Bike Life
96 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Bringing touring cyclists and hosts from around the globe together to share knowledge, experiences, and stories from the Warmshowers.org Foundation community.
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Episodes
Cycling Odyssey to the World Scout Jamboree
June 10, 2024 04:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBWhat inspires someone to cycle from France to Korea? Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of a passionate adventurer who made this impressive trek to the World Scout Jamboree, promoting bicycle travel and sustainable transportation along the way. Florian Coupe is a cyclist determined to make an impact and inspire youth around the world. He gives us an intimate look at the motivations, challenges, and memorable moments of his seven-month odyssey, covering over 15,000 kilom...
2 Bikers ~ 2 Years ~ 2 Continents
May 27, 2024 06:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBEver wondered what it's like to cycle from the frosty terrains of Alaska to the bustling streets of Argentina? Ville and Kristen Jokinen can tell you. They took on this monumental challenge and experienced the raw emotions and thrilling adventures that come with an extended bike tour across diverse landscapes. They share their intimate encounters with wildlife, including a startling face-off with a grizzly bear and the heartfelt connections they forged with locals and fellow trave...
Warm Welcomes: Building Community Through Hosting
May 13, 2024 06:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBEmbrace the ripple effect of hospitality with the Warmshowers Southern California hosting group! This special group has logged well over 600 guests between them. But for them, it’s not about the numbers; it’s about the profound impact the simple act of hosting has had on them. From offering shelter to providing a warm meal, each gesture of hospitality enriches their lives and strengthens their bond with the world. Every open door invites a new story and showcases the beauty of h...
Pedaling the Past
April 29, 2024 04:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBAre you captivated by tales of historical journeys and the adventurers who dared to traverse the globe on two wheels? Then you're in for a treat as we follow the path of Giulia Baroncini, who embarked on a monumental 5-month bike tour. Inspired by legendary Italian bike tourer Luigi Masetti's groundbreaking travels, Giulia not only honors tradition but challenges the boundaries of modern bike touring. She retraced Luigi’s route from over a century ago, navigating through multiple ...
Exploring Wild: Stories of Inspiration
April 15, 2024 06:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBAlissa Bell takes us on an inspiring adventure as she shares her transformational journey from the corporate grind to the liberating world of global bike touring. Following the motivating stories of women adventurers, Alissa stepped out of her comfort zone, leading to remarkable experiences in East and West Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. These experiences culminated in a newfound love for bike travel and a desire to share her stories with the world. As the founder of B...
A Family Adventure of Freedom & Connection
April 01, 2024 06:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBJoin us on an incredible cycling journey with the Bennek family as they share their experiences of leaving behind their life in Southern Germany to embark on a unique family cycle tour. Discover the challenges and joys of bike travel with two young kids as Lorena and Gregor discuss finding the perfect balance between adventure and family life. Their journey is a testament to the power of trust, flexibility, and connection with nature, providing a fresh perspective on the benefits o...
Biking 4 Biodiversity
December 25, 2023 05:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBToday’s episode of Bike Life aired earlier this year and quickly became one of our most downloaded shows of all time. All of our 2023 guests have been simply amazing! We hope you enjoy this encore presentation of Biking 4 Biodiversity. What do you get when you combine a love for adventure and cycle touring with a passion for nature conservation and awareness? Hanna Ollos and Jonas Sommer embarked on an epic cycling journey from Germany to Southeast Asia, with the goal of promotin...
Murdock, the Hosting Legend
December 11, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBToday’s episode of Bike Life aired earlier this year and quickly became one of our most downloaded shows of all time. All of our 2023 guests have been simply amazing! We hope you enjoy this encore presentation of Murdock, the Hosting Legend. Richard Martin, aka Murdock, discovered Warmshowers entirely by chance. Eight years and 200 guests later, Murdock has become a hosting legend! One day, on his way to work as a wildland firefighter, he met a cyclist on the road who had just cli...
Flash Memoir on Wheels
November 27, 2023 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24 MBJane Hertenstein's cycling journey began at a young age when her father strapped wooden blocks onto her tricycle. Since then, she has been deeply curious about exploring the world on her bike. From early solo trips to her epic cross-country adventure, Jane's love for cycling has allowed her to connect with many people along the way. Jane has authored over 90 published articles, stories, and novels, and her work has been recognized by the New York Times. She is known for her unique...
The Loong Way Home
November 13, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBMelissa Pritchard embodies the spirit of exploration. Her passion for cycling has shaped her life and taught her many important lessons. From learning to be content with less to finding happiness in the simple pleasures, her experiences on the road have given her a new perspective. Melissa's passion for cycling extends beyond her own adventures as she has visited schools in 30 different countries, inspiring students and teachers alike with her "Teacher on Two Wheels" project. She s...
Finding Harmony on the Road
October 30, 2023 06:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBKenneth Wilson, the highway cellist, shares his extraordinary “work of art” journey touring with his cello on his bike. With his book, "Highway Cello," as the backdrop, Kenneth takes listeners on a captivating tale of musical exploration and self-discovery. He recounts the challenges and triumphs of riding with his cello, including the ingenious solution he found for carrying it on his bike. Kenneth shares the joy of connecting with people and playing in unexpected locations, from...
Chasing Answers on Two Wheels
October 16, 2023 04:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBRide along as Brandon Bell takes us on a journey of self-discovery and environmental consciousness. After experiencing the impact of the 2008 recession and witnessing the growing complexity of the environmental crisis, Brandon embarked on a quest for answers. Leaving behind his career in the property industry, he pursued marine biology and sustainable development, ultimately leading to a deepening understanding of the global challenges we face. Brandon shares his passion for adv...
A Journey of Hope
October 02, 2023 06:00 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBAfter being diagnosed with cancer in 2019, Reija underwent extensive treatment and emerged stronger than ever. Inspired to make a difference, Reija and her partner embarked on a 10-week cycle tour, racing against time to raise money for the cancer charity Cycling for Cancer. As Reija shares her story, we learn about the challenges she faced during her journey, from navigating COVID restrictions to adapting their route due to Brexit. Despite the obstacles, Reija's determination and ...
The Open Road as Therapy
September 18, 2023 06:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBToday, we welcome back former Warmshowers board member, cycle tourer, and legendary host Ken Francis to discuss the important topic of mental health and its connection to both cycling and hosting. Ken brings his deep knowledge and personal experiences to the table, sharing insights about the transformative power of travel and the impact it can have on one's self-esteem and overall well-being. Through personal stories about his cycling trips in the 1980s and 1990s, he highlights the...
Navigating Teaching, Touring, and Music
September 04, 2023 06:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MBCarolyn Stallard, a professor at Brooklyn College and a freelance musician, has found a unique way to combine the freedom of remote teaching, a love of music, a desire to give back, and the joy of bicycle touring. From her first solo trip on the East Coast Greenway to her epic adventure down the West Coast, Carolyn proves that cycle touring is not only a mode of transportation but also a way to connect with her students and give back to the communities she visits. Something she ca...
Unscripted Adventures of an Intrepid Global Citizen
August 21, 2023 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBMeet George Balarezo, intrepid global citizen, adventure cycle tourer, seasoned traveler, and author. George shares his fascinating journey through Ethiopia, known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes. From encountering rock-throwing children to navigating through challenging roads, George's experience is both thrilling and eye-opening. Discover how George's unexpected encounters with the people of Ethiopia shaped his journey and influenced his perspective on the country's ...
Biking 4 Biodiversity
August 07, 2023 06:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBWhat do you get when you combine a love for adventure and cycle touring with a passion for nature conservation and awareness? Hanna Ollos and Jonas Sommer embarked on an epic cycling journey from Germany to Southeast Asia, with the goal of promoting nature conservation and raising awareness about the biodiversity crisis. Little did they know that their one-and-a-half-year journey would take unexpected twists and turns, pushing them to their limits and teaching them invaluable less...
