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A Bendite’s 'Joy Ride' from Alaska to Argentina 18,215-mile bike touring trip results in a new book and national promotion tour
By Allie Noland
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With a budget of just $800 a month, the Jokinens found ways to make the trip work. It forced them to ask people about where to stop, where to camp, where to find resources, and they relied heavily on the kindness of strangers.
Despite the couple’s little bike experience, small budget, crazy weather, long distance and quick decision to jump in, the trip changed the way they think about the world, about people, about exploring, they said. “Joy Ride” follows the journey of Kristen and Ville over the course of 580 days of bike touring. Readers get a close look into the humorous stories, scary moments and meaningful encounters.
Hawthorne Books is the publisher of the book, and Cheryl Strayed — author of “Wild,” “Tiny Beautiful Things” and “Brave Enough” — wrote the introduction. On May 20, Barnes & Noble in Bend will host an author event for “Joy Ride” and give the public an opportunity to ask questions and dive deeper into Kristen’s first published book. An after party takes place at Crux. Paul Evers, one of the co-founders of Crux, created the maps that readers will find in the book.
After the Bend book event, the Jokinens will head out on a national book tour with over 20 stops — reading from “Joy Ride,” taking questions, showing videos from the journey and inspiring others to explore their passions.
“There are quite a few stories in the book,” Ville said. “But some of the things are not in the book, because they happened to me. Like my air mattress in Bolivia. ...”
For those who want to hear about the air mattress in Bolivia and listen to more untold stories, head to one of the book events. Kristen and Ville have countless memories from their many journeys, and they are ready to share with Bend. “Joy Ride” is available for purchase at local bookshops, Amazon and other big bookstores.
“Joy Ride” Author Event Sat., May 20, 2-5pm Barnes & Noble 2690 NE Highway 20, Bend welostthemap.com Free
