The Pedalshift Project 394: Florida Coast Part 1

The first day of the Florida Coast adventure starts from the cooler air of Jacksonville, carrying me south through a series of beach towns on the way to a state park outside of St. Augustine with two entrances… the short way has a locked gate… would I be able to get through or have to go all the way back around (complete with extra miles) to get to camp?

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 394: Florida Coast Part 1.

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Pedalshift 400 Live

Hold the date… Pedalshift 400 Live will be Friday April 11th at 8pm ET – 5pm PT. Check out Pedlashift on YouTube or pedalshift.net/live for more. Ask Me Anything for sure, the rest is a surprise maybe to me as well?

Florida Coast Part 1

Statistics

Miles bikes 52.5

Miles ferried .3

Towns with beach in the name 7

Regrets for not stopping for a cuban coffee 1

Flats 0

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 394: Florida Coast Part 1 appeared first on Pedalshift.

February 13, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 393: Florida Coast Preview

My annual tradition of a winter ride in the sunshine state continues! Unlike past years, I’m shaking things up with the start and focusing on a coastal ride along the East Coast Greenway before turning inland. But the Florida Coast is the name of the game for this adventure, and on this episode we preview the ride!

The Pedalshift Project 393: Florida Coast Preview

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 392: eBike Range Test Takeaways.

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Florida Coast Preview

The ride

Jacksonville to WDW over 4 days!

East Coast Greenway!

A ferry!

Mostly coastal riding with the ocean over my left shoulder (who knew?)

Revisting the Florida Coast to Coast Trail

Riding all the way to my finish line resort at WDW (no Lyfts at the end this time!)

The gear

Brompton

3 days of camping

Backpack mode with front pannier (same as last year)

Keeping things minimal as the camping gear takes up some room

No stove

Details

JAX-St. Augustine

St. Augustine – Daytona

Daytona – Lake Monroe

Lake Monroe – WDW

Highlights

Day 1 St. Johns ferry and St Augustine

Day 2 All coastal riding to Daytona

Day 3 Reuniting with the FLC2C trail and camping at the free Lake Monroe campground

Day 4 Eff it we’re doing it live! Another thrilling ride into the belly of the beast errr Mouse and then celebrating by flying the Falcon and drinking blue milk and hitting the cantina

Potential issues

I need this trip more than I’ve ever needed a bike adventure so there’s a lot of mental energy riding on this one… so you just KNOW shit will go sideways!

Have not gotten the Brompton checked and likely won’t have an opportunity as I have only a day or two in DC before I fly down to JAX. What could possibly go wrong?

Tour Journal episodes start… next week, AND this gets us almost all the way to episode 400. Stay tuned for a live show announcement for mid-April!

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 393: Florida Coast Preview appeared first on Pedalshift.

February 6, 2025

Best of Pedalshift 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! Originally podcast August 11, 2022.

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

January 30, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 392: eBike Range Test Takeaways

So I successfully rode 75 miles on a single charge of my eBike battery (with a little bit of a top off!). What did I learn from the adventure and what does it mean for future trips with my ebike?

The Pedalshift Project 392: eBike Range Test Takeaways

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 392: eBike Range Test Takeaways.

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eBike Range Test Takeaways

75ish miles is pretty great with a little top off… that’s amazing for the C&O and other reasonably flat terrain!

1.Battery Management is Key

•The ride underscored the importance of efficient battery use. Keeping the e-bike battery between 20% and 80% for everyday use is recommended, but for extended trips, charging to 100% proved essential. However, overuse of higher pedal-assist levels (like Level 3) quickly drained the battery, emphasizing the need to stick to lower levels (1 or 2) to maximize range.

2.Comfort Adjustments are Ongoing

•Experimentation with the saddle and handlebars revealed that finding the right configuration for long rides is a process. While the new saddle and bar extensions offered some comfort, they weren’t perfect, suggesting that further adjustments or a different saddle type (like a Brooks) may be needed for better ergonomics.

3.Weather and Trail Conditions Impact Performance

•The dry, cool weather and improved trail conditions (like the newly paved Western Maryland Rail Trail) enhanced the ride experience. However, headwinds were a challenge, requiring adjustments in effort and assist levels to maintain speed.

4.Range and Effort Balance

•The ride confirmed that the e-bike could cover about 70-75 miles on a single charge, with minimal hills and strategic use of pedal assist. This opens possibilities for long-distance touring with the addition of a second battery but highlighted that even with assist, significant physical effort is still required, particularly on longer rides.

