Author: Tim Mooney

The Pedalshift Project 294: Minimalist Packing for a Credit Card Tour

We talk a lot about pack lists for a traditional camping tour, with our panniers stuffed to the brim with tents, sleeping bags and stoves. But what about the non-campers and the minimalists who don’t need to haul their shelter with them? On this episode we talk about must-carries for the inn-to-inn and credit card tourists!


The Pedalshift Project 294: Minimalist Packing for a Credit Card Tour

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 294: Minimalist Packing for a Credit Card Tour (mp3).

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

Housekeeping

Haven’t been on the bike because I’m playing caregiver at home, but a fun tour on the horizon
Will announce that tour in a few weeks on the next Pedalshift LIVE
  • Sunday Sept 11 at 8pm ET
  • Celebrating 1 million downloads of the show – what has the show meant to you?
  • AMA
  • Summer to Fall tour preview

Minimalist Packing for a Credit Card Tour

Tool kit/multitool
Spare tube and/or patch kit
 
First aid kit
 
Snacks
 
Water – bottles? bladder system?
 
Phone/GPS/Camera
Small battery bank
 
Clothes – amount depends on tour and what you have
2 days of riding clothes (or maybe only one?)  – sink wash every night
1 set of “camp clothes”
 
What to contain it in?
MJ and I ran into that viola player years ago and he had a tiny handlebar roll
One pannier?
Bikepacking frame and saddle bags?
Waterproof > Not

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 summer’s upcoming 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
Mr. T
Nathan Poulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
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, RIP
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
Brian Hafner
Misha LeBlanc
Ari Messinger
David Gratke
Todd Groesbeck
Wally Estrella
Sue Reinert
John Leko
Stephen Granata
Phillip Mueller
Robert Lackey
Dominic Carol
Jacqi McCulloch
John Hickman
Carl Presseault
David Neves
Patty Louise
Terry Fitzgerald
Peter Steinmetz
Timothy Fitzpatrick
Michael Liszewski
Hank O’Donnell
David Zanoni
David Weil
Matthew Sponseller
Chad Reno
Spartan Dale
Carolyn Ferguson
Peggy Littlefield
Lauren Allansmith
Eric Burns
Thomas Pearl
Darrin McKibben
Richard Stewart
Dave Fletcher
Jack Smith
Luke Parkinson
Ryan Patterson
Cyrus Farivar

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new track available NOW, and a new album dropping very soon AND Jason’s first solo album is now streaming on Spotify, including America, the Pedalshift theme. Go listen! 

The post The Pedalshift Project 294: Minimalist Packing for a Credit Card Tour appeared first on Pedalshift.

Summer Internships With Advocacy Organizations

On this edition, we turn the mics on ourselves and feature two of our summer interns… what is it like to intern at an advocacy nonprofit and how do they contribute to the work we do at Alliance for Justice? 

 

Featured on this episode 

Jasmin Azizi 

Dylan Abrokwa-Jassor 

Host – Tim Mooney 

Executive Producer – Jairo Gomez 

 

Questions asked 

Tell us briefly about yourself. What are you currently studying? What are your career goals and why are you interested in that kind of work? 

Why did you decide to intern with AFJ? Why do you think this work is important? 

What was your understanding (or did you have any experience with this kind of work before) of this kind of work before interning with us? 

How would you explain your team within AFJ does? 

You do a lot of research in your role. Do you have any tips on being an efficient researcher? Have you noticed any improvement in that regard due to your time interning here? 

Was there anything that surprised you or that you didn’t expect about interning for an advocacy nonprofit / AFJ? 

What has been your proudest moment(s) interning with us? 

How do you think your experiences in this internship will benefit you long term in terms of your career or even in your personal life? 

Anything you would like our listeners or prospective interns at a nonprofit know about after your experience this summer? 

The Pedalshift Project 293: A Summer Off the Bike

This summer has been unusual compared to past summers… I haven’t been on an actual honest to goodness bike tour yet! So what have I been doing? Would it surprise you to know all of it ends up having a fair amount to do with bike touring?


