Bike Life

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 simple solutions to keep gear secure, proving that resourcefulness and simplicity are key to authentic adventure travel.From providing humanitarian aid in post-hurricane Puerto Rico to wild camping under the stars, Eliza offers practical wisdom on staying physically resilient during long journeys and building community on the road. Whether you're an experienced bikepacker or just beginning to explore unconventional travel, discover how slow travel and preparation can transform your relationship with wild places and help you tackle any challenge that comes your way.Catch up with Eliza on Instagram at @elizasampey, on her website Eliza Sampey PT, DPT, and follow her on Substack.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Executive Director Tahverlee directly at [email protected] this and all episodes of the Bike Life Podcast on YouTube.Special thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

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 with support from a bike-loving team that understands the unique challenges of traveling with your ride.Discover practical packing tips, shipping options through local bike shops or directly to hotels, and insights into how the bike shipping industry has evolved. Whether you're planning your next cross-country adventure or heading to an event, this conversation will help you travel smarter and hassle-free.Visit Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed! For a limited time, use promo code WARMSHOWERS to get 10% off your first shipment.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

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 roads, he shares stories of unexpected kindness, raw challenges, and the transformation that comes from pushing far beyond your comfort zone. Rich with reflections on fear, resilience, and human connection, Ted’s story reveals how long-distance cycling can fundamentally shift your perspective. Whether it's tackling language barriers in Latin America or finding comfort on unfamiliar roads, he reminds us that the world is both bigger and more welcoming than we imagine.  Catch up with Ted on Facebook, Instagram at @bikingthebluemarble, and on YouTube at @tedeliason3483 Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

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 failures, and tight deadlines while discovering how athletic grit and adaptability fuel epic adventures on two wheels.Beyond the physical challenges, Tyler discovers the transformative power of bike travel, where unexpected encounters with kind strangers and personal breakthroughs become as memorable as the landscapes themselves. It's a compelling reminder that some of life's most profound lessons happen when we venture beyond our comfort zones and trust in the journey ahead.Catch up with Tyler on Instagram at @tysrides and on YouTube at Ty’s Rides.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

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 tense encounters with border patrols. Along the way, they discovered resilience, deepened their partnership, and experienced the generosity of strangers. From the sensory chaos of India to Mongolia’s vast silence and the friendly roads of the U.S., every mile reshaped their understanding of adventure.Their story is a reminder that you don’t need all the answers to begin—you just need the courage to leap, pedal forward, and trust the road ahead.Catch up with Simon on Instagram at @weridebikesplaces and on YouTube at We Ride Bikes Places.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

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 reveals both striking similarities and unique differences across cultures.Along the route, challenges and rewards unfold in places few cyclists ever visit, from Saudi deserts to bustling Middle Eastern streets. Stories of generosity, resilience, and the kindness of strangers illustrate how traveling by bike can transform perspectives and cultivate a genuine sense of community. Matthias has written a book called Persian Wine. Get your copy HERE.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

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 minimalism, and forging unforgettable connections along the way.Packed with stories of adventure, companionship, and sustainability, this episode shows how traveling by bike opens doors to local communities, unexpected friendships, and a deeper connection with the world around you. Whether you’re a traveler, a cyclist, or simply curious about living fully with less, this episode will inspire you to slow down, adapt, and embrace the journey.Catch up with Isaak at @worldofjacky on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

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 documentary, he showcases the resilience and joy found in cycling despite physical challenges. Jeffrey shares tales of biking along the Ohio River, solo cross-country adventures, and the community support of Warmshowers. Celebrating the overcoming of barriers, the healing influence of nature, and the pursuit of passions despite adversity, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder that the journey itself, with all its obstacles and triumphs, is where the true magic lies.Watch Jeffrey’s Journey, the inspiring PBS documentary. Catch up with Jeffrey on Instagram @juicymelt_ and Facebook at JuicyMelt.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

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 experiences shine a light on the joy of unplanned encounters and mutual support during the toughest stretches of the journey.Their story is a celebration of resilience, cultural discovery, and the profound impact of slowing down to savor the human experience. Proving that the real magic of bicycle touring is not just about reaching a destination, but the friendships and wisdom gathered along the way.Catch up with Paul on Instagram at @holidayspirit99 and with Vivien @vivien.touringJoin our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

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, and personal growth, the adventure showcases the transformative power of traveling alone and the profound connections forged with fellow cyclists and hosts.Calliopé’s journey also offers practical tips for aspiring tourers, such as staying light on the road and coping with injuries, while emphasizing the importance of listening to your own rhythm. It celebrates the transformative impact of bike travel and serves as a reminder that the road is filled with beauty, unpredictability, and unforgettable moments.Catch up with Calliopé on Instagram at @calliope.cyclesJoin our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!