Author: Tim Mooney

March 21, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 357: Space Coast Loop – Takeaways

With the 2024 Florida ride in the rearview mirror, it’s time to assess how it went. I did the ride a bit differently this time… was it the right call? Is there something I definitely want to do next time? And what will I never do again in the Orlando area?

The Pedalshift Project 357: Space Coast Loop - Takeaways

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Space Coast Loop – Takeaways

A Brompton can do just about any kind of touring you throw at it
Resist the temptation to leave tools at home, even for urban tours
Best sun management for me – cover up arms and legs, sunscreen face and neck
Cycling gloves do make a difference
The rumors are true: upright riding is more comfortable
The backpack trick is back, baby!
Never take US192 to cross I4 – it’s not safe
Cycling into Disney World is fun, and I think I’ll keep doing it
Central Florida is constantly evolving – some of the trails I ended up on randomly (Shingle Creek Trail opened last year – thanks for the info Fernando!)
FL C2C trail is A+ but I’m also intrigued with the Heart of FL trail and the St. Johns River to Sea Loop

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
John Gardiner
Sam Scruggs

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 357: Space Coast Loop – Takeaways appeared first on Pedalshift.

March 14, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 356: Space Coast Loop – Part 4

The final day of the Space Coast Loop was supposed to be the easiest… a familiar route and a familiar destination, with maybe a quirk at the end. But would my luck avoiding mechanicals finally run out and would making a route change in the middle of the ride end up putting me in the middle of an interstate highway?

The Pedalshift Project 356: Space Coast Loop - Part 4

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Space Coast Loop – Part 4

An Early Start: Starting in St. Cloud, riding by a nearby farm.
Route Change: Deciding to take a more direct route including an unfamiliar trail.
Riding on US 192: Riding on US 192, recalling past experiences.
Assessing Traffic Conditions: Planning to evaluate safety and traffic near Disney Resort.
A Mechanical Issue: Facing and resolving a chain jam.
Discovering and Using Trails: Finding and using multi-use paths and trails.
Encountering Wildlife and Agriculture: Commenting on cows and agriculture near urban areas.
Navigating Challenges: US 192 is a bad idea to ride when it crosses I-4!
Reflecting on Planning vs. Reality: Reflecting on the differences between planning and actual conditions.
Concluding at Coronado Springs Resort: Ending the day at Coronado Springs Resort, opting for a lift to another location.

Statistics

Miles biked 34.8
Terrible route change ideas 1
Creams in my iced coffee 2
55+ resorts biked by 3? more?
Chain jams 1
Flats 0

Trip Overview

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 356: Space Coast Loop – Part 4 appeared first on Pedalshift.

March 7, 2024

Best of Pedalshift 157: The Ohio to Erie Trail

The Ohio to Erie Trail spans 326 miles diagonally across Ohio, linking up Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland and everything in between. On this episode, we chat about the trail and the experience biking across Ohio! Originally podcast March 14, 2019.

Best of Pedalshift 157: The Ohio to Erie Trail

The post Best of Pedalshift 157: The Ohio to Erie Trail appeared first on Pedalshift.

March 6, 2024

Bold AF with Vu Le

For our 100th episode, we are excited to chat with the incomparable Vu Le of Nonprofit AF. Vu brings his unique blend of insight, humor, and a pinch of provocation to the table, all wrapped up in the perspectives you’ve come to know from his writing. Vu is a treasure trove of wisdom for the nonprofit world and his takes are all his own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Alliance for Justice. A huge thank you for listening (and occasionally watching) our brand of spicy tax law for these 100 episodes, and what a better way to celebrate than with a guest who’s not afraid to shake things up all in the name of progress and passion for the cause.

Watch on the Bolder Advocacy YouTube Channel

• Introduction to Vu Le: His background and approach to writing about the nonprofit sector.

• Humor and Seriousness in Nonprofit Work: The balance between using humor and addressing serious topics in the sector.

• Finding One’s Voice in the Nonprofit Space: Advice on how to develop a unique voice and perspective.

• Critiques of Nonprofit and Philanthropy Practices: Vu’s views on overhead costs, salary transparency, lack of investment in advocacy, and the need for nonprofits to challenge conventional practices.

• Role of Funders and Power Dynamics: Discussion on how funders influence the nonprofit sector, the concept of “funder fragility,” and the push for transparency and honesty in grantmaking.

• Advocacy and Legal Challenges: The importance of advocacy work, the challenges faced by nonprofits in political environments, and the need for legal support.

• Celebrating Nonprofit Achievements: Acknowledgment of the sector’s vital role in societal progress and the need for greater appreciation and support.

• Predictions and Challenges for the Future: Reflections on the sector’s future challenges, including political influences and the need for a unified response to societal issues.

Read more of Vu’s work at Nonprofit AF.

February 29, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 355: Space Coast Loop – Part 3

Day 3 of the ride was a return to a familiar road route that kicked off this whole riding in Florida thing all the way back in 2019. But after two days of mostly idyllic trail riding, would competing for asphalt with cars and trucks be a rude awakening? And also, what direction are the prevailing winds in Florida again?

