The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures

Look, we all know there's some inherent risk in bikepacking, bike touring and even bike commuting. Between bad infrastructure and inattentive drivers, we assume some degree of risk every time we're in the saddle. But as with anything, there are things we can do to make our bicycle adventures safer than by doing nothing. On this episode, some thoughts on all the things you can do to have a safer ride! Originally podcast October 19, 2023.

A fun night adjacent to the Happiest Place on Earth, but work to do on the final day of the adventure. A scouted ride to Orange County airport seemed easy, then challenging, then maybe easy again. But there's been a peculiar lack of drama on this podcast that tends to have unnecessary drama in the trips. I wonder… could we find some? Statistics Miles biked 27 Zippers broken 2 Yards of tape used by SNA TSA to seal the bike bag 3 Futile attempts to repair the zipper in Seattle 1 Flats 0

A flight to San Diego and operation get my bike to Seattle begins! Sunny Southern California lures me in with perfect… wait, what's that? Rain all day? In San Diego? That tracks. Day 1 of the experiment that is Minimal California has a soggy start and a magical finish, because all winter bike trips lead to Disney parks right? Statistics Miles biked 25+2=27 Busses 1 Trains 1 Water bottles needed to wash sand off bike brakes from beach side quest 4 Flats 0

Welcome back from Winter Break! I was busy while we revisited some classic adventures, and went off and had a brand new one. On this edition, we preview Minimal California, a pared down adventure with a purpose, a destination, and... would you believe things that went awry? I should have shownotes but I'm still on winter break mode... it's a good episode and you should listen to it!

Enough of my tour journals, let's shake it up and bring in special guest star and longtime friend of the show, Pedalshift Society member Brock Dittus in on a tour of not the Oregon coast! Brock travels solo through some of the steepest riding in the state, fueled by fried spicy goodness. Would that be enough to handle the climbs and our old nemesis, wildfire smoke? Originally podcast July 13, 2023.

With my proper trail bike in the shop but a real need to get out for an overnight, I turned to a C&O newbie… my trusty 12″ wheeled, very orange Brompton as my chariot to an urban(ish) stealth camping overnight. Would the trail chew up the Brompton? Would my orange gear prove too, well, orange for stealth camping? If you can't get your adventure by the liter these days, may as well do it in sips… Originally podcast July 16, 2020.

In the second of a two-parter, it's Pedalshift Tour Journals: Vol. 9: Olympic Peninsula! Join me and my trusty Brompton for 4 days of transit-aided bicycle touring from Washington, DC to Seattle to the Olympic Peninsula and wrapping things up in Astoria, Oregon. This week features a more-challenging-than-expected short mileage day, a visit to Kurt Cobain's riverfront hangout, and a long bridge serving as a finish line. Originally podcast March 29, 2018.

In the first of a two-parter during winter break, it's Pedalshift Tour Journals: Vol. 9: Olympic Peninsula! Join me and my trusty Brompton for 4 days of transit-aided bicycle touring from Washington, DC to Seattle to the Olympic Peninsula and wrapping things up in Astoria, Oregon. This week features the machinations of getting from DC to a tent in the shadows of the Olympic Mountains (if there were, y'know… sun) and the first very soggy day of riding. Originally podcast March 22, 2018.

Every once in a while it's nice to look back on where it all came from – on this edition, we explore the evolution of bike touring gear from the beginning of the modern era in the 1970s through today's high tech enhancements to bikepacking and more. Plus, a nod to what the future might hold with new materials and tech to make bicycle adventuring more fun and accessible! Originally podcast June 22, 2023.

One more episode before we take a little winter break (with some great best of's!) we do our annual setting of goals. This year we mix in one non-cycling goal on top of the others. Hey if I hit all of these it's going to be a great year! Adventure Goals for 2026 Continued fitness upgrades Oh Canada! New bike(s) Ultralight gear and ultralight tours A Brompton adventure Seattle S24Os Big toe dip: backpacking… Hoh Rainforest? A transit-assisted adventure A food and beverage-centric adventure A ferry-centric adventure

Our very first live show of 2026 is also the inaugural live show from Seattle! On this episode we chat more in depth about Seattle biking adventures to come, both locally and launched from here, give a quick Brompton update, an even briefer ACA update, and then a bunch of questions in the live show AMA! Live from Seattle Thoughts on Seattle as a bike launching point Local trails Gateway to multiple adventures Vancouver crossing loop Pacific coast Washington Parks STP SEA direct flights Year round cycling Brompton update ACA Building Sale Seems like the sale of the building is serving as a proxy on "do you like how things are going" Conflates a lot of stuff, which makes sorting through a lot of the arguments to be tricky Make sure you vote, and I think we all are hoping whatever ACA does in 2026 and beyond that it stays as a major voice in bike travel adventures!

