Musings In Macedonia With Digital Nomad & Not Just A Tourist Mahsa Homayounfar Chatting With Motorcycle Travelers Mahsa & Gerald Lakeside in Ohrid
Sometimes the stars line up or there’s the perfect storm that brings people together. I’d been chatting with Mahsa via text and Skype for more than two months. Hoping we would connect somewhere on the Balkan Peninsula, we finally arrange to meet just a week before my return to the USA.
"Not Just A Tourist" Mahsa and her Yamaha XT660R
Gerald and his 1991 BMW.
Mahsa travels the world on her motorcycle while operating here business “Not Just A Tourist.” And as the community of world traveling motorcycles intersects and the crossroads and forks in the road, she also managed to connect with Gerald, another rider from Austria. Over breakfast, while looking out over the place Lake Ohrid and with the breeze of the mild autumn air, we chatted about motorcycles, travel, and connections. Tune into this short Podcast for a fun and revealing conversation—one that may inspire you!
When I set off on this 2018 Eastern European Tour, I had no real plan except to search for the best stories in food, wine, and culture. I wanted to discover the truth about the region. Like me, most North Americans do not understand what is happening over here—my aim was to find out. 
Now two months into my journey, I'll admit, it has surprised me. I've been disappointed too. You'll hear more in this podcast. Recorded live in the wine cellars of Movia in the Gorica Brda region of Slovenia. I wanted to get more current with my readers and listeners than my blog currently shows. That is, I wanted to provide a quick audio update to my journey to date because it takes much longer to write, edit, and choose photographs to capture the essence of my journey. Don't get me wrong. The blog is coming. And it's better. I'm not here to just "Instagram my trip. Instead, I want to bring you along so you can meet the people, taste the food, understand the culture and feel and experience as I do. So stay tuned to my blog—it may not be timely, but it will always be real and curated to the best I can given the time and demands of travel on the road.
In this podcast I interview Panos, the passionate owner of Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro in Athens, Greece.
Meet Panos the owner of Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro, a legendary destination in the heart of Athens. Allan & Panos taste Greek wine while discussing the misconceptions about travel, good, and of course, Greek wine. Recorded while Allan traveled through Southeastern and Eastern Europe during his 2018 tour in Athens Greece while his motorcycle was getting the final maintenance for his travels.
Panos is spirited and passionate and the conversation takes place in the busy wine bar that claims to offer the largest number of wines by the glass anywhere in the world. Learn about hidden destinations in Greece, unique wine varietals found nowhere else but Greece, and insight and thoughts on how to be more open when it comes to traveling, destinations, food and wine.
Check out the blog post I wrote about Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro and be sure to include it on your list of "must see" when you find yourself in Athens. You will love this interview. We talk about reasons to travel, the importance of being open to new experiences, and great food and wine.
Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro
Mitropoleos 66-68 | Plaka
Athens 105 63, Greece
+30 21 3029 6570
<p><a href="www.ryanpyle.com"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-7449" src="http://www.worldrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BMWCommunity4-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p><p><a href="www.ryanpyle.com"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-7449" src="http://www.worldrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BMWCommunity4-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p><p><em>NOTE: This is Part I of a two-part Podcast!</em></p><p>I'm excited about sharing my latest interview on the <a href="http://www.worldrider.com/blog/category/travelogue/podcasts/">WorldRider Podcast</a> with <a href="http://www.ryanpyle.com">Ryan Pyle</a>.</p><p>This guy is the real thing.</p><p>Ryan is an adventure traveler and motorcycle rider, television host and producer, author, professional keynote speaker, Guinness world record holder, mountain climber, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ryanpyle">award-winning photographer</a>, and I'd like to add—humanitarian and philosopher. Okay, those last two titles I've given him—deservedly as you will learn while listening to these two podcasts.</p><p>Truly, this interview was so engaging and the topics incredibly intriguing that I couldn't edit it down to one hour-long episode. So I've decided to share nearly the entire conversation in two parts—a first on the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldrider-around-world-on/id126384468?mt=2"> WorldRider Podcast</a>.