Embracing the Unknown
July 24, 2023 06:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBFor 25 years, Dan Schmitt dreamed of taking a solo bikepacking trip across the northern tier of the United States into Canada. After retirement, his “Kontiki Dream” finally came true. Dan shares his 4800-mile bike trip, where he encountered numerous challenges, and heartwarming moments, making many meaningful connections with people along the way. He believes in the importance of human connections, the power of being kind, and the fulfillment that comes from embracing challenges on...
Talking Tandem Touring
July 10, 2023 06:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBStewart Clark and his wife Nancy (the stoker) have been tandem cycling for almost 20 years. They have been all over the world on their tandem and are members of several tandem touring clubs, including the Tandem Touring Club of France. Whether you're an experienced tandem cyclist or just starting, there are many benefits to tandem cycling with a partner. Building community, staying active, and staying connected to your spouse are just a few. When Stewart retired, he turned their ta...
Route 40 at 40
June 26, 2023 06:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBTadeo Pueyrredon has always had a love for nature, but it was his father’s passion for cycling that inspired him to take up bike touring. His dad bought his first bicycle and began touring at the young age of 72! After hearing about his dad’s adventures, Tadeo decided it was his turn. He has since cycled in many countries, including Cuba, Spain, Chile, Patagonia, Uruguay, and his home country of Argentina. At the age of 40, Tadeo took his dream journey and biked the entire Argentin...
Empowering Journey
June 12, 2023 04:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBSara Qiu Ruan has embarked on a life-changing adventure, conquering her fears and cycling with the profound purpose of helping people. Sara’s solo cycle tour has taken her across 7500km and into 10 countries – and counting. She has overcome her fear of asking for help, adjusted to wild camping, and stepped out of her comfort zone by connecting with people she meets along the way. But her journey isn’t only about personal growth; she is on a mission to make a difference. While in T...
Jumping in With Both Pedals
May 29, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBFour years ago, Tyler Diedrick had never cycled more than 10 miles at a time and didn’t even know that bike touring was a thing. Then he was gifted a book called To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins, and it changed the course of his life. Tyler quit his job, sold a majority of his belongings, bought a bike off of eBay, flew to Sacramento, CA, to pick it up, and set off for Alaska! What followed next is an epic tale of a sometimes funny, sometimes scary, but always adventu...
Jo Follows the Call of Adventure
May 15, 2023 06:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBFor many years, Jo Davies harbored a natural yearning for adventure. When her US work visa was about to expire last year, she could have just flown back to the UK. But this adventurer decided to take the “scenic route” and ride her bike home instead. Currently in Panama, Jo shares her incredible experience of leaving Boston for Vancouver, turning left, and heading down the Pacific coast into Mexico, learning Spanish on the fly. She shares her approach to planning long-distance cycl...
New Wheels for our Bike Giveaway Winner!
May 01, 2023 06:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBIs this a joke? That’s what retired fireman and professional grandpa Steve Diaz said when he found out that he won the Warmshowers 2022 Bike Giveaway. Steve and Cindy, who live in beautiful Mt. Shasta, CA, heard about Warmshowers 4 years ago and set up a profile. They were excited to get their first guest soon after, who turned out to be Ken Francis! For those of you who don’t know, Ken is a Warmshowers OG and a former board member. Listen to his most recent Bike Life episode here....
Around the USA in 420 Days
April 17, 2023 06:00 - 38 minutes - 35 MBWhat do you get when you combine a historian interested in learning about people and a love of bicycling? A 12,000-mile, 420-day perimeter trip around the USA. When Anne Winkler-Morey and her husband set off, she thought they might only make it through Wisconsin. But pedal by pedal, they made it all the way around the perimeter of the United States. They stayed with 143 hosts during their trip; many of them were Warmshowers connections. Along the way, Anne learned that radical ho...
