Shows
Bike LifePedaling Legends, Epic AdventuresWhat does it take to build a biking partnership that spans decades and thousands of miles? Ken Francis and Phillip Robinson share how a chance online meeting led to unforgettable adventures across the US, Europe, and beyond—from self-supported rides in the Pacific Northwest to creative hybrid trips combining trains, roller coasters, and open-road cycling.Through the highs of thrilling coasters and vibrant cities to the lows of headwinds and flat tires, their story highlights the power of adaptability, mutual support, and a shared passion for exploration. Whether wild camping in the desert or reconnecting with Warmshowers ho...2025-05-1939 min
Bike LifeNational Parks Coast to Coast by BikeWhat drives someone to visit every National Park in the lower 48 states by bike? Spencer McCullough recounts his incredible journey across 18,000 miles, highlighting encounters with generous locals and enduring connections with Warmshowers hosts. He shares the importance of strong wheel sets and the lessons learned from unexpected mechanical breakdowns on remote farm roads.Spencer blends environmental advocacy and community spirit and shares tips for successful bike touring along with the importance of adaptability on the road. From celebrating 10,000 miles at Zion to tackling winter biking in Colorado, witness the essence of long-distance cycling and the...2024-10-1436 min
Bike LifeGo with What You GotChris Clinch shares his passionate decision to explore Colombia on two wheels, starting from the vibrant city of Cartagena and heading toward Medellin through the majestic foothills of the Andes. The journey reveals valuable lessons on minimalism as he quickly learns the beauty of living with less and the kindness of strangers, who were pivotal during unexpected challenges like gear troubles and a severe dog attack in Argentina.His story captures the essence of breaking free from societal pressures and the joy of connecting with diverse cultures. Despite managing type 1 diabetes and the high-altitude challenges, Chris’ adventure un...2024-09-0242 min
Bike LifeKindness Amidst the ConflictJerry Gore takes us on an extraordinary ride from London to Kyiv, sharing a deeply personal journey to raise awareness for children living with type 1 diabetes in Ukraine. He shares harrowing tales of constant air raid sirens, sharing the road with tanks, and the powerful moments of human kindness encountered along the way. Jerry’s story shines a light on the resilience of individuals facing unimaginable circumstances and the sheer drive to make a positive impact amid chaos.From battling storms in Germany to finding unexpected friendships and support, explore the raw reality of cycling adventures with a...2024-08-1942 min
Bike LifeSlow Travel, Big ImpactWhat role can bicycles play in changing lives?Karolin Windhuber shares how one company is making a significant impact by providing bicycles and maintenance education in developing countries. During her 3,000-kilometer cycle ride from Germany to Turkey, she raised awareness and funds for World Bicycle Relief.Karolin discovered the beauty of slow travel, the power of social media in fundraising, and the heartfelt connections made along the way. Her journey underscores the profound impact of cycling and the meaningful change it can bring to communities across the globe.Catch up with Karolin on...2024-08-0537 min
Bike LifeTeamwork on Two WheelsRoller Coasters across the world, cycle adventures through scenic landscapes, hitchhiking up a mountain, wild camping in city parks…after 25 years of cycling touring together, friends Ken Francis and Philip Robinson have seen it all.Their stories are filled with laughter and the spirit of discovery as they navigate theme parks and biking trails worldwide. Adaptability, compromise, and teamwork are essential traits they've honed through their years of touring. For Ken and Philip, it’s all about the adventure, not the number of miles traveled.Whether it's Philip's frequent use of ChapStick or Ken's determination to r...2024-07-2234 min
Bike LifeRiding EuroVelo: Cycling Together with WarmshowersAgathe Daudibon, the tourism director at the European Cyclists’ Federation, joins us to explore the fascinating world of Eurovelo. She shares the origins, ambitions, and the impressive network available to cyclists. This comprehensive system challenges the traditional notions of tourism, highlighting the benefits of cycling not just for avid bikers but also for beginners.Discover how Eurovelo seamlessly integrates with local and national routes across 38 countries, promising a cohesive and inclusive cycling experience for all. Agathe touches on the intersections of tourism, climate change, and urban planning as we see how cycling can transform our habitats into mo...2024-07-0827 min
Bike LifeCycling Odyssey to the World Scout JamboreeWhat 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 kilometers, to the World Scout Jamboree and the incredible reception when he arrived.Florian shares stories of past cycling legends...2024-06-1027 min
