The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures Tim Mooney

After leaving you all with a bit of a cliffhanger, the decision is made – my (formerly) slow and chill C&O ride now gets another 18 miles of riding to some sweet sweet roofed lodging at my cabin. But that means I cross into West Virginia where I encounter something I’ve never dealt with before. Explicit tag earned for this episode…
Celebrate 10 Years of Pedalshift Live 6/8 The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, at 8pm ET. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. It'll be on the YouTube channeland here at pedalshift.net/live. ALSO, if you aren’t subscribed to and listening to the fantastic Lael Wilcox’s podcast, I can’t recommend it enough. She’s trying to break the world record for cycling the world and is audio journaling it every day. She’s recently completed her eastern US leg and by the time you hear this will be in Europe working her way east. It’s so good - laelwilcox.net for the details. She is a legend and this is elite level stuff! C&O But Slow - Part 3 Introduction
- Riding to the cabin due to favorable weather conditions
Travel Plans and Preparations
- Description of the route and challenges ahead
- Discussion on safety measures and time management
- Strategy for avoiding bad weather and deciding to ride immediately
On the Road Experiences
- Reflections on the ride: pain, headwinds, and dealing with a truck that rolls coal
- Encounter with challenging road conditions and gearing issues
- Insights on energy management and navigating difficult climbs
Scenic and Safe Routes
- Decision-making on route choices to avoid hazards
- Progress update and estimated distance to the destination
Final Leg of the Journey
- Description of the last few miles and expected challenges
- Nearing the end: checking distance and anticipating weather
Arrival and Reflections
- Arrival at the cabin and initial feelings
- Immediate plans and reflections on the day's ride
Zero Day
- Announcement of a zero day due to bad weather
- Observations on the weather conditions and impact on the trail
Closing Thoughts
- Strategy for the upcoming ride to the train station
- Gratitude for making the right decision and empathy for those still on the trail
Statistics Miles biked 18
F bombs tossed  1
Zero days 1
Heavy rain storms dodged 2
Flats 0

I’ve taken listeners on a bunch of rides on the C&O (including the current one!), so it's worth revisiting my guide to riding it. In the first of two parts, it’s an audio guide to cycling the C&O Canal towpath whether you’re a first timer of a full on expert. Originally podcast November 11, 2021.
Best of Pedalshift 262: Guide to the C&O - The Basics

After a surprisingly fast start for a planned slow tour, it was time to head down trail. But the muddy trail conditions of the night before don’t improve with more rain, and the forecast looks pretty wet and plans… well, they’re meant to change on a big bike trip!
Celebrate 10 Years of Pedalshift Live 6/8 The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, at 8pm ET. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. It'll be on the YouTube channeland here at pedalshift.net/live. C&O But Slow - Part 2 Morning Setup and Reflections
  - Description of the camping spot and the decision-making process regarding legal camping sites.
  - Reflections on being overextended the previous night and the challenges of finding a good campsite.
Weather and Trail Conditions
  - Noting the weather holding off the rain for a few more hours.
  - Observations about the better trail surface and concerns about muddy sections post-Paw Paw Tunnel.
Camp Setup and Gear Adjustments
  - Detailed account of morning activities, including packing and adjusting gear.
  - Challenges with the fork bag and adjustments made to the tent setup.
Journey Begins
  - Initial miles covered with observations of the surroundings and the condition of the trail.
  - Encounters with traffic and reflections on the proximity of roads to the trail.
Trail Experiences
  - Encounters with other cyclists, particularly a group of LE officers, and reflections on group riding dynamics.
  - Decision to avoid a large group of cyclists to maintain a personal pace and experience.
Weather Check and Gear Adjustments
  - Checking weather forecasts and preparing for rain by adjusting clothing and gear.
  - Clearing fenders from mud and dealing with bike maintenance issues on the trail.
Scenic Observations
  - Descriptions of the flora and fauna observed along the trail.
  - Reflection on missing the red bud season but enjoying the current wildflower bloom.
Paw Paw Tunnel Experience
  - Detailed ride through of the Paw Paw Tunnel, including conditions and the tunnel's history.
  - Observations on the descaling and maintenance efforts.
Trail Challenges and Maintenance
  - Continued struggles with mud and fender issues.
  - Descriptions of efforts to keep the bike in good condition amid challenging trail conditions.
Decision Points
  - Considering various options for the day's ride and the impact of weather on the plans.
  - Reflections on potential stops and the possibility of a zero-mile day due to expected rain.
Hancock
  - Arrival in Hancock and decision-making process about accommodations and next steps.
  - Consideration of resupply options and potential camping sites.
Concluding Thoughts
  - Reflection on the day's challenges and successes.
  - Cliffhanger about the decision on where to stay for the night and future plans for the ride.
Statistics Miles biked 42 Trail surfaces 3 Liters of water purified 2.5 Decisions to be made on where to spend the night 1 Flats 0