Solidarity Rising
April 03, 2023 06:00 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBSanna Ghotbi and Benjamin Ladraa are bike travelers and activists from Sweden, who are on an epic 2-year, 48 000 km journey through 40 countries to Western Sahara. By the time they are done, they will have traveled more than the length of the equator! This epic trip is not just for fun; they are dedicated activists raising awareness about human rights worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of refugees live in the African desert awaiting a UN referendum that is very slow to happen. Weste...
Turn Left to Nowhere
March 20, 2023 06:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBMeet Tucker Atwood, a math teacher, actor, author, and adventurer. In 2019, Tucker and his brother spent 4 months thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. The trip gave him a new perspective on life and inspired him to go on more adventures. So, he bought a bike and began exploring while riding. He bike-toured the East Coast Greenway in 2021 and experienced many ups and downs, inclement weather, and even became a background actor in a TV commercial. Tucker says the beauty of biking and ...
The Bicycle Mayor of Ranchi
February 20, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBMeet Kanishka Poddar, the Bicycle Mayor of Ranchi, India. In 2015, Kanishka ran into a woman from Spain who was touring India by bike and thought, “who travels India by bike? That’s insane.” But she inspired him to hop on a bike for the first time in 20 years, and he experienced the sheer joy of exploring places at his own pace. Fast forward 8 years, and now Kanishka is the Bicycle Mayor of his town, Ranchi. He works closely to connect his community with the government to support...
Harnessing Tailwind
February 06, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBYou never know what will happen when you stay with a Warmshowers host. When Adriel Klein’s host’s door opened, he met the love of his life! Adriel’s love for biking and charity work began with his first cross-country tour riding across America with a group called Bike & Build. After that trip, he took every opportunity to bike as much as possible. On his second cross-country tour, Adriel relied mainly on Warmshowers hosts. After a long day touring, he arrived at his host’s home ex...
Conversations Across America
January 23, 2023 05:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBKari Loya got his love for biking and adventure from his dad, Merv. They took their first bike tour together when Kari was in his early teens and always talked about biking cross-country someday. When 75-year-old Merv was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s in 2015, Kari knew that “someday” was here. With very little planning, they set off for a father-son journey of a lifetime; 73 days and 4,600 miles across America. The adventure was a long goodbye for Kari and taught him th...
One Pedal at a Time
January 09, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBPam and Glen Goodnough are living examples of the saying, “age is just a number.” They married 40 years ago during their first cross-country bike tour and have not slowed down since! Now in their mid-60s, their retirement gift to themselves was to take a world tour, which they started in 2019. They made it through the Pacific Coast, New Zealand, and Malaysia before Covid forced them to return to the US. Never ones to be sidetracked for long, they picked up their tour in 2021 and ha...
Shoestring Budget
December 26, 2022 07:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBToday’s episode of Bike Life aired earlier this year and quickly became one of our most downloaded shows of all time. With over 30 years of experience, John Bolton knows a thing or two about cycling and the gear that goes with it! He shares his vast knowledge on his YouTube channel called Cycling on a Shoestring. John is passionate about the cycling community and gives honest, objective reviews, tips, and tricks in his videos. He shares low-cost products with great value and the re...
A First Time for Everything
December 12, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBToday’s episode of Bike Life aired earlier this year and attracted tremendous attention for its unique story. We are happy to bring it to you again and wish you happy riding and hosting! Nate was biking cross-country on his first long-distance tour. Augusta (Gus) was on a 2 ½ month ride from Washington through Canada to Maine. Two people from different parts of the country on separate trips and routes. How did they come together? They crossed paths the same evening in Midland, MI, ...
