The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures

Originally recorded live from Hedgesville, WV, this episode of the Pedalshift Project includes the (semi-doomed) 2018 fall tour reveal and gear tips for your fall bicycle touring. Plus banter with you… because it was live! Originally podcast September 27, 2018.

On this edition, we preview a short but momentous little overnight adventure on my brand new ebike… we’ll discuss goals and strategies, plus recharge options and… hey, we’re getting back on the C&O again!

ebike

full charged battery

Two panniers and maybe the sleep kit on the handlebars

No food, no stove

Sleep clothes only (no additional clothing)

Rain gear only if rain ends up being possible

extra tools - chain breaker, master link breaker, more

Road route from cabin to Hancock’s city park, then onto one of the closer campsites on the C&O

Returning the second day to Hancock for any additional charge ups necessary and then up the hills back

Approx 40 total miles, maybe a bit more if I ride further out on the trail

Need to keep things close in case we have something happen that requires a vehicle rescue

May be a short ride but it has a lot of climbing, long flats where speed is helpful, and more

Trying to gauge how much range this bike and battery has on real terrain

Minimal gear and gas station cuisine

Hancock has plenty of food options close to the city park that has electric

Will bring water purifier for the trail just in case, but likely will have enough water on hand to make things work

Trying to keep the variables to a minimum

Finally starting to cool down around here!

High projected to be in 70s (24C), lows in the mid 50s (13C)

Rain in the forecast for a couple of days before, but ending that morning so it should be dry but might have wet ground

Down bag, tent, pad… nothing too crazy necessary as we transition into fall

Ensuring the build is solid and safe - rack, brakes, cables no longer pinched

Testing range on the battery

Getting more experience climbing with the boost

Seeing how "fast" my 3A charger can charge (not a lot)

Getting a feel for a suspension bike

Getting a feel for the tires

Assessing comfort - how long can I be in the saddle?

Assessing need for more add-ons

A chill night on the C&O… haven’t been camping since Oregon this summer!

Single tour journal for the trip (there and back)

Separate takeaways episode to get into assessments, next steps, and potential ideas for 2025

In this episode, follow an in-depth, step-by-step journey of transforming a surprisingly decent Ozark Trail mountain bike into the first Pedalshift e-bike (n=3 or 4 if you’re counting). This mega-pod takes you from the initial setup to final tweaks, including component replacements, brake and pedal adjustments, and install of a mid drive motor. I’m hardly a bike mechanic, so will things to go sideways at least once like my typical bike adventures?

• Hey I got an ebike! Where did I end up?
• Decided on build over buy - more flexibility
• Decided on new over used - couldn’t find a good used one that wasn’t $$$
• Went with a Bafang middrive motor and a 52v 20Ah frame mounted battery - smaller than Brian’s, but still pretty big.
• Watched a ton of YouTube videos and bought some tools!
• This took me several weeks because the bike lived at the cabin and I was back and forth a bit as I built it
• This was a journey… and the episode is a little long, but definitely brings you along tour journals style for how it went…

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:54 Choosing the Right Bike for the E-Bike Conversion

05:52 Initial Setup and Component Replacements

10:56 Challenges and Adjustments

18:05 Programming and Configuration

28:45 Battery Insights and Expectations

41:03 Assembly and Troubleshooting

48:11 Rear Brake Discovery

48:27 Chain Installation Challenges

48:30 Nighttime Reflections

49:27 Final Adjustments and Cable Management

50:51 Chain Sizing Tips

51:47 First Ride Impressions

52:32 Handlebar and Screen Setup

52:51 Rear Brake Issues

55:28 Pedal and Crank Problems

58:54 Cable and Sensor Installations

01:01:44 Tire Upgrade

01:04:14 Battery and Range Concerns

01:04:53 Shakedown Ride Plans

01:07:23 Final Preparations

01:16:47 Shakedown Ride Execution

01:25:48 E-Bike Confidence Boost

01:30:36 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

The remix is in the rear view mirror, but as always I like to look back and discuss takeaways from every trip. On this edition, ten takeaways from the Oregon Coast Remix, celebrating ten years of the pod!

Don’t Rush Tent Setup: I experienced a rough night at Bastendorf Beach County Campground due to improper tent setup. I had to get out of the tent at 12:30 AM to stake it properly, improving airflow and reducing internal condensation, which kept me awake as large drops of water hit my forehead.

Every Trip Is Unique: James and I reflected on how each of our trips along the Oregon Coast differed. For example, I noted that every time I rode the coast, I used a different bike or setup, which made each journey distinct and memorable.

Critical Importance of Food and Hydration: I discovered that my difficulties during the ride were due to dehydration, which affected my overall well-being. I shifted my focus from electrolytes to drinking more regular water, especially after noticing that my urine color indicated dehydration. Also, snacks like frosted mini-wheats helped manage my energy levels.

Oregon Coast Weather’s Dual Role: The Oregon Coast’s weather was both a blessing and a challenge. For instance, while the cool, cloudy weather made for pleasant riding, the sudden appearance of the sun during our ride to Sunset Bay increased the difficulty, especially on long climbs.