</p><p>I've been following Ryan Pyle since my journey to China in the summer of 2015. In China, he earned a Guinness world record for the longest continuous motorcycle ride in a single county. The journey became the subject of two books and launched "Tough Rides" a successful television series that aired on the Travel Channel. He has been an inspiration to me and an invaluable sounding board for ideas on travel to China, India and elsewhere.</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ryanpyle">Ryan Pyle</a> is principal of <a href="http://www.ryanpyle.com">Ryan Pyle Productions</a>. He was born in Toronto and after a collegiate basketball career and graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in International Politics, Ryan decided to try his hand at international diplomacy by relocating to China. It didn't take long until Ryan was a sought after photojournalist whose work appeared in Wall Street Journal, TIME, Newsweek, Fortune, Outside Magazine, and ultimately becoming a regular contributor to The New York Times.</p><p>In 2009, Ryan was named as one 30 emerging photographers in the world. He then produced documentary films, several television series, and started writing books about his experiences in China and his travels around the world. You can find his <a href="https://vimeo.com/ryanpyle/vod_pages"><em><strong>Tough Rides</strong></em></a> series on <a href="https://vimeo.com/ryanpyle/vod_pages">Vimeo</a> and <a href="https://vimeo.com/ryanpyle/vod_pages">iTunes</a>. And here is the <a href="https://vimeo.com/238220512">trailer</a> for Season One of Ryan's <em><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/238220512">Extreme Treks</a>.</strong></em></p><p> </p><p>Here is more information on his books and television series:</p><p><img class="alignleft wp-image-7450" src="http://www.worldrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ET-China-Cover-Front-256x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="264" /><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/ryanpyle/vod_pages" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="alignleft wp-image-7448" src="http://www.worldrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/TR-China-Cover-Front-256x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="264" /></a></strong> </p><p><strong>TELEVISION SERIES</strong></p><p>2018 – Extreme Treks: Season #3 – In Production</p><p>2017 – Extreme Treks: Season #2 – Distributed by TCB Media</p><p>2016 – Tough Rides: Brazil – Travel Channel</p><p>2014 – Extreme Treks: Season #1 – Distributed by TCB Media</p><p>2014 – China’s Great Gateway: Shaanxi – Discovery Channel</p><p>2014 – Tough Rides: India – Travel Channel</p><p>2013 – Touch Rides: China – Travel Channel</p><p><strong>PUBLICATIONS</strong></p><p>2017 – Sacred Mountains – Photography Book</p><p>2016 – Tough Rides: Brazil – Written Book</p><p>2015 – Sacred Mountains of China – Written Book</p><p>2014 – Chinese Turkestan – Photography Book</p><p>2014 – The India Ride – Written Book</p><p>2013 – The Middle Kingdom Ride – Written Book</p><div>Series – Tough Rides on Vimeo: <a href="https://vimeo.com/ryanpyle/vod_pages">https://vimeo.com/ryanpyle/vod_pages</a></div><div>Books — <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ryan-Pyle/e/B00AVFUMZM">Ryan Pyle on Amazon</a></div><div class="gmail_extra"> </div><div> </div><div><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA</strong></div><div>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ryanpyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/ryanpyle</a></div><div>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanPyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://twitter.com/RyanPyle</a></div><div> <div class="gmail_extra">YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ryanjpyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.youtube.com/user/ryanjpyle</a></div> <div class="gmail_extra">Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ryanpyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.instagram.com/ryanpyle</a></div> <div> </div> <div> </div></div>
NOTE: This is Part I of a two-part Podcast!
I'm excited about sharing my latest interview on the WorldRider Podcast with Ryan Pyle.
This guy is the real thing.
Ryan is an adventure traveler and motorcycle rider, television host and producer, author, professional keynote speaker, Guinness world record holder, mountain climber, award-winning photographer, and I'd like to add—humanitarian and philosopher. Okay, those last two titles I've given him—deservedly as you will learn while listening to these two podcasts.
Truly, this interview was so engaging and the topics incredibly intriguing that I couldn't edit it down to one hour-long episode. So I've decided to share nearly the entire conversation in two parts—a first on the WorldRider Podcast.
I've been following Ryan Pyle since my journey to China in the summer of 2015. In China, he earned a Guinness world record for the longest continuous motorcycle ride in a single county. The journey became the subject of two books and launched "Tough Rides" a successful television series that aired on the Travel Channel. He has been an inspiration to me and an invaluable sounding board for ideas on travel to China, India and elsewhere.