Pizza Trike
November 28, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBThe one thing missing from Sal Garro’s childhood was learning how to ride a bike. As an adult, he was teased about being the only “grown-up” who couldn’t ride. With the help of friends, Sal finally got on two wheels. However, he lives in New York City, where traffic is fierce, and he just wasn’t confident enough to ride. Enter the adult tricycle; yes, it’s a thing! Purchasing an adult tricycle was life-changing for Sal. Now he rides confidently around town with his kids and has ev...
Creating Possible
November 14, 2022 05:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBWhat do you do when you dream about taking a long-distance bike tour but know nothing about solo cycle touring? You buy a bike, load it down, and ride 60 miles through the Wisconsin countryside, that’s what! Tarra has been passionate about the outdoors since serving in the United States Marine Corps where she learned to become one with nature to survive. This training gave her the courage and motivation to step out into the space of solo bike touring. Tarra’s time on her bike foste...
Healing Journey
October 31, 2022 06:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBUK resident Antony Butcher considers himself a “terrible cyclist.” He likes to go on grand adventures and then put his bike away for long periods until the next big trip idea comes along. After a mental health breakdown in 2017, the idea hit him to cycle across America from New York City to San Francisco. When he began planning the trip, he panicked because it turns out that America is a really big country! But the idea stuck with him, and after some training and a pandemic pause, ...
Uniquely Bamboo
October 17, 2022 06:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBSustainability, environment, cycling, community, leadership, and bamboo. These are all passions of today’s guest, Warmshowers Board Member Lucy Binfield. Lucy grew up cycling in the UK lake district and always dreamed of taking a long bike tour. She got her chance after university when she moved to China and took a three-month tour through China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The unique part is that she did it on a bamboo bike. Riding a bamboo bike is quite the conversation starter....
The Munda Biddi Trail
October 03, 2022 06:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBIf you have ever dreamt about cycling in Australia, then stay tuned. After today's episode, you will want to update your bucket list to include the world-class, off-road cycling experience known as The Munda Biddi Trail. Rhonda Oshanek, who works with the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation, joins us to share her experiences and fills us in on all we need to know about the trail, including the best time to plan a trip to experience it for yourself. Munda Biddi means 'path through the for...
Mission Driven
September 19, 2022 06:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBMeet Ben Grannis. He was so inspired by someone else’s story it prompted him to take action in his own life. In August 2021, Ben began a 10,000 mile journey to raise awareness for distracted driving and promote digital wellness. Mission Driven recounts how one family’s response to tragedy taught Ben the importance of community, the impact we make on others, and the need for awareness in our digital age. We catch up with Ben in the middle of his ride and despite being temporarily ...
Best of Humanity
September 05, 2022 06:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBHow do you experience the best of humanity? According to Daniel Stein, you experience it from a bicycle seat. Daniel believes other people view cyclists as trustworthy individuals making them more open to interactions. Originally from New York City, having lived in Chicago, and now living in Mexico City, Daniel has a unique perspective because he uses his bicycle as his primary means of transportation. Being a city cyclist, he advocates for more bike lanes to increase bike access a...
Cycling into Retirement
August 22, 2022 06:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBWhen you think of retirement, do you wonder how you will fill your days? Do you think retirement may be boring? It doesn't have to be according to today's guest. Meet Anne Breedlove, a seasoned cyclist and soon-to-be author. In 2008, Anne and her husband retired at 54 and 61 to travel the world by loaded bicycles. Before grandchildren, they spent eight years cycling approximately 30,000 miles through 21 countries. Cycling into Retirement recounts Anne’s experiences on the road, th...
World Citizen
August 08, 2022 06:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIf you are an avid cyclist who has dreamed about traveling the world, meet Joe Diomede. Better known as Bicycle Joe, this cyclist has pursued his passion for seeing the world on two wheels and has authored a book about his many adventures. Cycling has changed Joe’s life, and he has spent many years working and living on his bicycle. Inspired by his bike life, Joe recounts incredible memories he and his family have had while cycling and living in various countries. Joe has spent ti...
