Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 380: eBike Shakedown Takeaways + 2025 Adventures.

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eBike Shakedown Takeaways + 2025 Adventures

Housekeeping

Live Show announcement! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT – topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.

We have a new adventure lined up in a totally new to me state! Preview episode next week!

Takeaways

The bike works and I might be a better mechanic than I thought

I may have underestimated the range on this battery

I may have underestimated the recharge capabilities of the “slow charger” but maybe not

I need more hand positions (Jones Bar? Something else?)

I really should finish the bike but if I’m cutting cables I want to figure out the handlebars and height first

I’m going to buy all the things to outfit this without borrowing from my other bikes

The Future

I considered bringing this bike for my annual Florida ride, then reconsidered

Positioning an ebike for a ride is complex because transportation has to be by ground or shipping

I want to do more shakedowns before going “over the wall”

C&O to Cumberland and back (or train)

Full GAP/CO

East Coast Greenway segments from DC north and south

Connect OTET to Katy (Dayton-St. Louis)

KC to Denver

Denver to the Pacific Coast

What are you interested in hearing about?

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 379: eBike Project – Shakedown Ride.

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eBike Project – Shakedown Ride

 

Housekeeping

Lael Wilcox’s ride is weeks old now but shout out to listener and former guest Cyrus Fairivar for not only meeting with Lael, but getting an unnamed shout out on her pod! 

Live Show announcement! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT – topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.

Bike Setup & Preparation:

•Fully charged battery, loaded with two rear panniers, and adjustments for the first e-bike adventure.

•Changes from the last ride: added a stove for coffee and packed some food from Maria’s Taqueria.

Ride Experience:

•Initial observations on battery performance: The e-bike flattened the hills, averaging around 20-25 mph with minimal battery usage.

•Headwind and hill performance: Noted how the pedal assist (at level 4 and 5) made hills easier and allowed for faster cruising speeds.

Comfort Adjustments:

•Noted some tingling in the hands and plans to possibly add bar ends or horns for a better grip.

•A potential move to a more upright riding position, requiring cabling adjustments.

Battery Management:

•Discussed the range and recharge performance, observing that the battery was only down 25% after 20 miles of riding, even with heavy pedal assist.

•Insights on ideal battery storage and how the e-bike’s range matched expectations.

Camp Setup:

•Arrived at camp and shared thoughts on the bike’s potential for longer tours, with plenty of battery for return rides.

•Reflections on camping alone and observations on trail conditions and other cyclists.

The Ride Back:

•Further testing of the battery on uphill sections, confirming impressive performance with ample pedal assist.

•Final reflections on e-bike touring possibilities, noting a vastly improved return ride compared to previous acoustic bike tours.

Statistics

Miles biked: 40 miles
Average Speed on Flats: 23 mph
Battery confidence: 100%
Efficacy of using coffee stirrers as chopsticks: 3%
Flats: 0

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 378: eBike Project – Shakedown Preview.

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eBike Project – Shakedown Preview

The basics

ebike

full charged battery

Two panniers and maybe the sleep kit on the handlebars

No food, no stove

Sleep clothes only (no additional clothing)

Rain gear only if rain ends up being possible

extra tools – chain breaker, master link breaker, more

The route

Road route from cabin to Hancock’s city park, then onto one of the closer campsites on the C&O

Returning the second day to Hancock for any additional charge ups necessary and then up the hills back

Approx 40 total miles, maybe a bit more if I ride further out on the trail

Why so short?

Need to keep things close in case we have something happen that requires a vehicle rescue

May be a short ride but it has a lot of climbing, long flats where speed is helpful, and more

Trying to gauge how much range this bike and battery has on real terrain

Minimal gear and gas station cuisine 

Hancock has plenty of food options close to the city park that has electric

Will bring water purifier for the trail just in case, but likely will have enough water on hand to make things work

Trying to keep the variables to a minimum

Weather

Finally starting to cool down around here!

High projected to be in 70s (24C), lows in the mid 50s (13C)

Rain in the forecast for a couple of days before, but ending that morning so it should be dry but might have wet ground

Down bag, tent, pad… nothing too crazy necessary as we transition into fall

What I’m looking for out of this trip

Ensuring the build is solid and safe – rack, brakes, cables no longer pinched

Testing range on the battery

Getting more experience climbing with the boost

Seeing how “fast” my 3A charger can charge (not a lot)

Getting a feel for a suspension bike

Getting a feel for the tires

Assessing comfort – how long can I be in the saddle?

Assessing need for more add-ons

A chill night on the C&O… haven’t been camping since Oregon this summer!

Pod plans

Single tour journal for the trip (there and back)

Separate takeaways episode to get into assessments, next steps, and potential ideas for 2025

 

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 377: eBike Project – The Build.

