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 away the itinerary and let curiosity lead the way.Tune in to hear how a simple bike can break down cultural walls, why human connection is the best part of travel, and how the bravest thing you can do is just start pedaling.HighlightsThe reality of tackling the globe without gears.Heartwarming stories of hospitality from Iran and beyond.Learning to trust the journey and leave the details behind. Get ready to be inspired by Markus’ unforgettable story!  Catch up with Markus on his blog, Markus Stitz, and plan your next tour on Bikepacking Scotland.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Watch 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!

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 battling Patagonia’s brutal gale-force winds to finding peace on endless salt flats, Marta’s story is all about what happens when you trade comfort for a bicycle and a map. We’re chatting about:Turning a career setback into the adventure of a lifetime.Surviving Iceland’s snow and Patagonia’s legendary winds.How solo bike touring builds ultimate self-confidence.Finding joy in the unexpected and the kindness of strangers. Tune in to hear how pushing through the fear can completely reshape your priorities, build unbreakable resilience, and introduce you to the kindest strangers on the planet. Catch up with Marta on Instagram at @martasway.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Watch 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!

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 Himalayan passes to cruising the beaches of Goa, fueled by spontaneous detours, silent meditation, and the incredible kindness of strangers.We’re chatting about:What motivates a rider to trade the comforts of home for the wild unknown.Navigating the beautiful chaos, from massive mountain peaks to coastal paradise.How unexpected connections and hospitality can completely reshape your worldview.Balancing the physical grind of the road with spiritual growth and mindfulness. Grab a drink, hit play, and get ready for some serious wanderlust!Catch up with James on his website Really Big Bike Ride, on Instagram @realbigbikeride, on Facebook at Really Big Bike Ride, and on Substack at Alchemy of Adventure. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Watch 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!

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 journey dictated by letters, where each delivery point decided the next destination.Navigating the snowy peaks of the Caucasus and the endless, lonely stretches of the Kazakh steppe.How a simple letter can break through language barriers and turn strangers into lifelong friends.Finding resilience in the wild and rediscovering the power of "analog" human connection. Forget the map and join us for a story about traveling with purpose, one doorstep at a time. It’s a wild ride through the mountains and into the homes of people who remind us that kindness is a universal language.Catch up with Jordi on Instagram @6lettersdotcom and on his blog, 6 Letters to the End of the World. Join the community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Watch 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!

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. We’re talking about the highs of community yoga in the park and the lows of recovering from a major crash in a foreign land. It’s a raw, beautiful look at what it’s like to live life at "bicycle speed."What we chat about:Crossing continents and finding home wherever you park your bikeConquering one of Thailand’s most grueling (and rewarding) routesHow kindness from strangers and fellow travelers makes the miles worth itFinding joy in simplicity, resilience, and human connectionRachel’s story is packed with the inspiration you need to get rolling on your own bicycle tour, whether it's across town or cross-country!Catch up with Rachel on Facebook and on Instagram @rachelyassen. Join the community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook.Watch 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!

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, they’re sharing what happens when you prioritize adventure over a paycheck.Inside the Episode:Lessons from 20 years of early retirement and nomadic living.Why riding a bike built for two is the ultimate test of a relationship.How they maintain the peace while wild camping across the globe.Why traveling lighter leads to living better. If you’re curious about wild camping etiquette or just need that final push to “jfdi” (just flipping do it!), James and Jane’s story will inspire you with heart, humor, and practical wisdom.Grab a brew, hit play, and get ready to rethink your next route!Catch up with James and Jane on their blog at Crazy Guy on a Bike.Join the community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Watch 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!

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 into a massive journey through Patagonia and Europe.The Power of Community: Why Warmshowers hosts are the unsung heroes of the road and how local connections keep the pedals turning.Embracing the Elements: Real talk on tackling remote roads, wild weather, and the grit it takes to keep going when things get tough.GPS Art & Seven Countries: The unexpected fun of "drawing" across borders and making every mile count.You don’t need to be a pro to start. Whether you’re pedaling across a continent or just around the block, it’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing where the road takes you.Catch up with Kristy on her blog, Travels with Bikecephalus.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook.Watch 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!

Celebrating International Women’s MonthWhat 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 group for the freedom of the open road.We’re diving into the raw reality of solo adventuring, from the grueling climbs and soggy rainy days to those "did I really just do that?" moments of pure empowerment. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about how the road changes you.What we’re talking about: Total Freedom: The beauty (and chaos) of making every single decision for yourself.Resilience over Perfection: How to find joy in the "type two" fun and embrace the hiccups.The Kindness of Strangers: Why traveling alone often leads to the most genuine connections.Self-Discovery: Turning moments of doubt into a newfound sense of confidence.Whether you’re dreaming of your first overnighter or you’re a seasoned bike-packer, this episode is a reminder to trust yourself, celebrate the small wins, and see where the road takes you.Catch up with Jessica on her website Pedal to the Pitch, and follow her on Instagram at @jessicasarahlawCatch up with Cat and follow her on Instagram at @cathippocampusCatch up with Emma on her website, Emma Karslake, and follow her on Instagram at @emma_up_cyclesJoin our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Watch 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!

Celebrating International Women’s MonthWhat’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 "what-ifs" for handlebars and open roads.From the rugged Australian outback to soul-searching across Europe, these riders get real about the highs and lows of solo touring. It’s not all sunsets and smooth pavement—we’re talking mechanical mishaps, heartbreak, and conquering that inner voice that says "I can't."What’s inside:The Leap: Overcoming the fear of the unknown and wild camping for the first time.Trail Grit: Real talk on handling repairs and minimizing your gear (less is definitely more!).Mindset: How to build confidence one mile at a time and why the world is way friendlier than the news makes it out to be.Rapid-Fire Tips: Quick advice for your first overnight trip or your next big expedition. You don’t need to be an expert to start; you just need to start. The world is more welcoming than it seems, and sometimes the biggest challenge is simply believing you can do it.Catch up with Helen Dainty on Instagram at @hels.on.wheels, on YouTube @helsonwheels, and connect on Patreon at hels on wheelsCatch up with Eliza Sampey on Instagram at @elizasampey, on her website Eliza Sampey PT, DPT, and follow her on Substack.Catch up with Calliopé Georgousi on Instagram at @calliope.cyclesJoin our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook.Watch 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!

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 to see the world is at a "human pace." We dive into the nitty-gritty of how they made it happen, including a very cool double-decker bus side hustle and the lessons they’ve picked up from the strangers-turned-friends they've met along the way.In this episode:The "Why Now?": Overcoming the fear of waiting too long to chase the dream.Funding the Adventure: How they used a creative bus project to fuel their journey.Life on the Road: The best meals, the toughest climbs, and the reality of living out of panniers.The Big Takeaway: Why the world is way more welcoming than you’ve been told.Whether you’re planning your own epic tour or just dreaming of one while you sip your morning coffee, this conversation is packed with humor, heart, and plenty of "seize the day" energy.Catch up with Mark & Ellie on Substack at @spokeyokes and on their podcast, Spoke Yokes: Cycling Around the World, available on all listening platforms.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Watch 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!