Event riders line up for a photo after the ride.

Group Ride and Seminar With Matt Galat

Brie O'Flyng
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Group of people on recumbent trikes in a residential area.

On Wednesday, July 9th, the Hostel Shoppe had the pleasure of hosting a special guest: Matt Galat of JaYoe Nationfor a seminar and group ride. Matt shared stories of his trike travels through Central Europe before leading a group ride along the Wisconsin River and through scenic country roads. We capped off the night with dinner and music at the square downtown.

Matt Galat is the creator behind JaYoe Nation, a YouTube channel chronicling his long-distance adventures by recumbent trike. His mission is to explore the world and document his journey along the way. From China to Europe and beyond, Matt has pedaled through some of the most remote and beautiful regions of the world.

People sitting in a room with a blue table and chairs, watching a screen.

During the seminar, Matt shared the story of how his previous trike was unexpectedly stranded in Kuala Lumpur at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It sat there deserted for the two years that followed. Unsure of what to do next, Matt connected with Honza Galla, the Marketing Manager at Azub — a recumbent trike manufacturer based in Czechia. That conversation led to an incredible opportunity: a custom-built Ti-Fly X trike and a new adventure through the heart of Europe. Eager to travel again after his pandemic sabbatical, Matt set off with Honza on a memorable trek through the Czech and Slovak countryside.

Man on a recumbent trike in a parking lot with another person and bicycles in the background.

After Matt shared stories from his European trike travels and answered audience questions, our crew met up downtown and hit the road for an 18 mile group ride with Matt along the river and through the Stevens Point countryside. The ride offered the perfect mix of conversation and connection. And when one of our riders got a flat tire, fellow cyclists jumped in without hesitation to lend a hand and get her trike trike road-ready again. It was an act of kindness that showed us why we do what we do - because community is at the heart of the Hostel Shoppe!


Two people sitting outdoors next to a brick wall, one holding a Coca-Cola Zero cup.

The evening wrapped up with a visit to the Notes at Night concert series on the square, where riders got to hang out with Matt to enjoy live music, tasty local food, and a cold drink to celebrate a full day of fun.

We’re so grateful to Matt for making the Hostel Shoppe a stop on his journey. We wish him safe travels on the road ahead! To learn more about Matt and his adventures, visit his website at Jayoe.com.