The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures

Are you brand new to bicycle touring or like seeing things through the eyes of a first-timer? You’re in luck! On this episode, we revisit the 2018 Pedalshift bicycle touring beginners series, following James from NYC on his journey to his first bicycle tour. Originally podcast February 8, 2018.

Ever wonder why it's harder to cycle up a hill? Or why it's easier to ride on smooth asphalt with skinny tires instead of wide tires on gravel? Turns out, there's an answer: SCIENCE! On this edition, we delve into the (very) basics on what works against us while riding, and how we convert food into motion! The Science of Cycling Programming notes The Physics of Cycling 1. Rolling Resistance 2. Air Resistance (Drag) 3. Energy and Power 4. Gravity and Hills The Biomechanics of Riding 1. Human-Bike Interaction 2. Muscle Work and Efficiency 3. The Role of Gearing

When we talk about mindfulness in bicycle travel, we mean paying close attention to our experiences and feelings while we are biking. Sometimes this is a natural thing to do and doesn't require any added thought, and sometimes it's helpful to be intentional about it because it can often enhance your travel. On this edition, we talk about how bicycling can be a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness and Bicycle Travel 1. Introduction to Mindfulness in Bicycle Travel 2. Mindful Preparation and Planning 3. Experiencing Joy While Riding 4. Mindful Encounters with Nature and Culture 5. Overcoming Challenges with Mindfulness 6. Featured Stories Story 1: The Hill and the HawkStory 2: Raindrops and RevelationsStory 3: The Sunset Cycle

So much of our bike travel is out on the open road, or along some back country trail. But what about the cities? On this edition, we talk about how to make cities and suburban riding a fun and enjoyable part of your next urban bike tour! Urban Bike Touring Planning Your Urban Adventure - route planning in urban areas. - researching bike-friendly cities and regions. - know the area and any rules of paths Choosing the Right Bike and Gear - bike and gear choices for urban touring. - have a flexible setup - Gear recommendations - locks, lights, and bags Navigating Cities and Suburbs - Tips for navigating city streets safely and confidently. - Discuss bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and public transportation integration. - Strategies for dealing with traffic and busy intersections. Finding Accommodations - Roofed vs unroofed -hotels, hostels, rentals, camping. - Plan ahead vs. staying flexible Immerse Yourself - Highlight the unique cultural experiences that urban touring offers. - Suggestions for exploring local cuisine, art, and events. - Best experiences - NYC, Tampa, SF, LA, San Diego Challenges - theft concerns and bike security. - "bad parts of the city" may be real or may be reverse hype - comfort over all else

An interview with Jesse Herbert on his experiences biike touring Canada (and around the world), plus a ton of great ideas, hacks and tips on all things bicycle touring, from lightening your load to braving a chilly night in a hammock. Originally podcast October 11, 2018.

The big project for 2024 is building the ultimate custom e-bike. On this episode we update where I'm at with the project... have I narrowed things down or am I hopelessly lost in the paradox of choice? e-Bike Build Update Nomad Cycles

With the 2024 Florida ride in the rearview mirror, it’s time to assess how it went. I did the ride a bit differently this time… was it the right call? Is there something I definitely want to do next time? And what will I never do again in the Orlando area? Space Coast Loop - Takeaways

The final day of the Space Coast Loop was supposed to be the easiest… a familiar route and a familiar destination, with maybe a quirk at the end. But would my luck avoiding mechanicals finally run out and would making a route change in the middle of the ride end up putting me in the middle of an interstate highway? Space Coast Loop - Part 4 An Early StartRoute ChangeRiding on US 192Assessing Traffic ConditionsA Mechanical IssueDiscovering and Using TrailsEncountering Wildlife and AgricultureNavigating ChallengesReflecting on Planning vs. RealityConcluding at Coronado Springs Resort Statistics Miles biked 34.8 Terrible route change ideas 1 Creams in my iced coffee 2 55+ resorts biked by 3? more? Chain jams 1 Flats 0 Trip Overview

The Ohio to Erie Trail spans 326 miles diagonally across Ohio, linking up Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland and everything in between. On this episode, we chat about the trail and the experience biking across Ohio! Originally podcast March 14, 2019.

