GLORIA JEAN MACKENZIE

I like to do bicycle tours, This is the 5 time i have been on a TDA global cycling tour

Catriona Kennedy

Mike and I have cycled from Istanbul to Beijing, Shanghai to Singapore, through India, Cartagena to Santiago and Brazil with TDA and done numerous cycling tours through Europe and across America. This trip through Seoul and Japan sounds fantastic and we're really looking forward to it.

Gerald Coniel

After completing the Tour d'Afrique 2010, the Bamboo road in 2013 and Australia in 2014 this will be my 4th full tour with Tda. Quite a few familiar faces already booked for this exciting new adventure. Looking forward!

Jim Pearce

After riding OE09 and NAE11 I am looking forward to joining BR13 later this year to catch up with friends from those rides and make new ones - it is all about people and places. Dont know how we will manage without a tent but I'm sure we will cope - after bulletin 8 we may need Walli as our chaperone! Keep in touch thru jim_ngaire@clear.net.nz .... until we kick off in Shanghai, cheers, Jim.

Annegrete Warrer

Hi everybody, I am from Denmark and 59 years old. Until my India adventure in 2011 I did not know a lot about cycling - but after about 3.400 k I kind of catched a bit up on it.. I live in St. Anton, Austria where I live out my passion for skiing. I also began my "cycling career" here - on mountain bike. Last autumn after doing Rome with TDA I went to south of Italy and bought a racing bike. I am about to pick it up now and plan to do some training on it and my mountain bike here in St. Anton. Spent all summer in Denmark and did not bike (did some sailing). I used to own a travel company specialized in ski holidays but since the last 6-8 years I started to do some free lance writing as a journalist and also do some studying in that field. I look very much forward to meet old and new friends in Asia (Hongkong to Penang) - and hope that the chinese traffic is not going to be too tough.. Cheers, Annegrete

Barbara Cross

Hi, I am a happy dedicated TDA alumni. I have participated in the Silk Route, the India Tour and "all roads lead to Rome'. I am looking forward to my new adventure on the Bamboo Route!

Johanne Richard

I am married to Pierre Chesnay. We have travelled on our tandem and single bikes mostly in Canada and Europe.

Pierre Chesnay

I am recently retired lawyer by training; I have worked most of my life in the auto parts business with Uni-Select a large North American parts distributor. My wife Johanne and I have enjoyed riding our tandem bicycle near home in the Quebec Eastern townships, and we have also enjoyed riding in Italie, France, Corsica and Croatia. Now that we have a bit more time available, we look forward to a lengthier trip in new and exotic surroundings.

David Williams

Having been a farmer for many years. I moved to Suzhou in China where we worked for 2 years. I have been retired to Mumbai for the last 4 years where my wife is a Principal of an International School. I have cycled from Mumbai to the southern tip of India with the 2012 India tour . I am looking forward to the sights and food of Asia.

Kendall Alford-Madden

I am from Durham North Carolina. This will be my fourth trip with TdA and the most adventurous one to date. I can't wait to re-unite with old friends and meet new ones. I am scared I'll admit, but I will singing and laughing down the road hopefully.

Rudolf Tize

I am Rudolf, 71 years old and cancer survivor. After 40 years with 65 I did my first Tour, the Amber Route. The Bamboo Road was my 4th tour with TDA. I am fascinated with all the different cultures and looking forward to see more facets' of life...more hotels and less tents. I thought the Indian Adventure tour would be the highlight of my cycle tours. Now in my age I hope to see a lot of new old Europa and good food. The sweepers have been always good friends!!! Thank you !

Prasit Suthisirikul

Janice Simpson

Michael Netzsch

I am happy that I can join another tour with TDA.

Alice Roest

This will be my fourth trip with TDA, since 2011. I have also done three self guided trips; Paris-Rome (2012), Barcelona-Lisbon (2014)and Amsterdam-Madrid (2016). Looking forward to this new adventure and meeting new like minded people.

Claire Pegler

Hi there - I'm Claire and I'm your expedition medic/assistant tour director. I am a Registered Nurse in both Australia and New Zealand with a background in Emergency Nursing, and an interest in prehospital trauma and expedition medicine. Looking forward to seeing you all in Shanghai!!!

Sharita van der Merwe

“The thing I love most about my job is watching the social dynamics unfold.”

For as long as I can remember I’ve been stripping, fixing, and riding bicycles. As well, I knew from a young age I wanted to explore, travel, and see the world—my dream at one time was to fly airplanes. However, it wasn’t long before I realized that flying in a straight line from point A to point B wasn’t for me!

When I left school I had no direction, no idea of where I wanted to be or what I wanted to do, once my dream of flying died. In 2003, I saw a magazine ad of a bunch of cyclists lined up in front of the Giza pyramids and I became hooked on the idea of doing that but I had to choose between taking a four-month cycling trip across Africa or going to Warriors Boot Camp to get educated. I chose Warriors and the programme equipped me for life by giving me a solid foundation. There, I was free to discover and explore who I was and to test physical and mental endurance. Having my attitude and my comfort zone constantly pushed readied me for all sorts of real-world challenges. I stayed at Warriors for three years, then cycled solo across Africa when I was 22 years old. In 2009, I landed the job as TDA’s assistant tour director on the Cairo to Cape Town trip—and the rest is history.

Ever since, Africa has been my baby and my favourite. I’ve worked on other tours—the Silk Route, the Bamboo Road, Ruta Maya, Magical Madagascar—but Africa is my full-time project and has lately included TDA’s complex tour of West Africa.

I’m based in beautiful Cape Town; when I’m not here, I’m scouting, exploring, problem-solving somewhere in the world and revelling in the adventure of being alive.

TDA has taken me to 80 countries and my most incredible off-the-beaten-track expedition was the West Africa scout in 2017, especially Guinea—I’d never been to a place so remote, rough or wild. I fell in love with Africa all over again on that trip. The stories are epic and endless!

There’s never a dull moment with TDA, because you absolutely never know what’s going to happen next.

Douglas Percival

There is a great sense of satisfaction seeing a Rider finishing their day with a smile on their face, and that Day by Day, we have Taken someone safely to a place on this planet that Most People will never see, and all whilst by Bicycle.

I am a South African that has lived a life of itchy travel feet, and found myself Living in Sweden. Being a passionate cyclist in my teenage years, my Bike Mechanic Brother, taught me to fix my own bicycles, a vital bit of knowledge not only for a teenager trying to save money on bike repairs, but how it would shape my working career.

I've worked in all corners of the Bike industry,... shops, import and distribution, race teams, and even now for the Swedish Cycling Federation, as well as personal Guiding for a huge mix of private clients. They have all added up into helping me grow my knowledge of a bicycle, and how I can make one operate even in the worst environments with rider abuse,....which then played into the hand of being a confident TDA mechanic.

Guiding and Leading Tours came organically through my knowledge of Traveling, mixed with my knowledge of fixing bikes, thrown into the pot of being a passionate cyclist, and large desire of being on the Move.... Quite a mix.

TDA tours have the ability to provide one with a gift. It is a gift that keeps on giving...and that is: just when you think you have seen it all, there is always something else to surprise you with! From sleeping inside the Great Wall of China, to swatting flies off your sandwich in 49celcius Australian outback, or watching stars in the Sudanese Sahara, to Sipping Expresso's in an Italian cafe. From the Orderly bike lanes of Denmark to the chaos of Freetown, Sierra Leone.... There is so much that happens daily!

For any future rider that is wondering how to make their experience better. Set your expectations reasonably, ask questions, And come prepared... and Know your equipment!

Know how your bike feels, make sure it has arrived on tour Fully serviced. Know how to put up your tent if you're not confident with it.

And Figure out your bag packing! I have watched too many people lose an hour of their precious day (and some everyday for 4 months).. because they don't have their equipment organized.

Cheers..and happy riding!

