Belize Part 11 (Jan 15 to 20)
January 15 Life in the jungle: I was pretty productive most of the day. I went into the bush and checked and found along my one property line for on old PVC pipe waterline and an electric wire that...
Belize Part 10 (Jan 9 to 14)
January 9 Life in the jungle: Because of how rough our road is getting, Derrick had to walk down our road. Derrick came to install the plycem (plywood/cement mix wall boards) on my basement storage...
I don’t trust anyone
I was bullied almost everyday of my life from grade 1 to grade 12. I was even bullied when I was 37 years old (but that's another story). I am not entirely sure if there is a connection between...
Empty words on a piece of paper
All those emotions stirring my heart Bursting at the seems Needing a place of their own Words coming together in beautiful transformation Cause my heart to sing for joy Expressing my deepest love...
I am so alone that I can’t make sense of anything
And I suspect that writing is my outlet and my perspective. This statement of being alone is not an emotional statement about loneliness but more of a statement of fact. Since arriving in Belize I...
A new category of blog post – My Life
My aunt tried calling me a few days before my birthday but I was unable to take the call at that moment. I know one of her first questions would be how is it going. For most people I interact with...
Unveiling the Unexplored: Why, When Considering All Your Options, Remember You Haven’t
Written for Arie Hoogerbrugge by Sophia Wisdom Life is a series of choices, and decision-making is an ongoing process. Just when you think you've carefully considered all your options, it's...
Yucatan Banded Gecko
Wikipedia Page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucat%C3%A1n_banded_gecko I have only ever seen one of these under my house in my tool room. I suspect that they are not that rare but hard to find. I...
Golden Shower Tree
Wikipedia Page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassia_fistula I first seen this tree all over Belmopan Click on image to enlarge More...
Alope Sphinx Caterpillar
Wikipedia Page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erinnyis_alope Click on image to enlarge More Belizean Creatures Yucatan Banded Gecko Boa...
House Gecko
Wikipedia Page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_house_gecko An evasive species, they are found everywhere around my house and everyone's house. More Belizean Creatures Boa Constrictor Golden...
Cashew Tree
Wikipedia Page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cashew I have one cashew tree in my front yard that produces cashews. In 2022 I planted about 25 baby seedlings from that years harvest. I like the...
Unlocking a Source of Happiness: Why a Satisfied Life Trumps Success
Written for Arie Hoogerbrugge by Sophia Wisdom In a world where success is often defined by external metrics and societal expectations, it's crucial to pause and reflect on what truly brings...
Unlocking a Path: Embracing Spock’s Wisdom on ‘Your First Best Destiny
Written for Arie Hoogerbrugge by Sophia Wisdom In the vast universe of life choices and personal fulfillment, Spock's quote, "Your first best destiny. Anything else is a waste," encapsulates a...
Belize Part 9 (Jan 3 to 8)
January 3 Life in the jungle: Last night Derrick said he was planning to come down and help replace 4 rotted/termite infested pieces plywood in my crawl space with plycem. Good call on Jack for...
Belize Part 8 (Dec 30 to Jan 2)
December 30 Life in the jungle: I went to the city this morning. It was a hectic day and I did not escape my daily portion of grief. First stop to the bank, and then to DigiCell. This is my third...
Belize Part 7 (Dec 26 to 29)
December 26 Life in the jungle: I am still sick. This sucks, I can’t even remember the last time I was sick longer than a day. I have too much to do and no energy. I had some noodle soup for...
Belize Part 6 (Dec 20 to 25)
December 20 Life in the jungle: I slept in and then spent the morning finishing my housework and packing some supplies to exit the house until the 24th for some Airbnb guests from Holland that...
Belize Part 5 (Dec 10 to 19)
December 10 Life in the jungle: I went to bed late last night but I am now setting my alarm for 5:30 am. I have too much work to do and am only too eager to get the day started. I started my...
So whats going on in Belize?
So it's been almost 3 months since I arrived at my home in Belize after a little bit more than 2 years of biking across Canada and down through the USA and Mexico. More or less only accomplishing...
Belize Part 4 (Dec 5 to 9)
December 5 Life in the jungle: This morning I got 100% of my coconut field cleaned except for a few small/medium trees that I need a chainsaw for. The next job is to start cleaning the far [new]...
