Bike Tourist Podcast

Sometimes, a tour can be something simple that can be made even without planning. This happened to me this weekend, when I went for a little ride with my son and the ride turned into a small tour. In my book, a tour is about discovery and exploration of places you have not been or care to explore before. This, in my opinion is the difference between a bike ride, where you might have a route you know and a tour, where you deviate from the known and head on to the unknown, to explore and experiment. We also talk about how the bicycle culture is getting more mature as a mean of personal enjoyment and utility, versus the racing only bike mind. In the picture, beautiful flowers is just one of the things we found in this little, unplanned adventure!

In this episode, We interview Mr Andy Kenny from Dublin, Ireland, who will be riding from Perth to Sydney, Australia in support for the children victims of the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and we are not talking of the children of that era, but present day children who are not only suffering because of their condition, but because of the extreme lack of resources to cover even their most basic necessities, like diapers or living conditions no one would think exist in this 21st century world. The Burren Chernobyl project is the entity that is making a difference for these kids, and as an active member, Andy is doing his part to let the world know and give the opportunity to help Andy's website is http://www.pedalpowered.ie In the picture, Andy trains for his mission. The flower is the symbol of the Burren Chernobyl Project.(http://www.burrenchernobyl.ie/)

In this episode, we talk about day #4 of the Tour of the nations. We cover the Road to Zuni and all the wonderful things to see along the way. We also cover some aspects of bike fitting problems and some consequences of prolonged cycling on a bike not properly fitted to your body. We also share some resources for bike tourists who would like to travel along route #53 in NM, where the Ice Caves, and El Morro National Forest are located. If you would like more information on El Morro national monument in New Mexico, please visit the following web site: http://www.nps.gov/elmo/ Remember to visit my sister publication Bike Tourist Destinations blog: http://biketouristdestinations.blogspot.com We are always looking for good ideas for the shows on topics related to bicycle touring. Send in your comments or ideas to the show's e-mail address. Enjoy! In the Picture, The Atsinna Pueblo Ruins, at the top of the mesa, El Morro National Monument, New Mexico.

In this episode, we ride day #3 of the Tour of the Nations from Acoma to the Ice Caves. This was a really interesting day with lots of climbing, but more important, a day of pleasant riding with mother nature's pine tree scent in the air! In the Picture: A long railroad track along the way to the Ice Caves makes one think about long journeys and the unknown future

This is the BTP Intershow #3. In this edition, we have some information we would like to share as well as the audio from our visit to the Haak’u Museum at Sky City. The first thing we would like to share is that the Tour of Life, a 68 miles bike ride which has been taking place for a couple of years now in the city of Guaynabo Puerto Rico, has been canceled for 2007. The tour was way to raise funds to help in the research and treatment of catastrophic diseases, and it was being organized by Bristol Myers Squibb. No clear reasons were given for the cancellation, which have led to a little speculation that the cancellation could be related to the state of the pro cycling world, which has nothing to do with this kind of fund raising activities, but it affects cycling’s image in general, proponents say. On my part, I don’t think this was the reason but it would be good that Bristol Myers Squibb explain a little about the decision and put the matter to rest. I was planning to ride the tour, but I guess we have to look elsewhere for a group ride, or better yet, go on a little tour around the island! But, if you would like a bike race that is different, you should take a look at the Tour of Acoma, which is going to be held at Sky City New Mexico on September 23, 2007. It is a 25-50-100 mile bike race which will cover The Acoma and Laguna Native American pueblos. I rode part of the route during the Tour of the Nations, and I can tell you, that even if you don’t like to be part of races, the surroundings vistas alone are well worth participating, even if you take it at your own pace. If you go, take plenty of water with you and don’t forget your sunscreen. New Mexico is very dry and the sun really shines. Now, let’s go on with the visit to the Haak’u Museum, which is located at the Sky City Cultural Center. As we mentioned in Show #19, The Haak’u museum houses a beautiful collection of both ancient and modern examples of the Acoma’s art and from time to time, it also holds examples from other Native American cultures. To learn more about the SCCC and the Tour of Acoma, visit: http://www.skycity.com or call 1-888-759-2489 Listen to this episode as our guide, Mr. Melvin Juanico, take us in a cultural journey to the past, as well as the present of the Acoma's art. In the picture: The magnificent Sky City Cultural Center building and Mr. Melvin Juanico, standing next to one of the traditional hornos used by the Acoma people to bake their excellent bread

