The Fine Art of Knocking Around
Travel farther. Walk less. Stay independent.
As I tear off the baggage tags and unzip the bike bag, there is always a flash of excitement when I see the blue steel frame of my Brompton.
I named her Tallinn, after one of the first cities we visited together.
That summer day in 2022 was magical. John and I had no agenda beyond riding.
We saw the medieval old town, thumping over uneven cobblestones.
We followed the Hanseatic coastline, gliding along narrow paths just above the water.
We rode through quiet pine forests, the soft crunch of fallen needles under our tires.
We weren’t following a plan—we were following curiosity.
This is The Fine Art of Knocking Around.
It’s what happens when you trade schedules for curiosity, and tour buses for bicycles.
It’s how two small folding bikes carried us into places we would never have found any other way.
Freedom Unfolded exists to show you what is possible with an airline ticket.
With an elegant folded bicycle.
And with the willingness to let a day unfold.
If you’re wondering where to begin, start here:
Mobility
If walking long distances is becoming harder, and you’re looking for a different way to travel.
Flying
How we get our bikes onto planes and through airports.
Cruises
How this works when your trip includes time at sea.
How We Ride
What we carry, what works, and what we’ve learned the hard way.
Rides
Places we’ve been and places we’d like to go, from flat and easy paths to memorable days out.
If you are new here, start wherever your curiosity pulls you. You can read how we travel with our Bromptons, follow along on the journeys we have taken or hope to take, or learn how these small bicycles became our way into the world.
However you arrive, you are welcome. This is a place for wandering, noticing, and discovering what becomes possible when you knock around.