Kicking off 2017 with a bang, we
cover lightweight bike touring locks, the longest rail trails in
the US and an overview of what's to come on the show in
2017!
Hey it's the direct download link for The
Pedalshift Project 066: Bike touring locks and America's longest
rail trails (mp3)
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Happy New Year!
2017 is going to be a great year for Pedalshift... a
few things:
- Last year we had more shows than ever. This year we'll top
that. My intention is to have the 2017 Holiday Spectacular be
Pedalshift 100.
- That means we have to have 3 episodes per month, SO...
- The Pedalshift Project will continue as is with
episodes every other week, and
- There will be a 3rd episode every month on one of the
off weeks covering a single topic... sometimes gear, sometimes
tips, but always something useful... whether you're a beginner or
more seasoned.
- I'm also going to try to expand into more interviews... last
year I did more than the year before, and I hope to do the same
this year.
- Pedalshift, like bike touring, is an escape from the
rest of the world... what would you like to hear? Shoot me ideas
and topics to pedalshift@pedalshift.net.
- Oh yeah, new logo too! Seems to be tradition around here to
update the look every year... still orange. Because, of
course.
What about 2017 touring?
- 2017 will continue 2016's emphasis on shorter, more
accessible tours.
- I hope to mix in a few new spots this year (more on that in
a bit)
- A longer (more than 1 week long) ride is hopefully in
the cards, but I don't want to plan anything substantial this
winter so I can spend my time more flexibly later as opportunities
firm up
- I'm definitely going to integrate Pedalshift Tour Journals
and maybe Pedalshift AM into the future rides... more to come when
those get going later this year.
- I hope to interview more people who are tackling bigger,
more adventurous rides so we can all learn from those too
Gear Talk
Did you get anything good this holiday season? If you got
loaded up with gift cards or cash and want some ideas, go check out
the holiday
gift
guide... I listed a lot of my favorites in case you're in the
market for some new gear.
Lightweight bike touring locks
I tend not to tour in spots that have high security needs, so
the locks I use in DC don't tend to come with me. Still, I like to
have the peace of mind to lock up outside grocery stores and other
spots when I'm leaving my bike outside.
Some people are good with just cable locks on tour... I used
to be ok with them, but I think they're SO easily defeatable with
simple tools that I prefer something more secure.
No lock is foolproof... all can be defeated. The trick is to
find the right risk management.
New folding lock styles are interesting. I really like my
Inbike folding lock as a
touring lock option. Only downside is TSA sees it as a multitool
every time so you should pull it out of your carry on separately or
risk the (often lengthy) wait. Better yet, check it.
I have a new lightweight cinch lock on the way I'm
excited to test out (
Ottolock) - I hopped
on their Kickstarter so hopefully should have it soon. May be a
great touring option.
The Journal
1. Katy Trail State Park — Missouri: 286 miles
2. John Wayne Pioneer Trail — Washington: 253 miles
3. Cowboy Trail — Nebraska: 195 miles
4. Great Allegheny Passage — Maryland & Pennsylvania: 150
miles
5. Soo Line Trail – Northern Route — Minnesota: 148
miles
6. Columbia Plateau Trail State Park — Washington: 130
miles
7. Paul Bunyan State Trail — Minnesota: 121 miles
8. Flint Hills Nature Trail — Kansas: 117 miles
9. Soo Line Trail – Southern Route & Saunders State Trail —
Minnesota & Wisconsin: 114 miles
10. OC&E Woods Line State Trail — Oregon: 110 miles
11. George S. Mickelson Trail — South Dakota: 109 miles
12. Blue Ox Trail (Voyageur Trail) — Minnesota: 107
miles
13. State Line Trail — Michigan: 107 miles
14. Wild Rivers State Trail — Wisconsin: 104 mile
Music
The Pedalshift Project theme is America courtesy of
Jason Kent off his self-titled solo album. Check out his band
Sunfields'
latest release, Habitat, wherever cool music resides.
And a little birdy tells me Jason's recording some new music. More
when I know...