
The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
Podcasts
The Pedalshift Project is a series of conversations, thoughts, and experiments on bicycle adventures. It's the companion show to Pedalshift.net, bringing stories from the road, interviews from fellow bike tourists, plus tips, tricks and ideas on how to tour more. Let's shrink the world by bike.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Podcasts
Description:
The Pedalshift Project is a series of conversations, thoughts, and experiments on bicycle adventures. It's the companion show to Pedalshift.net, bringing stories from the road, interviews from fellow bike tourists, plus tips, tricks and ideas on how to tour more. Let's shrink the world by bike.
Twitter:
@pedalshift
Language:
English
Website:
http://pedalshift.net/
Episodes
Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 1
8/28/2025
Day one of an Oregon coast adventure - what could possibly go wrong? As Mysterious James and I began our journey from Astoria after navigating July 4th rental car details, we encounter (because of course) the first of many issues we’ll encounter on the most mysterious of Oregon Coast adventures ever.
Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 1
Morning, Turned Afternoon Departure
The Ride Begins
Seaside Stop & Food Strategy
The Mechanical Crisis
Professional Intervention
Ian The Damage Assessment
Contingency Planning
Technical Details
Equipment failureDaily mileageTerrainUpcoming challenge Local Insights
Cannon BeachSeasideTourism impactBike infrastructure Lessons Learned
Try DIY firstRental shops can be repair shopsCommunity supportFlexibility is key Tour Philosophy Discussion
Looking Ahead
Immediate goalBackup plansDistance flexibilityRoute options Notable Quotes
Statistics
Miles biked 30
Percentage of crank arms that did not fail 75
Distance in feet from Ian’s Cannon Beach bike rental -slash- shop 475
Cumulative nights spent in Cannon Beach (so far) 1
Flats zero
Duration:00:17:28
Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Preview
8/21/2025
We are so back.... on the Oregon Coast with the Mysterious James for another round of two-wheeled mayhem. Ten days, 360 miles, zero expectations, and maximum potential for randomness. The Safari's ready, MJ is in, and we're about to find out if bike touring is really dying or just hiding. Spoiler alert: it's gonna be a wild ride.
Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Preview
Route Preview
•Start: Astoria, OR (mile marker 0 or 360, depending on your perspective)
•End: Crescent City, CA (for Tim); James continues on to the Bay Area
•Duration: 10 days with a flexible buffer day
•Notable overnight stops (planned or likely):
•Nehalem Bay State Park (newly renovated!)
•Pacific City (Webb Campground… maybe)
•South Beach State Park (for access to Newport breweries)
•Honeyman State Park (newer, flatter hiker/biker site)
•Humbug Mountain State Park
•Harris Beach State Park
•Potential zero day or break-up of the tough Humbug → Harris Beach stretch
•No planned fast-forwards, unless absolutely necessary.
Camping and Lodging Notes
•Prioritizing Oregon’s legendary hiker/biker campgrounds.
•Watching for options to split up tougher days if needed.
•No hotels booked mid-ride… but maybe one after.
Health & COVID Precautions
•Recent exposure to COVID before departure.
•Testing negative but traveling with:
•N95 masks
•At-home test kits
•A solid commitment to not being “that guy” on the coast
Gear and Bike Setup
•Bike: The classic Safari (not the e-bike — those batteries don’t fly)
•Derailleur hanger fixed after some Oregon baggage trauma last year
•Bags and Packing:
•Rear panniers only (probably no front rack)
•Dry bag strapped to handlebars
•Possibly a rack-top bag or extra dry bag for groceries
•Tent & Sleep Kit: Same trusty gear as usual
•Clothing:
•Two sun hoodies, maybe a few tees
•Minimal civilian clothes
•One pair of riding pants, maybe a second pair
•Hat, gloves (maybe), sleep clothes
•Kitchen:
•Might skip the stove — James likely bringing one
•Planning to mooch hot water as needed
•Hydration & Nutrition:
•Bringing water cube + personal bottle
•Salt/electrolyte tablets recommended by a listener
•Stroopwafels as ride fuel (solid choice)
Weather Forecast
•Classic Oregon coast summer: mid-60s highs, mid-50s lows, mostly dry
•Tailwinds expected
•Perfect conditions for coastal touring
The State of Touring
•Fewer cyclists seen in recent years — why?
•Aging of the boomer “bikecentennial” generation
•More folks opting for trail or gravel rides
•General safety concerns on roadways
•ACA is selling its HQ in Missoula and going fully remote — a sign of shifting tides?