Day 3 of the ride was a return to a familiar road route that kicked off this whole riding in Florida thing all the way back in 2019. But after two days of mostly idyllic trail riding, would competing for asphalt with cars and trucks be a rude awakening? And also, what direction are the prevailing winds in Florida again? Space Coast Loop - Part 3 Statistics Trip Overview

Day 2 of the Space Coast Loop, starts with another early morning, and nearly twice the mileage of the previous day. Riding on the Spring to Spring and East Central Regional Rail Trails promised to be great, along all the Spanish moss and unique wildlife central Florida has to offer. But ah those pesky headwinds coming off the coast I’m trying to reach… will my less-than-robust pre-ride conditioning do me in? Space Coast Loop - Part 2 Evening reflections and campsite experiences Statistics Trip Overview

Packing up and getting myself and my trusty Brompton to central Florida is a well-practiced mid-winter routine for me at this point. But this year, we’re mixing it up with a new route and (finally?) some actual camping in the sunshine state. But would the unfamiliar route and lack of decent conditioning through the holidays put the brakes on this adventure before we even start? Space Coast Loop - Part 1 Statistics Trip Overview

The first tour of 2024 is a little bit of an old friend, but with brand new parts. Central Florida in early winter has treated me well, but things need to be shaken up. How about crossing a chunk of the state on a fantastic trail and mixing in some camping for the first time on one of these adventures? On this episode, we preview all of the excitement to come! Space Coast Loop Preview Trip Overview Announcement of returning to Florida for the Space Coast Loop Brief mention of the Brompton setup and intention for a different kind of trip Trip Details The loop trip's basic structure and logistics Emphasis on Central Florida as the chosen location Decision to include camping and the planning involved Discussion about flight logistics and bicycle transportation, focusing on using a Brompton for ease of travel Gear and Preparation Explanation of the gear-hauling strategy using a backpack Mention of potential weather challenges and preparations Details on packing light and meal planning Itinerary and Route Planning Start of the trip from Orlando, moving towards Winter Garden, Florida Exploration of the Florida Coast to Coast Trail Details of each day's ride, including camping locations and daily mileages Inclusion of a roofed lodging stay and the reasons behind it Plans for entering Disney World property and the anticipated challenges Personal Insights and Anticipations Reflection on the uniqueness of this trip compared to past adventures Mention of new bicycling setup and excitement for the camping experience Anticipation for the Florida Coast to Coast trail and potential challenges Wrap-Up and Look Ahead Concluding thoughts on the upcoming trip Plans for future episodes covering the day-to-day experiences of the tour

So it’s your first bike tour and you have no idea where to begin… that’s where the Pedalshift Beginners Series comes in! On this edition, we cover training (especially when you’re off the bike) plus raising funds if your ride has a charitable component! Originally podcast April 12, 2018.

The big project for 2024 is building the ultimate custom ebike. On this episode we go over the three key components to the build, from picking the perfect frame, the right mid-drive motor and a battery that gives range and power. What’s better than a project that blends tech with cycling? Building an eBike The Ebike Build Plan Overview - Intentions and possibilities for the ebike build, including cost considerations and potential delays. Inspiration and Goals for the Custom Ebike - Aim for a custom battery build to cover more ground in less time, inspired by Biking Brian’s rig. Bicycle Selection Criteria - Choosing a durable and compatible frame, with considerations for material (steel vs. aluminum) and geometry. Mid Drive Motor Choice - The importance of selecting an efficient mid-drive motor, focusing on power output and brand reliability. Custom Battery Build Exploration - Options for a custom battery build, prioritizing safety and capacity, and the possibility of a prebuilt battery. Roadmap and Next Steps for the Ebike Project - The complex process and interdependencies among bicycle selection, motor choice, and battery build. Listener Engagement and Feedback - Encouraging listener experiences and advice on ebike builds. Programming Note! - Preview of future episodes, including bike tour previews and training for a first bike tour.

