31 episodes
Intrepid Global Citizen Podcast George Balarezo
-
- Society & Culture
This podcast takes the listener on an adventure-based educational tour around the world. We aim to share our wisdom gained through the blood, sweat, and tears that come along with being confronted with nature and humanity in its rawest form. You will be introduced to bold adventurers who have accomplished inspiring feats of endurance, developed an unmatched level of resilience, and strive to make the world a more peaceful, just place. Whether you are an armchair adventurer, someone who is about to set off on their first trip, or an seasoned veteran in the realm of adventure travel, we guarantee you will have a blast. Sit back, strap on your headphones, and enjoy the ride.
-
Kimberly Coats From Africa Rising
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. -
Joy Ride: A Bicycle Odyssey From Alaska to Argentina
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. -
Laura Massey-Pugh: A New Guinness World Record for Circumnavigating the World by Tandem Bicycle
In this episode we speak with Laura Massey-Pugh, one half of the team that recently set a Guinness World Record by cycling 18,000 miles on a tandem bicycle in 179 days and 12 hours.
Stevie (Steven Massey) is a very experienced ultra-distance cyclist, completing his first 100+ mile ride at the ripe age of 11. In his racing days, he achieved 4th in the National 24 hour time trial championships (725km in 24 hours) and has finished London-Edinburgh-London, and Paris-Brest-Paris in the top 5%. He has and unofficial record of riding the length of the UK and back again (~2000 miles) unsupported in 9.5 days and has cycled over 250,000 miles in his lifetime, over half the distance to the moon. He was an accomplished tandem rider when he met Laura and encouraged her to take the stoker seat on his tandem.
Laura (Laura Massey-Pugh) has ridden bicycles since a young age, commuting to school and work. Before she met Stevie, she had completed a 100 mile ride but it was he that introduced her to the world of ultra-distance cycling. She has completed Super Randonneur series (a 200km, 300km, 400km and 600km events) both on solo bicycle and tandem. She rides “stoker” on the tandem and despite popular opinion does not “have her feet up on the back” but is able to assist with navigation and nutrition as well as providing a rear-wheel drive function. She likes to mix her challenges up and prior to the record had trial run "coast to coast" of the UK and after completed an "Iron-distance" triathalon.
Together as SteLa Tandem some of their achievements include completing the 1000km Mille Pennines Audax, Land’s End to John O’Groats self supported on the tandem in 10 days and an epic 850 miles ride around the country of Wales in 8 days. They are the only tandem to finish All Points North, an ultra-cycling event.
This all lead to their record breaking tandem ride around the world, covering over 18,000 miles in 180 days, self-supported on their tandem bicycle.
Their book "Backseat Rider" is available on their website here: http://www.stelatandem.com
You can find their YouTube channel (including podcasts) here:
https://www.youtube.com/@stelatandem2702
You can follow them on social media here:
Twitter @SteLaTandem
Instagram @SteLa_Tandem
Facebook @SteLa Tandem Round the World Record
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. -
Adventurer/Author Tim Millikin- 46,500 Kilometers, 39 Countries, 3 Years on Bicycle
Tim embarked on a daring dream to pedal around the globe. With nothing but sheer determination and a modest budget of 6 pounds (7 USD) per day, he mounted his trusty 90-pound (110 USD) bicycle, setting off from Reading, United Kingdom, without a map and nothing more than a pocketful of hope to make it to Reading, Pennsylvania in the United States.
In the sun-scorched Australian outback, he struggled for every precious drop of water in the relentless 110°F (40°C) heat and battled the elements that seemed determined to thwart his journey.
In the heart of Central Asia, he pitched his tent while braving frigid -15°C (0° F) temperatures that would send shivers down anyone's spine.
Tim's quest was not without its trials. Prolonged hospital stays in China and El Salvador tested his physical and emotional mettle. In the midst of this incredible adventure, he faced a heart-wrenching breakup with his girlfriend after cycling together for an entire year, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices he made for his grand expedition.
For the unfiltered and exhilarating account of Tim's extraordinary journey, his book, "Reading to Reading: A Bicycle Journey Around the World," is a must-read. It's a chronicle of an epic adventure, a tale of human endurance, and a testament to the power of dreams that refuse to be confined by the ordinary.
Find Tim's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1527273563
Follow Tim on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cyclingoverland/
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. -
Cycling the Karakorum Highway in Pakistan
In this thrilling episode, we embark on a two-wheeled expedition through one of the world's most breathtaking landscapes - the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan. Join us as we pedal our way through this mountainous wonderland, exploring the culture, the challenges, and the sheer beauty that make this journey a must for every adventurer.
Hosted by seasoned cyclist and travel enthusiast, George Balarezo, this episode takes you on a virtual journey through the heart of the Karakoram Range.
Our adventure begins in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, where George sets the stage for the breathtaking ride ahead. From the bustling streets of Islamabad, he cycles northward, reaching the gateway to the Karakoram Highway in the town of Abbottabad. Along the way, he shares insights on the challenges faced by cyclists, including the extreme altitude, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the sheer physical demands of cycling at high elevations.
As he pedals deeper into the Karakoram Range, the landscape transforms from lush valleys to rugged mountains, with the mighty Indus River flowing alongside. George discusses the unique culture and hospitality of the local people, providing a glimpse into the warm and welcoming communities that dot the route.
Throughout the episode, George provides practical tips for anyone considering this epic cycling journey.
For armchair travelers and adventurous souls alike, this episode is a captivating exploration of one of the most challenging and awe-inspiring cycling routes on the planet. Join us as we embark on a virtual adventure along the Karakoram Highway, and discover why it is a true cyclist's dream and a testament to the beauty of Pakistan's northern frontier.
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. -
Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kurdistan, and 40,000 Kilometers on a Bicycle with Marc Tiburski
After cycling 700 kilometers in 24 hours as a competitive cyclist, Marc Tiburski left his home in Germany and is now 666 days and 40,000 kilometers into his world cycling tour. In this episode we talk about how he achieved celebrity status in Iraq after getting his phone stolen, his experiences fasting during Ramadan, and pedaling while literary drunk on hospitality in Iran. Marc also talks about his adventures cycling across Saudi Arabia, a country that has been open to tourism only since 2019.
Follow Marc on social media @Bikeaway or at https://www.bikeaway91.de/
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.