The Pedalshift Project 355: Space Coast Loop - Part 3

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Space Coast Loop – Part 3

Morning Preparations and Departure
- Early morning considerations for layer adjustment due to temperature changes.
- Decision against taking a shortcut due to inferior biking infrastructure, opting for safer, longer routes with better facilities.
Route and Scenery
- Travel south of Titusville on Indian River Road, enjoying the views and calm traffic with speed bumps to moderate speed.
- Encounters with beautiful landscapes, including Spanish moss on trees and scenic river views.
Supply Stops
- Initial plan to stop at Walgreens, followed by a successful stop at Publix for supplies.
- Consumption of sugary drinks and snacks for energy, reflecting on dietary preferences and changes over time.
Riding Experience
- Descriptions of varying road conditions, including the impact of headwinds and the strategy for energy management.
- Observations on traffic behavior, especially around large trucks, and personal safety measures like visibility and lane positioning.
Accommodation and Rest
- Arrival at an Airbnb in St. Cloud, highlighting the rural setting with chickens, roosters, and ducks, and the installation of a new bike path enhancing access to the property
- Reflections on the physical and mental challenges of the day, including the effectiveness of sugar and caffeine against headwinds, and the benefits of music for motivation.
Planning and Anticipation
- Planning for the next day’s route with considerations for traffic and personal endurance.
- Strategic thinking about meal planning, gear management, and the anticipation of a shorter ride day.

The Airbnb I stayed at in St. Cloud

Statistics

Miles biked 59.1
Sugary drink references 1
Farm animals observed 200?
Missed turns 3
Tears for Fears references 1
Flats 0

Trip Overview

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 355: Space Coast Loop – Part 3 appeared first on Pedalshift.

February 22, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 354: Space Coast Loop – Part 2

Day 2 of the Space Coast Loop, starts with another early morning, and nearly twice the mileage of the previous day. Riding on the Spring to Spring and East Central Regional Rail Trails promised to be great, along all the Spanish moss and unique wildlife central Florida has to offer. But ah those pesky headwinds coming off the coast I’m trying to reach… will my less-than-robust pre-ride conditioning do me in?

The Pedalshift Project 354: Space Coast Loop - Part 2

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Space Coast Loop – Part 2

Morning start and campsite experience details
Weather conditions and gear choices
Appreciation for campsite amenities and value
Plans for the day’s ride, including terrain and stops
Descriptions of the Spring to Spring Trail and East Central Regional Rail Trail
Interactions with other cyclists and wildlife observations
Food and hydration strategy throughout the day
Physical and mental state reflections
Overall journey reflections, including trail beauty and challenges
Anticipation for future rides and route planning

Evening reflections and campsite experiences

Statistics

Miles biked 51.4
Sugary sodas 2
Shoutouts to Aussies 1 (Matty Freedom!)
Spanish Moss mentions 3
NASA nerdery count 5 or 6?
Sum total of Manatees and Hammocks at Manatee Hammock campground 0
Frustration with wind noise on this tour journal infinity
Flats 0

Trip Overview

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 354: Space Coast Loop – Part 2 appeared first on Pedalshift.

February 21, 2024

The Connection

On this episode, we discuss The Connection, Bolder Advocacy’s go-to guide on how to create and operate 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and political organizations. In 2024, we release our 5th edition of The Connection and include several important updates your nonprofit needs to know about as we move into a contentious election season. If your nonprofit has questions about how to safely operate affiliated organizations or how to boost civic engagement in coalition with organizations that have a different tax-exempt status than your own, The Connection has the answers.

Attorneys for this show

Natalie Ossenfort, Sarah Efthymiou, and Susan Finkle-Sourlis

Show Notes

· The Connection is one of Bolder Advocacy’s core advocacy resources.

o It pairs well with:

§ “Being a Player” (guide to lobbying regulations for advocacy charities)

§ “The Rules of the Game” (guide to election-related activities for 501(c)(3)s)

o This is the go-to resource for organizations on how they can amplify their impact and build grassroots power by utilizing multiple types of tax-exempt entities to address social problems and pursue policy change.

o It discusses the best practices you need to know about when working with 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and PACs

o The Connection was first published in 1988 and is primarily authored by Holly Schadler at Trister, Ross, Schadler, and Gold (with contributions from several of her teammates and allies in the field)

o 5th Edition releasing end of February or early March 2024

· What can you find in THE CONNECTION?

o Details on several different types of tax-exempt organizations and the advocacy activities they can engage in

o The rules 501(c)(4)s need to know when lobbying and engaging in political activities

o Information on how to create and operate affiliated c3 and c4 organizations (including a step-by-step overview of c4 formation procedures)

o The rules governing PACs (including state PACs federal PACs and 527s)

o Sample cost sharing agreement, sample 501(c)(3) public charity to 501(c)(4) grant agreement, information on the Lobbying Disclosure Act, and more!

