Ken isn’t one to slow down. When the pandemic hit, he knew he had to find a way to continue touring and hosting his beloved Warmshowers family. It was time to get creative.

Ken Francis is a passionate and seasoned cyclist, a longtime Warmshowers user, host, volunteer, and former Board member. He began hosting cyclists through Warmshowers in 2013 and has welcomed more than 269 guests over the years!

In Pedaling Through the Pandemic, Ken recounts how he continued to tour while taking all necessary safety precautions. He checks the travel guidelines daily and always has a backup plan. Last year, Ken combined his love of cycling with his love of roller coasters and took a trip across the Midwest, visiting eight theme parks. He also toured in Germany and stayed with a wonderful couple he hosted in California years before.

Ken is grateful to be a “shelter in the storm” for folks cycling through California during this lockdown time. Even if we disagree on vaccinations, the virus, or politics, we all agree on the joys of cycle touring, being human, and helping each other out. Let’s focus on what brings us together, not what divides us, and keep pedaling!

You can follow Ken on YouTube at Ken Francis World and The Intimacy Gram. Find him on Instagram @Adventureman_lb and @The_Intimacy_Gram.

Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org and visit us on Facebook. Contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected].

Happy riding and hosting!