Ryan Pyle is principal of Ryan Pyle Productions. He was born in Toronto and after a collegiate basketball career and graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in International Politics, Ryan decided to try his hand at international diplomacy by relocating to China. It didn't take long until Ryan was a sought after photojournalist whose work appeared in Wall Street Journal, TIME, Newsweek, Fortune, Outside Magazine, and ultimately becoming a regular contributor to The New York Times.
In 2009, Ryan was named as one 30 emerging photographers in the world. He then produced documentary films, several television series, and started writing books about his experiences in China and his travels around the world. You can find his Tough Rides series on Vimeo and iTunes. And here is the trailer for Season One of Ryan's Extreme Treks.
Here is more information on his books and television series:
TELEVISION SERIES
2018 – Extreme Treks: Season #3 – In Production
2017 – Extreme Treks: Season #2 – Distributed by TCB Media
2016 – Tough Rides: Brazil – Travel Channel
2014 – Extreme Treks: Season #1 – Distributed by TCB Media
2014 – China’s Great Gateway: Shaanxi – Discovery Channel
2014 – Tough Rides: India – Travel Channel
2013 – Touch Rides: China – Travel Channel
PUBLICATIONS
2017 – Sacred Mountains – Photography Book
2016 – Tough Rides: Brazil – Written Book
2015 – Sacred Mountains of China – Written Book
2014 – Chinese Turkestan – Photography Book
2014 – The India Ride – Written Book
2013 – The Middle Kingdom Ride – Written Book
Wow! Listen to this Podcast with Duncan—a 26-year-old winemaker who is traveling the world making wine, doing good, and following his dream. Seriously.
After riding through Scandinavia and Eastern Europe I found myself between Greek Islands and exploring Greek history and Athens I happened to wander into a wine bar and found a kindred spirit—Duncan Marks, a 26-year old wine maker from my hometown of San Diego—he's just finished harvesting wine from a Greek Estate.
![](http://www.worldrider.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_4810.jpg"%3E%3Cimg%20class="alignleft%20size-medium%20wp-image-7019)
I learned Greece was just one of almost a dozen countries he'd traveled while supporting his wanderlust working vineyards and cellars of wineries all over the world. Fast-forward to four months later and we connect in my home in north San Diego. Listen to an inspiring interview of not only why it's important o pursue your passion, but to find out what's important in life and those things we all have in common when it comes to connecting and enjoying the company of family, friends and strangers.
You will learn how I met Duncan in a wine bar in Greece. What you won't learn is how we ended up sharing a great meal and tasting wines in the late evening glow of a Grecian night in the shadows of the Acropolis. A classic case of culture, cuisine, connection — and let's throw some history along!
Duncan just finished a stint helping a small Greek winery harvest and before heading to Germany for Octoberfest and then to Austria for another harvest, he found himself in the Greek capitol and sitting next to me at Vintages Wine Bar. This is only the beginning of the story. So be sure to listen and see where this goes…
This Podcast is longer than usual, but well worth the listen!
Mentioned In This Podcast
Duncan's favorite travel movie is <a href="http://amzn.to/2itolQ7">V for Vendetta</a>
Duncan's favorite book, which relates to the country he'd live if he couldn't live in the United States is <a href="http://amzn.to/2iBayUD">A Short History of Nearly Everything</a> by Bill Bryson; and he also recommends by the same author <a href="http://amzn.to/2iRfhVN">In a Sunburned Country</a>. Allan mention's Bill's book <a href="http://amzn.to/2iQsgTy">I'm A Stranger Here Myself</a>.
Here are links to the wineries he worked at:
<a href="http://Www.Babcockwinery.com">Babcock Winery</a> – Santa Barbara area
<a href="http://www.flyingfishcove.com.au">Flying Fish Cove</a> – Australia
<a href="http://www.latourmelas.com">Latour Melas</a> – Greece
<a href="http://www.loibnerhof.at">Loibnerhof</a> - Austria
<a href="http://www.schwane.de/">Schwane</a> - Germany
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6577" src="http://www.worldrider.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/neale-speed-tripple.jpg" alt="neale-speed-tripple" width="1461" height="858" />Veteran Moto-journlist, Television Host, and Philanthropist</h2>
Any chance I get to spend time with the legendary Neale Bayly, I cherish and relish the experience. Now you can too. It's hard to say, but this ranks as one of my top guests, so far, on the WorldRider Podcast (who woulda thought). Truly, the guests keep getting better which means for you listeners, less time listening to me, and more time listening to experienced travelers from all over the globe.
