Aug 15, 2019
We all want to do the right thing, hopefully, and within any community there's an unwritten code of conduct for proper behavior so we can all get along. On this episode, we cover some of those rules of bicycle touring etiquette!
Housekeeping
Next tour
I'll be through-riding the C&O next week! Pedalshift Societyfolks, look for an email with the new bonus pod feed!
Pedalshift Live
Be sure to join the show live August 30, 9pm ET! Topics TBA, but we'll do an AMA so bring your questions or shoot them my way via social or email!
The Journal: Bicycle Touring Etiquette
Camping
- Watch your spacing
- For shared campsites, saying hello and asking if it's cool to camp there
- Assess your neighbor's desire to chat and respect it
- Don't brag about your exploits - it's a bad look
- Be open with information that can help others, but don't force opinions and suggestions on people
- Share stuff if you have extra
- Respect quiet hours
- Respect late sleepers as you take off
Leave no trace
- Think ahead - reduce the amount of packaging and garbage before you roll
- Always have a garbage bag - doesn't matter what it is
- Pack all garbage out and even take some that's not yours
- If there are no bathroom facilities learn backcountry techniques (cat hole, etc.) and please respect water bodies.
Speed + Passing
- Some trails have a speed limit - respect that, particularly in more crowded areas
- Many trails and some laws require bells for passing - know before you go
- Use bells or call "on your left" boldly but (please!) in a friendly way
- Do it every time even if you're frustrated that the runners are wearing headphones and don't hear you!
- It's so easy to get frustrated, but remember we're sharing the trails with others
- Avoid lecturing other trail users, especially if you're a visitor
Be cool
Pedalshift Society
As always we like to close out the show with a special shoutout to the Pedalshift Society! Because of support from listeners like you, Pedalshift is a weekly bicycle touring podcast with a global community, expanding into live shows and covering new tours like this spring's DC to Cincinnatti bike tour! If you like what you hear, you can support the show for 5 bucks, 2 bucks or even a buck a month. And there's one-shot and annual options if you're not into the small monthly thing. Check it all out at pedalshift.net/society.
Kimberly Wilson
Caleb Jenkinson
Cameron Lien
Andrew MacGregor
Michael Hart
Keith Nagel
Brock Dittus
Thomas Skadow
Marco Lo
Terrance Manson
Harry Telgadas
Chris Barron
Mark Van Raam
Brad Hipwell
Stuart Buchan
Todd Stutz
Mr. T
Roxy Arning
Nathan Pulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
Paul Culbertson
Scott Culbertson
Cody Floerchinger
Tom Benenati
Greg Braithwaite
Sandy Pizzio
Jeff Muster
Seth Pollack
Joseph Quinn
Drue Porter
Byron Paterson
Joachim Raber
Ray Jackson
Jeff Frey
Kenny Mikey
Lisa Hart
John Denkler
Steve Hankel
Miguel Quinones
Alejandro Avilés-Reyes
Keith Spangler
Greg Towner
Dan Gebhart
Jody Dzuranin
Lucas Barwick
Michael Baker
Brian Bechtol
Reinhart Bigl
Greg Middlemis
Connie Moore
William Gothmann
Brian Benton
Joan Churchill
Mike Bender
Rick Weinberg
Billy Crafton
Gary Matushak
Greg L'Etoile-Lopes
James Sloan
Jonathan Dillard
John Funk
Tom Bilcze
Ronald Piroli
Dave Roll
Music
You've been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Their latest album may be their best yet. Go get it.