Cycles of Change

Engineering practical systems and exploring the physical world.

Setting out upon the road with a loaded bike offers a freeing way to see the world. By trading consumer noise for two wheels and a pair of bags, a rider rediscovers travel at a human pace. Every pedal stroke connects the traveler with changing skies, winding valleys, and the physical shape of the [...]
The Call to a Deeper Journey To choose the path of the nomadic cyclist is to answer a call for a more profound way of living. It is a conscious decision to trade a life of accumulation for a life of experience. This philosophy extends far beyond the simple act of packing lightly; it is a form of [...]
The Joy of a Campfire Meal There is a special kind of magic in cooking a meal over an open fire. The warmth of the flames, the crackle of the wood, the delicious aroma of food cooking in the open air, all of these elements create a memorable and deeply satisfying experience. The one part of this [...]
Stretching across south-central New Mexico, Highway 380 crosses fifty-three solitary miles of high desert terrain between the Rio Grande village of San Antonio and the mountain town of Carrizozo. For the bicycle tourist, this empty corridor exposes the raw stony bones of the desert Southwest. The [...]
Human life has long reflected a deep divide between settled towns and roaming travelers. People rooted in a specific home region build durable ties to local ground, family kin, and civic groups. Their daily rhythms unfold across familiar streets, shared town rituals, and old bonds of mutual duty. [...]
Psychological resilience acts as a foundational force in the human experience, particularly during periods of intense social or personal transition. It manifests as the capacity to maintain functional agency despite the presence of overwhelming obstacles or systemic collapse. Within the context of [...]
In a small garage filled with the faint smell of citrus degreaser and chain oil, the noise of modern life fades into quiet concentration. A bicycle rests upside down on its handlebars or rests clamped in a metal repair stand. The tools arrayed on the workbench tell a tale of focused purpose. Allen [...]
Every person encounters moments when familiar paths end and the way forward appears unclear. Standing at a major life crossroad sparks deep questions regarding personal purpose, duty, and direction. Decisions about work, home life, or creative callings can feel grave and daunting, as though one [...]
Modern citizens often find their private wealth, travel rights, and personal freedom tied to one home government. When a lone state holds an individual's passport, trade papers, and bank vaults, official overreach brings grave danger. Sudden shifts in tax laws, money freezes, or political storms [...]
The City of Angels on Two Wheels Los Angeles is a city of endless discovery, a sprawling landscape of diverse neighborhoods and vibrant cultures. For the bicycle nomad, it offers a unique opportunity to experience this iconic city at a human pace. This guide will help you navigate the streets of LA [...]
The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Pedal Stroke In a world that can sometimes feel uncertain, the simple act of riding a bicycle can be a powerful source of strength and resilience. Bikepacking, the art of traveling with everything you need strapped to your bike, is a beautiful [...]
Living outside the standard economic grid requires deep inner trust and an open heart toward strangers. In this third and final part, seasoned nomad Irv Thomas shares his thoughts on the art of personal living. Having hitchhiked across North America for decades with small funds, the older nomad [...]