The Year 2025 Seen Through My Favourite Frames

If I had to sum up 2025 in one word, it would probably be, learning. Not the comfortable kind. The kind that comes from doing, deciding, rethinking, letting go – and then doing it all again. These are my favourite photos from the 2025 tours. Not necessarily the ‘best’ ones objectively – but the ones that stayed with me. Each of them holds a story, a conclusion, or a quiet reminder of why we do what we do at TDA.

Tour d’Afrique

Setting up a bush camp in front of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya

If I were to pick just one photo of the year, this would be it. To me, it captures the essence of TDA perfectly: our truck, our camp, one of our signature tours – and Mount Kilimanjaro, one of Africa’s undeniable highlights – all wrapped into one frame, bathed in the soft light of the end of the day. Movement, simplicity, scale. This is what it feels like from the inside.

Hippie Trail

Andrew Schneck cruising through the Western Ghats

The legend himself – Andy. A long-time TDA alumnus, and 2025 turned out to be his most productive year with us: three tours in one season, and even more ambitious plans for 2026 already ahead. Consistency, curiosity, commitment. Way to go, Andy!

Road of Empires

The Algerian Road Horseshoe – Neil and Bob

You can always recognize Bob by the way he holds the handlebars. This was an amazing inaugural tour! Who would have thought that from the first idea in fall 2023 to riding through Algeria in spring 2025, we’d get here – revealing the country’s beauty in such a powerful way. Well, I’ll tell you who would… it’s TDA. Duh!

Olive Route

Ada climbing the Camino on the coast

One of the hardest choices – this route is one of my absolute favourites, and also something I’d love to ride myself someday. The Camino has been on my bucket list for years. Add wonderful Ada – whom I was lucky to meet earlier on Viva Italia – and my least favourite cycling activity ever: climbing. And yet… watching someone else do it – seemingly effortlessly – is pure joy.

Journey to the East

Brian cycling past Lake Shikotsu on the final day

Journey to the East has become one of those tours that doesn’t need to prove anything anymore. Since its double launch in 2023, it quietly found its place – especially for first-time TDA riders – and every year it simply confirms that it belongs. Looking at this image, I’m reminded that not everything has to be extreme or overwhelming to be meaningful. Some routes work because they give space – to settle into the rhythm, to look around, to arrive without needing to conquer anything. And sometimes, that’s exactly what people are looking for – whether it’s their first TDA tour, or just the right moment in life.

Magical Madagascar

 

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Допис, поширений TDA Global Cycling | Bike Tours in over 80 countries (@tdacycling)

This year also taught us how to let go. As incredible as this route is – and as excited as we were to run it – the decision was made not to include Magical Madagascar in the upcoming calendars. Still, when I look at this photo, it feels bright and optimistic. Almost like a reminder: never say never. And yes – it looks a bit like our logo, so I’m keeping my hopes alive.

Trans-Europa

Trans-Europa was hard to choose from. I joined the tour for the first section, met wonderful people, and was especially happy to reconnect with someone I’d ridden with before. Because TDA is about people. And sometimes it’s not even about cycling. Sometimes you disembark, slow down, and simply let the beauty around you sink in. That’s what this Venice moment is about. But since this is my blog, and I don’t actually have to be objective…

Jenna, Jordy, Balazs, Masoud behind the camera, and – last but definitely not least – Gergo, our tour leader somewhere in the bag van, doing his job with peak professionalism and quiet elegance. Thank you, guys. Truly. And yes – I already know I’ll see some of you again in 2026 😉

Trans- Himalaya

This tour brought some of the toughest lessons of the year. We were reminded that we live in a reality where things move fast – sometimes too fast. Climate change is no longer abstract. Political situations shift rapidly. Decisions made far away can affect everything on the ground. We learned to keep our eyes open, to listen to different perspectives, and how crucial timely, honest communication really is. And as Henry once said – “to be on the angels’ side.” My personal takeaway? Deep respect for the people I work with and the values we share. Tough decisions were made. Lessons learned. And we move on – thoughtfully and respectfully.

Silk Route

 

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Допис, поширений TDA Global Cycling | Bike Tours in over 80 countries (@tdacycling)

Have I mentioned that I hate climbing? It’s the hardest part of cycling for me. But this photo reminds me – again – that sometimes you simply have to push harder. And sometimes that’s the only way to reach the place you’re meant to be. I’m linking an Instagram carousel here because it deserves your attention. (And while you’re at it – follow our Instagram if you don’t already. Pretty please.)

North American Epic

Svend riding toward Monument Valley

The more epic the tour, the harder it is to choose just one image. This road feels endless – no beginning, no visible end. But we all know the truth: if you keep cycling, eventually it stays behind you. Always does.

Cape to Kili

Kids gathering around the lunch truck in Malawi.

Among all the breathtaking landscapes, this is the image I’d keep. Because TDA is also about connection – seeing beauty not only in nature, but in people. Engaging with locals. Listening. And through their stories, learning something about yourself.

Island Hopping Japan

 

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Допис, поширений TDA Global Cycling | Bike Tours in over 80 countries (@tdacycling)

This might be unfair but another life lesson: sometimes it doesn’t have to be. This set of three Instagram videos was the first thing that came to mind when I thought about our inaugural Island Hopping Japan tour. So here it is.

Golden Buddha Ride

Fabrizio walking his bike in Laos

Fabrizio had to walk his bike on a steep climb through the mountains of Laos. And that’s perfectly fine. You don’t have to be perfect. I do it myself – as long as I keep moving. And look at him: still smiling. That’s the plan for next year too, right? We keep rolling. Keep smiling. Keep enjoying the good moments – no matter what. Let’s do it together.