Month: August 2019

The Pedalshift Project 176: Sweltering Summer on the C&O – Part 1

The first of two parts on my tour of the C&O during the hottest and muggiest stretch of the summer of 2019. Check out the packing episode in Pedalshift 175 for the ride preview and come back next week for the thrilling conclusion!


The Pedalshift Project 176: Sweltering Summer on the C&O - Part 1

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 176: Sweltering Summer on the C&O – Part 1 (mp3).

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSSiTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – StitcherTuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

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 pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

Housekeeping

Pedalshift Live

Be sure to join the show live August 30, 9pm ET! Topics TBA, but we’ll do an AMA so bring your questions or shoot them my way via social or email!

Next week – part 2
Week after – best  of with FOTS Guthrie Straw
Week after – live show replay
Have a great interview in the works with a familiar voice coming up too!
 

Tour Journals Vol. 16: Sweltering Summer on the C&O

Statistics: Day 0 and 1

Miles trained – 150ish
Tree-based train delays – 1
Miles biked – 62
Spider webs to the face – 19 (give or take)
Night rides – 1
Campsites – 2
Beers – 1
Outdoor showers – 1

Pedalshift Society

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 spring’s DC to Cincinnatti 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
Stuart Buchan
Mr. T
Roxy Arning
Nathan Pulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
Paul Culbertson
Scott Culbertson
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
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

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Their latest album may be their best yet. Go get it.

Join Pedalshift Society

Consulting

The post The Pedalshift Project 176: Sweltering Summer on the C&O – Part 1 appeared first on Pedalshift.


Source: Pedalshift

The Pedalshift Project 175: Packing for a C&O Bike Tour

Trying out something new… follow along as I pack for my upcoming C&O  bike tour! Let’s put it this way… I need to get more organized. And where IS that fan!?!


The Pedalshift Project 175: Packing for a C&O Bike Tour

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 175: Packing for a C&O Bike Tour(mp3).

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSSiTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – StitcherTuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

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 pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

Housekeeping

Pedalshift Live

Be sure to join the show live August 30, 9pm ET! Topics TBA, but we’ll do an AMA so bring your questions or shoot them my way via social or email!

The Journal: Packing for a C&O Bike Tour

Not much in the way of notes for this one, but here’s the pack list!
 
Pannier 1
Camp clothes
Three underwear
Three socks
Two shirts
Bathing suit
Flip flops
Rain jacket
Headlamp
Coffee
Grinder
PB jar
Spork
Water bladder
 
Toptube bag
Multitool 
Bike tools
Bike lights
 
Pannier 2
Tent
 
Drybag
Sleep kit
Meds
Ear plugs
Fan/Batteries
 
Frame bag
snacks
Batteries
Cables
 
On bike
Water bottles
 
Backpack
ice pack
sandwiches

Pedalshift Society

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 spring’s DC to Cincinnatti 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
Stuart Buchan
Todd Stutz
Mr. T
Roxy Arning
Nathan Pulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
Paul Culbertson
Scott Culbertson
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
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

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Their latest album may be their best yet. Go get it.

Join Pedalshift Society

Consulting

The post The Pedalshift Project 175: Packing for a C&O Bike Tour appeared first on Pedalshift.


Source: Pedalshift

The Pedalshift Project 174: Bicycle Touring Etiquette

We all want to do the right thing, hopefully, and within any community there’s an unwritten code of conduct for proper behavior so we can all get along. On this episode, we cover some of those rules of bicycle touring etiquette!


The Pedalshift Project 174: Bicycle Touring Etiquette

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 174: Bicycle Touring Etiquette (mp3).

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSSiTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – StitcherTuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

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 pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

Housekeeping

Next tour

I’ll be through-riding the C&O next week! Pedalshift Society folks, look for an email with the new bonus pod feed!

Pedalshift Live

Be sure to join the show live August 30, 9pm ET! Topics TBA, but we’ll do an AMA so bring your questions or shoot them my way via social or email!

The Journal: Bicycle Touring Etiquette

Thanks to a listener for this recommendation… I’ve managed to lose the email or message from social media that has it

Camping

  • Watch your spacing
  • For shared campsites, saying hello and asking if it’s cool to camp there
  • Assess your neighbor’s desire to chat and respect it
  • Don’t brag about your exploits – it’s a bad look
  • Be open with information that can help others, but don’t force opinions and suggestions on people
  • Share stuff if you have extra
  • Respect quiet hours
  • Respect late sleepers as you take off

Leave no trace

  • Think ahead – reduce the amount of packaging and garbage before you roll
  • Always have a garbage bag – doesn’t matter what it is
  • Pack all garbage out and even take some that’s not yours
  • If there are no bathroom facilities learn backcountry techniques (cat hole, etc.) and please respect water bodies.

Speed + Passing

  • Some trails have a speed limit – respect that, particularly in more crowded areas
  • Many trails and some laws require bells for passing – know before you go
  • Use bells or call “on your left” boldly but (please!) in a friendly way
  • Do it every time even if you’re frustrated that the runners are wearing headphones and don’t hear you!
  • It’s so easy to get frustrated, but remember we’re sharing the trails with others
  • Avoid lecturing other trail users, especially if you’re a visitor

Be cool

Respect boundaries with people you meet and other tourists.
Watch your consumption.
You’re an ambassador… act like one!

Pedalshift Society

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 spring’s DC to Cincinnatti 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
Stuart Buchan
Todd Stutz
Mr. T
Roxy Arning
Nathan Pulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
Paul Culbertson
Scott Culbertson
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
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

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Their latest album may be their best yet. Go get it.