Just like last year, let's set some goals for bike adventures in 2024! Studies show you are more likely to achieve your goals if they are specific and measurable, plus you write them down and share them with others. As a nudge to get you to do the same, I'm sharing my goals for bike adventures in 2024 here on the pod! 2024 Bike Adventure Goals 1. New Experiences in Bike Travel Goal Plan at least three bike trips to destinations never visited before, including local hidden gems and longer journeys. Measurable Aspect Track and document the number of new places visited with photos and a travel journal. 2. Exploring and Enjoying the Trips More Incorporate Unique Activities or Experiences Goal Add at least one unique activity or experience to each trip, like local cuisine tasting, community event participation, or historical site exploration. Measurable Aspect Record and rate each unique experience on a scale of 1-10 for enjoyment. Plan a Low-Mileage, Slow-Paced Tour Goal Conduct a bike tour emphasizing slow travel and low daily mileage, focusing on scenery enjoyment and local culture engagement. Measurable Aspect Implement a daily mileage limit (e.g., no more than 30 miles) to allow for exploration and rest. Engage with Local Communities Goal Interact with local communities during tours, including staying at local guesthouses and dining at family-owned restaurants. Measurable Aspect Document interactions, including names of stays, dining places, and community events. Document the Journey Goal Capture the tour's essence through photography, journaling, or video blogging, focusing on storytelling. Measurable Aspect Create a travel log or digital album of key moments and stories. 3. Building a New Ebike with Long Range Battery Capacity and Range Goal Install a high-capacity battery system for a range of about 120 miles per charge, similar to Biking Brian's setup. Measurable Aspect Choose a battery with around 1500Wh capacity. Motor Efficiency and Power Goal Select a mid-drive motor that balances efficiency and power, suitable for various terrains and distances. Measurable Aspect Opt for a mid-drive motor with 250-750 watts power output. Overall Design for Comfort and Durability Goal Build a bike focusing on comfort and durability, including a comfortable seat, ergonomic handlebars, and a robust frame. Measurable Aspects Frame and Suspension Select a frame that balances weight and strength, with front suspension for terrain comfort. Seating and Handlebars Ensure high-quality, ergonomic seating and adjustable handlebars.

We kick off 2024 with an interview of filmmaker Daniel Troia on his award-winning documentary, We Are All in This Together which tracks a cross-country bicycle journey with the hope of gaining a better understanding of the human connection, relying on the kindness of strangers. Filmmaker Interview - We Are All in This Together - Introduction - The Documentary - Social Issues and Cycling - Route and Experiences - Previous Cycling Adventures - Dumpster Diving and Food Waste - Encounters and Human Connection - Bicycling Mechanics and Gear - Reflections on Social Division in the U.S. - Closing and Additional Information Links and Resources https://www.weareallinthistogethermovie.com Daniel’s YouTube: The Travelin Dude Daniel’s Instagram: @the_travelin_dude

You’ve got our bike, you know where you’re going… the next biggest thing is what to bring and how to pack it! On this edition of the pod, my top five strategies for packing for a bike tour. Originally podcast October 29, 2020.

For the final epsiode of 2023, we take a peek at the future at the intersection of technology and cycling. It seems like artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing everything else, so how could it help with bicycle travel? On this edition we dream up AI-assisted route planning, gear selection and maintenance tips from our robot overlords (kidding!) to help keep your ride smooth. AI in Route Planning for Bike Touring AI-Driven Gear Recommendations Maintenance and AI Assistance SAM as a tool for future episodes of the show

Dude, this is the aftershow if you want more of the Holiday Spectacular conversation with Tim, Brock and Aaron.... listen to this second. - Shifty the Elf