Hosting Handprints
July 25, 2022 06:00 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBCan you imagine hosting almost 300 people in four years? That’s precisely what Chuck Atkinson and his wife have done. Chuck and Susan are ex-pats from the U.S. They flew to Istanbul in 2011 with the idea of pedaling on their recumbent trikes for two years. Outside of a few breaks, the couple has remained on the road across the Atlantic for years. Four years ago, the Atkinsons decided to settle in Shkoder, Albania, along the Balken coast for the winter months. When they began host...
Counterculture
July 11, 2022 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBIf you are a cycle tourer who takes the ability to tour on your own for granted, then meet Priyanka Dalal. She has overcome many cultural barriers to become the first known female solo cycle tourer from India. When Priyanka started touring, not one person in her circle had any experience as a touring cyclist. But she didn’t let that stop her! In 2014, she traveled to Europe to complete her first solo cycling tour from Berlin to Copenhagen. She was hooked and over the last eight yea...
Family Bonding
June 27, 2022 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBDo you believe your bike touring days will be over if you have kids? Meet Ed and Jocelyn and their two boys as they share their bike touring experiences as a family. This Canadian family joins the Bike Life Podcast from Europe, where they are on a six-month adventure taking them from Spain to Norway. In this episode, they share their current and past experiences of what it is like to do long-distance touring as a family of four. Ed and Jocelyn have discovered that bike touring wit...
The Cyclonaute
May 30, 2022 06:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBMeet Claude Marthaler – a self-described Cyclonaute. For Claude, traveling by bike is a way of life. He has spent the past 16 years biking around the world and has authored 11 books and bike travelogues. From 1994 to 2001, Claude spent an incredible seven years on a solo bike tour traveling through 60 countries and biking over 122,000 kms. He loves the mountains and hiking and has spent a lot of time crisscrossing the Himalayas by bike, concentrating on Tibet, the very center of h...
Celebrating the World's Best Bike Movies
May 16, 2022 06:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBStorytelling, adventure, love of cycling, human to human connection . . . that’s what bike touring is all about. And that’s precisely what you’ll see in the “world’s best bike movies” presented at the Filmed by Bike Annual Film Festival. Filmed by Bike is celebrating 20 incredible years of bringing bicycle stories from all over the world to the silver screen. Festival Creator and Director Ayleen Crotty shares how Filmed by Bike started with a group of people who understood the des...
Biking for the Future
May 02, 2022 04:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBWhat do you do when you are a 71-year-old retired grandmother concerned about climate change, and you want to make a difference? You hop on your pink bike and ride 2500 km from your hometown to the COP26 Summit in Scotland! Meet Dorothee Hildebrandt. She is so passionate about stopping climate change that she spent six weeks cycling alone from her home in Katrineholm, Sweeden, to the COP26 Summit (UN Climate Change Conference) in Glasgow, Scotland. Her trip started on September 1st...
Touring in Tandem
April 18, 2022 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBThe story of Peter and Tracy Flucke is like a book with many chapters centered around bicycling, together and alone, for more than fifty years. Their first tour in 1991 was one for the books; a multi-day fundraiser ride with Peter pulling their 6-month-old daughter in a trailer with his road bike. Changing diapers along the side of the road, warming bottles in gas station microwaves, what an experience! In 1995 Peter & Tracy bought their first tandem bicycle to do longer rides wit...
Pedaling Through the Pandemic
April 04, 2022 06:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBKen isn’t one to slow down. When the pandemic hit, he knew he had to find a way to continue touring and hosting his beloved Warmshowers family. It was time to get creative. Ken Francis is a passionate and seasoned cyclist, a longtime Warmshowers user, host, volunteer, and former Board member. He began hosting cyclists through Warmshowers in 2013 and has welcomed more than 269 guests over the years! In Pedaling Through the Pandemic, Ken recounts how he continued to tour while takin...