Maureen Matthews

The R&R ride will be my first trip with TDA, I will join my husband for those days, who is doing the whole ride. I am looking forward to seeing Angkor Wat and modern Cambodia.

matthew clark

George Oertel

Semi retired, live part of the time in Jhb, part of the time on in the bush in a game farm and the rest of the time on my bike

Wossen Mitiku

Nola Reynolds

I'm just a girl on a bike, with a restless spirit and a severe case of wanderlust.

Per Sörner

Freelance engineer, musician and reality hacker from the Swedish west coast. Currently on an indefinite sabbatical to explore life, the universe and everything. I find expedition cycling a good way to practise living in the present, enjoy a "simple" life, see the world, fill up with new impressions and stretch the edge of my comfort zone. Previous TdA experience: Hong Kong to Bangkok (Bamboo Road premiere 2013), Bali to Alice Springs (Trans-Oceania premiere 2014), Quito to Cusco (SAE 2015), Ulan Bator to Gorno-Altaysk (Silk Route 2016), Freetown to Cape Coast (West Africa en Vélo premiere 2018) and Kashmir to Kathmandu (Trans Himalaya premiere 2019).

Michel Savoie

This will be my eighth trip with TDA. I like to travel on a bike with other cyclists like me.

Jean Turcot

I am a gentle man (pince sans rire) I don't take myself to seriously and since few years already I realized life is gone to be shorter and shorter,so I do my best to appreciate day by day and enjoy the present instant. I consider myself has a semi retire person who try to do more personnel thing then working.It will be my first trip to Asia and it would be extraordinary to visit sitting on my bicycle and try to get involve with people we are gone to meet.I have done few bike trip to Europe and North America.

Nieka Streef

Hello everyone! I'm so excited to be the Assistant Tour Director on the first Bamboo Road and to share this journey from Shanghai to Singapore. I will be making sure that logistically everything is taken care of and running smoothly so you can enjoy this life changing experience. Can't wait to meet everyone and get it in Saddle! Happy training!

Dennis Kipphardt

Hello everybody, I am German, 45, living in Switzerland and rode with TdA before, loved it and now I am back for more. TdA (2011) really was a trip of a lifetime. Rode Bamboo as a sectional from Phnom Penh to Singapore in 2013 - different but enjoyed it anyhow. Always liked the idea of doing some additional miles in Africa. Due to time off from family and the holidays season I will only be able to ride to Sierra Leone ! Looking forward ! Dennis

Pei - chen Chen

Bicycling is my passion and relaxation. I am looking forward for 3 month "relaxation". I had never had this kind of holidays. I am looking for my limitation. I am curios about the world and what this Part of the world has to offer. I live now 1 year in Burnaby, Vancouver BC, Canada. Before I lived always in Taiwan.

Trond Michelsen

Hi. I'm a 49 year old programmer from Oslo, Norway. This will be my sixth trip with TDA. Previously I've done a section on Bamboo Road (2013), three sections on Trans-Europa (2014 and 2016) and the complete Orient Express (2015) and Pub Ride (2018) Looking forward to a great summer of cycling

Michael Coo

“Sitting around on Friday afternoons in the TDA office, drinking beers, gazing at the wall-sized world map and brainstorming new tour ideas.”

I rode the 2006 Tour d'Afrique and ended up chatting with Henry over dumplings in Chinatown about a job. Twelve years later, I'm still here, as Office Manager.

Working for TDA has given me the chance to make so many memories. On the third day cycling in the sand and rock on unmarked tracks in the Sudanese desert south of Wadi Halfa during the 2006 Tour d'Afrique, I remember stopping, exhausted and filthy. Looking around and thinking “What the hell am I doing here?”, but with a big grin on my face—a really big grin.

I also remember being in southeast Asia in 1990, watching from “the comfort of the bar"… as a bus bound for Singapore pulls in. A mad rush ensues. People throw their bags and children through the open windows and clamber into the door, all this as the bus backs into its parking spot. People wanting off the bus are forced to bash their way past the people forcing their way on. A polite Westerner (about 6'3", 220 pounds) makes a futile attempt to board. He is no match for the locals and as the bus pulls away, the bus door spits him out, pack and all.”

For me, the best part of the job is the unpredictability: phone calls in the middle of the night about lost riders, elephant attacks, missing passports and vehicles that can't be turned off for days on end. You just never know what's coming next.

andré marcoux

We have been to many places on our tandem in the last 10 years, but this is our first in Asia , we are now over 60 ,so it should be a little more challenging but ,thats what we like . I was in Africa in 2011 ,so this ride should be a breeze ,all hotel ,and tarmack !!!WOW , so see you in Shanghai , André Marcoux and Lise-Anne Dupont Québec ,canada

Barendina Hunt-Davis

Love exploring countries on my bicycle

Brett Lanham

I’m an ex seafarer, retired now for 10 years, fortunate enough to have been able to get away on a bike tour with TdA every year since 2011, until 2020 that was! I look forward to catching up with friends from past rides and meeting new ones and sharing this great adventure with a beer, or two.

Charles Feaver

My first TDA ride was India in 2012. Loved it. Bamboo Road in 2013. Awesome. Ruta Maya 2015. Oceania 2016. South America 2017. Looking forward to going back to Central America.

Dan Kirby

Journey to the East will be my 4th TDA adventure, and I'm looking forward to seeing another part of the globe that I haven't yet visited. As always there will be riders who I have met on other rides, so a chance to catch up with them while making new acquaintances. See you in Seoul!

Daniel pilliard

Midwest deplorable

David Gary Ford

PADI scuba diver (510 dives since 1991), self-supported treks to Everest Base Camp (2001) and Annapurna Circuit (2003) in Nepal, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro (2007). Began solo tour cycling in 2002 with three trips across western Canada, then solo tours from Amsterdam-Budapest (2006), Amsterdam-Casablanca (2008), an Italy circuit (2009), and England/Ireland/Wales circuit (2011). Gave away my paniers and joined TdA for the Indian Adventure (2012) and the Bamboo Road (2013). Summer activities involve road rides around Brandon and ACC mountaineering camps in the Rockies; winter activities are indoor `spin sessions`, downhill skiing, and Master`s curling.

Fred Promoli

Occupation: retired Physical Education and Outdoor Education teacher; former naval officer; Hometown: Guelph, Ontario Current residence: Collingwood, Ontario Former provinces of residence: all but Nfld, NB, PEI TdA experience: Tour d'Afrique 2003; Orient Express 2008; Silk Route 2008; Bamboo Road 2013; Australia 2014; South America 2015, 2017; Lake Winnipeg 2016; (America by Bicycle northern route 2016); Trans Himalaya 2019 Current activities: cycling, motorcycle touring, golf, canoe tripping, xc skiing; bagpipe band member

Gerhard Kiessling

I'm a retired airline pilot, I'm married and I've two adult children. Since my retirement in 2009 I finally found the time to explore parts of the world with my bicycle. I toured through Italy in 2010, I rode part of the NAE in 2011, in 2012 I crossed West Africa by bicycle riding from Dakar to Accra, and in January this year I've been cycling the mountains of Northern Thailand (I can tell you, those were really, really steep!). Now I'm looking forward to meet some old friends from the NAE and to make new friends! :-) I'll join the Bamboo Road in Hanoi and leave the tour at Krabi for some relaxing days at the sea. I'm looking forward to meet you all in Hanoi!!

Jacqueline Nel

"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle." Ernest Hemingway

Dianne Lizotte

This seems to be an exciting adventure through places I have not ridden before. Been on many TDA adventures and they are always memorable.

Juergen Willrodt

I am 73 years old and have already participated in 10 TDA tours mainly as a sectional rider. I am married and happy father of three girls (42, 27 and 24) and grandfather of three grandchildren. I am partly retired working now just 1 or 2 days a week which gives me plenty of time to travel. I have studied physics and have a Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics. I have been active in sports all my life and before I started doing cycling tours I have been active in Karate and participated in World Championships 1975 in Los Angeles and 1977 in Tokyo and became European Champion in 1977. You can find more information on my website.

