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.

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.

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

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:

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?

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

1. Morning discovery: Slow leak confirmed in James's tubeless rear tire
2. Newport arrival: Tire immediately starts "spitting sealant"
3. Shop diagnosis: Tire damage too severe for tubeless repair
4. Solution: Convert to tube in rear, maintain tubeless front ("mullet setup")
5. 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