100 episodes

The Pedalshift Project is a series of conversations, thoughts, and experiments around the bike touring lifestyle. It's the companion show to Pedalshift.net, bringing stories from the road, interviews from fellow bike tourists, plus tips, tricks and ideas on how to tour more. Let's shrink the world by bike.

The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures Tim Mooney

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 171 Ratings

The Pedalshift Project is a series of conversations, thoughts, and experiments around the bike touring lifestyle. It's the companion show to Pedalshift.net, bringing stories from the road, interviews from fellow bike tourists, plus tips, tricks and ideas on how to tour more. Let's shrink the world by bike.

    The eBike Build Update

    The eBike Build Update

    The big project for 2024 is building the ultimate custom e-bike. On this episode we update where I'm at with the project... have I narrowed things down or am I hopelessly lost in  the paradox of choice?
    e-Bike Build Update Overview of the e-bike build vs. buy decision. Experiences and research done in Portland, Oregon, highlighting e-bike focused shops. Special mention of Nomad Cycles for custom bike builds. Discussion on the drawbacks of commercially available e-bikes, particularly around proprietary battery systems. Attraction to the "Biking Brian" style of massive battery and universal adapters for custom builds. Considerations against "chonky" e-bike frames for a sleeker, non-e-bike appearance. The decision leaning towards a custom build for its expandability and customization. Thoughts on suspension and tire width for e-bike comfort and stability. Exploring the option of converting the host’s Safari touring bike into an e-bike. Financial and technical considerations of a DIY build. Potential barriers and required new skills and tools. The sentimental value of the Safari bike and the implications of converting it. The downsides of rim brakes on an e-bike and the consideration of disc brakes. Timing concerns for the build project overlapping with prime touring season. Upsides of undertaking the e-bike project: a rewarding challenge, expanding bike mechanic skills, and personalizing the bike. Dilemmas between the ease of buying a pre-made e-bike and the appeal of a custom build. Future steps: considering all options post upcoming spring tour with the Safari bike. Closing thoughts on the e-bike build or buy journey and its implications for the host’s cycling future. Mention of Biking Brian’s build video and load management insights. Security considerations for e-bikes, particularly battery theft. Final reflections on the episode’s discussion and the ongoing decision process.

    • 36 min
    Space Coast Loop - Takeaways

    Space Coast Loop - Takeaways

    With the 2024 Florida ride in the rearview mirror, it’s time to assess how it went. I did the ride a bit differently this time… was it the right call? Is there something I definitely want to do next time? And what will I never do again in the Orlando area?
    Space Coast Loop - Takeaways A Brompton can do just about any kind of touring you throw at it Resist the temptation to leave tools at home, even for urban tours Best sun management for me - cover up arms and legs, sunscreen face and neck Cycling gloves do make a difference The rumors are true: upright riding is more comfortable The backpack trick is back, baby! Never take US192 to cross I4 - it’s not safe Cycling into Disney World is fun, and I think I’ll keep doing it Central Florida is constantly evolving - some of the trails I ended up on randomly (Shingle Creek Trail opened last year - thanks for the info Fernando!) FL C2C trail is A+ but I’m also intrigued with the Heart of FL trail and the St. Johns River to Sea Loop

    • 31 min
    Space Coast Loop - Part 4

    Space Coast Loop - Part 4

    The final day of the Space Coast Loop was supposed to be the easiest… a familiar route and a familiar destination, with maybe a quirk at the end. But would my luck avoiding mechanicals finally run out and would making a route change in the middle of the ride end up putting me in the middle of an interstate highway?
    Space Coast Loop - Part 4 An Early Start: Starting in St. Cloud, riding by a nearby farm. Route Change: Deciding to take a more direct route including an unfamiliar trail. Riding on US 192: Riding on US 192, recalling past experiences. Assessing Traffic Conditions: Planning to evaluate safety and traffic near Disney Resort. A Mechanical Issue: Facing and resolving a chain jam. Discovering and Using Trails: Finding and using multi-use paths and trails. Encountering Wildlife and Agriculture: Commenting on cows and agriculture near urban areas. Navigating Challenges: US 192 is a bad idea to ride when it crosses I-4! Reflecting on Planning vs. Reality: Reflecting on the differences between planning and actual conditions. Concluding at Coronado Springs Resort: Ending the day at Coronado Springs Resort, opting for a lift to another location. Statistics Miles biked 34.8
    Terrible route change ideas 1
    Creams in my iced coffee 2
    55+ resorts biked by 3? more?
    Chain jams 1
    Flats 0
    Trip Overview

    • 54 min
    Best of Pedalshift 157: The Ohio to Erie Trail

    Best of Pedalshift 157: The Ohio to Erie Trail

    The Ohio to Erie Trail spans 326 miles diagonally across Ohio, linking up Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland and everything in between. On this episode, we chat about the trail and the experience biking across Ohio! Originally podcast March 14, 2019.