Marco vom Hau

Tag cloud: Marco vom Hau, 35 years, male, database programmer, Siegerland, Germany, cycling, mountainbike, road bike, touring bike, camping, yoga, jog, badminton, black cloth, RPG, Heavy Metal

Maureen Wotherspoon

Hi everyone, I live in Banff, Alberta, so the Rockies have been my playground for the past 18 years. I work at our small but busy hospital in Health Information Management(formally known as Health Records) In the winter you will find me skiing, mostly cross country with the occasional down hill excursion. In the summer we are hiking & biking around here or in BC. I love adventure travel, so try and get away for a couple of months every 2 to 3 years with smaller trips in between. This trip I was lucky to get 5 months off. My plans are to leave here in May to bike down the Oregon Coast to San Francisco, meet with you all to ride the Orient express, then make my way over to China to do the first part of the Bamboo route in Sept. I have never done this much biking before so I hope I'm up for the challenge! See you soon!

Michael Kennedy

This is my 8th TDA tour starting with the first TDA I have also done the first Silk Route, Bamboo Road, South American Epic, Carnival Cycling Expedition and Trans Himalaya as well as the second India Adventure/Hippy trail. I have also cycled across the US twice, Europe, eastern Australia and South America as well as numerous shorter tours around America, Europe and North Africa.

Miles MacDonald

“I caught the travel bug young, while staring up at airplanes and wondering where they were going. It hasn’t ever really left me.”

Before TDA (which is quite a while ago now), I had several relevant passions. I was a serious bike racer for quite a few years. Then I lived long summers in the boreal forest planting trees, followed by winters of bike couriering in Montreal. The next step in the skill set—cooking—was acquired at culinary school and by working for some of the best chefs in Montreal and Vancouver. And all of this was interspersed with traveling however and wherever I could around the globe.

With TDA I’ve experienced so many incredible sights, smells, sounds, and more. The memories to ponder later on while in the communal rocking chair are endless. In particular, I feel exceptionally lucky for the professional and personal relationships developed with people from around the world over more than a decade—it’s in these relationships that windows to so many cultures have been opened, so many ways of being witnessed.

I also feel fortunate to get to watch tour participants as they delve into nomadic life on our journeys. Each day, whether easy or grueling, is a trip into the unknown; the simplicity of these days brings people together while at the same time offering grand rewards.

Nelson Lacharity

I am from Vancouver, BC, retired June of 2012. I discovered bicycling when I was 42 and long distance cycling when I was 59, so I had to retire to make time for the touring. I have been on six other TDA tours (Amber Route 2010, Bamboo 2013, and South American 2015, TransEuropa 1016, Tour d'Afrique 2017, Silk Route 2018 and North American Epic 2019) as well as several other long distance rides. For me cycling is mostly about the bike, but the chance to see new places and new cultures is right up there, along with one of the biggest pleasures, which is the people - meeting new ones and meeting up with ones from previous rides.

Patrick Landey

Love to travel and love to cycle; what better way to experience the different sights, sounds and cultures in a part of the world that I have never explored (apart from Thailand). This is also a wonderful opportunity to meet and cycle with like-minded people from around the world.

Rae Simpson

I'm a retired test pilot/engineer/other aviation things. I took up cycling when arthritis and a double hip replacement ended my running career. My wife, Ursula, and I have done a number of TDA trips starting with Africa in 2008, using them as our window to places we haven't been before. We've enjoyed every one. After three postponements, we are really looking forward to JTE happening in 2023. Looking forward to reuniting with friends from previous trips and meeting new ones in Seoul.

ROBERT MACKENZIE

I am from Red Deer Alberta . This will be my 5th cycling adventure with TDA. I have previously rode the North American Epic, Orient Express , Amber Route & Bamboo Road. Looking forward to meeting up with old friends and meeting new fellow bikers.

Robin Hunt-Davis

Have previously ridden the Silk Route, Doomsday and part of the Bamboo Route.

Svend Paulsen

Hi Since I retired from Teaching 11 years ago I have had the opportunity to travel with TDA . This will be my 9th trip. I enjoy meeting new travelers as well as reuniting with old friends . Together we see and experience the incredible wonders of the world first hand and up close . I look forward to seeing all of you on the trans oceania

Ursula Simpson

I am a retired database analyst. Enjoying life in Squamish, on Canada's West coast. Either hiking, biking, or skiing. Having fun with my two grandsons and one grand daughter or hanging out with friends. My husband Rae and I are seasoned riders with TdA. Tour d’Afrique in 2008, Rome in 2012, Bamboo Road in 2013 and Australia in 2014. New Zealand in 2016. The Magical Madagascar tour in 2017. Hippie trail in 2019 and The Himalayas in 2019. Morocco in 2022.

Walli Pagniello

Hooked on biking with TdA - the best company!!!! My first tour was in 2009 Vienna to Istanbul, on the Orient Express, 2011 Toronto to St. John's, part of initial North American Epic, and 2012 St. Petersburg to Venice, the Amber Route, part of Trans Europa. 2013 I did the amazing Bamboo Road tour. My riding style is slow but steady, need the force to be with me uphill but let her roll downhill! Completed 100-mile day in Cambodia 2016 New Zealand To my "unknown" fellow riders: Please let us get to know you by completing your profile! It's not easy to meet so many at once and remember your names.

Yves LANDRIAULT

Franz-Georg Henn

I´m a German long-distance bikerider, cycle and travelling in different countries of our world. In 2013 I made the 6 months cycle around Australia ride with nice Aussieguys and guys from the US, UK and NZ.

Danie Nel

I am a psychotelemographer practising traditional medicine. Originally trained as a chemical engineer. However my services not available during the trip without compensation. Keen long distance trail runner and enjoy other sports eg scuba diving, paragliding. Passion for homeless people. Run an organization G- Project for which funds will be raised by cycling Bamboo. Family with 15 children.

Patsy Howe

Love cycling (mostly on road) and ride with two clubs. Also love to travel - seeing new places, meeting new people, having new experiences and especially love not knowing what each day will bring. Really looking forward to meeting up and beginning this adventure.

Tim Sole

Married to Judy. Both rode LEJOG in 2014, TDA Bamboo Road in 2015, the first third of TDA Trans-Europa in 2016, the TDA Odyssey in 2017, the TDA Pub Ride in 2018, and the last 80% of TDA's North American Epic (so for us Banff to Panama) in 2019. This tour will be my first on an e-bike. My superpower is finding coffee stops.

Judy Sole

Married to Tim Sole, who is also on the tour. This will be my sixth TDA trip having previously done the Bamboo Road, part of the Transeuropa, the Odyssey, the Pub Ride and 80% of the North American Epic (Jasper to Panama). Greatly enjoyed cycling LEJOG (Lands End to John O' Groats) and the South Island of New Zealand.

Paul Doucet

I look forward to meeting my fellow travellers/cyclists and sharing this trip with my younger brother Michael. This will be our second TDA trip together.

Michael Doucet

I love to travel and I'm really looking forward to the ride with my brother Paul.

Phill Clapham

Presently I am milking dairy goats just outside Timaru in the South Island. I belong to 2 cycling clubs and race most week-ends. I have done a number of longer rides eg. across Australia, and in 2014 I rode across the United States from west to east. It took 50 days to complete and was 6,000 kms in total. I have a good sense of humour and get on with most people. I take things as they come and I think I have a positive mental attitude. I'm 6'2" and a bit overweight, but the ride should sort that out. Looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new places.

Elizabeth Rooke

Liz Rooke Love cycling and love travelling and caught the TDA bug a few years ago. Did Venice to Barcelona leg in 2014 and it was so good that in 2015 I completed the Orient Express and the Bamboo Road before realising I had to get a job again! Sadly this year I can only do one segment but with lots of old friends (no reference to ageism) I couldn't resist returning - looking forward to joining you in Banff

Conor Canaday

New to TDA, but old to cycling, I'm super excited to join all of you on this incredible trip! After riding through, across and around the US, Canada, and Europe I look forward to riding in the far east with you. I wholeheartedly think travel by bike is the best way to immerse yourself in a new place and can't wait to help make that possible for all of you!

