Sara Frenning, Content Creator on the 2026 Odyssey, reflects on her first TDA tour. From lessons in time management and content creation to unexpected discoveries about the countries, riders, and staff she met along the way, she shares what she wishes she had known before joining the adventure.

When I first got assigned the role of content creator on the Odyssey, my overwhelming feeling was excitement. Little thought was given to the potential hardships or difficulties. In my mind, I was going to get paid to ride a bike and take photos – what was there not to be excited about?

And luckily, my excited mind was right. It has been a dream job in many ways, and I have probably had even more fun than I anticipated. Without sounding too much like a hype machine, my first TDA tour has been amazing so far.

With that said, running a TDA tour is not for the faint-hearted. The staff works hard, often around the clock, to make the tour the well-oiled machine that it is.

One of the best surprises of a TDA tour is the community you become part of

But these are both things I expected. I expected to work hard, and I expected to have a lot of fun. Which makes “What did I wish I knew before my first tour?” a difficult question to answer.

When it comes to the content creator role in particular, there were certainly things I wish I had known and done before the tour. I wish I had built a music library with songs that fit each country, so I wouldn’t have to spend hours sifting through endless music lists on Motion Array and Instagram during the trip. I wish I had prepared a shot list and planned my reels in more detail.

Behind every great tour is an incredible team

In general, time management is incredibly important. Instead of scrambling to put a post together at the end of the day, opting out of some of the day’s fun to get editing done often pays off in the long run. But when it comes down to it, spontaneity and the ability to create in the moment are equally important on a TDA tour – and perhaps part of the charm of this type of job.

When it comes to the tour in general, I felt prepared, but I guess I wish I had known that Greece could be so cold (bring that puffy jacket), that Albania would be so beautiful (plan to ride as much as possible), that Montenegro would have such kind people (plan to stop often and talk to them), that Bosnia’s history was so rich yet harrowing, that Italy could get so much rain (rain pants are definitely needed), that Austria would have such amazing bike paths, and that Germany would actually have really good food (sorry, Germany).

I also didn’t expect to learn world-class lessons in logistics and organization from Katie, our tour assistant; lessons in leadership – and how to be an absolute boss lady – from Carolina, our tour leader; the value of a positive attitude and how to laugh until my belly hurt from Doug, our bike mechanic; or how to stay calm in the middle of a TDA storm from Micah, our other tour assistant.

I also didn’t expect to be so inspired by the riders. Most of them are in their 70s, yet they remain incredibly strong, resilient, and healthy.

In short, I wish I had known that I would not only get to do a really fun job, but also do it alongside world-class people whom I feel lucky to have met. In any job, it’s a gift when you genuinely enjoy spending time with your coworkers, and on this tour, I was truly fortunate in that regard. But in the end, the best preparation for a TDA tour is an open mind and a sense of excitement. That will take you very far.

Sara Frenning is the Content Creator on the 2026 The Odyssey Cycling Tour.

Over 1400 km, 20 days, 4 countries, 4 languages, 3 currencies, winter, spring, summer, mountains, sea, and flatlands – the Balkans really covered it all.

In the small town of Danilovgrad, Montenegro, on a busy pedestrian street among cafés and restaurants, I asked the young guy at the tourism office what the best thing about Montenegro was. “That you get everything you need, from views to food to culture, condensed in such a small country,” he answered. Unbeknownst to him, his words not only perfectly described our time in Montenegro but also our whole experience biking the Balkans for the last 20 days.

Between Athens and Sarajevo, we have had most of the weather known to man, but also an incredibly rich diversity of cultures, food, fauna, and landscapes, all squeezed into what felt like an impossibly short amount of time and distance.

Before this trip, when I heard someone mention ‘the Balkans’, I had a homogeneous idea of what that meant. For me, I (naively) expected Eastern European architecture, grey buildings, green valleys, and one or two rice-stuffed vegetables across all these countries, but more or less the same. The reality, though, was very different. Even though there is a common thread that ties the Balkans together, each country has its own unique character and energy. The subtle shifts and changes in culture and energy are felt distinctly, especially on a bicycle.

In Greece, the weather was anything but stereotypical. Hail, rain, sleet, and cold temperatures all paid us a visit, but the warmth of the people and good food made up for it. If I were to tell you about the olives, I would need another thousand words, so I will refrain.

From Greece, we entered Albania, a country we all had high expectations for, and it was also the first time we saw the coast on this trip. The coastline along the Ionian Sea created a wonderful contrast to the breathtaking mountain views and farmlands, and, perhaps more importantly, offered the chance to soak our tired bodies in its comforting waves at the end of the day.

Albania is developing fast, and infrastructure and cities are growing, but time still moves differently there. Shepherds in the fields we biked by reminded us to take a breath and move with the phases of nature, and sometimes to move by the pace of the very slow coffee service in the mornings. Albania teaches you patience and acceptance in the best of ways.

Before we knew it, we were in Montenegro, and the asphalt was instantly smoother, the valleys steeper, and the water, if possible, even bluer. We were only in Montenegro for two days, but I sure wished it were longer. On the first day, we were invited by the tourism office in Danilovgrad for coffee, and they made sure all the riders were well caffeinated before the climb up to the Ostrog Monastery, a 17th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery founded by Saint Basil of Ostrog. It is one of the Balkans’ most visited pilgrimage sites. Just one of many examples of Montenegro’s hospitality and rich culture.

Bosnia gave us beautiful scenery and cultural richness. This is where we had the biggest shift in food, and you could see a strong Serbian influence in the dishes. Meat and potatoes seem to be the fuel that gets much of this region through the day, but there is plenty of regional variety in vegetables and seasoning (although my early prediction about stuffed vegetables did come true, there is no shortage of that dish anywhere in these countries).

Stari Most, Mostar, Bosnia

The Bosnian capital Sarajevo, which was under heavy military siege in the 90’s, marked the end of the Balkan section of the Odyssey and was a harrowing reminder that, behind the warmth of the people we met and the ease with which we crossed it’s boarders, there is a complicated social history that draws deep lines between these areas.

As that young man in Danilovgrad told me, the wonder of these countries lies in how much you can experience in such a short distance and time. From Greece’s olive groves and rich history to Albania’s blue coastline, to Montenegro’s smiling people, to Bosnia’s big mountains – it truly has been everything we need.

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“There were a lot of great surprises on the tour – the beauty of northern Montenegro, the varied landscapes of Croatia, the fantastic produce of Albania. So much of the experience was new and exciting.” – Kristen Mueller (United Kingdom)

“This was my first epic bicycle tour – and I’m glad I took the plunge and participated. The Odyssey tour route was a challenging and varied ride through picturesque areas of Europe not normally seen by the typical tourist. The TDA staff, food and hotels were first-class, and my fellow riders were a supportive, fun and engaged group that made for a memorable experience!” – Michael Becker (USA)

“Exceptional, challenging tour with great support staff, wonderful sights, delicious food.” – Anne Thompson (USA)

“Lovely and helpful staff. Wonderful group of co-riders.” – Annegrete Warrer (Denmark)

“TDA continues to live up to a tremendously positive reputation of providing great tours.” – Paul Porter (USA)

“I loved the tour! Not only was scenery and route selection stunning, but the staff smoothed out any problems before they became an issue. I learned a lot about cultures, political landscapes and geography that I hadn’t really thought about before and got to experience it with a great bunch of people. What’s not to like!” – Neil Clyde (United Kingdom)

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Kody Block is the Content Creator on the 2023 The Odyssey Cycling Tour. In his final report, he reflects on his experiences during a day on the tour in Italy.

“The Creator made Italy from designs by Michaelangelo.” – Mark Twain

It may sound funny, but there are no two things I feel more connected to in this world than the mountains and Italy. My ancestry goes back to Italy’s southern region of Calabria in a town called Carlopoli and for as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to go there. Back in the United States, I have been learning Italian for two years and when I am home in Arizona, I frequently take visits to the mountains to go hiking and camping. Although we’d already encountered so much beauty on this trip, there was no stretch I was more excited for than the Italian Dolomites.