We've often talked about how slow travel by bicycle helps you see your adventure with far more detail than by car. But can we slow it down even more and reinforce that lesson? On this episode, exploring the parallels of exploring a city by foot and how that proves the point! All Who Wander... Exploring Seattle without a car Using walking as a way to scope neighborhoods Slow travel lessons from bike touring, applied to everyday life What you notice on foot that you miss by bike or car Sound, sight lines, and the feel of a place Low-friction wandering and following curiosity Inefficiency as a feature, not a bug Walking as a gateway to reflection and perspective Seeing contrasts in how people live Choosing small adventures in ordinary days Seattle waterfront moments and future adventure reminders Brompton update: travel, repairs, and getting back on two wheels Live Show January 16 5pm PT Details at pedalshift.net/live!

So you've decided to relocate - congratulations! Now you have to figure out what to do with all of your bikes. Do you just move them all or is it time to rightsize your fleet? On this edition, we take a long hard look at my situation with a cross-country move. Do I move them all or is there a better solution? • Moving long-distance as a forcing function for downsizing • Applying "does this still serve me?" to bikes • When sentimental value isn't the same as utility • Overlapping bikes and letting go of duplicates • Keeping the most flexible, all-conditions bike • Rethinking an e-bike that isn't quite right • Pulling parts, donating frames, avoiding bad resale math • The Brompton as the ultimate utility / travel bike • Donating vs selling bikes and why effort matters • Downsizing now to make future bike choices easier • Escaping n+1 without abandoning future upgrades • Letting go to make room for more intentional riding

You know you've got a bike tour coming up this year, so you want to make sure you're ready for it. What are some things to do to make that easier in the bike touring offseason? On this episode, some insight into my plans this offseason plus tips from ACA, REI and other experts! ALSO... Pedalshift SEATTLE Live will be Friday January 16 at 5pm PT/8pm ET. Check out the details in your email, YouTube and pedalshift.net/live.

Shifty the Elf returns for the annual holiday spectacular! 2025 was... a year. And as Shifty and I pack up for Seattle, there's a bunch of things we're going through and boxing up as we bid adieu to the year! Happy Holidays and see you in 2026!

A walk along Elliot Bay to discuss the short trip to Honolulu and more on the transition to Seattle and all the bikey adventures to come. Honolulu and Seattle A walk along Elliot Bay Honolulu thoughts More Seattle impressions N+1 thoughts on bikes

Big news for the show: The Pedalshift Project is setting up camp in a new city! This episode breaks down what that means for future tours, how this opens up brand-new riding possibilities, and why the destination may be a bit of a surprise and also not a surprise at all. My new home: Seattle! Why? This move is all about geography, access, and expanding the Pedalshift touring sandbox. Seattle places world-class touring terrain right outside the door and increases the show's ability to cover more routes, more often. And yes—this is a return to the broader PNW. Think of it as a new basecamp, and not a commentary on my beloved Portland. It remains the land of sunshine and bunnies, and it's just down I-5. There's obviously other details to all of this but they are far more weedsy than worth getting into for you all. Let's focus on the parts that impact the pod! What Seattle Unlocks for Bike Adventures Puget Sound & the Islands Bainbridge, Vashon, Whidbey, and the San Juans Ferry-based overnighters and S24Os Olympic Peninsula ACA Pacific Coast connections Port Townsend → Sequim → Forks routes Big coastal scenery for trip diaries Cascade Range Palouse to Cascades Trail (hello, cross-state gravel epic) Snoqualmie Pass corridor North Cascades Highway rides when the snow gods allow British Columbia Vancouver + Victoria loops Easier cross-border touring content Western US Access Simpler jumps to NorCal, SoCal, Alaska, and Rocky Mountain tour starts How the Show Evolves More Micro-Tours Seattle puts quality riding minutes—not hours—away, which means more short trips, more experiments, more rapid-fire episodes. Some Non-Bicycle Adventures Exploring by foot - hiking, urban adventures and more. Not a replacement for bikes, but a compliment. New Possible Arcs The Islands Project The Puget Sound Loops Palouse to Cascades: Piece by Piece Return to the Coast (Seattle → Portland → Coast → beyond) Year-Round Riding Milder PNW winters = more shoulder-season content and gear discussions. Also proximity to southern CA for winter riding? What Stays the Same The philosophy of intentional, practical, joyful bike travel Long-form tours and multi-state adventures Portland is the land of sunshine and bunnies, and Seattle will need a tagline Early Seattle Recon Riding West Seattle, Alki, and Elliott Bay Ferry recon missions Scouting trails, routes, and spots for easy S24Os Checking out the local bike shop ecosystem Production Notes Scheduling in winter and spring TBD with some back and forth travel Regular episode cadence with best-of's Listener Input Wanted Got Seattle, Puget Sound, or PNW route suggestions? Hidden gems? Ferries worth timing for golden hour? Winter riding hacks? Hit me up—I'll feature the best ones in future episodes.

