PODCAST · leisure
Bike Life
by Warmshowers.org Foundation
Bike Life celebrates the journeys of touring cyclists and the hosts who welcome them—sharing real stories, insights, and adventures from the global Warmshowers.org Foundation community.
Episodes
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A Host's Journey: Building Global Community Through Cycling
One ride across Iowa was all it took to spark a lifelong passion for cycling and community. Nick Gevock shares his journey through decades of touring, kindness from strangers, and what it truly means to pay it back as a host. From the rolling hills of RAGBRAI to the rugged grit of the Great…
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Embracing Change: From US Roots to Barcelona
What sparks a total life transformation: a new city, a new language, and a rediscovery of two-wheeled adventure? After a move across continents, Brian Wiesner found a new passion for cycling and community in Spain’s vibrant streets. His story is one of fresh starts, lifelong curiosity, and the...
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Pedal-Powered Connections, Endless Stories
What if one simple invitation sparked a life of adventure, kindness, and connection? A chance meeting and a leap of faith led Veronkia Rodriguez to a world of bicycle travel, unforgettable encounters, and a new outlook on humanity. Get ready for stories of trusting strangers with your prized…
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Open Doors, Open Hearts
🎉 HAPPY 150th EPISODE, BIKE LIFE! 🎉 We are officially 150 episodes in, and to celebrate, we’re diving into the absolute magic of opening your doors to the global cycling community. What’s it really like to host touring cyclists from all over the world? Karen & Tom Carter share all about the…
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Pedaling with Purpose
What happens when you swap the tech life for two wheels and a massive 5,000-mile mission? Lifelong cyclist Tim Oey did just that, riding across the US to educate communities about ocean plastics. But this journey isn't just about the miles; it’s about the incredible people met along the way. Tim...
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No Age Limit on Adventure
What keeps someone spinning the pedals after 40,000 miles? Janet Anspach-Rickey shares her story of how life's second act turned into the ultimate cross-country adventure. We chat about how a pedal-assist e-bike, a plant-based lifestyle, and a whole lot of resilience made it possible to ride…
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One Gear, No Plans, Big Adventure
Imagine pedaling 34,000 kilometers around the world... on a single-speed bike. Markus Stitz joins us to share his ultimate slow-travel adventure. From grinding through New Zealand’s hills to experiencing the incredible hospitality of Iranian villagers, Markus proves what can happen when you throw...
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Designing a Life by Choice, Not Checklist
What do you do when life’s script just isn’t working anymore? You scrap it and write your own. That’s exactly what Marta Ballus did when she walked away from career setbacks and expectations to chase ultimate freedom: a solo bike tour across South America. From freezing nights in Iceland and...
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Finding Home on a Solo Bike Tour
What drives someone to ditch a comfortable life for a solo cycling adventure across the globe? Host Jerry Kopack chats with James Thomas, a UK cyclist who pedaled from London to India and ended up making the subcontinent his home. We’re diving into his incredible route from tackling grueling...
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The Analog GPS: Letters to the World
Ever wonder what happens when you trade a GPS for a stack of handwritten letters? This week, we’re chatting with Jordi Möllering, an actor-turned-courier who pedaled from the Netherlands to Kazakhstan on a mission that was part mail delivery, part total leap of faith. We’re chatting about: A...
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Life at Bicycle Speed
55,000km of Freedom 🚲 Ever wondered what happens when you just... keep pedaling? Rachel Yaseen does. She traded the "normal" life for a 55,000km journey across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Australian Outback. From Denmark to Croatia and deep into the jungles of Thailand, she’s seen it all....
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Two People, One Tandem, No Regrets
The Art of the Long Ride 🚲 Ever dreamt of trading the 9-to-5 for the open road? This week, we’re joined by James and Jane Hall, a legendary British couple who did exactly that. With two decades of touring under their belts, spanning from the peaks of South America to the orchards of Scandinavia,...
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The Road That Finds You
Ever had a canceled plan turn into the best thing that ever happened to you? We’re sitting down with Kristy Bellmer, who turned a "what now?" moment into a record-breaking solo odyssey across the globe. We’re chatting about: The Humble Start: How a last-minute Thanksgiving ride in Texas evolved...
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Unstoppable & Unaccompanied: The Power of the Solo Ride
Celebrating International Women’s Month What actually happens after you say "yes" to a solo bike trip? In part two of our International Women’s Month special episodes, we’re sitting down with Jessica Sarah Lawrence, Cat Lau, and Emma Karslake, three incredible women who traded the comfort of the...
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The Solo Shift: Conquering Fears & Finding Freedom
Celebrating International Women’s Month What’s stopping you from packing a bag and hitting the road alone? To kick off the first of two special episodes for International Women’s Month, we’re chatting with Helen Dainty, Eliza Sampey, and Calliopé Georgousi, three incredible women who traded their...