Neale Bayly is one of the most accomplished and prolific active motorcycle and motorsport journalists on the scene. Yet, it's not so much about motorcycles with Neale. He gets it. It's about connection and the experience. I guess that's why he's invested so much energy (and resources) into his <a href="http://nealebaylyrides.com/backstory/wellspring/">WellSpring</a> nonprofit. We don't dig too much into it in the Podcast, but Neale is a role model for world traveling motorcyclists who give back. His efforts and passion were part of a hit series on the late "Speed Network" called <a href="http://nealebaylyrides.com">Neale Bayly Rides: Peru</a>. This is still yet to be released on iTunes and Netflix, but I'm told it's coming.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6578" src="http://www.worldrider.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/allan-neale-speed-tripple.jpg" alt="allan-neale-speed-tripple" width="1555" height="1037" />
I met Neale in the summer of 2014 when I was on the road with the "FORKS" nationwide book tour. At the time I was familiar with his work, admired his television show, and was eager to meet him. He showed up at my event at Atherton Market in downtown Charlotte. Later in that tour, I returned to Charlotte and had the opportunity to stay with Neale and his son Patrick—even shopping and cooking together a recipe from my book "FORKS".
Beyond that classic experience of connecting and sharing, Neale and I got to take his stable of Triumph "Triples" for a Sunday ride—street and speed—a casual cruise through Charlotte.
Tune in to the Podcast, and please rate and leave comments on the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwiLo-yTstHNAhUhzIMKHdQABWcQFggeMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fworldrider-around-world-on%2Fid126384468%3Fmt%3D2&usg=AFQjCNH32AQFlRwvthprvKwFUELcIB841g&sig2=zL-nTL7aOa6GZdBluXXgJA">iTunes Podcast channel</a>—and please subscribe!
Be sure to follow Neale Bayly:
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nealebaylyrides">Facebook</a>
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/nealebaylyrides">Instagram</a>
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/nealebaylyrides">Twitter</a>
Join host Allan Karl (me) and fellow adventurer, speaker and world traveler Dr. Jeff Salz in an engaging discussion of adventure and travel. Hall of Fame Speaker and anthropologist adventurer, Jeff shares incredible stories from the jungles of Peru to the endless pampas and glacier-studded landscapes of Patagonia. Listen as we dig into what it means to travel, preserve traditional cultures and experience aging as an adventure as we discuss his exciting new book project.
Jeff and his partner Lisa Jaffe are sought after speaking coaches and founders of Courageous Speaking, an interactive workshop for all ranges of speakers – from wannabes to beginners to the experienced presenter seeking looking to take their craft to the next level. Their two day intensive workshops, held in north San Diego include four hours of stage time, professional and peer feedback and story development.
<img class="alignleft wp-image-6145" src="http://www.worldrider.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/george-walther-headshot-262x300.jpg" alt="george-walther-headshot" width="177" height="203" />The WorldRider Podcasts continues to evolve and attract new and interesting guests.
Just in from Cape Town, South Africa, meet fellow speaker, world traveler and good friend George Walther. Not only is George Walther a Hall of Fame Speaker (honored by the National Speaker Association), but George is a a Hall of Fame WorldRider Traveler — honored here on this blog! He's also a card-carrying member of the <a href="http://travelerscenturyclub.org/">Travelers' Century Club</a> — a unique nonprofit organization comprised of members who've traveled to 100 countries or more. Listen in to learn how many countries George has traveled. Even better, George is also a motorcyclists and has traveled through many countries on two wheels.
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967902193/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0967902193&linkCode=as2&tag=thedigtav-20&linkId=7ZCNNWV2BD2KOE75" target="_blank"><img class="alignright wp-image-6144" src="http://www.worldrider.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/honey-im-home-cover-art-209x300.jpg" alt="honey-im-home-cover-art" width="119" height="170" /></a>George co-authored, along with his wife Barbi, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967902193/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0967902193&linkCode=as2&tag=thedigtav-20&linkId=7ZCNNWV2BD2KOE75">Honey I'm Home</a>", a humorous romance love story and a travel story—a true story!
