buffaloes.

The Pedalshift Project 381: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Preview

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NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Preview

The Adventure

Heavily car aided. Very heavily. Like, mostly.

Starting and ending in MSP (there for a work thing)

All camping

Brompton riding daily

Crossing the state TWICE

Urban camping in Fargo!

Theodore Roosevelt NP! Buffalo! Camping! Riding!

Finally getting wheels down on the Northern Tier bicycle route!

Rest stop car camping in the very friendly sleep-in rest stops of ND!

Did I mention the 49th state visit?

Itinerary

Day 1

Car rental

Camping in Fargo and Lindenwood Campground

Biking into town for dinner and all the Fargo nightlife I can handle

Day 2

Pre dawn departure

Gain an hour driving across the state into MT

Camping at TR NP at Cottonwood Campground

Buffalo herds nearby and sometimes they saunter into camp?

Day 3

Half day at TR NP to cycle a bit

Drive back across the state

Lose an hour coming back into CT

Rest area about halfway to MSP

Day 4

Pre dawn departure

Get back to MSP and fly home

Gear

Rental car

Brompton

Camping gear that fits in a checked suitcase – going with basics and adding “luxuries” if I can since this is car camping

Stove a must – likely buying fuel in MN or ND

Weather

Not as cold as you’d think for fall

Hoping for dry, preparing for not

How much biking?

It really depends. The idea here is to get a sample, not make miles.

Seeing TR NP at the speed of bike

Experiencing Fargo and its… bike infrastructure?

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!

January 5, 2017

The Pedalshift Project 066: Bike touring locks and America’s longest rail trails

Kicking off 2017 with a bang, we cover lightweight bike touring locks, the longest rail trails in the US and an overview of what’s to come on the show in 2017!

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 066: Bike touring locks and America’s longest rail trails (mp3)

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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.

Happy New Year!

2017 is going to be a great year for Pedalshift… a few things:

– Last year we had more shows than ever. This year we’ll top that. My intention is to have the 2017 Holiday Spectacular be Pedalshift 100.

– That means we have to have 3 episodes per month, SO…

– The Pedalshift Project will continue as is with episodes every other week, and

– There will be a 3rd episode every month on one of the off weeks covering a single topic… sometimes gear, sometimes tips, but always something useful… whether you’re a beginner or more seasoned.

– I’m also going to try to expand into more interviews… last year I did more than the year before, and I hope to do the same this year.

– Pedalshift, like bike touring, is an escape from the rest of the world… what would you like to hear? Shoot me ideas and topics to pedalshift@pedalshift.net.

– Oh yeah, new logo too! Seems to be tradition around here to update the look every year… still orange. Because, of course.

What about 2017 touring?

– 2017 will continue 2016’s emphasis on shorter, more accessible tours.

– I hope to mix in a few new spots this year (more on that in a bit)

– A longer (more than 1 week long) ride is hopefully in the cards, but I don’t want to plan anything substantial this winter so I can spend my time more flexibly later as opportunities firm up

– I’m definitely going to integrate Pedalshift Tour Journals and maybe Pedalshift AM into the future rides… more to come when those get going later this year.

– I hope to interview more people who are tackling bigger, more adventurous rides so we can all learn from those too

Gear Talk

Did you get anything good this holiday season? If you got loaded up with gift cards or cash and want some ideas, go check out the holiday gift guide… I listed a lot of my favorites in case you’re in the market for some new gear.

Lightweight bike touring locks

I tend not to tour in spots that have high security needs, so the locks I use in DC don’t tend to come with me. Still, I like to have the peace of mind to lock up outside grocery stores and other spots when I’m leaving my bike outside.

Some people are good with just cable locks on tour… I used to be ok with them, but I think they’re SO easily defeatable with simple tools that I prefer something more secure.

No lock is foolproof… all can be defeated. The trick is to find the right risk management.

New folding lock styles are interesting. I really like my Inbike folding lock as a touring lock option. Only downside is TSA sees it as a multitool every time so you should pull it out of your carry on separately or risk the (often lengthy) wait. Better yet, check it.