The Pedalshift Project 293: A Summer Off the Bike

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 293: A Summer Off the Bike (mp3).

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

Housekeeping

Haven’t been on the bike because I’m playing caregiver at home, but a fun tour on the horizon
Will announce that tour in a few weeks on the next Pedalshift LIVE
  • Sunday Sept 11 at 8pm ET
  • Celebrating 1 million downloads of the show – what has the show meant to you?
  • AMA
  • Summer to Fall tour preview

 A Summer Off the Bike

Helping with my partner post-surgery

  • Interesting insight into how our bodies wear out
  • Hips and knees man, hips and knees. And shoulders!
  • Recovery time and PT
  • The resilience of the human body

Prep for the next tour

  • Mostly new, some I’ve done before
  • A lot of question marks toward the end of the trip – may be stealth camping a lot, may be in hotels?

Dealing with my foot issue

  • Trying to get to a doctor before I go
  • Treatment on plantar fascitius is all over the place
  • RICE
  • Ibuprofin
  • Night splint
  • It is improving, but how will that be after 60 mpd?

Getting to fighting weight

  • Didn’t follow my usual plan so I’m heavier than I’d like
  • Have a decent shot at getting down to a reasonable weight before the tour
  • That’s also helping with the mental game and the foot for some reason? More confident.

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 summer’s upcoming 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
Mr. T
Nathan Poulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
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, RIP
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
Brian Hafner
Misha LeBlanc
Ari Messinger
David Gratke
Todd Groesbeck
Wally Estrella
Sue Reinert
John Leko
Stephen Granata
Phillip Mueller
Robert Lackey
Dominic Carol
Jacqi McCulloch
John Hickman
Carl Presseault
David Neves
Patty Louise
Terry Fitzgerald
Peter Steinmetz
Timothy Fitzpatrick
Michael Liszewski
Hank O’Donnell
David Zanoni
David Weil
Matthew Sponseller
Chad Reno
Spartan Dale
Carolyn Ferguson
Peggy Littlefield
Lauren Allansmith
Eric Burns
Thomas Pearl
Darrin McKibben
Richard Stewart
Dave Fletcher
Jack Smith
Luke Parkinson
Ryan Patterson
Cyrus Farivar

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new track available NOW, and a new album dropping very soon AND Jason’s first solo album is now streaming on Spotify, including America, the Pedalshift theme. Go listen! 

The post The Pedalshift Project 293: A Summer Off the Bike appeared first on Pedalshift.

The Pedalshift Project 292: Touring Bike Essentials

I ride three different bikes for touring, and each one has plusses and minuses depending on what kind of ride I’m looking for. But if you’re new to bike touring or looking for another bike, what should you be thinking about? On this episode, the things I look for in a touring bike!


The Pedalshift Project 292: Touring Bike Essentials

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 292: Touring Bike Essentials (mp3).

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

Housekeeping

Haven’t been on the bike because I’m playing caregiver at home, but a fun tour on the horizon
Will announce that tour in a few weeks on the next Pedalshift LIVE
  • Sunday Sept 11 at 8pm ET
  • Celebrating 1 million downloads of the show – what has the show meant to you?
  • AMA
  • Summer to Fall tour preview

Touring Bike Essentials

Prime directive

There is no such thing as a touring bike (in a way). Sure there are things that make some bikes better at it, but you do not need all or even some of these things. This is less true for bikepacking where you do need to have some things to be able to handle non-pavement riding.
 

Longer wheel base

The longer the distance between the hubs of your two tires, the better your bike will be at handling loads.
More important for “fully loaded” touring
Less important for bikepacking
 

Frame

I’m a steel is real kind of guy.
It’s strong
It has some flex to handle road vibration and the occasional jarring bumps
Does that mean aluminum and carbon are out? Not necessarily, but most of the time we roll with steel.
 

