Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 378: eBike Project – Shakedown Preview.

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eBike Project – Shakedown Preview

The basics

ebike

full charged battery

Two panniers and maybe the sleep kit on the handlebars

No food, no stove

Sleep clothes only (no additional clothing)

Rain gear only if rain ends up being possible

extra tools – chain breaker, master link breaker, more

The route

Road route from cabin to Hancock’s city park, then onto one of the closer campsites on the C&O

Returning the second day to Hancock for any additional charge ups necessary and then up the hills back

Approx 40 total miles, maybe a bit more if I ride further out on the trail

Why so short?

Need to keep things close in case we have something happen that requires a vehicle rescue

May be a short ride but it has a lot of climbing, long flats where speed is helpful, and more

Trying to gauge how much range this bike and battery has on real terrain

Minimal gear and gas station cuisine 

Hancock has plenty of food options close to the city park that has electric

Will bring water purifier for the trail just in case, but likely will have enough water on hand to make things work

Trying to keep the variables to a minimum

Weather

Finally starting to cool down around here!

High projected to be in 70s (24C), lows in the mid 50s (13C)

Rain in the forecast for a couple of days before, but ending that morning so it should be dry but might have wet ground

Down bag, tent, pad… nothing too crazy necessary as we transition into fall

What I’m looking for out of this trip

Ensuring the build is solid and safe – rack, brakes, cables no longer pinched

Testing range on the battery

Getting more experience climbing with the boost

Seeing how “fast” my 3A charger can charge (not a lot)

Getting a feel for a suspension bike

Getting a feel for the tires

Assessing comfort – how long can I be in the saddle?

Assessing need for more add-ons

A chill night on the C&O… haven’t been camping since Oregon this summer!

Pod plans

Single tour journal for the trip (there and back)

Separate takeaways episode to get into assessments, next steps, and potential ideas for 2025

 

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 377: eBike Project – The Build.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

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

eBike Project – The Build

• Hey I got an ebike! Where did I end up? 
• Decided on build over buy – more flexibility
• Decided on new over used – couldn’t find a good used one that wasn’t $$$
• Went with a Bafang middrive motor and a 52v 20Ah frame mounted battery – smaller than Brian’s, but still pretty big. 
• Watched a ton of YouTube videos and bought some tools!
• This took me several weeks because the bike lived at the cabin and I was back and forth a bit as I built it
• This was a journey… and the episode is a little long, but definitely brings you along tour journals style for how it went…

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:54 Choosing the Right Bike for the E-Bike Conversion

05:52 Initial Setup and Component Replacements

10:56 Challenges and Adjustments

18:05 Programming and Configuration

28:45 Battery Insights and Expectations

41:03 Assembly and Troubleshooting

48:11 Rear Brake Discovery

48:27 Chain Installation Challenges

48:30 Nighttime Reflections

49:27 Final Adjustments and Cable Management

50:51 Chain Sizing Tips

51:47 First Ride Impressions

52:32 Handlebar and Screen Setup

52:51 Rear Brake Issues

55:28 Pedal and Crank Problems

58:54 Cable and Sensor Installations

01:01:44 Tire Upgrade

01:04:14 Battery and Range Concerns

01:04:53 Shakedown Ride Plans

01:07:23 Final Preparations

01:16:47 Shakedown Ride Execution

01:25:48 E-Bike Confidence Boost

01:30:36 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 376: Oregon Coast Remix Takeaways.

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

Oregon Coast Remix Takeaways

Don’t Rush Tent Setup: I experienced a rough night at Bastendorf Beach County Campground due to improper tent setup. I had to get out of the tent at 12:30 AM to stake it properly, improving airflow and reducing internal condensation, which kept me awake as large drops of water hit my forehead.

Every Trip Is Unique: James and I reflected on how each of our trips along the Oregon Coast differed. For example, I noted that every time I rode the coast, I used a different bike or setup, which made each journey distinct and memorable.

Critical Importance of Food and Hydration: I discovered that my difficulties during the ride were due to dehydration, which affected my overall well-being. I shifted my focus from electrolytes to drinking more regular water, especially after noticing that my urine color indicated dehydration. Also, snacks like frosted mini-wheats helped manage my energy levels.

Oregon Coast Weather’s Dual Role: The Oregon Coast’s weather was both a blessing and a challenge. For instance, while the cool, cloudy weather made for pleasant riding, the sudden appearance of the sun during our ride to Sunset Bay increased the difficulty, especially on long climbs.

Companionship on the Road: I noted that riding with James added a positive social element to the trip. Despite generally preferring to ride solo, I found it enjoyable to share the experience and have someone to talk to about various topics along the way.

Campground Upgrades: We stayed at a variety of campgrounds, each with different amenities. For instance, we found the new hiker-biker campsite at Jesse M. Honeyman State Park to be an improvement over previous experiences, with brand new facilities, flat tent sites, and a charging station.

The Value of Good Sleep: At Honeyman State Park, despite the riding challenges, I noted how a good night’s sleep helped me recover, emphasizing how crucial rest is for endurance on multi-day tours.

Adaptability to Changing Plans: The trip required constant adaptation, such as when we chose to stay at Bastendorf Beach County Park instead of Sunset Bay. This change was partly due to past negative experiences at Sunset Bay and partly because we discovered Bastendorf had amenities we preferred.

Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Despite the physical and logistical challenges, James and I remained positive, often joking about the difficulties and focusing on the highlights of the trip, such as the beautiful weather and the enjoyable ride through Bandon.

Where Are the Cyclists?: James and I are still pretty puzzled about the lack of cyclist encounters on the entire ride. We talked about some of the theories, but none of them alone explain it. Having the camps to ourselves was great but if there’s lower demand will the amenities go away?

Programming note!

Lael!

Next week we enter a new era in bike adventures… remember that ebike project? Let’s just say things escalated and you get to join me in the process!

Also… we have two more bicycle adventures left this year alone and planning for the winter trip in early 2025 is locked in. Lots more to come!