Gila Zamri

Hi I was born in the USA and have been living in Israel for the past 35 years. I love riding my bicycle in Israel ! Have done the Bike and Barge tour in Holland. I love meeting new people and enjoy other sports like downhill skiing, swimming, volleyball, etc... Looking for a new challenge and experience.

Alex Percival

This will be my 4th TDA tour, having done the Silk Route and the Tour d'Afrique twice now. I will be doing my best to keep everyone's bikes on the road. Looking forward to this next adventure!

Klaus Schmidt

I am a German Biker , had some experiance to do it in Asia. To go from Shanghai to Singapur is a dream. Let the Bike be the guide.

Greg Roberts

I enjoy cycling, spending time outdoors, and visiting other countries and cultures, so this has to be the perfect combination, right? In between holidays I'm a hospital-based pharmacist/researcher. Looking forward to meeting a few of the locals at the various stop-overs, having a few beers with the other cyclists, and hearing a few tall stories.

Peter Williams

Late 2015 completed most of the Bamboo Road tour (about 4,000km though China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand), and had so much fun wanted to do more Feb, March 2016 completed all the 3,000km Hippie Trail tour through India I've taken a year off work, and have spent it mainly cycling Been cycling in Europe lately, but will finish my year of cycling doing part of the French Connection Should be fun

Stephen hanlon

Just taking a break after 35 years of creating, building and running businesses in Australia and Asia. Time to chill out and ride through a region where I have spent a great deal of time for work, but never from a saddle.

karen robyn

Film worker by trade. I took up cycling in 2015 to do the Bamboo Road, Shanghai to Singapore. Followed by 14 months working in Shanghai, without the bike. In 2018, Cairo to Capetown ended for me in Lusaka due to illness, and I’ve been trying to get back there to finish it ever since. These tours are as tough as anything I've done, but they're also full of magical moments. Look forward to sharing it with all of you...

Andreas Pakenham

As a tour leader, I love the daily challenges, and ever changing worlds we are all so lucky to travel through. Getting a diverse group of cyclists, with different backgrounds, and goals across a continent is a rare thrill that makes life at home feel a bit pedestrian! The best feeling on tour is making a tough day go smoothly, and to surprise the riders with something unexpected or memorable along the way.

I live on the west coast of Canada, in Victoria, a quiet town which can seem like an extreme contrast to many of the places I tour with TDA. In the past I have done a number of solo cycling trips, as well as exploring by motorcycles when time was more limited. Over the years of travelling though, I've realized how much I enjoy the camaraderie of travelling with a group to share experiences and make memories with. My future goals for personal travel at the moment are a bit different, and are based around the sea. In the next couple years I want to go by boat to the extreme north of Canada, in the hopes of exploring places impossible to reach in any other manner.

It's hard to nail down a single memorable experience from all my trips with TDA, but I most often think back to the experiences of Central Asia, and discovering the beauty of the Pamir Mountains for the first time. At one particular high altitude camp in Tajikistan, I remember taking a hike with a group of riders up a steep 5000m peak adjacent to the camp. As we neared the top, we found ourselves unable to safely make it past 5000m due to a loose rock scramble for the last 20 meters. Disappointed, we turned around and witnessed a flock of Marco Polo Sheep running along the ridge just below us, making time before the sun set.

If I were to make a single suggestion to a future TDA rider, it would be to slow down, and keep a camera close at hand. The best stories at the end of the trip are not normally those of the speediest cyclist.

Jan De Bock

Just a nice guy ☺

Adele Woodyard

Back on the road with TDA after a long COVID hiatus! Looking forward to getting this tour rolling with all the antics and adventures it may bring. See you in Seoul!

PAR AKESSON

Keen cyclist. Road, self supported touring and fully supported touring enthusiast.

Elisabet Otterstedt

I am very much looking forward to experience countries I haven't seen yes. The route is the target!

John Waterhouse

This will be my eighth TDA tour. Obviously, I am an addict. Why do I enjoy it enough to keep coming back? The people, the sights, sounds and smells of distant lands, the food, the physical challenge and the comradery of touring.

Louise Sims

I'm not a fast rider by any stretch, but I love to travel this way!

Richard Russek

I enjoy the slower pace of cycling that allows one to explore a country. And the opportunity to try new food. And the history. But not the sore bum.

Stirling Lee

I probably like cycling more than cycling likes me. That means I will probably be at the rear of the group but I have completed every trip I have been on. I enjoy eating enormous amounts of food, cycling means I do not gain weight while eating. I also speak a little of any language in any part of the world we are likely to travel in.

Tom Catanese

WOW, ANOTHER TDA TOUR SO FORTUNATE AND PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS GROUP. CHOICES DETERMINE OUTCOMES.. MY CHOICE IS TO STAY AS ACTIVE IN LIFE AS POSSIBLE. SHARE MY EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS. ENERGIZING MY GOALS AS I SEE THIS AMAZING WORLD ON TWO WHEELS. PAPA

ANN COLLINS

hi everyone I am Ann and have lived and worked in Sydney since 1982...now working part time and looking forward to 3 months of cycling across Asia ! regularly cycle with the Muggaccinos group here and have done Sydney to Brisbane, 1000kms, as a charity ride 9 times; also enjoy long distance walking and completed the Coast to Coast in the UK last year... 102 miles with lots of up and down ! so plan on keeping fit for September with lots of riding and walking !

Chris Wille

"The very core of man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun" Chris McCandless Into the Wild Extremely happy and grateful to have participated in and cycled the equivalent of twice around the world on some 10+ incredible TDA trips, Coast to coast, all EFI, on 6 of the worlds 7 continents. First rider to have completed all & of the TDA 7 Epics. Special thanks to the TDA and their amazing, dedicated staff for making such trips,. and the quote above, possible- there is an incredible amount of work that goes into scouting, logistics, bookings, vehicles, staffing food, etc etc. Nobody does it better than the TDA, No one runs tours like they do on roads less travelled. It's a wonderful lifestyle, Eat, Sleep and Ride. Learning lots every day from wherever we are on the planet. " The world is my classroom, I am it's student and class is in session" Thanks also to the many wonderful, strong willed fellow riders who have helped shape each unique journey and make it special. From ages 25 to 78, you are all very inspiring and show us what is possible, proving that age is just a number. Thanks also to my dedicated and understanding wife Linda. Together we started a charity in 2008, Bicycles for Humanity Victoria. Since inception we have collected, shipped and donated over 5500 good used bikes and spare parts to 3 African countries, Namibia, Uganda and Malawi. Our work continues, always collecting good used bikes and spare parts for the next container load.. It's a great way to give back and every donated bike helps change a life for the better. Our efforts are ongoing.

Erwin Attenberger

Hi, I´m Erwin, already 69, retired. My first long tour was TDA 2014, where I went from Khartoum to Nairobi and on my own through Uganda, back to Kenia and from there down to Southafrica, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. Meantime I´ve been on several TDA-Tours including South America, Silk Route and Trans-Himalaya. Looking forward to meet you on the next tour with TDA.

Colin Dymond

Done a bit of this and that , not world breaking ,but, have achieved.

Roderik Otten

I'm 64 years and a retired ENT-surgeon in the Netherlands. In 2005 I cycled part of the "Tour d'Afrique" (3500km from Nairobi to Vic Falls). In 2012 I cycled the "Andes Trail" (11.000km from Quito to Ushuaia). In 2013 I cycled in New Zealand and Australia (8000km with my tent and panniers). In 2014 Himalaya (from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmandu, Nepal 1200km). In 2015 I cycled the "100 Cols Tour" in France in 6 weeks 4200km with 78.000 altitude meters. In 2017 I cycled "Going Northcape" (from Oslo to the Northcape 3000km). In 2017 part of the TDA "Bamboo Road" (from Hanoi to Penang, 3800km)

Marjan Winkler

I always wanted to visit Mongolia by train. Last year I did the Bamboo road by bicycle and this experience did me decide to do the Mongolian part of the Silk route by bicycle instaed of train. It will be a much more tough journey than the Bamboo road and travelling by train, but I look forward to it especially to do this part together with my partner Paul Otten who will go on to Oezbekistan. I will leave at Gorno Altaysk.