American cyclists Mark and Jeanne Turner stopping for a picture at Lago di Barcis.

The Dolomites, or “Dolomiti” in Italian, are a mountain range located in northeastern Italy and are home to some of the most breathtaking cycling routes in the world. From challenging climbs to scenic descents, there is a little something for everyone. We began our journey at the base of the Dolomiti in Maniago, surrounded by ominous rain clouds in every direction. Increasing in elevation, we actually cycled through these clouds, which added to the dramatic scenery of the mountain range around us. After a steep climb we finally made it to “Lago di Barcis” or “Barcis Lake” at the summit. As we approached this lake my jaw literally dropped at the beauty of the crystal blue water and many riders stopped to take photos as they cycled across a bridge overlooking the lake. American rider Anne Thompson commented that, “I just loved the solitude of the road that day, and when we got to the top, the lake was stunningly beautiful. Extremely easy on the eyes.”

Bird’s-eye view of a waterfall in the Dolomiti.

With towering peaks and lush green valleys around every corner, the scenery was mesmerizing. As we set up lunch on the side of the road, I ventured towards a nearby creek and discovered a tucked-away waterfall. I used my drone to capture a ‘bird’s-eye’ view from above. When I was packing up after lunch the rainfall increased steadily yet gently. Lifting my head and closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and felt the rain pattering down on my face and the cool air whisking through my hair. I even leaned down to the nearby creek and ran my hands through the pebbles below, feeling the water rush between my fingers. When I opened my eyes and gazed at the Dolomiti, I couldn’t help but crack and smile, grateful for where this journey had led me.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, host city of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

After capturing photos of riders at lunch, I was dropped off down the road, closer to our final destination of Cortina d’Ampezzo, a town known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1944 and 1956, and soon again in February, 2026. As I sat along the bike path waiting for riders to pass, the rain picked up steadily, increasing consistently each minute until, before I knew it, I was caught in the middle of a downpour! After waiting 20 minutes beneath a canopy, the rain had not ceased and I realized my photoshoot would not play out the way I had expected. For riders and staff alike, I’ve found you can actually anticipate days like this on a TDA tour. One of our cyclists, Mark Turner, actually has a saying for these exact moments, “Unexpect the expected!”. Well, this was a perfect example of that and my mind quickly went into decision-making mode. Even though it was still raining, I knew I needed to work my way back to our hotel, located about 3km away. Rather than simply looking the location up on my phone, I decided this would be a perfect opportunity to test out my Italian speaking skills and ask for directions from the locals.

I’m happy to tell you that I made it back to the hotel without the help of my phone but I’m sad to tell you that I had to ask 4 different locals to finally understand where our hotel was! By the time I returned to the tour, I was absolutely soaked! Even though I struggled to find my way, I eventually made it to my destination, proud to have pushed myself out of my comfort zone. In many ways, that’s what these TDA tours are all about: embracing new experiences, both good and bad, and finding yourself along the way. As I took my final strides up to the hotel, soaked to the bone, I looked around at the Dolomites that surrounded me, thinking this really is a beautiful life. Or, as Italians would say, La Vita Bella!

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Kody Block is the Content Creator on the 2023 The Odyssey Cycling Tour. In his second report, he reflects on cycling the Balkan countries

As we cycled into Split, Croatia, the 18th riding day of The Odyssey, it was hard to believe we were already halfway through our journey. Over the previous two weeks we had cycled 1,036km through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Croatia. Heading into these countries, my knowledge was quite limited, but I was excited to experience the unique languages, landscapes, and history that awaited us.

Crossing the border from Greece into Albania was a nice introduction to the Balkan states. The landscape changed immediately from boundless mountains to vast, rolling green hills. Our route took us directly through the middle of two of them and as we cycled through the valley, we saw deserted bunkers scattered along the hillside, serving as a reminder of the Balkan war that lasted from 1991-2001.

TDA Staff Member Balazs cycling through Albania

Moving deeper into the country, we glimpsed our first stretch of the Adriatic Sea on the second day in Albania. Although I consider myself to be much more of a mountain person than a beach person, I was in awe at the colour of this water. The dark, rich blue paired perfectly with cool, turquoise undertones of the waves crashing to shore. Cycling up the coastline, we had the Adriatic Sea to our left, and the Ceraunian Mountain range to our right. Australian Rider Janice Lanyon exclaimed, “As soon as we crossed the border the landscape changed so much! We went from these steep, rocky mountains to a big, open field with hills all around us. It was really beautiful to see such diversity.”

Sea View of the Adriatic off the Albanian Coast

This landscape made for some breathtaking rides. One such day was our journey through Montenegro, where we followed a winding road that included 59 tunnels carved into the mountain-side. All of the elements combined perfectly on this day. The deep canyon and mysterious blue water that followed our route was mesmerizing. I was flying my drone to capture photos as our cyclists crossed a bridge overlooking this canyon, and I thought to myself, “This is the most picturesque place I’ve ever been.” It was an experience I’ll never forget. Canadian rider Rachael Cook spoke on her experience cycling through Montenegro, “As you’re coming down the hills, through the tunnels, and having the cliffs on either side, that looks pretty epic. And with the clear blue water in the canyons, that was really beautiful as well.”

Tara Canyon, Montenegro

We cycled through Montenegro in two short days before crossing into Bosnia/Herzegovina, a country that has a tragic and not-so-distant history. One of the most contested locations of the Balkan war between 1991 and 2001, remnants of conflict could be seen throughout the country – bullet holes in the sides of buildings or land mine warning signs on the road. The cyclists were actually advised not to venture off the cycling route at all during this stretch. It’s estimated that over 80,000 mines and pieces of unexploded ordnance still remain in the forests. The riders had a rest day in Sarajevo, the city in which WWI began after the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914.

We rounded out our Balkan experience by cycling into Croatia, a nation best defined by scenic pebble-beaches and crystal clear waters. Our journey through Croatia began inland as we covered 96 km and gained nearly 1400 m in elevation, cycling towards the sea. It was quite a challenging day, but the climb was well worth the effort. The reward was a stunning descent, spinning along winding roads that hugged the cliffside, overlooking the crystal clear waters.

Descending the Croatian Cliffside

When you think of traveling to Europe you might, like me, think of visiting countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. While those countries are undoubtedly beautiful, it’s evident that the Balkans also have a fascinating story to tell and contain many gorgeous undiscovered places waiting to be discovered from the seat of your bicycle.

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Philippe Paradis is the Tour Leader Trainee on the 2023 The Odyssey Cycling Tour. He looks back on the tour’s time in Albania.

Crossing into Albania by bicycle is an act of faith in humanity. Until 1990, entering or exiting Albania would put one’s life, or the life of loved ones, at high risk. Following our route from Greece, it is hard not to notice the abundance of concrete bunkers spread out in the open fields or blended in the city landscapes. These bunkers are strong symbols of the climate of fear that existed during the communist regime.

In fact, Albania was completely secluded from the rest of the world for a little over four decades, mostly under the regime of Enver Hoxha. During this time, Albania was declared an atheist country where religion was not only prohibited, but practitioners were prosecuted. There was also an efficient spying and surveillance system in order to maintain a strong Stalinist communist leadership.

Albania has had a strong surge in construction where most buildings are recently built or still under construction, although the country is thousands of years old. Along our travels from Southern to Northern Albania we also discovered a craving from the Albanian people to open their culture to the world. Although they are proud of their history, today’s society has considerably improved their quality of life and they are happy to share that with the rest of the world.

As we were cycling, the riders’ eyes were looking up at the snowy peaks of the Albanian mountain range or gazing far off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea on scenic coastal rides. They were looking forward to their journey, just as the Albanian people look ahead with faith in a brighter future. This is why cycling through Albania so freely is an act of hope and faith in humanity. As an Albanian proverb says – ‘The sun at home warms better than the sun elsewhere’. Thank you, Albanians, for sharing the warmth of your country and letting us discover the beauty of your culture.

