Ep 138: Martine Gijsbrechts

Insights from a Warm Showers Host

Warm Showers Hosts are the saviour for many a bike traveller and I’ve had the pleasure of hearing stories from guests about the warm welcome and hospitatlity shown to them by those around teh world. So I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to find out what it’s like on the other side of the equation, and was delighted to be able to sit down with Martine Gijsbrechts and hear all about her experiences of hosting many a bike adventurer.

Martine originates from Belgium but has settled in Broome, in Western Australia. Located in the remote Kimberly region in the north of the state, it also means that her home has acted as a beacon to many bike travellers who have taken on journeys with long sections between resupply points. So how is it that Martine ended up living in this part of the world? Further, what drew her to becoming a Warm Showers Host in the first place?

I learnt that Martine fell in love with Broome when she was a young backpacker. In fact she loved it so much that what was only meant to be a stay of a few days turned into eleven months. Needless to say, Broome got into her heart and she found a way to make it her permanent home. She explains that those in the town operate via the huge tidal flows which are central to this city. Broome is also a place which is defined by two seasons – wet and dry. During dry season teh population explodes by five-fold and plays host to many tourists.

But as for Martine becoming a host? Well, in 2018 she first made plans for a long distance adventure, from her family home in Belgium on the Eurovelo 6. Covid restrictions unfortunately meant she had to put a hold on those plans, but it was then that Martine turned to hosting bike travellers, as both a way to learn about their adventures, and also to help keep her motivation high for her own future journey.

Martine shared many stories from her hosting experiences and I could tell just what an oasis her place would have been for those having the pleasure to stay with her. As for her own trips? Martine shared the pleasures of spending a few days touring with her brother in Belgium on the Vennbahn and still has plans to go on that longer adventure on the Eurovelo 6. In the meantime you’ll likely see her riding her bike with dog trailer in tow, her beautiful golden retriever Gerty also enhoying coming along for the ride.

A big thank you to Martine for spending the time to share her experiences as a Warm Showers Host. I can’t wait to watch your future bike adventures unfold as well. You can follow Martine via her instagram account – @mgijsbre

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