Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the States (sorry, a bit late for you Canada!). On this episode of the Pedalshift Project, let's go for a ride! I recorded this week's pod in the saddle while I rode a portion of the C&O Canal Towpath, including some stories, some gear talk and more. Take a break from the holiday weekend and join me for a Thanksgiving ride on the trail!

Hey it's the direct download link: The Pedalshift Project 063: A Thanksgiving ride on the C&O (mp3)

Reach out to the show via email, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube 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 [email protected] or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109.

The Journal: a Thanksgiving ride on the C&O Chilly 35F wake up temps Banks of the Potomac Fall on the C&O
Sled dogs pulling a fatbike Ride to see the cows Ride to see the pigs
Gear Talk Let’s talk tools Tim.  In episode 22 of The Pedalshift Project you speak with author Peter Rice; and by extension, Jerry the Dirtbag Bike Mechanic.  Peter makes a valid point when he says that we willingly climb into our cars and take them across the desert without fear or concern of them breaking down.  And by extension, without any knowledge of how to fix them if they did breakdown.   So why oh why does every touring gear list include the tool set-up of a basic bike shop?  In 40+ years of riding bikes I’ve never popped a spoke.  Never had reason to remove a sprocket.  Never re-packed a bottom bracket.  Never had a chain break.  Never had to replace my own brake/shifter cable on the road.   No day rider, even long distance day riders, go out with these concerns.  And even if I did break a spoke, I’m not certain I would know how to fix it properly anyway.  And most certainly not in a timely manner.   Tubes, tire levers, patch kit, pump, hex wrenches to tighten bolts and adjust parts.  I get all that.  But when you think back on your years of bike riding and touring, what is the actual and practical tool kit that you think the average ACA route bike tourist realistically needs? Pedalshift Society

A big thank you to all of the monthly supporters of the show! If you like what you hear, you can help me keep the show listener-supported while expanding the offerings. A buck, two bucks or even 5 helps with the costs of hosting the podcast and the website, and you can do it for a bit and cancel anytime. One-shot support is welcome too… annual or “choose your own adventure”  if you’re not into the small monthly thing. Check it out and join at pedalshift.net/society. And society members please go to pedalshift.net/stickers and let me know where to send some Pedalshift stickers to you! On to the Society!

• Ethan Georgi
• Matt Buker
• Kimberly Wilson
• Caleb Jenkinson
• Cameron Lien
• Andrew MacGregor
• Michael Hart
• Johnny K
• Josiah Matthews
• Keith Nagel
• Brock Dittus
• David Kolb
• Michael Riscica
• Seth Krieger
• Marco Lo
• Terrance Manson
• Noah Schroer
• Harry Telgadas
• John Sikorski
• Richard Killian
• Chris Barron
• Scott Taylor
• Brian Hren

Thank you for supporting the show!

Music

The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album which celebrated its TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY this week. Congrats Jason! Check out his band Sunfields' album, Habitat, wherever cool music resides.  I heard Jason's new album in January and it is AWESOME. More info when that drops!