The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures – Details, episodes & analysis

In the summer of 2014, I took 6 weeks to ride the Pacific coast from Victoria, BC to the US-Mexico border. I recorded a 2-5 minute audio entry every day for the Tour Journals podcast to share the more detailed aspects of the ride, but always intended to edit and condense it into a more manageable length to share here. Originally podcast December 22, 2014.

(Note, I say this hasn't been released in 10 years, but it got some love as a best of in 2019. Management regrets this error and the offending parties have been sacked. Or promoted. Not sure what to do with me.)

Sometimes journeys have distinct ends and sometimes those endings are a little more flexible. In the penultimate episode of the Oregon Coast Remix we mash together my departure from Bandon and my return a week later a few hundred miles south on the Mendocino coast where MJ and I catch up on his ride and reflect on what’s going on with cycling on the Pacific Coast.

Segment 1: Departure from Bandon, Oregon

  - Early morning departure, catching the bus to Crescent City.

  - The stark contrast between cycling for days and the sudden speed of motorized transport.

  - Reflecting on the mixed feelings of leaving the Oregon coast but looking forward to more adventures.

Segment 2: Crescent City and Beyond

  - Arriving in Crescent City via bus and experiencing the rapid transition south.

  - The surreal feeling of covering in minutes what would have taken days by bike.

  - Exploration of Crescent City, a quiet yet interesting coastal town with a mix of old and new homes.

Segment 3: Journey to Medford, Oregon

  - Renting a Jeep for the drive to Medford, a stark contrast to the cycling experience.

  - The logistics of packing up the bike and the relief of having more freedom with a car.

  - Reflecting on the decision to spend extra money on a car rental instead of enduring a challenging bus experience.

  - Arriving in Medford and enjoying some downtime with a few beers and a simple hotel dinner.

Segment 4: The following week in Mendocino

  - Bonus content: Tim rides his Brompton to Mendocino, battling wind and heel strikes with his messenger bag.

  - The beautiful yet challenging coastal route, with reflections on the unique experience of riding the Brompton.

  - Meeting up with James in Mendocino for beers and conversation.

Segment 5: James' Solo Journey

  - James shares his solo adventure from Bandon, Oregon, to Mendocino, California.

  - Highlights include staying at unique campsites like Florence Keller in Crescent City and Sue-Meg State Park.

  - Encountering heavy fog and low visibility while climbing out of Crescent City, but ultimately enjoying the beauty of the coast.

  - Discussion of the strange phenomenon of not encountering any other touring cyclists during the journey.

Segment 6: Reflections on the Pacific Coast Route

  - Tim and James reflect on the diminishing number of cyclists on the Pacific Coast route, speculating on reasons like the closure of Big Sur and the changing interests of the cycling community.

• Miles Bussed from Bandon to Crescent City: 90 miles
• Miles Driven from Crescent City to Medford: 106 miles
• Miles Flown between segments: 5383
• Total Bicycle Tourists Encountered in Camps: 0
• Total Miles Cycled by James from Bandon to Mendocino: 412 miles
• Flats: 0

10 takeaways from a bike trip that was supposed to be slow but ended up being quite different than anticipated...

10 takeaways from a bike trip that was supposed to be slow but ended up being quite different than anticipated:

1. Unplanned Higher Mileage Day: Despite the intention to have a slow and leisurely ride, the trip ended up requiring a high mileage day due to weather conditions and route changes

2. Changing Routes Due to Weather: The need to avoid bad weather led to a significant change in plans, including a decision to ride to the cabin instead of continuing on the planned trail

3. Encounter with Rolling Coal: The trip included an unpleasant experience of being coal-rolled by a truck, highlighting some of the challenges and hostility faced on the road

4. Gear Issues: Mechanical problems, such as issues with the bike's gearing, added to the difficulty of the trip. This required on-the-go adjustments and highlighted the need for future maintenance

5. Utilizing Lights for Safety: Riding on exposed and less-traveled roads necessitated the use of fully charged lights to ensure safety, especially in low visibility conditions

6. Importance of Flexibility: The trip underscored the importance of being flexible and adapting to changing conditions, such as unexpected weather and route challenges

7. Strategic Zero Days: Taking a zero day (a rest day with no riding) proved to be a wise decision to avoid riding in bad weather and to recuperate from a strenuous day

8. Food and Hydration Management: Managing food and hydration was crucial, with stops to consume snacks and hydrate, especially given the physical exertion and varying conditions

9. Navigating New Routes: The journey involved navigating new and less familiar routes, which added an element of exploration but also required careful planning and adjustments

10. Reflection on Pace and Experience: Despite the trip being more challenging than expected, it offered valuable experiences and insights, leading to reflections on the importance of pace, enjoying the ride, preparation, flexibility, and resilience.

