Blog from Belfast, August 27, 2008

New Peace Pedalers on Falls Road, Belfast

I’m just about ready to set off on and epic 3-day journey through Northern Ireland to the Republic’s stunning west coast town of Sligo where I’ll finally get back in the ocean for some surf. Belfast has blown me away and my hosts Brid and Una have become like sisters living with them on and off for 5 days. The weekend was stellar with many laughs, meeting new friends, tilting the perfect pints of Guinness, checking live music and even a visit from a former Swedish guest rider Paula.

Brid and Una, my Irish sisters here in Belfast

Amazing nightlife in Belfast

And stellar live music at the Jazz Festival

Paula and I went out exploring the hills and lakes outside Belfast on a 2-day adventure that was dazzling with one day of great weather and another of typical Irish wind n rain. The video cameras are back out in full force as my inspiration returned and Ireland and its people will be nicely documented both in the North and in the Republic where I’m heading.

Swedish guest rider Paula returns for a pedal in Ireland

All in all, I’m loving this region of the world, minus the lousy weather. But it’s this constant showers and rain that brings about the lush green hills and warm people so it’s actually starting to grow on me. Personally I’m quite content, with the regular ups and downs emotionally that I’ve come to accept living the kind of lifestyle I am. Once again I had to say goodbye to great new friends and will soon say hello to new ones on the west coast.

Over n out from Belfast, en route to the Sligo!

Jamie

Blog from Scotland, August 21, 2008

Lovin the Northern Scotland Riding with my bro Mark, Glencoe

It’s about midnight on my very last night in Scotland and I’m heading to Belfast tomorrow morning. I’ve been on a happy cloud since my arrival in Glasgow and am not all that inspired to write a big juicy blog update now but here’s the quick update on how I got here. More yummy journals on the way soon enough and the juice will be there for sure…so check journals section for updates ;)

So I left Oslo in the rain but by afternoon I was pedaling solo on the tandem in mostly sunny skies into a nasty headwind along the pristine coast, Ipod crankin my favorite tunes, with real no desire to be with anyone but myself. I had a few rough days personally in Norway, with some experiences I am not sure I want to share just yet, so the solo time in raw Norwegian nature was what I was clearly craving—and it is what I got!

I spent two full days riding challenging hills, striking coastal roads, lush green and mossy back roads, camping in unspoiled old growth and a quite bay in the pouring rain, passed dozens of pure lakes and rivers and really had a super time just hammering the pedals. I finally met up with Aslaug and Finn, my Norwegian friends I met in Africa, and we took shelter from a nasty storm that arrived just at our cycling date in their warm station wagon that whisked us to their vacation home on a secluded island where we dried out and cozied up ;)

We lived the life at their cabin, beyond quick words so just wait for the newsletter for more details on this. I wish I had more time with them but I had plans to hit Glasgow, Scotland for the weekend and I’m glad I kept them. Here I sit now, at the end of a weeklong state of contentment, peace, love, fun, adventure and memories I’ll never forget.

Again, you’ll have to wait for the Scotland journal to get the real scoop, but basically I took a train to a boat to a train to an arrival in Glasgow where I met my brother from another mother Mark. Mark is a soulful Scotsman who met me a the train station and together we created a week that changed each others lives, and the lives of those we know an met, in countless ways.

From the weekend on the town, to the 3 day and 2 nights in the raw nature of northern Scotland, to the final days back in Glasgow—it was just bad ass, period. A “summary” at almost 1AM would do no justice. Just know that the spirit of Peace Pedalers, and all that I set out to see, experience and share, is manifesting in ways that are exceeding my expectations tenfold.

Below are few teaser pics for ya, many more to come with journals and full photo albums when I catch us in next few days. It’s been far too special to open a computer and miss out on life till now but I’ll get some time on the way to Belfast.

Get out there and see this world of ours—this stunning!

Binks

An amazing free campsite in Norway

Chillin by the sea, collecting the thoughts...

Norway's nature is like no other

They know how to live in Norway

Blissful riding on the island...

Blog from Norway, August 11, 2008

The sun is trying to peek out of the thick clouds in chilly Oslo, Norway and I’m a few hours from pedaling my way towards Tvedestrand to meet some friends Finn and Aslaug for some pedaling in next few days. It’s hard to believe that I only have a few days left here in Scandinavian Europe before start my adventures in UK and Ireland.

I’m still behind on my official newsletters but have a long boat ride and some time to catch up on the way to UK so hang in there. For now the latest quick update:

The last sun we would see was our ride out of Malmo before the storm

The weather not only turned when I hit Sweden, but turned downright nasty just after my last blog report. My 2-day ride I had planned with Paula turned out to be just one over one after a massive storm with scary winds came in with vengeance. We got totally drenched. My long lost au pair Carina from 1979 had mercy on me and picked me up in a posh Volvo with her sister Anne to take us up to the beach house we had planned to ride to. The winds were blowing down trees and shut down the train system too. It was nuts!

