Folks, if you’ve followed this pod for any length of time you know my bike adventures usually have a component that goes sideways. But has it ever happened before a single pedal stroke? Can the Lake Ontario adventure survive something like that?
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
Lake Ontario 2025 – Part 1
Packing anxiety: two batteries, 90+ mile days, and a lot of unknowns
My ride strategy: charging on the go and treating watts like water
Leaving from my parents’ home—why this ride had emotional weight
First day jitters: range, elevation, and pannier paranoia
The moment everything stopped working: my e-bike breakdown in real time
How I pivoted the tour and found a way to ride anyway
Preview of what’s next: Plan B
Statistics
Miles Biked 0
Borked ebikes 1
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.
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!
After years of circling this ride (pun intended) it’s time to do a lap of the lake that I’ve lived near for a big chunk of my early life. Would it have been easier to pick a smaller lake? Sure. But Lake Ontario truly is a Great Lake in the sense it is surrounded by diverse and interesting places we’ll discover together.
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
Lake Ontario 2025 Preview
The basics
About 540 miles
Two countries, two border crossings
Ferries galore
All roofed lodging
Rural stops and big cities
Driving ebike to WNY that is the beginning and end of the loop
The weather
Warm days and cool nights
Mixed bag for rain and dry
The gear
eBike – biggest ride yet!
Brooks saddle pulled from Brompton for more comfort
Rewrapped my bar end extenders to improve comfort
Batteries and chargers = biggest weight
Riding very light otherwise… 2 days of riding clothes I’ll wash each night plus a set of “civilian” clothes and rain gear
Bringing more tools in to handle bigger ticket issues
Tightening down everything in advance
The highlights
Memorial trip for my dad
Checking off some boxes – new to me, international, cool places
Lakeside lodging in a few places
Multiple ferries, including intl crossing
Toronto island stay – true Lake Ontario vibes with killer views of TO
Niagara Falls (probably!)
Weird Tim tourism: Love Canal! Be ready for history talk of American pollution!
A different route to the Erie Canal towpath
The challenges
Distance – despite the ebike, we’re looking at some 90 mile days and that could be rough?
Time in saddle – haven’t had good long days in the saddle since February
ebike – can it handle this? Sure? Maybe?
rural spots tough for a bailout
unfamiliar places in Ontario until Toronto and even then… new to me by bike
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.
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!
What happens when you’ve only got one day in Los Angeles, a conference that demands your physical presence, and a red-eye flight back home? You grab a Metrobike and explore, of course! On this edition, it’s a whirlwind bike share adventure from the hilly streets of Westwood to the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk and a race for that flight home.
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
Los Angeles Metrobike Adventure
Intro:
•Location: Westwood, California
•Reason: Quick trip for an AI conference
•Game plan: Metrobike adventure from UCLA to Venice Beach and eventually towards LAX
The Plan:
•$5 Metrobike day pass – unlimited rides, 30-minute increments
•The challenge: avoid overage charges by dock hopping
•Route: UCLA → Santa Monica → Venice Beach → Marina Del Rey → Playa Vista
The Adventure:
•First leg: Downhill from UCLA, navigating LA traffic with Google Maps guidance
•Observations:
•Westwood’s hilly terrain
•Santa Monica’s tight bike dock situation
•Smooth greenways mixed with sketchy alley shortcuts
•A visit to the Bad News Bears park and some nostalgic nods
•Quick Trader Joe’s stop for hydration
Beach Time:
•Arrival in Venice Beach—Paddle Tennis, Muscle Beach, and all the usual suspects
•The surprising absence of a convenient bike dock near LAX
•Decision point: Walk or hop on the #3 bus?
•Marina Del Rey and the bougie vibes… plus the quest for fish tacos
The Wrap-Up:
•Arrival back at the Hyatt Regency by LAX
•Final thoughts: A grand adventure squeezed into a single LA day
•Reflections on the joy of exploring with a time crunch and a bike share pass
Statistics
Miles Traveled:15
Metrobike Docks: 5
Elevation Change:400 feet
Cost of the Entire Ride: $5
Flats: Zero
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.
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!
Four hundred episodes into this project, we gathered together on April 11, 2025 for a live show to celebrate the occasion. On this edition I revealed a new tour, announced a short spring break (with episodes, never fear!), and did some Ask Me Anythings!