The Power of Simplicity: Unveiling the Profound Importance of Keeping It Simple
Written for Arie Hoogerbrugge by Sophia Wisdom In a world marked by constant complexity and information overload, the value of simplicity cannot be overstated. Whether in communication, design, or...
Belize Part 3 (Dec 1 to 4)
December 1 Life in the jungle: I started my morning chopping the coconut field as usual. I got a lot of trees de-vined. I seen the black tail of large snake in some vegetation. At first, I...
Belize Part 2 (Nov 27 to 30)
On November 25th I arrived home after biking for over 2 years on the road to get here. November 27 Life in the jungle: Perfect weather today. I got an early start and started de-vining my coconut...
Belize Part 1 (Nov 23 to 26)
I have just spent the last 8 days at a hostel in Chetumal and am prepared to leave and enter Belize. November 23 Destination - Buena Vista Km’s pedalled - 55 km’s (14 km’s Mexico/ 41 km’s Belize)...
Unleashing Greatness: The Art of Doing Epic Shit and How It Transforms Your Life
Written for Arie Hoogerbrugge by Sophia Wisdom In a world filled with routines and the ordinary, there's a call to break free from the mundane and embark on a journey of doing epic shit. This post...
Dead Leaf Praying Mantis
Wikipedia Page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthops_falcata I have only ever seen one of these. It was super tiny small and very difficult to get good photos of. Click on image to enlarge...
Better Questions and Reflections to Live By – Part 16
Better questions and reflections to live by - Part 16 Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7...
Verna Mae Lodge
My most favorite Belizean. Verna Mae was waiting for me when I arrived at my village of Scotland Halfmoon. This would be my celebration of biking over 26,000 km's over the last 2 years.
Alexander Bul & his uncle
Alexander from Buena Vista came up to me and just started talking to me while I was fixing a flat tire. He let me camp in his uncles yard. The next day he showed me around his families farm.
Chetumal Mexico (Nov 16 to 22)
I arrived and completed my Mexican bike route (6,200 km’s) in Chetumal on November 15 November 16 Some Notes - I was in front of my computer all day. All my latest photos are organized and edited. ...
I just have to say thank you! – Appreciation post
I make every effort to read every comment posted to Facebook and to either respond or “like” every comment. From the beginning I have kept a record of my favorite comments/messages as I don’t wish...
My Mexican Bike Tour Summary (June 9 to Nov 15)
Mexico was such an experience that I could never have anticipated that I don’t even nowhere to start. As you can imagine I received many warnings of danger, death and doom as I was about to enter...
Campeche State (Nov 10 to 15)
November 10 Km’s Pedalled - 116 km’s Destination - Nuevo Progreso Some Notes - I set my alarm for 6 am again last night but I am still tired this morning. My foot is almost better. My arm and hand...
Tabasco State (Nov 7 to 9)
Yesterday afternoon I was coaxed off the road for some beers by some locals. Read about that HERE November 7 Km’s Pedalled - 120 km’s Destination - Jáltipan de Morelos Some Notes - I did not sleep...
Veracruz State (Nov 1 to 6)
On October 30th I arrived in Cordoba in the Mexican state of Veracruz November 1 Some Notes - I found my afternoon fairly unproductive thanks to a computer issue which is about as frustrating as it...
Gary Kike and the boys
Biking down the highway towards Xpujil I ran into a bunch of motorcyclists. A photo lead to some beers which lead to a place to set my tent up for the night. I originally thought I was camping in...
Cico Gambo & his brother
In Linda Vista I was coaxed off the road by locals for a beer. It didn’t take long for me to lose count of the number of beers that I ended up having. Good thing the owner of the bar said I could...
Luis Antonio
On November 4th Luis Antonio pulled his vehicle over. His English was probably the best English that I had heard in Mexico thanks to his 20 some odd years in the US. He noticed my Canadian flag...
How to document your bike tour or adventure
This post was originally written and posted in November 2021 and last updated in November 2023. Most everyone documents an adventure in some way for different reasons. Some people document for...
Puebla State (Oct 28 to 31)
October 28 Km’s Pedalled - 66 km’s Destination - Tecamachalco Some Notes - I don’t like it here very much. The (old) guy that has the sleeping bunk below me snores, coughs, moans and farts (loudly)...