5.Preparation and Redundancy are Crucial

•While the ride was successful, minor issues like forgetting a bike lock, misplacing microphone components, and underestimating hydration needs pointed to the importance of thorough preparation. Carrying a spare battery, hydration supplies, and tools for adjustments proved beneficial.

The ebike is absolutely in my plans for some adventures

– Train and bike to/from DC – really anyplace but emphasis on east coast

– Circumnavigation of Lake Ontario

– More east coast greenway riding

– Another segment of the cross country ride

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 392: eBike Range Test Takeaways appeared first on Pedalshift.

January 29, 2025

Memos, EOs and Impacts on Nonprofits

On this episode of the podcast, we will talk about the deluge of executive orders and a new memo freezing funding that has come in at the start of Trump’s new administration. How will they effect the work of non-profits and what can you do to support or oppose these and future executive orders.

Attorneys for this Episode

Tim Mooney

Brittany Hacker

Federal Funding Freeze Memo and Executive Orders

• Memo issued by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

• Halt on grants and loans distributed by the federal government.

• Implications for Medicaid, WIC, and other critical programs.

Legal and Constitutional Challenges

• Lawsuit filed against the funding freeze, citing violations of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).

• Debate over the legality and scope of executive orders.

Nonprofit Advocacy and Response

• Importance of independent nonprofit organizations in countering these actions.

• Guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations to legally speak out against executive actions.

Role of Funders

• Call for funders to fill gaps caused by halted federal funds.

• Encouragement for philanthropy to step up during this crisis.

Resources

· Being a Player

· Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits – National Council of Nonprofits

· Rules of the Game – Foundation Funding Tips

January 23, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 391: eBike Range Test Part 1

On this episode we ride from my cabin to Cumberland, MD on the C&O towpath to see if we can squeeze 75 miles out of my eBike battery! With only one real opportunity to top off, this is a real test with fairly unfun consequences if I run out… did I make it or did I have to pedal the last bit without that little extra boost?

The Pedalshift Project 391: eBike Range Test Part 1

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 391: eBike Range Test Part 1.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
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eBike Range Test Part 1

75 miles on one battery charge with a little top off! Next week, takeaways!

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 391: eBike Range Test Part 1 appeared first on Pedalshift.

January 22, 2025

Advocacy Check Up

For those who caught our most recent podcast on Nonprofit New Year’s Resolutions – Resolution #2 was to conduct an Advocacy Check Up. In this episode, we’re deeper into how to do that. We released new Nonprofit Self-Assessment tool, designed to help nonprofit organizations assess your overall compliance with federal and state advocacy-related tracking and reporting requirements, and to identify opportunities to build your organization’s advocacy capacity.

Attorneys for this Episode

Quyen Tu Sarah Efthymiou Susan Finkle Sourlis

ü Governance & Administration: Strengthen your nonprofit’s compliance and operational efficiency

· Having legal and accounting support from professionals with knowledge of nonprofits can help safeguard against unnecessary risk and prevent costly errors

· The IRS recommends, and some states require, that certain organizational policies are maintained, such as document retention & destruction and conflict of interest policies.

· Most states have registration and reporting requirements when nonprofits solicit funds from their state’s residents. Nonprofits should regularly review their fundraising activities (including online) to determine whether they need to register.

ü Funding Sources: Once your legal house is in order, we suggest that you look at your funding sources.

· The type of funder will help determine what type of funds you are dealing with, e.g., general support vs. project specific grants, single-year vs multi-year grants.

· Determining the funding source will help you understand how you can spend the funds, whether there are limitations, and how you pay for the day-to-day operational costs for your nonprofit.

ü Advocacy Activities, including lobbying

· Important to understand if an activity or communication is lobbying or nonlobbying advocacy.

· Whether your nonprofit has taken the 501(h) election will help you know your lobbying limits as a 501(c)(3), as well as how to define lobbying.

· Don’t forget that many activities may look like lobbying but fall under an IRS exception. The checklist has you covered there, too.

· State and federal lobbying disclosure rules may apply to your work, too.

ü Coalition and Affiliate Work

· The checklist also raises questions to consider when establishing and setting up a coalition and affiliate relationships. For example, Do you have a cost sharing agreement? Do you share staff, how do you keep track of the programs that are distinct to each organization? Are staff aware of the difference between the two orgs? These questions are important to the foundational principles of how c3s and c4s can work together – or in broader coalitions.

