Courtesy of Tom Snyders
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I would bet that Tom Snyders is the only person who can sing every word to Johnny Cash's I've Been Everywhere, and mean it. And he's done it all on two wheels.
He calls himself the bicycling comedian, and he's in town this week bringing his show to the Boulder International Fringe Festival.
Snyders said in one of his shows—there are six performances—that he's not a bike enthusiast so much as a guy (a wrestler, actually) who happens to get around on bike. But he happens to get around more than most: he recently passed the 150,000-mile mark.
He's biked through all 50 states, through 33 countries and six continents. His most recent trip took him 8,219 miles from Cancun, through South America, to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina (and many say in the world).
He can—and does—talk up a storm about the crazy things he's seen, the best—and the worst—cities to bike in, and can reminisce about riding through just about any mountain range you can name.
He bikes to all his performances (so far at more than 200 comedy clubs) and has appeared on national television, including on Good Morning America and Comedy Central.
He won't miss a show, which illustrates his dedication but also his sense of adventure, and maybe a little bit of crazy—commitment to being places on certain days has meant he's biked in summers through deserts and in winters through snowstorms. He'll talk about how to bike through a hail storm if you have to.
On the Chile-Argentina border: 190 mile stretch with no place to get food or water.
Photo courtesy of Tom Snyders
The funniest part of his show is probably his collection of road signs you don't want to see when you're biking—like a sign warning of hills and curves for the next 74 miles. Yikes! Tank crossings, another scary one—and he's got plenty others.
If you've ever wondered what life on the road is like, if comedians can be into sustainable living, if sustainability folks can be funny, or if comedians can be interesting (and nice) to talk to when the show is over, Snyders is your man.
If you catch him coming through your town, make sure to see his show—and try to chat him up after, because he has stories to share that you sure won't hear anywhere else.
More comedy with a conscience:
"Earth to America": Comedy for the Planet
The Alternative Energy Comedy Show
Comedy for Karma: NYC Comics Yuk It Up For Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary