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“The energy you have here, it’s something special. It’s the place of Apollo, the God of Light, and Helios, the God of Sun. People come here because they want to feel this energy.”

Having never been to Greece, my knowledge of this country was quite limited, extending only as far as my general mythology classes would take me. I knew the roots of civilization could be traced back to this region, but I was eager to get to know the people here today and experience the beauty it had to offer.

Yellow and purple wildflowers just outside Delphi, Greece.

Cycling 30 km out of Athens, it didn’t take long to feel the energy of Apollo and Helios. We were greeted quickly by green rolling hills, vibrant purple, yellow, and red wildflowers, and the warmth of the sun. It was only our first day, but you could feel the excitement in the air as we set up lunch on the Greek hillside, and saw the awe on riders faces as they rolled in.

American rider Michael Becker noted that, “Getting out into the countryside with the vistas and proliferation of wildflowers are just beautiful. One thing I really noticed in the countryside was the ever-changing smells of different flowers and trees. This is Spring, so everything is just coming into bloom. It was a smorgasbord of scents that were so pleasing and would just constantly change with a great variety. It’s a beautiful place to ride. The countryside in Greece is just very pleasant.” Fellow American Wayne Brown added, “The wildflowers have been vibrant along the sides of the roads, and the vast vistas off in the distance are amazing. Coming through these small towns now, this is what I had imagined Greece would look like.”

American rider Michael Becker cycling the Greece countryside

The rolling hills quickly turned into vast mountains as we headed into Delphi, Greece. This historic town has a view that extends over the Amfissa Grove, the country’s largest cultivated olive grove that spills into the Corinthian Gulf. Delphi also served as a spiritual focal point in Ancient Greece, known as the ‘Navel of the Earth’ for its sanctuaries and oracles situated on the side of Mount Parnassus. These ruins were conveniently located within a 10 minute walk from our hotel, and were visited by both cyclists and staff on our first rest day. Michael Becker shared his experience with Greek history, commenting that, “The buildings and infrastructure that these cultures put together 2,000 – 3,000 years ago is still so evident. Being able to go to the museums, visit these archeological sites, see the ruins, and just the stunning backdrops of some of these temples and what has been built, I find it fascinating.”

Ancient ruins on Mount Parnassus in Delphi, Greece

It is truly fascinating to set foot in a place where civilizations have been situated for thousands of years, especially amongst a vast, mountainous landscape. While ancient history here is an important part of the culture, it also seems that the Greek people today also desire to be known. I sat down with our hotel manager, Zafeiroula, in Delphi, and asked her, if there was anything she’d want people to know about the Greek people today, what would it be?. She gave two Greek words in response, “Filoxenia and Filotimo. The first word can be broken down into two parts – ‘Filo’ which means ‘friend’ and ‘xenia’, which means ‘stranger’. The second word can also be broken down into two parts – ‘Filo’, which means ‘friend’ and ‘timo’, which means ‘all’ and ‘loving’. Expanding on these words, she stated, “Greeks are very proud of their history, it’s who we are. People know about the sun, they know about the sea, but they don’t know about us. We are people who want to meet you. We want you to come to our country. We value it.”

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Athens to Amsterdam by bike? Sure, that sounds fun. But what does it look like? How do I know if this is something I would enjoy? Well, we hope these three videos give you a better idea of what it’s like – the hills, the herds of sheep, the architecture, the people, the food, the open road, the rainy days and the sunny skies.

Cycle touring is a wonderful way to connect the many incredible tourist sites in Europe. It’s also a great way to discover hidden gems off the beaten track and to experience village life, up close and personal.

Part 1 – Athens to Sarajevo

“I had no idea that northern Greece had so much great scenery… so lush… coming down some of those mountains, and cruising by these rivers.. valleys… it’s just incredible. Seeing the monasteries at Meteora.. one of the coolest things I’ve seen anywhere.”

Starting in Athens and quickly working our way into the mountainous countryside of Greece, the riders had better come ready with their climbing gears. The hilly roads offer incredible views of the valleys below and unique landforms like those found at Meteora. The section ends in Sarajevo, Bosnia after more stunning mountain scenery in Albania and Montenegro.

Part 2 – Sarajevo to Munich

“This stretch.. has been pretty fantastic. The landscape is pretty baron but the coast… it’s just brilliant. You know you come around the corner and there’s this gorgeous town with beautiful blue water.”

“The memories that stand out is the small gratitudes of the local people. To get that, all you have to do is try and say please and thank you and it comes back to you I think.”

From western Bosnia and into Croatia we work our way north leaving the Balkans and the pristine waters of the Croatian coast. We enter Slovenia and pedal on into Italy, passing through the mighty Dolomites before arriving in Munich, Germany.

Part 3 – Munich to Amsterdam

“The ride has been much more relaxing compared to the mountains. So not having to climb is a nice change – albeit, the scenery certainly is different. I can’t say how awesome it really is. You have to be there to experience it.”

If the first section was a test of your legs and lungs, then section 3 is the payoff – limited climbing on wonderful cycling infrastructure through Germany and onward into the Netherlands and the finish in Amsterdam.

A special thanks to Coby Werlin (www.cobywerlin.com) for completing this video series. The first of two he completed in 2019 – he also shot, and edited our North American Epic series. He spent months filming and months more finalizing the edits to give us this great window into these tours.

Geoff hanging out by the old town bridge in Heidelberg

“The Odyssey was an outstanding ride experience. A fabulous way to see Europe on many of the roads less travelled. It was a physical and mental blast. And I got to meet many like-minded and wonderful people from all over the globe.” – Geoff Hawke (Australia)

Lil adjusting her bicycle before departing Kastraki

“I enjoy the fact that my baggage is being transported, meals are taken care of and you just show up to eat delicious ethnic foods prepared with love. I like being provided with daily detailed route instructions plus the orange flagging making navigation easier so no you shouldn’t get lost. The tour provides excellent support and logistics. First class biking experience and yes I enjoyed the test of endurance through the various mountain ranges and the beauty of sea.” – Lil Martin (Canada)

Magnificent Meteora at sunset

“Thanks to the great staff, good routes and fantastic scenery as well as awesome rider camaraderie I had a wonderful time exploring Europe, its history and its cultural diversity cycling from Athens to Amsterdam ! Thanks TDA for making this at time challenging trip to enjoyable ! I’ll be back!” – Michael Neuser (Germany)

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“I was looking for something different and I found it. I wanted a longer trip then the usual 10-14 days and riding being the main focus. I also wanted to experience the countries in it’s purity and not just from a tourist perspective. I feel I got both. The pure joy and freedom of being out in the middle of nowhere and also being in the cities. The riding was challenging at times, but in a good way. Having 3 ways to keep you on track (GPS, paper route sheets and orange flagging), gave me the confidence to venture off the route and to ride alone if I wanted. This added a huge element to the trip. Felt totally empowered by it.” – Kelly McNamara (USA)

“It was a memorable experience! A physical, mental and emotional challenge. It seemed like there was a wonderful surprise everyday from UNESCO sites, to rides along the Adriatic and climbs through the Dolomites.” – Joan Degiorgio (USA)

>>Related Post: The 2017 Odyssey Riders Sound Off

“This was my first bike trip longer than two weeks and it exceeded my expectations. Tour staff does a great job of managing a thousand details and keeping everyone safe, well fed and happy. Traveling through 10 countries kept things interesting and the days off were in great cities with plenty to do.” – Jack O’Connor (USA)

“TDA goes above and beyond. All aspects of the tour were excellent. From the field staff, routes, hotels, food and overall organization. I really felt the staff genuinely cared about all the guests. We will definitely join another TDA adventure.” – Mike Windeler (Canada)

“Challenging but doable days, great routes and a great bunch of similar minded people to spend some time with. The support staff are fantastic, will help out at all times. A 10/10 experience.” – Roberta Hunt (Canada)

“There’s nothing more expensive than regret. Choose a section, a tour, an adventure or an expedition. It will open your world, and when it’s over, you’ll miss it every day…Until you come back for more. And you will….” – Mark Turner (USA)

Matthew preparing for the day

“The Odyssey was an amazing tour. From the breathtaking scenery to the memorable sites to the friendly, competent and professional staff, our experience was exceptional from start to finish. The climbs are tough, but the descents could go on forever!” – Matthew Wilson (Canada)

Border crossings are a funny thing. They all serve the same purpose, but no two are ever exactly alike. They’re an essential, and often frequent, pit stop on most TDA tours, allowing us to explore a rich array of cultural landscapes. In some areas of the world, it can be quite an exciting experience crossing the border – a fun destination on the day’s route, a cool passport stamp, maybe even a good local interaction. Ideally, it is a pleasant introduction to the country you’re about to explore. Other crossings, however, can be a real pain in your chain. Whether it’s a problem with passports, loose luggage, long lines, or just catching the border officer on a bad day, it can put a real damper on your riding momentum. Everyone enjoys crossing the border, it’s crossing the border crossing that can be a little tricky.

