| MICHAEL WARNER KOPP |
| During, Full Hillbilly Phase |
| Before |
My name is Michael Kopp. For a little of a year, from the summer of 2004 to the fall of 2005, I had the opportunity to ride
my bicycle from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to the Tajikistan/Kyrgystan border in the Pamir Mountains. Along the way I
was able to make it as far north as the Arctic Circle in Finland in winter (complete with Reindeer encounters), and as far
south as the deserts of Syria, and as far east as the Tajikistan/Kyrgstan border. The trip was done completely by pedal
power, with the exception of a few water crossings (and a small stretch of Kazakstan where the roads were impassible).
Over 24,000 kilometers were logged on the bike through a Spanish summer, a northern European fall, an Arctic winter,
a Turkish spring, and a central Asian summer and fall. I decided to do this trip for three reasons (listed in no particular
order): (1) to have the opportunity to spend some time on a bicycle, (2) to see foreign lands, and (3) to attempt to grow
a beard.** It was the most incredible time of my life! Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch and for all the well wishes,
support and enthusiasm!
Abbreviated Life History: I was born in the swamps of New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up on the tornado-scarred
plains in Columbia, Missouri. My childhood passed in the manner typical of that of my peers in the lower Midwest.
Several years later I majored in German at Truman State University, and thereafter attended law school the University of
California, Berkeley. After taking the California bar exam I cycled in Europe for three months until lack of available funds
ended my trip. Upon my return I worked as an attorney at a corporate law firm in San Francisco for five years and
became vegan. During most of those years I thought about returning to Europe and making this trip.
I can be contacted during and after the trip at mike@mikesbiketrip.com
**of non-Amish dimensions.
my bicycle from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to the Tajikistan/Kyrgystan border in the Pamir Mountains. Along the way I
was able to make it as far north as the Arctic Circle in Finland in winter (complete with Reindeer encounters), and as far
south as the deserts of Syria, and as far east as the Tajikistan/Kyrgstan border. The trip was done completely by pedal
power, with the exception of a few water crossings (and a small stretch of Kazakstan where the roads were impassible).
Over 24,000 kilometers were logged on the bike through a Spanish summer, a northern European fall, an Arctic winter,
a Turkish spring, and a central Asian summer and fall. I decided to do this trip for three reasons (listed in no particular
order): (1) to have the opportunity to spend some time on a bicycle, (2) to see foreign lands, and (3) to attempt to grow
a beard.** It was the most incredible time of my life! Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch and for all the well wishes,
support and enthusiasm!
Abbreviated Life History: I was born in the swamps of New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up on the tornado-scarred
plains in Columbia, Missouri. My childhood passed in the manner typical of that of my peers in the lower Midwest.
Several years later I majored in German at Truman State University, and thereafter attended law school the University of
California, Berkeley. After taking the California bar exam I cycled in Europe for three months until lack of available funds
ended my trip. Upon my return I worked as an attorney at a corporate law firm in San Francisco for five years and
became vegan. During most of those years I thought about returning to Europe and making this trip.
I can be contacted during and after the trip at mike@mikesbiketrip.com
**of non-Amish dimensions.
Moustache Phase