A gifted storyteller and with incredible life experiences to share, this Podcast will entertain listeners. I suspect there will be future podcasts with George as he continues to explore the world.
<strong>Happy New Year!</strong>
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-6027" src="http://www.worldrider.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/carla-king-podcast-1030x703.jpg" alt="carla-king-podcast" width="1030" height="703" />
<h3>Carla King Visits WorldRider Studios And Shares Miss Adventurer Tales, Traveling China, Sidecars & Self Publishing</h3>
What a pleasure to host and try to entertain the queen of sidecars, the country's leading expert in self-publishing and an extraordinary adventure motorcyclist–Miss Adventuring, Ms. Carla King.
True to form, my own cat, Ms. Dar es Salaam, needed the attention of Carla, so before the podcast recording began, a few moments of “Dar Time” were spent in the California sunshine.
I've known Carla for nearly ten years. The <a href="http://carlaking.com">original moto-traveler blogger</a>, Carla is legendary for not only her writing, riding, and spirit, but also for her acumen and support to many in the area of self-publish.
Carla’s latest entrepreneurial expression is <a class="" href="http://authorfriendly/" target="_blank">Author Friendly</a>, which includes her <a class="" href="http://authorfriendly.com/education/">Self-Pub Boot Camp</a> educational program as well as book coaching and practical services for independent authors.
You can find out about her adventure travels on <a class="" href="http://carlaking.com/">CarlaKing.com</a>. And be sure to join her on <a class="" href="https://www.facebook.com/missadventuring" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to stay tuned for all the latest in <a class="" href="http://carlaking.com/blog/">adventure motorcycling</a>, <a class="" href="http://selfpubbootcamp.com/" target="_blank">self-publishing</a>, books, articles, Baja tours, writing retreats and more.
<hr />
On other business, stay tuned for more information on my winter Book Tour with the Travel & Adventure Show in San Diego, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Philadelphia. Will also be updating soon on the amazing and so exciting television project. More to come!
Doc Returns: Once Hostage in Shanghai—My BMW F650GS Comes Home
Listen to the podcast and watch the video near the bottom of this page. Allan Karl and Panayioti Yannitsos discuss their experience filming a pilot episode of a new television/streaming travel series that follows Allan "WorldRider" Karl as he rides his motorcycle "border-to-border" in China to Vietnam. The show, yet to be named, is a highly cinematic and unique take that will surely disrupt the television travel series genre. In this episode, listen to Allan and Pan discuss the show, challenges of riding and filming in China and the amazing reunion with the bike sent to China to star in the show. 
After nearly six months of being held hostage by Chinese customs, Allan "WorldRider" Karl's legendary motorcycle, "DOC", returns to Southern California where he and producer and director Panayioti Yannitsos and the team at Bluesea Shipping Lines in Long Beach, California retrieve the bike and spark a reunion with Allan ultimately getting Doc on the road again.
Doc Returns From China from Allan Karl on Vimeo.
About Allan Karl, WorldRider and the WorldRider Podcast.
ALLAN KARL is a best-selling author, award-winning photographer world traveler adventurer, and inspirational keynote speaker. With an insatiable passion for travel, culture, people, and food, he has explored more than 60 countries, primarily solo and many on a motorcycle, photographing, writing, and blogging about them along the way.
Allan inspires people to pursue dreams, overcome challenges, tackle obstacles, embrace change, and smile—especially in the face of adversity. And he knows how. Allan spent nearly three years riding around the world alone on a motorcycle. Along the way he was marched into the Colombian jungle at gunpoint, crushed his leg in the middle of nowhere in Bolivia, and had to beg the governments of Syria and Sudan to let him across their borders. (Eventually they gave in.) Follow Allan and other world-traveling adventurers on the WorldRider Podcast.
In his bestselling book, FORKS: A Quest for Culture, Cuisine, and Connection, Allan brings to life his three-year motorcycle adventure — in stories, photos and food from each of the 35 countries he traveled. In the summer of 2015, Allan with an award-winning Vancouver-based film crew, traveled China, from the north to south to the Vietnam border filmed a pilot for a new travel television show scheduled to air and stream in late 2016
Beyond his motorcycle adventures Allan has:
- Sailed the Flores Sea in search of the elusive Komodo Dragon
- Climbed the most active volcano in Indonesia; and
- Competed in the most grueling motorsport race in the world — The Dakar.
