CYCLES OF A TRAVELER True Tales of Voyage, Discovery and Synchronicity.
- JOE DIOMEDE -
From the Bronx streets to the roads on the roof of the world
A different podcast/interview wicast.th Magdalena from Sanusplanet foundation. A foundation full of Hope!
Click on me and Norm in Tasmania to listen to and watch the interview!
Bronx-Born World Traveler.
Having grown up on the culturally diverse streets of New York, I always longed to see the wider world. After university my motorcycle took me across the continent of my birth many times before fate saw me on a bicycle in Japan where my exploration beyond North America began on two wheels without a motor!
My travels.
The slow pedaling throughout the world changed my outlook on life forever, as for the streets of New York, well after I took to the road I hardly made it back except for visits.
Seriously infected by the travel bug.
After living in Japan at the end of the eighties I wound up bringing in the new decade in Australia, and my life pedaling around the world had just begun with a bang!
My Youtube channel
Click below to go to my Youtube channel. Lots of interviews, some about cycling, but all about positivity! The photo of me and Kae Tempest promoting my 'Give it a Go' project is all about the connected, positive journey. (Yes we met through our common love of cycling!)
Bikes and Philosohical ramblings = Joe's Velosophy
My Velosophy Youtube Channel
Come on a velosophical journey with me. On this channel I go on small "Velosophical" ramblings, come and join me!
Reviews
Dancing with the Sikhs!
Making friends with the carpet sellers of Turkey.
Come see the world, before the internet ruled.
Reviews still coming in.
Easy, unusual writing style, fun reading. Joe sheds light on the world through his unconventional lens. One feels that he is chatting and pouring his heart to the reader, sharing funny but also heartbreaking tales and profound moments that makes one pause and reflect.
Tremendously enjoyed the book—highly recomme
Reviews still coming in.
Easy, unusual writing style, fun reading. Joe sheds light on the world through his unconventional lens. One feels that he is chatting and pouring his heart to the reader, sharing funny but also heartbreaking tales and profound moments that makes one pause and reflect.
Tremendously enjoyed the book—highly recommend reading it.
Hiam N. USA.
I met Joe Diomede while cycling on the Canal du Midi in the summer of 2012. Joe was out on day ride with his son. We spent about a half hour sitting on a bench along the canal as we fixed my fourth flat tire in two days. Joe was friendly and helpful. Upon my return home I searched for his book and began reading of his multi-decade traveling adventure around the world. I was especially drawn to the chapters that I was geographically familiar and knowledgeable, the western U.S., France and Germany.
One profound surprise for me and of utmost importance to me in reading Cycles of a Traveler (love this very appropriate title) was that I found the voice to tell the story of my father, a cavalry combat medic in World War II and my solo cycling adventure to follow his guidon through France and Belgium.
It is the people we acquaint ourselves with in our foreign travels and Joe Diomede shows us as I have also learned that it through the new lasting friendships the world is smaller and my experience and thinking broader.
His story will help you to dream of your own past and future travels.
- Val Valentine - Colorado, USA
.... and more......
I enjoyed reading Cycles of a Traveler. If I didn't know better, I would have thought it was a work of fiction; that's how incredible I found the author's travels. Hearing how well received Joe was by everyday people around the world was an affirmation of the inherent goodness of the human spirit. I loved the maps and found myself continually referencing them to help visualize his movements around the globe. It is a great read with a happy ending.
- Vincent Giudice - Westchester, NY, USA
......and more......
Sometimes it really is about the journey. In Cycles of a Traveler, Joe Diomede shows us how important that journey can be. His book covers his journeys on motorcycle and bicycle throughout wide swatches of the world, and the philosophical journeys that matched the physical ones. The journeys cover a good part of the known world, from the United States to Canada, from Japan to Russia, By book's end, it seems that he has covered anywhere that a road can be found.
The travels themselves take a back seat to people he meets on the road. He encounters a lot of gorgeous geography, from the Rockies to the Chinese countryside. There are maps included to show where he cycled, but it is the photographs of those he meets that accentuate the travels. It makes for an interesting travelogue through cultures rather than landscapes. This sets the book apart from most travelogues; it's the people and how they are similar that really makes the book interesting, including those he decides not to travel with.
The journey into the mystery of the mundane is what this book is about. Through his travels, Diomede is able to disconnect from the unimportant differences of people and look at the similarities. It is those similarities that are fascinating, especially when he goes to lands other than the United States and Canada. Although he encounters different levels of technology and different landscapes, he is able to find the common threads, showing us that we are not really all that different after all, and that we should focus on the commonalities. This book is a great travelogue, but an even better road map of the human soul.
- San Francisco Book Review -
...and more...