Puebla City (Oct 25 to 27)
I have left Mexico City and have just entered the State of Puebla and today I enter the city of Puebla October 25 Km’s Pedalled - 57 km’s Destination - Puebla City Some Notes - I slept a million...
Mexico City Part 2 (Oct 20 to 24)
I arrived in Mexico City October 12th. October 20 Some Notes - I started my day visiting the Palacio de Bellas Artes Museum. At first it didn’t occur to me to visit here but then I realized that...
Mexico City (Oct 14 to 19)
On October 12th I entered Mexico City by bike. October 15 Km’s Pedalled - 33.5 km’s Some Notes - Today was pretty much a right off. I left my host this morning. For the first time my host...
Mexico State & City (Oct 8 to 13)
October 8 Km’s Pedalled - 75 km’s Destination - Ixtlahuaca Some Notes - Another long day. The day started with highway biking until I missed my turn and I had to bike 7 km’s to get back on track....
Guanajuato State – Part 3 (Oct 3 to 7)
On October 2nd in the late afternoon I had arrived to the city of Santiago de Querétaro and checked myself into the Blue Bicycle Hostel. October 3 Some Notes - I combined my morning with drying out...
Eduardo Cervantes
Eduardo was a lucky host for me from Ixtlahuaca near the pyramids in San Juan Teotihuacan which I had planned to visit before arriving in Mexico City. Eduardo became a host thanks to a chance...
Guanajuato State – Part 2 (Sept 28 to Oct 2)
September 28 Km’s Pedalled – 21 km’s Some Notes - I started my morning editing photos because I had a check in with the Healthy Way Vibes show this morning. The show went good as usual except just...
No Motivation?
Admittedly I am not very motivated to be bike touring right now. Before I go into detail let me first disclose that while this is a first time for me to be looking forward to ending my bike ride, I...
Guanajuato State – Part 1 (Sept 22 to 27)
September 22 Km’s Pedalled - 79.5 km’s Destination - 10 km’s from Lagos de Moreno Some Notes - I slept in until 11am. I am not sure how that happened. The day was perfect weather and the road was...
Mexico – My Truth
Entering Mexico I was warned many times that my life was at risk. I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Logic dictated that cities that border the US must be the more dangerous cities in Mexico...
Aguascalientes, Mexico (Sept 16 to 21)
September 16 Some Notes – Today was a day spent in front of my computer. I started the morning with a Road Show with Brandon and then we did an extended show- The Safari Arie Experience to discuss...
Mario Fernando A Garcia
While in Vicente Guerrero I was messaged by someone interested in hosting me in Aguascalientes. The next day I received a message from Mario about hosting me in the same city. I replied to Mario...
The State of Zacatecas – Part 3 (Sept 11 to 15)
September 11 Km’s Pedalled - 23 km’s Some Notes – I started my morning meeting with Elton Guillen. Elton wanted to interview me for his YouTube channel. The interview went really well. He did a...
Iohan Gueorguiev
On September 17th I woke up to a message from my Aunt Henny that Iohan Gueorguiev was dead. Iohan was the bike tourer/bikepacker that inspired me that biking through a Canadian winter was...
The State of Zacatecas – Part 2 (Sept 6 to 10)
September 6 Km’s Pedalled - 71.5 km’s Destination - Fresnillo Some Notes - This morning I received an email from Belize. Let’s just say that it’s not good and my bike ride may very well be in...
Paty De Anda
Through a random stop at a Fresnillo bike shop called Rocha bike shop I was found a host upon my arrival in Zacatecas. Paty would be able to offer me an empty lower floor apartment. There was so...
Is my bike ride in jeopardy?
Is my bike ride in jeopardy? In a single word – yes. And my mind is so full of chaos that I need to unload everything about my current situation on paper/computer and the trick will be whether or...
La Leyenda Restaurant
While in Zacatecas I met another cyclist named Elton. You can read about our meeting HERE. We would find ourselves at a restaurant called La Leyenda. The restaurant was filled with trinkets and...
Zeek GPS
Thanks to my host in Torreon Ricardo Mendoza I had a chance meeting with the Manuel Zeek the owner of Zeek GPS. We hit it off pretty good and he was willing to help my bike ride by providing me...