Traveling through so many countries from the Balkans up towards central Europe, The Odyssey has enjoyed both the anxious thrill of border crossings, as well as the nonchalant ease of country-hopping without borders. Ah, the EU is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? No border patrol. No lines. No passports. No problem. The best part is that we still get to experience the vast and diverse cultures throughout Europe, without the hassle or hustle of borders.

Where borders are enforced down in the Balkan countries, we’d typically convoy our way through, as there tends to be power in numbers at border crossings. It’s the best option to ensure that all riders pass through securely and timely, and that they cross along with their luggage in the case of potential contraband. While this proved to be the safest choice, it tended to take up a large part of the riding day, and slowed down the usual pace for our faster riders. And while some of our border crossings went more smoothly than others, it felt like a luxury to be back in the EU, entering new countries freely. Ever since re-entering, riders have crossed into as many as 3 countries in a day, and may have even entered a new country without realizing it!

“I just love the diversity of going from country to country. That’s what I really liked about the Odyssey, is that you travel through so many countries and you can really feel the differences of each one.” – Rider, The Odyssey 2019

Touring Europe at the pace of a bicycle, you slowly start to notice the blending of different European cultures between its various countries. It may come as no surprise that the closer you get to a neighbouring country, the more influence it has in the landscape, but experiencing the progression on a town-to-town basis can be a marvellous journey.

The Italian city of Brixen, for example, which is situated near the border with Austria, has a heavily Germanic presence – evident in its abundance of spaetzle, Brauhausen, and, well, Germans (and Austrians). I stared up at the Fackwerk-style rooftops in shock and awe that I was still, in fact, in Italy. In the words of a local, “it is where the Italians go to feel Austrian, and where the Austrians go to feel Italian.”

Where other nations might put up a strict border, stating a definitive start and end point for its cultural influence to expand, the beauty of Europe is that it allows us to see these blended landscapes that breed a new hybrid culture all their own.

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Let me tell you about the Piva Canyon Road, a funny little track situated near the top of of Montenegro. The road hugs the Piva Reservoir, which at 675m above seal level is the highest artificial reservoir in the world. It was created by the construction of the magnificent Mratinje Dam. The road weaves in and out of the larger-than-life cliffs and canyons on either side of the river, through a seemingly endless stream of man-made tunnels carved out of the canyon side (56 tunnels, to be exact!).

While this route is nothing short of spectacular, it is also not for the faint of heart. Just as Odysseus had to deal with his own monsters, we encountered an arduous journey through the minefield that is Piva Canyon Not literally, of course. Montenegro claims to be mine-free. (The true minefields didn’t start until Bosnia, but that’s another story).

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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...

It was a dark and stormy morning when the riders set out from the Montenegrin town of Niksic. They encountered bouts of wind and rain that seemed to ebb and flow as we neared Pluzine, just outside of the Piva Canyon. Like the winding road ahead, the unpredictable weather seemed to periodically switch from calm and overcast to intense downpours. At times, the narrow roads, the cold rain, the unrelenting winds and the oncoming trucks and buses were enough to encourage even the bravest of riders to seek shelter from the conditions. The only shelter, however, was the unlit tunnels along the route!

While the tunnels may have provided a temporary respite from the rainfall, they may have covered up a bit too much of the riders’ route. The short tunnels were manageable – close enough from entry to exit to see yourself through safely and come out on the other side. The longer tunnels – some stretching as far as 600 metres – proved a bit more difficult to navigate. The drastic shift from bright light to pure darkness was especially tricky for riders wearing transitional lenses that took their sweet time adjusting to the darkness.

It wasn’t until lunchtime that riders could congregate, relax, and enjoy the scenery in the newly emerging sunlight. And what a scene it was! Overlooking the dam was a breathtaking view across the rock formations that seemed to stretch from sea to sky. Below us, the mighty Piva River rushed and roared with swells of bright turquoise waters surrounded by lush greenery. Ahead was a smooth descent into Bosnia & Herzegovina. With the challenging tunnels behind us, the riders powered through the remaining few dark patches to reach the border crossing in no time.

The Odyssey is three days in and I’ve already experienced so much. This is my first time traveling on a TDA Global Cycling tour and only my second(ish) time traveling in Europe. While I’ve been prepping to be the content creator for this trip for months, there is still so much that is new to me now that I’m actually immersed in it. It is a culture all of its own. Talking with seasoned riders, I’m starting to see how each tour offers its own specialties that add to the overall worldwide presence that TDA creates, no matter the continent.

I can’t help but compare TDA to my time at summer camp. I worked four consecutive summers at a camp on an island in the Pacific Northwest of the United States that focused on developing outdoor living skills, co-opting an inclusive and resourceful community, and crafting a thirst for bold adventure within children. And, really, how is TDA any different? Sure, they’re primarily bike-oriented, their participants a tad bit older, and their reach a bit wider than the PNW, but the essentials are the same. The kids at summer camp would usually be quite timid and reluctant to embrace such a drastic departure from their cozy home life but with each passing day they would ease into the reality that they were stuck there for a month – whether they liked it or not. More often than not, even if by a bit of force, each child would slowly start to embrace, even love, camp. The riders are not too different.

I find it incredibly refreshing to meet older folks that voluntarily choose to remove themselves from their comfort zone in order to broaden their personal horizons. Too often, I’ve encountered people who expect life to go a certain way because that’s what they’re used to, and for some youngster like me to hold new perspectives on the world was inconceivable. At 24, I may still be quite young, but even I am beginning to feel small aspects of life as if it were a cage closing in on me – that as my palette expands, as I get promoted, or as I make more extravagant purchases, that the world therefore owes me a certain quality of life.

And in these 3 short days, I’ve begun to revert back to the basics with the group, remembering that we are all just searching for that same flare of life, and more often than not, that is found in the least expected of places. It’s humbling to know that life doesn’t have to be a cage, that humans are capable of retaining their childlike wonder for the foreign, the unexpected, and the adventurous parts of life well past childhood.

The real difference, though, between kids at camp and adults on this ride is their mindfulness. TDA riders seem to understand that we’re all in this together, that everyone is working their hardest, and that no trip ever goes exactly as planned. There are, of course, certain things that are expected of the team, but they are more based on common sense and courtesy than they are on expectations of creature comforts. Whether the coffee is too weak, the wind is too strong, or there’s a freak rainstorm along the highway, they just carry on as if it was entirely meant to be part of the experience all along, and don’t resort to reprimanding the staff for not controlling the weather well enough. I guess it boils down to humility, a trait that many of us tend to lose touch with as we develop and age, but there’s clearly something about these riders that diverts from that mindset.

For the kids, summer camp was all about challenging themselves in every capacity, whether they knew they needed it or not, so they could develop into their best selves. As I watched those kids grow through some of their most pivotal teenage years, the adventurous influence of camp on their spirits was palpable to their character. The trajectory for these kids was so clear – enjoy camp to the fullest as a camper and pass the baton onto them possibly becoming staff. But for me, I guess that’s where the trajectory usually stopped. I never really wondered where these kids and their wild spirits would go as they entered their 30s, 40s and 50s. Now I know – they go to TDA.