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eBike Project – The Build

• Hey I got an ebike! Where did I end up? 
• Decided on build over buy – more flexibility
• Decided on new over used – couldn’t find a good used one that wasn’t $$$
• Went with a Bafang middrive motor and a 52v 20Ah frame mounted battery – smaller than Brian’s, but still pretty big. 
• Watched a ton of YouTube videos and bought some tools!
• This took me several weeks because the bike lived at the cabin and I was back and forth a bit as I built it
• This was a journey… and the episode is a little long, but definitely brings you along tour journals style for how it went…

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:54 Choosing the Right Bike for the E-Bike Conversion

05:52 Initial Setup and Component Replacements

10:56 Challenges and Adjustments

18:05 Programming and Configuration

28:45 Battery Insights and Expectations

41:03 Assembly and Troubleshooting

48:11 Rear Brake Discovery

48:27 Chain Installation Challenges

48:30 Nighttime Reflections

49:27 Final Adjustments and Cable Management

50:51 Chain Sizing Tips

51:47 First Ride Impressions

52:32 Handlebar and Screen Setup

52:51 Rear Brake Issues

55:28 Pedal and Crank Problems

58:54 Cable and Sensor Installations

01:01:44 Tire Upgrade

01:04:14 Battery and Range Concerns

01:04:53 Shakedown Ride Plans

01:07:23 Final Preparations

01:16:47 Shakedown Ride Execution

01:25:48 E-Bike Confidence Boost

01:30:36 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 376: Oregon Coast Remix Takeaways.

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Oregon Coast Remix Takeaways

Don’t Rush Tent Setup: I experienced a rough night at Bastendorf Beach County Campground due to improper tent setup. I had to get out of the tent at 12:30 AM to stake it properly, improving airflow and reducing internal condensation, which kept me awake as large drops of water hit my forehead.

Every Trip Is Unique: James and I reflected on how each of our trips along the Oregon Coast differed. For example, I noted that every time I rode the coast, I used a different bike or setup, which made each journey distinct and memorable.

Critical Importance of Food and Hydration: I discovered that my difficulties during the ride were due to dehydration, which affected my overall well-being. I shifted my focus from electrolytes to drinking more regular water, especially after noticing that my urine color indicated dehydration. Also, snacks like frosted mini-wheats helped manage my energy levels.

Oregon Coast Weather’s Dual Role: The Oregon Coast’s weather was both a blessing and a challenge. For instance, while the cool, cloudy weather made for pleasant riding, the sudden appearance of the sun during our ride to Sunset Bay increased the difficulty, especially on long climbs.

Companionship on the Road: I noted that riding with James added a positive social element to the trip. Despite generally preferring to ride solo, I found it enjoyable to share the experience and have someone to talk to about various topics along the way.

Campground Upgrades: We stayed at a variety of campgrounds, each with different amenities. For instance, we found the new hiker-biker campsite at Jesse M. Honeyman State Park to be an improvement over previous experiences, with brand new facilities, flat tent sites, and a charging station.

The Value of Good Sleep: At Honeyman State Park, despite the riding challenges, I noted how a good night’s sleep helped me recover, emphasizing how crucial rest is for endurance on multi-day tours.

Adaptability to Changing Plans: The trip required constant adaptation, such as when we chose to stay at Bastendorf Beach County Park instead of Sunset Bay. This change was partly due to past negative experiences at Sunset Bay and partly because we discovered Bastendorf had amenities we preferred.

Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Despite the physical and logistical challenges, James and I remained positive, often joking about the difficulties and focusing on the highlights of the trip, such as the beautiful weather and the enjoyable ride through Bandon.

Where Are the Cyclists?: James and I are still pretty puzzled about the lack of cyclist encounters on the entire ride. We talked about some of the theories, but none of them alone explain it. Having the camps to ourselves was great but if there’s lower demand will the amenities go away?

Programming note!

Lael!

Next week we enter a new era in bike adventures… remember that ebike project? Let’s just say things escalated and you get to join me in the process!

Also… we have two more bicycle adventures left this year alone and planning for the winter trip in early 2025 is locked in. Lots more to come!

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 375: Oregon Coast Remix – Part 6.

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Oregon Coast Remix – Part 6

Segment 1: Departure from Bandon, Oregon

  – Early morning departure, catching the bus to Crescent City.

  – The stark contrast between cycling for days and the sudden speed of motorized transport.

  – Reflecting on the mixed feelings of leaving the Oregon coast but looking forward to more adventures.

Segment 2: Crescent City and Beyond

  – Arriving in Crescent City via bus and experiencing the rapid transition south.

  – The surreal feeling of covering in minutes what would have taken days by bike.

  – Exploration of Crescent City, a quiet yet interesting coastal town with a mix of old and new homes.

Segment 3: Journey to Medford, Oregon

  – Renting a Jeep for the drive to Medford, a stark contrast to the cycling experience.