Elton Guillen
While exploring Zacatecas I would return to Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas twice for photos. There was too much sunshine coming through the stained glass window in the morning. During my second...
Carlos and Cynthia Rocha – Fresnillo bike shop
On September 7 as I was preparing to leave Fresnillo I snapped a bolt on my crank. There was a bike shop less than 2 km's from the fire station that was hosting me. The bike shop was owned and run...
Horacio Velázquez
Arriving in Fresnillo I was not sure what to expect. I was told that the local mountain bike group would be notified of my arrival but what happen was way cooler. Whenever I arrive in a Mexican city...
The State of Zacatecas – Part 1 (Sept 1 to 5)
September 1 Some Notes - This morning I thought I would go back to the chicken restaurant where I received my free meal at the other day. I thought that it would give me a chance to pay them back....
Fresnillo Fire Department – Estación de Bomberos and their fire chief Víctor René García Magallanes
Upon arriving in Fresnillo I was quickly recognized by Horacio Velazquez who would call the city mayor about accommodations for me. The mayor would send the city fire chief that would escort me to...
Victor F.H.
Victor was a really nice humble guy who really wanted to make sure I was taken care of in Sombrerete. Victor was a flag car that drove over 20 km's behind me into the city of Sombrerete on...
Claudia Hernandez and her daughter Areli and her husband Juan
Claudia is a member of the local bike group and hosted me my last evening in Sombrerete. Her daughter Areli and her family also live in the house. Areli and Juan along with Roman joined for the...
Channa Ayala or Suzy
Channa Ayala of Sombrerete was determined to make sure I had a great time in Sombrerete. She fed many times at her restaurant. She is also a member of the mountain group that invited me to bike to...
Román Eduardo Aguilar
I first met Roman biking into Sombrerete. Roman was driving a flag truck behind me. The next day Roman gave me a 3 hour, 19 km bike ride tour around the city. Later that afternoon we joined other...
Ramses Ríos Rodarte – The Municipality President
Arriving into the downtown center of Sombrerete within seconds there was a guy from Sombrerete al Dia News Company interviewing me on Facebook Live and within moments the Municipal Presidencia (I am...
Venno Rodrigues also known as Ben
Arriving in Vicente Guerrero Ben introduced himself very quickly and offered his place as long as I wanted to stay in VG which ultimately would be 7 nights at his place. Ben would also create a...
Durango Mexico Part 3 (Aug 25 to 31)
August 25 Km’s Pedalled - 82 km’s Destination - Vicente Guerrero Some Notes - Today was another amazing day thanks to some of the residents of Durango. Today I am biking with 4 guys (and Adrian who...
Durango Mexico Part 2 (Aug 18 to 24)
August 18 Some Notes - I spent the afternoon with Roger as he delivered his coffee all around the city. Of the many stops we made I found myself in pretty fancy country club. We also ended up...
I can’t lie
I still think about you when I least expect it Your face appears before me The feelings creep back. Your smile haunts me My stomach goes tight My eyes stare into eternity The tears begin to well I...
Ariel Randeles of Multisport
Ariel received me and the NOPAL mountain bike group that biked 90 km's with me to Vicente Guerrero. Ariel owns the local bike shop in town and also sells the Sunpeed brand of bikes hence the...
Sunpeed Bikes
Thanks to meeting Adrian Ibarra & his girlfriend Dalia Aguirre in Durango and discovering a shifting cable on the verge of snapping Adrian made arrangements to have my bike fixed at Sunpeed. ...
Adrian Ibarra & his girlfriend Dalia Aguirre
I met Dalia and Adrian because Dalia spotted me biking into Durango and waved me down. I would never have guessed such a random meeting would lead to so much excitement. Because of a bike issue...
NOPAL Mountain Bike Club
Thanks to my chance meeting of Adrian Ibarra & his girlfriend Dalia Aguirre who also happened to be members of the NOPAL Mountain Bike Club in Durango. After Adrian making arrangements to have...
Monica Arce and her sister Ali and nephew Diego
With Ali & Diego (Monica was unavailable) The day before arriving in Durango I reached out to a Mexican bike group on WhatsApp called RACmex General. I asked if there was anyone out there that...
Rogelio Mendoza
Roger is the brother of my Torreon host - Ricardo. I would end up spending a lot of time with Roger most afternoons during my 9 days in Torreon. Roger has a coffee roasting company with ambitions...