It used to be that a bike adventure meant taking paid time off or quitting your job. Now that remote work is a reality for many of us, there's a new option. But is bike travel while working remotely right for you? Originally podcast July 28, 2022.

A repodcast of our Thanksgiving Eve live show: following up on your comments on the state of bicycle touring, plus a bunch of great questions in an Ask Me Anything segment! Followup: Is Bicycle Touring in Decline? More emails on this than any topic in a while. Some selected thoughts from listeners: Regarding ACA Multiple listeners: Could ACA be losing older members in its attempts to expand into younger audiences, but worse… might not be succeeding on either front? It's hard to do both, and that's the challenge… you need to find what drives your constituencies and sometimes you swing and miss. @BounceBackWesterner"I subscribed to the ACA magazine for one year. I was happy with one edition, but then, it seemed like there was a trend to rides that were extremely challenging and demanding whether that be road or offroad. These folks predominantly seemed younger and maybe that's where most of their subscriptions come from. " Another point: ACA was built on a need which may not exist anymore. Before they were the best and maybe only resource for routes and maps that had been vetted. Now there are way more resources. Listener Harry Hellerman was a great example of someone who's let his ACA membership lapse after 20 years. The reason? Kind of what ACA was saying… he says he's aging out and the roads are now occupied by larger and larger vehicles, so there's a safety concern. Regarding Touring being down Multiple listeners: Travel is down across the board, but travel to the US in particular has taken a huge hit. Lots of factors there, but you can't ignore the current politics as a possible reason here. Listener Andrew Piper: "Data point: For a 2-year comparison, the overall demand for search terms around "bike touring" is infact down 25%-35% YoY. However, using the same comparison, the demand for terms around "bikepacking" is up about 40%. Which does lend itself to the change in nomenclature more than an actual decline in interest." "I think I am maybe a couple years younger than yourself at best. Of the people I have seen doing this, I always feel I am on the younger side of the sport. Logistically it makes sense. Who has time to do this....older people." Bicycling for older generations was a big part of freedom - it might not be that for younger generations? Listener Dr. G4 wrote a really thoughtful email from the perspective of a younger rider. Shorter touring is much more of a thing Some of the places where the routes go don't feel welcoming (political, demographics) Real shift to urbanism amongst younger generation Poor infrastructure/safety perception: ACA represents an older version of bicycle travel (longer trips) "I think what the next generation wants is not road maps, but trail maps and advocacy for more trails and trail amenities (and, I might note, probably videos, how-tos, explainers, and meetups, not print versions of easily-googleable information)." "it's clear from the overabundance of urbanist youth getting around by transit, bicycles, or even scooters that travel by bicycle isn't going anywhere anytime soon. But turning them into bicycle tourers involves developing routes and programs that are closer to cities and farther from cars, marketing dedicated bicycle trails as one piece of an integrated solution for transit- and bicycle-accessible nature, specifically focussing on routes with many transit junctions to allow long routes to be chewed in smaller chunks, helping the rapidly-growing contingent of bicycle commuters to learn how to use their bicycles beyond weekdays to short or long weekends (with week-long or more tours being an eventual end goal, not the primary purpose), and politically advocating for car-displacing trains, trails, and cycle tracks that make all this possible." •Rails to Trails Conservancy may have the better model?