We’ve been known to talk about the off the beaten track places our tours take our cycling clients. Here at TDA, we aren’t shy to explore the world in some of the planet’s less popular areas. There is, however, a reason why some destinations draw so many people. The world is full of incredible sites and monuments – both natural, and man-made – that are justifiably famous. Our 2019 cycling adventures can bring you right to their doorstep.

>>See all our 2019 tour options

1. Tour d’Afrique – The Great Pyramids of Giza

2. Hippie Trail – The Taj Mahal

3. The Odyssey – The Acropolis

4. Madagascar – Avenue of the Baobabs

5. Orient Express – The Mighty Danube River

6. North American Epic – The Grand Canyon

7. Orient Express – The Blue Mosque

8. Bamboo Road – Angkor Wat

9. Trans-Himalaya – Mighty Mountain Ranges

10. Viva Italia – The Colosseum

Cycling in Europe – what a way to see the old country (or countries)!

We have a growing list of cycle tours all across Europe – covering some of the most popular destinations (France, Germany, and Italy) as well as some places you might not have previously considered cycling but should (Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania for example).

We have our original European adventure (the Orient Express) in July and another relatively new and hugely popular tour (the Odyssey) that precedes it in May and June. And, stay tuned, we may be announcing a third European tour for the summer / fall of 2019. We dropped a not-so-subtle hint in this article in Forbes [UPDATE: Registration for Viva Italia now open! Read the announcement here].

All our tours in Europe for 2019 will be hotel-to-hotel tours so after a tough day of cycling, a bed and a shower await. Between June and September we will have cycling options for you in over 15 European countries, so let us tempt you for a moment.

(warning! gratuitous self promotion of our tours follows)

Reasons to Cycle Orient Express

We recently wrote a blog covering some of the reasons to cycle the Orient Express. As a tour we have been running since 2005, we know of many many reasons to do this. Here is reason #4 from our blog…

“MID-MORNING COFFEE AND CAKE STOPS: A common sight at around 10am on any given day in Western Europe on the Orient Express is a group of cyclists street-side with a table full of cappuccinos and bicycle helmets, checking maps and discussing where the next stop will be. Riders guiltlessly order ridiculous desert creations through glass-fronted display cases. As some riders arrive, others depart and the group at the table grows and shrinks over the course of an hour before the stragglers collect their bike gloves and water bottles, ready to enjoy their next mid-morning stop somewhere up the road another 15 km or so. By the time you reach Budapest and the street-side cafes thereafter become less frequent, you may almost be relieved. Though the roads are gorgeous after Budapest, they will also become more hilly – an opportunity to counteract the effects of all those delicious deserts.” Read all 10 reasons to cycle the Orient Express.

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Odyssey Cyclists Share Their Reflections

Orthodox monasteries of Meteora in Central Greece

Our first Odyssey in 2017 was a big success. We had a large group of determined cyclists. Here is what Brett from Australia had to say…

“The Odyssey has you riding in areas of Eastern and Western Europe away from the beaten track at times, visiting islands off the Croatian coast, passing through Unesco listed sights and with rest days in cities with so many things to do that you’ll be chalking them down for another visit. Be prepared for plenty of climbing from the start in Greece until you cross Austria, but this is more than made up for with days of riding alongside the Rhine to the final arrival in Amsterdam.” Read all the feedback from the 2017 Odyssey cyclists.

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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...

If you have never been on a TDA tour, check out what to expect and then read why you should ride with us to learn how we differ from other bike tour operators. And if you have questions, we might have the answers. Please email or call anytime. We can arrange for you to speak with one of our former participants in your area, or we can tell you a little more about our Guest Rider program – a great way to try out our tours closer to home without committing to a longer trip.

European Cycle Tour Combo Deal

You might have noticed that there is nine days separating the end of The Odyssey in Amsterdam on June 28 and the start of the Orient Express in Paris on July 7. That’s just enough time to rest your legs and do some sightseeing before setting off on the 2nd part of your European cycle adventure.

Even if you weren’t looking to cycle two full tours across Europe, you could consider cycling the Tilting at Windmills section of The Odyssey from Munich to Amsterdam and then the Joie de Vivre section of the Orient Express from Paris to Freiburg – call it a giant loop of Western Europe. With this combo you would ride the cycleways along the Rhine River through Germany and Holland and then pedal through bucolic French countryside to Freiburg, just over the border. To help make this option more convenient, here is what we can offer:

• We’ll transport your baggage and bicycle from Amsterdam to Paris at no charge
• We’ll honour the multi-section discounts across both tours (10% off for 2 or more sections)
• After the Odyssey, you will also be eligible for an additional alumni discount for the Orient Express.

Interested? Let us know.

Just under 2 years ago, we unveiled The Odyssey – a 7 week, 3,500 km cycling journey from Athens to Amsterdam, from the Acropolis to the Rijksmuseum, spinning through 10 European countries – Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Germany & The Netherlands – featuring great scenery, amazing food, incredible history & fascinating cultures.

We hoped that people would like it but were completely overwhelmed with the incredible response. Within a very short period of time the trip sold out. So what did the riders who were lucky enough to take part in that inaugural trip think of their experience?

“TDA-global cycling is a great company- For my needs, I get the right amount of support coupled with plenty of opportunity to mingle with the locals. I don’t feel like I am biking in a cocoon with little local exposure. Also your guides will always step up to make the trip as wonderful as possible.” – Kathy Herson (USA)

“The Odyssey has you riding in areas of Eastern and Western Europe away from the beaten track at times, visiting islands off the Croatian coast, passing through Unesco listed sights and with rest days in cities with so many things to do that you’ll be chalking them down for another visit. Be prepared for plenty of climbing from the start in Greece until you cross Austria, but this is more than made up for with days of riding alongside the Rhine to the final arrival in Amsterdam.” – Brett Lanham (Australia)

“This is not an easy tour, but it is a very rewarding one because of all the magnificent country you ride through, the cultures you encounter, the food you eat, the people you meet. And because of all that climbing, the downhills are spectacular. This tour has daily rides that should be included in the top ten rides anywhere in Europe.” John Hemmen (USA)

>>Check out the details for the 2019 The Odyssey Cycling Expedition

“If I had to describe the Odyssey Tour in only one sentence, I would say; “if you crave unforgettable vistas and the challenge of epic climbs and long days on the bike, choose the Odyssey Tour! Every metre of ascent was worth the effort!” – Janice Dickie (Canada)

“Competent crew, good routes, congenial riders, no hassles=great bike vacation” – Peter Millikan (USA)

“A lot of climbing, wonderful scenery, excellent routes and good hotels.” – Edward Sokol (USA)

Numbers are a funny thing. They fill every corner of our lives. They help us understand nature, communicate and relate to each other, organize and order ourselves, bombard us, overwhelm us, empower us, bore us…. inspire us. And there’s 7 billion ways to see it.

So, let’s start with the basics then. 20 Riders met in Athens, 7 weeks ago to embark on a 3700km bike ride ending in Amsterdam, 37 days later. 19 of them finished, only 2 rode the entire distance solely by their own power. There were some tough days for sure, all of them, depending who you ask. Over 2500m of climbing on the toughest, being the day when we left the beautiful Meteora and crested 3 peaks to finish in the equally beautiful Metsovo. On an average day you were riding about 100km. Being generous, despite that there was over 35,000 m of climbing, let’s suppose you averaged 15km/hr. Assuming you managed to keep a steady 80 rpm cadence over that time, it would mean you’d have turned your legs well over 1 million times. A 22Tx36T is the gear ratio you knew you had to equip on your bike to keep those hardened but wearing legs spinning smoothly even up the 17% grades we often encountered. You went cross eyed looking simultaneously, at 8 pages of directions and for, what ended up being, 17 rolls of flagging tape spread out over countless turns in certainly the most winding stage of the tour.