Bike Life2 Bikers ~ 2 Years ~ 2 ContinentsEver 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 travelers along their route.A journey that began on bike saddles blossomed into a narrative that transcends the mere act...2024-05-2735 min
Bike LifeWarm Welcomes: Building Community Through HostingEmbrace 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 human connection and joy. This special episode of Bike Life celebrates the generous spirit with...2024-05-1350 min
Bike LifePedaling the PastAre 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 countries and landscapes from Milan, Italy, to Chicago, USA. Giulia’s ride is a celebration of the endu...2024-04-2923 min
Bike LifeExploring Wild: Stories of InspirationAlissa 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 Bike Sleep Bike, her online community project that brings together a diverse collection of personal bike travel...2024-04-1525 min
Bike LifeA Family Adventure of Freedom & ConnectionJoin 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 of slow travel and the simplicity of life on two wheels.Lorena and Gregor's experiences...2024-04-0126 min
Bike LifeBiking 4 BiodiversityToday’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 promoting nature conservation and raising awareness about the biodiversity crisis. Little did they kn...2023-12-2525 min
Bike LifeMurdock, the Hosting LegendToday’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 climbed a steep hill and looked exhausted. He stopped to offer her Ga...2023-12-1129 min
Bike LifeFlash Memoir on WheelsJane 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 style of “flash memoir,” which turns small memories into powerful stories. Based in Chicago, Jane has...2023-11-2726 min
Bike LifeThe Loong Way HomeMelissa 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 shares her various bike tours, including her incredible trip from Barcelona to Oregon, which she fondly calls "The Loong Way Home". 2023-11-1330 min
Bike LifeFinding Harmony on the RoadKenneth 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 punts in Cambridge to people's front rooms and back gardens. With his unique blend of music and poetry, Kenneth brin...2023-10-3024 min
Bike LifeChasing Answers on Two WheelsRide 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 adventure and love for cycling and also reflects on how aging and physical limitations reshape our choices and the importance of embracing new opportunities. His...2023-10-1626 min
Streets.mn PodcastA Warm Welcome to WarmshowersThere are people who travel long distances by bike, and there are people who are willing to open their homes to those traveling by bike. Together, they make up the Warmshowers community! Episode summary 00:00 | Intro 01:08 | History of Warmshowers 04:55 | Stina and Ian's experiences 09:29 | Getting started on Warmshowers 13:44 | Tips for hosting 19:06 | Tips for guesting 25:24 | Twin Cities WS community 31:21 | The Parklet 32:36 | Convo with WS host Jim Young 54:34 | Outro Connect with us Check out the Bike Life podcast by Warmshowers Discuss this episode on social media with the hashtag #StreetsMNPodcast Help make the show possible by m...2023-10-0355 min
Bike LifeA Journey of HopeAfter 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 positive attitude shine through, highlighting the power of cycling in overcoming adversity.Join us as Reija takes us through the...2023-10-0223 min
Bike LifeThe Open Road as TherapyToday, 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 challenges he faced and the friendships he formed along the way. From navigating self-doubt and mental health issues to finding...2023-09-1832 min
Bike LifeNavigating Teaching, Touring, and MusicCarolyn 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 calls “voluntouring.”Carolyn's desire to explore the world on t...2023-09-0422 min
Bike LifeUnscripted Adventures of an Intrepid Global CitizenMeet 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 culture and history. Plus, learn about the power of hosting through Warmshowers and the invaluable experiences it brings to both the host and the guest.Join us as we embark on...2023-08-2128 min
Bike LifeBiking 4 BiodiversityWhat 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 lessons about flexibility and going with the flow.As Hanna and Jonas navigate through different terrains, climates, and encounters with...2023-08-0725 min
Bike LifeEmbracing the UnknownFor 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 an adventure like his. Join us as we dive into Dan’s unforgettable journey and discover the transformative power of embracing the un...2023-07-2427 min
Bike LifeTalking Tandem TouringStewart 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 tandem into an eBike and has some great tips for hassle-free and budget-friendly eBike conversions.Join...2023-07-1031 min
Bike LifeRoute 40 at 40Tadeo 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 Argentinian Route 40 from La Quiaca to Cabo Virgenes, a trip of 5200 km that...2023-06-2626 min
Bike LifeEmpowering JourneySara 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 Turkey, Sara experienced the devasting effects of the recent earthquake firsth...2023-06-1233 min
Bike LifeJumping in With Both PedalsFour 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 adventurous bike tour. In...2023-05-2936 min
Bike LifeJo Follows the Call of AdventureFor 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 cycling tours, how she became more relaxed about planning as her trip progressed, and the importance of u...2023-05-1523 min
Bike LifeNew Wheels for our Bike Giveaway Winner!Is 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.Steve entered the Bike Giveaway via...2023-05-0123 min
Bike LifeAround the USA in 420 DaysWhat 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 hospitality could be a possible antidote for the political divide and how trust in...2023-04-1738 min
Bike LifeSolidarity RisingSanna 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. Western Sahara is one of the worst areas for human rights violations, second only to North Korea. 2023-04-0337 min
Bike LifeTurn Left to NowhereMeet 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 hiking adventures is that you can’t truly prepare for them other than just experiencing th...2023-03-2026 min
Bike LifeMurdock, the Hosting LegendRichard 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 climbed a steep hill and looked exhausted. He stopped to offer her Gatorade, which turned into an offer of a place to stay, and then dinner, where she told him all about Warmshowers. The rest is history.In his eight years of hosting, Murdock has met incredible people from all over the world. He’s...2023-03-0628 min
Bike LifeThe Bicycle Mayor of RanchiMeet 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 bicycling policies and make his country more bicycle friend...2023-02-2033 min
Bike LifeHarnessing TailwindYou 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 expecting to meet an older gentleman. But the door was...2023-02-0633 min
Bike LifeConversations Across AmericaKari 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 the power of perseverance and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Kari and Merv’s story wi...2023-01-2327 min
Bike LifeOne Pedal at a TimePam 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 haven’t stopped since. Pam and Glen share their lifelong love o...2023-01-0925 min
Bike LifeShoestring BudgetToday’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 resources you need to follow your passion for cycling and do it affordably. Wh...2022-12-2628 min
Bike LifeA First Time for EverythingToday’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, and became Matt and Kathy’s first-ever Warmshowers’ guests. Nathan Babb, Gus Klein, a...2022-12-1234 min
Bike LifePizza TrikeThe 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 even taken a few cross-state bike tours...2022-11-2826 min
Bike LifeCreating PossibleWhat 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 fosters her creation and helps her visualize what’s next in her li...2022-11-1425 min
Bike LifeHealing JourneyUK 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, off he went.Antony used his journey to rais...2022-10-3129 min
Bike LifeUniquely BambooSustainability, 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. Few people realize that there is such a thing! Lucy’s interest in bamboo led her...2022-10-1727 min
Bike LifeThe Munda Biddi TrailIf 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 forest' in the local Noongar Aboriginal language. The Trail traverses Western...2022-10-0323 min
Bike LifeMission DrivenMeet 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 sidelined by injury, he is determined to complete his mission.5 Observ...2022-09-1934 min
Bike LifeBest of HumanityHow 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 anywhere in the world.In today’s episode, Daniel recounts how he had minimal bike maintenance ex...2022-09-0535 min
Bike LifeCycling into RetirementWhen 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, the fantastic people she has met along the way, and how cycling is really about bonding with others.Are you int...2022-08-2229 min
Bike LifeWorld CitizenIf 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 time in Africa helping provide bikes for people in ne...2022-08-0833 min
Bike LifeHosting HandprintsCan 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 hosting with Warmshowers, they had no idea how many people ro...2022-07-2527 min
Bike LifeCountercultureIf 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 years, she has had many adventures. Join us as...2022-07-1122 min
Bike LifeFamily BondingDo 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 with kids is the ultimate family bonding experience.2022-06-2728 min
Bike LifeShoestring BudgetDo you want to get into cycling without breaking the bank? With over 30-years of experience, John Bolton knows a lot about cycling and the gear that goes with it!John runs a YouTube channel called Cycling on a Shoestring. He is an avid cyclist who gives honest, objective reviews, tips, and tricks in his videos. Whether it’s clothing, gear, bikes, routes, or components, John reviews it all. John is passionate about the cycling community. He shares low-cost products with great value and the resources you need to follow your passion for cycling and do...2022-06-1328 min
Bike LifeThe CyclonauteMeet 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 his inner geography.Claude says he needs to move to be able to write, so that's why he...2022-05-3029 min
Bike LifeCelebrating the World's Best Bike MoviesStorytelling, 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 desire to ride bikes simply for fun. What began as a small fundraiser 20 years ago has grown into a...2022-05-1631 min
Bike LifeBiking for the FutureWhat 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, 2021, and culminated when she pedaled into Glasgow for the start of the summit in November. 2022-05-0218 min
Bike LifeTouring in TandemThe 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 with their two young daughters and realized they also liked riding as a couple. They...2022-04-1828 minBike LifePedaling Through the PandemicKen 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 taking all necessary safety precautions. He checks the travel guidelines daily and always has a...2022-04-0432 minBike LifeIt's All About ConnectionsDave and Leo are not your typical Warmshowers hosts. In fact, there is nothing typical about this couple. They met on a scuba diving trip almost 26 years ago, and the rest, as they say, is history. They first heard about Warmshowers through a camping forum, and in their thirteen years of hosting, this 62 and 66 years young couple have welcomed hundreds of cyclists to their Florida home. Dave and Leo are located on the Atlantic coast along the route to Key West, a very popular spot. As an openly gay senior couple, they occasionally have concerns...2022-03-2134 minBike LifeTwo Wheels One WorldAdam Swanson has virtually grown up on a bike. He was just an infant when his family took a bike tour across Mexico, and now, at 18 years old, he is on his first solo worldwide tour. After graduating high school last year, he set off for a gap year traveling the world with the full support of his family who are longtime Warmshowers hosts. Adam believes that long-term travel at his age makes you a more open-minded person and is the perfect way to get to know the world. Bike touring before college can also spark interest...2022-03-0727 minBike LifeNourishing Body and SoulBike touring helps us check in with ourselves and our needs. It teaches us how to nourish ourselves appropriately, how to trust the signals our bodies are giving us, how to understand and navigate our fears and anxieties. It helps us develop a deeper relationship with ourselves, our needs, and our capabilities that carry into all aspects of our lives.What started as a bit of a fantasy for Sheelagh Daly turned into reality when she took the leap and set off on a solo cycle trip across Europe. With the help of Warmshowers' hosts, she overcame...2022-02-2127 minBike LifeA First Time for EverythingNate 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 independent trips and different routes. How did they come together? They crossed paths on the same evening in Midland, MI, and became Matt and Kathy’s first-ever Warmshowers’ guests. Nathan Babb, Gus Klein, and Matt and Kathy Rassette might have met by chance, but they all share a deep love of life, adventure, and cycling. In A First Time for Everything, hear how although they spent...2022-02-0734 minBike LifeWheels of FortuneA night in a Texas jail . . . a stay with a Canadian Mountie and an opera singer . . . an unforgettable party with a local mayor in a tackle shop. What do these things have in common? They are just some of the incredible times that Chris and Ties experienced on their 14,000-mile bike tour across the US and Canada.Meet Chris Fieldsend, who, after careful planning, set off on a yearlong tour with his partner Ties Benguedda. They stayed with over 70 Warmshowers’ hosts during their tour, who provided a place to stay and took them on fantastic adventures like ka...2022-01-2436 minBike LifeFor the ChildrenIt started with a bike breakdown on a cycle tour through Namibia, Africa, in 2014. No problem for a seasoned cyclist like Ursula, but she was in a remote area with no access to bike shops or spare parts. Was her tour over? What happened next would forever change Ursula’s life and the lives of countless children.Today we welcome Ursula Koll, who has had many incredible experiences solo cycling through an amazing twenty-eight countries including; the USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Spain, Siberia, Mongolia, China, Africa, Chile, and Norway!For the Children recounts Ursula’s ch...2022-01-1032 minBike LifeA Seasoned CyclistToday's episode of Bike Life first aired in 2020 and quickly became one of our most popular shows. We are joined by passionate and seasoned cyclist Ken Francis, a longtime Warmshowers user, host, volunteer, and former Board member.By the mid-80s, Ken had already completed three cross-country tours of the United States, during which he relied on the hospitality of strangers. He began touring pre-technology and used old-fashioned paper maps back then. Finding places to stay along the way was difficult, and Ken mostly camped in the bush. On occasion, he would actually stop and knock on...2021-12-2730 minBike LifeWomen in CyclingToday's guest is Pinar Pinzuti, the founder of Fancy Women Bike Ride; a woman-only bike event held in cities worldwide. Pinar's goal is to bring more diversity into the cycling world and empower more women to ride more often. Pinar has been traveling by bicycle since 2006 and using Warmshowers hosts around the world. She has tried all forms of bike touring; long-distance Cycling in South America, adventure cycling in Iceland, bike-packing in southern Italy, road biking in Spain. She loves discovering cities by bike and believes if you "go slow, you feel more."As an a...2021-12-1330 minBike LifeMaking the Journey YoursToday, we are joined by Susan Doram. Susan is a published writer, award-winning personal trainer, cycle coach, and worldwide solo cyclist.In 2017, Susan set off for a 2 ½ year solo cycling tour around the world. Her epic journey took her through 15 countries on four continents! It was a “slow cycle” tour, and she credits her bike for helping her meet the most interesting people, especially her Warmshowers hosts, some of whom she is still in touch with today. She returned home to the UK in 2020, just before the pandemic lockdown and in time for her 50th birthday. Bef...2021-11-2932 minBike LifeFacing UncertaintyWe are joined today by Ben Riopelle. Ben is a Vet Tech from Colorado who is combining his love for animals and conservation with a long dreamed about first-time bike tour.Since graduating college, Ben has worked both as a veterinary technician and a teacher. In 2019, while working as a vet tech at a low-cost, high-volume veterinary clinic in Colorado, he was offered a spot on a trip to Panama to assist with an island spay/neuter campaign. Little did he know that his life would be forever changed, and the trip would become a catalyst for...2021-11-1529 minBike LifeThe Gift of TimeWe are joined today by Jerry Kopack. Jerry has bike toured through 17 countries and is a member of the Warmshowers Board of Directors. He is propelled by the curiosity of the “human experience” and lives by the mentality to always say yes. Jerry had been following the “formula for success” he was taught in college and worked for ten years in corporate finance. In 2005, his mom called and announced that she wanted them to start a hospice together. Jerry didn’t even know what a hospice was and thought she meant a hostel! But after learning more, he made the...2021-11-0133 minBike LifeReigning KindnessWe are joined today by Dan Beaumont. Dan is on an epic 4-month journey cycling 10,000km across Britain to raise funds for Mind Over Mountains.At the time of this recording, Dan was on day 90 and about 7000km into his journey heading down the west coast of Wales. He was resting in the beautiful yard of his Warmshowers hosts, Catherine and John, who are feeding him well! Dan has stayed with many Warmshowers hosts along the way and says the theme of kindness has reigned throughout his journey.After graduating from university, Dan left the...2021-10-1833 minBike LifeRoad MagicWe are joined today by Aaron Stephenson. Aaron is a Spanish teacher who lives with his family in Massachusetts and uses his summer breaks to cycle for a cause.At age 13, Aaron began working in a bike shop where his dream of cycling across the country was born. He has always been fascinated with the beauty and simplicity of the bicycle. The speed of a bike is perfect for encountering the world around you. The 360° view engages all of your senses and is so refreshing. Every sense in your body gets turned on when you are on a...2021-09-2030 minBike LifeGreat American Rail TrailWe are joined today by Kevin Belanger. Kevin is the Manager of Trail Planning for the Rails to Trails Conservancy and the Great American Rail Trail.The Great American Rail Trail is the flagship project of the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC). RTC was formed in 1986 with the mission to convert unused railway lines into hiking and biking trails. There are many miles of abandoned railway trails across the country, and RTC reimagines public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.Currently, the route is 53% complete, with just...2021-09-0624 minBike LifeA Traffic Jam MomentWe are joined today by Lorraine Lambert. Lorraine is a “later in life” first-time cyclist who discovered her path after a traffic jam moment.About eight years ago, while sitting in a traffic jam on the way to work, Lorraine was struck by the thought that she was “stuck on the slippery slope of middle age and heading downhill fast with no way out.” She knew right then and there that she wanted her life to change, but she wasn’t sure what she wanted her new life to