Wheels

The more spokes, the better particularly in the back
I have had unusually great luck with stock tires
Most don’t
If you have a great wheel builder at your LBS, it might be worth the bucks to get a 36 spoke wheel set if you ride heavy
32 spokes is often enough
 

Wheel Size

I’m agnostic on this. I have 700c, 26″ and Brompton clown bike sized tires
Some say 26″ is better for global expedition touring because the tires are easier to find
There are more exotic sizes particularly for gravel bikes… check out Path Less Pedaled for more on those
 

Tires

I’m all in on Schwalbe Marathon Plus guy for puncture resistance
Be sure to examine said tires before every tour, because when they wear they are not bulletproof anymore!
I’m a tube guy, but I’m not opposed to tubeless… study up on those if you’re interested.
 

Gearing

Check out episodes 015 and 049
gear inch calculators are your friend
More climby, less speed… truuuust me.
I like:
44/32/22 crank set
11-34 cassette
BUT tech changes all the time and I would probably not get a triple next time
 

Brakes

Agnostic… most bikes do disc over rims.
I’ve never had issues with rims but likely will get discs on the next bike
 

Pedals

I’m a flats guy but clip-ins and strap folks, you do you
 

Handlebars

I strongly prefer multiple hand positions or very ergonomic grips
Upright vs. drops
 

Saddle

I’m a stock saddle guy, but many people need something special
Talk to your LBS and if they are enlightened like Gladys Bikes in PDX, check out the saddle library!
Fittings here are a decent idea
 

Accoutrements

Lots of brazons to attach things
Fenders I think are really really helpful if not musts
Racks or bags? If I were starting now I might be doing a bikepacking setup… but don’t dismiss traditional pannier and rack touring.

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 summer’s upcoming 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
Mr. T
Nathan Poulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
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, RIP
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
Brian Hafner
Misha LeBlanc
Ari Messinger
David Gratke
Todd Groesbeck
Wally Estrella
Sue Reinert
John Leko
Stephen Granata
Phillip Mueller
Robert Lackey
Dominic Carol
Jacqi McCulloch
John Hickman
Carl Presseault
David Neves
Patty Louise
Terry Fitzgerald
Peter Steinmetz
Timothy Fitzpatrick
Michael Liszewski
Hank O’Donnell
David Zanoni
David Weil
Matthew Sponseller
Chad Reno
Spartan Dale
Carolyn Ferguson
Peggy Littlefield
Lauren Allansmith
Eric Burns
Thomas Pearl
Darrin McKibben
Richard Stewart
Dave Fletcher
Jack Smith
Luke Parkinson
Ryan Patterson
Cyrus Farivar

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new track available NOW, and a new album dropping very soon AND Jason’s first solo album is now streaming on Spotify, including America, the Pedalshift theme. Go listen! 

The post The Pedalshift Project 292: Touring Bike Essentials appeared first on Pedalshift.

Foundation Engagement in Election Season

We spend a lot of time on the pod talking about what public charities can do around election season, but let’s spend some time talking to the funders out there. If you’re making grants to public charities, you play a big role in your communities… and as it turns out, you can also join them in many of the same nonpartisan activities around elections. On this episode, we’re covering the types of voter engagement and funding opportunities available to private and public foundations.

Nonpartisan Candidate Education

  • Great way to make sure the candidates understand the issues of importance to your foundation and its work
  • Candidate education must be done by both private and public foundations in a nonpartisan way.
  • Being nonpartisan means no support or opposition of candidates (facts and circumstances test)
  • For candidate education
    • Offer educational materials to all candidates in a race
    • Make efforts to ensure that candidates are provided with equal information
  • If making a legislative ask in your educational materials, it could count as lobbying if person running for office is incumbent legislator
  • That’s a no for private foundations, but public foundations are free to engage in lobbying in limited amounts