•This ride may be another data point in the evolution of bike touring
What to Expect
•Conversations and stories with James
•Challenges, route decisions, campground reviews, and food stops
•A mix of reflective commentary and classic on-the-road storytelling
Coming Up…
•Next episode kicks off the Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 tour proper
•Get ready for on-the-ground updates, audio postcards, and the real-time unfolding of the adventure
Duration:00:28:14
Best of Pedalshift 321: East Coast Greenway
8/14/2025
Despite living on the east coast, we spend a whole heck of a lot of attention on bicycle adventures on the west coast, right? Well, it’s time we changed that! On this episode, we chat with Regina Yan about the East Coast Greenway, her epic trip and how she and the East Coast Greenway Alliance is making this route a contender for all of our future cycling adventures! Originally podcast April 28, 2023.
Duration:00:31:00
Lake Ontario 2025 Takeaways
8/7/2025
Six days, two countries, multiple ferries, and one very stubborn e-bike brake magnet later, the Lake Ontario circumnavigation attempt has wrapped up in ways both expected and completely unforeseen. What started as an ambitious 540-mile loop around one of the Great Lakes became a masterclass in adventure adaptation, international border logistics, and the reality of shoulder season touring. On this episode, takeaways from a trip that delivered lessons extending far beyond the original route plan.
Lake Ontario 2025 Takeaways
1. Plan for Ferry Contingencies Ferry schedules can be unreliable, especially early or late in the season. The US-Canada ferry that was supposed to be running for Memorial Day weekend simply wasn't operational, despite being a critical piece of the route. Always have backup plans for ferry-dependent routes and call ahead rather than assuming seasonal schedules are accurate.
2. E-bike Mechanical Knowledge is Essential This adventure nearly ended before it began due to a simple brake magnet issue that couldn't be initially diagnosed. If you're planning to tour with an e-bike, invest time in learning the electrical components and common failure points. Carry backup magnets, electrical tape, and basic electrical tools.
3. Weight Distribution Matters More on E-bikes The combination of heavy batteries, chargers, and touring gear created concerns about spoke and wheel integrity on a bike not designed for that load. Consider front panniers or other weight distribution solutions when carrying substantial battery backup systems for longer tours.
4. International Border Crossings Require Flexibility International bike touring adds layers of complexity that can derail plans. Without vehicle backup, a cyclist would have been stranded when the expected ferry crossing wasn't running. Research multiple crossing points and have contingency transportation options for international routes.
5. E-bikes Excel at "Twice the Speed, Half the Effort" Consistently maintaining 20+ mph with moderate effort effectively doubles your range compared to acoustic cycling. This opens up longer day rides and different touring philosophies - you can cover more ground in less time or take more time to explore without distance pressure.
6. Shoulder Season Has Trade-offs Riding in late May meant fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, but also meant many seasonal services weren't yet operational. Consider what matters more for your trip: solitude and cooler weather, or full service availability and guaranteed open businesses.
7. Battery Management is Both Psychological and Practical Having two batteries completely eliminated range anxiety and changed the entire riding approach. The faster-charging newer battery became primary, with the backup providing peace of mind. Invest in quality charging equipment and understand your system's charging capabilities and timing.
8. Vehicle-Supported Adventures Have Merit While purists might prefer self-supported touring, hybrid approaches can still deliver meaningful bike experiences while providing important safety nets. Sometimes adapting your adventure style is better than canceling entirely when plans go sideways.
9. Memorial or Meaningful Rides Can Evolve Despite not completing the original circumnavigation plan, the spiritual goal of honoring family through cycling around meaningful places was still achieved. The intention and connection to place often matters more than perfect execution of your original route.
10. Equipment Confidence Takes Time and Experience The relationship with the e-bike evolved from skeptical to confident over the course of the trip. Don't expect immediate comfort with new bike setups - allow for a learning curve and consider adventures like this as extended shakedown rides for future longer tours.
Bonus Insight: Toronto Island proved to be an unexpected highlight, demonstrating that some of the best bike touring moments come from unplanned discoveries when you maintain...
Duration:00:23:57
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 7
7/31/2025
What was supposed to be a triumphant border crossing and final push from Niagara Falls back to the starting point became something entirely different when family health concerns required an immediate pivot. But sometimes the best laid plans need to be set aside for what actually matters, and day six became about completing the ride in the way it was always meant to end - with a proper beginning and a proper finish, both by bike, both connected to the places and people that made this whole adventure meaningful in the first place.