Bicycle touring numbers feel like they're down—fewer loaded panniers on the road, Adventure Cycling Association facing major financial headwinds, and a lot of long-time tourers quietly aging out. But is touring actually in decline, or is it just shifting into something that looks different—like bikepacking, gravel, and shorter, more flexible trips? In this episode I dig into Adventure Cycling's recent membership and financial update, talk through generational and economic trends, and explore whether we're seeing the end of an era… or just the end of one version of it. Is Bicycle Touring in Decline? What the ACA Letter Tells Us Recent email to ACA membership on a vote regarding selling their building in Missoula Membership down from almost 40,000 in 2023 to about 18,000 today. Donations down. Demand for guided tours has softened. Sales of maps/routes have dropped with free digital tools and GPS routes everywhere. Their diagnosis Members aging out of cycling. Some people don't feel enough value in a paid membership. Travel patterns are changing; inflation and costs are up; maybe fewer people committing to long guided tours. The building sale piece: ACA can sell their big, underutilized Missoula headquarters for ~$2.55M, then lease back just the space they need. The goal is to buy a "runway" of a few years to rebuild membership and modernize programs (digital experience, routes, tours, events). This is serious—membership halving in a couple of years is not a blip. But this is one institution. It's a single data point, not the whole story. Is ACA's Crisis Proof That Touring Is Dying? Possible "touring is in trouble" interpretation: If the biggest U.S. touring org is shrinking, maybe demand really is falling. Fewer people willing to pay for routes, maps, and guided tours could indicate less interest in traditional loaded touring. Alternative explanations: Value perception problem: If you can download GPX routes for free, people might not feel like they need a membership. Younger riders may not connect with a membership model or a print magazine in the same way. Business model problem vs. touring problem: Guided tours and paper maps are specific products. Those can decline even if DIY touring thrives. If a streaming-era kid doesn't buy DVDs, it doesn't mean movies are dead—just that the business model changed. Same question here: is ACA Blockbuster, or are movies in trouble? The Aging Out Effect The ACA explicitly mentions aging out of cycling. Talk through generational dynamics: A lot of classic touring energy came from the boomers and older Gen X. Long, multi-week tours require time, health, and often retirement or very flexible work. People aging out doesn't necessarily mean the activity is dying, but: If younger generations aren't replacing those numbers, you get a visible decline. Touring can look intimidating: expensive gear, big time commitments, safety fears. Possible barriers for younger riders: Student debt, unstable housing, fewer long chunks of vacation, higher baseline anxiety around traffic and climate disasters (heat, smoke, extreme weather). The Rise of Bikepacking and Off-Road Travel Ttouring may just be changing costume: More folks are drawn to bikepacking and gravel: lighter gear, off-road routes, "adventure" branding. Social media and brands push a certain aesthetic: frame bags, dirt roads, epic photography. Contrast vibes: Classic touring: fenders, racks, panniers, highways, small towns, campgrounds. Bikepacking: singletrack/doubletrack, BLM land, forest roads, more "expedition-y", often shorter but punchier trips. If someone is out for five days with bags on their bike, sleeping outside and moving every day… and we're calling that bikepacking instead of touring… did touring really decline, or did it just get relabeled? Is bikepacking now the umbrella term for bike adventuring? Is It Just a (pardon the pun) Cycle? Historical perspective: There was a big touring boom in the 1970s and again mini-waves around the early 2000s . We thought the 2020 COVID bike boom would impact things, but did it? Outdoor sports often rise and fall with the economy, culture, and media stories. Economic cycle: High inflation, higher travel costs, and general uncertainty can make long trips harder. At the same time, travel has become more fragmented: people take 3-day trips instead of 3-week odysseys. Cultural cycle: Right now, gravel and ultra-events (Unbound, etc.) get the headlines. Touring is slow and unsexy by comparison. Slow unsexy things tend to look "dead" for a while… until the next backlash against all the hype and burnout. We might be in the hangover phase after the COVID bike boom and a big cultural swing toward short, 'epic' experiences. Other Factors That Make Touring Feel Smaller Safety and traffic fears: distracted driving, speed, road rage, social media amplifying every horror story. Climate and weather extremes: heat domes, wildfire smoke, storms—touring has always danced with weather, but now the

Way back in January - and what feels like ten years ago to me - I set out a bunch of bicycle adventure goals for me in 2025. In a challenging year, I wasn't sure how I'd measure up but as I always like to do, I gave the goals a once over to see how I did. So on this episode we give it a scorecard treatment, but also a sneak preview of the final piece of 2025 adventuring that manages to check one of the boxes! 2025 Bike Adventure Goals Scorecard Celebrating plans already made, and taking care of yourself Sort of? A big ebike trip – maybe two. Taking the bike on a ride only the ebike can do… extra distance per day? Twice as fast? Looking at a push west and maybe north too. Points for trying with the Lake Ontario trip. Something international – you non-US folks have been very patient with this America-centric pod. We'll see if we can get wheels down someplace I need a passport. Check! Helllloooo Canada! I also got to do off-pod adventures in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Belgium… no biking but a lot of walking and exploring. West coast – what, you thought I wouldn't hit the Pacific coast? Pffft… find another podcast! Probably summer. Check! Mysterious Oregon trip! More bike adjacent adventures – exploring someplace where I ride, a bike gets used, but it's not necessarily the full focus. Europe trip was an adventure but not bike-adjacent. But I have a small one coming up in a few weeks that is absolutely out of left field in terms of location, but wholeheartedly checks the box, so CHECK. Shall we do a preview? (You'll have to listen to get that one!)

