The Accidental Bicycle Tourist podcast

#Sports #Gabriel Aldaz #Society #Travel #Bicycle Touring #Bikepacking #Outdoor #Fitness #Bicycle

51:57

On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at ⁠travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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Host Gabriel Aldaz sits down with other bicycle touring and bikepacking enthusiasts to have unexpected, revealing, and often humorous conversations about their most memorable bike touring adventures. You’ll hear individuals, friends, partners, and families from all walks of life share the joys (and sometimes challenges) of bicycle touring. A willingness to explore the unknown, overcoming self-doubt, resilience, and experiencing acts of kindness from complete strangers are recurring themes. Gabriel hopes that the episodes, dropping every other week, will inspire you to get out and see where the road leads you.
For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist

35 епізодів

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

updated день тому

Поширити

Головна серій•Feed

35 епізодів

#Sports #Gabriel Aldaz #Society #Travel #Bicycle Touring #Bikepacking #Outdoor #Fitness #Bicycle

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The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT035. Bitten and Back: Overcoming Fear After a Dog Attack 56:21

1 day тому56:21

56:21

For cyclist Julia Esser, a dream journey through South America turned into a nightmare when she was brutally attacked by three dogs in a remote Colombian town. Forced onto crutches and faced with a long, painful recovery, Julia had every reason to fly home to Germany. Instead, what happened next is a testament to the power of human connection and inner resolve, as Julia found the courage to get back on the saddle. Join Julia's adventure and discover how she turned a major setback into her greatest source of strength, in the process becoming a bikepacking ambassador, especially encouraging solo women travelers. She is currently continuing her ride towards the end of the world, supported by a network of friends, the sight of beautiful landscapes, and the occasional slice of cake. Julia is very happy to support anyone looking to get started on a bikepacking adventure. Her Instagram is @graveljeater . Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT034. Alpine Escapade 56:51

12 днів тому56:51

56:51

Join me and my old buddy Jason Ruhl as we spend a week pedaling through the stunning landscapes of Southern Switzerland and Northern Italy, from Luzern to Jason’s charmingly rustic Italian retreat overlooking Lago Maggiore and back. Fueled by pure grit, espresso, and lots of pastries, we conquer iconic climbs like the Madonna del Ghisallo. We also explore the awe-inspiring Orridi di Uriezzo slot canyons and indulge in a serious Crodino blind taste test. Along the way, we meet locals whose help and advice shape our trip. Even the complete failure of my disc brakes, leading to a dramatic dash race against time to catch our train, is part of the unforgettable fun. All the sounds of our trip, from the church bells to the marching band, are part of this episode, which will hopefully inspire you to have your own escapade in this stunning corner of the Alps! Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT033. Zigzagging Across the Americas 58:05

27 днів тому58:05

58:05

Ever dreamt of dropping everything to cycle across continents? Meet Yann Tourman, who did just that, embarking on an epic bicycle adventure in 2018 that's still rolling! Beginning with a spontaneous decision in New York to bicycle to the tip of South America, Yann's journey has been anything but conventional. Hear his astonishing tales of a Canadian winter crossing (all the way to Vancouver Island!), a mid-winter hitchhike to Alaska, and a nine-month zigzag across the USA before heading south. Although COVID interrupted him in Costa Rica, four years later he restarted his trip right where he left off. Now cycling in South America, Yann is once again relying on the profound kindness of friends and strangers, his philosophy of trusting the world, and his desire to give back through volunteering. This is a story of resilience, resourcefulness, and human connection on the open road that will inspire your own adventurous spirit. You can find Filmed by Bike's pass options, including the Virtual Pass, on their website . Annalisa van den Bergh's Cycling With Virtual Summit . Yann Tourman's Instagram page, @yann.tourman . Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT032. Touring with Type 1: A Journey of 10,000 Miles 1:03:22

7 weeks тому1:03:22

1:03:22

Join Erik Douds, as he shares incredible stories from the road, starting with a spur-of-the-moment decision to join friend Annalisa on a TransAmerica bike tour – a journey that even included a detour for the New York City Triathlon! Discover the unique challenges that Erik, Annalisa, and other Type 1 diabetics face, as they manage blood sugar, insulin, and nutrition during demanding long-distance rides. During three years on the road, Erik logged 10,000 miles, fueled by community support and sheer resilience. From an Alaskan wilderness expedition featured in Adventure Cyclist magazine to navigating India just prior to the pandemic lockdown, Erik reveals how these "accidental" tours became life-changing adventures. Erik and Annalisa have completed a series of Miles of Portraits videos available on YouTube. Miles of Portraits India . Miles of Portraits Southwest . Miles of Portraits Alaska. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT031. Into the Unknown 1:02:32

