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.

- Introduction

- The Documentary

- Social Issues and Cycling

- Route and Experiences

- Previous Cycling Adventures

- Dumpster Diving and Food Waste

- Encounters and Human Connection

- Bicycling Mechanics and Gear

- Reflections on Social Division in the U.S.

- Closing and Additional Information

https://www.weareallinthistogethermovie.com

Daniel’s YouTube: The Travelin Dude

Daniel’s Instagram: @the_travelin_dude

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.

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 (kidding!) to help keep your ride smooth.

AI in Route Planning for Bike Touring

• How AI can optimize route planning based on terrain, weather, and personal preferences.
• Example: AI tools that analyze hills, weather patterns, and scenic routes.
• AI-generated personalized routes that cater to different cycling levels and interests.
• Case Study: A beginner cyclist planning a scenic and easy route vs. an experienced cyclist seeking challenging terrains.
• Benefits of real-time updates and rerouting options based on current conditions.

AI-Driven Gear Recommendations

• How AI can suggest the best gear based on trip length, terrain, and weather.
• Example: AI suggesting lightweight tents for dry conditions or more durable gear for rough terrains.
• Discussion on AI's role in helping cyclists choose the right bike for their journey.
• Example: Recommending a gravel bike for mixed-terrain tours.
• How AI can assist in packing lists and weight distribution for optimized bike handling.

Maintenance and AI Assistance

• AI's role in predictive maintenance and bike health monitoring.
• Example: AI algorithms predicting when parts like brake pads or chains need replacement.
• Interactive guides for on-the-road repairs and maintenance using AI.
• Example: AI providing step-by-step repair instructions through an app.
• The future of bike maintenance: integrating AI for enhanced safety and performance.

SAM as a tool for future episodes of the show

• Introduce SAM (Smarter Alternative to Me) as the new ocassional AI cohost.
• SAM's expertise in bicycle builds, ebike battery technology, and mechanics.
• How SAM will assist in future episodes, focusing on ebike power optimization and cycling technology discussions.

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 Elf

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.

• A recap and appreciation for the previous episode's guest, Biking Brian.
• Discussion on the high listener engagement and feedback from the eBike episode.
• Future implications of e-bikes in bicycle travel.
• Addressing listener feedback on the capabilities of commercially available e-bikes for touring.

• Defining Slow Travel
• Embracing the Journey - the importance, the rewards, the opportunities
• Slow Travel Planning
• Slow Travel Benefits

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.

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.

• Brian's eBike touring experience
• Brian's charger and battery pack
• Brian's background and early bicycling experience
• Building eBikes and battery packs
• The ease of installing eBike components
• Potential future eBike tour routes
• The challenges of finding charging spots during the day
• The availability of online videos for guidance in installing eBike components
• The future of eBike touring and its potential popularity
• The complexity and process of building eBikes and battery pack
• Future adventures

https://youtu.be/sq0l93VDXDM 

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!

STATISTICS

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!

• 2023 goal... cross a new state by bike
• DELAWARE!
• First plan... the one I didn't choose ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • All transit and bike
  • MARC to the northern terminus in Perryville
  • Bus to Elkton
  • Ride across to Delaware City
  • Ride to Wilmington
  • Amtrak to DC
• Why didn't I choose this? Safety!
• Bike situation near Elkton was even dicier than the Florida sidewalk and shoulder riding I've done that is pretty marginal
• Google Street View revealed possible options, but the more I scratched at the surface, the worse it looked

• What I chose - the LaCrosse! and a simpler off-road option
  • Drive to Chesapeake City MD
  • Ride the Mike Castle Trail to Delware City along the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal to the Delaware River
  • AND BACK!
  • 30 miles of riding
  • Brompton
  • Very minimal gear (snacks and water)
  • Weather - could be hot, could be rainy... will dress as appropriate
  • Some cool towns to explore - all new to me!
  • No camping or overnighting... just a day tour that checks a box. Twice in fact!
  • Skinny state? #notcheating