Lake Ontario 2025: Part 7
Statistics
Miles biked: 10.2
Number of times the difference between towns and villages in New York was explained: 1 (and hopefully that's enough)
Conversations with Good Samaritans about unconscious people on bike paths: 1
Root intrusions that could be classified as kidney shakers: 4
Battery anxiety level on a scale of 1-10: 0
Municipalities referenced 4
Flats: 0
Duration:00:44:12
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 6
7/24/2025
Transitioning from from the peaceful Toronto Island back into the urban sprawl of southern Ontario is a bit of a record scratch I’ll more thoroughly experience when I eventually ride this ride, but a fast forward to a stunning Niagara Falls hotel leads to an extensive e-bike exploration of the Niagara River and Falls area. But plans always have a way of changing and this day was no different.
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 6
Toronto Island Farewell
Hotel with a View
Vehicle Talk
Navigation Adventures
Hydroelectric Discovery
Falls Experience
Family Matters
Looking Ahead
Statistics
Miles biked 6
Number of Superman II references 3
Outrageous parking cost at the hotel 45 CAD
Length in seconds of the full color cycle of the falls lighting at night 69 (nice)
iPod dockable clock radios in the hotel that are so vintage as to be worth way more than the hotel probably thinks 1
Flats 0
Duration:00:53:03
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 5
7/17/2025
Toronto! The biggest city in Canada beckoned with its record shops, high energy and criminally underrated cycling on the islands off shore. With a basketball arena parking spot and my kind of weather, TO was ready to welcome me with open arms…
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 5
🚗 Parking + Arrival in Toronto
•Parking garage setup with EV charging — 24 hours for 24 CAD, prime downtown location.
•Thoughts on Cybertrucks (spoiler: not a fan).
•Quick record shop detour before rolling out.
🚲 Urban E-bike Sprint to the Ferry
•Navigating Toronto traffic to make the ferry in time.
•First glimpses of the Harborfront Trail and ferry terminal success.
ðŸ›³ï¸ Ferry to the Islands
•On board the William Lingus (insert SNL reference).
•Observations on Toronto Island’s regulars and off-season calm.
ðŸï¸ Exploring Toronto Island by E-bike
•Discovering the island’s unique layout — car-lite, license-limited.
•Big marina views and rear-view cityscapes.
•Moody, Oregon Coast-like weather setting the tone.
☕ Cafés, Birds & Black Squirrels
•Coffee shop scouting and parking time calculations.
•Noticing Toronto Island’s charm: cardinals, fire stations, and disc golf.
📸 CN Tower Skyline Shot of the Day
•Photo stop at a postcard-perfect harbor: ducks, loons, and urban backdrop.
•Tangent on the CN Tower’s claim to fame and photographic techniques.
ðŸŒ§ï¸ Light Rain, Green Spaces, and Island Vibes
•Embracing the drizzle in classic bike touring style.
•Pedal-assist set low to savor the scenery and solitude.
•Disc golf, beaches, and lots of benches — the quiet off-season character.
🎡 Amusement Park Detour
•Riding through a closed kiddie amusement park and petting zoo.
•Peacock spotting and the return of Muppet-inspired names (Kermit Fog, anyone?).
•Funnel cake cravings and childhood park nostalgia.
🕠Center Island + Beer Dreams
•Discovery of the Toronto Island BBQ and Beer Co.
•Harbor views and light snack planning before continuing the ride.
âœˆï¸ Quest for the Airport
•Meandering west toward Hanlan’s Point and the Billy Bishop City Airport.
•Geeking out over planes, windsocks, and off-limits fencing.
•A side of Toronto most tourists never see.
ðŸ³ï¸ðŸŒˆ Historic Discovery: Canada’s Oldest Queer Space
•Hanlan’s Point signage reveals a legacy of LGBTQ+ community since 1971.
•Reflections on inclusivity, history, and the spirit of the island.
ðŸ—ºï¸ Full Island Traverse & Wrap-up
•Realization that the “Toronto Islands” are really one big, bikeable park.
•Rain resumes just in time for the ride back.
•Cozy Airbnb vibes: lilac trees, woodland cottages, and coffee-fueled reflection.
🚨 Day 4 Reflections
•Just 10 miles ridden, but packed with discovery and beauty.
•Looking ahead to Niagara Falls and planning the next cycling routes.
