Scott Stoll's bicycle under a redwood tree and obscured by cobwebs in the morning light.
Scott Stoll's bicycle under a redwood tree and obscured by cobwebs in the morning light. I felt sad that my bike wasn't getting enough love.

New Year’s resolution — Time to dust off the cobwebs

This article is part of a series

The years have gone by fast. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 3 years since my return to America — or has it been 4 years? Days are more like hours now, perhaps it’s due to being lost in the computer world for most of my waking life; I remember when one day on a bike in Africa was like a month of “normal” life. Well, I’m feeling a bit like Oprah, looking in the mirror at a dusty body, 30 pounds overweight, thinking, “How did I let this happen again?” So, it’s almost a New Year or already a New Year depending on how you measure things. So, it’s time to throw out what doesn’t work and try something new. That seems to imply that there is an answer already out there as to what to do, but really anytime I feel I know what I want in my life it seems to turn into a list of things to do and loses its magic. So for now, all I can say is that I know what I don’t want to do, and as for the rest, it seems time to get back out in the “real world” and find/create the new.

The Falling Uphill Book Tour Begins

Update: 2009-01-13

It has been a rather painful decision about what to do next. But after thinking objectively about what would make the biggest difference for my future, I have decided to take a risk and embark on a Falling Uphill Book Tour. I’ve worked so many years to bring this project to life that I need to make every effort to help it reach critical mass. So, once again, unfortunately or fortunately, I am breaking ties and digging up roots. In short here is my press release:

Scott plans to circumnavigate the USA on a bicycle and be a real-life example of Falling Uphill’s message of hope, inspiration and self-fulfillment — essentially helping people discover the possibility of living their “impossible” dream.

If you liked this article...

You'll love Falling Uphill

Every chapter answers a question that people asked me while I traveled the world, but unlike this matter-of-fact article, Falling Uphill is told as it is happening. You’ll feel like you’re riding a bicycle right alongside me, and reliving all the literal ups and downs.

More stories about the bike trip

Cycling up the Worlds Steepest Hill

Did you break a world record?

Many years later, this question is still one of the most common questions about my journey around the world on a bicycle. Did you break a world record? The short answer is yes and no. In this article, I'll explain the rules for circumnavigating the globe according to Guinness World Records, and, more importantly, how we are all setting our own personal records every day.
Scott's bike with colorful panniers leaning against a yellow fence in a snowy field.

Weather & Climate: The Second Most Important Factor While Traveling

How do you plan for something as unpredictable as the weather when traveling? Weather planning advice, tips and tricks.
A DVD of the Bollywood movie “Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne."

My Bollywood debut as a backup dancer

My debut video as a backup dancer in a Bollywood blockbuster movie. This is the catchy song "Mohabbat Hai Mirchi" from the movie "Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne."