Everyone's universe has shrunk a lot since the beginning of the pandemic, and nowhere has it hit home more for me than bicycle touring. I'm fortunate enough to have one of the country's crown jewel routes right around where I live. The first trip this year looped the eastern third near DC. This time, I roll out into the wilderness of the western third, looking for adventure and solitude. On Day 1, I picked up a freshly repaired bike in Hancock and rolled off. But would the bike behave and more importantly, would my body betray me after just a day on the trail?

News and housekeeping Hey, be sure to make your vote be heard! Ok, that too BUT ALSO for the Episode 207 Bike Touring Draft. Click here to rank your top 4. Aaron Flores seems to be in the lead in early precinct results! We'll tally the votes at the end of June, so make your voice be heard! Pedalshift Tour Journals: Western C&O Loop On Day 1, I picked up a freshly repaired bike in Hancock and rolled off. But would the bike behave and more importantly, would my body betray me after just a day on the trail?   Statistics Miles biked: 40 Grilled cheeses grilled: 2 Gear disasters averted by Dollar General run: 2 Campsites on the wrong side of the trail: 1 Embarrassing screams from debilitating and weird leg cramps: 2 Future bike tours where I don't bring electrolyte pills: zero