9 weeks тому1:02:32

1:02:32

Meet Giacomo Turco, an aerospace engineer from Italy, who on this episode shares his thrilling bikepacking adventures across Iceland, Mongolia, and South America. Discover how a chance encounter on Instagram with a previous guest, Melanie Schautt, led to an unexpected friendship and shared adventures, including Giacomo’s terrifying brake failure in the Andes. Other near-disasters in South America followed, as Giacomo had to be hospitalized due to a bacterial infection, faced a blizzard whiteout at 5,000 meters in Peru, and pedaled for days without human contact on the Ruta de los Seismiles in Argentina. In the communities he visited, Giacomo experienced incredible hospitality, participating in traditional ceremonies and being offered shelter, food, and “lightly alcoholic beverages.” Giacomo's passion for exploring uncharted territories and pushing his limits shines through as he discusses his unconventional approach to bikepacking and teases his next grand adventure. Prepare to be inspired and entertained by this captivating storyteller and his insatiable thirst for the unknown. Giacomo's Instagram is @cycling.beyond and his YouTube channel is also called Cycling Beyond . Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT030. Diving into the Silk Road Mountain Race 58:35

11 weeks тому58:35

58:35

Alden Roth shares his thrilling experience in the Silk Road Mountain Race, a grueling, mostly unsupported, two-week cycling event through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. A self-proclaimed “diving in headfirst” kind of guy, Alden recounts past exploits, such as a cross-country road trip, repeated efforts to bicycle from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC, and his foray into ultra-running, kicked off by a spontaneous 50k race. His Silk Road Mountain Race was no less dramatic, featuring a mechanical breakdown fixed with super glue, camping on a mountainside during a blizzard, a close call with a demanding local, and ultimately, a crash. Alden persevered through it all, driven by the challenge of the stunning landscapes and supported by fellow racers and locals. This episode is full of inspiring tales of resilience, guaranteed to make you want to hop on your bike and dive headfirst into your next adventure. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT029. Bicycle Frame of Mind: Portland. Film Festival. Community. 1:03:30

13 weeks тому1:03:30

1:03:30

Ayleen Crotty, founder of the prestigious Filmed by Bike movie festival, joins us for a captivating conversation about the fascinating origins of this unique event, born from Portland's vibrant bike culture in the early 2000s. Ayleen shares her personal journey into cycling, from a hesitant start in Illinois to following her passions by moving to Oregon for community building and two-wheeled adventures. Hear about Filmed by Bike’s evolution, the challenges of organizing grassroots events, and the festival’s inspiring transition to a platform supporting filmmakers worldwide. In a time currently dominated by negative media, this episode is a celebration of bikes, films, and the power of human connection. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT028. Metal Cowboy 56:46

15 weeks тому56:46

56:46

Saddle up for an inspiring conversation with Joe Kurmaskie, the "Metal Cowboy." Joe recounts his incredible family-cycling-adventures-turned-books, including hauling his two sons – and his dad's ashes! – across America ( Momentum is Your Friend ) and a later epic journey across Canada with his wife and three sons ( Mud, Sweat, and Gears ). Discover the hilarious origin story of Joe's nickname and hear about his battle with a life-threatening illness that fueled his passion to give back. Joe founded and operates Reborn Bikes, which provides thousands of refurbished bicycles to Oregon communities in need. This episode is a testament to Joe’s spirit of adventure, his resilience, and the deep influence that the bicycle has had on his life. The central repository for Joe Kurmaskie’s extensive work is the Metal Cowboy website. Visit this website to find out more about the untamed life of Evelyn Hamilton . To get involved with Joe’s refurbished bicycle programs, visit Reborn Bikes , WashCo Bikes , or Free Bikes 4 Kidz . Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT027. Take the Long Way Home 1:03:51