#22 WorldRider Podcast Redux 11.11.09
Originally Produced and Published on November 11, 2009
Solo world traveler motorcycle adventurer Allan Karl returns with a new edition of the WorldRider Podcasts. Though back in the states for nearly a year, Karl discusses his upcoming speaking engagements and multimedia presentations and plans for publishing.
11.11.09
Ok. So you know I traveled around the world for three years alone—on a motorcycle. And I really didn't see everything. There are still plenty of places waiting for my visit. Or at least I'd like to think so. Truth is, there are a lot of places I'm waiting to visit. But that's besides the point.
I was in Ethiopia on my motorcycle sometimes in the Spring of 2008. On a desolate stretch of a dusty dirt road between Gondar, Ethiopia and the Sudan border, I ran into to bicyclists from Finland. Though our meeting was short, our time was rich. Sometimes connections are made in seconds, sometimes connections take years to be real. Jukka, then a 30 year old bicyclist with nearly 2 years traveling experience around the world, and I connected. Three years later he finally makes it to the United States and takes me up on my lifelong offer to put him up and share time here in Southern California. In August he and another world-riding Finnish bicyclist planeed to rendezvous in Southern California: here in Encinitas at my cottage by the ocean. Our time was rich again. And we shared stories, photos and great food and conversation. Before these two legends returned to their bicycling journey, I pulled them asisde in my studio for a one-of-a-kind podcast. In this hour-plus long interview I ask the hard questions. And I'm surprised, yet comforted by their answers.
Take the time to listen to Jukka and Lukas discuss traveling, motivation, being away from home and loneliness. I think the insight is inspirational.
iTunes Music Store Check out their websites for further inspiration, too! Jukka: jukkasalminen.com Lukas: safebiking.wordpress.com 
01:23:10
#20 Buenos Aires | Dakar Motos – Traveler’s Telling Stories
Originally Produced and Published on March 15, 2007
The Ides of March (Caesar Beware)
Motorcycle travelers all over the world meet and swap stories at the legendary adventure traveler hangout Dakar Motos in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Through a series of amazing coincidences Allan connects for the third time during his journey with fellow Californian motorcyclists Adam Pate. Listen to Adam relate his tale to WorldRider, Allan Karl, of getting stuck on the Salar de Uyuni. Sitting at Dakar Motos Allan and Adam relish in the funny outcome that ultimately could’ve prevented days of heartache and painstaking work for Adam Pate and his 2002 KLR 650.
03.15.07
#19 Breaking Out of Bolivia | Welcome to Chile
Originally Produced and Published on December 4, 2006
Finally after enduring a broken leg, badly sprained ankle and ligament strained and twisted knee, WorldRider, Allan Karl, finally takes the road out of Bolivia. From the largest and highest in altitude salt lake in the world, Allan takes a dirt road out of Bolivia. In search of better roads, Allan is quite suprised to learn that in this part of Chile the roads are more challenging yet the vistas and the isolate desolation taxes his riding skills and mental acuity.
#18 12,000 Feet In The Middle of Nowhere
Originally Produced & Published on December 1, 2006
With lightning storms blazing the evening sky and the most impressive array of starts they’ve ever seen, WorldRider, Allan Karl and fellow motorcyclist Andy Tiegs, sit on the largest and highest in altitude salt flat in the world on the Bolivian Altiplano and discuss their respective journeys to this magical place by motorcycle. After traveling more than 15,000 miles and visiting twelve countries along the way, these two motorcyclists achieve part one of a lifelong dream.
12.01.06
#17 Quit Your Job & Travel. | Uyuni, Bolivia
Originally Produced and Published on November 30, 2006
What implores someone to quit their job and take time to see the world? Allan Karl while on his solo motorcycle journey meets and discusses the passions of travel with new friends he meets on the road. Meet a new cast of characters as this WorldRider journey of adventure and discovery continues.
11.30.06
#16 Uyuni, Bolivia | The Night Train & Thanksgiving Pizza 11.28.06
Originally Produced and Published on November 28, 2006
With his bike running again, Allan boards the night train for Uyuni, Bolivia. Wandering the streets of this dusty outpost on the fringe of the largest and highest salt flat in the world, he runs into three other motorcyclists — including his past riding partner, Jeremiah. At the famed Minuteman Pizza restaurant in the Totoni Hotel these motorcyclists share the stories and dreams as they plan to tackle the Salar de Uyuni.