Companionship on the Road: I noted that riding with James added a positive social element to the trip. Despite generally preferring to ride solo, I found it enjoyable to share the experience and have someone to talk to about various topics along the way.

Campground Upgrades: We stayed at a variety of campgrounds, each with different amenities. For instance, we found the new hiker-biker campsite at Jesse M. Honeyman State Park to be an improvement over previous experiences, with brand new facilities, flat tent sites, and a charging station.

The Value of Good Sleep: At Honeyman State Park, despite the riding challenges, I noted how a good night’s sleep helped me recover, emphasizing how crucial rest is for endurance on multi-day tours.

Adaptability to Changing Plans: The trip required constant adaptation, such as when we chose to stay at Bastendorf Beach County Park instead of Sunset Bay. This change was partly due to past negative experiences at Sunset Bay and partly because we discovered Bastendorf had amenities we preferred.

Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Despite the physical and logistical challenges, James and I remained positive, often joking about the difficulties and focusing on the highlights of the trip, such as the beautiful weather and the enjoyable ride through Bandon.

Where Are the Cyclists?: James and I are still pretty puzzled about the lack of cyclist encounters on the entire ride. We talked about some of the theories, but none of them alone explain it. Having the camps to ourselves was great but if there’s lower demand will the amenities go away?

Programming note!

Lael!

Next week we enter a new era in bike adventures… remember that ebike project? Let’s just say things escalated and you get to join me in the process!

Also… we have two more bicycle adventures left this year alone and planning for the winter trip in early 2025 is locked in. Lots more to come!

In the summer of 2014, I took 6 weeks to ride the Pacific coast from Victoria, BC to the US-Mexico border. I recorded a 2-5 minute audio entry every day for the Tour Journals podcast to share the more detailed aspects of the ride, but always intended to edit and condense it into a more manageable length to share here. Originally podcast December 22, 2014.

(Note, I say this hasn't been released in 10 years, but it got some love as a best of in 2019. Management regrets this error and the offending parties have been sacked. Or promoted. Not sure what to do with me.)

Sometimes journeys have distinct ends and sometimes those endings are a little more flexible. In the penultimate episode of the Oregon Coast Remix we mash together my departure from Bandon and my return a week later a few hundred miles south on the Mendocino coast where MJ and I catch up on his ride and reflect on what’s going on with cycling on the Pacific Coast.

Segment 1: Departure from Bandon, Oregon

  - Early morning departure, catching the bus to Crescent City.

  - The stark contrast between cycling for days and the sudden speed of motorized transport.

  - Reflecting on the mixed feelings of leaving the Oregon coast but looking forward to more adventures.

Segment 2: Crescent City and Beyond

  - Arriving in Crescent City via bus and experiencing the rapid transition south.

  - The surreal feeling of covering in minutes what would have taken days by bike.

  - Exploration of Crescent City, a quiet yet interesting coastal town with a mix of old and new homes.

Segment 3: Journey to Medford, Oregon

  - Renting a Jeep for the drive to Medford, a stark contrast to the cycling experience.

  - The logistics of packing up the bike and the relief of having more freedom with a car.

  - Reflecting on the decision to spend extra money on a car rental instead of enduring a challenging bus experience.

  - Arriving in Medford and enjoying some downtime with a few beers and a simple hotel dinner.

Segment 4: The following week in Mendocino

  - Bonus content: Tim rides his Brompton to Mendocino, battling wind and heel strikes with his messenger bag.

  - The beautiful yet challenging coastal route, with reflections on the unique experience of riding the Brompton.

  - Meeting up with James in Mendocino for beers and conversation.

Segment 5: James' Solo Journey

  - James shares his solo adventure from Bandon, Oregon, to Mendocino, California.

  - Highlights include staying at unique campsites like Florence Keller in Crescent City and Sue-Meg State Park.

  - Encountering heavy fog and low visibility while climbing out of Crescent City, but ultimately enjoying the beauty of the coast.

  - Discussion of the strange phenomenon of not encountering any other touring cyclists during the journey.

Segment 6: Reflections on the Pacific Coast Route

  - Tim and James reflect on the diminishing number of cyclists on the Pacific Coast route, speculating on reasons like the closure of Big Sur and the changing interests of the cycling community.

• Miles Bussed from Bandon to Crescent City: 90 miles
• Miles Driven from Crescent City to Medford: 106 miles
• Miles Flown between segments: 5383
• Total Bicycle Tourists Encountered in Camps: 0
• Total Miles Cycled by James from Bandon to Mendocino: 412 miles
• Flats: 0

A short but challenging ride up and over the Seven Devils would be the last days of cycling for James and I on this adventure, but the remix theme gave us new things to try… a new brewery, time in a great town I usually skip, and one more new-to-us campground to rate!

