A Tunisian Cyclist Joins The Cape To Kili Cycling Expedition

Rihab Gwayed is the Content Creator for the 2025 Cape to Kili Cycling Expedition.

Do you know that moment when you realize you’re exactly where you’re meant to be? That’s how I felt watching the sunrise paint the South African sky on my first morning with the TDA tour. Coming from Tunisia, where cycling tours are practically unheard of, I never imagined I’d find myself here, surrounded by such incredible energy. Twenty brave souls from all corners of the world have gathered in Cape Town, ready to pedal their way to Kilimanjaro. Some are seasoned cyclists, others complete newcomers to long-distance touring. What unites them all? A beautiful kind of madness, I’d say.

The winter mornings here are brutal – teeth-chattering, finger-numbing cold at 4C. It’s easy to question my life choices when crawling out of warm sleeping bags in the pitch dark but here’s the thing about the TDA family – we’ve got each other’s backs. Take this morning: John, the Chef, was already whistling while prepping breakfast in the freezing dark, his laugh somehow making the cold more bearable. Someone huddled in their sleeping bag quipped, “This cold is not for sleeping alone in the tent – I should have brought my wife!” And suddenly, the whole camp was alive with laughter.

What strikes me most is the incredible machine that is TDA’s organization. Like a perfectly choreographed dance, our convoy of trucks transforms from mobile homes into a fully functional camp kitchen, mobile bike shop, and logistics hub. Twenty years of experience shows in every detail – from the meticulously packed trucks to the seamless coordination between crew members. While riders conquer the road, our lunch truck creates a pop-up restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Cyclists arrive to find a feast designed to restore their energy – fresh salads, protein-rich spreads, hearty sandwiches, and cookies for that sugar boost. Every dietary need is carefully considered, from vegetarian options to gluten-free alternatives.

Then there’s our dinner truck, already at the next camp, working its own kind of magic. As riders roll in, exhausted but triumphant, they’re greeted by the most comforting welcome imaginable – a steaming pot of homemade soup. While waiting for the main dinner, they gather around, sharing stories of the day’s adventures, the soup becoming a daily ritual that transforms road warriors back into camp family. This journey strips away all pretense. Whether you’re a CEO or a college student, a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to cycling, out here we’re all equally vulnerable to flat tyres, headwinds, and sore muscles.

We’re practicing what NASA astronauts call ‘Expedition Behaviour‘ – that vital mix of self-care and group support that makes challenging adventures possible. The support flows naturally: experienced riders share route tips during dinner, others lend tools or spare parts when needed, and everyone celebrates together when someone conquers their first grueling climb. These small acts of kindness and shared experiences forge bonds that transcend our different backgrounds.

A Tunisian proverb says, “A burden carried by a group feels as light as feathers” – perfectly capturing the essence of the TDA experience. Every checkpoint is precisely calculated, every route meticulously planned, every safety protocol tested and proven. Beyond the impressive logistics, it’s the human connections that make this journey extraordinary. In our vulnerability, we find our humanity, and in our challenges, we discover a humility that bonds us together, one kilometre at a time.

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