CURRENT MISSION

Be well, be good, be happy.

ABOUT ME

I started this profile to help myself and my fellow riders find hosts along our Ride Green Build Green bike ride for sustainable affordable housing back in 2008.
We were 10 riders for the full ride from Seattle to San Francisco.
We worked at several work sites on sustainable and/or affordable housing and raising funds to cover the cost difference of a "standard" Habitat for Humanity home and a LEED certified green home.
After decades of life in Seattle, I moved with my family to Whangārei New Zealand in 2021. We're hard at work improving our home here and converting the excess of paddock here back into native bush and pest-free sanctuary.
We wanted to provide a space for people here to share.
Our ultimate goal is to have a space that encourages and nourishes artists, nature, and community together.

PHILOSOPHY

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

For decades I had only been a guest. We spent a long time living in group houses, where there was frequently at least one person with anxiety about having strangers in our home. Housing was untenable.
Now that we have our own home with space to share, we're finally able to give back and host guests.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've participated in two cross-country bike rides previous to Ride Green Build Green with Bike4Peace. 2005/2006 That ride was completely host-supported and we stayed with dozens of friendly people in support of peace.
Additionally I've taken various trips with friends to Portland, Santa Fe, and more. I've actually stayed with dozens of hosts, but they were often under a friend's account.

Interests

Probably my biggest interests are environmentalism, cycling, and civil rights.

• design
• civil rights
• movies
• music
• cycling
• climate change
• native plants
• queer friendly
• repair
• house shows

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy sci-fi, non-fiction (I've been recommending Chasing the Scream and Lost Connections a lot recently), and a wide variety of music. Particularly live house shows.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Biked across the continental USA. Twice.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm generally mechanically inclined and can help you learn how to fix your bike. Also interested in solar and am trained in solar hot water and photovoltaic design and installation through Solar Energy International.
If you'd like advice on a small solar system for camping, your van, etc, I can help you assess your needs.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Be aware that while we often work from home, we likely are not socially available. We can offer our space, but not necessarily our time or attention. We are not trying to be to rude.
We like to share our favorite spots we've found in Whangārei. These are primarily a few places to eat and a lot of hiking tracks and beaches.
I'm more than willing to help out a little bit, especially with repair and handyman type work. I can also tune-up bicycles.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Canada, India, New Zealand

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United States