Month: October 2025

Best of Pedalshift 295: Making Your Tent Stealthier

Stealth camping is a great skill to develop and a fantastic option to have for emergencies or maybe even your main overnight plan on a bike tour. But what if your tent is so bright it can be seen from miles away? On this episode, we talk about what worked for my last tent and what I’m trying on my newer one. Originally podcast September 8, 2022.

The post Best of Pedalshift 295: Making Your Tent Stealthier appeared first on Pedalshift.

The Pedalshift Project 418: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Takeaways

The Mysterious Oregon Coast adventure is in the rearview mirror, but we always like to peek back before moving on. On this edition we marvel at the fun we had on a fairly cursed tour of some of our favorite parts of the Pacific coast!


The Pedalshift Project 418: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Takeaways

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 418: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Takeaways.

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

Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Takeaways

  • Bike prep is key — but stuff still breaks. Even a tiny crank arm pin can end a day. Know shops and backup transport.
  • Have Plans A–F ready. Flexibility and quick pivots kept the ride alive when mechanicals hit.
  • Buses & rideshares save tours. Coastal transit and surprise Ubers kept us moving.
  • Greatest hits still feel fresh. Cape Lookout, South Beach, Newport — new vibes, upgrades, and slower pacing.
  • Weather’s shifting. Got one classic foggy Yachats day, but most were sunnier/warmer — pack for both.
  • Shorter mileage = more joy. 30–40 mi days let us linger in towns and stay energized.
  • Hydrate & fuel early/often. Morning “camel up,” steady snacks, and Red Bulls beat last year’s bonk.
  • Hotel nights reset morale. Lincoln City, Yachats, Florence stays turned stress into mini-vacations.
  • Logistics flexibility saves cash. Mid-trip flight/car/hotel changes avoided big losses.
  • Ditch the perfect plan. Embracing detours and improvisation brought back the adventure and fun

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 post The Pedalshift Project 418: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Takeaways appeared first on Pedalshift.

The Pedalshift Project 417: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 6

A leisurely morning at South Beach State Park sets the stage for what should be the triumphant finale, but James’s bike has one last surprise in store. Sometimes a cursed bike adventure is the best kind. But with tire splits threatening the final miles and Eugene’s punishing heat waiting ahead, will we actually make it to the finish line or become stranded out on the coast?


The Pedalshift Project 417: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 6

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 417: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 6.

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

Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 6

Key Highlights

  • South Beach State Park downgrade – Charging lockers removed, replaced with non-charging metal versions
  • Classic Oregon coast weather returns – Fog, cool temperatures, and the riding conditions that originally attracted them
  • Yachats exploration – First real visit to Tim’s long-desired coast town (population: 800)
  • Cape Perpetua finale – Tackling one of the coast’s most challenging and scenic climbs
  • Tire crisis intensifies – James’s rear tire split worsens but limps to the finish
  • Eugene revelation – $5 bus ride opens new coast access possibilities

Route Details

Day 1: South Beach to Yachats

  • Short, rolling ride through Waldport and Seal Rock
  • Classic foggy conditions with seagull air-surfing entertainment
  • Hotel night in Yachats for town exploration

Day 2: Yachats to Florence

  • 25-mile challenge over Cape Perpetua
  • Multiple climbs through “the windiest part of the Oregon coast”
  • Cape Creek Tunnel navigation
  • Final descent to Florence via Sea Lion Caves

Yachats Assessment

  • Population: 800 residents
  • Vibe: Full spectrum from blue collar to “bougie-est of bougie”
  • Tim’s verdict: “Punches above its weight” for a small coastal town
  • Accommodation: Ocean view hotel with perfect fog viewing

Mechanical Drama Final Act

  • James’s tubeless tire split progressively worsens
  • Tube begins protruding through tire damage
  • Bike shop in Florence (Bicycles 101) permanently closed
  • Tire successfully limps final 52 miles to completion
  • Post-ride tire replacement arranged in Eugene

Transportation Victory

  • Florence to Eugene bus: Only $5 (compared to $17-20 Portland routes)
  • Bus rack accommodates James’s 29+ tire width with minor deflation
  • Direct connection to Eugene’s Amtrak station and airport
  • Opens new coast access strategies for future tours

Cultural Observations

  • South Beach platforms: Composite decking mystery continues
  • Book club continuation: Tim’s author criticism ongoing
  • Charging infrastructure: State park downgrades noted
  • Coast tourism patterns: More cyclists spotted this year vs. last

Food & Fuel Strategy

  • Yachats: Fresh fish and chips (James’s rare fish consumption)
  • Cape Perpetua prep: High-calorie loading for big climbs
  • Florence finale: Safeway provisions for final night
  • Eugene heat preparation: Dramamine procurement

Eugene Transition

  • 89-90°F heat shock after cool coast weather
  • Travel Lodge fan so impressive Tim orders same model for cabin
  • Cold Fire Brewing pit stop with brisket and low-alcohol beers
  • Hotel early check-in for heat recovery

Statistics

  • Miles Biked Day 1: 25 
  • Miles Biked Day 2: 25 
  • Total tour mileage: ~52% of original plan
  • Florence to Eugene bus cost: $5 
  • Eugene temperature: 90°F 
  • 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! 

The post The Pedalshift Project 417: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 6 appeared first on Pedalshift.