This book is the story of one young man's quest for adventure, freedom and knowledge. What he acquired along the way was all of the above, plus a healthy dose of self-fulfillment, the assertion of strength and resilience of the human spirit and the awareness that positive energy generates more of the same. A series of fascinating chronicles treats the reader to witty, delightful anecdotes overflowing with the ubiquitous benevolence of all people from around the world, set amongst descriptive, ever-changing landscapes of the U.S., Central America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This book is a must read for anyone who has ever had the urge for going and the yearning for a reaffirmation of the oneness of humankind.
- John Clemente - NJ, USA
...and more...
This remarkable book is a genuinely inspirational read for any number of reasons. Firstly, of course, it should awaken in every reader - even those who are most deeply and comfortably settled in the ass grooves of their sofas - the burning desire to explore the world and experience its elemental wonders: the very notion that journeys of this magnitude are achievable by bicycle is thrilling and persuasive. Secondly, however, there is also a quietly and subtly insistent spiritual element to the book that makes this so much more than just an admittedly absorbing travelogue. This can essentially be boiled down to several distinct but interrelated strands: anything is possible, people, places, flora and fauna are precious, every experience (even adverse ones) should be savoured, mistakes are there to be learned from, and whoever or wherever we are, we're all on this ride together. Joe Diomede's wonderfully open, curious and non-judgemental attitude demonstrably makes good karma ping back to him all over the place, although his travels are by no means easy for much of the time. Nevertheless, setbacks and complications are taken on the chin with thoughtful stoicism and good humour, and the end result is that the reader enjoys the most profound sense of renewal and uplift with every page. The most extraordinary aspect of this book is the fact that the reader is not just picking up geographical and geopolitical facts, and fascinating lore about indigenous cultures: many of the issues Joe raises and ruminates upon will cause you to ask questions about yourself, making this into an ongoing voyage of discovery even when the last page has been reached. Unequivocally recommended.
- Marco Rossi - Dorset, UK
This is a beautiful book, because of the open-hearted narrating, because of the positive feeling you are left with having read it. I would encourage all young people to read it; they will learn a lot about this world and its possibilities. This recommendation comes in spite of the injuries I incurred from the book - a ganglion in my hand from holding up all 600 plus wonderful pages, and the slight dent in my nose where my loving partner accidentally dropped the book on me as I lay beside him one night. Really, its been worth it. Now that's got to be a good book!
- Michelle Lawless - Ariege, France
........and more......
I was truly hooked by this book whilst travelling in France. It showed me why I've never traveled as widely as I should have but offered me a chance to experience what could have been had I the courage and open mindedness of Joe. An inspiring read, peppered with magic - sadly unfinished since arriving home and getting lost once again in the everyday. I WILL finish it and I WILL seize the day, just as soon as I can find the time.
- Kate Madden - Dorset, UK
Come see the world, before the internet ruled.
Making friends with the carpet sellers of Turkey.
Come see the world, before the internet ruled.
From my first contact the clear, beautiful, unpretentious writing made my reading as
pleasant as listening to a friend telling me about a far away adventurous history.
Reading through some of Joe Diomede’s crucial childhood memories, early
questionings and random (or perhaps not so random) events actually reminded me of that
dormant desire I
From my first contact the clear, beautiful, unpretentious writing made my reading as
pleasant as listening to a friend telling me about a far away adventurous history.
Reading through some of Joe Diomede’s crucial childhood memories, early
questionings and random (or perhaps not so random) events actually reminded me of that
dormant desire I believe is inside all of us and that lights into excitement when we’re able
to believe that the unknown can be good.
So, while gradually immersing into 'Cycles of a Traveler', I found myself
experiencing that feeling of 'humbled in awe' as I imagined the unspeakable beauty of
all the indescribable places through the eyes of a peaceful traveler. I believe I could
actually glimpse that warm, reassuring feeling of synchronicity as if the rhythm of the bike
soothed my own rhythm and as if it made it possible for the outside world and people to
flow-in through my senses - amazing!
I truthfully felt that through his writing, in 'Cycles of a Traveler', Joe Diomede is
able to make a feeling emerge, moment by moment, across the entire book, and for me, it
is the exact same feeling that makes this book so amazing: that feeling is Peace.
Thomas Sousa
Physical Therapist
Toulouse, France
29th of December 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Joe lives the way most of us wish we could live. In his words "I wanted, actually needed, to know the world I lived in-its people, cultures, religions and philosophies-it intrigued me on a deeper level and fueled my life force..." I loved "visiting" all the places Joe traveled and "meeting" all the people along the way. An adventure on every page, a must read!
-Fran Brown- Seattle, USA
......and another......
A heart warming narrative presenting an optimistically positive story of hope, discovery and an abundance of good fortune and adventure. Author Joe Diomede, avid motorcyclist, byciclist and trekker takes us, the reader, on his twenty year voyage to explore the world and it's people.