look like. She didn’t want a minor change, mind...2021-08-2328 minBike LifeCycling Into the SunsetToday's episode of Bike Life, first brought to you last year, contains some great information on planning your next bike tour. Whether it is your first long tour or you are a veteran, you will learn something from our guest Bill Roy.Bill is a 66-year-old seasoned touring cyclist who has logged over 30,000 miles on his bike! Since 2016, he has taken four major tours visiting almost all of the states west of the Mississippi River. Bill began short touring trips as a student in his twenties but has taken longer trips the past few years since he...2021-08-0929 minBike Life50 Ways to Cycle the WorldAfter releasing their first book, Bike Life, detailing their personal cycling journey, Tristan and Belén dreamed about writing a book featuring unique ways other cyclists travel the world. Their goal is to get more people traveling by bike, so the stories in 50 Ways are relatable to everyone. No matter your situation, 50 Ways to Cycle the World showcases unique stories of riders and how they overcame their barriers to journey by bike. If they can do it, you can too!Tristan and Belén dug deep into each cyclist’s story and had long in-depth conversations with them...2021-07-2633 minBike LifeHosting; A Rewarding ExperienceToday's episode of Bike Life, first brought to you last year, contains great information on hosting that we want to share with you again. Whether you are hosting for the first time or resuming hosting after the pandemic, our guest Ann has some great tips for you.Now is the perfect time to take a few minutes to log into your Warmshowers' profile to update your preferences, enhance your bio, add some new pictures, and be sure your hosting status is set correctly. Don't forget to download the Warmshowers Mobile App. We have just rolled out our...2021-07-1231 minBike LifeSaying YesSara has been a cycling enthusiast since childhood. She took her first long bike tour in high school, going on a 1000-mile group bike trip that changed her life. She continued her love of bike advocacy in college, and after graduation, Sara and her friends decided to bike to every state in the US. They set off on their year-long trip and became inspired to do more than just bike. To share their love of exploring, they started doing classroom presentations along the way about science, conservation, and adventure. In 2017, Sara rode her bike solo 10,201 miles from...2021-06-2824 minBike LifeThe Gift of ExploringKatie got involved in athletics as a child. But as she got to middle school, the competitive nature of team sports began to bother her. To fulfill a school requirement, she took a walking/running class and ran her first full mile. That first mile led to her first marathon and started her journey of endurance athletics. After running her first marathon, Katie set her sights high and decided to compete in the Iron Man Triathlon. While researching cycle training, Katie came across The Ride Across America, which is a 3,300-mile ride from Washington state to Washington...2021-06-1430 minBike LifeWild and Wonderful Times on TourNatalie's love of cycling started with short weekend trips when she was in college. After graduation, she wanted to try something different, making her step out of her comfort zone. In the summer of 2018, Natalie took off for a three-month, cross-country bike tour from Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME.Natalie did not do a lot of training to prepare. She didn't buy a lot of fancy new gear; in fact, she rode the bicycle she had since she was 12 years old! All the rest of her gear was either decades old, borrowed, or bought second-hand. A...2021-05-3125 minBike LifeAround the World with HollieHollie liked riding her bike as a kid but never really thought about taking a long cycling tour. Years later, while working as a tour guide in the Yukon, a friend convinced her to take a 6-day, 360-mile cycling trip through Alaska. She was hooked! Even during adverse weather conditions and running into some unfriendly wildlife, she knew bike touring was for her.Hollie spent the next few years working in a bike shop to learn more about the mechanics of bicycles. After reading Barbara Savage’s book, Miles from Nowhere, she decided right then and there to...2021-05-1731 minBike LifeWhere Music Meets AdventureWe are joined today by Antonio Piretti. Antonio is an Italian/Canadian musician who has just completed a 6000km musical bike tour through 16 European countries. He describes the trip as somewhat of a miracle in these "locked down" pandemic times.Antonio began planning his tour over two years ago, but many of his concerts were canceled once the pandemic hit. He did not let this deter him and instead moved on to Plan B. Towing a trailer containing his music equipment and all his belongings, he relied on wonderful Warmshowers.org hosts for hospitality. His trip took...2021-05-0329 minBike LifeKeeping Connections AliveWe are joined today by Quintin Reich. Quintin is a cyclist and longtime Warmshowers.org host located