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The Big Irish Detour
Ever wondered what happens when you trade your midlife routine for two years on two wheels? Host Jerry Kopack is joined by Mark Graham & Ellie O’Byrne, an incredible Irish couple currently pedaling their way across the globe. From desert heat to mountain peaks, they’re proving that the best way…
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35,000km, 29 Countries, & One Muppet
What do you do after finishing uni? If you’re Coline Berret, you skip the "real world" job and spend four years pedaling across the globe instead. We’re diving into an epic 35,000-kilometer journey that spans 29 countries. This isn't just a stats dump, though; it’s a deep look at what happens…
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Lost, Found, and Still Biking
What started as a spontaneous one-year bike tour across the U.S. turned into a thirty-year odyssey for Bob and Claire Rogers. In this episode, they take us along for the ride through the Australian outback, the winds of Iceland, and everywhere in between. You'll hear how they navigated remote...
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Embrace the Journey, Not the Plans
Sarah Morgan and Josh Sutton-Ziaian set out to cycle from the UK to India, but their adventure didn't go as planned, and that's what makes their story so good. Between health issues, winter cycling, and countless unexpected detours, they learned to let go of the original plan and embrace whatever...
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Cycling, Soccer, and Service
Ever wonder what happens when you combine cross-country cycling, charity work, and a love of soccer? Follow Jessica Lawrence’s epic journey from Connecticut to San Diego, raising money for youth sports and catching professional matches along the way. It's part travelogue, part fundraiser, and...
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Cycling Home from Tanzania
After spending six years living in Tanzania, Naomi Rouse and her family decided their return to the UK would be anything but ordinary…they'd cycle home from Berlin to Bristol. Discover what drew them to Tanzania in the first place, from the stunning landscapes and warm local hospitality to the...
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Finding Rhythm on the Road
What happens when you combine the spontaneity of bike touring with the expressive soul of a trumpet? Follow Ines Hartmuth’s unique journey through southern France, where music, movement, and intuition replace rigid plans and routines. It's a story about breaking free from everyday expectations…
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Bikepacking Across Wild Frontiers
Follow Eliza Sampey, an adventurer and physical therapist who has turned van living and bikepacking into a lifestyle spanning the North Cascades, Pakistan, Guatemala, and beyond. She shares stories of navigating remote singletrack with pack rafts, crossing international borders by bike, and using...
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Pack, Ship, Tour with Bikeflights
Tired of wrestling cardboard boxes through airports after a bike tour? Then Bikeflights, a cyclist-founded shipping solution designed specifically for touring cyclists and event-goers, has the answer. Sue George, VP of Bikeflights, shows us how easy it is to ship bikes, e-bikes, wheels, and gear...
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The Power of Slow Travel
What does it take to circle the globe by bicycle? Follow Ted Eliason’s four-year solo journey across 56 countries and over 82,000 kilometers. A journey propelled by a desire to escape the corporate world and experience life at pedal-stroke speed. From sandstorms in Kazakhstan to chaotic Indian...
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Embracing Kindness on the Road
Follow Tyler Epstein, a high school teacher and coach, who embarked on his first cross-country bike tour, riding nearly 2,700 miles from Missouri to the Oregon coast in less than a month. Trading his usual coaching duties for a lightweight gravel bike, he battled mountain sleet, equipment…
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Riding Into the Unknown A 3-Year Journey
Would you leave everything behind to cycle through 35 countries—even if you weren’t a cyclist? That’s exactly what Simon Brain and his fiancée did, turning a bold idea into a three-year journey across the world. They share how curiosity carried them from wild camping and cultural surprises to…
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Bridging Worlds by Bike
What drives someone to cycle from Italy to Iran—and back again—through more than twenty countries? Matthias Schwarz takes us on a journey sparked by friendship, shaped by world events, and enriched by the connections made along the way. From Balkan fountains to Iranian hospitality, every mile...
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Life Lessons from 60,000 Kilometers on the Road
Ever wonder what it’s like to cycle 60,000 kilometers across continents with nothing but a shoestring budget and a love for simplicity? Isaak Vanthomme takes us on a five-year journey from icy Canadian roads to the jungles and highlands of Central and South America—facing challenges, embracing...
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Overcoming Limits, Embracing Adventure
What happens when the freedom of cycling becomes both a necessity and a joy? Discover the transformative journey of Jeffrey McElfresh, who is living with CMT1A, a condition that challenges walking but unlocks freedom on two wheels. From conquering multi-state rides to starring in a PBS…
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Human Connections Across Continents
Discover the journey of Paul Edkins and Vivien Metairie, two solo cyclists who embarked from Europe with dreams of reaching South Africa, only to find unexpected friendship and adventure in Ethiopia. From navigating bustling cities and challenging terrains to sharing stories over campfires, their...
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Solitude, Strength, and Connection
Embark on an inspiring journey with Calliopé Georgousi, who traveled across 12 European countries, from the UK to Greece. Along the way, they navigated diverse landscapes, unexpected route changes, and found a balance between solitude and community. Through moments of vulnerability, resilience…
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5 Continents, 5 Years, 5 Causes
Discover the incredible journey of PL and Kristen Meindertsma, who are cycling across five continents over five years for five causes, aiming to raise $2.5 million for organizations in business, sports, and education. Beyond exploring the world, their mission reflects a deeper quest for purpose,...