17 weeks тому1:03:51

1:03:51

Eric Matthes, author of the bestselling Python Crash Course , embarked on a life-altering, year-long bicycle journey around the United States in the late 1990s. This episode dives into that fascinating period in Eric's life, when he interwove bicycling with his other passions: programming, teaching, and writing. Eric candidly shares his initial struggles, including a pivotal near-knee-destroying trip to Niagara Falls that almost ended his touring career before it began. Successively more challenging outings culminated in his 14,216-mile Seattle-to-Alaska-via-Florida circumnavigation. Hear about Eric’s cross-country adventure, including his memorable time riding alongside his friend Sara, scary moments in the south, and encounters with bears in the north. Discover how this transformative experience shaped Eric’s path to becoming a successful author and his unique perspective on overcoming life’s obstacles, both on and off the road. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT026. Tracking Lawrence of Arabia 56:45

19 weeks тому56:45

56:45

Journey to the Middle East with Miles Spencer as he unravels the fascinating story of T.E. Lawrence's early life and adventurous spirit. Discover how Lawrence's youthful bicycle tours through France, meticulously documenting medieval castles and cathedrals, foreshadowed his legendary role in the Arab Revolt. Miles, along with his friend Wells Jones, retraced Lawrence's wartime trek across the Arabian Desert from Jeddah to Damascus, sharing their own experiences of navigating the challenging landscape and encountering the welcoming culture. This episode delves into Lawrence's complex character, his deep understanding of the region, and the historical context of his pivotal role in World War I. While not a "bicycle tourist" in the conventional sense, Lawrence’s life on two wheels embodied many of the same principles that drive cyclists to explore the world by bike today: a thirst for adventure, a desire for self-sufficiency, and a means for testing one’s endurance limits. A Line in the Sand by Miles Spencer and Wells Jones is sold on Amazon . Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT025. Cranking up the Challenges 1:03:41

21 weeks тому1:03:41

1:03:41

Meet Laura and Shaun, a Canadian couple whose cycling adventures began when the 2020 lockdown forced them to cancel their plans to spend a year traveling the world. Hear their hilarious first tour stories, complete with grocery-getter bikes, backpacks, bungee cords, and borrowed panniers from the ‘80s! After a successful first outing, the couple undertook a honeymoon-on-wheels exploration of British Columbia and a bikepacking tour of Baja California, Mexico. We kick off Season 2 of the podcast by following Laura and Shaun’s evolution from accidental bicycle tourists to seasoned adventurers. The culmination of their journeys is an ambitious 2022 Patagonian tour, full of dramatic weather, logistical nightmares, and heartwarming kindness from both strangers and fellow travelers. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT024. 2024 Holiday Special 1:30:30

24 weeks тому1:30:30

1:30:30

Ever wondered about the voice that welcomes you to The Accidental Bicycle Tourist podcast? In this special holiday episode, host Gabriel pulls back the curtain, inviting his wife Sandra as a guest for the very first time! Join them in their cozy home in Germany as they reflect on their summer bike tour with baby Emilio, sharing hilarious mishaps and heartwarming moments. But that's not all - find out which episodes you found most memorable this past season, including a series of entertaining discussions with those episodes’ guests. Also, catch updates from other Season One guests and learn a bit about the podcast’s listeners. Filled with laughter, reflection, and a dash of that irresistible accidental charm, this episode is the perfect way to wind down the year and look ahead to the open road in 2025. One of the selected episodes is "Adventures of a High-Tech Nomad" with Steven K. Roberts. If you would like to read the serialized version of his book Computing Across America , please visit his Substack page . Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT023. Salt Flat Tires: A Bikepacking Roller Coaster Ride 1:06:37

26 weeks тому1:06:37

1:06:37

Fueled by a quarter-life crisis and the desire to break free from routine, bikepacking newcomer Melanie Schautt embarked on a transformative half-year cycling adventure through South America with her friend Louise, a seasoned cyclist. From battling fierce headwinds and a near-quitting moment on the Carretera Austral in Patagonia to overcoming mechanical issues and a couple of injuries, Melanie had to be resilient to keep pedaling. Amidst the struggles, she also discovered the unexpected joy and freedom of finding her own pace, the value of enduring friendships, and the thrill of conquering challenging terrain, including the Lagunas Route and Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and Cotopaxi in Ecuador. Melanie’s vivid storytelling may leave you craving to launch your own South American bikepacking adventure. If you would like to explore Melanie's posts for yourself, her Instagram is @livingintents . She also maintains a website with additional information. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT022. Top 3 Touring Debates with Gemini AI 58:09