on the Pacific Coast route.During college, Quintin worked for a bike equipment manufacturer and developed a keen interest in bike touring. In 1991, he took an extended tour through Europe and was profoundly affected by the experience. The concept of complete strangers offering help, hospitality, food, and fellowship was amazing to Quintin. The connections he made, random acts of kindness he received, and the freedom and sense of adventure he felt on that trip totally changed him. Over th...2021-04-1935 minBike LifeTurns in the RoadWe are joined by Harry Shepherd, a cyclist and environmental campaigner from England. Today, Harry talks about what got him into cycling, his passion for the natural world, and an eventful journey across Europe during 2020. The trip formed part of the Team Townend Challenge, an annual cycling sportive held in the Lake District in memory of Niggy and Christian Townend, two cycling brothers who were killed on their bikes in 2010. Harry helps to organize the event with friends of the brothers each year. When not on the bike, Harry works in environmental communications, promoting the wo...2021-04-0528 minBike LifeTouring Across England with E.T.We are joined today by Josh Garman. Josh is a touring cyclist who lives in the U.K. and recently cycled 600 miles across England ~ with E.T. as his co-pilot!Josh is an accidental touring cyclist who started his first tour with no prior cycling experience. He had spent time in Australia as a barefoot long-distance walker but had never considered a bike tour. When Josh returned to England, he learned about Chris Brannigan, a father who walked across England barefoot to raise money for his daughter’s medical treatment. Josh was captivated by this unique story an...2021-03-2230 minBike LifeSlow TravelerWe are joined by Josiah Skeats. Josiah is a people-focused author whose 3 year journey taught him to be a slow traveler.While studying law at university, Josiah came across an article about someone who had cycled around the world. The light bulb went off, and even though he was not a cyclist, he immediately started planning a solo trip. After graduation, he set out for his grand adventure to travel from England to Australia. Along the way, Josiah has fallen in love with bike touring, the experiences it brings, and mostly, with the people you meet.2021-03-0824 minBike LifeProtecting our PlanetWe are joined by Mike Dits. Mike is a corn-fed Indiana Hoosier and adventurer who now lives in Colorado. He is extremely passionate about clean energy and sustainability.Mike had his first bike touring experience as a sophomore in college when he spent a summer working with a non-profit organization called Bike and Build. After touring the country helping to build homes for those in need, he knew that a solo bike trip was in his future.After graduation in August of 2015, Mike set off for a 4-year solo trip around the world. The theme...2021-02-2236 minBike LifeWoman on a MissionWe are joined by Anastasia Bouzdine. Anastasia is a 25-year-old woman on a mission to connect with humanity on a bicycle.Anastasia is an engineer, working in a male-dominated field and surrounded by men who do many sport challenges. She decided that if the men could do it, so could she. After trying a few short cycling trips, Anastasia made her first solo trip in September of 2020.She set off on an exhausting 10-day journey across the Alps with the end goal of taking a little swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Anastasia says that when...2021-02-0821 minBike LifeRiding the Wild LifeIn this episode, Andrew Lee joins the show to discuss awakening through bike touring. Andrew describes how he felt like he'd had some amazing life experiences that had led him to a spiritual awakening. He decided to have one last adventure and undertake a cycling tour across Canada to consolidate his experiences and inspire others before returning to his community to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.Andrew cycled across Canada following the acronym of H.I.L.L, which stands for Hope, Inspiration, Love, and Let Go.Andrew created...2021-01-2531 minBike LifeCycling For Personal GrowthOn the show this week Tahverlee is joined by Jérôme Pilette. Jérôme had suffered from depression for many years, despite attempts to remedy it with a healthier lifestyle. In 2017 he decided to travel from Montreal to Chile by bike to gain perspective and work on himself.Jérôme talks about the challenges he faced along the way, the difficult biking conditions, and a particularly intimidating experience while traveling through Mexico. He also talks candidly about depression and how you can let it defeat you or you can find your strength in the...2021-01-1228 minBike LifeRedeeming Eden with AdamAdam Lineberry, who has just completed a tour riding from Seattle to key West Florida, joined the show on day 86 of his journey.Adam tells his incredible story of being saved by god after being an IV Cocaine and Opiate user then starting his own Rehab center to give his life to other people.He had no funds to get the