I'd ridden an ok amount that year, but to be honest, as the year was winding down I realized there were two spots I always hit that I haven't been to yet. So I needed to play a little clean up and get wheels down on those two gems! In part 2, I revisit one of my favorite campsites… maybe one of my single favorite places I can get to from home, by bike!

I'd ridden an ok amount that year, but to be honest, as the year was winding down I realized there were two spots I always hit that I haven't been to yet. So I needed to play a little clean up and get wheels down on those two gems! In part 1, I tackle the big hill on the Cumberland side of the Great Allegheny Passage!

As I said last time… sometimes bad ideas go good, and good ideas go bad. And then there’s the latest bonkers idea of a tour I had… a game of chance. In the final installment, we learn preparation can sometimes be the key to a good tour, or it can mean you carry a lot in your panniers more for show. Originally podcast October 28, 2021.

Sometimes bad ideas go good, and good ideas go bad. And then there’s the bonkers idea of a tour I had… a game of chance. In the first of two parts, let’s see how random selection of route, direction and more makes for a tour. Where are we going – chance decides! Originally podcast October 21, 2011.

Four hundred episodes into this project, we gathered together on April 11, 2025 for a live show to celebrate the occasion. On this edition I revealed a new tour, announced a short spring break (with episodes, never fear!), and did some Ask Me Anythings!

Hey check out the video if that's your bag...

https://www.youtube.com/live/EJfDdaQDgeE?si=NruP9cvgb0mgY8ip

It’s planning season for spring and summer tours! But if you’re in the US or planning a bike adventure here, there’s some real question marks about our national park system. From budget cuts to layoffs and reinstatements to ever-increasing demand… is this the right year to consider a trip through Yellowstone or Shenandoah?

Hold the date… Pedalshift 400 Live will be Friday April 11th at 8pm ET - 5pm PT. Check out Pedlashift on YouTube or pedalshift.net/live for more. Ask Me Anything for sure, the rest is a surprise maybe to me as well?

•Brief overview of the budget situation: potential closures, service reductions, delayed seasonal openings

February firing of a category of federal employees

Buyout offer to some employees

Just recently a court order led to reinstatement of them

Still a huge gap in the staffing needed for the increasing demand

•Types of services at risk: ranger programs, campground availability, road maintenance, shuttle systems, water access

•Examples of parks most likely to be affected - Yosemite, Yellowstone and most of the majors that are on bike routes.

•Common bike routes through or around National Parks (e.g., Skyline Drive, Natchez Trace, Blue Ridge Parkway, Yellowstone Loop, etc.)

•How closures or reduced services complicate trip planning

•Campgrounds unavailable or unmaintained

•Fewer refill spots for water/food

•Riskier road conditions due to lack of maintenance or ranger presence

•Potential increase in car traffic on fewer open roads

•Implications for car-free or low-impact travelers

•Research and plan ahead: how to track park-specific updates

•Use apps and websites that reflect real-time closures (NPS.gov, iOverlander, RideWithGPS updates, ACA forums)

•Be prepared for self-sufficiency: water filtration, food storage, backup shelters

•Consider alternative routes: National Forests, state parks, BLM lands

•Join or support advocacy efforts for bike access and funding for parks

We’re often asked what you should get someone into bike touring… but what about a gift for a friend or loved one who is literally in the middle of a bike tour? Inspired by a Reddit thread, but not one of *those* Reddit threads… some fun ideas that would really help make someone’s tour! Originally podcast July 21, 2022.

The Florida adventure is in the rear view mirror but I have so many lessons learned from this trip… and I’ll share a bunch of them with you here on the takeaways edition to close out the trip.

Hold the date… Pedalshift 400 Live will be Friday April 11th at 8pm ET - 5pm PT. Check out Pedlashift on YouTube or pedalshift.net/live for more. Ask Me Anything for sure, the rest is a surprise maybe to me as well?

Takeaways from the Jacksonville-to-Orlando Bike Tour

Day 1 (Jacksonville to St. Augustine)

1. A Ferry Ride to Kick Things Off – The journey began with a ferry ride across the St. Johns River, adding a scenic and unique element right from the start. Incorporating ferries into bike tours always makes for an enjoyable experience.

2. Gate Code Saves the Day at Anastasia State Park – The planned shortcut to the campsite led to a locked gate, but having the code allowed access without a detour. Avoiding extra miles at the end of a long day was a major win.

3. Improvised Gear Setup on the Brompton – A key piece of the backpack-mounting system was missing, requiring an improvised fix using a monopod and zip ties. The setup held up well throughout the ride, proving that adaptability is key in bike touring.

Day 2 (St. Augustine to Flagler Beach Area)

4. Bananas Are the Best Electrolyte Solution – Instead of relying on electrolyte pills, which can cause nausea, bananas proved to be an effective way to prevent leg cramps. A simple, natural solution that made a big difference in managing hydration and muscle recovery.

5. A Route Adjustment Shortened the Day, but It Was Still Challenging – The original 57.7-mile plan changed with a 20-mile fast forward, making for a shorter but still demanding day. Even with the adjustment, Florida’s heat, humidity, and terrain required careful pacing and hydration.

Day 3 (Port Orange to Rural Central Florida)

6. Headwinds and Humidity Made for a Tough Solo Ride – With no fast forward on this leg, the ride covered the full planned distance through sticky, muggy conditions. After the challenging conditions of the previous day, endurance and smart pacing were crucial to finishing strong.

7. Road Noise at Campgrounds Was a Constant Issue – Unlike remote wilderness bike tours, the campgrounds on this route were consistently noisy, with traffic sounds carrying late into the night. Sleeping conditions were impacted by a combination of humidity and the urban-adjacent settings.

Day 4 (Final Push to Disney)

8. A Pre-Dawn Start Took Advantage of Cooler Temperatures – The ride began at 6:15 AM, allowing for several miles before the sun and heat became overwhelming. The early start also meant less traffic and a peaceful stretch along the trail.

9. A Fast Forward to Winter Garden Allowed for New Route Exploration – Instead of repeating a previously ridden portion of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, a fast forward brought the ride to Winter Garden, where new routes could be explored. This decision balanced efficiency with the excitement of seeing something different.

10. A Challenging Finish with More Traffic Than Expected – The final approach onto Disney property was busier than usual, making the last miles more hectic than anticipated. Despite the increased traffic, the ride concluded at the planned finish line, maintaining a long-standing tour tradition.