Candidate Debates / Forums

  • Public and Private foundations can get the candidate together so that they can relay information about their policy positions to voters
  • Again, facts and circumstances matter… keep it nonpartisan!
    • Invite all viable candidates
    • Impartial moderator / unbiased audience
    • Fair rules with open-ended questions covering a broad range of issues
    • Provide equal opportunities for candidates to respond
  • What happens if all candidates decide not to participate?
    • The more that do agree to participate, the better…. really comes down to a facts and circumstances analysis

Election Advocacy Funding

  • Provide general operating support to your public charity grantees
    • Can be used for any permissible 501(c)(3) purpose
    • By providing grantees with flexibility to spend funds how they choose, you give them the option to use your funding to engage in nonpartisan election season activities
  • Provide grants to fund specific, nonpartisan, election season advocacy programs
    • Just remember private foundations should avoid earmarking grant funds for lobbying
    • In addition, there are special rules related to private foundation voter registration grants. (Section 4945(f) of tax code)
    • Does not apply to other GOTV activities

 

Resources

Voter Registration Rules for Private Foundations

Debating the Future: Foundations Can Educate the Community Through Candidate Debates

Investing in Change: A Funder’s Guide to Supporting Advocacy

 

Best of Pedalshift 173: Stealth Camping Revisited

Stealth camping is always a hot topic in bike touring, and Pedalshift 161 got some great responses that deserve revisiting! On this episode, a take from law enforcement’s perspective, tips on how to stay clean with no facilities, and more on how to find a good spot.

Originally podcast August 8, 2019.

Best of Pedalshift 173: Stealth Camping Revisited

The post Best of Pedalshift 173: Stealth Camping Revisited appeared first on Pedalshift.

The Pedalshift Project 291: Remote Work on Bike Tour

It used to be that a bike tour 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 a bike tour while working remotely right for you?


Pedalshift Project 291: Remote Work on Bike Tour

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 291: Remote Work on Bike Tour (mp3).

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

Remote Work on Bike Tour

First, the cons

  • Is it, um, allowed?
  • You can’t really unplug
  • Don’t underestimate connectivity issues
  • Will you be a mediocre remote worker on a mediocre tour ?

The pros

  • Leveraging the new paradigm
  • Remote work means work from anywhere
  • Fewer worries about money
  • Go full nomad and maybe the tour pays for itself and more?
  • May be the difference between touring and not, or allow for a much bolder, longer tour.

My experience

I did this for my 2014 Pacific Coast tour. I was working a very modified part time schedule and largely doing it by participating in a handful of meetings on the side of the road (by phone) and doing some audio and video production in camp on my laptop. I took one zero day to do mostly work at a campground that had wifi.
 
Interesting element to the last part… it was a planned zero, but the consequence was I ended up parting ways with a big crew I had been camping with for about a week. That felt like a bad trade (although I found a new touring crew in a few days, as we often do).
 
Would I do it again? Probably, if I could arrange it so it’s a few days of no work or very limited work, and then maybe a zero with more. As others mention it is definitely different than unplugging and getting away from things, but I think it would be worth it if it’s the difference between touring and not touring, or if it means you can tackle a much bigger route. Definitely not for everyone!
 

Bottom Line

This seems to be unpopular amongst most touring folks. But it might be right for you?
 
Read more thoughts from others on remote work on bike tour on Reddit.

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 summer’s upcoming 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
Mr. T
Nathan Poulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
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, RIP
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
Brian Hafner
Misha LeBlanc
Ari Messinger
David Gratke
Todd Groesbeck
Wally Estrella
Sue Reinert
John Leko
Stephen Granata
Phillip Mueller
Robert Lackey
Dominic Carol
Jacqi McCulloch
John Hickman
Carl Presseault
David Neves
Patty Louise
Terry Fitzgerald
Peter Steinmetz
Timothy Fitzpatrick
Michael Liszewski
Hank O’Donnell
David Zanoni
David Weil
Matthew Sponseller
Chad Reno
Spartan Dale
Carolyn Ferguson
Peggy Littlefield
Lauren Allansmith
Eric Burns
Thomas Pearl
Darrin McKibben
Richard Stewart
Dave Fletcher
Jack Smith
Luke Parkinson
Ryan Patterson
Cyrus Farivar

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new track available NOW, and a new album dropping very soon AND Jason’s first solo album is now streaming on Spotify, including America, the Pedalshift theme. Go listen! 