11.28.06
#15 Commotion in Cochabamba, Bolivia | Keep On Truckin'
Originally Published and Produced on November 18, 2006
Traveling to Oruro, Bolivia by truck, Allan Karl along with his BMW Motorcycle (Doc) try to make time while his ankle and knee mend. His driver Miguel and the owner of the truck confront difficulties in Cochabamba where protesters of have blocked the main highway. Listen to the commotion as Allan tries to get to the bottom of the reason behind the blockage. This is bi-lingual as the interviews are again in Spanish.
11.18.06
#14 #14 Santa Cruz, Bolivia | Making Friends. Getting Things Done.
Originally Produced and Posted on November 13, 2006
Hobbling around Santa Cruz, Bolivia with a bum knee and sprained ankle, Allan makes friends with an ex-Auto Rally champion of Bolivia who helps him get his bike fixed and a agent and specialist in customs and immigration who works hard to legalize Allan’s motorcycle so he can safely continue his journey through Bolivia without fear of penalty or worse. He only has a few more days in Santa Cruz until he loads Doc on a truck and makes his trek to the Salar de Uyuni. This PodCast is bi-lingual as the interviews are in Spanish.
11.14.06
#13 Salar de Uyuni | Is It In Our Future? 11.08.06
Originally Produced and Posted on November 8, 2006
Time is running out. The weather is changing. Allan must remain in Santa Cruz to allow is ankle and knee to heal. Jeremiah must move on and visit the Jesuit Missions where just a few days ago Allan had his second accident while touring Bolivia. Jeremiah goes, returns and goes again while they discuss the prospects of seeing perhaps the #1 site in South America: The Salar de Uyuni.
11.08.06
#12 WorldRider Podcast: Santa Cruz Bolivia Unlikely Change of course
Originally Produced and Posted on November 5, 2006
It’s hot in Santa Cruz. Jeremiah recovers from his asado food poisoning and recalls the shady digs we stayed in Vallegrande. Allan recalls events of the first week that once again change the course of his journey. In the 12th episode of the WorldRider podcasts they sit in Santa Cruz over unlikely Italian food lamenting Allan’s latest fateful day.
#10 WorldRider Podcast: Walking the Streets of Vallegrande
Originally Produced and Posted on November 4, 2006
It’s the middle of Dias de las Muertas and Allan is in Vallegrande, Bolivia — the final resting spot for Che Guevara’s body after he was executed by Bolivian troops under orders from the C.I.A. The streets are noisy with music, people hustling about and a groups of motorcyclists eager to join a caravan of like minds to follow in the footsteps of Ché’s last days. While Jeremiah recovers from his stomach ailment Allan wanders the streets and contemplates what’s next on his adventurous journey.
Join Allan and Jeremiah
Watch the latest WorldRider Video PodCast as Allan & Jeremiah tackle a few water crossings, cruise the wild route from Sucre to Santa Cruz in this exciting and moving two minute motorcycle music video. Featuring new music from Eric Clapton & J.J. Cale, these two motorcyclists Ride The River – to the other side. The footage includes hand hold moving shots and stationary shots from water, mud and rock crossings in the Bolivian Andes. Enjoy this one!
For those of you subscribed to the iTunes WorldRider page, you should see the movie there now. Otherwise, you can simply watch it here inside this blog post. This has also been posted to my YouTube page along with a few other videos.
#8 WorldRider Podcast: First Day Woes
Originally Published November 2, 2006
This special PodCast comes live from our campsite out on the campasino in rural Central Bolivia. The day started out smooth and on pavement. But how we ended up camping off the main road can only be told through the words, pictures and sounds on this website. Tune in and join the wild ride of our woes on my first day back on this WorldRider journey.
Listen to the PodCast by clicking the PodCast icon below. If you use iTunes, subscribe to my PodCasts. Simply go to the iTunes Music Store, search for WorldRider and when my iTunes page pops up click the subscribe button.
Here are some photos that didn’t make the narrative post. I’ve kept them small so they’ll load quicker. Click to see the real action.