A chat with Sylva Florence, an experienced bicycle tourist and author of many things (including her blog The Sylva Lining) on touring as a solo woman, how people who want to be allies to solo women touring can do that without being creepy, and some of her favorite adventures. Originally podcast July 15, 2021.

What if you could tour with just what fits in a single dry bag? No panniers. Just the essentials. On this episode, we take this as a challenge - borrowing from the ultralight backpacking folks, we cut off our toothbrush handles and weigh every gram for the ultralight bikepacking challenge! "What if you could tour with just what fits in your handlebar bag? No panniers. No rack. Just the essentials." Why: curiosity, simplicity, nimble handling, testing limits for overnighters or credit card touring. Rules: one mid-size drybag (say 10–12L). No extra frame or seat bags. Trip assumptions: 1–2 nights, shoulder season, mild weather but possible cool nights. Riding style: paved/mixed surfaces, moderate daily mileage. Shelter Options to debate: Tarp + bivy sack (light, cheap, minimal bug protection). Minimal trekking pole tarp (if you carry a pole or can use the bike). Emergency bivy + bug net (super small but spartan). UL single-wall tent (if you can compress to fit — ~1lb tents exist). Hammock Where I land: Shelter Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp 5.2 oz Dyneema, no floor; packs to fist size Groundsheet Polycryo sheet (cut to size) 1.5 oz Cheap and super compact Bug Net Sea to Summit Nano Pyramid (solo) 2.9 oz Optional if mosquitoes likely Stakes 6 titanium shepherd hooks 2 oz Can share with tarp Guyline 2 mm reflective cord 1 oz Multipurpose (also for repairs) Total Shelter Weight: ~12 oz (340 g) Sleep Kit Pad: short closed-cell foam (Z-lite cut down) vs ultralight inflatable (NeoAir Uberlite). Quilt: 40°F down quilt packs to a grapefruit. Sleep Clothing layering: puffy jacket + base layers to extend quilt rating. pillow (there are some ultralight inflatables too) Where I land: Sleep Pad Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite (small) 6 oz Packs smaller than a soda can Quilt Enlightened Equipment Enigma 40°F 13 oz Compresses to a grapefruit Pillow Exped Air UL pillow (small) 1.6 oz Optional luxury Sleep Clothes Lightweight merino top + boxer briefs 6 oz Doubles as camp wear Total Sleep Weight: ~27 oz (765 g) Cooking vs. No-Cook No-cook: bars, wraps, cold soak jar. Minimal cook: Esbit/solid fuel stove + titanium mug. Coffee strategy: instant packets vs small UL brewer. Space/weight trade-off: ditch cook kit for luxury (camera, extra clothes). Where I land: Cold Soak System Plastic PB jar 2oz Utensil Long Ti spoon 0.5 oz Mug (if separate) MSR Titan 2.4 oz Food for 2 days Wraps, instant oatmeal, nuts, bars, jerky, instant coffee ~24 oz Water 1 L Smartwater bottle (frame-mounted) Total Cooking/Food Weight (excluding water): ~29 oz (820 g) Clothing & Tools No change of clothes on this one… one base layer, puffy jacket layer. Rain shell = big payoff for little space. Simple wool hat Micro tool kit: multi-tool, chain link, tiny pump, patch kit instead of spare tube. hygiene: Dr Bronner's in smallest travel bottle, small camp towel, travel toothbrush. Where I land: Rain Shell Patagonia Houdini or OR Helium 6 oz Ultralight but reliable Insulation Layer Montbell Plasma 1000 puffy 5 oz Packs to palm size Extra Base Layer / socks Wool top + socks 5 oz For camp Toiletries Toothbrush, mini paste, Bronner's, wet wipes 3 oz Minimalist hygiene Headlamp Nitecore NU25 1 oz USB rechargeable Total Clothing/Personal Weight: ~20 oz (570 g) Multitool Lezyne RAP II-12 3 oz Compact essentials Mini Pump Lezyne Pocket Drive 3 oz Mount to frame if possible Chain link / tape / zip ties / patch kit Small zip bag 1 oz Field repairs Phone + powerbank 10 000 mAh Anker 6 oz Also powers headlamp Map / ID / Credit Card — negligible "Ultralight credit card touring" insurance Total Tools/Misc Weight: ~13 oz (370 g) Packing Tetris Bottom: sleep system (quilt/compressed pad). Middle: shelter/tarp. Top: food/clothing. Outside: light rain shell/camp shoes? Safety & Bail Out Options Emergency bail plan: credit card, rideshare, motel. Weather veto: if forecast turns ugly, change trip. My Packed Total Category Weight Shelter 12 oz Sleep 27 oz Cooking/Food 29 oz Clothing/Personal 20 oz Tools/Misc 13 oz Total ~6.31 lb (2.86 kg) inside dry bag Conclusion Who this works for: weekenders, credit card tourists, fair-weather minimalists. Who it doesn't: long winter trips, remote routes with no services, the comfort-oriented The psychological side of going this minimal: what you gain (freedom, simplicity) vs. what you lose (comfort, margin).