Statistics
Miles biked 10
Closed amusement parks featuring obvious IP theft 1
High temperature in Celsius 12
Records purchased 1
Poutineries visited 1 (a solid 8 stars)
Flats 0
Duration:00:47:54
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 4
7/10/2025
This portion of the trip was always going to be a question mark - what kind of biking will there be? Will it be fun? Will I be looking too much ahead to more obviously notable places like Toronto and Niagara Falls? Wolfe Island once again answers the call!
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 4
🚲 Ride Overview
•Starting the day from Wolf Island, Ontario
•A late start, but with a scenic route west to Sandy Point
•Focus on a relaxed e-bike ride due to a tight ferry schedule
🌞 Weather & Ride Conditions
•Sunny and pleasantly warm, a bit hotter than ideal
•Wind off the lake keeping things cooler
•Reflections on how the late May weather still feels like early spring in Ontario
ðŸ› ï¸ Gear & Tech Check
•E-bike powered up and performing well
•Toolkit left behind—risky move noted
•Ongoing commentary on wide tires, limestone trails, and pedal assist levels
•Big win: no brake issues from frequent wheel removal
📠Destinations & Detours
•Attempt to visit Big Sandy Bay—blocked by entry fee and bike restrictions
•Scenic return loop around the island
•Stop in Bath, Ontario for a legendary lakeside poutine at Fry 33
🧠Navigation Notes
•Avoiding Highway 401 in favor of more bike-friendly, scenic backroads
•Provincial Route 33 (aka Loyalist Parkway) praised for good shoulders and low traffic
•Transition from island terrain to mainland cottage country
ðŸ›³ï¸ Ferry Fun
•Quick ferry crossings as part of the day’s travel
•Love letter to ferries: bike, vehicle, passenger—doesn’t matter, all good
•Plans to use ferries again in future trips (Seattle foreshadowing)
ðŸ Accommodations
•Overnight stay in Colborne, Ontario
•Modest Airbnb geared toward truckers, with diner and Tim Hortons nearby
🧠Reflections & Takeaways
•E-bike confidence fully restored (it was just a magnet issue!)
•Ride offered a mix of natural beauty, tech success, and route experimentation
•Anticipation builds for upcoming Toronto exploration at the “speed of bike”
Statistics
Miles biked 15
Poutine stops 1
Number of stars for the poutine stop 44
Ferries ferried 2
Flats 0
Duration:00:29:58
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 3
7/3/2025
So the ebike is a brick in the back of my Rav4, but it still works like a normal bike, so let’s keep going! But a sudden realization may provide the solution to unlock all the battery goodness, just as another stunning discovery makes me realize, this trip’s Plan B was all meant to be.
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 3
Hotel pack-up & quick diagnosis
Route planning & launch
Lake-side stops
Drive to Canada
Kingston → Wolf Island ferry
Marysville check-in
Evening e-bike shake-down
Wrap-up reflections
Statistics
Miles biked 15
Closed ferry terminals visited 2
Open ferry terminals visited 2
Missed ferries 1
Denomination of Canadian currency that may or may not smell like maple syrup unless the bartender was trolling me 50
Flats 0
Duration:00:57:04
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 2
6/26/2025
Episode 404? Isn’t 404 a website error? Well part 2 of the Lake Ontario adventure corrects for the very serious 404 we had with the ebike. Still a mystery, but we’re recovering and adventuring by bike in amazing towns like Sodus Point and Oswego, exploring apple orchard memories and historic nuclear power plants in between.
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 2
Abandoning the E-Bike Dream (For Now)
The electric bike project is benched due to reliability issues
Reflections on bike trust, touring logistics, and rethinking the approach
New trip plan: use the RAV4 Prime to support bike day rides
Pre-Booked Lodging Dilemma
All lodging was pre-booked and non-refundable
How that shifted priorities to maximize the trip by driving to each spot
The “acoustic” bike becomes the tour hero
Day One Route & Destination
Base: North of Webster, NY
Original plan scrapped; new mission: mini bike adventures in each locale
Exploring route options en route to Oswego, NY
Riding Past a Nuclear Legacy
Passing the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant on Lake Road
A personal memory and historical reflection on the 1982 radioactive steam release
Commentary on U.S. nuclear energy anxiety vs. European acceptance
Beechwood State Park to Sodus Point Ride
Decides to ride directly from Sodus Point due to better parking and facilities
Observations of the ride: comfortable unloaded, with scenic lake views
Reflections on Sodus Point, tiki bars, and surprisingly modern homes
A Sentimental Apple Orchard Memory
Flashback to camping with dad in a lakeside orchard
Emotional moment recalling powdered milk, childhood camping trips, and family history
Reflection on development replacing orchards with McMansions
Lunch, Tiki Bars, and Town Vibes
Tiki bar surprise: Jack’s Good Time Tavern!