The post The Pedalshift Project 291: Remote Work on Bike Tour appeared first on Pedalshift.

Candidate Education

Election season provides a great opportunity for nonprofits and foundations to elevate their issues with voters and candidates. On this episode we’re going to look at ways a variety of tax-exempt entities can engage in outreach to candidates and engage with political parties. We’ll look at ways nonprofits can attend political party conventions, help shape candidate and party platforms, educate candidates on community issues, respond to candidate questions, and more. 

Attorneys for this episode

  • Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort 
  • Leslie Barnes 
  • Victor Rivera Labiosa 

Show Notes 

  • 501(c)(3) public charities can educate candidates on community issues. They can engage with candidates during in-person visits, phone calls, issue briefings, etc. 
  • Just remember, public charities must remain nonpartisan in their outreach by trying to ensure that each candidate is provided with identical or equivalent communications. 
  • Also note that if the candidate is an incumbent legislator, communication with them could be lobbying if you express a view on specific legislation. 

 

  • Not only can 501(c)(3) public charities proactively reach out to candidates to share information about their missions and research, but they can also respond to candidates’ questions. But there are a few things to keep in mind. 
  • The 501(c)(3) should treat candidates as they would other members of the public. For example, if a candidate calls for any data, you can point that candidate to your website just like you would with anyone else. The important thing is that you are not compiling data just for the candidate or their campaign and that you’re not conducting new research because a candidate requests it. This could be considered a candidate contribution. 
  • Take care not to serve as a policy strategist or research arm of the campaign. Remember, the 501(c)(3) should be careful about allowing its name to be used by the candidate’s campaign. 
  • We recommend as a best practice to designate an experienced staff member to talk with candidates. 

 

  • 501(c)(3) public charities can shape candidate and political party platforms and encourage candidates and political parties to talk about the issues. 
  • Take care not to praise or criticize a candidate that adopts your organization’s policy issues. 
  • To keep things nonpartisan, include a disclaimer in oral and written testimony that information is being provided for educational purposes only. 

 

  • 501(c)(4)s can engage in some partisan activity (support or opposition of candidates), but should be aware of FEC and other state laws prohibiting corporate campaign contributions 
  • (c)(4)s cannot coordinate strategy with federal candidates. 
  • (c)(4)s may be able to work with state and local candidates in about half of all states by following state campaign finance laws. 
  • Not all outreach and engagement amounts to a contribution – keeping it nonpartisan as part of your primary purpose 

 

Resources 

 

The Pedalshift Project 290: Beginner Mistakes

I used to do a beginners series on the show (and hope to do another again) but never did a whole show on “don’t make the same mistake I did.” So, on this episode… mistakes to avoid as a beginner!
 


The Pedalshift Project 290: Beginner Mistakes

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 290: Beginner Mistakes (mp3).

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

Beginner Mistakes

 
Having the wrong gear range for your ride
My story about my first tour
 
Underestimating elevation
I live where it is flat. First overnight was on the Blue Ridge Parkway for 53 miles and 6,200 feet of elevation gain. Map showed restrooms at two locations along the route so I took a little over a half gallon of fluids. I didn’t realize how much climbing sucks water out of you. Turns out the two restrooms were dry composting and didn’t have water. When ever I saw someone with water on an overlook, I begged some water from them.
 
Making miles over making memories
i probably could’ve pulled over and seen more of the country, done more exploration. i crossed the country in 58 days, clocking 70-90 miles every day, and that was pretty aggressive. my next one will be slower.
 
