This podcast episode that will take you on a journey across continents, through adversity, and into the heart of human experience. Today we're diving into an epic adventure that defies imagination.

Picture this: A lone cyclist, pedaling across the globe, starting in the quaint villages of Central Europe and venturing into the rugged Balkans. But that's just the beginning. Our intrepid traveler pushes eastward, through the ancient lands of Georgia and Armenia, into the mystical realms of Iran, and across the opulent Gulf countries.

But hold onto your handlebars, because the real heart-pounding adventure kicks off in Kenya. Imagine cycling mere meters from the Equator, your body dripping with sweat, as you navigate through a land of stark contrasts - from gut-wrenching poverty to breathtaking beauty, from perilous game reserves teeming with lions to encounters with some of the kindest souls on Earth.

From the wildlands of Africa to the roof of the world - Valentin aims to pedal on the legendary Pamir and Karakoram Highways, before seeking solace in the vibrant chaos of India. And that's just the halfway point! Southeast Asia, Australia, and the diverse tapestry of Latin America all lie ahead on this incredible odyssey.

You might think this journey is an insurmountable challenge, a feat reserved for superhumans. But here's the twist - our cyclist found it less daunting than expected. What secrets of human resilience and global kinship has this journey unveiled?

Tune in now to hear firsthand accounts of close encounters with wildlife, heartwarming tales of human connection, and insights that will challenge your perception of our world. This is a masterclass in human endurance, cultural understanding, and the art of embracing the unknown.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the world through the eyes of a global cyclist. Click play now and let the adventure begin. Your perspective on travel, humanity, and your own potential will never be the same.

Kimberly Coats is the CEO of Team Africa Rising, a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports cycling development in Africa. Kimberly has over 12 years of experience creating and managing innovative and impactful programs that empower African cyclists and foster a culture of excellence and inclusion. She is also a certified USA Cycling Coach Level 2, passionate about coaching and mentoring young and aspiring riders.

Her mission is to be a global voice and advocate for African cycling, especially for women who face many barriers and challenges in accessing and advancing in the sport. She has established solid partnerships and collaborations with cycling federations, governments, NGOs, sponsors, and media outlets across the continent and beyond to raise awareness, generate funding, and create opportunities for African cyclists. Kimberly is proud to have contributed to Rwanda becoming the first African country to host the UCI World Road Cycling Championships in 2025 and to have produced numerous African Olympic cyclists and professional riders.

She was also the 2022 BikeBiz Woman of the Year.

You can find out more about Africa Rising here: www.teamafricarising.org

To support the podcast please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

To find out more about host George Balarezo's adventures, you can find the book Unhinged in Ethiopia: Two Thousand Kilometers of Hell and Heaven on a Bicycle at the following link- https://intrepidglobalcitizen.com/

Contact me at george@intrepidglobalcitizen.com and let me know your thoughts and feelings about the podcast or if you have a story you'd like to share. 

Explorers Kristen and Ville Jokinen met and fell in love while scuba diving in Vietnam. Ville then left his native Finland to join Kristen in Oregon and together they embarked on a life-changing two-year cycling adventure covering 18,000 miles from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. Despite never having cycled further than around the block, they persevered unrelenting, punishing rain and wind, altitude sickness, dog attacks, bike accidents, and countless flat tires to cycle between the ends of the earth.

Kristen and Ville believe that kindness connects us to our shared humanity. They held babies, attended quinceañeras, drank pulque, played soccer, and visited schools. People in Mexico, Central America, and South America invited them into their hearts and homes, allowed them to camp in their fields and farms, and acted as personal tour guides. Kristen and Ville are love on wheels, and who doesn’t need a little more love in their lives?

You can find their book on their website here: www.welostthemap.com

Follow them on social media here: @welostthemap

Enjoy the conversation. Be bold. Be intrepid.

To support the podcast please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

To find out more about host George Balarezo's adventures, you can find the book Unhinged in Ethiopia: Two Thousand Kilometers of Hell and Heaven on a Bicycle at the following link- https://intrepidglobalcitizen.com/

Contact me at george@intrepidglobalcitizen.com and let me know your thoughts and feelings about the podcast or if you have a story you'd like to share.