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
Pedalshift 400 Live
Hey check out the video if that’s your bag…
Introduction
•Tim kicks off Episode 400 live with listeners in the chat
•Reflects on 10+ years of podcasting, over 1.3 million downloads
•Expresses gratitude to listeners and the broader bike travel community
Shout-Outs & Tributes
•Listener shout-outs:
•Forrest from Whitehorse on the GAP Trail
•Byron and the Sprocket listener crossover poll (results were a 50/50 split)
•Tribute to The Sprocket Podcast:
•Final episode recently released
•Strong influence on Pedalshift’s creation
•Encourages new listeners to explore the Sprocket back catalog
•Shared values and crossover episodes remembered fondly
Tour Reveal: Circumnavigating Lake Ontario
•Dedicated to Tim’s late father; the lake was important to him
•Starting in Western New York, likely near Tim’s mother’s home
•Full loop around Lake Ontario
•Using the e-bike with a second battery for extended range
•No camping: entirely hotel or Airbnb lodging
•Expected duration: under a week
•Part of 2025 goals: new route, international travel, expanded e-bike touring
Pedalshift Spring Break
•First planned break in podcast history (show remains weekly)
•Begins April 24, 2025
•Through May, rebroadcasting selected past mini-tours:
•Game of Chance Tour
•Cleanup Tour
•Fill in the Blanks Tour
•New content returns in June with:
•Los Angeles Metro Bike Adventure (Episode 401)
•Lake Ontario Tour coverage begins with Episode 402
Ask Me Anything (Live Chat Q&A)
Tour Planning and Equipment
•Uses RideWithGPS, Google Maps, and Street View for route planning
•Recommends overlays like RideWithGPS heatmaps for checking route popularity
•Apple Notes is the go-to tool for organizing transit and fast-forward trips
•Safari and Brompton are the most used bikes for local/urban riding
•Gravel/dirt touring is appealing, especially with proper gear; has done C&O and Erie Canal
•Tour terrain preference: tie between forested and coastal routes
C&O Canal Guidance
•Cumberland to DC is a favorable direction due to logistics and parking
•Recommends Harper’s Ferry to Shepherdstown segment for beginners
Tour Ideas and Alternatives
•Florida ride likely to be retired after repeated versions
•Considering Arizona desert rides, Florida Keys, or San Diego to Phoenix
•Possibility of international touring (Europe later in 2025, Australia someday)
Fun Pop Culture AMA
•Favorite Prince songs to bike to:
•Let’s Go Crazy
•Seven (all-time favorite)
•Raspberry Beret, Purple Rain, 1999 also mentioned
•Brief discussion of cycling music and personal playlist choices
Future Travel Hints
•Canada’s Lake Ontario loop is Tim’s first true international bike tour
•Possibility of a short European ride in late summer 2025
•Dreaming of riding in Australia during shoulder seasons
Closing Remarks
•Gratitude to listeners and live show participants
•Encouragement to get out and ride, share stories, and connect with community
•Next live show planned for later in the year
•Spring break content begins April 24, new episodes resume in June
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.
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!
It’s planning season for spring and summer tours! But if you’re in the US or planning a bike adventure here, there’s some real question marks about our national park system. From budget cuts to layoffs and reinstatements to ever-increasing demand… is this the right year to consider a trip through Yellowstone or Shenandoah?
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
Pedalshift 400 Live
Hold the date… Pedalshift 400 Live will be Friday April 11th at 8pm ET – 5pm PT. Check out Pedlashift on YouTube or pedalshift.net/live for more. Ask Me Anything for sure, the rest is a surprise maybe to me as well?
What’s Happening with US National Parks in 2025?
•Brief overview of the budget situation: potential closures, service reductions, delayed seasonal openings
February firing of a category of federal employees
Buyout offer to some employees
Just recently a court order led to reinstatement of them
Still a huge gap in the staffing needed for the increasing demand
•Types of services at risk: ranger programs, campground availability, road maintenance, shuttle systems, water access
•Examples of parks most likely to be affected – Yosemite, Yellowstone and most of the majors that are on bike routes.
Impacts on Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking
•Common bike routes through or around National Parks (e.g., Skyline Drive, Natchez Trace, Blue Ridge Parkway, Yellowstone Loop, etc.)
•How closures or reduced services complicate trip planning
•Campgrounds unavailable or unmaintained
•Fewer refill spots for water/food
•Riskier road conditions due to lack of maintenance or ranger presence
•Potential increase in car traffic on fewer open roads
•Implications for car-free or low-impact travelers
Tips for Bike Travelers Navigating These Changes
•Research and plan ahead: how to track park-specific updates
•Use apps and websites that reflect real-time closures (NPS.gov, iOverlander, RideWithGPS updates, ACA forums)
•Be prepared for self-sufficiency: water filtration, food storage, backup shelters
•Consider alternative routes: National Forests, state parks, BLM lands
•Join or support advocacy efforts for bike access and funding for parks
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.
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!