Evelyn Holland

Starting to lose track of how many TDA trips we've done! I think this will be #8. Really looking forward to riding in the British Isles as we have wanted to go there for awhile now.

Greg Forst

Have been a cyclist since '92 doing a variety of things including commuting to work, week long rides, after work group rides and more recently longer duration rides including one across the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon of Canada. I enjoyed the challenges and scenery of the Outback and the terrain of New Zealand on the 2016 Trans Oceania tour. Rode the Bamboo trail and enjoyed it immensely. Had an overall good time on the Hippie Trail. The food was great and the whole experience was incredible.

Bill Wilson

This will be my 12th trip with TDA, as I've previously ridden all or part of the Trans Europa, the Orient Express, the Hippie Trail, the Bamboo Road, Magical Madagascar, the Tour d'Afrique, the Trans Oceania, the Odyssey, the North American Epic, the South American Epic and the Great American Roadtrip . I retired eight years ago, after more than 35 years prosecuting criminal cases for the Ontario government, and spend the bulk of my time cycling, golfing, reading and travelling. I am looking forward to getting together with some old friends and making some new ones.

Jan Donkers

After joining the Bamboo Road a few years ago, I'm eager to go on a next TDA adventure. I'm looking forward to cycling in central America and experiencing its culture and nature.

Marloes Verwijst

This will be my first time in Central America. I'm looking forward cycling through it.

maggie williamson

New year, new adventure … just the way I like it! Excited about exploring and experiencing two new countries, South Korea and Japan. Super pumped for the opportunity to live on South Korean and Japanese cuisine.

Armin Reich

My name is Armin. I am 59 years old. We live in Würzburg, Unterfranken, Bavaria. I like skiing/ski touring and cycling. I am speaking english and french, but not to good. Cycling from Hanoi to Phnom Pen will be my first tour with more than 1000 km.

Aloysius Carlay

This is my fourth TDA tour - did North America, South America, and India. Looking forward to this part of the world and reuniting with some old friends from previous tours. I currently ride with a full carbon moutain bike setup w/ 29 inch wheels and 2.35/2.2 sized tires and a 1x11 setup. It worked really well in South America where there was a good combination of pavement and dirt/gravel roads. Expecting something similar with the Bamboo tour.

Marek Poplawski

Hi, I’m Marek from Canada and this will be my third tour with TDA. I started cycling in 2014, and signed on for my first trip with TDA in 2015, through Africa. I cycled 10500km of the over 12000km trip. It was an incredible experience; definitely a trip of a lifetime. Then in 2016, I completed five hard weeks of cycling, through the mountainous terrain of Central America, with stops in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. I climbed 41061m in elevation, and cycled the total distance of the tour, 2600km. In doing so, I achieved the illustrious TDA EFI designation; meaning I rode Every F#&!ing Inch of the journey! It was challenging mentally, physically, and tested one’s endurance and equipment. I’m happy to say that my bike and I, met all the demands of that test. The experience was incredible, and I will treasure the memories forever. Now I look forward to meeting the people on the Bamboo Road tour, and making new memories.

Bryan Lorber

I am a retired Registered Nurse who is passionate about bicycles for transportation and travel. This will be my third TDA tour. I cycled the Hippie Trail in 2016 and HongKong to Bangkok in 2017. I soloed across the U.S. in 2014 and have completed a number of other interesting bicycle adventures at home and abroad. I'm looking forward to making new friends and experiencing diverse cultures. I especially enjoy taking photographs and journaling. I have a page on crazyguyonabike.com

Richard Bradley

Started bike touring five years ago. Think it's the best way to see a place and meet people.

Yvonne Waalewijn

Nationality: Dutch Gender: Female Occupation: retired/dive instructor Passions:diving, biking, travelling the world and looking forward to another adventure

Cam Kilgour

Rode TDA 2014, Khartoum to Cape Town. Long-time friend of TDA personnel. Fat-biked in Algonquin in 2015 with TDA 2014 leader. Joined a Dane and a Dutch to ride from Vordingborg Denmark to Haarlem, Holland. Inveterate urban cyclist. Semi-retired from teaching.

Cindy Smith

This will be my fifth trip with TDA, having ridden TransEuropa, Bamboo Route, the first half of the NA Epic and SA Epic, Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. I have also ridden gravel from Canada to Mexico on the Great Divide. Looking forward to this adventure in Morocco.

Joost Kramer

Hi, I am about to embark on my fifth TDA (sectional) tour and as excited to do so as was the first time. Being Dutch I was raised using a bicycle to get to places, and I still do. What always will be a challenge is the uphill parts as those we lack here in The Netherlands.

Frida Percival

Medical doctor working in Sweden and travelling the world with my husband Douglas as often as we can!

Douglas Percival

There is a great sense of satisfaction seeing a Rider finishing their day with a smile on their face, and that Day by Day, we have Taken someone safely to a place on this planet that Most People will never see, and all whilst by Bicycle.

I am a South African that has lived a life of itchy travel feet, and found myself Living in Sweden. Being a passionate cyclist in my teenage years, my Bike Mechanic Brother, taught me to fix my own bicycles, a vital bit of knowledge not only for a teenager trying to save money on bike repairs, but how it would shape my working career.

I've worked in all corners of the Bike industry,... shops, import and distribution, race teams, and even now for the Swedish Cycling Federation, as well as personal Guiding for a huge mix of private clients. They have all added up into helping me grow my knowledge of a bicycle, and how I can make one operate even in the worst environments with rider abuse,....which then played into the hand of being a confident TDA mechanic.

Guiding and Leading Tours came organically through my knowledge of Traveling, mixed with my knowledge of fixing bikes, thrown into the pot of being a passionate cyclist, and large desire of being on the Move.... Quite a mix.

TDA tours have the ability to provide one with a gift. It is a gift that keeps on giving...and that is: just when you think you have seen it all, there is always something else to surprise you with! From sleeping inside the Great Wall of China, to swatting flies off your sandwich in 49celcius Australian outback, or watching stars in the Sudanese Sahara, to Sipping Expresso's in an Italian cafe. From the Orderly bike lanes of Denmark to the chaos of Freetown, Sierra Leone.... There is so much that happens daily!

For any future rider that is wondering how to make their experience better. Set your expectations reasonably, ask questions, And come prepared... and Know your equipment!

Know how your bike feels, make sure it has arrived on tour Fully serviced. Know how to put up your tent if you're not confident with it.

And Figure out your bag packing! I have watched too many people lose an hour of their precious day (and some everyday for 4 months).. because they don't have their equipment organized.

Cheers..and happy riding!

Abhi Sethi

Hanns Fellenz

Married 42 years, 4 children, 3 grandchildren. Retired CIO World traveler; 2 circumnavigations by air and train on 5 continents. TDA Epics x 4 (so far)

Kevin McAleer

Aaron Goldenberg

I'm Aaron. I'm 63, and live in Southern Florida. I rode the Trans-Europa tour last year from Budapest to Lisbon. I'm looking forward to riding in Southeast Asia.

Richard Feldman

In the last several years, I’ve ridden both the Southern Tier Cross Country Route in the USA as well as the Route 66 trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. In 2017 I rode the TDA Bamboo Road from Shanghai to Singapore. The Himalayas will be my fourth major bike trip and second with TDA. Semi-retired, divorced with two adult sons. I predominately live in and bike New York City. I also spend a fair amount of time living in Santa Monica on the California coast. Enthusiastically looking forward to this new adventure!