That part was easy, and while it may sound impressive here’s some more.

For a while now I’ve been one to shy away from knowing how long I rode, how high, how fast, how slow, how many watts I’m electrifying, how many calories I’ve burned, and so on. I tend to avoid the after-ride ritual of the numbers game, and when I’m not working on a TDA tour, never have a computer on my bike. There is however one number that has been frequently popping into my mind. Someone passed it on to me a little while into the tour, but I couldn’t relate to it much. I certainly paused when first hearing it, but it just didn’t seem true. For writing this blog I had to make sure, so did the math and confirmed what now, a day after the tour, is a number meaning much more for me. The average age of the 19 riders who completed the whole tour is 65. The oldest two being 72.

The past 7 weeks have worked to shatter any preconceptions I had about old age. Why that number didn’t seem true is because I had already known everyone for a few of weeks when I heard it. How could it be true when people were actually averaging 15km/hr, and climbing relentlessly for over 10 hours a day, and then guzzling bottle after bottle of wine each evening. It has been a wonderful eye opener and an inspiring sight and lesson. It is possible to live an active and adventurous life well into the later years of life, and while some of your strength may fade your will and your zest for life doesn’t need to. So that 2-digit number means much more to me now after turning my legs a million times with you. Hopefully it inspires the same felling of excitement in anyone reading this, for what is possible if you maintain a youthful attitude and outlook.

Though one tour is finished, another awaits. As me and Özgür head south towards Paris for the start of the Orient Express we will be crossing paths with a tour of quite a different caliber. The Tour de France just started, and if we’re lucky we might catch a glimpse as the peloton whizzes past on its way to Liege. Thinking about that I became curious how the numbers relate. In 2016, the peloton covered 3430km, and climbed just over 21,000m. Not so bad I guess 😉

Thanks to Henry Gold for sparking the inspiration to write this.

For this blog post I thought to write something about the experience of working as a bicycle mechanic, in general and on a TDA tour. And also about a special chance meeting with an inspiring, though unknown character in the bicycle world. The bicycle, one of our species’ more influential, beautiful, and positive inventions. Since the late 1800’s it has been helping people get around, efficiently and quickly, and in many parts of the world they are still the main mode of transportation. An invention, access to which, has also proven to alleviate poverty, a cause the TDA foundation is contributing to. Considering that more than 1 billion have been made to date, it’s hard to see how someone could not be influenced by this elegant machine. Though relatively simple, the parts and tools needed to maintain them are specialized enough that user service is limited and the need for trained technicians high.

It’s hard to settle for less after one has experienced riding a good quality, well-tuned bike. I think part of the reason the bicycle has become so popular is cause riding one is fun, and its many times more fun if it “gets out of the way” and lets you become even more immersed in the experience. A missed shift, weak brakes, rattling parts and persistent squeaks and squeals all have a way of getting in the way, and quickly reminding you that a lot of times riding a bicycle is also a “chore”. In that way, the competent bicycle mechanic quickly becomes an ally, especially when you have access to one almost every day on your quest to cross a continent by pedal power.

Many years ago, as a budding mechanic sometimes overwhelmed by how much there actually is to know about fixing bikes, I came across an article about a master in the field. In the town of Bolzano, northern Italy, there apparently was someone who painstakingly made every “bici” he touched work perfectly. He was out of step and out of sync with the current cycling industry trends, of flash and hype, but to me he seemed like a breath of fresh air. Beyond the few useful tips that were passed on, the article represented a state of mind. To almost compulsively strive for perfection of your craft, despite financial repercussions and industry pressure is not often seen. Even for an experienced mechanic, because of the high sensitivity to adjustment of some parts, bicycle maintenance can still seem like a bit of a black box sometimes. There is a combination of experience, intuition and a healthy dose of trial and error. Essentially what Marco represented to me was a sort of anti-laziness. So many times, to make a bike work perfectly one must try a myriad of solutions and revisit the same issues over and over until the problem finally becomes clear. To do that one has to take time, have interest, be humble and work hard. Still a combination I’ve yet to achieve of course ;

Now for the cherry on top and the happy ending of the story. Through the years I had passed on the article about Marco to a few shop buddies. When one of them found out I was going to be in northern Italy while working on the TDA Odyssey tour he half-jokingly asked if I was going to visit Marco. I kept the idea in mind, and thought there might be a chance when we stopped in Brixen, only 30km from Bolzano. Luckily the stars aligned, the gods smiled, and I made the trip to visit ciclibalduzzi that day. In typical Italian fashion, which has irritated a few on this trip, the store hours included a siesta from 12-4pm, hence my timing necessitated a bit of a wait. I should also say that beyond “bongiorno” my Italian quickly deteriorates. Nonetheless, meet Marco I did. He understood how I knew about him, what I’m doing in Bolzano and the Odyssey tour, and that he had somehow become a “piccolo” legend amongst some mechanics in Canada. This I think he appreciated, because he quickly began expressing his dislike for carbon frames, flashy designs, internal routing of cables etc., just like in the article 🙂 After a brief 20min conversation, ironically and hopefully not insultingly I asked him for a picture together, but as more customers entered the store I said my “arriverdercis”. A good day in my books.

I feel that working on tours with the TDA has greatly benefited me as a mechanic. As I’ve mentioned before, bicycle maintenance is a good amount of trial and error. Working on the same bikes continuously from 6 weeks to 4 months(Africa) gives one a tremendous amount of feedback if what you’re doing to fix something is actually effective. Though you may see many more bikes working in the shop, beyond the quick test ride and the few people that come back, you rarely see a bike again, at least for a long time. Working on tour I find out the very next day if my adjustments did the trick or not. Also on many of the TDA tours, crossing remote regions of the world, access to parts is limited and the need for resourcefulness and ingenuity high. There’s a lot of satisfaction knowing that people are safe on their bikes and enjoying the ride. Some bikes will take weeks to sort out thoroughly, but that’s ok because patience is certainly one of the antidotes to laziness. So keep those tires pumped and chains lubed to make my life easier…or don’t, cause I enjoy every minute of trying to get those “bicis” running silently anyways 🙂

Special thanks to Tour leader Gergo for making the meeting with Marco possible.

Dear Readers,

I think it’s about time to shed a little light on a TDA icon, a genuine renaissance man, also, a man of mystery. When he’s not working on a tour, rarely, he’s most likely to be found suspended from the edge of a perilous cliff probably just by the end of his beard. Özgür is an accomplished mountain climber, and rope access technician. In fact his organ donation card also lists his beard. He makes you hang onto every moment of his…. silence, which is usually most of them. Though he’s known as a listener not a talker, don’t get the idea that’s he’s ever actually listening. He can Speak English….in Turkish.

Me: How do you pronounce your name?
Özgür: (Phonetically) “Uoz-guurr”
Me: Right….so how many other Turkish Oscars do you know?
Özgür: (Loud booming, yet calm laughter)

Özgür has been working with TDA global cycling since 2014. He began as local support in Turkey on the Silk Route tour. Though Turkey is the last country in the tour, it still takes 3 weeks to get from the border with Iran to Istanbul. He soon starting working other tours, the Orient Express, the Tour d’Afrique, Trans Europa, another round on the Silk Route and now this summer, possibly, if you’re reading this, with you on the 2017 Odyssey and Orient Express.

Me: Though you own a couple of bikes that you could have used for this summer’s tours, you chose instead to buy a new one. Why did you pick a Thorn touring bike with an internal geared hub?
Özgür: I like the durability of the steel frame and solid parts and the low maintenance of the internal gear Alfine 11 hub. It’s a simple bike but I think it’s all you need for this kind of riding. Also you should buy Brooks for your bike, it’s the best saddle.