Out of the nasty storm and into the great company of Anne, Bernt & Carina

After 29 years apart Carina still loved to cook for me :)

Carina and I got along like peas and carrots from the get go and spent a few days in her home town of Gothenburg, Sweden’s 2^nd largest city. We were able to get out and meet some of her friends, check out the city a bit and catch up on some administrative work before we started our 3 day ride up the coast towards the border of Norway.

The stunning scenery in Sweden makes ya smile!

Body Power! We made it to the border of Norway!

The ride could not have been better. Carina was strong, positive and a great guest rider. We had endless chats, escaped all the heavy rain that seemed to only fall when we were off the bike, and built a friendship that no doubt will last a lifetime. We rolled into Norway and she hoped a train back to Sweden and I rolled on to Oslo where I spent an action packed weekend with some of my Danish soul sister Mette’s crew out on the town dancing, catching live music and even a day at a big outdoor music festival where the sun came out and rainbows were dancing!

My welcome dinner with hosts and new friends Magnus, Linn, Jon and Thomas in Oslo

The sun peeks out at the music festival--amazing!

The get em groovin early in Oslo

I’ll write more soon…but that’s the latest quick update. On the road in Norway…next post will likely be in Scotland!

Over and out from Norway!

Jamie

Blog from Sweden, August 3, 2008

Big love from Malmo, Sweden! I’m a few minutes from departing on my ride north with a Couch Surfing host Lisa's roommate Paula to meet up with my Swedish Au Pair Carina who cared for me over 22 years ago at her beach house. Life is pretty darn good!

My two Swedish hosts Paula and Lisa in Malmo Triple Riding at night :)

Honestly the sun has been out almost non-stop with constant fun things to do. I cannot be bothered to stay indoors and write too much so you’ll have to wait for the rain to get full on journals written. They say it’s coming soon enough so gonna go ride now and not type too much… I did manage to get the photos of Czech, Germany AND Denmark up with captions and plenty of fun stories to be seen in the pics so check the homepage for links. Here’s the quick scoop for now and a few teaser pics...

Jamie and Mathieu pedaling north from Berlin

Axel and Jamie enjoying a sunset celebration at the beach

I have been amongst some of the nicest people on earth since I landed in Berlin, Germany where I reported last. From there it was an epic 3 day ride with 3 riders Tim in Berlin, my French buddy Mathieu who I met in Benin now studying in Berlin, and my brother from another motha Axel for the final mission to Rostock, Germany to get my ferry to Denmark. Epic times with plenty of testosterone for a change.

My host Mette and me pedaling in Denmark--Perfect!

Jamie and Vibe at our lakeside campsite in Roskilde

The sun kept on shining and the rainbow of good mojo in full force as I hit rode north and hit Copenhagen for a weekend of total bliss with three amazing Couchsurfing Danish princesses who showed me the best time ever. Mette, Vibe and Tanja are just three totally sweet Danish women introduced me to the local culture, music, food, fun in the sun and unforgettable memories. I have tons to write about this unforgettable experience in Denmark but the road is calling and going to let you check the photos for a visual adventure and I’ll write some journals when it finally rains...

Lovin' the live concert in the sunshine!!!

update just before finishing...it's starting to rain....

But rain or shine, I’m in LOVE with Scandinavia so far. What a marvelous world it is up here! Enjoy the rest of the pics on the site and hope to write more soon :)

Peace,

Jamie

Czech to Germany Blog, July 23 2008

Seamus and I before I pedal north towards Germany


Irena and Jamie just over the border from Czech to Germany


Irena and I meet up with Tim & Sybille in Berlin Germany for a tour


Our lovely hosts Sybille n Tim


Tim working his magic with the national media

It's past midnight and I'm running on vapors here after an action packed weekend in Berlin with Czech guest rider Irena and our hosts Tim n Sybille. Our stay was nothing short of amazing with great meals, fun rides, endless conversation and great memories. Tomorrow I'm back on the road with a great guy Mathius I met in Benin, West Africa and a 2-day ride with a soulful Germany brother Axel heading up to Denmark.

It's honestly been an emotional roller coaster lately but the ups are far outweighing the downs so I'm stayin' on the ride! I'm gonna catch some sleep and hope to get ya a report of Czech and the Exit festival adventures soon as I can...tell then, pictures are worth a thousand words at http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9AauGbRi3aNc8&notag=1. Enjoy the ride!

Peace,

Jamie

Exit Festival to Germany Blog, July 16, 2008

The glob of groovin. Endless talented DJ's for 4 days...

The Exit Festival came and went in a state of total bliss--4 days of dancing 7-10 hours a night and grooving to some of my favorite artists and DJ's, connecting with my Bosnian crew and taking some time off the bike. Perfect weather, company, amazing music---It was just what the doctor ordered! I'm now on the road to Germany!!!

I've found the people in Prague very friendly, but far more "westernized" than most of the E. European countries. And, with that said, most of the invitations to come riding were not accepted as people are serious about their work and careers here. Luckily my Czech friend Irena has a day off Friday so I'll have at least one long distance Czech rider. We'll see what heading out of Prague solo brings me. Actually, I love riding solo so no complaints.

