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/

Get A Map: http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/maps.html

Notify Lawmakers: http://capwiz.com/mywonderfulworld/issues/alert/?alertid=12670406&type=ML

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

Geography Lesson: Portugal

Day 408
Albufeira


We’ve been in Portugal for ten days now and it’s probably about time to share some info. It’s the last country we will visit before returning home in a few weeks.
The southwestern-most country in Europe is definitely one of the most interesting. One might think that it is similar to its neighbor Spain. Surprisingly, Portugal is very unique and is proud to stand on its own.
In terms of the landscape, Portugal covers 92,000 sq kilometers of the Iberian Peninsula and is very diverse. With steep mountains in the north, dry plains in the central region and wetlands in the southeast, the country is home a full range of topography. We have certainly experienced the hilly aspect of the interior on our route from Beja south to the Algarve coast.
Economically, Portugal is one of Europe’s poorest countries. Most of the population works in agriculture while tourism is the largest industry. Lisbon has the lowest cost of living for any European capital city. From a traveler’s perspective, Portugal has so far been one of the best values.
Portugal joined the EU in 1986 and is governed by a parliamentary democracy. It gained its independence in 1140 and includes the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores.
Here are some more interesting facts:
Population: 10.6 million (2007)
Major Language: Portuguese (300 million people world wide speak this language)
Number of bicycles produced in 2007: 900,000
Coastline: 1,793 kilometers
Major exports: textiles, port wine, over 50% of the worlds wine corks

LK

Press Release: The World Tour

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Leslie Kehmeier
Bicycle Geography
PO Box 4433
Eagle, CO 81631
bicyclegeography@yahoo.com
http://www.bicyclegeography.org/

Chris and Leslie Kehmeier Announce Plans to Ride Bicycles around the World to Promote Geographic Knowledge

Chris and Leslie Kehmeier of Gypsum, Colorado will realize a lifelong dream of seeing the world by selling their house, quitting their jobs and traveling the globe by bicycle. They call their project Bicycle Geography.

The Kehmeier’s self-supported journey begins in Oct 2007 from their home state of Colorado. Their timeline is two and a half years and they plan to visit the following areas: New Zealand/Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China, Mongolia, Russia and Europe.
During the journey Chris and Leslie will promote geographic knowledge, inspire people to ride bicycles, and endorse sustainable modes of transportation.

Chris and Leslie consider bicycles to have great practicality and functionality and have chosen them as their main mode of transportation. Bicycles not only allow increased mobility, health and economic benefits, they require only human-power as fuel.

After reading an alarming news article in 2006, The Kehmeiers were inspired to promote geographic awareness as part of their trip. They learned that young adults in the United States are significantly lacking in their geographic knowledge. They hope to bring more awareness to the subject of Geography through photos and journals on their Bicycle Geography website.

[END]

About the Bicycle Geography team:
Leslie Kehmeier was born and raised in Colorado. She can usually be found turning the pedals on her mountain bike, hanging from the side of a mountain or planning a weekend trip to Paris. Leslie is a 1991 graduate of Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, Colorado and 1995 graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a degree in Geography.

Chris Kehmeier was born in New Mexico, and raised in Nevada and Colorado. When he is not working in irrigation design and sales he gets out on his bike, on foot, and on a rope as much as possible. When he is resting his legs he dabbles in the kitchen and plans his tick lists for future bike and climbing trips. Chris is a 1993 graduate of Littleton High School in Littleton, Colorado and a 1998 graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Horticulture.

For additional information about Bicycle Geography please contact Chris or Leslie Kehmeier bicyclegeography@yahoo.com or visit http://www.bicyclegeography.org/