Best of next week and then we continue the celebration of 10 years of Pedalshift with Oregon Coast Remixed!

After a rejuvenating zero day to avoid the storms, I had one more day of road riding to catch my train. A familiar route, but not exactly one with mindfulness paid to bikes. Would I catch the train home?

• Quick housekeeping if you missed last episode’s live show news… I’m off to Oregon for the 10th anniversary tour: Oregon Coast Remixed! We’ll pivot right into that as soon as we wrap up the C&O But Slow over the next few weeks, so stay tuned.

• Also another shout to Lael Wilcox’s pod… her adventure around the world continues so make sure you follow along Lael Rides Around the World wherever you get this pod. Unless you get it off my website, in which case go google hers ;)

Introduction

• Good morning from the cabin. Discussion about the day’s ride and weather conditions.
• Reflection on the decision to take a zero day due to bad weather.

Travel Plans and Preparations

• Route description: predominantly downhill, then uphill, and flat sections.
• Mention of carrying less load compared to previous rides.
• Discussion on the necessity of taking the garbage to remote bins.
• Weather conditions: cold, layering up, and safety measures with lighting on the bike.
• Highlighting areas of exposure to highways and the importance of planning the ride to avoid rush.

On the Road Experiences

• Initial thoughts after starting the ride and adjusting clothing layers.
• Navigating roads and using Google Maps for routing, challenges with algorithm recommendations.
• Encounter with the lowest elevation point near Back Creek and the difficulties with uphill rides.
• Discussion about the upcoming route, including passing the county landfill and Ridge Road’s rollercoaster-like terrain.

Mid-Ride Reflections

• Break to consume snacks and hydrate, reflection on time management for the ride.
• Encounter with local traffic and the need for careful navigation on Ridge Road.
• Challenges with the bike's mid gears and potential need for maintenance.

Final Leg of the Journey

• Detailed description of the last few miles and final crossing of Highway 9.
• Observations on new constructions and reflections on the local area’s development.
• Final thoughts on the ride, considering an e-bike for future trips for efficiency.
• Nearing the train station, managing time well and cooling down after the ride.

Arrival at Martinsburg Train Station

• Reflection on the ease of the final stretch and the efficiency of the route taken.
• Thoughts on Martinsburg’s potential and current state, including commuter resources.
• Preparing for the train ride back, discussion on local transit options and their effectiveness.

Return to DC

• Arrival in DC, reflection on the overall trip and its unexpected developments.
• Observations on local cycling culture and the changes seen in the area.
• Mention of upcoming episodes and future plans for spring and summer.

• Miles biked 20.1

• Trains taken 1

• Bars eaten 2

• Celebratory train beers 1

• Flats 0

June 8th, 2014 was the very first episode of The Pedalshift Project, and since then we've gone on quite the journey, mostly by bike. On this live episode, we got a bunch of listeners together to chat about highlights from the last ten years, the evolution of the show, and the reveal of the Tenth Anniversary Tour this summer. Recorded live June 8, 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/live/-u45VErpq3U

Honorable Mention Ten

First episode - 001

First Brock - 002

First Aaron and first Sprocket Crossover - 004

Gillian Klempner Willman and The New Woman - 013

The Sprocket Podcast bike touring music crossover - 044

First Cat Caperello-Snyder 056

Thanksgiving on the C&O - 063

First Jasmine Reece 069

First Guthrie solo - 071

Green Goblin retirement tour - 252-258

Top ten

10. Social Distancing on the C&O (200-203) - April 2020)

9. Katy Trail  (118-126 May-June 2018)

8. eBikes with Biking Brian (Nov 30, 2023)

7. First Brompton tour in CA (048 - April 28, 2016)

6. Shifty the Elf makes his first appearance on the very first Holiday Spectacular (Pedalshift 038 - December 24, 2015)

5. First Biking to Disney World (277 - March 24, 2022)

4. DC to Cincinnati (165-169 - May-June 2019)

3. The 2020 Bike Touring Draft feat. Sprocket (207 - June 11, 2020)

2. The Mysterious James three pack (190-192 - January 2020)

1. The Pacific Coast (005, 006, 010 - 2014)

Oregon Coast Remix

• Lincoln City to Crescent City
• Classic touring bike (same one I used 10 years ago for the full coast)
• All new campsites (mostly)
• About a week of riding and no barfing on busses to Medford this time
• Tour preview will be hitting the pod in a few weeks!