In this episode, we talk about the Tour of the Nations second cycling day and the road of Acoma. We also make editorial comments on the Sky City Cultural Center, Haak'u Museum and the tour to Sky City itself. We also review the Yaak'a Cafe, which is part of Sky City Cultural Center. This was a wonderful day for riding and we encountered a pack of wild horses that crossed path with us. To learn more about Sky City, and the cultural Center, please visit: http://www.skycity.com The Albuquerque Convention & Visitor Bureau provided me with great information, which you can also find on their website: http://www.itsatrip.org In the picture: San Esteban Mission at Sky City.

In this episode, we experience the beginning of the Tour of the Nations At the Isleta Pueblo and the road to Laguna Pueblo. A memorable day full of great new people, wonderful cultural experiences, and a connection to Mother Earth by the way of a group of wonderfully talented Isleta children, who Shared their traditional music and dances with us. Isleta is a great place to visit and bicycle friendly. Visit Isleta Pueblo Home page: http://www.isletapueblo.com/ Laguna Pueblo commitment with the development of the mind has led the community to develop a wonderful education system and other achievements. Visit this informative page: http://www.indianpueblo.org/ipcc/lagunapage.htm Listen to some audio clips we recorded during our stay! In the picture: Isleta's Butterfly Dance

In this episode, the first of a series about New Mexico, we talk about the Tour of the Nations, a 259 mile bike ride that took us to four Indian Nations and two national monuments in five wonderful days. In the first installment we review the route and logistics used for this unique kind of tour. the background music is a mix of music performed by the Isleta and Zuni pueblos. Get on your bikes and acompany us to the Land of Enchantment. Interested in New Mexico? Check out these websites: http://www.itsatrip.org/ http://www.skycity.com/index.aspx?pk=11 In the picture: Your podcaster at El Morro National Monument, New Mexico

In this episode we interview Mr. Randy Fay and Ms. Nancy Lewis. They share with us the adventures on their ongoing tour from the north pole to the south pole. As we go on with the interview, it becomes clear that a bike tourist have to be flexible and make changes to an already laid out route plan. This way, more things can be discovered as it happened to them while touring in Mexico. The experiences gained by this approach are incredible and prove that bike touring is not just going from point A to point B as straight as possible, but wander following advices from locals and taking time to know the places and make friends for life. This is one of the reasons why I love bike touring, and it is great Randy and Nancy share some of it with us! Randy and Nancy have a website that tells all about their trip, have wonderful photos and other good stuff. Visit them at: http://www.hobobiker.com and listen to their podcast! yes, another bike touring podcast. Give it a listen, I like it very much and I am sure you will too! http://www.hobobiker.com/podcast Just recently, Randy and Nancy entered Guatemala. In the photo above, see them as they enter their next adventure's homebase. I wish them the best!

Touring in Puerto Rico! In this episode, we cover the ins and outs of touring the island of Puerto Rico, U.S.A. As bicycle touring in P.R. is a virgin activity, most of the locals just can't imagine anyone doing it, and the car culture does not help much. Anyway, if you are coming to do a bike tour, you are in to enjoy a place where the visitor is welcome and people go to extremes to help you. Adventure Cycling's own Jeff Miller and Lotte Shlengel can vouch for that, as they did a 9 day bike tour around the perimeter of the island. Enjoy this interview to just get a glimpse of the things the island has to offer to the bike tourist. If you will be camping, check the Compañia de Parques Nacionales website for the location of cheap camping spots along the coastline: http://www2.pr.gov/searchcenter/Results.aspx?k=Acampar Other option is the DNRA, although it requires a permit at one of the regional offices: The Link is outdated and I can't find a list of available camping places, but they do exist. I will correct the info ASAP! And for a PDF map od the island, just go here: http://www.dtop.gov.pr/act/mapaisla.htm As you can notice, websites are in Spanish, which can be a turnoff for some people. This will change soon. In any case, with close to no planning you can have a blast of a trip, as it was the case with Jeff and Lotte. Enjoy! In the Photo, Jeff Miller and Lotte Shlengel, just as they finished the PR tour. I took this photo while we enjoyed a nice lunch at Piñones area. Did they had a good time? Just look at their faces!

