Biking the Americas with Karl Kroll
We recently caught up with Karl Kroll about his Southward bicycle trip starting at the Arctic Circle. Click here to check out the interactive route on Wayward. All photo credits to Karl Kroll.
Note: The first half of Karl’s journey, through South America, was prior to the start of this Wayward trip.
“South from the ARctic”
1 Let's start with the basics: How long was the trip and what was your vehicle of choice?
My trip is currently at 21 months long and I am traveling by bicycle.
2 What inspired you to take this trip?
Long distance human powered travel is always something that had intrigued me. My first was actually via skateboard and since then I have built up to larger and larger adventures. Culminating in this trip, crossing the Americas.
3 Did you plan the route / stops in advance or did you just wing it?
I plan a few major stops but for the most part I just plan as I go. I meet locals and other travelers who recommended things to see or routes and they become my greatest resource in planning.
4 Was this a 'sleep in the ditch' sort of trip or did you stay in 5-star resorts?
I camp almost every night (hopefully not in a ditch). Occasionally I meet friendly locals or find a host via Warmshowers (an app for cyclists) and can enjoy a roof over my head but for most part I am camping.
5 What was the worst thing you ate on this trip?
I ate roadkill grouse in Canada which some may see as bad but was actually a very nice meal. One of my favorite foods from South America was Ecuadorian Encebollada, a fish soup. I don't know why it was so good but I can taste it right now just thinking of it.
6 Did you have any notable interactions with the local folk?
I have many great interactions with locals. Staying with them, and having a sort of cultural exchange. Reactions vary, from disbelief to saying "I want to do a trip like that!" My response is always that anyone can do this sort of trip, they just have to make it a priority.
7 Have you ever done a trip like this before?
I have cycled in Europe and Asia and after this trip already have plans for the next one. It is a bit of an obsession at this point and hard to say when it will end.
8 Tell us about some unexpected / surprising things that happened.
I had a bearing in my rear hub "blow-up" on me in New Mexico along one of the more remote sections of the Great Divide. I ended up using a 26" wheel from a broken bike (I ride 29") and riding 3 days to the next town where I could get my bearing replaced.