· The basic principle is in regards to the flow of money and assets, we refer this as riding a bike up the hill – money or shared assets (like sharing staff) from the c3 to a c4 is slow deliberate process and you need to have the systems in place to ensure that the c3 is not supplementing or supporting the allowable c4 political activity.

· Having the appropriate documentation and keeping track are also important principles to follow.

ü Nonpartisan Election Activities

· Although one election cycle just ended, another one is underway – there will be many local and state elections in the odd year. Thinking about and preparing for election-season activities should be part of every nonprofit’s check-up.

· Do staff or volunteers understand the rules around nonpartisan activity? Do staff or volunteers know what hats they are wearing – what can they do in their official organizational capacity or as an individual on their own personal time?

· In this section, think about your activities your nonprofit might participate in, e.g., will you conduct town halls, candidate questionaries, or voter education?

Resources: The primary resource that we highlighted today is our new Advocacy Check-Up: Nonprofit Self-Assessment. Within the checklist, you’ll find links to Bolder Advocacy and other helpful resources that will help you complete your assessment and be in the best position to advocate for your organization, your mission, and your communities.

January 16, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 390: eBike Range Test Preview

On this episode we turn the page back to last fall when I did a secret mini tour with a big purpose… to test the range of my eBike battery on the C&O trail! Can I stretch one full charge enough to get a full day’s ride in with all of the pedal assist I want? Let’s find out the hard way!

The Pedalshift Project 390: eBike Range Test Preview

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 390: eBike Range Test Preview.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
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Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

eBike Range Test Preview

The ride

Cabin to Cumberland, road and trail

1 day, 1 charge*

eBike!

The idea

Can I stretch the battery enough to get me 75.1 miles from cabin to Cumberland?

Learning about range

Learning about methods to conserve power

Can I pedal this bike comfortably without pedal assist? Will I have to?

The weather

We haven’t had rain in the region for a month, so of course we are forecast for rain the night before the ride

BUT it should be dry day of, with a cold start and low 60s as a high

The gear

No camping this trip… doing a hotel in Cumberland and taking the train back

No camping? A lot less gear!

Bringing two emptyish panniers

Charger

Clothes for next day

May bring my sleeping bag for emergency’s sake

Extra chain and tools

The plan

A chilly start after sunrise

Ride to Hancock

Hour break to get a few more miles of charge

Pedal assist level 1 or maybe level 2 on the C&O to keep pace up but conserve battery

Assessing battery in Paw Paw (may have an opportunity to top up)

Will turn off pedal assist as necessary… or keep it up to improve pace

What is success?

2x speed 1/2 effort!

Knowing the range in real world conditions

Giving the bike its longest test yet

Feeling out the comfort situation – do I need to do more?

Next week… the ride!

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 390: eBike Range Test Preview appeared first on Pedalshift.

January 9, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 389: 2025 Bicycling Goals

On this edition of the pod, we kick off 2025 with the intent to make it a year of celebration in a time of loss for me. But celebration is more fun, so let’s do that.

The Pedalshift Project 389: 2025 Bicycling Goals

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 389: 2025 Bicycling Goals.

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2025 Bicycling Goals

2014’s trip was a shout out to my grandmother and 2025 now has to be the same for my dad, who passed away at his home in NY just before Christmas. So, what are we doing by bike to celebrate his life and all sorts of other things?

Celebrating plans already made, and taking care of yourself – yes, I’m in western NY for a few weeks this winter but I’m taking some time to ride my ride in Florida. Familiar trip to be sure… the finish line is the same, but the route is so much more. Details in a few weeks!

A big ebike trip – maybe two. Taking the bike on a ride only the ebike can do… extra distance per day? Twice as fast? Looking at a push west and maybe north too.

Something international – you non-US folks have been very patient with this America-centric pod. We’ll see if we can get wheels down someplace I need a passport.

West coast – what, you thought I wouldn’t hit the Pacific coast? Pffft… find another podcast! Probably summer.

More bike adjacent adventures – exploring someplace where I ride, a bike gets used, but it’s not necessarily the full focus.

Next week… I ran out of 2024! How about another tour journal to catch up?

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 389: 2025 Bicycling Goals appeared first on Pedalshift.

January 9, 2025

Best of Pedalshift 270: Winter Bike Fitness and Maintenance

With a bunch of snow and ice on the ground where I’m at, it’s a good time to focus on things that will help bike tours coming after the thaw. On this episode, an update on my winter fitness goals, what I’m doing to keep it going plus some ideas on winter bike maintenance. Originally podcast January 20, 2022.

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