28 weeks тому58:09

58:09

This episode takes a highly experimental turn as Gabriel, your host, brings in not one, but *two* AI guests, Scout and Rambler – instances of Google’s Gemini AI. These digital personalities debate hot topics in bicycle touring, offering unique and sometimes hilarious perspectives. Prepare for a wild ride as Scout, the hardcore bikepacker, extols the virtues of solo touring and meticulous planning, while Rambler, the easygoing newbie, champions the joys of companionship and spontaneous detours. Their clashing philosophies ignite lively discussions about route planning, solo versus group rides, and the impact of e-bikes on traditional touring. The conversation takes unexpected twists and turns, including a harrowing tale of Scout’s scree-field descent and a shared passion for pie that transcends their differing approaches to adventure. And did sparks fly between our AI guests? Listen in to find out! This episode is packed with information, unexpected humor, and thought-provoking insights. You won’t want to miss this unique AI-powered exploration of the world of bike touring. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT021. Big Hairy Audacious Goal 1:05:57

30 weeks тому1:05:57

1:05:57

Alan Gilbert has always been interested in long, challenging bicycle rides. For Alan, the chance to ride across the United States from Pacific to Atlantic in 38 days finally presented itself in 2022, upon retiring from his job as a technology executive. The timing also coincided with the end of COVID, which had kept Alan cooped up at home and yearning to get out, meet people, and explore the country 100 miles at a time. Rather than undertake this Big Hairy Audacious Goal alone, Alan found a riding partner, Dave, and their respective spouses, Sue and Dee, became known as the Support Angels. In this episode, we will dive into Alan’s BHAG, as well as trace his love of touring to its origins (a trip in Ohio when he was seventeen) and what he’s been up to since finishing his coast-to-coast adventure (a fully supported tour of classic mountain climbs in France). You can learn more about Alan’s adventures by reading his blog on Medium. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT020. The Pedaling Polyglot 52:35

32 weeks тому52:35

52:35

Roger Levy, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, considers himself a scientist of language and a polyglot, speaking five languages fluently and many more conversationally. In this episode, Roger will share the sounds and flavors from his six bike tours across three continents. Since Roger also happens to be a longtime friend, I was his partner on two of the six tours. On his solo adventures, Roger enjoyed the delicious breakfast offerings in Taiwan and ended each day of riding in Scotland in a pub and perhaps a whisky distillery. He also trained with the Stanford University triathlon team and discovered the bicycle-friendly country of Rwanda. Everywhere he went, Roger bravely took on the roads, the weather, and the language barriers he encountered. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT019. Life is Wild (Part 2) 54:36

34 weeks тому54:36

54:36

Barbados. Dominica. Guadeloupe. Martinique. These are some of the exotic Caribbean islands visited by André Plumeau with his bicycle, Frieda. In Part 2 of this double episode, André again defies the odds by sailing west from the Republic of Cabo Verde on various boats, with diverse crews. Eventually, a spontaneous assignment to pick up a sailboat in Florida separates him from Frieda and the rest of his touring equipment. He makes his way around the United States to Mexico, where he hopes to be reunited with Frieda. At the end of the episode, André reveals his surprise plan for the end of the year, which we also hope will come true. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT018. Life is Wild (Part 1) 49:44

36 weeks тому49:44

49:44

Imagine that you are walking down the road near your home town in France when a friend calls you and invites you to join him on a bicycle tour. Since you don't own a bike, you buy one over the Internet and call it Frieda. You pack your bags and three days later you are cycling with your friend in Portugal. You don't know it yet, but this is the start of an adventure that will last at least two years, taking you to the tip of Portugal, into Spain, and then by sea, island-hopping across the Atlantic, with Frieda at your side. That is a very brief outline of André Plumeau's story. On part one of this two-part episode, we will hear about André's incredible journey from Porto in Portugal to the Republic of Cabo Verde. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT017. Adventures of a High-Tech Nomad 1:00:01

38 weeks тому1:00:01

1:00:01

Steve Roberts is probably the world’s first high-tech nomad. For roughly a decade (1983 - 1993), Steve was either designing, building, or riding a custom computerized recumbent bicycle. Beginning with the Winnebiko, continuing with the Winnebiko II, and culminating with the 580-pound BEHEMOTH, Steve logged 17,000 miles, all the while writing articles for various publications and transmitting them from his current location. In a time before the internet and smartphones, Steve was one of the first people on the planet to be continuously networked and connected via various technologies, working and socializing, quite literally, on the road. He immediately drew attention from locals in every town, and made friends on CompuServe and other networks. As his exploits became publicized, he appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and was a guest on the Phil Donahue Show in 1992. All these years later, Steve looks back on his amazing journey and his pioneering work on technologies that have become mainstream today. Steve's appearance on the Phil Donahue Show can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/technomadness/videos/1130296767041717/ Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT016. Odisea Panamericana 1:00:20

40 weeks тому1:00:20

1:00:20

In 2009, Swiss graphic designer Martina Gees sold most of her possessions, flew to Buenos Aires, and started pedaling. She got as far north as Inuvik, Canada, and eventually as far south as Ushuaia, Argentina. All told, her incredible Odisea Panamericana spanned 5 years, 25 countries, and 60,000 kilometers. This conversation with Martina is focused on her experiences traveling with a partner (with whom she started in Buenos Aires), with people she met along the way, and alone. During her journey, Martina fell in love, broke up, made lifelong friends, and was deeply touched by the hospitality of locals. Having lived through a series of coincidences and strange happenings on the road, it’s no wonder that Martina identifies herself as an accidental bicycle tourist. To learn more about Martina’s adventures, check out her German language website at colorfish.ch . You can also find her on Instagram: @colorfishes . Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT015. Los Caminos de Santiago 1:00:11

46 weeks тому1:00:11

1:00:11

With seven Caminos de Santiago by bicycle under his belt and an eighth one in preparation, Frank Foulon is uniquely equipped to inform us about this remarkable pilgrimage route that has been ongoing, with wild fluctuations in participation, since the ninth century. Frank discusses the historical background and cultural significance of the Camino, including recent changes as a result of the Camino’s rise in popularity. He also details the different routes in Europe that converge to form the Camino Francés, from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela, as well as other historical starting points on the Iberian Peninsula (the Camino Portugués, the Vía de la Plata, and the Camino Primitivo). Additionally, Frank volunteered for several years as an hospitalero in the town of Los Arcos, where he welcomed, assisted, and encouraged thousands of pilgrims. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT014. Plan Your Own Damn Route! (In Approximately Seven Steps) 54:39

48 weeks тому54:39

54:39

Mimi Ji, a self-described map nerd and passionate cyclist, has turned her love for detailed route planning into a unique seven-step process. In this episode, Mimi shares numerous planning tips and tricks gathered from her experiences during outings with the New York City Adventure Cycling Club as well as tours in South Dakota, Quebec, and Slovenia. The conversation playfully dissects the seven steps, as Mimi compares different apps, describes how to stitch together weeklong itineraries, and encourages listeners to consider multi-sport touring. Along the way, we inevitably take several detours, with diversions into topics such as Bolivia’s Death Road, bikepacking culture in the United States, and much more. You can read and subscribe to Mimi's Substack page at: https://winepacking.substack.com/ Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT013. Another Long Blue Line: Cycling Four Rivers 57:39

50 weeks тому57:39

57:39

Listener Frédéric Dith alerted me that long blue lines mark long distance cycling routes, not only in Japan but also in Taiwan and South Korea. During a year of backpacking in Asia, following a burnout from the pandemic and working at a Berlin startup, Fred bikepacked the 633-kilometer-long Four Rivers Cycle Route, traversing South Korea from Seoul to Busan. Fred learned all about South Korea’s engaging system of issuing bicycling passports and repurposing bright red phone booths as places to stamp your passport to show your progress. After completing his goal of cycling the entire Four Rivers route, Fred’s reward was a professional-looking certificate, suitable for framing. After talking to Fred, we also check in with previous guest Hannah Bowley, who has spent the past months riding in Japan and South Korea. To learn more about the colors of cycling routes around the world: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095756421000416 Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT012. Hospitality on the Road 57:20

52 weeks тому57:20

57:20

If you enjoy hearing about random acts of kindness towards cyclists, you'll love this episode! Belgian cyclist Kris Vlaeminck shares selected tales of hospitality from his tours in Europe, North America, and Asia. With the help of strangers, Kris and his riding partners Johan and Luc overcome inclement weather in Scotland, water and food shortages in Iceland, a bear blocking the road in Alaska, and other perils. In Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, they are welcomed into family homes and lavished with food, drink, and accommodations. Kris also reveals the surprising country that he believes to be the most hospitable among the many that he has visited. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT011. AIDS/LifeCycle: The Best Week of the Year 55:20

1 year тому55:20

55:20

Imagine bicycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles in one week, not alone, but in a peloton of thousands. For 545 miles, a team of roadies dedicate their time and energy to supporting your southward journey. The daily rest stops are extravagant events with costumes, dance parties, and drag shows, while the nightly camps provide relaxation areas, medical facilities, and excellent food. Everywhere – among the riders, the volunteers, and residents along the route – there is exuberance and joy. This is the AIDS/LifeCycle, a yearly charity ride that raises millions of dollars to fight HIV/AIDS. Our guide to the ride is Meg Shutzer, an investigative journalist, filmmaker, and spinning instructor who currently captains the inclusive WeSpoke team and has participated in the AIDS/LifeCycle every year it’s been held since 2016. New Generation Queens: a Zanzibar Soccer Story can be rented on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/newgenerationqueens Meg’s website is www.megshutzer.com The New York Times article can be found here: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/10/29/us/juvenile-detention-abuses-louisiana.html Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT010. Chasing Summer Around the Globe 57:54

1 year тому57:54

57:54

Suffering a heat stroke in the middle of Vietnam’s mountainous jungles was definitely not in the plans when Hannah Bowley decided to cycle from Hanoi to Singapore. Hannah was in month nine of a one-year touring adventure, and Southeast Asia was the third leg of her trip, following long rides in Western Europe, which included the Camino de Santiago, and South America, including the Carretera Austral in Patagonia. Thanks to the remarkable kindness of her Vietnamese host, as well as the help of many others she met through the Warmshowers community and elsewhere, Hannah continues to live her dream of chasing summer around the globe. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

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ABT009. No Preparation, Some Improvisation - 10 Touring Tips for Beginners 49:18

1 year тому49:18

49:18

Inspired by a man who bicycled across France to attend a wedding, Simon Alfassa decided to organize his own solo bike tour from Berlin (where he resides) to Copenhagen. There’s just one problem: He has no idea what he’s doing. From using his “super weird” secondhand city bike to carrying many kilos of dead weight to stashing his smartphone in a soaked rain jacket pocket, Simon makes all sorts of mistakes along the way. However, with a healthy dose of optimism, perseverance, and improvisation, Simon overcomes the obstacles caused by his lack of experience and preparation. In this episode, we use Simon’s journey as a case study to present 10 fun bicycle touring tips for beginners and hopefully entertain travelers of all experience levels. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

1
ABT008. Long Blue Line: Cycling Shimanami 50:02

1 year тому50:02

50:02

A long blue line runs 70 kilometers, across picturesque islands and over majestic suspension bridges, between Onomichi and Imabari in Japan. This is the famous Shimanami National Cycle Route, a trail that Singapore native Poh Yu Seung and his wife selected for their first bicycle tour. The couple packed their Brompton-style folding bikes and flew to Osaka, home of the famous Shimano Museum. From Osaka, they took the train to Onomichi, where they began their cycling journey. Yu Seung shares the unique characteristics of the Shimanami Islands, as well as learnings about Japanese culture, a fascination with the Brompton folding bike, and the rich Japanese bicycle industry tradition, which is largely unknown both domestically and abroad. Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

1
ABT007. It Takes Two 59:27

1 year тому59:27

59:27

Ida Sigusch and Tilman Jiménez Reichow met and fell in love in Umeå, Sweden. A long bicycle tour through Europe, initially on a recumbent tandem, strengthened their relationship (this is by no means a given). On the road, Ida and Tilman met many friendly and helpful people who helped them in their quest to reach lighthouses at extreme points of Continental Europe. In the process, they also overcame mechanical issues, insurance problems, rabid dog attacks, and the harsh environment of the Arctic Circle. At times, they only managed these difficult situations because they were together. And so, they say, “It takes two.” Ida and Tilman’s English-language website can be found at https://justtwowheels.de Fan Mail: Send ABT an SMS For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram: https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist…

The Accidental Bicycle Tourist

1
ABT006. Get out of Your Comfort Zone 54:20

1 year тому54:20