After leaving you all with a bit of a cliffhanger, the decision is made – my (formerly) slow and chill C&O ride now gets another 18 miles of riding to some sweet sweet roofed lodging at my cabin. But that means I cross into West Virginia where I encounter something I’ve never dealt with before. Explicit tag earned for this episode…

• The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, at 8pm ET. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. It'll be on the YouTube channeland here at pedalshift.net/live.
• ALSO, if you aren’t subscribed to and listening to the fantastic Lael Wilcox’s podcast, I can’t recommend it enough. She’s trying to break the world record for cycling the world and is audio journaling it every day. She’s recently completed her eastern US leg and by the time you hear this will be in Europe working her way east. It’s so good - laelwilcox.net for the details. She is a legend and this is elite level stuff!

Introduction

- Riding to the cabin due to favorable weather conditions

Travel Plans and Preparations

- Description of the route and challenges ahead

- Discussion on safety measures and time management

- Strategy for avoiding bad weather and deciding to ride immediately

On the Road Experiences

- Reflections on the ride: pain, headwinds, and dealing with a truck that rolls coal

- Encounter with challenging road conditions and gearing issues

- Insights on energy management and navigating difficult climbs

Scenic and Safe Routes

- Decision-making on route choices to avoid hazards

- Progress update and estimated distance to the destination

Final Leg of the Journey

- Description of the last few miles and expected challenges

- Nearing the end: checking distance and anticipating weather

Arrival and Reflections

- Arrival at the cabin and initial feelings

- Immediate plans and reflections on the day's ride

Zero Day

- Announcement of a zero day due to bad weather

- Observations on the weather conditions and impact on the trail

Closing Thoughts

- Strategy for the upcoming ride to the train station

- Gratitude for making the right decision and empathy for those still on the trail

• Miles biked 18

• F bombs tossed  1

• Zero days 1

• Heavy rain storms dodged 2

• Flats 0

I’ve taken listeners on a bunch of rides on the C&O (including the current one!), so it's worth revisiting my guide to riding it. In the first of two parts, it’s an audio guide to cycling the C&O Canal towpath whether you’re a first timer of a full on expert. Originally podcast November 11, 2021.

After a surprisingly fast start for a planned slow tour, it was time to head down trail. But the muddy trail conditions of the night before don’t improve with more rain, and the forecast looks pretty wet and plans… well, they’re meant to change on a big bike trip!

• The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, at 8pm ET. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. It'll be on the YouTube channeland here at pedalshift.net/live.

Morning Setup and Reflections

  - Description of the camping spot and the decision-making process regarding legal camping sites.

  - Reflections on being overextended the previous night and the challenges of finding a good campsite.

Weather and Trail Conditions

  - Noting the weather holding off the rain for a few more hours.

  - Observations about the better trail surface and concerns about muddy sections post-Paw Paw Tunnel.

Camp Setup and Gear Adjustments

  - Detailed account of morning activities, including packing and adjusting gear.

  - Challenges with the fork bag and adjustments made to the tent setup.

Journey Begins

  - Initial miles covered with observations of the surroundings and the condition of the trail.

  - Encounters with traffic and reflections on the proximity of roads to the trail.

Trail Experiences

  - Encounters with other cyclists, particularly a group of LE officers, and reflections on group riding dynamics.

  - Decision to avoid a large group of cyclists to maintain a personal pace and experience.

Weather Check and Gear Adjustments

  - Checking weather forecasts and preparing for rain by adjusting clothing and gear.

  - Clearing fenders from mud and dealing with bike maintenance issues on the trail.

Scenic Observations

  - Descriptions of the flora and fauna observed along the trail.

  - Reflection on missing the red bud season but enjoying the current wildflower bloom.

Paw Paw Tunnel Experience

  - Detailed ride through of the Paw Paw Tunnel, including conditions and the tunnel's history.

  - Observations on the descaling and maintenance efforts.