I have a new lightweight cinch lock on the way I’m excited to test out (Ottolock) – I hopped on their Kickstarter so hopefully should have it soon. May be a great touring option.

The Journal

Here are the longest rail-trail conversions in the US, as calculated by Rails to Trails Conservancy:

1. Katy Trail State Park — Missouri: 286 miles

2. John Wayne Pioneer Trail — Washington: 253 miles

3. Cowboy Trail — Nebraska: 195 miles

4. Great Allegheny Passage — Maryland & Pennsylvania: 150 miles

5. Soo Line Trail – Northern Route — Minnesota: 148 miles

6. Columbia Plateau Trail State Park — Washington: 130 miles

7. Paul Bunyan State Trail — Minnesota: 121 miles

8. Flint Hills Nature Trail — Kansas: 117 miles

9. Soo Line Trail – Southern Route & Saunders State Trail — Minnesota & Wisconsin: 114 miles

10. OC&E Woods Line State Trail — Oregon: 110 miles

11. George S. Mickelson Trail — South Dakota: 109 miles

12. Blue Ox Trail (Voyageur Trail) — Minnesota: 107 miles

13. State Line Trail — Michigan: 107 miles

14. Wild Rivers State Trail — Wisconsin: 104 mile

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,ONE-SEVENTY-NINE/THREE-SIXTY-FIVE (CC) LAURA BITTNER

September 15, 2016

The Pedalshift Project 058: Bike touring across America

Ever wonder what it’s like to cross the US by bike? On this episode of the pod, we chat with a guy who’s done it not once, not twice, but three times! Michael Riscica talks about the highs and lows of bike touring across America, including what it’s like to transition to the real world back home. Plus gear talk and more!

Hey it’s the direct download link: The Pedalshift Project 058: Bike touring across America (mp3)

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Gear Talk

Touring Brompton specs: “The Pedalshift Touring Brompton”

– Touring Brompton specs
– Boo: no orange for Bromptons! H/T Anna at Clever Cycles for letting me in on that.
– A few things to add: I really like the Brompton toolkit (ingenious storage in the tube) and the third party Off Yer Bike handle. For a lock, I’m experimenting with a folding version that’s a knockoff of the ALBUS ones and I just supported a Kickstarter campaign for a cinching lock by a Portland company called Ottolock. Super lightweight and fairly resistant to cutting.

Bicycling with your dog followup

Based on the advice of fellow dog biker and follower Jim in Louisville, I asked for Outward Hound’s Pooch Pouch backpack for my recent bday… both pups fit in it, Belle Starr a little better than Mookie. Looking to a fall overnight with her to test it all out!

The Interview: Bike touring across America with Michael Riscica

Michael Riscica is a Licensed Architect in Oregon. He grew up in the New York City Area and moved to Portland by bike in 2007. A veteran of three cross-America bike tours, Michael rode the Transam in 2005, the Northern Tier in 2007 and returned to the Transam in 2016… all east to west, like a boss. He writes at YoungArchitect.com and coast2coastbikeride.com. He’s also on Instagram & Twitter [@BikeTouring999].

What was your inspiration to move across country by bike on your first cross country ride?
You strike me as a pretty laid back guy, but critics of your ride, your gear or your style, and even how you wrote your blog got under your skin. Frankly as a reader I felt the same way. What’s your take on “backseat bicyclists”?
Your dog patiently waited for your return and you could tell you missed her a lot on the ride. Would you consider bringing her along on a future ride?
How challenging was it to do work on the road? Was there ever a point when you needed internet or cell signal and didn’t have it?
What’s the one thing friends and family got consistently wrong about your rides that you always felt you needed to correct about bike touring across America?
What’s the best advice or assistance you got on tour?
Favorite gear?
You’ve done the northern tier and the Trans Am now twice. Are you thinking about trying the southern tier ride at some point?
Three cross-country rides in… what’s changed with riding across country?
Did you have a tough time transitioning back into reality when you got back? What tips do you have?

Pedalshift Society

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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 heard Jason’s new album in January and it is AWESOME. More info when that drops!