In this episode, we interview Mr. David Barnas from Buffalo, N.Y. He tell us about his Transamerica Trail bike tour, and also about other adventures he have had. We learn here some small details that are not easy to come by and that are very helpful for the begining bike tourist. You can read about David's adventures at the following sites: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/2502 http://blog.myspace.com/jerkabobber Join us in this life changing adventure! Have a story to share? Let me know! It does nor matter if it is a world tour or an overnight, your story might make the difference to other people who want to start bike touring!

In this episode, we talk about an introduction to folding bikes for touring, and the Rohloff drivetrain. Also we read some reader's e-mails and give recommendation of good touring journals to read. The podcast phone has changed to 206-350-3691. To check Bike Friday's New World Tourist folding bike go to: http://www.bikefriday.com/node/1586 To Check out the Rohloff System go to: http://www.rohloff.de/en/products/index.html Check the tour journal "A Yucatan Adventure" http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/wanakum And also check "A Family Adventure" Journal: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/vogel Listen to Randy Fay and Nancy Lewis great touring Podcast: http://hobobiker.com/podcast We would like to thank Adventure Cycling's Jeffrey Miller and Lotte Schlengel for their support to the Bike Tourist Podcast. In the picture above: Jeffrey and Lotte as they finish their 9 day Puerto Rico tour

In this episode we bring you the interview with Tim and Cindie Travis directly from Canberra Australia. The Travis share with us their road experience, life lessons and their view of the world as learned through their nomadic bike travelling way of life. Join us in this exclusive Bike Tourist Podcast interview. Enjoy! Visit the Tim and Cindie's website http://www.downtheroad.org

As many of you can figure out, there is a problem with Podomatic's mail server. The e-mails are getting bounced back to the source. Thanks Friedel for the heads up in this matter! To cope with the situation, I have created an e-mail address at Yahoo: biketouristpodcast@yahoo.com From now on use this address for all communications with the podcast and remember that you can always sen audio comments using the podcast's phone 1-206-350-3691 (yes, you can use Skypeout if you so desire!) To the tourists on the road, specially Tim and Cindy, I apologize if you tried to communicate with the podcast! Thank You for your patience, Ride Safe, but Ride!

In this episode, we present for your consideration Chapter 1 of Tim Travis's The Road that has no End audio Book. This is a preview to the upcoming interview with Tim and his wife Cindy, who changed their normal life to a life on the road travelling around the world. After you listen to this, send in your questions to for the Travis, if you have any. Visit the Travis website: http://downtheroad.org/Australia As a side note, and answering request for easier to download shows, I am resampling the older shows, specially the long ones, so they are easier to download. Thanks Friedel & Andrew, who are touring Morocco for the suggestion! Also, if it is imposible for you to download the shows, because you are using dial up, know that I can provide you with a CD with all the shows for $4 U.S. plus shipping. just send me an e-mail to make arrangements. The procedings will go exclusively to cover Bike Tourist Podcast expenses. Enjoy!

For this intershow news #2 we have an interview with the Road Bike Rider's Fred Matheny. Fred and Ed Pavelka, the big guys at Road Bike Rider, will take part in the Elite Tour for a grueling 2833 miles across the U.S. in just 17 days (with no rest days!). Although it was not possible for Ed to be with us at the interview, Fred fill us with the details of this epic ride as well as other details and training advice that apply to our touring way of life. Listen to this exclusive interview, brought to you by the Bike Tourist Podcast. Visit Road Bike Rider website for great information about cycling : http://www.roadbikerider.com Don't miss a single episode! Subscribe with iTunes! Look for the iTunes button on the right sidebar! Or use the RSS feed to suscribe with your favorite podcatcher!

