Bike Life – Details, episodes & analysis

Jerry Gore takes us on an extraordinary ride from London to Kyiv, sharing a deeply personal journey to raise awareness for children living with type 1 diabetes in Ukraine. He shares harrowing tales of constant air raid sirens, sharing the road with tanks, and the powerful moments of human kindness encountered along the way. Jerry’s story shines a light on the resilience of individuals facing unimaginable circumstances and the sheer drive to make a positive impact amid chaos.

From battling storms in Germany to finding unexpected friendships and support, explore the raw reality of cycling adventures with a humanitarian purpose. With touching anecdotes and a heartfelt mission, Jerry’s journey underscores the importance of compassion, perseverance, and the interconnectedness of our global community.

Catch up with Jerry:

• Jerry’s Website: JerryGore.com
• Action 4 Diabetes: Action4Diabetes.org
• Facebook: RideUkraine 2023
• Instagram: @jerrya4d
• LinkedIn:  Jerry Gore

Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at Tahverlee@Warmshowers.org.

Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley

Happy riding and hosting!

What role can bicycles play in changing lives?

Karolin Windhuber shares how one company is making a significant impact by providing bicycles and maintenance education in developing countries. During her 3,000-kilometer cycle ride from Germany to Turkey, she raised awareness and funds for World Bicycle Relief.

Karolin discovered the beauty of slow travel, the power of social media in fundraising, and the heartfelt connections made along the way. Her journey underscores the profound impact of cycling and the meaningful change it can bring to communities across the globe.

Catch up with Karolin on Instagram @la.vida.lokaro or LinkedIn and donate on her fundraising page. Learn more about World Bicycle Relief and Buffalo Bicycles.

Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at Tahverlee@Warmshowers.org.

Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley

Happy 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 Tahverlee@Warmshowers.org.

Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley

Happy riding and hosting!

66 year-old veteran bikepacker, Bill Roy, has logged over 20,000 miles through 20 states west of the Mississippi.  In this episode, Bill shares some of his experiences and passions about traveling and hosting and has some tips for those looking to try bikepacking.   “No matter what your age or experience, you can do it.”

You can find Bill at: 

Twitter:  twitter.com/intocycling; 

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqdqthri2vF6KTKsGTM7u2A

To join our community please visit us at https://www.warmshowers.org/ or on Instagram at warmshowers_org

Candice Dawson joins the show to share her initial tour as a solo female, to moving and building a life around her passion for riding, hosting and touring. She has experienced new places and met amazing people on her journey. As part of the Warmshowers community, she shares openly about memories and experiences and meeting her partner on the road.

You can find Candice at: 

www.candidawsonphotography.com

To join our community, please visit us at https://www.warmshowers.org/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/warmshowers_org/.

Thank you to Bike Flights for fueling this show!  https://www.bikeflights.com/warmshowers

Tahverlee brings the stories of touring cyclists and hosts from around the globe together, to share knowledge and experiences of Warmshowers.org Foundation community.

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 Tahverlee@Warmshowers.org.

Today’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 Tahverlee@Warmshowers.org.

Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley

Happy 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 Tahverlee@Warmshowers.org.

Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley

Happy riding and hosting!

Kenneth Wilson, the highway cellist, shares his extraordinary “work of art” journey touring with his cello on his bike.

With his book, "Highway Cello," as the backdrop, Kenneth takes listeners on a captivating tale of musical exploration and self-discovery. He recounts the challenges and triumphs of riding with his cello, including the ingenious solution he found for carrying it on his bike.

Kenneth shares the joy of connecting with people and playing in unexpected locations, from punts in Cambridge to people's front rooms and back gardens. With his unique blend of music and poetry, Kenneth brings a touch of magic to every performance, leaving a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to hear his beautiful melodies.

5 Fun Facts about Kenneth’s Journey:

• He strapped a cello to the back of the bike.
• He cycled from Hadrian's Wall to Rome (the edge of the Roman Empire to the heart of the Empire).
• He performed every day on the way, including at the highest motorable point over the Alps.
• He biked into Rome and performed for the Mayor's Diplomatic Ambassador on the roof of the Musei Capitolini.
• He upset the Mafia on the way!

Learn more about Kenneth on his website, Kenneth Wilson Highway Cello, and listen to his performances here. Follow him on Instagram at @kennethwilsoncello and on YouTube. You can get Kenneth’s book, The Highway Cello, here.

Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at Tahverlee@Warmshowers.org.

Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley

Happy riding and hosting!