Bike parking logistics and electric vehicle charging frustrations
Exploring local businesses
Bonus Ride to Sodus Point Beach Park
Beautiful weather, sandy beach, and kite-filled skies
Soaking in the views with the acoustic bike and good mic in tow
Ferry Fiasco Averted
Critical discovery: the expected ferry from Oswego isn’t operating
Realization: the whole trip could’ve collapsed if not for the car-based pivot
Learning: Always confirm ferry schedules
Oswego River + Downtown Bike Loop
Late-day ride along Oswego’s waterfront and Cahill Pier
Thoughts on Oswego’s economic history, SUNY Oswego, and bike-friendly waterfront
Scenic photo ops with a sailboat and lighthouse
Infrastructure Observations
Comments on visible power plants, nuclear and traditional
Reflections on energy production, environment, and how the infrastructure shapes the town
Memory-Making in Motion
How a disappointing start turned into a meaningful, flexible, and scenic experience
New appreciation for blending car support with bike touring
Looking ahead: next stop, Canada – via car, not ferry
Statistics
Miles biked 10
Nuclear power plants 2
Tiki bars in Sodus Point 2
Kite flying festivals attended 1
Misidentified rivers 1
Flats 0
Duration:00:45:23
Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 1
6/19/2025
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?
Lake Ontario 2025: Part 1
Statistics
Miles Biked 0
Borked ebikes 1
Flats 0
Duration:00:38:40
402: Lake Ontario 2025 Preview
6/12/2025
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.
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
Duration:00:32:52
401: LA Metrobike Adventure
6/5/2025
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.
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
Duration:00:26:19
Spring Break: Filling in the Blanks Part 2
5/29/2025
Part 2 of 2. My three day weekend tour was about to be washed out by the remnants of yet another hurricane rolling through the area. And since the C&O isn’t exactly the best trail in a soaker, it was a good idea to reverse course and head back to my cabin. But would the tropical gusher wipe me out or would my “special” river crossing be impossible to traverse?
Duration:00:37:06
Spring Break: Filling in the Blanks Part 1
5/22/2025
They say you only live once and some people shorten that up to YOLO, turn that into a verb and make questionable decisions. Sometimes that’s a pathway to adventure. And sometimes, it’s a convenient excuse to do things you aren’t supposed to. On my first day to complete a full ride of the C&O in 2020, I YOLO’d more than I typically YOLO.
Duration:00:38:54
Spring Break: Clean-Up Tour Part 2
5/15/2025
I'd ridden an ok amount that year, but to be honest, as the year was winding down I realized there were two spots I always hit that I haven't been to yet. So I needed to play a little clean up and get wheels down on those two gems! In part 2, I revisit one of my favorite campsites… maybe one of my single favorite places I can get to from home, by bike!
Duration:00:30:44
Spring Break: Clean-Up Tour Part 1
5/8/2025
I'd ridden an ok amount that year, but to be honest, as the year was winding down I realized there were two spots I always hit that I haven't been to yet. So I needed to play a little clean up and get wheels down on those two gems! In part 1, I tackle the big hill on the Cumberland side of the Great Allegheny Passage!
Duration:00:50:27
Spring Break: A Game of Chance - Part 2
5/1/2025
As I said last time… sometimes bad ideas go good, and good ideas go bad. And then there’s the latest bonkers idea of a tour I had… a game of chance. In the final installment, we learn preparation can sometimes be the key to a good tour, or it can mean you carry a lot in your panniers more for show. Originally podcast October 28, 2021.
Duration:00:25:22
Spring Break: A Game of Chance - Part 1
4/24/2025
Sometimes bad ideas go good, and good ideas go bad. And then there’s the bonkers idea of a tour I had… a game of chance. In the first of two parts, let’s see how random selection of route, direction and more makes for a tour. Where are we going – chance decides! Originally podcast October 21, 2011.
Duration:00:28:48
400: Celebrating 400 Episodes [Live]
4/17/2025
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!
Pedalshift 400 Live
Hey check out the video if that's your bag...
https://www.youtube.com/live/EJfDdaQDgeE?si=NruP9cvgb0mgY8ip
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
•Airline logistics (especially Southwest policy changes) influence decision-making
•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
Duration:00:51:57