If two years ago you’d told me I’d ever go to Syria in my lifetime, I’d have laughed in your face. Not long ago, something like that seemed virtually impossible, but as life would have it, things changed almost overnight, and a couple of weeks ago I hopped on a bus for $14 to oneContinue reading “A Short Trip To Syria 🇸🇾”
Author Archives: Riley
Bike Tour Recap Video
It’s been almost two months since we finished our summer bike tour and I’m definitely missing some things about living life on the road. There was tons of footage to go through and the only way to finish the video was to make a chaotic compilation/vlog with random music. So here it is – aContinue reading “Bike Tour Recap Video”
Returning to Bosnia & Completing the Tour 🇧🇦🏁
While it felt like we saw so much on tour, we were only three days away from making it to Sarajevo, where we would meet up with our friend, Adnan. At this point in the trip we were both waking up a bit sore and tired, but could sense that we wouldn’t have to pushContinue reading “Returning to Bosnia & Completing the Tour 🇧🇦🏁”
Cycling the Croatian Coast 🇭🇷
After spending five nights in Bari, our time in Italy was up and it was time to cross the Adriatic by way of an eight hour ferry ride. No more gas station cafe cremas, mafia bros with popped collars, or post-apocalyptic afternoon riposos. Seeing Sicily and Southern Italy by bike was incredible, but we wereContinue reading “Cycling the Croatian Coast 🇭🇷”
Italy ✅
Time has flown by since we departed Sicily on a ferry across the Strait of Messina. After just ten days (seven cycling days), we rode up the west coast of Calabria, crossed the mountains to the Gulf of Taranto, and passed through the remote highlands of Puglia to the Adriatic coast, where we cruised toContinue reading “Italy ✅”
Sicily Completed!
It felt like we covered so much ground, and after only five days, we made it to the other side of Sicily. I had been to Sicily a few years ago, but seeing it this way was truly amazing. The mostly coastal ride featured stunning views and there was almost always a charming small townContinue reading “Sicily Completed!”
First Days in Sicily
In the two page Battaglia Family History word document, there is a story about my Great Great Grandmother leaving her village with her children. When she decided she wanted to take my Great Grandfather and his siblings to America, she didn’t have time to wait for her husband to get back from hunting, so theyContinue reading “First Days in Sicily”
Preparations in Tunis 🇹🇳
As we continue with the crazy times of 2025, I am concluding my preparations for a type of journey I’ve had on my to-do list for quite some time – a bike tour. Having been inspired by YouTubers dating back to 2019, I’ve been waiting for the right time to take a bike trip. OverContinue reading “Preparations in Tunis 🇹🇳”
Tbilisi at Night 🇬🇪
On my second day in Tbilisi I decided to head out towards the Holy Trinity Cathedral around sunset. Although it is getting close to autumn, the mid-day sun is still hot and exhausting when exploring the city. The cathedral itself, open since 2004, is massive and you can practically see it from most places inContinue reading “Tbilisi at Night 🇬🇪”
Mount Kinabalu 🏔🇲🇾
Before spending the summer in Sabah, I have to admit I knew little to nothing about both Sabah and Borneo. I assumed it would be hot and humid and mostly rainforest. Before arriving, my friend and coworker mentioned hiking Mt. Kinabalu, which is the highest summit in both Malaysia and Borneo. I was definitely interestedContinue reading “Mount Kinabalu 🏔🇲🇾”