· What’s new in the 5th edition?

o Information on new FEC disclaimer requirements for “internet public communications”

o Social media guidance for affiliated 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations

o Details on a recent FEC ruling impacting the use of disclaimers for text messaging

o Requirements for Super PACs and hybrid PACs (also known as Carey Committees)

· “The Connection” also contains several concrete examples to illustrate how the rules apply in real-world scenarios (utilizing fictional tax-exempt organizations, of course).

o These examples answer questions like:

§ What happens when a 501(c)(3) wants to make a grant to its affiliated 501(c)(4) for an educational research project?

§ What happens when a 501(c)(3) conducts a nonpartisan voter registration drive and wants its affiliated 501(c)(4) to have access to the list of registered voters? You’ll find out in “The Connection” that it can’t just give the list to its affiliated 501(c)(4) at no charge, but it could in some instances (when allowed under state law) sell its list at fair market value via an arms-length transaction.

§ And, what happens when a c4 publishes a monthly magazine on mission-related issues and then, in one edition of the magazine, decides to include an article about its candidate endorsements?

· There are examples of required disclaimers for independent expenditures and electioneering communications too.

o Brand new FEC regulations, published in January of this year, clarify what types of communications fall within the definition of “internet public communications” and what types of disclaimers are required when these communications expressly advocate for the election or defeat of federal candidates.

o The latest edition of “The Connection” addresses how the law requires these disclaimers to be adapted for different communication formats. Whether it’s a communication including text and graphics, a video, or an audio-only statement, disclaimer requirements vary.

o As such, “The Connection” is not only good for frontline nonprofit advocates, but for Communications, HR, and Accounting staff too!

Resources

The Connection (Strategies for Creating and Operating 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and Political Organizations)

Being a Player (A Guide to the IRS Lobbying Regulations for Advocacy Charities)

The Rules of the Game (A Guide to Election-Related Activities for 501(c)(3) Organizations)

February 15, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 353: Space Coast Loop – Part 1

Packing up and getting myself and my trusty Brompton to central Florida is a well-practiced mid-winter routine for me at this point. But this year, we’re mixing it up with a new route and (finally?) some actual camping in the sunshine state. But would the unfamiliar route and lack of decent conditioning through the holidays put the brakes on this adventure before we even start?

The Pedalshift Project 353: Space Coast Loop - Part 1

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Space Coast Loop – Part 1

Preparation and Packing
Travel to Florida
Arrival and Bike Setup in Winter Garden
Trail Riding Experience
Camping Preparations and Considerations
Mechanical Adjustments and Bike Modifications
Weather and Riding Conditions
Navigation and Trail Experiences
End-of-Day Reflections and Camping Experience

Statistics

Miles flown 862
Miles biked 35.4
Number of 44 stars given 1
Times my phone dropped off my MagSafe bike mount 4
Auto Clubs mentioned 2
Footlongs consumed 1
Flats 0

Trip Overview

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 353: Space Coast Loop – Part 1 appeared first on Pedalshift.

February 8, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 352: Space Coast Loop Preview

The first tour of 2024 is a little bit of an old friend, but with brand new parts. Central Florida in early winter has treated me well, but things need to be shaken up. How about crossing a chunk of the state on a fantastic trail and mixing in some camping for the first time on one of these adventures? On this episode, we preview all of the excitement to come!

The Pedalshift Project 352: Space Coast Loop Preview

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Space Coast Loop Preview

Trip Overview

Announcement of returning to Florida for the Space Coast Loop

Brief mention of the Brompton setup and intention for a different kind of trip

Trip Details

The loop trip’s basic structure and logistics

Emphasis on Central Florida as the chosen location

Decision to include camping and the planning involved

Discussion about flight logistics and bicycle transportation, focusing on using a Brompton for ease of travel

Gear and Preparation

Explanation of the gear-hauling strategy using a backpack

Mention of potential weather challenges and preparations

Details on packing light and meal planning

Itinerary and Route Planning

Start of the trip from Orlando, moving towards Winter Garden, Florida

Exploration of the Florida Coast to Coast Trail

Details of each day’s ride, including camping locations and daily mileages

Inclusion of a roofed lodging stay and the reasons behind it

Plans for entering Disney World property and the anticipated challenges

Personal Insights and Anticipations

Reflection on the uniqueness of this trip compared to past adventures

Mention of new bicycling setup and excitement for the camping experience

Anticipation for the Florida Coast to Coast trail and potential challenges

Wrap-Up and Look Ahead

Concluding thoughts on the upcoming trip

Plans for future episodes covering the day-to-day experiences of the tour

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 352: Space Coast Loop Preview appeared first on Pedalshift.

February 7, 2024

Grassroots Advocacy

Exploring grassroots advocacy and the various activities that grassroots organizations can use to advance their mission and bring about positive policy change.

Attorneys for this Episode

Monika Graham

Natalie Ossenfort

Victor Rivera

Shownotes

Introduction Issue Advocacy and Lobbying Rallies, Town Halls, and Community Mobilization Persuading Elected Officials Advocacy Days and Lobbying Ballot Measures and Elections Commenting on Candidates and Campaigns Get Out the Vote Campaigns Spotlight: Grassroots Organizations Resources and Conclusion