What if the key to rediscovering joy, connection, and hope in humanity was as simple as slowing down?
Join Jackie as she sits down with adventurer, filmmaker, and lifelong bike advocate Ryan Van Duzer, whose life on two wheels has become a mission to inspire connection, sustainability, and joy through travel. From his early vow at age eight to never own a car to his incredible ride home from the Peace Corps in Honduras, Ryan's story is a testament to how slow travel can open hearts and minds.
In this conversation, Ryan shares lessons from decades of pedaling across the Americas—from small-town generosity and backyard deer in West Virginia to challenging stereotypes on a recent ride through the Deep South. He and Jackie dive into the power of human connection, the importance of being an ambassador for kindness, and how seeing the world up close reminds us that people everywhere have more in common than we think.
Ryan also discusses his work in bicycle advocacy, raising funds for organizations like People for Bikes, Community Cycles, and Bikepacking Roots to help kids and underrepresented riders discover the freedom of cycling. His message? You don't have to travel far to experience the magic of slow travel—just hop on a bike, explore your own backyard, and rediscover the beauty of moving through the world at human speed.
Resources:
- Ryan Van Duzer on YouTube
- Follow Ryan on Instagram: @duzer
- Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies!
- Don't miss Jackie's behind-the-scenes communications—hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com
Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!
Produced by NOVA
Take a leap with Jackie IRL - join us in Greece and Norway in 2025 at JUMPadventures.com
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