The latest episode of the Chainwheel Diaries podcast features an interview with Gregg Beytin, an experienced bike adventurer who runs a Meetup group for bicyclers who want to experience bike camping on weekend overnight rides.

Gregg also has extensive experience with bike travel, the evolution of touring styles, and the community aspects of bike camping groups. The discussion covers Gregg's personal history, equipment choices, the dynamics of group rides, and the challenges and joys of bike touring both in the U.S. and Europe.

Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like the podcast, please say so!

"You don't stop riding your bike because you get old. You get old because you stop riding your bike."

That's Ken Francis, my guest on this episode of Chainwheel Diaries. Not only has Ken been bike touring since he was 13, but he's also a Warmshowers host for over 13 years, hosting more than 326 guests at his Long Beach home, often welcoming cyclists from diverse routes such as the Pacific Coast and Route 66. He values the reciprocal hospitality culture, sharing stories of hosting multiple visits from German cyclists and connecting with hosts in Europe, including Brussels and Amsterdam. Ken's hosting enriches both guests and hosts by fostering community and cultural exchange, and he also served on the Warm Showers board for five years. His experience as both a host and guest demonstrates the supportive network available to touring cyclists worldwide.

Ken recounts numerous adventures, including cross-country rides in 1985 and 1986 that were transformative personal growth experiences. One notable story involves enduring hypothermia in Death Valley during an unexpected snowstorm, where he and a friend huddled in a sleeping bag roadside, highlighting the unpredictable challenges of bike touring. Another touching moment was when a stranger in Yellowstone gave him $20 with words of encouragement, reinforcing his belief in human kindness and inspiring him to continue solo after his companions dropped out. Ken emphasizes that despite hardships like headwinds, mechanical failures, or weather, his determination always sees him through.

You'll enjoy hearing from Ken about his bike travels and his engaging manner. Enjoy the episode!

Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like the podcast, please say so!

Geoff Morgan, living just north of London and still employed full-time, started bike touring about five years ago, inspired by Simon Doughty's "Long Distance Cyclist Handbook" and encouraged by Covid lockdown circumstances. His initial tours began with simple weekend trips using an old tent found in his shed, gradually evolving into longer and more ambitious rides across the UK and France. Geoff emphasizes the accessibility of bike touring in his region despite some logistical challenges such as train travel restrictions with bikes.

Geoff describes several favorite rides, including the Outer Hebrides' Hebridean Way, known for stunning scenery and strong winds, and the Coast and Castles route along the northeast coast of England into Scotland, featuring historic castles and coastal paths. He also recounts a two-week bike tour in France along the D-Day beaches, praising the region's bike infrastructure and commemorative sites. His rides often involve a mix of paved roads, bike lanes, and grass paths, requiring adaptability and physical endurance.

Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like the podcast, please say so!