TUBA Trail Scouting & Happy Little Accidents Ep 102

In this episode of ShiftLess, Kevin and Brad dive into the gritty reality of ultra endurance unpaved cycling and the "happy little accidents" discovered while scouting The USA Trail. This installment chronicles an 1,800-mile scouting expedition through Mississippi and Louisiana, providing a masterclass in the logistics and terrain of cross-country bikepacking.We explore the evolving concept of Basepacking—utilizing vehicles as mobile hubs to facilitate deep-country scouting—and how this approach is shaping the Trans-USA route. From the pine forests of Mississippi to the flooded levees of the Mississippi River, we break down what it takes to map a route that is scenic, safe, and sustainable.Beyond the trail, we tackle major headlines in the gravel cycling industry, including the financial struggles of Revel Bikes and the launch of State Bicycle Co’s budget-friendly 4130 steel hardtail.Scouting The USA Trail: A deep dive into the 225-mile stretch across Mississippi and the 750-mile journey through Louisiana, including the best river crossings and the mystery of the "Louisiana Trails" rail-bed.Basepacking & Resupply: Expert tips on planning for 50-mile resupply gaps and why the Ramsey General Store is a mandatory "Oasis" for weary riders.Industry News: Analysis of Revel Bikes' closing and a look at State Bicycle Co's new mountain bike—plus how tariffs are impacting modern bike prices.The Kisatchie Forest Experience: Navigating one of the most beautiful (and bug-filled) sections of the route.Singletrack vs. Gravel: Kevin’s return to the North Shore singletrack on a rigid-fork single speed and the geometry of a perfect "RAT" bike.Chef’s Corner: Brad’s review of the St. Francisville food scene and the search for the ultimate Korean fried chicken.Gravel Cycling, Bikepacking, The USA Trail, Basepacking, Ultra Endurance Cycling, Unpaved Bicycle Culture, Route Scouting, State Bicycle Co, Revel Bikes, Kisatchie National Forest, Single Speed Mountain Bike.Key HighlightsSearch Optimized KeywordsReach out and touch us: [email protected] Exploring the Deep South: Bike Adventures, Hidden Trails, and Louisiana CuisineIn this episode of the Shiftless podcast, hosts Kevin and Brad dive into a fun and varied discussion about their recent adventures and plans. Kevin shares his detailed scouting trip across Mississippi and Louisiana, highlighting picturesque biking trails, unexpected resupply points, and unique challenges like unmaintained trails and thick gravel roads. The episode also touches on amusing anecdotes such as Kevin's stop at the Francis restaurant in St. Francisville and trying local banana pudding. Meanwhile, Brad discusses his recent rides around Denton, prepping for an upcoming trip, and scratchings some culinary itches with Korean fried chicken. The conversation covers everything from the technical aspects of bike setup to the simpler pleasures of local food, providing listeners with an engaging mix of travel stories, biking insights, and a dose of local culture.00:00 Introduction and Preamble00:34 Welcome to Shiftless Podcast01:16 Golf Stories and Weather Talk02:22 Garage Cleaning and Fixing Things03:12 Recent Adventures and Headlines04:29 Revel Bikes Closure Discussion07:48 State Bicycles New Mountain Bike16:30 Single Speed and Bike Setup26:56 Air Conditioner Troubles and Summer Tips42:01 Upcoming Ride Plans44:40 Route Scouting and Adventures46:39 Happy Little Accidents47:06 Mapping the Route from Waynesboro to Castor48:29 Exploring the Monkey Trail and Mountain Biking49:46 Scouting the Route from Minden to Texarkana52:34 Challenges of Crossing the Mississippi River59:50 The Louisiana Trails Dilemma01:09:21 Food Highlights and Happy Little Accidents01:30:45 Preparing for the Next Adventure