Steve Roberts is probably the world’s first high-tech nomad. For roughly a decade (1983 - 1993), Steve was either designing, building, or riding a custom computerized recumbent bicycle. Beginning with the Winnebiko, continuing with the Winnebiko II, and culminating with the 580-pound BEHEMOTH, Steve logged 17,000 miles, all the while writing articles for various publications and transmitting them from his current location. In a time before the internet and smartphones, Steve was one of the first people on the planet to be continuously networked and connected via various technologies, working and socializing, quite literally, on the road. He immediately drew attention from locals in every town, and made friends on CompuServe and other networks. As his exploits became publicized, he appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and was a guest on the Phil Donahue Show in 1992. All these years later, Steve looks back on his amazing journey and his pioneering work on technologies that have become mainstream today.

Steve's appearance on the Phil Donahue Show can be viewed here:
https://www.facebook.com/technomadness/videos/1130296767041717/

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

In 2009, Swiss graphic designer Martina Gees sold most of her possessions, flew to Buenos Aires, and started pedaling. She got as far north as Inuvik, Canada, and eventually as far south as Ushuaia, Argentina. All told, her incredible Odisea Panamericana spanned 5 years, 25 countries, and 60,000 kilometers. This conversation with Martina is focused on her experiences traveling with a partner (with whom she started in Buenos Aires), with people she met along the way, and alone. During her journey, Martina fell in love, broke up, made lifelong friends, and was deeply touched by the hospitality of locals. Having lived through a series of coincidences and strange happenings on the road, it’s no wonder that Martina identifies herself as an accidental bicycle tourist.

To learn more about Martina’s adventures, check out her German language website at colorfish.ch. You can also find her on Instagram: @colorfishes.

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

With seven Caminos de Santiago by bicycle under his belt and an eighth one in preparation, Frank Foulon is uniquely equipped to inform us about this remarkable pilgrimage route that has been ongoing, with wild fluctuations in participation, since the ninth century. Frank discusses the historical background and cultural significance of the Camino, including recent changes as a result of the Camino’s rise in popularity. He also details the different routes in Europe that converge to form the Camino Francés, from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela, as well as other historical starting points on the Iberian Peninsula (the Camino Portugués, the Vía de la Plata, and the Camino Primitivo). Additionally, Frank volunteered for several years as an hospitalero in the town of Los Arcos, where he welcomed, assisted, and encouraged thousands of pilgrims.

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