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Global Hobo: Life on Wheels
Discover what happens when a passion for travel evolves into a lifelong adventure on two wheels. Join Helen Dainty, a.k.a. hels on wheels, who has pedaled through 90 countries over nearly two decades. She shares tales from remote Australian outback trails to vibrant cities like Barcelona. Explore...
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Adventure Cycling Across Rwanda
Discover the allure of cycling in Rwanda with Bruno Peelman as he unveils the country's hidden gems and adventurous spirit. From the scenic Congo Nile Trail to vibrant local culture and smooth roads, Rwanda offers a safe and unforgettable biking experience. Join us as we delve into the…
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Pedaling Legends, Epic Adventures
What 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…
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Redefining Boundaries Through Cycling
What drives someone to cycle the entire Pacific Coast alone—and how does it change them? Cat Lau shares her journey of overcoming cultural expectations, tackling tough terrain, and discovering deep self-reliance. From the kindness of the cycling community to nights spent camping under the stars,...
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Cycling Sparks Creative Connections
What happens when creativity meets the open road? Artist James Crossley shares his inspiring project, Middle Ground, where a cargo bike becomes a moving canvas. This unique residency invites artists to travel through diverse landscapes, connect with communities, and create art along the way....
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Pedaling Past Limits
How does one overcome polio and diabetes to embark on an incredible cycling journey? In this inspiring episode, Ken Reinke shares how he pedaled across the country multiple times after turning sixty. In fact, Ken has ridden over 9,000 miles since his 67th birthday! From Florida to San Diego and...
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Fearless on Two Wheels
Join Emma Karslake as she shares her passion for cycling as the ultimate means of exploration. Her early adventures in South America set the tone for a life dedicated to discovering the world on two wheels, embracing both the challenges and the exhilarating freedom it offers. Emma shares…
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Exploring World Cultures by Bike
What drives someone to embark on a two-and-a-half-year biking adventure across the globe? Join us as we explore the intriguing world of long-distance cycling with Ben Clark, who is currently traveling through Southeast Asia on a 35,000-kilometer bike tour. This episode offers a glimpse into the...
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Taiwan's Cycling Secrets
Mark Tovell takes us on an exhilarating ride through Taiwan’s lush landscapes and formidable peaks. He shares essential tips for navigating Taiwan’s diverse climates and challenging cycling routes, from the importance of a reliable rain jacket to tackling steep gradients in the mountainous…
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Financially Poor and Experience Rich
Scott Sharick shares how a stroke served as both a wake-up call and a motivator to embrace an active and spontaneous lifestyle. Fueled by the kindness of strangers and the allure of unpaved roads, his journey through Southeast Asia encompasses more than just the kilometers traveled. From the...
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Biking Beyond Sixty
Lisa Watts takes us on an epic 3,000-mile journey from Florida to Maine via the East Coast Greenway. Along the way, she embraces life's simplicity and the enriching experiences found in unexpected moments on the road, from the practicalities of wider bike tires and the comfort they provide to the...
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Epic Family Bike Journey Across America
Join us as Justin Wolfenberg and his children, Henry and Leila, share the trials and triumphs of cycling the TransAmerica Route together as a family. With resilience and perseverance, they face everything from biking through snow and managing high-speed crashes to navigating diverse landscapes…
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Nourishing Body and Soul
In this repeat of one of our most downloaded shows, Sheelagh Daly takes us on an inspiring solo journey across Europe that blends stamina, self-discovery, and the fine art of fueling your body during extended tours. With insightful advice on maintaining optimal nutrition, she offers practical…
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National Parks Coast to Coast by Bike
What 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...
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Bicycles and Beats with 0Stella
Liz Pomeroy, better known as 0Stella, has seamlessly combined a passion for music with long-distance cycling. Ride along on their awe-inspiring journey that began on Earth Day, 2022, and stretched for 5.5 months across thousands of kilometers. Along the way, an unexpected knee injury and…
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40 Years on the Road
Explore the evolving landscape of bike touring through the lens of seasoned traveler Jeff Jinnett. He shares tales of enduring the heat, battling steep terrains, and finding unexpected kindness from strangers over 40 years on the road. Jeff’s story is a rollercoaster of perseverance and…
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Go with What You Got
Chris 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…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Bike Life have?
Bike Life currently has 153 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Bike Life about?
Bike Life celebrates the journeys of touring cyclists and the hosts who welcome them—sharing real stories, insights, and adventures from the global Warmshowers.org Foundation community.
How often does Bike Life release new episodes?
Bike Life publishes regularly with 153 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Bike Life?
You can listen to Bike Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Bike Life?
Bike Life is created and hosted by Warmshowers.org Foundation.
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