In this Episode, we mention the different aspects of tour planning, and discuss a few of them: 1. The Route 2. The bike 3. Cargo management The rest of the aspects will be discussed in future shows. This Podcast is being featured as the "Link of the Week" in Adventure Cycling website. Check http://www.adventurecycling.org as an incredible source of information for the bike tourist. Let your opinion count! make comments on the page, send e-mail, or leave audio comments on the podcast phone 1-206-339-4425 . Remember to vote for the show! click on the link to vote at the right side of the page and also vote in iTunes! In the pic above, the Denali in all its glory! Been there on a bike tour? let me know!

In this episode, we have the great honor to interview Mr. Alastair Humphreys from London, England, about his epic 4 years, 46K miles bike tour around the world! Memories from his journey, life lessons learned and a renewed appreciation for family and friends left behind back home. This tour is a celebration of humanity and kindness that one could only dream, but that is very real and is out there waiting to be discovered. a bike tour is a way to discover a different world than the one the media present to us, full of hope, of welcoming smiles and care for complete strangers, and a complete feeling of security from the places less expected. Join us on this incredible journey, brought to you by the Bike Tourist Podcast! Also, we have a new BTP show in Spanish! The material and shows will be a bit different and more suited for the hispanic riders, but with the same dynamics as your good ol' show! If you have latin friends, let them know about the show. Check Alastair Humphreys' cool web site, with incredible photos and other good stuff: http://www.roundtheworldbybike.com And Check our new BT Podcast in Spanish! http://biketouristesp.podomatic.com About the pic: Mr. Humphreys had this photo taken while touring in China. More great pics at his website!

2007 is here! I wish great things to all our listeners and colaborators! In this episode, we feature the 8 Wishes interview, featuring Mr. Paul Sanchez and his 10,000 bike tour around the perimeter of the U.S.A, to help children with Dyslexia and learning disabilities. How? Find out and listen to the interview! Check Paul's site: http://www.8wishes.com Finally! I have upgraded this website! It has a cost, but now I feel free to post even more frequent podcasts featuring other topics beside the interviews. Remember, vote for the show in both iTunes and Podcast Alley. Help us grow! For Podcast Alley, use the link in the Links area on the right side of the page. You can help the show in more than one way. Spread the word and makes us #1 in our category, vote, advertise with us, and donate. Helping the show helps, directly and indirectly the causes that some of our interviewees are fighting for. My goal, as you may know, is to promote bike touring, to see the roads full of fellow cyclists, to bring them here to share the adventures! And talking about that, I am preparing a great show for you guys and gals. I will not go into any details now, but it will be very soon! Just sit tight, and enjoy the podcast!

Welcome to Bike Tourist Podcast show #8, our last show of 2006! In this episode we interview Mr. Paul Stockton from Ontario, Canada about his bike tours and his change from upright bike to recumbent. In the picture above, we show Paul's beautiful HP Velotechnik Street Mahine GTE, which is his main touring machine after using his Trek for many years. We have the donations icon up so if you would like to help this show going strong on 2007, send a buck or two, or just continue to be a listener! To all our listeners, Happy new year! Read Paul's journals: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/paulstockton This is Paul's website with information about his tour around the world! http://www.roundtheworld.ca Adventure Cycling -Great resources for the cycling tourist! http://www.adventurecycling.org/

Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all of you for being here with us at the Podcast

Paul Sanchez "Soloride", a 10,000 mile bike tour around the perimeter of the U.S.A for the children with learning disabilities has put a out a video documentary about the trip and its purpose. The more people who see this video and rate it, the more money it will raise, and hey, it is free! Enjoy this teaser for a more in depth interview with Paul! it is 8 wishes in 30 days help the cause! http://8wishes.com/ More to come!

In this episode, we interview Mr. Kyle Bryant, who will embark into a 2800 mile bike tour to raise awareness of this rare disease, which is almost unknown. Being a patient himself of this debilitating disease, Kyle wants to make a statement for the people who can no longer be active and on behalf of future patients. Having a goal to raise $30,000 to be destined for research and treatement, he wants to make sure that at the end of his adventure, everyone knows about the disease. Check Kyle's website: http://www.rideataxia.org/ Kyle would love that you accompany him, at least a part of the adventure. Go to his website and learn about the route and contact him for details!

