Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 385: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 4.

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

Reach out to the show via email, 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

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

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

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

Reach out to the show via email, 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

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 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

 

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

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

Reach out to the show via email, 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

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 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