400: Celebrating 400 Episodes [Live]

Four hundred episodes into this project, we gathered together on April 11, 2025 for a live show to celebrate the occasion. On this edition I revealed a new tour, announced a short spring break (with episodes, never fear!), and did some Ask Me Anythings!

Pedalshift 400 Live

Hey check out the video if that's your bag...

https://www.youtube.com/live/EJfDdaQDgeE?si=NruP9cvgb0mgY8ip

 

Introduction

•Tim kicks off Episode 400 live with listeners in the chat

•Reflects on 10+ years of podcasting, over 1.3 million downloads

•Expresses gratitude to listeners and the broader bike travel community

 

Shout-Outs & Tributes

•Listener shout-outs:

•Forrest from Whitehorse on the GAP Trail

•Byron and the Sprocket listener crossover poll (results were a 50/50 split)

•Tribute to The Sprocket Podcast:

•Final episode recently released

•Strong influence on Pedalshift’s creation

•Encourages new listeners to explore the Sprocket back catalog

•Shared values and crossover episodes remembered fondly

 

Tour Reveal: Circumnavigating Lake Ontario

•Dedicated to Tim’s late father; the lake was important to him

•Starting in Western New York, likely near Tim’s mother’s home

•Full loop around Lake Ontario

•Using the e-bike with a second battery for extended range

•No camping: entirely hotel or Airbnb lodging

•Expected duration: under a week

•Part of 2025 goals: new route, international travel, expanded e-bike touring

 

Pedalshift Spring Break

•First planned break in podcast history (show remains weekly)

•Begins April 24, 2025

•Through May, rebroadcasting selected past mini-tours:

•Game of Chance Tour

•Cleanup Tour

•Fill in the Blanks Tour

•New content returns in June with:

•Los Angeles Metro Bike Adventure (Episode 401)

•Lake Ontario Tour coverage begins with Episode 402

 

Ask Me Anything (Live Chat Q&A)

 

Tour Planning and Equipment

•Uses RideWithGPS, Google Maps, and Street View for route planning

•Recommends overlays like RideWithGPS heatmaps for checking route popularity

•Apple Notes is the go-to tool for organizing transit and fast-forward trips

•Safari and Brompton are the most used bikes for local/urban riding

•Gravel/dirt touring is appealing, especially with proper gear; has done C&O and Erie Canal

•Tour terrain preference: tie between forested and coastal routes

 

C&O Canal Guidance

•Cumberland to DC is a favorable direction due to logistics and parking

•Recommends Harper’s Ferry to Shepherdstown segment for beginners

 

Tour Ideas and Alternatives

•Florida ride likely to be retired after repeated versions

•Considering Arizona desert rides, Florida Keys, or San Diego to Phoenix

•Airline logistics (especially Southwest policy changes) influence decision-making

•Possibility of international touring (Europe later in 2025, Australia someday)

 

Fun Pop Culture AMA

•Favorite Prince songs to bike to:

•Let’s Go Crazy

•Seven (all-time favorite)

•Raspberry Beret, Purple Rain, 1999 also mentioned

•Brief discussion of cycling music and personal playlist choices

 

Future Travel Hints

•Canada’s Lake Ontario loop is Tim’s first true international bike tour

•Possibility of a short European ride in late summer 2025

•Dreaming of riding in Australia during shoulder seasons

 

Closing Remarks

•Gr