Trail Challenges and Maintenance

  - Continued struggles with mud and fender issues.

  - Descriptions of efforts to keep the bike in good condition amid challenging trail conditions.

Decision Points

  - Considering various options for the day's ride and the impact of weather on the plans.

  - Reflections on potential stops and the possibility of a zero-mile day due to expected rain.

Hancock

  - Arrival in Hancock and decision-making process about accommodations and next steps.

  - Consideration of resupply options and potential camping sites.

Concluding Thoughts

  - Reflection on the day's challenges and successes.

  - Cliffhanger about the decision on where to stay for the night and future plans for the ride.

• Miles biked 42
• Trail surfaces 3
• Liters of water purified 2.5
• Decisions to be made on where to spend the night 1
• Flats 0

Starting with a semi-eventful train to Cumberland, the tour kicks off at an unexpected pace. But with rain already soaking the trail, and more on the way would the C&O reject my desire for a chill and relaxing start to my trip?

• The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, at 8pm ET. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. It'll be on the YouTube channeland here at pedalshift.net/live.

• Introduction

  • Preparing for a bike ride to Union Station
  • Discussing train schedule and potential delays

• Trip Plans

  • Aiming to reach Potomac Forks
  • Concerns about sunlight and trail conditions
  • Personal health and readiness

• Bike Setup

  • New gear setup with fork bags
  • Adjustments made for comfort and efficiency
  • Forecast: hot and sticky with potential rain

• Union Station Departure

  • Chaos with Amtrak procedures and bag tags
  • Interaction with train attendants and passengers
  • Departure and initial impressions

• Arrival in Cumberland

  • Commentary on Amtrak's inconsistent procedures
  • Starting the ride on the C&O towpath

• Trail Conditions

  • Night riding experiences and wildlife encounters
  • Challenges with muddy trail sections
  • Strategies for night riding and trail navigation

• Camp Setup

  • Passing multiple campsites
  • Decision to push on to Potomac Forks
  • Filtering water and setting up camp in low light

• Day Zero Reflections

  • Impact of coffee on performance
  • Enjoyment of night riding despite challenges
  • Final campsite setup and reflections on the day

• Closing Remarks

  • Observations on trail and ride experiences
  • Preparations for the next day’s ride

• Miles biked 18
• Frogs a babillion
• Stops to pull mud out of fenders 2
• Proper bike tags requested by Amtrak personnel 1
• Bike tags properly procured 0
• Dark chocolate bars eaten 1
• Flats 0

Finding my way back onto the C&O is hardly a surprise, but this spring’s ride is taking a page from my 2024 goals… try to take some of these tours a little more slowly. On this preview episode, we cover how I think it’ll go down.

• The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, time TBA, but mark it down now. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter.

• Full size bike
• New config (more on that in a moment)
• Cumberland with Amtrak from DC and then… ?
• Going with a stove this time
• All camping
• Forecast looks like rain
• I’m getting over a cold, so not sure how that will impact things

• The front rack from last season is fine but I want to try something new
• Found I couldn’t get the bike in the Dogsbody bag last year and I didn’t want to keep having to install/unintall. Might end up on my ebike?
• Solution: Fork bags + Hanging sleep kit from bars
• 7L each side
• Very narrow - a little too narrow?
• Allows me to be a bit more nimble

• First night will be close to a new moon unfortunately
• Would love to do 20 miles even though it’s night riding
• Don’t have specific plans for any particular campsites
• The end of the tour is up in the air… I have two options (Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry) so if I’m really enjoying the riding, I can make the miles. But if I’m enjoying the vibes (or other things) I can make this a shorter trip with some road riding on the final day

• Will likely carry more food than I have on past trips
• BUT going to do backpacking meals. Keeping it simple and light
• NPS no longer treats the wells, so I have a new gravity fed water filter. Trying not to carry as much as I have in the past
• Stove needed for meals, so I can at also enjoy coffee
• Weather
• Looks wet but not hot. Will be prepared
• This might be the thing that impacts choosing a short or long ride… trail conditions, preferring to stay in the tent for a morning rain, etc. etc.

• Paw Paw tunnel is reopened!
• Not intending on climbing up to stay at my cabin (although it’s a backup option)
• Name of the game is slow and steady and enjoying the ride rather than just banging out miles. Would have preferred a little more riding time on Saturday to spread it out a bit more