Ethan Feldman

I am a recent college graduate. I will be cycling with my father (Richard Feldman) before heading off on my own journey through SE Asia on foot. I love music, nature and learning new things.

Thomas Eldner

german/swiss Citizen Living in Lucerne

Brad Davis

Australian 25-year-old journalism graduate whose only priority is getting out and seeing as much of the world as possible! I'm passionate about travelling, socialising, and writing (usually about travelling and socialising).

Klaus Michael Jensen

I'm 70 years old. I have done Africa-tour and South America Epic.

Özgür Karataş

“Working outdoors is phenomenal.”

When TDA need local support for translations in Turkey in 2014, I entered the picture. Before TDA, I lived year-round there, in Izmir. Now I live on the road eight months of the year; the rest of the time I’m in Turkey, either applying for visas or rock-climbing.

Sometimes on a tour our failures are as incredible as our successes. Being defeated as my tour attempted to climb a new route on Koca Sarp, a rocky mountain in central Anatolia, is an experience I’ll always remember.

I’ve seen so much of the world with TDA. My favourite place I’ve been so far is Meteora, Greece. Probably the greatest pleasure of cycle-touring for me is never spending more than two days in a row in the same spot.

Gizaw Tessema

I am a civil engineer by training and has been working in the major relief, emergency and development work all over Africa for the last 30 years. I have seen so much and at times I get overwhelmed but it has been a privilege and a humbling experience as well. Working in the great ethiopian Famine to the Rwandan genocide, from the big south African emergency to the current west African work etc. It has been a good and rewarding life I had

Henry Gold

Founder, TDA Global Cycling

Brian Hoeniger

There are few experiences in life that compare to riding my bike through beautiful landscapes in faraway lands. Beyond working for TDA as Accountant and Tour Support, I've been a client 7 times now. All these journeys have had their magical moments. Spinning through Iran - pinch me, I'm dreaming!, across Turkey - where east meets west, down Chile's remote Carretera Austral, and into the canyonlands of the American southwest, to name a few. Completing the Tour d'Afrique is another. And of course, meeting our amazing clients from around the world and the "salt of the earth" local people along the way. I rode Hanoi to Bangkok 2 years ago and now its time to carry on down the Malay peninsula from Bangkok to Singapore. See you in November!

Jacqueline Nel

"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle." Ernest Hemingway

Svend Paulsen

Hi Since I retired from Teaching 11 years ago I have had the opportunity to travel with TDA . This will be my 9th trip. I enjoy meeting new travelers as well as reuniting with old friends . Together we see and experience the incredible wonders of the world first hand and up close . I look forward to seeing all of you on the trans oceania

Maxime Dionne

"Travelling, moving, waking up every day in a new place means I have a thousand memories of different homes all around the world."

I used to work in an office developing softwares in Quebec City and one day I decided to quit that lifestyle. Being able to take only a trip or two per year wasn’t enough anymore—I needed to travel full time. In 2013, I bought a bicycle (that's right, I only had one from Canadian Tire at the time, but I quickly concluded a Surly LHT would better fit my needs) and went on my first bike tour, solo, starting from home and riding through Canada, the US, and Haiti. A year later, I was in Vancouver looking for a job and someone told me about TDA and their recruitment ad for Australia. I applied, bought an airline ticket to meet TDA in Adelaide, and the following month I was enjoying my new outdoor office from the saddle of my bike!

An incredible country I've cycled through is Haiti. The scenery is stunning and every 100 kilometres is an adventure, but best of all is the local folklore. I have many stories about this mysterious country and one of my favourites is about the werewolf living on the island. The Haitian werewolf is a shape-shifter able to impersonate any animal. It transforms at night—any night, even if there's no moon—and is always looking to feast on human flesh. The only way to avoid an assured death at this creature’s hands is to sleep in a house with a roof. I like to bush camp while cycling and Haiti was no different. I would sleep out in my sleeping bag in the mountains or on the beach, sometimes in my tent, sometimes under the stars. Every night the locals would warn me about the werewolf, genuinely worried I’d be eaten as I slept. Some invited me into their homes, and once a group of five friends volunteer to check on me every hour of the night. People were surprised every morning I woke up alive and some started to believe the werewolf didn't have an appetite for strangers.

There are a few reasons I like to travel so much: for one thing, I always want to have new adventures and face new challenges. And I love discovering new things—food, stories, places, people, cultures … you name it! With TDA, any and everything can happen—we’re constantly exploring the globe and we introduce fresh tours every year. As you can imagine, scouting and leading tours fulfill my desire for the new to perfection.

Sophie DeGroot

When I’m not leading day cycling tours in Alaska, I seem to find myself out and about with TDA. This will be my third trip - after having crewed both East & West Africa in 2018. As your ATD I look forward to getting to know you all while we ride (and eat!) our way through SE Asia.

Ryan Rice

Is there a more challenging, charming, or humbling way to travel the World and discover it’s people and treasures? If there is, I haven’t come across it yet, and perhaps I wish not to. I have been a bicycle mechanic for over ten years and it has led me towards new adventures and friendships. Here’s to clean and lubed chains, straight wheels, and a comfy saddle! See you on the next adventure!

Anna McHugh

I'm a doctor in the South-West of England with experience in A&E, GP and hospital medicine. Outside of medicine, I love sport and the outdoors - highlights this year have been running the London marathon, Breacon Becons Trail marathon and riding the Tour de Bristol 2019. Looking forward to my first TDA tour, meeting everyone and exploring this beautiful part of the world!

Esen Küçüktütüncü

Hey everyone, I'm Esen from Istanbul. I'm a documentary filmmaker who loves traveling and cycling, so TDA is a dream come true. So far I've done Trans Europa 2018 (Barcelona-Lisbon) and West Africa 2018. They both were unique experiences, having the chance to see places not only by main roads and attractions but through pathways across villages is I think the sole way to catch those unique moments. Being able to remember the old lady sitting in a panadería, carefully reading her newspaper as I stopped to grab some snacks in Tarragona (Spain) is a delight, as well as the little Senegalese children asking me if I wanted to join their game. There are many moments that we wish to remember, of course in tours like this there are tons. I hope the videos we make will help you remember them even after the tour ends. I'll you see you Asia!

Claudine Levesque

Biking : the best way to travel the world !

David Ross

I am 70 and semi-retired. Had a great trip with TDA Taiwan to Singapore before covid, Part of OrientExpress in 2022 and just finished Journey to the East

Bill Talbot

Never Know what to say in theses things. But there is over a year to figure that out. So no rush. This will be my second Tour? Expedition? Adventure? with TDA. I did the inaugural Dooms Day tour in 2012 (Costa Rica to Belize) and managed to survive that on not exactly the right bike. So I thought I would try again on the Bamboo road. There is not nearly as much climbing, right Mike? Any ways ,totally can't wait to get back to Asia and on a bike too and meeting fellow riders.

peter link

61 year old retired MD, married 38 years, well traveled, one prior TDA trip (first third of Bamboo) I was going to do the west africa trip but that has been canceled. I have previously traveled to Egypt and southern africa so wil only be doing the central half of the bike ride.

Jim Harrison

I am a 68 year old retired family physician experienced with long distance, 1-3 month solo touring in the US and western Europe. I joined a great group to do the Bamboo Road in 2019. I have also traveled in SE Asia without a bicycle. I am looking forward to joining others on both the Odyssey and then on the Golden Buddha for further exploration of a fascinating parts of the planet in a fashion - bicycling- well suited to learning and enjoying whatever we encounter. I also look forward to time with fellow bicyclists and crew as we share experiences. I live in western Oregon, married 41 years to a lovely and loveable non-cyclist who doesn't mind that I do trips like this.

Frank Wichlo

I have done 4 TDA trips and I plan to keep doing them as long as I am able, or the money runs out.

Greg McKenzie

I am really looking forward to my first trip with TDA and exploring SE Asia on the bike. I have traveled and cycled in Laos and Thailand previously, but this is my first organized adventure, and the first of this length. I am looking forward to meeting all the other riders on the trip and sharing our time together. There will also be some sentimental moments on the trip as I will visit visit my wife's family on our rest day in Muang Khong, Laos.