We're bringing back one of the wackiest ideas in Pedalshift history — the Game of Chance! Using random number generators and the excellent Adventure Cycling Association routes, it's an unpredictable coast-to-coast bike tour from the Pacific to the Atlantic. When every turn is determined by chance the results are... surprisingly awesome? In This Episode: Revisiting the "Game of Chance" touring experiment from 2021 Using randomness to pick routes across ACA's national network Riding (and re-riding) the Pacific Coast, Northern Tier, Lewis & Clark, TransAm, and more Ferry crossings, backcountry climbs, and surprise state detours How randomness can spark new route ideas and winter planning inspiration Mentioned: Adventure Cycling Association Pacific Coast Route Lewis & Clark Trail Northern Tier TransAmerica Trail Great Divide, Great Parks, Lake Erie Connector The Route (as determined by chance): Segment Route(s) Start → End 1 Pacific Coast Anacortes, WA → Westport, OR 2 Lewis & Clark Westport, OR → Cascade Locks, OR 3 Sierra Cascades (North) Cascade Locks, OR → Twisp, WA 4 Northern Tier Twisp, WA → Eureka, MT 5 Great Parks North Eureka, MT → Missoula, MT 6 TransAm Missoula, MT → Walden, CO 7 TransAm (continued) Walden, CO → Springfield, MO 8 Bicycle Route 66 Springfield, MO → St. Louis, MO 9 Eastern Express Connector St. Louis, MO → Indianapolis, IN 10 Chicago–NYC + North Lakes Indianapolis, IN → Northern MI 11 Lake Erie Connector Sandusky, OH → Buffalo, NY (via Ontario) 12 Northern Tier Buffalo, NY → Bar Harbor, ME

Stealth camping is a great skill to develop and a fantastic option to have for emergencies or maybe even your main overnight plan on a bike tour. But what if your tent is so bright it can be seen from miles away? On this episode, we talk about what worked for my last tent and what I'm trying on my newer one. Originally podcast September 8, 2022. Making a Tent Stealthier The old tent – ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2 Spray panting the tarp Tarp was orange so it needed full coverage Used a matte forest green Took 3 full cans to cover (more than I expected) Then covered with a waterproofing spray (think KIWI brand) Tarp worked like a charm – water beaded off just like before Was stiffer and heavier than before Tarp has finally failed at the zippers so it needs to be replaced Color has also worn off over time, although it still is predominantly well covered The newer tent -ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2 (again) New tent is blue and very light gray, tarp is mostly the light gray Better than orange, but still needs stealthification Redditor recommended Rit dying I was a bit skeptical but decided to go for it Got 2 dark forest greens and 1 chocolate brown that was designed for nylon A lot of boiling water (9 gallons!) and a big bin Let it get in there overnight and… It sort of worked. It's super brown on one side, but perhaps predictably the back of the tarp, not the water repellant side So, dye job is not recommended Before, during and after shots: What am I going to do? I have one tarp that is forest green but not terribly suitable for heavy rain I have another tarp that is very light gray and perfect for rain The reverse side is dark brown and not suitable for anything but dry weather I'm bringing *both* tarps for my next tour I can see where a brown tarp and a green tarp could help depending on where I'm tucked in I need to know I have a good rain option I don't always need to be stealth The lineup No need for stealth? Use the new tarp in the normal position regardless of weather Stealth and dry? Use green tarp for tent and brown side out tarp for the bike (or maybe vice versa) Stealth and rain? Use the green tarp over the proper-side-out gray tarp. This is the least likely scenario in a way… if it's really storming would people be out? Takeaways Folks, best bet is to get a tent with a slealthy tarp. They are weirdly hard to come by Dye? Not recommended Spray paint? Effective, but with its flaws.

