Bike Life

The Big Irish Detour


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Ever wondered what happens when you trade your midlife routine for two years on two wheels? Host Jerry Kopack is joined by Mark Graham & Ellie O’Byrne, an incredible Irish couple currently pedaling their way across the globe.

From desert heat to mountain peaks, they’re proving that the best way to see the world is at a "human pace." We dive into the nitty-gritty of how they made it happen, including a very cool double-decker bus side hustle and the lessons they’ve picked up from the strangers-turned-friends they've met along the way.

In this episode:


  • The "Why Now?": Overcoming the fear of waiting too long to chase the dream.
  • Funding the Adventure: How they used a creative bus project to fuel their journey.
  • Life on the Road: The best meals, the toughest climbs, and the reality of living out of panniers.
  • The Big Takeaway: Why the world is way more welcoming than you’ve been told.


Whether you’re planning your own epic tour or just dreaming of one while you sip your morning coffee, this conversation is packed with humor, heart, and plenty of "seize the day" energy.

Catch up with Mark & Ellie on Substack at @spokeyokes and on their podcast, Spoke Yokes: Cycling Around the World, available on all listening platforms.

Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook.

Watch this and all episodes of the Bike Life Podcast on YouTube.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.

Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les Konley


Happy riding and hosting!

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Bike LifeBy Warmshowers.org Foundation

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