One man's quest for happiness
Around the world on a bicycle

4 years, 41,444 Kilometers (25,752 miles), 50 Countries,
6 Continents and 4 moments of enlightenment

Scott Stoll dipping the front wheel of his bicycle in the Pacific Ocean after riding across the country in the summer of 1997 -- the test ride for his upcoming world trek. During a personal crisis, Scott Stoll asked himself a very serious question: "If I could do anything, what would I do?" His answer was to ride a bicycle around the world until he discovered happiness and the meaning of life. Many years later, only 5 days before the 9-11 attack in NYC, he began his first pedal stroke and eventually cycled every inch to meet his goal of circumnavigating the globe under his own power. (The equatorial circumference of the planet is 40,077 KM.) And, that’s not including his 10,609-Kilometer warm-up ride across the USA from border to border and coast to coast. Scott was the only American to be travelling around the world on a bicycle during those interesting times. And you may be wondering if he found what he was looking for? The simple answer is — Yes! — and much more than he imagined possible.

Read my story in:
• The New York Times
• The San Francisco Chronicle
• The Milwaukee Journal
• The San Diego Tribune

Listen to a radio interview:
• Wisconsin Public Radio
• Around the world radio
• Around the world radio. Part II

More media coverage:
• Favorites
• Recent

Winner of the 2007 Spirit of Adventure Award

Presented by the Los Angeles Council of Hostelling International USA. Thanks for giving me the opportunity for sharing my adventure.

Download their newsletter (PDF) about the award and a nice article about my trip.

Falling Uphill
One man's quest for happiness

Re-live and re-imagine bicycling around the world in quest of happiness. I've traveled the world by bicycle to discover the "secrets" of life, and I've spent many more years to digest my trip, exemplify the lessons learned and create a book that I believe is both entertaining and enlightening: I almost die, fall in love, find "God" and discover the meaning of life — what more from a story could you ask for?

Falling Uphill
Dreams for the young adventurer

The young adult's edition of Falling Uphill is here. Hundreds of photos and frequently asked questions. Plus advice how to make your dream a reality right now!

Falling Uphill
The Secret of Life

Now the best-selling independent book has been re-imagined and illustrated by Poplar Creek Elementary School.

Also in Spanish.
Cayendo Hacia Arriba
El Secreto de la vida.

Illustrated by the schools of Argentina.

By the Seat of My Pants
Lonely Planet

Scott has a co-starring role in
Edwin Tucker's "Let the Buyer Beware".

This story is based on the funniest chapter in "Falling Uphill" but from Edwin's POV.