Özgür is a tricky one to pin down. It would not be unfair to liken him to a swiss army knife, with lasers. There’s hardly anything he can’t do, and look good while doing it as well. Naturally we try to have him involved in absolutely EVERYTHING on tour. As assistant tour director he’s mostly dealing with behind the scene responsibilities and logistics that, while not as noticeable, are just as important to keeping the gears of this travelling, eating, sweating machine, turning smoothly, pun intended. Don’t think he can’t also fix your bike, cut your tomatoes, roll your cheese, teach you how to pitch a tent, or sew your arm back on to your body. Small beings as ourselves may only ever be able to catch glimpses of his motivation and, dare I say, celestial purpose, but here, for a brief moment, I hand to you glasses to look directly at the sun with, so to say.

Me: What makes you nervous?
Özgür: Nutella on the knife.
Me: What has been your favourite riding day from all the tours you’ve worked?
Özgür: I think the day in Romania climbing the Transfarasan.
Me: Favourite rest day?
Özgür: Budapest, just wait until you see!
Me: Best sushi you’ve had?
Özgür: In Izmir (Turkey)
Me: Best kebab?
Özgür: In Diyarbakir (Turkey)
Me: How long have you been growing your beard?
Özgür: (Just winks)
Me: What exactly is the meaning of “chop”?
Özgür: Ask Errol.

Keep your eye out for Özgür on some upcoming TDA tours, no spoilers, and consider yourself lucky if you happen to be riding or working on them yourself. He will be happy to fix any problem you may have, and ladies his favourite ice cream flavour is Black Mulberry.

Stage 4, the longest day of The Odyssey, 137km, saw us come into Meteora, possibly one of the most special and scenic stops of the tour and luckily a rest stop as well. The landscape around Meteora has a surreal and otherworldly feel. The impressive pillars of rock are theorized to have been formed by the flow of a delta which drained over 60 million years ago leaving the large exposed columns to be weathered and smoothed by wind and rain. If the geology isn’t breathtaking enough, finding out that numerous monasteries are built on the tops of these monoliths certainly is. Some 600 years ago, Orthodox monks, inhabiting the valley, started building on the tops in order to literally climb out of the reach of Ottoman invaders that were making their way into Europe. It is believed construction and life afterwards was limited to transporting people and supplies up tall, lashed ladders or hauling them up in nets up the 400m sheer rock walls. Nowadays steps and roads will take you there, and the monasteries have become open visitors and also a tourist attraction. A small monastic community still calls the “middle of the sky”, Meteora home. The cliffs are popular for rock climbers and the surrounding network of trails in the valley and nearby mountains great for mountain biking. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and national park.

No one said this was going to be an easy tour, so leaving Meteora we headed for the highest mountain road in all of Greece. Luckily, despite some recent economic trouble in Greece, the bridge that 13 months ago had collapsed into a river, was rebuilt, and opened the way to some amazing countryside and miles and miles of quiet scenic winding roads. Though we had a range of read outs from our GPS devices we all agreed we did at least 3000m of climbing before making it to Metsovo, a village plastered almost vertically on the side of a mountain and our stop for the next day. Numerous adjectives were used to describe the day, but the consensus was that the view is certainly worth the effort.

When the TDA decides on creating a new tour, long before its proposed start, the route is scouted and the hotels are booked. Sometimes the route changes because of say collapsed bridges or the group grows bigger and the hotel cannot accommodate us anymore as another example. No one was pleased when they found out at the rider meeting that the new hotel for the next day would be an extra 2km of steep climbing. Some people even shared that they think the tour leader has it in for them personally. Many of the riders are TDA tour veterans and know each other and Gergo, our tour leader, quite well. The forecast read rain leaving Metsovo, and we got lots of it but life is full of contrast and we wouldn’t know pleasure were it not for pain, hot for cold, and in our case, the beautiful sunny days if it weren’t for the humbling miserable rainy ones. Rain or not, everyone was pleasantly taken back by the beauty and charm of the quaint little village of Elati, where our new hotel was. There were no corners cut here, real stone shingle roofs, mined right out of the hills beneath them, beautiful cobble pathways, delicious homemade food, and some very impressive and funky rooms.

Greece has been good to us, the feta creamy, the locals friendly and even the dogs surprisingly polite but there was an air of excitement to enter our next country. A very smooth border crossing and we were set free to burn our rubber on Albanian roads. A mountain pass or two later and finally we were by the sea again, in Sarande, and enjoying another rest day.

An Odyssey, a long wandering or voyage, usually marked by many changes of fortune. The original Odyssey, following the mythical adventures of the great hero Odysseus, was written by the ancient Greek poet, Homer, sometimes around the end of the 8th century BC. Such effect has the epic poem had on western literature that even the name itself has come to signify a long trying quest. Re-visiting Odysseus’ adventure before the start of our own seems wise, we will need plenty of inspiration, hopefully we can gain some from the tale of the legendary hero.

Odysseus’ presence in Hellenic mythology begins as part of an equally legendary tale, the battle of Troy. Odysseus was an important player in the conquest of Troy and the revenge for Helen’s betrayal, alongside the hero Achilles. After the battle, Odysseus and his men, returning home by ship, were driven off course by storms and began what would be a 10-year wandering. As with all Greek mythology, the involvement of the fickle Olympian gods has a pivotal effect on the hero’s journey. His luck wanes after blinding a cyclops, and son of Poseidon, to escape his clutches. Odysseus embodies virtues of cunning, intelligence and certainly courage but he also suffers from the vice of hubris and pride. While escaping he makes the mistake of bragging that “Odysseus cannot be defeated”. Poseidon hears this and curses him to wander the seas for the next 10 years.

In this time, he has to resist the advances of seducing witches and nymphs, loses all of his men, half of them turned into pigs by vengeful gods, the other lost at sea in shipwrecks. He travels to the edge of the world, communicates with the underworld and appeases the dead. Dodges six headed sea monsters and ship swallowing whirlpools, loses himself to the irresistible songs of enchanting sirens and earns the admirations of Zeus and Athena. Upon his return he finds his wife courted by several would be suitors, but as expected of the great hero, outwits and slays them all to take back his kingdom.

Our very own Odyssey will play out on a more human, less mythological scale, though not if looking at the comparative distance travelled, Odysseus spent all his time wandering the Greek islands on the Adriatic coast. The challenges will be plenty. From Athens the terrain point towards the sky and the seat of the gods. We will have little respite from the constant climbing until we crest the mighty Dolomites far to the north in Italy. Odysseus was gifted a bag by the king Aeolus containing 3 of the 4 winds to aid him in returning home, we are not so lucky, and at this time in the season might be doing battle with the prevailing Bora winds blowing from north to south along the Adriatic coast.

The cool winds will hopefully provide some relief from the scorching heat that’s already beginning to have it effect. However, our journey, while trying, will not all be a test of endurance and will. While Odysseus had to exercise constant restraint against traps and temptations, we can lay our mounts and armour at the end of the day and enjoy the hedonic pleasures that this part of the world is so famous for. It will not be necessary to resist the bounty of cheeses, meats, and wines, and we will certainly have no hope of eluding stunning landscapes and locals as warm as the weather.

If there are lessons to be learned from Homer’s story, it’s that we should remain humble unlike the proud hero, know our limits and pace ourselves. As I write this from Delphi, our first rest day, and as legends say, the refuge of Apollo and the seat of the Oracle, it’s important to reflect on probably the most important lesson of all. To get ahead, you must, above all, have the grace of the gods. They favoured the strong, sometimes the wise, sometimes the humble, but always the brave. There’s certainly plenty of courage amongst the group, so let’s hope that will be enough to keep our Garmins pointing north and our bikes rubber side down!

Did you notice that we scheduled the new Odyssey cycle tour so that it finishes in Amsterdam with enough time to make your way to Paris and start the Orient Express? Even if you weren’t looking to cycle two full tours, you could consider Munich to Amsterdam and then Paris to Vienna – call it a giant loop of Western Europe. With this combo you would cycle both the Rhine and Danube rivers and some of the best cycling roads Europe has to offer. Here are a few other reasons you might want to do this:

• We’ll gladly transport your bags/bike from Amsterdam to Paris
• We are honouring multi-section discounts across both tours
• After you complete The Odyssey section, you get an extra % discount for the Orient Express as a TDA alumni rider
• And you can join us for a special alumni dinner in Amsterdam a couple days after The Odyssey finishes

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It is easy to say an automatic yes to this question, especially as someone who has spent a decade helping organize and run trans-continental cycling tours, including multiple trips across Europe. However, with the attention the refugee movement into Europe from Syria and North Africa has garnered, as well as ISIS attacks in Paris, Brussels and Istanbul, it is worth answering this question in more detail.