Peter Mulcahy

Excited about this adventure. Where are we going?

Deborah Mulcahy

I like cycling.

Lea Degen

I am a crazy 52 year old lady from wonderful Switzerland. I do a lot of sports and I love to travel. Normally you will find me in the gorgeous Swiss Alps trailrunning, cross country skiing, hiking or cycling up the passes. Now one of my biggest dream comes true: My husband joins me on this bike trip. I have cycled already in the alps, the dolomites and the pyrenees. In 2010 I was on a Biketour in Southamerica and cycled up and down "The Andes". In 2014 I joined TDA for „The Hippie Trail“ in magical India.

Chris Degen

In terms of riding a bike, my wife Lea is far ahead of me. But now I catch up ... She managed to get me excited about Bamboo Road. I'm looking forward to asia, which I have already traveled many times (not by bike).

Mike Busby

A serial cycle tourist always keen to escape winter in the UK and keen to stay active!

Lara Margaret Marjerrison

Author, Artist, Poet, Storyteller, Eleutheromaniac.. (mostly) living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with my son. It's my goal to see every country in the world before I die (which hopefully remains a long way off yet) and to take my boy on as many of those adventures as possible. As of the date of this writing, I have visited 11 countries (so many left to see) on 5 continents--though never on a bike. I love the experience of immersing myself in another culture, meeting new people, learning new languages, collecting and co-creating new stories, and gaining a greater depth of education every step of the way. I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the Bamboo Road riders for 2019 and to experiencing Asia for the first time. See you out there! Happy trails! :)

Fred Klingbeil

I am a pediatrician who cares for children with congenital and acquired disabilities. I am very fortunate to be healthy and well. One of my dreams is to “bike around-the-world in stages”. Biking, experiencing and learning more about Southern Africa is stage 2 of my pursuit!

Désirée Ludwig

In 2004 I was a participant (sectional rider) of the Tour d'afrique. Now I'm very much looking forward to this new TdA-Adventure, and also getting to know all of you. Till then, take care and see you soon!

David. ODonnell.

53yrs old, from Manchester UK. TDA tour no 5. Looking forward to S E Asia. C U all soon. Cheers. David.

Nicolas Rosat

Steven deGroot

From Seattle. Rode in Tanzania last year. looking forward to some sun!

Robert Kazmerchek

I need to travel somewhere on my bicycle and I’ve never been to Korea or Japan. I have a hunch that this trip is gonna fly. It can’t come soon enough!

James Flynn

cycled all my life, hate having to drive to work. Lots of cycle touring in the 80's and 90's, more a gran fondo / roadie for the last 10 years but looking forward to getting back into some long distance touring

Sandra Hughes

I am Sandra from North Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. I had an amazing first touring experience with TDA doing the Taiwan section of the Bamboo Road tour in Fall 2019. I have been pretty firmly attached to my couch since then! I am looking forward to getting back on the bike and visiting Australia for the first time. - particularly Tasmania. I’ll be doing the first two sections of Trans-Oceania.

Ruth Grathwohl

Looking forward to participating in my 6th TDA ride with my husband Peter Ellis

Karin Lind Hansen

I love travelling. I love biking. I love visiting new places. I completed my first trip with TDA in December 2019 and just returned back home now from a TDA tour in Morocco - and I just cannot wait for the next trip.

GLORIA FU

I signed up for the entire Bamboo Road 2019 on a whim with zero training, no bike, and having mostly ridden a peloton stationary bike. From there I caught the bug. 2020& 2021 were two years of a lot more miles and collecting more bikes. . I got persuaded by a couple friends from Bamboo Road to sign up for the Orient Express, and I convinced my partner to do his first TDA tour. Excited to reunite with friends from Bamboo Road and to meet new friends. We will be doing a section but will be there in spirit for the whole tour!

Brian Hoeniger

There are few experiences in life that compare to riding my bike through beautiful landscapes in faraway lands. Beyond working for TDA as Accountant and Tour Support, I've been a client 7 times now. All these journeys have had their magical moments. Spinning through Iran - pinch me, I'm dreaming!, across Turkey - where east meets west, down Chile's remote Carretera Austral, and into the canyonlands of the American southwest, to name a few. Completing the Tour d'Afrique is another. And of course, meeting our amazing clients from around the world and the "salt of the earth" local people along the way. I rode Hanoi to Bangkok 2 years ago and now its time to carry on down the Malay peninsula from Bangkok to Singapore. See you in November!

Max Cochran

Having been a mechanic for many years and on a TDA tour last year, I have noted a few common mechanical issues that riders encountered. Namely, cables, bearings and tires. Please check that your brake and shift cables are working smoothly, not frayed or rusty. Heck, just replace your cables before you leave, they are not expensive. Hubs and bottom brackets often need special parts and tools that are beyond the scope of my toolkit. I'll do what I can, but it is best if they are running well before you start off. Make sure your tires are good quality, in good condition and that the rim tapes are covering the spoke holes properly to avoid having to fix flats. I once again look forward to the sights, the food, the culture, the riding, but most of all, to getting out of the basement workshop and solving people's bike problems with a minimum of tools in the fresh air and sunshine (and occasional rain).

Andreas Pakenham

As a tour leader, I love the daily challenges, and ever changing worlds we are all so lucky to travel through. Getting a diverse group of cyclists, with different backgrounds, and goals across a continent is a rare thrill that makes life at home feel a bit pedestrian! The best feeling on tour is making a tough day go smoothly, and to surprise the riders with something unexpected or memorable along the way.

I live on the west coast of Canada, in Victoria, a quiet town which can seem like an extreme contrast to many of the places I tour with TDA. In the past I have done a number of solo cycling trips, as well as exploring by motorcycles when time was more limited. Over the years of travelling though, I've realized how much I enjoy the camaraderie of travelling with a group to share experiences and make memories with. My future goals for personal travel at the moment are a bit different, and are based around the sea. In the next couple years I want to go by boat to the extreme north of Canada, in the hopes of exploring places impossible to reach in any other manner.

It's hard to nail down a single memorable experience from all my trips with TDA, but I most often think back to the experiences of Central Asia, and discovering the beauty of the Pamir Mountains for the first time. At one particular high altitude camp in Tajikistan, I remember taking a hike with a group of riders up a steep 5000m peak adjacent to the camp. As we neared the top, we found ourselves unable to safely make it past 5000m due to a loose rock scramble for the last 20 meters. Disappointed, we turned around and witnessed a flock of Marco Polo Sheep running along the ridge just below us, making time before the sun set.

If I were to make a single suggestion to a future TDA rider, it would be to slow down, and keep a camera close at hand. The best stories at the end of the trip are not normally those of the speediest cyclist.

Sheelagh Daly

Hey there! I'm Sheelagh. My two favourite things are bike touring and making videos about bike touring... maybe that's one thing ;) I have absolutely loved bike touring on my own and I am so excited to be a part of others' bike touring adventures as a member of the TDA team. My bike touring videos on YouTube: youtube.com/sheelaghdaly

Rachel Vanderzwet

Coming from Victoria, BC I have been fortunate enough to join TDA on a number of tours over the last 5 years. The Bamboo Road in 2022 was my introduction to Southeast Asia and I can not recommend it enough. Kind locals, gorgeous and ever changing roadside scenery and truely delicous food; I am very excited to be making my way back on the Golden Buddha this year!

Jill Cohen

Hi Everyone! Really looking forward to joining Bamboo Road 2022 as your Tour Medic. Saddle sores happen--I'm here to help, and we'll get through it. :) A bit about me: I've been an ER Nurse for 20 years, and now I do travel medicine and remote primary care. I love running amok outdoors on a bike, a snowboard, a boat, or my own two feet. Colorado is home base. I'm curious about the world, so I go on lots of expeditions, explorations, journeys, and trips. If you ask "Hey wanna come visit me in Siberia," I am that person who will show up on your doorstep. This is more or less how I started working with TDA. My last tour was Magical Madagascar in 2019, and I'm super excited to do another. Ok, see y'all soon!

