Bike Life

🎉 HAPPY 150th EPISODE, BIKE LIFE! 🎉
We are officially 150 episodes in, and to celebrate, we’re diving into the absolute magic of opening your doors to the global cycling community.
What’s it really like to host touring cyclists from all over the world? Karen & Tom Carter share all about the wild, wholesome, and unforgettable moments that come with hosting, from solo continent-crossers to families rolling in on a whim.
Here’s a sneak peek:
The pure joy (and occasional chaos) of welcoming weary travelers into your home.
Support cars packed to the brim and mastering the art of the multi-language dinner table.
Emotional goodbyes, shared meals, and friendships that last long after the dust settles.

At its heart, this episode is a giant high-five to the kindness and generosity of the Warmshowers worldwide bike community. Grab a drink, tune in, and celebrate 150 episodes with us!

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 Konley

Happy riding and hosting!

What happens when you swap the tech life for two wheels and a massive 5,000-mile mission?
Lifelong cyclist Tim Oey did just that, riding across the US to educate communities about ocean plastics.
But this journey isn't just about the miles; it’s about the incredible people met along the way. Tim shares stories of unmatched generosity, backyard camping, and how opening your home to a weary traveler can truly bring the world to your doorstep.
What We Chat About:
Trading the desk life for a 5,000-mile environmental mission.
How open doors (and backyards!) transform a bike tour into a deep cultural exchange.
Raising awareness about ocean plastics, one community talk at a time.
The heartwarming, unexpected ways strangers showed up to support the ride.

From shared recipes to borrowed bikes, it’s a beautiful reminder of how cycling turns complete strangers into lifelong friends.
Catch up with Tim on his blog ZeroW.org.

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 Konley

Happy riding and hosting!

What keeps someone spinning the pedals after 40,000 miles? Janet Anspach-Rickey shares her story of how life's second act turned into the ultimate cross-country adventure. We chat about how a pedal-assist e-bike, a plant-based lifestyle, and a whole lot of resilience made it possible to ride across the United States and tackle the country's perimeter twice.
It hasn't all been smooth pavement, though! Janet shares plenty of laughs, road mishaps, and deep insights on personal growth.
In this episode:
How new tech (hooray for e-bikes!) and a healthy lifestyle can unlock lifelong movement.
Navigating relationships while living out of panniers and recovering from injuries far from home.
Embracing change, partnership, and always saying "yes" to whatever is around the next bend.

Whether you're an endurance junkie, curious about healthy living, or just looking for a little inspiration to kickstart your next chapter, Janet’s story is your reminder to keep pedaling and keep exploring.
Catch up with Janet on Instagram at @luv2cyclerickey and on YouTube at @plantpoweredpedaler.
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 Konley

Happy riding and hosting!

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.
Highlights
The 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 Konley

Happy 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 Konley

Happy riding and hosting!