The Warmshowers App Host-Only Mode is now FREE!

In response to feedback from the Warmshowers community, we've just launched a new version of the App (v1.2.0) to provide a Host-Only mode. This will allow hosts who don't need the full map and search functions to respond to messages and hosting requests FREE of charge; no subscription required.

To use the App in Host-Only mode, touch the "Continue as a Host" button on the Purchase Subscription popup, and you'll be able to access your messages and itinerary. You can also view the profile of a person who has messaged you by touching their name in the message display.

You will not be able to start a new message conversation or use the map and other host search functions while in Host-Only mode. However, you can upgrade to the full app functionality at any time by touching the Map or Favorites tab, to display the Purchase Subscription popup.

The Host-Only Mobile App mode was made possible by a generous donation from Tristan Bogaard and Belén Castellò who donated a portion of the proceeds from their new book, 50 Ways to Cycle the World. You can learn more about them and their new book HERE and follow them on Instagram at @50WaystoCycletheWorld.

Thank you Tristan and Belen!

Better Bike Shipping Performance: What You Need to Know

The coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected travel during the past year, but it’s been a boon for the shipping industry, which has experienced record growth. The resulting extra stress on the shipping system created some challenges, so we spent the last year working closely with our carrier to improve shipping performance. What that means for you is sturdier boxes, better handling and on-time delivery of your bike.

As more of us become vaccinated and resume travel, shipping with BikeFlights.com is a better option than ever before for helping you get your bike to wherever you want to go. Here’s what you need to know ahead of your next trip.

Bike Boxes (New!) - Last fall, we launched our easy-to-pack BikeFlights Bike Boxes. Available in two sizes, our patented boxes are sturdy, reliable, reusable and recyclable, and they ship to most locations in the U.S. within two days. Our Bike Box Large accommodates nearly assembled bikes while our Bike Box Medium gets you the most economical shipping rates.

Easy Pickups (New!) - We’re constantly improving BikeFlights.com to make our service easier-to-use. When you book, request a one-time pickup or use an existing regularly scheduled pickup. Contact-free pickups save you time and help you and your driver stay safe. 

Preferred Handling (New!) - With this service upgrade for high-valued shipments, your bike automatically qualifies for preferred handling when you purchase $1,000 (or more) of Premium Protection. You’ll get upgraded loading, service and routing within the United States, Canada and the European Union.

Click the link below to continue reading . . .  

Warmshowers Forums

Getting ready to hit the road for your next bike tour? If you are looking for fellow riders or just some inspiration, then look no further than the Warmshowers' Forum!

Log in through your browser, navigate to the Forums page and check out the information in "Planning Your Next Trip."

Here you will find posts from fellow cyclists looking for someone to tour with, requests for hosting or places to camp, routes and maps, and regional information. It's the perfect jumping-off place to plan your next tour!

Host's Corner

Welcome to the first installment of the Warmshowers Host's Corner! Each month, volunteer and long-time host Kevin Kimpel will bring us stories from hosts in our community.

We encourage hosts to share their stories of friends they have made simply because they opened their doors to a weary bicyclist. We plan to feature topics such as being a good host, setting expectations for guests, and good communication practices from the host’s perspective. Any other topics you would like us to cover? Let us know; we would love to hear from you!

To contribute, email your 500-1500 word story with up to 5 photos to [email protected]. We are looking forward to hearing your story!

Friends For Life

by Kevin Kimpel

I have been an active Warmshowers host since 2011. Somewhere north of 130 people of all ages and many nationalities have pedaled up to my door.   All have been very grateful for the hospitality. All but one has signed my guest book and let me take their picture to add to my photo album. Each contributed a story or two to an evening’s conversation. All would be welcome to stay here again.

But a handful of guests have gone beyond the one-night stand and become friends for life. Something clicked between us, and we have continued to stay in touch long after their rides were over. Here are some of the connections Warmshowers has allowed me to make.

Tyler was nearing the end of a southern tier, eastern seaboard, and back along the northern tier to his final destination of Chicago, where he would establish a new home with his girlfriend. He was riding in poor weather, which delayed his arrival by a day. He apologized for the change of plans, and I assured that as a host, I knew things that are totally out of a biker’s control happen, and I would roll with the changes too.  

Click the link below to continue reading . . .

Around the World with Hollie

Meet Hollie Ernest, a botanist and forester whose dream is to ride around the world on her bike.

Hollie liked riding her bike as a kid but never really thought about taking a long cycling tour. Years later, while working as a tour guide in the Yukon, a friend convinced her to take a 6-day, 360-mile cycling trip through Alaska. She was hooked! Even during adverse weather conditions and running into some unfriendly wildlife, she knew bike touring was for her.

You can find Bike Life on any of your favorite listening apps.

Thank you to our partner, BikeFlights, for sponsoring the Bike Life Podcast!

A Note of Thanks . . . 

We want to thank everyone that participated in our Technology Survey. The data is still being analyzed but we received some great feedback on how to make our website and mobile app even better!

Thanks also to everyone who entered our annual Bike Giveaway! As soon as the last of the mail-in entries arrive, we will announce our lucky winner.

Forums: Looking for a friend to tour with or route planning for your next trip? Be sure to check the Warmshowers forum! 

Instagram: Follow us on Instagram at Warmshowers_org and tag us. Each photo that we repost will include a shout out, AND we will follow you back! 

Facebook: If you are a member of our private Facebook group, a reminder that we only share stories of touring or hosting. All technical questions, requests for hosts or touring info should be added to the forum section of our website and will NOT be allowed in the Facebook Group.

Stories from the Road: We want to hear your story! Please send a 500-1500 word overview (English) to [email protected] and include 1-5 pictures. We love sharing the stories of our users across the globe!

Hosting Stories From the Road: Love being a Warmshowers Host and have a great story to tell? We want to hear from you! Please send a 500-1500 word overview (English) to [email protected] and include 1-5 pictures. We love sharing the stories of our users across the globe!

Bike Life Podcast: Interested in being a guest on our top rated Bike Life Podcast? We'd love to share your story. Click HERE to access the submission form.

Bike Life Español Podcast: Interested in being a guest on our new Bike Life Español Podcast? We'd love to share your story. Access the Spanish submission form HERE.

Warmshowers Foundation is a registered 501c3 and relies heavily on your support.  If you would like to donate, please click HERE