Spoke Lore

Another year in the rearview. I’m sitting at a hostel in Himarë, Albania, listening to the rumbling songs of thunder as a mini-storm passes through the coastal town. We’ve just taken down the Christmas decorations, and locals are settling back into routine well into the first week of 2026. Over the last few days my social media feeds have been flooded with an endless stream of glowing 2025 snapshot reels that fill me with the fuzzies. I love to see my friends back home and al

The 24th of December. Arguably one of the most exciting days of the year. Kitchens are filled with warmth and the sweet smell of holiday baking. Family members meander throughout the house, chattering and laughing, bickering and huffing. Families who haven’t seen each other all year have come together to celebrate. Children are counting down the hours until midnight, anticipating the sacred moment they awaken to a heap of consumerist goods they no doubt saw on Tik Tok, to sat

“Okay, cat. Let’s have a big home-cooked meal!”  Mr. Cat looked up at me with his big green eyes, not caring anything about my meal, only...

Have you ever been to a place that, by its nature, elicited feelings of deep sentiment for you? I guess some call it nostalgia, but I...

By Mara Noel White I recently connected with a young Irish couple who told me they bought a house in Cork. They offered me a place to...

I’m sitting here on the porch of an historic castle on the west coast of Ireland. Ornate iron benches and bistro sets painted white...

I’ve traveled the world before. I spent nearly two years hopping from continents with a 46 liter backpack and an old pair of running...

On Spokes: a solo journey cycling through Taiwan I slumped out of my hostel bunk and downstairs to the common area, listening to the...

On Spokes: a solo cycling journey through Taiwan Waking up to the sound of rain is sometimes lovely - serene, soothing, cozy. But today...

On Spokes: a solo cycling journey through Taiwan Jioufen is not typically part of the route around the island, but I had heard it was a...

On Spokes: a solo journey cycling Taiwan Today I face the death-defying Suhua Highway. Many people opt to take the train from this point...

On Spokes: a solo journey cycling Taiwan I woke up just before 7 am and brewed some coffee. As I was enjoying a hot cup of joe and doing...

On Spokes: a solo journey cycling Taiwan Breakfast at the hot springs resort was delish. I was served red beans, yogurt, and a delectable...

On Spokes: a solo journey cycling Taiwan Another day of ascents and descents. I’ve got about 70 miles (113 km) to get to Ruisi. And...

On Spokes: a solo journey cycling Taiwan It’s time to leave the beach. I say my goodbyes to all my new friends, but before I hop in the...

On Spokes: a solo cycling journey through Taiwan My stay at Nanwan Beach in Kenting was absolutely reviving! I made it a point to stay...

On Spokes: a solo cycling journey through Taiwan Today I get back in the saddle. The temperatures have risen, along with the humidity, so...

On Spokes: a solo cycling journey through Taiw an I slept later than I wanted to but I figure I if that’s what my body needs I shouldn’t...

On Spokes: a solo cycling journey through Taiwan Planet 23 is a really cool hostel. The vibe was hip but homey. For morning breakfast...

On Spokes: a solo cycling journey through Taiwan The ride today should be straightforward, short(er), and easy. Only downside is all the...

On Spokes: a solo cycling journey through Taiwan It is day 2 and I cannot wait to get back on the trails! I woke up feeling ready to...

On Spokes: a solo cycling journey through Taiwan Finally! I begin my tour! I was hoping to start on Saturday, but it was torrentially...

It’s been a couple weeks and already I am struggling with a combination of emotional let down, FOMO, and fear. See, over 6 months ago I...

One of my favorite things to talk about is social connection. It’s the primary thing that motivates me and brings me joy. I love...