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 B…

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 bicycl…

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 ci…

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.By Tim Mooney

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 Overview of the e-bike build vs. buy decision. Experiences and research done in Portland, Oregon, highlighting e-bike focused sh…

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 A Brompton can do just about any kind of touring you throw at it…

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 Earl…

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.By Tim Mooney

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 Mo…

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 re…

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 a…

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 excitem…

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.By Tim Mooney

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…

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. N…

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 …

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.By Tim Mooney

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 (kidd…

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 ElfBy Tim Mooney

The annual tradition continues! Did you know that during this special season of giving I often visit the old retired podcasters home to spread some holiday cheer? Why don't you come visit with me? You never know who we might run into! (If you like the conversation, there's an aftershow in your feed too!)…

On this episode of The Pedalshift Project, we explore slow travel and its relevance to your bicycle adventures. We also circle back to our previous discussion on eBikes, reflecting on some listener feedback and exploring the evolving role of eBikes on the future of bicycle travel. E-Biking Adventures Follow-Up A recap and appreciation for the previ…

On this edition, how to fast forward your bike adventures. It’s your ride… make it the best you can by bypassing parts you don’t want, catching up on a schedule or accommodating an extra day in a cool spot! Originally podcast March 23, 2017.By Tim Mooney

On this episode of The Pedalshift Project, we welcome eBike expert Biking Brian to chat about his eBike touring and adventures. We discuss his background in bicycling and touring, his experiences with building eBikes and battery packs, and the future potential of eBike travel. eBike Adventures with Biking Brian Brian's eBike touring experience Bria…

As an aficionado of crossing states by bicycle, there's big ones on my list like NY, CA and OR... and then there's less impressive ones that still absolutely count. Welcome to the Delaware Double Cross! Delaware Double Cross 00:03 Intro 01:05 The Start of the Delaware Double Cross 02:01 Challenges of the Journey 02:49 Exploring the Eastern Shore 07…

My fall 2023 adventure checks the box on one of my goals from the beginning of the year... I love crossing states by bike, and is it my fault that some of them are very, very skinny? Ok, fine I'll cross it TWICE to make it count! Previewing my next ride... the Delaware Double Cross! Delaware Double Cross Preview 2023 goal... cross a new state by bi…

On this episode... why you might choose solo touring compared to group bicycle adventuring (or vice versa!) Solo Riding Freedom and independence Opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth during solo tours. Much easier to plan - no schedule coordinations with other riders Much easier to pace Solo Touring Challenges Safety concerns Lonelin…

On this edition, I open up my bike tour planning process and technique for a tour I’ve been mulling over for years. Originally podcast December 24, 2020.By Tim Mooney

On this edition, we explore the mental challenges that bikepackers and touring cyclists face during their journeys, and some tips on how to handle them. The mental side of bikepacking and bike touring Intro Exploring the mental challenges that bikepackers and touring cyclists face during their journeys. I am not a mental health professional - these…

Look, we all know there’s some inherent risk in bikepacking, bike touring and even bike commuting. Between bad infrastructure and inattentive drivers, we assume some degree of risk every time we’re in the saddle. But as with anything, there are things we can do to make our bicycle adventures safer than by doing nothing. On this episode, some though…

Weeks after the conclusion of my unusually successful adventure combining cycling and transit, what are my big takeaways? On this edition, the benefit of hindsight helps to put the trip into perspective! PDX-SF2x - Takeaways Day 1's takeaway - it's never as bad as you think it is (unless, of course it is) Disappointed in the bike work but it could …

Almost everywhere, the cheapest bet to stay fed on bicycle tour is a town’s grocery store. On this episode, I cover my grocery store strategies on bike tour… from prep to pedaling off with panniers full of treats to chow on later! Originally podcast December 19, 2019.By Tim Mooney

Closing out the final days of the trip, we have another multipart fast forward through some seriously hot towns to get to Samuel P. Taylor campground. After that it’s as much about reflecting on how the ride went as I prepare for crossing the Golden Gate Bridge – still maybe the best finish line in bike travel! How’d the bike do, and will it get ba…

Day 6 concludes, one way or the other… from the base of Leggett Hill with rapidly dwindling sunlight, I have the biggest hill on the route and then the dumbest hill on the route right after. Would the zip tied rack hold? Would the heat get the better of me, or would the cool Pacific air power me through the up and down terrain to Fort Bragg? PDX-SF…

Day 6 was the big one… a never-before-taken bus fast forward that serves as a critical push to the biggest climbs of the Pacific Coast route. Does the bus exist? Will I be in the right spot? And what’s the weird shimmy I’m feeling in the rear rack? PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 1 Quick catchup on the tour plans PDX-SF Every day has some biking and bussing…