In this episode, we interview the Spinning Southward team on the second of 3 installments about their wonderful 16K mile bike tour from Alaska to Argentina. We talk, among other things, about the common misunderstanding of Latin American values, popular belief versus reality, and how touring these regions can act as an eye opener to many wonderful things. Thanks everyone for listening to the show! We are now #2 in the Sports and Recreation division of Podomatic. We will need to upgrade the site and will need your help to keep the show going , with more intershow news, equipment reviews and noted touring cyclists interviews. Please register on the e-mail list to be kept up to date with any changes to Bike Tourist Podcast!

This show features Attila Horvath, who recently released his debut album, "Bike Rock". We talk about his songs, his inspiration, and his road rage. We have a surprise for the first listeners to the show, so grab your headphones and enjoy! Link to Attila Horvath's website: http://www.bikerockmusic.com

In this episode, we have a great interview with brothers John and Mike Longsdon and Nate Ajello, on their epic Spinning Southward tour from Alaska to Argentina, a total of 16000 miles, to honor their late mothers Jean and Fran, who lost a long brain tumor battle. Sponsored by the National Brain Tumor Foundation, they cycled long and hard to rise awareness about information as a weapon and to raise money for the foundation to be destined for research and treatment of this condition. Follow with us this incredible and inspiring adventure! Make questions to the riders via the podcast phone 206-339-4425, and they will gladly answer on future editions of the show. Visit their wonderful website: http://www.spinningsouthward.com And visit the Brain Tumor Foundation for great english/spanish information that could save your or a loved one's life. http://www.braintumor.org

In this show we feature a great interview with Matt Hewston and Ryan McClain. These guys did a wonderful tour of 5200 miles across the good ol' U.S.A, from San Diego To Pittsburgh. What you can't find on their webpage, you will find it here, so, get some snacks and enjoy! Check their website, Bike And See, in the links section below. Remember to vote! Go to the links section and show your support! You can always leave audio messages using the phone number 206-339-4425.

One Hour special! Sue me! In this episode we explore the touring bike in comparison to traditional road and Mountain bikes. What works and what does not. We also cover basic equipment for touring as well as a little talk on recumbent bikes. About the Picture: This is Anna Bromley's Barcroft Dakota, armed and ready for her 88 day/4000 mile adventure along with her father Mark. Links to Examples of Touring Bikes and equipment: Cannondale http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/cusa/specialty/touring/index.html Rans http://www.ransbikes.com/ Barcroft http://www.barcroftcycles.com/ HP Velotechnik http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/sm/index_e.html Old Mountain Racks http://www.oldmanmountain.com/products.htm

1. Tour of Life, October 1, 2006 in Guaynabo, P.R. Information: http://www.touroflife.com 2. If you have recorded some of your music, you may have the oportunity to showcase it here! Listen to the show for the details. 3. Help your show! Vote in Podcast Alley via the link in this page! 4. Editorial: Traffic Problems: How can you help your comunity, hence yourself and your family. 5. Recommended Tour Journal: Pedal to the Sea by Anna and Mark Bromley, Wonderful narrative and great nature photos! Check it out at Crazy Guy on a Bike website (The link is on the links section of this Page).

Hello everyone! In this show we talk about what is touring, the different ways of touring that comes to mind (Have another one? Please tell us, leave a comment or call the phone listed below and talk about it. If it is cool, we might include it on the next show!). In this show we include a cool interview with Dr. Wade Pearson, from St. Louis, Missouri. We took the chance, as he is visiting the island to do research at UCC. He did a solo tour in Dakota of about 800 miles. He shares with us his experiences and problems as well as cool moments during his adventure. He took a few minutes of his loaded agenda to do this for you, our dear listeners. Thanks Wade! Do you know a bike tourist with adventures to share? Let us know, and we will do our best to get the interview! Also, we would like to salute the McClain Brothers (Tim and Greg), and Phil and Mark Archer, who recently finished a tour across Indiana. The same goes to Dale, the Raven, who did a Tour to the Florida Keys. Check the Journals at Crazyguyonabike.com

This is a short introduction to what is going to be the Bike Tourist Podcast. General information and contacts. Check the links for downloading the software described on the show. Happy Cycling!