Behind The Scenes: Office Manager By Day

Most people assume that being an Office Manager means spreadsheets, emails, and the occasional printer jam. And most of the time, they’re right…but not always if you work for TDA. When I’m at TDA’s Toronto HQ, my days are filled with organizing registrations and payments, invoicing, creating rooming and attendance lists and making sure riders and staff have everything they need before they even set foot on tour.

It’s a role that requires juggling a couple of details. One moment, I’m ensuring a rider’s payment has been processed; the next, I’m ordering jerseys and race plates, double-checking that we don’t accidentally room a rider with someone else’s spouse. I also take on marketing tasks from Shanny – sometimes it’s deep-dive research, sometimes it’s crafting the right message for the blog announcement in Instagram. My job is also about tracking numbers. I submit monthly reports, keeping tabs on registrations, payments, and whatever other figures need crunching. It’s a lot. But I like it.

There’s a rhythm to the work—spreadsheets, emails, problem-solving. It’s structured, (mostly) predictable, and happens from the comfort of a well-lit desk with our own bicycle parking rack in the office (yes, we do have one!) Working in an office full of avid cycling enthusiasts is an experience in itself. There’s Henry, our founder, who shares wisdom and big-picture insights that keep TDA moving forward. When it comes to technical issues, though—let’s just say he has more important things to focus on! Then there’s Michael, who turned our office into a botanical garden. When he’s away, I inherit the responsibility of watering his billion plants, a noble duty of keeping his jungle alive – one overwatered succulent at a time.

Office Beer Crawl in Hamilton

Micah, our IT guru, is the guy who constantly receives parcels filled with mysterious gear for upcoming tours. Not sure exactly what’s inside—bike parts? GPS devices? Only Micah and the TDA gods know. He’s also a talented bike mechanic, and honestly, my bike is still alive thanks to him. I liked him even more on Viva Italia than in the office—probably because he had no choice but to help me. And I know he liked me better there too. And then there’s Shanny, my main critic but also my greatest advisor. He’s the reason I’ve developed a thicker skin, but at the same time, he’s my go-to for emotional support, random chats, and (most importantly) coffee. While Miles, our Operations Manager, is based in Victoria, BC, we see him all the time—on a giant TV screen during our meetings. Even though he’s technically remote, there’s rarely a week when he’s not showing up into our office with one of his colourful beanies.

The thing is, I absolutely love this office vibe. I might be the only one who remembers everyone’s birthdays, but maybe that’s just my Ukrainian generous soul—or maybe I just really like an excuse to bring cake. I’ve learned so much from these amazing people – not just about work, but about Canadian life; how to complain about the weather like a local, and how to critique politicians with style. Somehow, I’ve mastered that skill too. But my absolute favourite thing? Listening to their road stories. I get so mesmerized that I sometimes forget to breathe. It’s in those moments I think, “Wow, I’m so lucky to work with such incredible people.”

Every now and then, I take my job on the road – my favourite part, because it means I finally get to contribute some road-side stories of my own! My first tour experience on the Viva Italia was a mix of office duties, helping with lunch spots, cycling, and trying to squeeze in emails at the end of a long day. It was intense, but it also gave me a deeper appreciation for what we do – seeing our tours from both the office and the field makes my work in Toronto even more meaningful. And here I go again, thinking “Oh my, I’m so blessed working with these crazy guys!”

This year, I’ll be doing it again for the first section of Trans-Europa. Kicking off in Tallinn, this tour is a dream for anyone who loves cycling through history – coasting past medieval towns, dense forests, and unforgettable views. Whether I’m at my desk in Toronto or squeezed into a hotel room after a long ride, my job stays the same: keeping things organized, getting people to fill out their forms, and making sure our riders (and staff) have everything they need—sometimes before they even realize they need it. If you see me on tour, I’ll be the one juggling a lunch box, a laptop, and a helmet — because that’s just how we do things at TDA. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.