Join Pedalshift Society

Consulting

The post The Pedalshift Project 174: Bicycle Touring Etiquette appeared first on Pedalshift.


Source: Pedalshift

Back!

Long story short, the site got hacked years ago and I was simply too lazy to reformulate the RSS feeds to route all of my work back here. But now we’re back. For the moment the bulk of the work is over at Pedalshift, but you never know what the next project will be. Hell I might even write something original here as I’m wont to do from time to time.

The Pedalshift Project 173: Stealth Camping Revisited

Stealth camping is always a hot topic in bike touring, and our last episode got some great responses that deserve revisiting! On this episode, a take from law enforcement’s perspective, tips on how to stay clean with no facilities, and more on how to find a good spot.


Stealth Camping Revisited

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 173: Stealth Camping Revisited (mp3).

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSSiTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – StitcherTuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

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 pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

Housekeeping

Next tour

I’ll be riding the C&O in a  few weeks (in fact, just did a stealth camping overnight as I type!).

Pedalshift Live

Be sure to join the show live August 30, 9pm ET! Topics TBA, but we’ll do an AMA so bring your questions or shoot them my way via social or email!

The Lab: Stealth Camping Revisited

More thoughts on stealth camping on bike tour (check out Pedalshift 161 for my tips)

Law enforcement perspective

Thanks for the recent episode on stealth camping. Probably no topic has the breadth of opinions among your listeners as this. Maybe pannier pronunciation.
 
I’ve been [in] law enforcement…for 15 years. In that role I’ve managed these types of contacts regularly. I like to apply the principles you discussed when dispersed camping on tour, but like you, avoid explicitly prohibited areas.
 
I wish to emphasize the safety points you made about when you are contacted (i.e. caught), especially by law enforcement. Those consequences need not be dire if you keep your head.
 
Whether law enforcement or private individual, keep your voice low and keep your hands visible. This is not the time to be rumaging through your equipment.
 
Your legal status, if you are contacted by law-enforcement, is likely “detained”. You’re not under arrest, but nor are you free to leave. This is not the time to start packing up your stuff and huffily proclaim that you’ll “just leave”. Follow the officer’s directions. Remember that he doesn’t know you from Adam or Eve, and more likely than not is going to treat you with great caution.
 
An officer has about 20 minutes (case law) to confirm or dispel his suspicions that you’ve committed either a civil infraction (you know, camping where camping isn’t allowed, posted or not), or trespassing. During this time you are in the same legal situation as if you’ve been pulled over by an officer for a vehicle traffic violation. Behave accordingly. You must identify yourself (at least with a verbal name and date of birth). You do not need to present a photo ID or driver’s license if it’s not a traffic offense. He may ask you questions. Remember that if he’s just investigating a civil infraction, you don’t have 5th amendment rights to not incriminate yourself with statements. Shush, because it’ll be used against you.
 
The consequence will vary from a warning and “OK, you can stay just tonight!”, to a criminal notice (arrest without booking) for Trespassing. In [my particular state], this… probably won’t be applied unless you’ve previously been told not to be at that location.
 
Another possibility to consider is that in my jurisdiction the violator can be expelled from all parks for anywhere from 48 hours to a lifetime, depending on the offense. Expulsions for 30 days are common, and can really put a bind in your travel plans down the road.
 
Of course, all this only applies to my jurisdiction. Your mileage may vary, as you say! The best thing you can do is make your peace with being caught ahead of time. Be comfortable with the foreseeable consequences, and you can then just relax.
 
PS People are going to stealth camp, might as well do it as low impact and safely as possible.
 

Downside of stealth camping… no facilities to clean up in!

Richard Wizensky has a solution;
 
On days that are light, I keep a towel and a spray bottle of witch hazel available – add a few drops of essential oil for bonus smell. The witch hazel works to kill odor producing bacteria like alcohol but doesn’t dry your skin.
 

Techniques for finding spots

Google maps! I use the satellite view to see where there are big clusters of trees and pick a few good spots. Going to street view can be super helpful to get the “on the ground” look and then you can go from there.
 
Good resource from a big time stealth camper… Douglas Conlin – YouTube channel. He’s a 100% stealth camper and did an interrupted tour from Michigan to Tennessee last year (in the winter, no less). Quite the character, but seeing how he scopes out stealth sites is a real lesson. He vlogged his trip so you can see a bunch of his camp sites. A few are bolder than what I’d choose, but that’s all personal preference.

Pedalshift Society

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 spring’s DC to Cincinnatti 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
Stuart Buchan
Todd Stutz
Mr. T
Roxy Arning
Nathan Pulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
Paul Culbertson
Scott Culbertson
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
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

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Their latest album may be their best yet. Go get it.

Join Pedalshift Society

Consulting

The post The Pedalshift Project 173: Stealth Camping Revisited appeared first on Pedalshift.


Source: Pedalshift

Best of Pedalshift 048: Bicycle Touring Big Sur by Brompton

Back in 2015 I got my Brompton, but it was at the tail end of bike touring season. So I bided my time before I could take it out on its first real tour. But where to roll? Well, I decided to go big. In this best of, we revisit bicycle touring Big Sur by Brompton! Originally podcast April 28, 2016.

Best of Pedalshift 048: Bicycle Touring Big Sur by Brompton

The post Best of Pedalshift 048: Bicycle Touring Big Sur by Brompton appeared first on Pedalshift.


Source: Pedalshift