Wow, I'm leaving Eastern Europe! I'm a bit scared as it was so easy and the vibe in the East is pretty relaxed and the people very open. Now heading into the modern, fast paced West...Lezzzz do it!

Over n out from Prague!!! Some pics for ya!

The madness at the train station of festival goers...


My Exit Sisters from Bosnia Marjana & Mirela dancin the night away

The music was everything from Traditional to Punk--very wild

Chillin in lovely downtown Novi Sad, Serbia

The live music main stage was epic...

Front row center for Manu Chao was INSANE!!!


My last supper w/ my boy Seamus back in Prague before ridin' north...

Slovakia and Czech Blog: July 8, 2008

Greetings from lovely Prague, Czech Republic! A few nuggets from the last days here in this amazing city:

Reunited with my childhood friend Seamus Devine!

One of my hosts Jozef on our amazing balcony

Just a small sample of the fairytale scenery in Prague

My other host Ondrej and I on a sunny Saturday ride

And a super cool Czech Chic Irena who just rocks!

So Slovakia was just so amazing and I wrote a nice journal with great photos. I suggest you check out www.peacepedalers.com/slovakia-nl.html.

As for Czech I have been in a blurr of bliss since I arrived! For one, I like good beer. And everyone said the beer is just the best in the world here and they were NOT kidding. And I arrived on a Friday night, was welcomed by my host Jozef with my first Pilsner and it's been all about good times since then. I met up with a childhood buddy Seamus Devine who lives in Prague and it was like the 10 years had never passed--we had a blast out on the town. And boy does the town of Prague rock after the sun goes down--until the sun comes up!

I spent Saturday with my hosts Ondrej and Jozef eating, riding around the amazing sights, drinking more yummy beer and watching all the lovely Czech people enjoying a perfect Saturday in the park and city. Seamus threw a party at his house so I got to reunite with he and some great Czech folks and an cool American chap Brian for a perfect evening of food, drinks and fun. Sunday was lazy, relaxing with my new Czech friend Irena who took me out site seeing and on a picnic on the park.

And now, after a few days of administrative work on Peace Pedalers I'm going to follow my initial intuition and take a week off of Peace Pedaling and head to one of Europe's most epic music festivals, Exit Festival (www.exitfest.com). The lineup is beyond words with two of my favorites Miguel Migs from San Francisco (favorite DJ) and Manu Chao (my favorite band). Add to this the location in a fortress in fairytale Novi Sad, Serbia and the company great friends--I could not pass it up. Sooooo, Poland will be a short one, maybe just passin through...But I hope to get recharged for Western Europe and Scandinavian adventures!

Over n Out from Prague!

Jamie :)

Blog from Slovakia, July 2, 2008.


Riding in Bratislava with my brother and host Michal

My two hosts Michal and his sister Zuzana

I have family in Slovakia!!! Going to stay with them tonight!

Don't forget Aldo! He's our mascot!

Keepin the Peace n Love flowin!
Hungarian guest rider Krisztina with my Slovakian host Michal

If you have not already seen it, there are great Hungary photos and a juicy 6 page journal at www.peacepedalers.com/hungary-nl.html.

Greetings from Bratislava, Slovakia! I've been here for about 5 days and am off on a 3 day ride to the border of Czech Republic shortly. I've been blessed since the moment I crossed the border from Hungary with amazing riding, unreal hospitality, a visit from a Hungarian guest rider Krisztina and I even got a chance to meet some distant relatives! I have family here! I've met some very warm, genuine, loving souls and will be riding with a few guys and a relative of mine too tomorrow! Life is sweeet! Check out the Hungarian newsletter and I'll get ya a report from Slovakia when I get to Czech for the weekend!

Peace,

Jamie

Goulash Soup w/ my Hungarian Host Family: Bettina, Laszlo
and Betinnas son Marcell n friends TAmas n Nandor

And my new friends from the Budapest cycling community--Friday night preparty

They guys ride everywhere! So so fun!

The event at the Velodrome where I rode w/ tons of folks

This guy Milkos has 3 tandems and takes blind riders out and more! http://www.velocen.hu/

Budapest Update, June 24, 2008

I'm in love with this city! The cycling community is rich, committed and funky cool. I am finally filling the holes in my equipment list after some serious issues with my bike and kit. It was all meant to be as I was in no hurry to to leave and my host here Bettina and Laszlo have been like my mom and dad. I even have a Hungarian little brother Marcell! I sort of needed it after some rough emotional patches in Serbia. My mental crash after Bosnia was significant and I've grown a ton from it all. Right now I'm happy to say I'm on the up n up, VERY excited to pedal off tomorrow towards Slovakia, and have some great riders set up to share their culture and country with us all.

I'll write more later but have a busy day in store getting ready to ride tomorrow AM early towards Slovakia! Turns out that I am actually part Hungarian! My great grandparents are from former Hungary, now Slovakia . So hoping to have better luck searching them out than in Italy!

Over n out for now!

Jamie