• Morning Update from Bastendorf Beach County Campground
  • Tim shares challenges with condensation and a disrupted night’s sleep.
  • Discussion on the overall rating of the campsite and amenities.
  • Plans for the day’s ride: Seven Devils Road to Bandon and finally to Bullards Beach State Park.
• On the Road to the Seven Devils
  • Decision to skip Sunset Bay and head straight to Seven Devils Road.
  • Overview of the route and expected challenges.
  • Reflections on the unique aspects of each trip and the enjoyment of new experiences.
• Riding the Seven Devils
  • Tim describes the physical challenges of the ride, including dealing with humidity and climbs.
  • Frequent breaks and efforts to maintain hydration and energy levels.
• Arrival in Bandon
  • Arrival at Bandon Brewing Company for a well-deserved meal and beers.
  • Reflections on the ride, weather conditions, and experiences in Bandon.
  • Rating Bandon Brewing Company: 7.5/10
• Final Stretch to Bullards Beach State Park
  • The ride back to camp, facing headwinds and fatigue.
  • Comparison of Bullards Beach State Park to other campsites visited.
  • Rating Bullards Beach State Park: 8/10
  • Observations on the absence of other touring cyclists during this trip.
• Evening Reflections and Future Plans
  • Enjoying the final night of camping and discussing future adventures.
  • James plans to update his Adventure Cycling Association maps.
  • Teaser for upcoming adventure plans involving the ACA.

• Miles biked 26.5
• Devils 7
• Beers 2
• Cyclists in camp 0
• Hikers in camp 1
• Flats 0

If you can’t fuel your cycling, you can’t ride very far. At least that’s what grandma always told me (editors note: she did not). So, waking up in camp without much appetite doesn’t really bode well for making very many miles. But what if the solution were to just get on the bike and go? And would my reward be a night at my least favorite state park campsite?

• Morning Update from Honeyman State Park
• On the Road to Reedsport
  • Riding along Highway 101
  • Hydration and appetite improving.
  • Reflecting on the camping experience and the tour’s challenges.
• Arrival in Reedsport
  • Successful lunch, hydration improved.
  • Decision to push for Sunset Bay, despite past unfavorable experiences.
• Journey to North Bend
  • Planning to reach North Bend, with a potential new campground option.
  • Discussions on the day’s remaining challenges and adjustments.
• Break at North Bend Safeway
  • Confirmed hiker/biker campsite at Coos County Park.
  • Reflecting on the tour’s modifications and feeling better health-wise.
  • Arrival at Bastendorf Beach County Park
• Recap of the day’s ride and the new campsite.
  • Comparison between Bastendorf Beach and Sunset Bay campsites.
  • Highlights include a large grassy area, numerous picnic tables, and decent amenities.
• Campground Rating Discussion
  • Tim and James rate Bastendorf Beach.
  • Considerations include amenities, location, and overall experience.
• Final Thoughts
  • Reflections on the day’s ride and feeling back to normal.
  • Plans for the following day: potentially tackling the seven devils and exploring Bandon or heading towards Port Orford.

• Miles biked 55
• Elevation gain 3200 feet
• Appetite improvement 100%
• Meaningless hill climbs 1
• Buzzing lights at camp 0
• Wine cans imbibed 1
• Picnic tables available 40
• Flats 0

I always say day 3 is when bike tours click in, but don’t sometimes exceptions prove the rule? And don’t my bicycle adventures always find some way to go sideways? Everything seems to be going just fine as James and I cycle away from our beach camp, but what could possibly throw a monkey wrench into our plans this time?

Morning at Beachside State Recreational Site

• Departure from Beachside around 8:30 AM.

• Planning to stop at Yachats, about 10 miles away.

• Encountered a group of young hikers.

Camp Experience

• Ratings for campsites along the way, with particular praise for South Beach and Cape Lookout.

• The soothing sound of crashing waves as a backdrop at Beachside.

Technical and Physical Challenges

• Tim’s battery anxiety despite having sufficient power.

• Horrific leg cramps and focusing on electrolytes.

• The impact of caffeine on appetite suppression and performance.

Journey Highlights

• Departure from Beachside towards Yachats and reminiscing about a previous mishap in Yachats.

• The importance of breakfast and managing indigestion during the ride.

• Discussion on the beauty and challenges of the Oregon Coast terrain.

Midday in Yachats

• James and Tim enjoyed a coffee break and discussed Lael Wilcox’s podcast.

• Description of the Oregon Coast’s scenic beauty, cool weather, and the joy of riding with a tailwind.

Mechanics and Adjustments

• Issues with bike gears and attempts at barrel adjustment.

• Reflecting on the bike’s performance and necessary future adjustments.

Arrival at Jesse M. Honeyman State Park

• Rating the new hiker/biker campsite at Honeyman State Park.

• Reflecting on the day’s ride and the impact of indigestion on performance.

Rider Reflections and Future Plans

• Tim and James discuss their potential next stops and the flexibility needed when plans go awry.

Miles biked 35.3 Elevation gained 1427 ft 1472 ft - 435m Calories eaten at lunch maybe 50 Bikers encountered at camp 0 Nephew post credit scenes 1 Flats 0

Stealth camping lets bike tourists keep costs down and ride more miles per day… but is it right for you? On this episode, we cover stealth camping upsides, downsides, tips, philosophies, risks, and some thoughts on the number one question… what to do if you get caught! Originally podcast April 19, 2019.