“A Truly Wonderful Experience Cycling Roads Less Traveled.” – 2026 The Odyssey Rider Reviews

Over 7 weeks in April, May & June almost 30 riders pedalled 3760 km from the Acropolis in Athens to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, spinning through 10 European countries. Here’s what they thought of their cycling Odyssey.

“The Odyssey was my first TDA tour. TDA staff were excellent in providing information on all aspects of the upcoming tour. On tour I always felt well informed by TDA staff with the daily briefings and staff being immediately accessible. This background support made it easy to simply ride and explore ten countries at a pace of my choosing, and to be able to enjoy the adventure with 19 other like minded people was huge!!! Trips like this with the adventure of exploring many countries, challenging myself physically and mentally every day, is truly living life.” – John Hecht (Canada)

“This was my first long bike ride tour and I have to say I had a very positive experience. I worried about the riding every day, the distances, could I do it? I just took one day at a time, one week at a time, and found out that I could do it! I thought the route was well planned out to have two, three, or four riding days and then a rest day. Four riding days at the most seemed perfect. It gave you enough time to rest and recover and be ready to ride again! I found it exciting to see new places every day and riding through so many different countries was an amazing experience.The staff of TDA are all so supportive and really make the trip fun for everyone. I would highly recommend this tour.” – Cindy Sharpe (USA)

“We had a great group of riders and staff; both of which I could not have hoped for better. There was not a single person I would not want to ride with again, and all of whom I again hope to encounter. The Balkans and Bavaria were the highlight for me.” – Mitch Long (USA)

Related Post: “What’s Not To Like?” – The 2023 Odyssey Riders Speak Out

“This tour was definitely a challenge for me. But I feel a real sense of accomplishment upon completing those long rides and all the hill climbs. Were there moments when I was cold, wet and soggy? Yes. Were there hot, sweaty slogs up interminably long hills? Yes. But, I also had some of the best biking days of my life. I swam in the Adriatic, listened to the cuckoo in the forests of Bosnia, smelled the incredible aroma of the many blooming wildflowers, saw castles, medieval towns, shepherds holding crooks while tending their sheep, and even watched the women’s tour d’italia come through a tiny village. I explored the ruins at Delphi, learned about communism and bunkers in Albania, toured a tunnel from the war in Bosnia, ate kuchen at coke stops in Germany and delighted in all the covered bridges and bike paths. It was an amazing experience that I am still digesting and discussing with my husband.” – Margit Donhowe (USA)

“A truly wonderful experience cycling roads less traveled across 10 countries featuring over 4000 years of history and culture. Life is all about collecting experiences. The TDA odyssey tour provides that in spades. Both challenging but also very rewarding. Do it!!” – Chris Wille (Canada)

“A wonderful tour through lesser-visited areas in the Balkans. Beautiful vistas, interesting history and culture, and varied biking profiles every day. The crew was dedicated to giving all riders an excellent experience.” – Lori McCarney (USA)

“The TDA Odyssey section that we did, Sarajevo to Munich, was my first experience with such a long ride and it exceeded my expectations. I was nervous about the climbing but was able to do it with the support from the staff and other riders. Riding the whole coast of Croatia and through the Alps was epic. The people I met were truly inspiring, some in their 80s, just keep moving. Thank you TDA.” – David Kabaker (USA)

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The Odyssey

The original Odyssey by Homer followed Ulysses, King of Ithaca, on his grueling ten year trip home from the Trojan War during which he faced and...