Chainwheel Diaries

Brian Bartley Berlin
  • 5.0 (3)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Your bicycle can take you around the neighborhood, across the state, or around the world. These are the stories of those cyclists who travel the world by bike.

  1. 6D AGO

    Chainwheel Diaries Best of Podcast

    I’m kicking off the 2026 season with a compilation of someof my best interviews from past episodes. I reviewed these past episodes and realized there are somereally great bike travel stories being told. I picked out some of my favorites and edited them into what I’m calling my Best of Chainwheel Diaries podcast. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I have. Thanks for tuning in, and please subscribe wherever you getyour podcasts. Coming up, Best of Chainwheel Dairies, 2026

    32 min

  2. JAN 4

    Chainwheel Diaries Episode 19 - The Katy Trail Adventure

    Hola bike travelers and bike packers, welcome to anotherepisode of the Chainwheel Diaries, stories about bike travel told by the travelers themselves. I’m your host, Brian Berlin, coming to you from the PalosVerdes Peninsula, home to some of the best bicycling scenery and climbs in Southern California. And by the way, Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! May it be a year of fulfillment and happiness for you and yours. Today’s guest is Chris Compton, who has been a frequentguest and is joining me today as we relive our epic Katy Trail Ride last July. If you’re not familiar with the Katy Trail, it's the longest continuous rail trail in the U.S. measuring 237 miles from Clinton to Machens, Missouri. Chris and I rode from Clinton to St. Charles in time for thefourth of July celebrations on the riverfront, but we started the ride in our own adventurous way. We met lots of great people and I was fortunate to have visits from my Missouri relatives. So have a seat at the coffee bar, sit back and enjoy theepisode. Katy Trail adventure, coming up next!

    42 min
  3. Chainwheel Diaries Podcast Episode 18 - Gregg Beytin

    09/02/2025

    Chainwheel Diaries Podcast Episode 18 - Gregg Beytin

    The latest episode of the Chainwheel Diaries podcast features an interview with Gregg Beytin, an experienced bike adventurer who runs a Meetup group for bicyclers who want to experience bike camping on weekend overnight rides.  Gregg also has extensive experience with bike travel, the evolution of touring styles, and the community aspects of bike camping groups. The discussion covers Gregg's personal history, equipment choices, the dynamics of group rides, and the challenges and joys of bike touring both in the U.S. and Europe. Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like the podcast, please say so!

    34 min
  4. Chainwheel Diaries Episode 17 - Ken Francis

    07/27/2025

    Chainwheel Diaries Episode 17 - Ken Francis

    "You don't stop riding your bike because you get old. You get old because you stop riding your bike."  That's Ken Francis, my guest on this episode of Chainwheel Diaries. Not only has Ken been bike touring since he was 13, but he's also a Warmshowers host for over 13 years, hosting more than 326 guests at his Long Beach home, often welcoming cyclists from diverse routes such as the Pacific Coast and Route 66. He values the reciprocal hospitality culture, sharing stories of hosting multiple visits from German cyclists and connecting with hosts in Europe, including Brussels and Amsterdam. Ken's hosting enriches both guests and hosts by fostering community and cultural exchange, and he also served on the Warm Showers board for five years. His experience as both a host and guest demonstrates the supportive network available to touring cyclists worldwide. Ken recounts numerous adventures, including cross-country rides in 1985 and 1986 that were transformative personal growth experiences. One notable story involves enduring hypothermia in Death Valley during an unexpected snowstorm, where he and a friend huddled in a sleeping bag roadside, highlighting the unpredictable challenges of bike touring. Another touching moment was when a stranger in Yellowstone gave him $20 with words of encouragement, reinforcing his belief in human kindness and inspiring him to continue solo after his companions dropped out. Ken emphasizes that despite hardships like headwinds, mechanical failures, or weather, his determination always sees him through. You'll enjoy hearing from Ken about his bike travels and his engaging manner. Enjoy the episode! Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like the podcast, please say so!

