I'm Grey and I'm on a solo bike tour across Europe. Starting in Stockholm and on to Ireland, I'll be camping for majority of the journey and occasionally staying with hosts. I love meeting new people and learning about how our stories intersect and the kinds of experiences we can bond over. I spent a year studying Russian and another year learning French for my minor degree and I'm eager to speak fluent French someday. I want to learn as many languages as I can and would be more than happy to exchange my English language skills with my hosts.

After I graduated from Florida State University in May 2017 with a degree in English Literature, I realized I needed to fulfill my childhood dream of traveling in Europe. I've been riding bikes since I was 14 and I've been a daily commuter for 5 years.

I'm biking across the EU because I want to meet people, reconnect with nature and change my perspective.

Instagram.com/greydiation

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For me, traveling is about meeting people, sharing our stories with one another and expanding our world views.

Interests

• photography
• coffee
• yoga
• reading
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• art
• filmmaking
• dance
• social justice
• documentary

Music, Movies, and Books

I'll listen to anything I can groove to, and some of my favorites are Now Now, Tegan and Sara and Brian Eno. I also dig SZA, Frank Ocean and Noname (Chicago).

Agnes Varda's film, The Gleaners and I, inspires me to find value in things we might consider throwaways. The documentary, 13th (Netflix) reminds me of my privilege and that "freedom is a constant struggle", which is also the title of one of my favorite books by Angela Y. Davis.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I packed my bike up into a duffel bag and flew to San Francisco in March 2017. For ten days, I rode around Oakland, San Fran and down to Santa Cruz, meeting so many amazing people who appreciate the simplicity biking offers.
In June 2017, I became one of the recipients of the Expedition Fund from Bunyan Velo (bunyanvelo.com) and have support from Anhaica Bag Works from Tallahassee, Florida. Over the next 3 months to a year, I'll be biking from Stockholm to Portugal, seeking out women cyclists and travelers along the way who are open to sharing their experiences with me.

Teach, Learn, Share

I want to learn more about women and nonbinary folx who are traveling solo or with a group. I'm also interested in learning more about permaculture, environmental sustainability and best practices for creating a cleaner environment. I can share my expertise in bicycle commuting, touring and racing, as well as geek out with you over components and cute cycling caps.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My perspective is unique since I grew up in Tampa, Florida and spent 4 years in Tallahassee attending Florida State University. I'd love to play music with people I meet along my travels and exchange our stories. I'm filming a personal documentary about women and nonbinary travelers in context with social and environmental justice. I can share my English speaking skills, bicycling knowledge and I have a piece of art for anyone who hosts me.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Spain, Sweden

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States