The Mysterious Oregon Coast adventure is in the rearview mirror, but we always like to peek back before moving on. On this edition we marvel at the fun we had on a fairly cursed tour of some of our favorite parts of the Pacific coast! Bike prep is key — but stuff still breaks. Even a tiny crank arm pin can end a day. Know shops and backup transport. Have Plans A–F ready. Flexibility and quick pivots kept the ride alive when mechanicals hit. Buses & rideshares save tours. Coastal transit and surprise Ubers kept us moving. Greatest hits still feel fresh. Cape Lookout, South Beach, Newport — new vibes, upgrades, and slower pacing. Weather's shifting. Got one classic foggy Yachats day, but most were sunnier/warmer — pack for both. Shorter mileage = more joy. 30–40 mi days let us linger in towns and stay energized. Hydrate & fuel early/often. Morning "camel up," steady snacks, and Red Bulls beat last year's bonk. Hotel nights reset morale. Lincoln City, Yachats, Florence stays turned stress into mini-vacations. Logistics flexibility saves cash. Mid-trip flight/car/hotel changes avoided big losses. Ditch the perfect plan. Embracing detours and improvisation brought back the adventure and fun

A leisurely morning at South Beach State Park sets the stage for what should be the triumphant finale, but James's bike has one last surprise in store. Sometimes a cursed bike adventure is the best kind. But with tire splits threatening the final miles and Eugene's punishing heat waiting ahead, will we actually make it to the finish line or become stranded out on the coast? Key Highlights South Beach State Park downgrade - Charging lockers removed, replaced with non-charging metal versions Classic Oregon coast weather returns - Fog, cool temperatures, and the riding conditions that originally attracted them Yachats exploration - First real visit to Tim's long-desired coast town (population: 800) Cape Perpetua finale - Tackling one of the coast's most challenging and scenic climbs Tire crisis intensifies - James's rear tire split worsens but limps to the finish Eugene revelation - $5 bus ride opens new coast access possibilities Route Details Day 1: South Beach to Yachats Short, rolling ride through Waldport and Seal Rock Classic foggy conditions with seagull air-surfing entertainment Hotel night in Yachats for town exploration Day 2: Yachats to Florence 25-mile challenge over Cape Perpetua Multiple climbs through "the windiest part of the Oregon coast" Cape Creek Tunnel navigation Final descent to Florence via Sea Lion Caves Yachats Assessment Population: 800 residents Vibe: Full spectrum from blue collar to "bougie-est of bougie" Tim's verdict: "Punches above its weight" for a small coastal town Accommodation: Ocean view hotel with perfect fog viewing Mechanical Drama Final Act James's tubeless tire split progressively worsens Tube begins protruding through tire damage Bike shop in Florence (Bicycles 101) permanently closed Tire successfully limps final 52 miles to completion Post-ride tire replacement arranged in Eugene Transportation Victory Florence to Eugene bus: Only $5 (compared to $17-20 Portland routes) Bus rack accommodates James's 29+ tire width with minor deflation Direct connection to Eugene's Amtrak station and airport Opens new coast access strategies for future tours Cultural Observations South Beach platforms: Composite decking mystery continues Book club continuation: Tim's author criticism ongoing Charging infrastructure: State park downgrades noted Coast tourism patterns: More cyclists spotted this year vs. last Food & Fuel Strategy Yachats: Fresh fish and chips (James's rare fish consumption) Cape Perpetua prep: High-calorie loading for big climbs Florence finale: Safeway provisions for final night Eugene heat preparation: Dramamine procurement Eugene Transition 89-90°F heat shock after cool coast weather Travel Lodge fan so impressive Tim orders same model for cabin Cold Fire Brewing pit stop with brisket and low-alcohol beers Hotel early check-in for heat recovery Statistics Miles Biked Day 1: 25 Miles Biked Day 2: 25 Total tour mileage: ~52% of original plan Florence to Eugene bus cost: $5 Eugene temperature: 90°F Flats: Zero