No waterproof gear
It will probably rain on you and your gear unless you’re in the desert, but then probably too because of course
 
Ignoring pain
Numb hands? Sharp pain in the knees? Consistent saddle sores? These are all solvable, usually with bike adjustments and not extra padding!
 
Packing too much
This is so hard to assess on your first tour, but to be honest it’s more typical than not. Bikepackers think about minimalism first and might not run into this as much as the panniered.
 
Slotting easily back into normal life after a long tour
If your tour is longer than a couple of weeks, it takes time to get back into the real world. Give yourself transition time and space.

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 summer’s upcoming 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
Mr. T
Nathan Poulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
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, RIP
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
Brian Hafner
Misha LeBlanc
Ari Messinger
David Gratke
Todd Groesbeck
Wally Estrella
Sue Reinert
John Leko
Stephen Granata
Phillip Mueller
Robert Lackey
Dominic Carol
Jacqi McCulloch
John Hickman
Carl Presseault
David Neves
Patty Louise
Terry Fitzgerald
Peter Steinmetz
Timothy Fitzpatrick
Michael Liszewski
Hank O’Donnell
David Zanoni
David Weil
Matthew Sponseller
Chad Reno
Spartan Dale
Carolyn Ferguson
Peggy Littlefield
Lauren Allansmith
Eric Burns
Thomas Pearl
Darrin McKibben
Richard Stewart
Dave Fletcher
Jack Smith
Luke Parkinson
Ryan Patterson
Cyrus Farivar

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new track available NOW, and a new album dropping very soon AND Jason’s first solo album is now streaming on Spotify, including America, the Pedalshift theme. Go listen! 

The post The Pedalshift Project 290: Beginner Mistakes appeared first on Pedalshift.

The Pedalshift Project 289: Guide to the C&O – Parking in DC

An addition to the (now) ongoing audio series that is the audio guide to touring the C&O towpath! If you’re traveling to DC by car and intend to start in Georgetown and ride to Cumberland (and maybe beyond to Pittsburgh), what’s the scoop on parking in DC? On this edition, we cover the good and bad ideas, along with the expensive and free options!


The Pedalshift Project 289: Guide to the C&O - Parking in DC

Hey it’s the direct download link for  The Pedalshift Project 289: Guide to the C&O – Parking in DC (mp3).

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Guide to the C&O – Parking in DC

Options for parking in DC
DCA airport – expensive, but easy
Union Station – ditto
Street parking – possible, but beware street cleaning and Zoned parking
 
Consider outside DC?
Street parking – maybe, but often the same issues in the burbs
C&O lots – a real option, but check the website
 
Friends/Family
Do they have parking? (Before you ask… I don’t!)
 
Third way – leave the car at home
Rentals
Fly and bring the bike
Train
Get dropped off

 

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 summer’s upcoming 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
Mr. T
Nathan Poulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
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, RIP
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
Brian Hafner
Misha LeBlanc
Ari Messinger
David Gratke
Todd Groesbeck
Wally Estrella
Sue Reinert
John Leko
Stephen Granata
Phillip Mueller
Robert Lackey
Dominic Carol
Jacqi McCulloch
John Hickman
Carl Presseault
David Neves
Patty Louise
Terry Fitzgerald
Peter Steinmetz
Timothy Fitzpatrick
Michael Liszewski
Hank O’Donnell
David Zanoni
David Weil
Matthew Sponseller
Chad Reno
Spartan Dale
Carolyn Ferguson
Peggy Littlefield
Lauren Allansmith
Eric Burns
Thomas Pearl
Darrin McKibben
Richard Stewart
Dave Fletcher
Jack Smith
Luke Parkinson
Ryan Patterson
Cyrus Farivar

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new track available NOW, and a new album dropping very soon AND Jason’s first solo album is now streaming on Spotify, including America, the Pedalshift theme. Go listen! 

The post The Pedalshift Project 289: Guide to the C&O – Parking in DC appeared first on Pedalshift.