rehab started and needed to get to Tennessee to make it work so he had no choice but to start from scratch using donated equipment and a Walmart bike to ride there! A...2020-11-2327 minBike LifeCycling in Everyday LifeOur guests on this episode of the Bike Life podcast are Tristan Bogaard and Belen Castello, authors of the new book entitled “Bike Life.” Tristan and Belen met about 5 years ago in the Netherlands, maintained their relationship while Belen lived in London, and then about 3 years ago jumped into a touring lifestyle together, Belen having no significant biking experience to speak of. Over the past 3 years, they have been able to make a living while cycling across Europe and Asia and they have compiled their photos and stories along the way into their newly released book (link below).Tr...2020-10-1430 minBike LifeCycling as an Art of BeingOn this episode of the Bike Life podcast, Tahverlee talks with Mark, a native Hollander who has spent the past several years on the road full time. Mark has spent the last 4 and a half years cycling all over the world, calling the Netherlands home but often not knowing where he going to sleep every night until sunset. Currently, he is “stuck” in Chile where he has been since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was the conclusion of a cycling ride he was doing to raise money for a soccer program in Rio de Janeiro. Mark...2020-09-3030 minBike LifeTaking Care of CyclistsOur guest on this episode of the Bike Life podcast is Bill Alcorn, founder of Bike Flights. In 2008, Bill and a few of his cycling friends realized that there was a gap in the market and a potential opportunity for a company providing specialized transportation services for bikes and bike parts. The next year, Bill decided to pursue the idea by working with vendors and carriers to concept the logistics. He knew that the biking community would expect high quality shipments and customer service, so Bike Flights had to meet those high expectations. They now ship to over 60 countries...2020-08-2627 minBike LifeA Seasoned Cyclist - Ken FrancisDuring this episode of the Bike Life Podcast, Tahverlee talks with Ken Francis, a Warmshowers user, host, volunteer, and former Board member. Ken began hosting cyclists through Warmshowers in 2013 and he has welcomed more than 250 cyclists over the years. Around that same time, he began volunteering with the foundation by reviewing new memberships for spam. He found this process very enlightening and it was a great help to the organization. Before Warmshowers came along, Ken had already completed 3 cross-country tours of the U.S. – in 1985, 1986, and 1994 – during which he relied on the hospitality of strangers when necessary, so he was...2020-08-1930 minBike LifeThe Joy of HostingOn this episode of the Bike Life podcast, we are joined by Ann, a frequent Warmshowers host located on the western coast of Sweden. Ann is an American who met her boyfriend in Spain and then ended up moving back with him to Sweden a few years ago. She became aware of the Warmshowers Foundation around that time and she and her boyfriend signed up to be hosts as soon as they heard about the mission of the organization. Ann isn’t a cyclist herself, but she really enjoys hosting guests from all over Europe and the Americas and he...2020-07-1631 minBike LifeEco and Cycle DrivenOur guest on this episode of the Bike Life podcast is Caroline Burrows, a cycling enthusiast in Lancaster, UK. Caroline’s grandfather was really into cycling while she was growing up and she was always encouraged to ride her bike as a child and adolescent. When she was in her early 30’s, she decided to take her first ever solo tour, which she called the Tour de Family. You could say that she “caught the bug” to do more tours throughout Europe and as far away as Cuba, Argentina, and Mexico. Caroline describes her relationship with her bike as...2020-07-0831 minBike LifeShrinking the World by BikeTim Mooney, an experienced bike packer from the DC area, lives by the motto “Let’s shrink the world by bike.” On this episode of Bike Life, Tim talks about how he was initially reluctant to try Warmshowers but he says that once he did, on a tour from DC to Cincinnati in 2019, he realized that the best part about bicycle touring has very little to do with the bicycling or the touring - it's the people you meet. You can find Tim at:https://pedalshift.net/ or @pedalshift on all the social media sitesTo j...2020-06-1036 minBike LifeHow Biking Became a Way of LifeCandice Dawson joins the show to share her initial tour as a solo female, to moving and building a life around her passion for riding, hosting and touring. She has experienced new places and met amazing people on her journey. As part of the Warmshowers community, she shares openly about memories and experiences and meeting her partner on the road.You can find Candice at: www.candidawsonphotography.comTo join our community, please visit us at https://www.warmshowers.org/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/warmshowers_org/.Thank you...2020-05-2836 min