From the Badlands of South Dakota to the snow capped mountains of Tibet and almost everywhere in between, Diomede's innocent and charming travelogue is filled with incredible stories of the kindness and humanity in man. Falling headlong into good providence at every turn, Diomede reminds the audience that even in the modern world, no borders or barriers exist to the honest and social interaction between cultures both new and old.
A brilliant read, and a must for the avid adventurer, "Cycles of a Traveler" might possibly be one of the best tomes illustrating the geography, peoples, and customs of the "one world" community to hit the shelves in many a year.
- Devin - NYC, USA
....and more.....
In a world where we are always connected via cell phones and computers, Joe disconnects from all of that and connects with the world in a more traditional way. It was interesting to listen to a person with views different than mine, and also different views from different parts of the world.
- Steven DeGrazio -
....and more....
Cycles of a Traveler follows author Joe Diomede as he recounts his astonishing journey of physical, emotional and spiritual discovery while navigating the globe. His fascinating personal accounts convey the substantive message that although borders may separate us, pre-conceptions may bias us, we are more alike than we realize. The author's prevailing theme to the reader is to heed those synchronous moments and treasure them, for they are what connect us to each other and ourselves. Joe's story is relevant and timeless and a must-read for anyone residing on planet Earth. Sit back and enjoy traversing the planet, for we are, indeed, all on this ride together.
- Lisa LeMone - L.A. California, USA
....and more....
If you're into travel, bikes, motorbikes, anthropology, spirituality, geography, politics, any or all of these, or just love a good anecdote, you'll be inspired by this book. what a great insight into how you get make the best of life and REALLY live it to the full. you'll really feel like you've spent time getting to know a great guy by the end!
- Jane Smith - Ariege, France
...and more...
This book hits so many spots, it's hard to know where to start with a review. On the face of it, this is a travelogue, but it's no ordinary travelogue. It's a coming of age story and an inspirational book that demonstrates how you can live a good life by ignoring conventional wisdom and following your heart, getting "in the groove" and trusting in providence, destiny or the wisdom of the universe to lead you where you need to go. It leads Joe into some strange places and interesting situations. On the way, he encounters and ponders upon poverty, injustice, compassion, generosity, the power of a human smile, the power of human endurance, and much more.
Traveling with Joe, you see the world through his eyes, meet the people he meets along the way, face his demons with him and share his achievements. You witness the growth in his understanding as he matures from a fresh-faced 21-year-old eager to explore the world to a 30-something husband and father who's comfortable with who he is and secure in his life choices. Along the way, you learn quite a lot about life and how it should be lived, what it means to be human, how beautiful the world is, how much all humans have in common and how much injustice is patiently endured.
Given what I've just written, you might be forgiven for thinking that the book will be preachy and holier-than-thou. I can assure you it's not. The author does occasionally get on his soapbox, but he's written the book in a very matter-of-fact story-telling style. Yes, there's philosophising, but there's also humour and suspense and true grit. And the overriding theme is Joe's great spirit of adventure. The book doesn't pretend to be a model for how other people should live their lives - it's just Joe sharing his own experiences. Having said that, I think anyone would find it an inspiring read.
- Sandra Anthony - Cloughjordan, Ireland
...and more...
Cycles of a Traveler is ostensibly about one man's bicycle and motorcycle travels but it is really about how the author grows in mind ,spirit and body and how his travels fostered this growth.The fun about this read is that readers get to experience his growth without having to leave the comforts of home. What I most enjoyed about the autobiography was that you could sense the author changing and formulating new ideas with each journey .The reader comes away with a deeper knowledge of what it means to be a citizen of not just a country but of the world as a whole.Finally,while many books propose a philosophy for living, in Cycles of a Traveler we get to see through Mr. Diomede's experiences that synchronicity is always there if we are prepared to see it. Read this book and you've already taken your first step in this direction!
- Billy Julian - NYC, USA
For anyone who wants to take an adventure this book is for you! Joe details his journeys inward and outward and brings the reader along with him. The details in this book are so vivid, I felt like I was visiting a different country every time I picked up the book.
It is an inspiring read for anyone who aspires to travel the world as well as for those who just want to go on a voyage of personal growth in their every day lives, I highly recommend it!
- Dana Brown - Marshall, NC, USA
See more reviews on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com
Making friends with the carpet sellers of Turkey.
Making friends with the carpet sellers of Turkey.
Making friends with the carpet sellers of Turkey.
Loved, loved, loved this book! It was inspirational and awesome reading about the unbelievable lands Joe visited and lived in all around the world!
- Flo Egan -
.......and more....
This is an amazing book to read. Not only is it vividly descriptive narrative of a man's travel around the world, but it provides insight into cultures and ways
Loved, loved, loved this book! It was inspirational and awesome reading about the unbelievable lands Joe visited and lived in all around the world!