    • 34 min
    Space Coast Loop - Part 3

    Space Coast Loop - Part 3

    Day 3 of the ride was a return to a familiar road route that kicked off this whole riding in Florida thing all the way back in 2019. But after two days of mostly idyllic trail riding, would competing for asphalt with cars and trucks be a rude awakening? And also, what direction are the prevailing winds in Florida again?
    Space Coast Loop - Part 3 Morning Preparations and Departure Early morning considerations for layer adjustment due to temperature changes. Decision against taking a shortcut due to inferior biking infrastructure, opting for safer, longer routes with better facilities. Route and Scenery Travel south of Titusville on Indian River Road, enjoying the views and calm traffic with speed bumps to moderate speed. Encounters with beautiful landscapes, including Spanish moss on trees and scenic river views. Supply Stops Initial plan to stop at Walgreens, followed by a successful stop at Publix for supplies. Consumption of sugary drinks and snacks for energy, reflecting on dietary preferences and changes over time. Riding Experience Descriptions of varying road conditions, including the impact of headwinds and the strategy for energy management. Observations on traffic behavior, especially around large trucks, and personal safety measures like visibility and lane positioning. Accommodation and Rest Arrival at an Airbnb in St. Cloud, highlighting the rural setting with chickens, roosters, and ducks, and the installation of a new bike path enhancing access to the property Reflections on the physical and mental challenges of the day, including the effectiveness of sugar and caffeine against headwinds, and the benefits of music for motivation. Planning and Anticipation Planning for the next day's route with considerations for traffic and personal endurance. Strategic thinking about meal planning, gear management, and the anticipation of a shorter ride day. Statistics Miles biked 59.1 Sugary drink references 1 Farm animals observed 200? Missed turns 3 Tears for Fears references 1 Flats 0 Trip Overview

    • 48 min
    Space Coast Loop - Part 2

    Space Coast Loop - Part 2

    Day 2 of the Space Coast Loop, starts with another early morning, and nearly twice the mileage of the previous day. Riding on the Spring to Spring and East Central Regional Rail Trails promised to be great, along all the Spanish moss and unique wildlife central Florida has to offer. But ah those pesky headwinds coming off the coast I’m trying to reach… will my less-than-robust pre-ride conditioning do me in?
    Space Coast Loop - Part 2 Morning start and campsite experience details Weather conditions and gear choices Appreciation for campsite amenities and value Plans for the day's ride, including terrain and stops Descriptions of the Spring to Spring Trail and East Central Regional Rail Trail Interactions with other cyclists and wildlife observations Food and hydration strategy throughout the day Physical and mental state reflections Overall journey reflections, including trail beauty and challenges Anticipation for future rides and route planning Evening reflections and campsite experiences
    Statistics Miles biked 51.4 Sugary sodas 2 Shoutouts to Aussies 1 (Matty Freedom!) Spanish Moss mentions 3 NASA nerdery count 5 or 6? Sum total of Manatees and Hammocks at Manatee Hammock campground 0 Frustration with wind noise on this tour journal infinity Flats 0 Trip Overview

    • 42 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
171 Ratings

171 Ratings

AlwayswillLuvtheapp ,

Best Biking Podcast

This is the best biking podcast I have found. Tim is informative and brings a lot of humor to the discussion. I look forward to Thursdays just to get to listen to a new episode.

soleful2001 ,

Enjoy Your Podcast

I have been a regular listener for a couple of years. I really enjoy Tim’s story telling style and how he mixes in great travel and technique info. I particularly enjoyed the latest podcast episode on California. I was very pleased to find out that he used the Santa Anna River Trail. It was great for us to finally share a common trip location! I was working in Fullerton CA for a little over 3 months in 1987. When I found out this trail was nearby I had my wife ship me my bike. It arrived unscathed in a few days. I have very fond memories of getting off work and immediately taking my Trek road bike straight down to Huntington Beach every day. I would ride that that path as far as I could then reluctantly turn around and head back to the motel. I was only about two blocks away from the trail and it was ideal. Thanks to you Tim for jogging that memory!

pjbuelte ,

Review and suggestion

Hi Tim,

I’ve been listening to your pod for years, mostly while cranking my recumbent exercise bike in my basement, and I enjoy it quite a bit. Thanks for doing it!

I’m 76 and, thanks mostly to biking I’m in good shape except for some arthritis, but the best solution for that is to keep moving. So I do!

For me, the fun of biking helps me to live longer and better.

I also listen to Diane Jenks, the outspoken cyclist. She recently got me hooked on Dr. Gabe Mirkin who is a retired physician who has two hobbies: riding his tandem with his wife, and researching medical research about health and nutrition. If you’re not getting his weekly newsletter, you’re missing a wealth of bike relevant info.

A little bit about me, I’m a retired cop who became hooked on biking in 1981 after doing a triathlon. I did a cross country trip in 2009. Just love it.

Paul Buelterman
Florence, ky

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