A well-rested morning in Lincoln City spawns what seems like a reasonable plan to salvage the cursed tour, but James's borrowed bike has other ideas entirely. But with tubleless tire disasters forcing yet another major pivot, will this newly condensed coastal adventure finally find its groove or continue spiraling into beautiful chaos? The New Plan (Before It All Changed Again) Today: Lincoln City to South Beach State Park via Newport Tomorrow: South Beach to Yachats for hotel exploration Final day: Yachats to Honeyman State Park near Florence Split: James continues south, Tim buses north to Eugene for flight home The Reality Check James's tubeless rear tire completely fails outside Bike Newport, requiring conversion to tube setup. Tire damage deemed too severe for continued long-distance touring, prompting complete itinerary overhaul. Key Highlights 5 AM Red Bull run - James's thoughtful breakfast procurement while Tim sleeps in Equipment curse continues - Second bike, same problems for James's borrowed setup Bike Newport saves the day - Last major bike shop on coast provides crucial tire conversion Strategic retreat activated - Both riders pivot to Eugene ending for maximum certainty Financial silver lining - Trip changes actually save money on cancelled Medford logistics Route Details Lincoln City to Newport: ~25 miles through official bike route (hilly and exhausting) Extended stop at Bike Newport for mechanical crisis management Final 4 miles to South Beach State Park Tomorrow: Abbreviated plan toward Florence before Eugene bus Mechanical Drama Timeline Morning discovery: Slow leak confirmed in James's tubeless rear tire Newport arrival: Tire immediately starts "spitting sealant" Shop diagnosis: Tire damage too severe for tubeless repair Solution: Convert to tube in rear, maintain tubeless front ("mullet setup") Reality check: Tube setup is temporary fix, not permanent solution Cultural Observations Newport bike route: Scenic but punishing for loaded touring South Beach State Park: Tim's favorite coast campground (tied with Cape Lookout) Yachats mystique: Tim's long-desired exploration of this coast town finally abandoned Eugene adventure: First-time visit for longtime Portland resident Tim Food & Beverage Strategy Breakfast: Red Bulls and bananas (James's 5 AM procurement mission) Newport: Extended hydration break during mechanical crisis Dinner: Beer One brewery (skipped lunch strategy) Evening: Junior Rangers fire ecology program spotted but not attended The Ship of Theseus Situation James notes he'll return a completely different bike to his friend after replacing virtually every component during the tour - a philosophical equipment conundrum. Statistics Miles Biked: 25 Original plan survival rate: 0% Hours spent at Bike Newport: 1.5 Ounces of tubeless sealant sacrificed: 6 Tubeless fails: yes Nontubeless flats: Zero

The morning starts strong at Cape Lookout with perfect James and Tim weather, but what begins as a confident push toward Beverly Beach slowly unravels into mechanical mayhem and decision-making paralysis. But with the original plan officially in shambles and multiple escape routes beckoning, will we unleash a suffer fest or pivot to something unexpected? Key Highlights Perfect weather conditions - cloudy and cool, exactly what Tim and James prefer for cycling Hydration revelation continues - Tim credits proper hydration for yesterday's success and focuses on "cameling up" each morning Pacific City pit stop - Tim's favorite Oregon coast town, featuring Stimulus Coffee House for snacks and wifi Mechanical troubles return - James's borrowed bike proves problematic again with rear tire issues Strategic retreat - Quick pivot from camping at Devil's Lake to a tiki-themed hotel in Lincoln City Planning paralysis - Original trip itinerary officially in question with multiple options on the table Route Details Departed Cape Lookout State Park early morning Stopped at Stimulus Coffee House in Pacific City (quarter-way point) Break at Neskowin Market before the big Lincoln City climb Final destination: Lincoln City hotel instead of planned Devil's Lake camping Bike Performance Notes Tim's bike performing excellently with great rolling and shifting Occasional gear hopping suggests minor tune-up needed Mostly riding in middle and first chainrings James's borrowed bike continuing to present challenges Food & Fuel Strategy Morning: Hydration focus plus caffeine Pacific City: Egg burrito repeat from successful Day 3 strategy Mid-ride: Red Bull for energy boost Lincoln City: Local Mexican restaurant meal (lunch/dinner hybrid) Decision Point Analysis Short day option: Devil's Lake camping (~40+ miles) Original plan: Beverly Beach (would have required 20 more miles plus significant climbing) Actual choice: Lincoln City hotel night for recovery and planning Statistics Miles Biked: ~40+ miles (shorter day due to mechanical issues) Hotel theme: Tiki (delightfully not high-end but perfectly located) Bird species that defeat earplugs: 1 (mystery frequency specialist) • • Flats: Zero