Nicholas Beardow

I have completed three TDA tours and loved all of them. Although I travelled extensively in South America, I have never cycled there, so this will be another new adventure. I live and work in Singapore.

Neil Casson

A Brit "by passport" but with strong nomadic tendencies having spent the last 40 years overseas (Europe, SE Asia, Middle East, North & South America). A committed cyclist for the last 20 years and a TDA Alumnus, having completed the Bamboo Road in 2022.

Gerald van der Weyden

Bicycle touring is the one thing I can't seem to get enough of. I'm looking forward to another tour with TDA.

LENORE LEWIS

Hi there I am a retired accountant from Montreal who took up cycling about 14 years ago. An Adventure Cycling Association trip in Utah was my first introduction to cycle touring and since then, I have had many adventures on bike exploring places near and far. After completing ACA’s leadership training course, my husband and I designed and led a couple of tours of our own. In 2019 we were fortunate to have completed TDA’s epic Tour d'Afrique prior to the travel coming to an abrupt halt. With life returning to something near normal we are looking forward to seeing more of the world once more on two wheels.

David Moliterno

Helmut Schuett

Hi everyone. I am living in the south of Germany in Stuttgart. Now I am retired and so I have plenty of time for my preferred hobby, which is biking. It is the first time for me to participate in a TDA tour. In the past years I did many tours in Europe with a group or alone. So I did several crossings across the Alps and many bike packing tours from Germany to other European countries. In the first 2 weeks of June I crossed Spain and Portugal in a solo tour. Now I am looking forward to get in touch with South East Asia. I think it is the best way to experience the countries and cultures by bike, where we can also get in touch with the people. See you soon in Hanoi!

Max D

I enjoy biking "not too fast", and stopping a lot for snacks and photos. I've organized a fair number of DIY one-week bike trips with friends (in the past few years: Northern California, Washington DC->Pittsburgh, and Berlin->Copenhagen), but I'm looking forward to joining something much longer and more adventurous. I recently shifted from a large company to working for myself, and one of the benefits is a bit more schedule flexibility... edit: I've now gone on two TdA tours, the first month of the 2022 Bamboo Road (Vietnam and Cambodia), and Journey to the East in 2023 and had a great time. I'm thinking about joining another one in 2025 or 2026, TBD.

Judith Gold

I am a casual cyclist, but I have been planning this trip for 20 years, ever since the first TDA ride. Finally, kids grown, retired, post COVID, and after riding half of the Great American Road Trip in 2021, and the full Bamboo Road in 2022, I feel ready to take this on (but not that ready). I am married to Gonzalo Pastor, who is also coming, and even less of a cyclist than me. So together with the sweep, we will be the last coming in, but hopefully always with a smile.

Gonzalo Pastor

Hi. I am a Peruvian economist. I am 65 years old. I am not a regular rider, but I like the experience when I do it.

John Karwoski

I enjoy bicycling, camping, and hiking. Looking forward to sharing adventures on this tour with new and old friends.

Cheryl Yates

Walter Luetolf

Am a Swiss citizen, living already for 13 years now in South Africa, Somerset West (near Cape Town). As a retired person, I have anough time to enjoy my hobbyes which are MTB , road cycling and playing golf whenever I can. In 2012 I was participant in the Tour d'Afrique which was my most exciting journey. After 40 years in the saddle I have ridden almost everywhere but not in the Far East and not in South America.

Gary Womeldorff

I live in the Seattle area and love being in the outdoors. Cycling has been my main passion for over 35 years. After riding the Bamboo Road in 2022 I'm looking forward to my next TDA adventure.

Richard Morneau

I am looking forward to this great trip which should provide various beautiful landscapes, and, perhaps, meet again friends I made on previous TDA’ trips.

Randall Schell

61 year old husband and father of one (20 year old son) who is passionate about supported and unsupported bicycle touring. I have ridden across the US (Adventure Cycling Northern Tier), Seattle to San Francisco (unsupported), Canadian to Mexican border unsupported along cascades/coast, Skyline/BlueRidge Mountains (unsupported) among others. I have ridden four different Alp tours in France and Italy including a Grand Tour of the Alps and multiple one week tours in the USA. Currently Professor and Interim Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Kentucky but am entering phased retirement in July 2021. I ride a Kona Sutra with panniers on unsupported trips. Really enjoy the friendship and camaraderie that develop on bicycle trips like this one. Plan to do section 2 and 3 of the TDA Bamboo road.

Michel Bee

Geophysicist, cyclist, hiker. I am retired in Bend, Oregon, where there are many opportunities for outdoor activities.

Katy LeBarron

I love biking about the world!

Mayumi Stroy

55 year old who enjoys bicycle touring, traveling, hiking, and downhill and xc skiing. Lives in Soda Springs, CA. This will be my forth trip with TDA - 2020 Tour d’Afrique, 2021 Great American Road Trip, and 2022 Bamboo Road. Down time activities includes cooking, eating, listening to music, watching futbol, and reading. This trip is the top of my bucket list and I can’t wait to explore that same areas that Genghis Khan and Marco Polo traveled. What adventures we will have!

Erika Lindquist

Retired biology scientist Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

John Benoit

Cycling is life and life is cycling! Recently retired and ecstatic to have time to feed my passion: exploring the world from the saddle of my bike. Now with the TdA Bamboo Road under my belt, I'm looking to continue my cycling explorations into the East,

Bob Kieckhefer

Geophysicist, cyclist, swimmer. I currently live in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where there are plenty of hills to climb. I rode Cairo to Babati plus Vic Falls to Cape Town in 2018/19/20 and look forward to completing the Babati-to-Vic-Falls portion.

Karl Siebert

Haven't been to S.E.Asia since my backpacking days in 1986.Time for another visit. Trip number two with TDA. Hopefully more to come.

Megan Copas

Have always had a love for the outdoors and recently got into bikepacking and long haul cycling trips. Have traveled many of the more well known trails in the United States and looking forward to taking this passion to a new part of the world. I love experiencing cultures and places by slowly traveling through and so this feels like the perfect trip. Taking an intentional career pause to take this trip, hike the Kumano Kodo and solve for what is next. Looking forward to a life changing experience.

A. Ryan Lahuti

Hi everybody. I am from Tampa, Florida. I am passionate about traveling, cycling and reading a little bit of philosophy and economics in my spare time. Have done one other TDA tour (Silk route in 2018) It was also the last time I cycled up mountains ( Florida is mostly flat). Born in Iran, raised in US, I guess traveling the world and experiencing new cultures has become part of my DNA. I have never been to Vietnam and Cambodia, and look forward to exploring them (especially on a bicycle), and making new friends.

Sue Parker

I'm active and play a lot of casual sports and enjoy photography. I did a leg of Rome to Rome with my husband and really enjoyed it so looking forward to cycling abroad again and joining him on one of the legs.

Russ Parker

I rode the 1st ever Viva Italia trip in 2019. (Highly recommended if you haven't done it). Looking forward to more fun on the Bamboo Road

Nanqun HE

Richard HIMBERT

Cyclist since 1987 after having been a runner, I traveled mainly in France and a little in Europe, in 1993, I made my first trip ouside the european continent, it was Colorado's turn. In 2018 i started a world tour by bike....The tour d'Afrique is one of them.

Rick Harwood

This will be my 5th TDA tour. I did the last month of Tour D’Afrique in 2017, Trans Europa (efi yes!) 2018, the new final stage of the Trans Europa from Barcelona to Gibraltar in 2021, and the Bamboo Road in 2022. I’m excited to be going back to Southeast Asia!

Trixie Wagner

I am a German citizen but live and work in Switzerland. After having survived Ruta Maya, parts of the Tour d'Afrique and West Africa, I am looking forward to the next cycling challenge!