Tourists and Cyclists are not the Targets of Terrorism

First bit of info is pretty straightforward. No touring cyclist has come to any undue harm from any terrorist attack in Europe. Zero. OK, zero reported, but in this day and age you can believe any harm from this type of violence is reported ad infinitum. From a professional level operating bicycle tours in Europe, there has been no difference related to these attacks in the level of risk on our tours that our clients face on the road each day or in our campsites or hotels.

If you want to stretch it you could say that your risk of harm in arriving to an airport in Europe could be higher than previous years due to terrorism, but just on that note, you are approximately 11,000 times more likely to die in a human error or mechanical related airplane crash than by a terrorist attack involving an airport. So if your plane makes a safe landing you can relax. Actually you can relax on the plane too, as your chance of perishing on route is approximately 1 in 11,000,000.

One last terror statistic, the country that had the most occurrences of ISIS attacks in 2016 is France. However the risk of a Frenchman dying in a terrorist related incident in 2016 is approximately two-ten thousandths of 1%.

How Does the Refugee Crisis Factor into This?

Is there an increased threat of harm to cycle tourists from the movement of refugees in Europe? The question is a bit of an oxymoron. Refugees by their very nature are the ones at risk, not locals or tourists. In our post-factual political climate though this correlation is often warped beyond recognition. While there may be legitimate socio-economic fears regarding refugees, guess what, even beyond the lack of increased risk of physical harm towards locals or tourists, there isn’t even a long-term case for negative economic outcomes from large-scale movements of refugees.

The Motor Vehicle is Our Greatest Risk Factor

So to get past these issues leads us to the most relevant issue regarding the initial question of is it safe to cycle across Europe. Motorized vehicles. As with cycling anywhere in the world the greatest risk to the cyclist is indeed just that. Guess what though, Europe has seen a drop of over 40% in bicycle accident related deaths since 2001, and with ever increasing bicycle paths and driver education this number will continue to decrease.

It also helps when you have a cycling tour company researching and designing the route to take in the most scenic as well as the safest roads possible.

What is the most likely issue you’ll come across cycling across Europe? From my ten years of experience, I would say it would be over imbibing in the endless local spirits!

Miles MacDonald is the Operations Manager for TDA Global Cycling. He is also a former Canadian National Team cyclist on the European circuit, and a former chef – having cooked on a number of our companies tours, including several times in Europe on the Trans-Europa, and Orient Express cycle tours. 

View the dates, prices, and details for The Odyssey here.

Every Friday afternoon around 15:30 or so, the staffers at the Toronto TDA office drag themselves away from their electronic devices and gather at the conference table in front of a giant world map. With a cold craft beer in hand, they talk over the week’s events and dream up new tour possibilities. It was during one of these sessions a couple years ago we realized that, although we had two wonderful European tours, the Orient Express & the Trans-Europa, there was a large blank spot in the Balkans. Like all great ideas we let this one sit for awhile and gradually worked it into our schedule for 2017.

Morning fishing on River Osum – Berat, Albania

We are now very proud and excited to introduce to you – The Odyssey – a 7 week, 3,500 km cycling journey from Athens to Amsterdam, from the Acropolis to the Rijksmuseum. You will spin through 10 European countries – Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Germany & The Netherlands – enjoying great scenery, amazing food, incredible history & fascinating cultures. As an added bonus, this will also be our first all-hotel cycling tour in Europe, so leave your tents at home for this one.

A few weeks ago we sent off Tour d’Afrique 2006 alumnus & European Tour Leader Gergo Szanyi to check out the planned route. Here’s what he had to say about the scout:

“When I was assigned the job of scouting the route for The Odyssey I was very happy to go back to the Balkans again. The expedition’s proposed path also included two countries I had never been to, but always wanted to visit, Albania & Montenegro. The preparation for a scouting trip is essential. We browse through maps, we read hotel reviews, we check out the relevant guide books. Then we may contact local bike clubs and always ask all our friends who have already cycled in the region. We contact and visit all the hotels along the route. After all this preliminary effort, the actual scout consists  largely of driving the support vehicle along a route that we believe will be the best suited for cycling.

Dead end in Greece

It is a good idea to avoid busy roads. And if you do, well… that is how we ended up on an isolated hiking trail, faced a collapsed bridge in Greece, drove on a goat path in the Albanian mountains and crossed a minefield (!) in the forests on the way to Sarajevo. The route on the Odyssey is great! Yes, as you can tell from any map, the Balkans are quite hilly. Riding inland or on the coast – both will take you into some challenging ascents. But while climbing, remember: there is likely a stunning view from the top and, besides, a downhill is always waiting on the other side. Driving always feels too fast; next time I’ll just ride a bike.

Dutch treat

An important part of scouting is to test the local food and I can tell you that we took this task very seriously. We sampled real Greek salad, seafood on the Albanian coast, gurmanska pljeskavica in Montenegro (also known as the Balkan Burger), ćevapčići in Croatia, bratwurst in Germany and french fries in a paper cone topped (and actually bottomed) with mayo in the Netherlands. What is a good day on a scouting trip? No, it’s not about the food, nor about a nicer hotel room. It is when you create a route, explore it and, at the end of the day, you just can’t wait to bring a group of cyclists there. Because the real adventure is to share one.“

The Acropolis, Athens

Start your unforgettable European cycling Odyssey at dawn from the stunning hilltop surroundings of Athens’ ancient Acropolis. Spinning down through the streets of one of Western civilization’s founding cities, riders will head northwest through the hilly Greek countryside passing through historic Delphi & Metoria, perhaps pausing for some olives, figs and a sip of retsina along the way.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Meteora, Greece

Soon the cyclists will cross into Albania, an enigmatic land dotted with undiscovered archaeological ruins and blessed with sun-soaked beaches. Next up is tiny Montenegro where our 2 days of riding take us through rugged mountains populated with bears and wolves.

Old Town, Sarajevo, Bosnia

Riders can recover from the climbs in historic Sarajevo, site of some of the worst events of the 1990 Balkan wars and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered World War I. The route in Bosnia now winds down past the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar before turning northward along the spectacular Adriatic, into Croatia and a rest day in Split’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Croatian coastline

The Odyssey continues north with some island-hopping along the gorgeous coastline before the riders wash up in Italy and the city of Trieste, a hotbed of Cold War intrigue after World War 2. The Alps now dominate the skyline and the cyclists will put on their climbing shoes as they slowly spin up the mountains past a trio of Winter Olympic cities – Cortina, Innsbruck & Garmish – before descending into Munich, host of the world’s largest Oktoberfest celebration.

Rhine River, Germany

After quenching their thirst with a few brewskies, the cyclists will head through the charming Bavarian countryside towards the University town of Heidelberg and the start of the Rhine River bike path. Three beautiful days of cycling along one of the world’s great rivers will lead the riders into Cologne and its Gothic masterpiece, the incredible twin-spired Cathedral.

Cologne Cathedral

It is now the home stretch as the riders spin north past the Dutch town of Arnhem, the sight of a historic World War 2 battle brought to life in the book and film ‘A Bridge Too Far’. Amsterdam soon glides into view and the cyclists will enjoy riding into the city on some of its 400kms of bike paths. Coming to a final halt in front of the world famous Rijksmuseum, home to many of Rembrandt’s most famous works, the riders can look back on their incredible Odyssey and raise a toast to their adventures and memories.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Odyssey can also also be cycled in 3 spectacular sections:

Biking the Balkans (Athens – Sarajevo)

Alpine Adventure (Sarajevo – Munich)

Tilting at Windmills (Munich – Amsterdam)