About Scott Stoll

News: Scott has been honored by the US Embassy in Argentina as the Cultural Ambassador for the 2011-2012 school year. Scott will be working with the embassy's Outreach Program and Argentine school children to produce the Spanish edition of Falling Uphill, which is especially exciting since Buenos Aires has been chosen as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) 2011 World Book Capital.

The short story:
Scott Stoll asked himself a question: “If I could do anything, what would I do?” His answer resulted in a quest for happiness and the meaning of life around the world on a bicycle (25,742 miles, 4 years, 50 countries, 6 continents & 4 moments of enlightenment). His adventures are chronicled in his independent, best-selling book Falling Uphill, a tale described as having moments from pure survival to pure enlightenment. After returning home and seeing the sparkle of wonder and the fruits of inspiration in so many people, Scott hopes to create a life filled full of entertaining and inspiring tales about his adventures of self-discovery and the magic and mysteries of life. He is currently working with local schools as an artist-in-residence to create children's books about his stories.

The longer story:

Recepient of the Spirit of Adventure Award. Presented by The LA Council of Hostelling International for outstanding enthusiasm and curiousity while traveling. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share my adventure.

In 2001, Scott left behind beloved San Francisco and began the first pedal strokes of his trip around the world, which almost ended 5 days later when the terrorists struck New York City. After a month-long deliberation, Scott decided to continue his trip during what would become a unique moment in history, being one of the few Americans to travel abroad and the only one to travel the world on a bike. Citizens of other countries would often regard Scott as "the bicycling ambassador". And unlike most modern day adventures, Scott traveled the world with nothing more than a paper map, and of course the prerequisite open-mind and an open-heart.

Before his epic journey, Scott came from a modest background. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in Waukesha before returning to the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee for his degree in the fine arts. Scott has also worked and lived across the US and England; however, after living life like the indigenous inhabitants in over 60 countries, Scott has been called "a citizen of the world" and has worked hundreds of truly odd and dirty jobs to provide for his journeys.

Scott dipping the front wheel of his bicycle in the Pacific Ocean after riding across the country in the summer of 1997 -- the test ride for his upcoming world trek.

Before embarking upon his world bicycle tour, Scott spent a decade working in advertising and graphic design from Washington, DC to San Francisco, being labeled at times as an art director, graphic designer, production artist, photographer and/or copywriter. Scott has freelanced in over 100 ad agencies, including TBWA/Chiat/Day when they won the prestigious "Agency of the Year" award. Scott has also won a handful of industry awards for his design and writing, and is proud to have written for the New York Times. More recently Scott has been an author, motivational speaker, Honorary Committee Member of Hostelling International, radio correspondent, and more.

Of course, Scott is always dreaming of the next adventure and next book, but currently he is enjoying his adventure at home, because he has learned that even traveling around the world on a bicycle is too fast. In fact, one of his main goals is simply to build a community of people passionate about bringing great ideas to life in a way that is mutually beneficial to everyone involved and the world at large.

For more photos and information about Scott, please visit our press room.