- Flo Egan -
.......and more....
This is an amazing book to read. Not only is it vividly descriptive narrative of a man's travel around the world, but it provides insight into cultures and ways of life many a person would never experience. It also made me examine why things happen, when they happen and how a course of events can positively affect one journeys through life.
- Phil Rucci - Westchester, NY, USA
..........and more.......
This book is AMAZING in every sense of the word & I truly believe that everyone, everywhere can get something out of it.
We read this book @ our local book club last month. I loved it so much that i bought 3 copies...one for my dad for father's day, a personal copy for me to loan out to friends & one to send on a journey of its own.
It was a little intimidating, as it has been a while since I have read any 'grown up' books (we have 4 young children :) & the book is quite thick, but man, even before the first 10 pages I was hooked!!
The story is so personal, filled with all the little quirks that we discover when we truly know a person. It is written in such a way that I felt I was sitting across the table from Joe & he was telling me of his travels. I feel as though Joe & I have been friends for years, even though I only just had the privilege of meeting him.
We, the readers, are his constant traveling companions. We are right there with Joe as he crosses the county for the first time, when he does it a second time solo & when he trades in his motorcycle in for a bicycle & takes the plunge to become a world traveler. We are right there as he meets new folks along the way, sharing their stories & delving more into his own. We are right there as he confronts his hopes, his dreams, his fears... We are right there as he learns more about other cultures, their customs & beliefs on an intimate level. And we are there as he reflects on all that he learns, weighing it against what he know, what others believe & expect of him...we are there as he discovers his own path, trusting in his own inner compass.
That all being said, this book is so much more than an adventure story, it is also a great primer for anyone dreaming of traveling. Joe really gives a behind the scenes look @ what it means to travel the world as it should be traveled & as I hope to one day travel it!
- Jessie Koontz - Marshall, N.C. USA
....and more....
Diomede gives a wonder-full account of a voyage through this life : his resounding humanitas and gra for GAIA come through and reward the reader.
- Paul Leech - Ireland
....and more....
Any fan of traveling or even better, cycling, will not be able to put this book down. And there's TONS of it here so you'll likely not have to put it down for months.
- Grant A Fanning - NYC, USA
.....and more.....
Traveling for me was always about confirming my faith in humanity, and this is exactly what Joe does. A simple boy from the Bronx sets out on a voyage of discovery. Armed with an open positive attitude and an unswerving belief in the basic goodness of people he has a multitude of adventures along the way. As Joe travels around the world we go with him and share his experiences and his thoughts on the nature of people and the world. Over a 13 year period Joe has his basic premise confirmed time and time again. It leads him to wonder, and we wonder with him, why is the world in such a mess? What are the forces which shape our world, and how can the basic goodness of people be made to shine through and make it a better place? Personally I'm not a great cyclist but I adored this book. Thank you Joe, you're an inspiration.
- David Murray- Haute Garonne, France
.....and more.....
Thank you for such an uplifting read that restored my faith in human nature. Much of what you have written ,I felt myself on my travels in the sixties and seventies.It was nice to read about someone with such a postive, joyfull outlook on life.The best book I have read in a long time.Joe's story shows us all, we don't all have to follow the line!and you can go your own way in life and what an adventure that can be.I don't read many books twice but shall read this again and again, a great "Spirit lifting" read thanks again Joe.
- Ken - Dorset, UK
.....and more....
Cycles of a Traveler is an inspiring. open and Honest book, It is the Timeless myth of the Heroes Journey ( see Joseph Campbell) that takes a boy to manhood, but also appeals to anyone that is seeking adventure and insight and hope in this troubled cynical world of ours, it is easy to lose sight of the goodness and kindness in human nature, this book can restore this in you- and ignite a sense of adventure ,even if it is in your dreams . Thank you for sharing your story.
- Hazel - Dorset, UK
.....even more.......
I was turned onto this book by a friend, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. It's an inspiring tale of a real man's actual travels, and yet oftentimes it seems fictitious. One year he's home in the Bronx, and the next he's in the middle of a desert searching for his next drink of water. All the while he's on a fabulous journey through his mind and through the inner workings of humanity. Half of the book is an adventure around the globe (on a bicycle!) and the the other half is a contemplative work. Not many people are able to take the trips Joe has taken ~ for me, this book is the next best thing. Seems like he went everywhere, and was able to truly immerse himself in the vastly different, yet comfortingly familiar, cultures of our planet. Loved it, loved it, am still loving it (it's a looooooooong book!!) and it's one that you'll be thinking about whether you have it in your hands or not. Sometimes it's an easy read, & sometimes you'll find yourself looking back to get the full effect. I suggest it for people of all walks of life, whether you are a traveler or not. For the young, for the old, for the human in all of us!
- Kate Puglisi - Marshall, NC, USA