We’re often asked what you should get someone into bike touring… but what about a gift for a friend or loved one who is literally in the middle of a bike tour? Inspired by a Reddit thread, but not one of *those* Reddit threads… some fun ideas that would really help make someone’s tour! Originally podcast July 21, 2022.
The Florida adventure is in the rear view mirror but I have so many lessons learned from this trip… and I’ll share a bunch of them with you here on the takeaways edition to close out the trip.
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
Pedalshift 400 Live
Hold the date… Pedalshift 400 Live will be Friday April 11th at 8pm ET – 5pm PT. Check out Pedlashift on YouTube or pedalshift.net/live for more. Ask Me Anything for sure, the rest is a surprise maybe to me as well?
Florida Coast Takeaways
Day 1 (Jacksonville to St. Augustine)
1. A Ferry Ride to Kick Things Off – The journey began with a ferry ride across the St. Johns River, adding a scenic and unique element right from the start. Incorporating ferries into bike tours always makes for an enjoyable experience.
2. Gate Code Saves the Day at Anastasia State Park – The planned shortcut to the campsite led to a locked gate, but having the code allowed access without a detour. Avoiding extra miles at the end of a long day was a major win.
3. Improvised Gear Setup on the Brompton – A key piece of the backpack-mounting system was missing, requiring an improvised fix using a monopod and zip ties. The setup held up well throughout the ride, proving that adaptability is key in bike touring.
Day 2 (St. Augustine to Flagler Beach Area)
4. Bananas Are the Best Electrolyte Solution – Instead of relying on electrolyte pills, which can cause nausea, bananas proved to be an effective way to prevent leg cramps. A simple, natural solution that made a big difference in managing hydration and muscle recovery.
5. A Route Adjustment Shortened the Day, but It Was Still Challenging – The original 57.7-mile plan changed with a 20-mile fast forward, making for a shorter but still demanding day. Even with the adjustment, Florida’s heat, humidity, and terrain required careful pacing and hydration.
Day 3 (Port Orange to Rural Central Florida)
6. Headwinds and Humidity Made for a Tough Solo Ride – With no fast forward on this leg, the ride covered the full planned distance through sticky, muggy conditions. After the challenging conditions of the previous day, endurance and smart pacing were crucial to finishing strong.
7. Road Noise at Campgrounds Was a Constant Issue – Unlike remote wilderness bike tours, the campgrounds on this route were consistently noisy, with traffic sounds carrying late into the night. Sleeping conditions were impacted by a combination of humidity and the urban-adjacent settings.
Day 4 (Final Push to Disney)
8. A Pre-Dawn Start Took Advantage of Cooler Temperatures – The ride began at 6:15 AM, allowing for several miles before the sun and heat became overwhelming. The early start also meant less traffic and a peaceful stretch along the trail.
9. A Fast Forward to Winter Garden Allowed for New Route Exploration – Instead of repeating a previously ridden portion of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, a fast forward brought the ride to Winter Garden, where new routes could be explored. This decision balanced efficiency with the excitement of seeing something different.
10. A Challenging Finish with More Traffic Than Expected – The final approach onto Disney property was busier than usual, making the last miles more hectic than anticipated. Despite the increased traffic, the ride concluded at the planned finish line, maintaining a long-standing tour tradition.
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.
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!
The previous day’s winds having ebbed, it was time to ride a full day again. And with grayer skies and the winds more at my back than my face, day 3 got things back on track. Would last year’s free campsite be as welcoming on this trip?
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
Pedalshift 400 Live
Hold the date… Pedalshift 400 Live will be Friday April 11th at 8pm ET – 5pm PT. Check out Pedlashift on YouTube or pedalshift.net/live for more. Ask Me Anything for sure, the rest is a surprise maybe to me as well?
Florida Coast Part 3
Statistics
Prę dawn cycling sections 1
Miles biked part 1 – 10
Miles biked part 2 – 20.1
Ubers 1
Towns with beach in the name 0
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.
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!
The previous day’s winds having ebbed, it was time to ride a full day again. And with grayer skies and the winds more at my back than my face, day 3 got things back on track. Would last year’s free campsite be as welcoming on this trip?
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
Pedalshift 400 Live
Hold the date… Pedalshift 400 Live will be Friday April 11th at 8pm ET – 5pm PT. Check out Pedlashift on YouTube or pedalshift.net/live for more. Ask Me Anything for sure, the rest is a surprise maybe to me as well?
Florida Coast Part 3
Statistics
Miles biked – 37.8
Ubers 0
Towns with beach in the name 0
Free camps 1
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.
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!
![The Pedalshift Project 400: Celebrating 400 Episodes [Live]](https://pedalshift.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pedalshift-400-celebrating-400-episodes-live.jpeg)
