Cycling the World: An Interview with Filmmaker McKenzie Barney
I interviewed filmmaker McKenzie Barney about her film, Cycling the World.
Slow Forward Motion
The true reality of any long adventure is methodical, sustained, forward motion. It’s remarkably similar to the pursuit of any long-term goal.
Feta And Sundried Tomato Spread
This is an easy, delicious recipe that everyone seems to love. I use it as a sandwich spread, as a dip for crackers, and for lots of other dishes like quiche or potatoes.
An Interview with Alissa Bell, Creator of BikepackBaggregator.com
Alissa Bell is a longtime adventure cyclist and software developer with a habit of making excellent bikepacking websites. I interviewed her about her latest creation, bikepackbaggregator.com.
Setting Goals That Get You Somewhere Good
Every December I spend a few days reflecting on the year behind me and planning the year ahead. I think of myself as a compass, and my plan as a map. I chart my course and take myself where I want to go.
Hold Tight And Let Go
Reflections on my mom’s death from ALS and what it means to love and let go.
A Playlist for Hard Mornings
I played this every morning when I got my mom up and ready for the day. I think it would be good for anyone facing death, loss, or change.
Books for Life, Death, and Dying
In the year my mom was sick I read a lot of books about death, grief, and loss. These were my three favorites.
Susan Kaye Killingbeck November 17, 1953 October 12, 2025
My mom passed away on Sunday, October 12, at age 71. She lived a brave, humble, and extraordinary life. After a year with ALS, her body is at rest and her soul is free. I will miss her forever. This is the information about her burial and Celebration of Life.
Nature is the Source of our Humanity
Nature is a wild mystery; I’ve also come to experience it as a complex, emotional, and benevolent energy. People are iterations of this same energy.
Adventure Cycling with a Twig Stove
I’ve biked and hiked thousands of miles with a tiny twig stove. I love cooking on fire!
Life in the Yard
I’ve lived in the yard long enough for the seasons to change. Also, opossums learned to wash my dishes.
Time is Change
My mom got sick this year. In April I drove to my parents’ house, set up my tent in the backyard, and started caring for her full time.
2024 Adventures in House-sitting
I spent a year house-sitting across the US. This is how the adventure unfolded.
Empathy is a Survival Skill
Empathy is a great skill for building friendships; it's also a powerful tool for deescalating aggression and exiting dicey situations.
I Hope I Will Be Chased By Something Nice Today
One of the best parts of any long bike trip is getting to meet all the animals. Usually these animals love us because they want to eat us. But every now and then, they really just want to be friends and snuggle. (Or at least that’s what I tell myself when I’m being chased.)
Gear List for A Little Loop in Western Michigan
This is my gear list for an April trip on singletrack, gravel, and pavement in western Michigan.