Thursday, February 26, 2009

My Wonderful World - Want to Join the Cause?

Way back when we started this bicycle adventure around the globe, we had a few goals in mind. They were simple; travel the world, promote geography, and inspire people to ride bicycles. As I now sit here, three months after the conclusion, trying to compile a book about our journey, I find myself focusing in the second goal - promote geography. Sounds kind of boring, huh? My answer is no, but I'm a geography geek.

Acutally, I wish there were more "geo geeks" out there. According to a 2006 survey, young americans are lacking basic geographic knowledge, but consider it "very important" for their careers. Considering that the subject of geography is the only core subject that does not receive funding under the No Child Left Behind Act, one might start to understand where the deficiency begins.

The 2006 Roper Survey was part of the inspiration for our trip. We now understand that promoting geography is a life long pursuit. We plan to continue our part through the publishing of a book, future bicycle touring expeditions, and continued blog ramblings. We encourage you to get involved as well. Here are a few ways to "go geo":


My Wonderful World website: http://mywonderfulworld.org/



Go on a trip: local, regional, or international. Explore your world!


Thank you. This has been a public service announcement from the Bicycle Geography Crew.

LK

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Vote for Chris!


A few weeks ago we found this great bicycle tour and expedition company called Tour d'Afrique. They were advertising employment opportunities and we decided to put our hats in the ring. It's one of a few "irons" in the fire currently. If things progress, we'd be joining the crew for the inaugural Vuelta Sudamericana (Tour of South America) this summer. The company shares our passion for bicycles and travel; two things necessary for our inspired living.

In the meantime, we've submitted an entry for Tour d'Afrique's 'Tales From the Saddle' contest. As you know, we had a few 'tales' from our trip. It was a hard decision (not really) and, in the end, we chose the Laos brothel experience.


If you are so inclined, please read and vote for the entry here: http://tourdafrique.com/scripts/contest/articles/48/1/Beer-Buddhas-andBrothels/Page1.html.
Most votes = bicycle trip for Chris!


Thanks for supporting your Bicycle Geography crew,

LK and CK

Explore Your National Parks...by Bicycle

Check out this video from IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association). It speaks to the great opportunity we have to support mountain biking in the National Park System. Enjoy! LK


Monday, February 09, 2009

Landscapes.Culture.Travel.Bicycles

Happy Monday.

The Wide Eyed World Photo Galleries have been updated. Take a look when you get a chance.

http://www.lesliekehmeier.com/ - click the Portfolio link to access the galleries.

Enjoy!

LK

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Tunes: The Greatest Hits of Bicycle Geography


I love music. I’ve loved it since I was a kid and I’ll even admit to liking Air Supply back in the day. Both Chris and I took iPods on our Bicycle Geography adventure and listened to them frequently. In the beginning, the music was a connection to home but as the trip progressed the soundtrack expanded. It’s fun to cue it up now because I can transport myself instantly to that certain time and place.


Flower Duet – Opera Greatest Hits
I first heard this song at a bed and breakfast in Ecuador. It’s my ultimate travel theme song.
1234 – Fiest
This song was popular on KBCO before we left for New Zealand
Outside – Staind
Playing on the platform when we bungy jumped over the Waikato River in New Zealand
Fight Outta You - Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
This kept me motivated when I was really homesick at the beginning of the trip
Bubbly – Colbie Caillat
I swear we heard this song multiple times a everyday in New Zealand
Breakdown - Jack Johnson
An original song of inspiration while planning our trip
What You Thought You Need - Jack Johnson
A song we could identify with as we traveled
Losing Keys – Jack Johnson
I hit the repeat button on this song constantly in Southeast Asia. And yes, I love Jack Johnson
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
We were trying to figure the words to this song one day after climbing at Greyrock in Colorado
Papa Dukie and the Mud People – The Subdudes
Opening band at the Joe Cocker 'At Home in Colorado' Concert
Crumble – G.Love and Special Sauce
I listened to this on a rest day near Crested Butte, Colorado. I dragged my sleeping mat out of the tent and watched the clouds drift by for most of the afternoon
Handlebars – The Flobots
The song our friend Scott had stuck in his head when we rode up Cottonwood Pass in Colorado
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
After drinking a few shots of schnapps with our host at the B&B in Croatia, this song started to play. Everything was allllright…
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover – Paul Simon
See day 383
Don’t Believe in Love – Dido
On the radio in the car while we toured Barcelona
Give A Little Bit – Supertramp
Cruising in a convertible with our friend from Barcelona after having a wonderful tapas night. It is his mother’s favorite band and a fitting song for our time with him.
Bicycle Race – Queen
Just a cool song

Live, Learn, and Listen to Music,
LK
ps - link to the playlist here (opens iTunes)