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By Tim Mooney
4.7
172172 ratings
The podcast currently has 463 episodes available.
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 Project - Shakedown Preview The basicsebike
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
The routeRoad 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
Why so short?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
WeatherFinally 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
What I’m looking for out of this tripEnsuring 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!
Pod plansSingle 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?
eBike Project - The Build00:00 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!
Oregon Coast Remix TakeawaysDon’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.
Oregon Coast Remix - Part 6Segment 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.
StatisticsA 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!
Oregon Coast Remix - Part 5If 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?
Oregon Coast Remix - Part 4I 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?
Oregon Coast Remix - Part 3Morning 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.
StatisticsMiles 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.
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