Ricardo Mendoza Cerda
By chance encounter I met Ricardo at the main viewing ares of Copper Canyon on July 11. He was at the canyon helping some new cafe owners on their opening day of a cafe that can be found inside the...
Durango Mexico Part 1 (August 9 to 17)
August 9 Km’s Pedalled - 123 km’s (State of Chihuahua - 12 km’s/ State of Durango – 111 km’s) Destination - Bermejillo Some Notes - My only excitement for the entire day was biking through Ceballos...
Assorted Desert Plants & Trees of the Northern Mexican Baja
I biked the northern Baja of Mexico between June 9th to the 20th. These are some of the cactus and tree species I came across along the way. I wrote Mexico Baja Part 1and Mexico Baja Part 2 and...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 15
Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7 hours a day. I have probably listen to a few 1000...
Mexico – Back on the Road – Part 3 (Aug 6 to 8)
August 6 Km’s pedalled - 70 km’s Destination - 20 km’s past Saucillo Some Notes - Today’s weather was pretty much nothing short of perfect. Overall, the scenery was the same as yesterday. Last...
Mexico – Back on the Road – Part 2 (Aug 2 to 5)
August 2 Some Notes - I woke up absolutely exhausted. I started the morning with a Road Show with Brandon. I was in no shape to go anywhere. I edited my photos from the past few days and then I...
Raul Recio and his family
On my way to Jimenez some guys called me over off the road. I was quickly offered a beer. There was on guy who spoke a small amount of English. Through the conversations Raul who did not speak...
Marquito Moreno & roommate Eric Rodriguez
My Creel host Luis Pacheco Vazquez is friends with Marquito (Marco) through the mutual love of bike touring. After having some hotel issues in Chihuahua Luis connected me with these guys. This...
Mexico – Back on the Road – Part 1 (July 29 to Aug 1)
July 29 Km’s Pedalled - 36.5 km’s Destination - San Juanito Some Notes - As usual leaving a host always leaves me with a late start. I am always a little anxious getting back on the road after an...
Red Coffee Snake
Red Coffee Snake - Ninia sebae Wikipedia page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninia_sebae Locally known as Bead and Coral. That being said any red banded snake such as the venomous coral snake has...
Creel Part 2 (July 24 to 28)
July 24 Some Notes – Being Saturday I had actually predicted an unproductive day and the day sort of started that way but by the end of the day I think I made up for an unproductive morning. At...
Creel Part 1 (July 16 to 23)
July 16 Some Notes - Today was mostly spent talking and hanging with Luis. Over the last day an intriguing opportunity has presented itself. Yesterday I considered asking Luis to teach me how to...
Jewelry Making?
I have no idea if it’s serendipity or foolish folly. The randomness of meeting and connecting with Luis Vazquez originally of Mexico City currently residing in Creel for the past 30 years. A...
Copper Canyon Part 3 (July 12 to 15)
July 12 Destination - Creel Some Notes - I actually did not sleep very well last night at all. There was some dog somewhere that would not stop barking all night. The weather has cleared and...
Copper Canyon Part 2 (July 9 to 11)
July 9 Km’s Pedalled - 33 km’s Some Notes - Took a ride out to Cerro del Gallego Lookout Point and back. A beautiful day. Unfortunately, I had to set my alarm for an 8 am breakfast here. After...
Copper Canyon Part 1 (July 7 to 8)
At the bottom of this blog post you will find an overview and description of the Copper Canyon and El Chepe train route. July 7 Km’s Pedalled - 29 km’s to the ferry plus 30 km’s when I arrived in...
Luis & Anna Pacheco Vazquez
Coming back to Creel from an afternoon of biking and hiking at San Ignacio I biked past Luis selling his jewellery at his little table on the main drag of Creel. Luis quickly waved me over. Luis...
Cycling the Baja of Mexico in review
Truthfully, I am not even sure where to start with the Baja. When I first started this bike ride on November 12, 2019 and planned to bike through a Canadian winter, I honestly expected that every...
Mario Munoz
I met Mario Munoz of Rancho San Isidro Lodge shortly after arriving in Cerocahui who stopped to ask me where I was going. I said I was looking for some lookout that was supposed to out this way. ...