    57 min
  5. Chainwheel Diaries Episode Sixteen - Geoff Morgan

    07/26/2025

    Chainwheel Diaries Episode Sixteen - Geoff Morgan

    Geoff Morgan, living just north of London and still employed full-time, started bike touring about five years ago, inspired by Simon Doughty's "Long Distance Cyclist Handbook" and encouraged by Covid lockdown circumstances. His initial tours began with simple weekend trips using an old tent found in his shed, gradually evolving into longer and more ambitious rides across the UK and France. Geoff emphasizes the accessibility of bike touring in his region despite some logistical challenges such as train travel restrictions with bikes. Geoff describes several favorite rides, including the Outer Hebrides' Hebridean Way, known for stunning scenery and strong winds, and the Coast and Castles route along the northeast coast of England into Scotland, featuring historic castles and coastal paths. He also recounts a two-week bike tour in France along the D-Day beaches, praising the region's bike infrastructure and commemorative sites. His rides often involve a mix of paved roads, bike lanes, and grass paths, requiring adaptability and physical endurance. Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like the podcast, please say so!

    45 min
  6. Chainwheel Diaries Season 3 Episode 15 - Robert Hickman

    04/01/2025

    Chainwheel Diaries Season 3 Episode 15 - Robert Hickman

    Greetings! Bikepackers and Bike Travelers, welcome to another episode of the Chainwheel Diaries Podcast. Stories about bike travel told by the travelers themselves. I’m your host Brian Berlin Ever confronted a Mormon Cricket? Well my guest today has, and cleverly assigned the highest level of bike travel body odor to this critter.  His name is Robert Hickman. He’s an artist and teaches sculpture at college, and hails from Brooklyn NY.  Robert has undertaken many epic bike adventures, including 4 crosses of the U.S., the Great Divide, the Baja Divide, Trans Mexico and most of Japan. In this episode he shares what he’s learned from his bikepacking and bike travel adventures, and there’s good advice in there for my listeners.  With that, let’s meet Robert Hickman.  Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like the podcast, please say so!

    33 min
  7. Chainwheel Diaries Season 3 Episode 14 - Dave Morriss & Wendy Holmes

    02/18/2025

    Chainwheel Diaries Season 3 Episode 14 - Dave Morriss & Wendy Holmes

    Greetings bike travelers and bikepackers, welcome to another episode of the Chainwheel Diaries podcast – stories about bike travel told by the travelers themselves. I’m your host, Brian Berlin. My guests today are Dave Morriss and Wendy Holmes, a seasoned bike traveling couple that have ridden on several continents. They are an absolute delight, and in the interview, we trace their beginnings from their time together in Britain’s Royal Air Force to starting their bicycling adventures in British Columbia Canada.  Dave and Wendy are living proof that we can continue to explore the world by bike even in our golden years. I found their stories inspiring and you will too.  Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like the podcast, please say so!

    41 min
  8. Episode 13 - Mental Health and Cycling with Bryan Rogala

    01/20/2025

    Episode 13 - Mental Health and Cycling with Bryan Rogala

    1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. But how many times have you seen it written on a poster or you’ve heard it from a fellow bicycler, that going on a great bike adventure is all you need to work through your mental health challenges. That’s certainly not true for everyone. And my guest today, Bryan Rogala, can attest to that. Bryan wrote an article that was published last December in the Adventure Cycling magazine where he opened up about his mental health challenges and his discovery that just riding is not a cure for deeper issues. Therapy and medication have helped him find balance in his life. Perhaps you’ve struggled with depression and/or anxiety and getting outdoors and being active has only temporarily provided relief. If so, you’ll want to listen to Bryan’s story, and hopefully you’ll find the inspiration and support you need to ask for help. Because our mental health is important to ourselves, and to our friends and family members. I hope you enjoy this episode. Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you like the podcast, please say so!

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Your bicycle can take you around the neighborhood, across the state, or around the world. These are the stories of those cyclists who travel the world by bike.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Bartley Berlin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brian Bartley Berlin
  • Show Website
    Chainwheel Diaries