About Us
We believe in bicycle travel.
In March 2009, we made a bold decision. As we rambled across Joshua Tree National Park, reveling in the expansive vistas, we couldn’t help but wonder… “what if we just kept riding?” Four months later, we had sold everything we owned, said goodbye to our friends, relinquished our apartment… and pedaled off toward the horizon.
On the road, we learned about simplicity and serendipity. We learned how to free camp in the desert and stay warm in sub-freezing temperatures. We learned that we have a lot more in common with strangers that we previously believed, and that being on a bicycle breaks down a lot of the usual barriers. Most surprisingly, after 3 years and 18,000 miles of continuous travel, we learned that the humble bicycle has the power to revitalize small towns and bring people together.
Since that first day on the road, our goal has been to inspire others to travel by bike. From our blog to road-side conversations, from media interviews to presentations in cities along our route, we shared our story of adventure. The further we journeyed, the more we realized that our goal is also to inspire entire communities to embrace bicycle travel.
Bicycle travel is a family vacation and a rural economic development tool; it has the power to enrich our personal lives and the well-being of our communities.
As we move away from continuous travel, we’re using our skills in storytelling, speaking, photography and videography to change the conversation about bicycle tourism. We’re working with small towns who want to develop their existing assets to attract cyclists. We’re working with tourism organizations who want to understand the potential of this untapped market. We’re working with advocates who want to demonstrate that cycling is a powerful and positive change agent.
Meet Russ and Laura
Russ Roca is a photographer and videographer, who enjoys using imagery to tell stories and share experiences. Russ has a fascination with zombies, a deep love of bacon, and a 5-piece fly fishing rod that has taught him about patience.
Laura Crawford is a metalsmith and maker of bicycle headbadges, who loves the simple joy of manipulating metal. Laura is also a keen storyteller, with an appreciation for broccoli and word games. Learn more about her metalwork at: www.tangerinetreehouse.com.
