I must take a minute to recognize a great man that I can call a good friend. He is a man so genuine that he becomes a magnet attracting those that sense his wholesome truth; a truth that he keeps to himself and expresses it through his actions: what a wise thing to do! It has been a year since our first video we did with him under the new brand SnakeByte Media; looking back, I can see that engagement launched us both in a trajectory of business that no longer stays in conversations about our untapped ambitions.

I first discovered Erick’s café in late 2016. This was a time in my life when I used to bounce around different coffee shops in the heat of the valley & worked on my projects that would soon conquer the world. But when I came across the Bicycle Nomad Café it was like finding a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Sometimes I would scribble away in my lecturen notebook and work, but this place was better equipped for dates and woo a lover. The café has a tranquil & intimate ambiance that allows you to get to know someone without any distractions. One of my favorite beverages they offer is a creative coffee drink of espresso shots in a coconut: the famous Cocoespresso! The drink would give my date and I something exotic to talk about, which eventually progressed to explore other indulgences that surrounded the café.

I became a regular and got to know this Panamanian with a pearly white smile. One day I heard a song by one of my favorite musical artist playing from the speakers in the cafe: Desaparecido by Manu Chao. I asked Erick about the song and we quickly connected conversing about how music beautifully expresses culture & individuality. That’s when it occurred to me I had to podcast this guy and capture his perspective. He instantly agreed and was even more kind enough to suggest it can be done at his café after hours. How could I resist?

This is what I love about podcasting! Listening to the stories that my guests have endured that help shape their character is truly wonderful. We are accompanied by our choice of beverages; I had the cocoespresso, Erick favors his latte with oatmilk, and with microphones in our faces—it forces us to engage with a stranger & truly listen. I soon learned what sparked this kind-hearted bicycle enthusiast to love long voyages: it was his mother. Born and raised in Panama, Erick tells me that he used to have these walks with his mother when he was a child; one of those days Erick’s mother caught him a couple miles passed their usual rout, and she asked him what he was doing?

“One thing people ask is why do I keep going out there? Why do I keep doing that? . . . It was just the love for the lesson you learn on the road; it teaches you to be in the present moment”- Erick You can listen to my first podcast episode with him here

Long walks with his mother turned into bike rides that turned into adventures across states! I remember as a child fantasizing about great adventures like in the old Indiana Jones movies and Erick was actually doing it; his journey of pedaling from icy-cold Canada down the pacific coast to the warmth of Tijuana, México gave me the same excitement as seeing Dr. Jones’ battle on the bridge in the Temple of Doom. It takes amazing discipline to endure a travel of +2,000 miles and as I see Erick expound on the repercussions of his journeys, I realized I have witnessed a man molded by his commitment to something that was feeding his soul. Which, helped me reflect on what was I doing that fed my soul? Before I knew it our friendship grew around the subject of spirituality and the discipline it takes to commit to it.

Back in those days I did not have many people I could engage with to ponder about spirituality; to challenge the traditional ideas, entertain crazy ones, and truly be vulnerable about the doubts that lingered around dogmas that paved the way to our “western thought”. However, that was not a problem with Mr. Erick Cedeño. He welcomed stimulating conversations that pushed pass our comfort zone. I mean after all he has been doing that with his bike for over 30 years now.

“It was challenging, it pushed me to limits, it pushed me to places that I did not know. . . I mean listen, it was beautiful, right? but more than the physical, it took me to places mentally & spiritually” - Erick. This is our 2 year recap episode

Who does not want to go to places spiritually? I tediously arrange my meditations amidst my busy schedule, but all what Erick needs is his bike, the sun, and the terrains of the Earth. I use to think one has to first endure the boring methods of sitting and herding the thoughts that persistently come while meditating. However, Mrs. Cedeño made me realize the fun engaging approach; an active one that occupy’s the mind to not linger. This Panamanian also holds a plant base diet—which is a whole other discipline on its own; I on the other hand rather fast than to mess with my diet, which would be something we often compare to support each other’s discipline. We almost made it to Jesus levels of 30 days! Nevertheless, just like a gym buddy to spot your bench it was great to have a comrade to join in on the training that must strengthen the spirit.

Maybe our first acquaintance was serendipitous. Regardless, my friendship Erick Cedeño has taught me a few things without “teaching” me: to always make an effort to cultivate a space within and be mindful who you allow in it. Because, this discipline ultimately guides you on an exciting & fulfilling path. This Rastafarian exemplifies that and as he continues to do what he loves you can see the natural benefits that attracted Ford Black Agency, CNN, and Phoenix New Times. Also, congratulations on your recent marriage Erick!

Erick Cedeño: Bicycle Enthusiast / Entrepreneur / Seeker / Owner of Bicycle Nomad