Warm Welcomes: Building Community Through Hosting

What 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, the camaraderie of scouting, and the spirit of adventure that fuels their mission to encourage young people to embrace outdoor activities and eco-friendly travel. His story is not just about the distance covered, but the meaningful connections and lasting influence of one cyclist's endeavor to change the world, one pedal at a time.Catch up with Florian and follow his travels on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Ever 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 of pedaling. Ville and Kristen’s dedication to documenting their trip led to a compelling book that captures the essence of their experiences, encouraging others to explore the world on two wheels and embrace the unexpected twists of life's roads.Catch up with Ville and Kristen:Website: We Lost the MapInstagram: @welostthemap Substack: We Lost the Map Facebook: @welostthemap2 TikTok: @welostthemap Email: [email protected] Get Kristen’s book: Joyride, A Bike Odyssey from Alaska to Argentina   Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Embrace 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 within the cycle touring community and highlights the unexpected joys and enduring bonds forged through the simple act of extending a warm welcome. Warmshowers extends deep gratitude to all hosts worldwide and invites you to connect with this Southern California group through their profiles:Ken FrancisMichael KwanSue StevenCarl BarryBrian KingSandra GuzmanCommunity Building: Reach Out and NetworkWarmshowers is more than just a platform for hospitality exchange; it's a thriving community built on communication and networking. Regional groups have organized bike rides, dinner events, and overnight tours, fostering friendships that span the globe. These groups not only recruit new hosts but also advocate for cyclist-friendly policies like camping in parks. They also facilitate a referral network, where hosts can share information about guests, ensuring positive experiences for all involved.Building a stronger community starts with reaching out to fellow hosts in your area. Utilize Warmshowers' search feature to find nearby hosts and send a welcoming letter to introduce yourself. Organizing events is another creative way to connect with others and foster camaraderie within the community.Join the Southern California Area Warmshowers Host Facebook group and discover more about them by watching one of their backyard barbeque videos. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Are 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 enduring spirit of exploration, the meaningful connections made during her long-distance bike tour, and a touching tribute to the cyclists who paved the way. Through her eyes, we're given a window into the past and the transformational power of pushing the pedals toward a grand personal odyssey.Catch up with Giulai and follow her travels on her website, If You’re Looking for Me, I’m Around. Learn more about Luigi Masetti and get the book, “The two-wheel anarchist. Luigi Masetti: the first Italian cycle traveller.”Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Alissa 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 stories, Alissa has logged over 20,000 miles cycling across the globe. Through the power of storytelling, she highlights the challenges and rewards of solo travel and overcoming fears. Her insights provide a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of travel and the vibrant spirit of the cycling community.Catch up with Alissa on her website, Exploring Wild, and follow her adventures on Bike Sleep Bike and Facebook.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Join 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 remind us of the beauty of living in the present, embracing spontaneity, and nurturing a sense of community no matter where the road takes us.Note: since the recording of this episode, the Bennek family has added a puppy named Maluna to their mix! They can’t wait to hit the road again, albeit at a slower pace. Life is a journey, and they take it how it evolves!Catch up with Lorena & Gregor on their website, StraBenGiraffen, and follow them on Instagram at @strassengiraffen.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Today’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 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 local communities, they share their firsthand experiences of the challenges and rewards of long-distance cycling. From extreme droughts and scorching temperatures to the hospitality of the South Asian people, they paint a vivid picture of their journey that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Their insights provide a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, and the urgent need to protect biodiversity.If you've ever dreamed of embarking on your own cycling adventure or simply want to learn more about the importance of nature conservation, this episode is a must-listen. Hanna and Jonas offer practical advice for starting small and gradually building up to bigger trips, encouraging everyone to connect with nature and make a difference in their own communities. Learn more about Hanna and Jonas at Biking4Biodiversity.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @Biking4Biodiversity.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Today’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 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 seen it all; unicycles, tricycles, families with dogs, you name it. For Murdock, it’s all about the story, and someone new with a unique story always comes along!Follow Richard on Facebook and Instagram at @pinkmoondiving.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected]’s episode of Bike Life was hosted by Jerry Kopack, Warmshowers Board member and finance chair. Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley Happy riding and hosting!

Jane 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 dedicated herself to making a difference in her community as a community activist and working at a homeless shelter. Get inspired by Jane's stories of resilience, exploration, and the joy of traveling by bike.Catch up with Jane on her blog, Memoirous, and on CrazyGuyOnABike. Learn how to create a portfolio of your own life stories in her workshop Your Life is Your Story. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Melissa 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". What started as a bet with Melissa’s brothers has turned into an incredible journey that has transformed her as a person. Her story will inspire you to embrace new challenges and make a positive impact on the world.Catch up with Melissa on her blog, The Loong Way Home. Follow her on Facebook and on Instagram at @theloongwayhome. Hear how Melissa inspired Murdock to become a Warmshowers’ hosting legend on Bike Life episode #72 Murdock, the Hosting Legend. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!