  – The logistics of packing up the bike and the relief of having more freedom with a car.

  – Reflecting on the decision to spend extra money on a car rental instead of enduring a challenging bus experience.

  – Arriving in Medford and enjoying some downtime with a few beers and a simple hotel dinner.

Segment 4: The following week in Mendocino

  – Bonus content: Tim rides his Brompton to Mendocino, battling wind and heel strikes with his messenger bag.

  – The beautiful yet challenging coastal route, with reflections on the unique experience of riding the Brompton.

  – Meeting up with James in Mendocino for beers and conversation.

Segment 5: James’ Solo Journey

  – James shares his solo adventure from Bandon, Oregon, to Mendocino, California.

  – Highlights include staying at unique campsites like Florence Keller in Crescent City and Sue-Meg State Park.

  – Encountering heavy fog and low visibility while climbing out of Crescent City, but ultimately enjoying the beauty of the coast.

  – Discussion of the strange phenomenon of not encountering any other touring cyclists during the journey.

Segment 6: Reflections on the Pacific Coast Route

  – Tim and James reflect on the diminishing number of cyclists on the Pacific Coast route, speculating on reasons like the closure of Big Sur and the changing interests of the cycling community.

Statistics

• Miles Bussed from Bandon to Crescent City: 90 miles
• Miles Driven from Crescent City to Medford: 106 miles
• Miles Flown between segments: 5383
• Total Bicycle Tourists Encountered in Camps: 0
• Total Miles Cycled by James from Bandon to Mendocino: 412 miles
• Flats: 0

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 374: Oregon Coast Remix – Part 5.

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Oregon Coast Remix – Part 5

• Morning Update from Bastendorf Beach County Campground
  • Tim shares challenges with condensation and a disrupted night’s sleep.
  • Discussion on the overall rating of the campsite and amenities.
  • Plans for the day’s ride: Seven Devils Road to Bandon and finally to Bullards Beach State Park.
• On the Road to the Seven Devils
  • Decision to skip Sunset Bay and head straight to Seven Devils Road.
  • Overview of the route and expected challenges.
  • Reflections on the unique aspects of each trip and the enjoyment of new experiences.
• Riding the Seven Devils 
  • Tim describes the physical challenges of the ride, including dealing with humidity and climbs.
  • Frequent breaks and efforts to maintain hydration and energy levels.
• Arrival in Bandon
  • Arrival at Bandon Brewing Company for a well-deserved meal and beers.
  • Reflections on the ride, weather conditions, and experiences in Bandon.
  • Rating Bandon Brewing Company: 7.5/10
• Final Stretch to Bullards Beach State Park
  • The ride back to camp, facing headwinds and fatigue.
  • Comparison of Bullards Beach State Park to other campsites visited.
  • Rating Bullards Beach State Park: 8/10
  • Observations on the absence of other touring cyclists during this trip.
• Evening Reflections and Future Plans
  • Enjoying the final night of camping and discussing future adventures.
  • James plans to update his Adventure Cycling Association maps.
  • Teaser for upcoming adventure plans involving the ACA.

Statistics

• Miles biked 26.5
• Devils 7
• Beers 2
• Cyclists in camp 0
• Hikers in camp 1
• Flats 0

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 373: Oregon Coast Remix – Part 4.

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Oregon Coast Remix – Part 4

• Morning Update from Honeyman State Park

• On the Road to Reedsport
  • Riding along Highway 101
  • Hydration and appetite improving.
  • Reflecting on the camping experience and the tour’s challenges.
• Arrival in Reedsport
  • Successful lunch, hydration improved.
  • Decision to push for Sunset Bay, despite past unfavorable experiences.
• Journey to North Bend
  • Planning to reach North Bend, with a potential new campground option.
  • Discussions on the day’s remaining challenges and adjustments.
• Break at North Bend Safeway
  • Confirmed hiker/biker campsite at Coos County Park.
  • Reflecting on the tour’s modifications and feeling better health-wise.
  • Arrival at Bastendorf Beach County Park
• Recap of the day’s ride and the new campsite.
  • Comparison between Bastendorf Beach and Sunset Bay campsites.
  • Highlights include a large grassy area, numerous picnic tables, and decent amenities.
• Campground Rating Discussion
  • Tim and James rate Bastendorf Beach.
  • Considerations include amenities, location, and overall experience.
• Final Thoughts
  • Reflections on the day’s ride and feeling back to normal.
  • Plans for the following day: potentially tackling the seven devils and exploring Bandon or heading towards Port Orford.

Statistics

• Miles biked 55
• Elevation gain 3200 feet
• Appetite improvement 100%
• Meaningless hill climbs 1
• Buzzing lights at camp 0
• Wine cans imbibed 1
• Picnic tables available 40
• Flats 0