Detours and closures are a part of bike touring, but how do you handle it? On this edition, five things to think about on how to handle bike route detours and closures without losing your cool. Originally podcast February 11, 2021.By Tim Mooney

Day 5 features critical bus connections using three transit services to whisk me through gorgeous terrain, delivering me a reasonably short ride through glorious redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants for a stay at my favorite hiker/biker campsite on the planet. The bus systems are designed to connect, but will they do that on a critical day of tr…

A solid night's sleep and the lost phone drama fully behind me, it was time for a short but fun day riding the Seven Devils. But that pesky missing climbing gear... would I be pushing more than riding before testing the bus drama that has been a companion every day of this tour? PDX-SF2x - Day 4 Quick catchup on the tour plans PDX-SF Every day has …

I always say the 3rd day of a tour is when things really click, and this tour was no different. Leaving beautiful Newport for tranquil Yachats promised a great start for a classic third day of riding. But would bus drama hit me for the third day in a row, but with more of a vengeance? PDX-SF2x - Day 3 Quick catchup on the tour plans PDX-SF Every da…

Day 2 begins with a moist tent from the misty influences of the Pacific Ocean just a few hundred meters away. With more cycling than bus riding, plus old hangs like Pacific City and Lincoln City, the day promises an easy scale up to more miles. But what if the critical bus doesn't have a bike rack like it normally does... again? PDX-SF2x - Day 2 Qu…

After weeks of planning, the transit aided, double speed tour from Portland to San Francisco kicks off! A far-too-quick overnight in Portland puts me on the road to a bus and a night at one of the premiere campgrounds on the Oregon coast. But would modifications to my trusted touring bike be a net plus, or a net minus? Also... are we getting early …

A chat with Mary McGowan is the Rebel Without a Car. She’s a Delaware native now in South Carolina who went from a car-free bike commuter to bike tourist and has discovered a ton of adventure along the way. Originally podcast September 24, 2020.By Tim Mooney

The wait is over, it's time to talk about the big 2023 summer bike tour... and it's an established route, but with a brand new twist! Normally, cycling the Oregon and California coasts between Tillamook and San Francisco takes about 16 days. What if we leveraged the fantastic (and sometimes surprising) transit opportunities and made this tour like …

Enough of my tour journals, let's shake it up and bring in special guest star and longtime friend of the show, Pedalshift Society member Brock Dittus in on a tour of not the Oregon coast! Brock travels solo through some of the steepest riding in the state, fueled by fried spicy goodness. Would that be enough to handle the climbs and our old nemesis…

Brock and Adele from The Sprocket Podcast rejoin The Pedalshift Project, already in progress! In part two of our chat, we discuss bicycle tourists and people we meet on tour… some of them we don’t connect with so well, and others warm our little hearts. This is also part of a cross-over with Sprocket Podcast episode 259 and Pedalshift Project 031 w…

In January I set up some fitness and bike touring goals. Six months later, have I completed any of them or am I really behind? Midyear Bike Touring Goals Check-In Health/Fitness Drop the weight HELL YES... not quite at full goal, but mostly there. Weigh in at least every other day all year (unless traveling) and set a back on the wagon number YES! …

Every once in a while it's nice to look back on where it all came from - on this edition, we explore the evolution of bike touring gear from the beginning of the modern era in the 1970s through today's high tech enhancements to bikepacking and more. Plus, a nod to what the future might hold with new materials and tech to make bicycle adventuring mo…

Another C&O bicycle adventure is in the books... but as always, I learn something with every tour. On this edition, the takeaways from the 2023 return to the C&O, plus a peek at what's ahead this summer on The Pedalshift Project! 1 - The C&O Naysayers have less to naysay as the surface improvement expands 2 - Get yourself a water purifier 3 - Sitti…

After a restful night at Huckleberry Hill, it was time to ride back to DC. But a beautiful Sunday on the C&O usually means a crowded trail... would that slow down my ability to get home? See you next episode for takeaways! Statistics Miles biked 64 Gnats consumed 8000 Pennyfarthing encounters 2 Low water crossings crossed 1 Flats 0…

In part one of a two episode Best of Pedalshift extravaganza, Brock and Adele Dittus, formerly of The Sprocket Podcast join The Pedalshift Project! we discuss our epic mistakes — our bicycle touring eff ups, if you will. (Except we use the actual eff-word, so listener beware!) Revisit and dip into the nostalgia with our Friends of the Show from the…

After a nice night at the cabin, the second day looked to be a wet one… with forecasts of dangerous winds whipping the trail. Calling an audible seems to be the plan, but would there be another more mechanical issue that might be an impediment to making the final camp of the trip? Return to the C&O – Day 2 Statistics Miles biked 10 Downed trees avo…