Starting with a semi-eventful train to Cumberland, the tour kicks off at an unexpected pace. But with rain already soaking the trail, and more on the way would the C&O reject my desire for a chill and relaxing start to my trip?
Celebrate 10 Years of Pedalshift Live 6/8 The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, at 8pm ET. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. It'll be on the YouTube channeland here at pedalshift.net/live. C&O But Slow - Part 1 Introduction
Preparing for a bike ride to Union Station Discussing train schedule and potential delays Trip Plans
Aiming to reach Potomac Forks Concerns about sunlight and trail conditions Personal health and readiness Bike Setup
New gear setup with fork bags Adjustments made for comfort and efficiency Forecast: hot and sticky with potential rain Union Station Departure
Chaos with Amtrak procedures and bag tags Interaction with train attendants and passengers Departure and initial impressions Arrival in Cumberland
Commentary on Amtrak's inconsistent procedures Starting the ride on the C&O towpath Trail Conditions
Night riding experiences and wildlife encounters Challenges with muddy trail sections Strategies for night riding and trail navigation Camp Setup
Passing multiple campsites Decision to push on to Potomac Forks Filtering water and setting up camp in low light Day Zero Reflections
Impact of coffee on performance Enjoyment of night riding despite challenges Final campsite setup and reflections on the day Closing Remarks
Observations on trail and ride experiences Preparations for the next day’s ride Statistics Miles biked 18 Frogs a babillion Stops to pull mud out of fenders 2 Proper bike tags requested by Amtrak personnel 1 Bike tags properly procured 0 Dark chocolate bars eaten 1 Flats 0

Finding my way back onto the C&O is hardly a surprise, but this spring’s ride is taking a page from my 2024 goals… try to take some of these tours a little more slowly. On this preview episode, we cover how I think it’ll go down.
C&O But Slow Preview Celebrate 10 Years of Pedalshift Live 6/8 The march to the ten year anniversary of the show commences… Live show to celebrate things June 8th, time TBA, but mark it down now. It will be podcasted the following week but always down for some live banter. The basics Full size bike New config (more on that in a moment) Cumberland with Amtrak from DC and then… ? Going with a stove this time All camping Forecast looks like rain I’m getting over a cold, so not sure how that will impact things New config? The front rack from last season is fine but I want to try something new Found I couldn’t get the bike in the Dogsbody bag last year and I didn’t want to keep having to install/unintall. Might end up on my ebike? Solution: Fork bags + Hanging sleep kit from bars 7L each side Very narrow - a little too narrow? Allows me to be a bit more nimble Pacing First night will be close to a new moon unfortunately Would love to do 20 miles even though it’s night riding Don’t have specific plans for any particular campsites The end of the tour is up in the air… I have two options (Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry) so if I’m really enjoying the riding, I can make the miles. But if I’m enjoying the vibes (or other things) I can make this a shorter trip with some road riding on the final day Food/water Will likely carry more food than I have on past trips BUT going to do backpacking meals. Keeping it simple and light NPS no longer treats the wells, so I have a new gravity fed water filter. Trying not to carry as much as I have in the past Stove needed for meals, so I can at also enjoy coffee Weather Looks wet but not hot. Will be prepared This might be the thing that impacts choosing a short or long ride… trail conditions, preferring to stay in the tent for a morning rain, etc. etc. Other stuff Paw Paw tunnel is reopened! Not intending on climbing up to stay at my cabin (although it’s a backup option) Name of the game is slow and steady and enjoying the ride rather than just banging out miles. Would have preferred a little more riding time on Saturday to spread it out a bit more

Are you brand new to bicycle touring or like seeing things through the eyes of a first-timer? You’re in luck! On this episode, we revisit  the 2018 Pedalshift bicycle touring beginners series, following James from NYC on his journey to his first bicycle tour. Originally podcast February 8, 2018.