The Accidental Bicycle Tourist – Details, episodes & analysis

Ever dream of telling your boss, "I'll be back in six months... or a year," and pedaling off into the sunrise? Mike Vermeulen didn't just do this once; he made a habit out of it. Join us for a wild ride as Mike explains his genius strategy: work for five years, then take a personal leave of absence – or quit if necessary – to cycle across a continent. From flying over the handlebars of a brake-less 10-speed on his first overnighter heading for the tip of Cape Cod to accomplishing the incredible feat of cycling across six continents, Mike has seen it all. He’s mostly gone solo but has also found riding partners on “companions wanted” forums and joined three classic Tour d’Afrique (now TDA Global) supported rides, including the last section of the inaugural Silk Route adventure. Tune in to discover how this compiler engineer hacked the code to optimize his work and bicycling careers, accidentally creating a masterclass in work/ride balance!

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Imagine setting out on a bicycle tour for world peace, only to be chased by machine-gun-toting militias in Syria, get dangerously ill from rancid kidney beans in the Sahara, and be forced by border guards to take a huge detour to Jerusalem, only to get tear gassed upon arrival. That was Alan Stillman’s reality. In the late ‘80s, Alan embarked on a wild 15,000-mile journey that was less about quiet reflection and more about surviving incredible mishaps and adapting to foreign cultures. Hear how Alan’s chaotic life-or-death experiences sparked an idea for a universal picture language that would later help doctors, travelers, and even the US military. This isn't your average bike trip; it's an adventure that proves that sometimes the bumpiest road leads to the most unexpected destination.

For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
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What if you could reframe your greatest fear not as a barrier, but as an invitation? Join Laura Grace on her incredible journey from being too afraid to wild camp alone to spending over a year on a solo bike tour through South America. In this inspiring episode, Laura shares how she learned to meet fear with curiosity and courage, transforming it into a catalyst for growth. Hear about the thrill she experienced setting off to cross Ireland by bicycle, a trip-halting mechanical failure in Ecuador, and the dramatic circumstances that solidified her friendship with fellow cyclist and previous guest, Julia Esser. This is a powerful story about pushing personal boundaries, finding strength in vulnerability, and discovering that the most rewarding adventures are waiting just outside your comfort zone.

The best way to reach Laura is on Instagram, @laurainwildplaces.

Her writing is on Substack, @laurainwildplaces.

For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
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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. 

For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist

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!

For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
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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.

For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist

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.

For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
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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. 

For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist

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. 

For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist

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.

For links to podcast platforms, feedback via email, the podcast website, and Instagram:
https://linktr.ee/accidental_bicycle_tourist