Rene Ritsema

After a first great India trip with TDA now looking forward to explore New Zealand.

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. The best stories at the end of the trip are not normally those of the speediest cyclist.

Shaik Baba

Baba is a maestro in the art of cycle maintenance. He has close to 20 years of experience in the industry along with 10 years of travelling the length and breath of the country on cycle trips and camps. India is a highly diversified country with many languages. With five spoken languages under his belt, Baba is an asset to have on the team. Baba is a very friendly team person and ever willing to help & contribute in all aspects.

depi chaudhry

Depi Chaudhry, the author of Collins’ Trekking Guide to the Western Himalayas, who also runs an adventure travel firms called Thikanas on cycles and Jannat Himalaya Trail, reminisces about his boyhood exile with a brooding matter-of-fact manner. He was admitted for a BTech in industrial production at the Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, Karnataka. Chaudhry says he ran away from the college four times in the first year, just to impress upon his parents that he desperately wanted to be away from the town, and engineering. But that didn’t happen, and he figured out the quickest way to leave Davangere was to get his degree. “In capitation colleges, not all students graduate in four years. But I was so desperate to get out from that town that I studied hard and even topped the University in industrial production in 1990,” he says. The years were not entirely wasted. Chaudhry says he started motorbiking around the countryside during his stay at Davangere. He used to trek with other schoolboys even in Sanawar; but it was in Davangere that he got interested in adventure tourism. It eventually became his passion, and his career. In January 1991, Chaudhry started working with Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. He later did a diploma in business finance from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI), Hyderabad, and an MBA from IBS, Hyderabad, and joined the Aditya Birla Group. It took him nearly 11 years to quit the corporate world and set up Real Adventures, in 2002. The company initially focused on trekking. “I decided to convert my hobby (trekking) into a full-time profession,” he says. “I didn’t want to go to my grave thinking I did not do what I like doing best.” Now, Chaudhry is also working to develop Ashraya, a three-cottage eco-home 38km from Rishikesh. His training as an engineer is coming in handy. He initially tried using solar energy, but it proved too expensive. So he is developing a turbine which, he says, will harness power from natural springs and use it to generate electricity. Chaudhry has completed first-of-its-kind Jannat Himalayan Trail—the highest possible trek across the Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal. Depi’s collection of trek is amazing from the most remote treks to the popular ones. He has even done the Warwan Valley trek where no trekker has gone for the last 15 years. Some of the treks done by Depi do not even show up on Google, that’s his knowledge of the mountains. Tech savvy treks with multiple GPS’s and makes his own maps, elevation profiles and all the creative’s required to make the most detailed guides. He has even started making coffee table books on his recent adventures. He is a very keen cyclist and has cycled in various corners of India and can manage his way through many of the Indian languages. If not that he is well connected across the country to manage his way.

Jessica Wolf

Shanny Hill

I’ve been fortunate to travel all over the world. I learn so much each time I travel and with each new project and new tour we launch.

I first found a TDA brochure when I was a sales manager at Duke's Cycle in Toronto. I met Henry and convinced him to give me a job in the office. That was over a decade ago now.

My love of all things bicycle started when I was in high school: I lived in the country and my friends were six kilometres away, in town. A bike was the easiest way to meet up with them on weekends. This started my interest in cycle touring and I did my first big trip at age 17 with some friends—a month of biking around Lake Erie, covering 3,400 kilometres from our hometown Kirkland Lake, in Northern Ontario.

Some of my favourite TDA travel memories are from Kyrgyzstan. Also Ethiopia, as well as France. And of course can't forget Namibia, and Ireland, and, well...

I love to travel and I feel very fortunate to have had an eclectic mix of travel experiences. Whether it’s trying fermented mare's milk in a yurt in Kyrgyzstan, eating “spagbol” prepared by our talented tour chefs after a long day of riding, sipping strong espresso in Venice, or sitting street-side for lunch in Paris, my travels always have food at their centre. Food and cycling—the combination can't be beat!

Working with TDA is all about variety—food, cycling, challenge, problem-solving, meeting people from all over the world, getting a glimpse into the way others live elsewhere and gaining knowledge from them, and learning to be humble.

Clive Carnighan

Mike Carter

Currently living in Victoria, BC, Earth. This is my Fourth trip with TDA and my second time cycling in Africa. I'm looking forward to meeting you all on the trip! Cheers, Mike

Birgit Ackroyd

I am Swedish living in the UK, retired PE teacher, who also worked in IT. I have many years of cycling experience - from cycling to school as a child to long tours, sometimes carrying my own luggage. I have been to India five times already and love the people, culture and scenary. I have done lots of mountain biking, including Polaris races, (bike orienteering camping in the wild.) Sponsored cycle ride in Rajastahn Caen to Cannes, north to south of France Bordeaux to Monpellier, east to west France Vietnam northern hills next to China (v tough), Cuba, Sweden, delivering my daughters mountain bike from UK to Brussels I love cycling and hardly a day goes by without me jumping on one of my 3 bikes. I have been to most places we pass but connected by train, look forward to connect by bike, come back to India and to meeting the group.

Marta Kirsis

I am a native New Yorker who is a bit of an adventure seeker and likes to ride her bike. When I am not riding my bike or hiking with my dog, I spend my time focusing on social movements around sustainability and health.

Joseph Lee

I love to travel, and bicycle touring is my preferred way to see the world. This will be my first tour since Covid cancelled many plans. I’ve enjoyed 4 full TDA tours: Indian Adventure, Ruta Maya, Pub Ride, West Africa en Vélo. I’m excited to see Korea and more of Japan than Tokyo. I have travelled lots, but my list of places to visit never gets any shorter. I became a teacher, mainly because of the holidays, and I am now semi-retired, doing occasional teaching in between travels. Looking forward to renewing old friendships and making new ones. Now I need to get cycling again!

volker ecke

76 years young, not bald as yet. Married to Heidi, a girl from the Rhineland, two children, daughter Petra, son Axel. 6 grandchildren, all of them normal but great. Born and bred in Germany, ja, ja, look like it, think like it, when I do. Work took me around Europe, New Zealand/Australia, Central Asia. We all live in Aussieland now. I am a mad cyclist, fascinated by it since age four, riding roadbike, 2 MTB, dual suspension and hardtail plus a comfy touring bike for when I am getting older. At present I am still keen to see, what's round the next corner. Been to 35 or so countries (not all on the bike) did the tour d"afrique this year and still can't get enough of it. The world is a wonderful place, see you out there.

Robert Fletcher

I belong to Edmonton Bike and Touring club and I have enjoyed past tours with TDA. Last year I did the French Connection and prior to that the India and NAE tours. I spent 30 years as an educator with Edmonton Public Schools. I also spent 2.5 years teaching in Australia. I have been retired for 19 years. I look forward to meeting everyone on this trip.

Janice Lanyon

Cycling tours are such a great way to travel and to meet and make friends. I am looking forward to the challenge of riding with TDA again.

Simon Lanyon

george browes

A veteran rider ,eager to discover and learn about countries and cultures I have not previously experienced. Grateful to all at TDA for providing the adventure and opportunity.

Monique Laflamme

Michiel Holtackers

I am Michiel Holtackers, almost 57 years old, single. I am living in The Netherlands. I really like cycling. Every year I make some (short) tours or daytrips in the Netherlands or Germany but this journey will be my first big tour! I decided to subscribe for the tour for many reasons. Firstly I am in general interested to meet other cultures and people. I do agree with Tour d'Afrique that cycling is the best way to explore the world. Secondly I have for the first time in my life a bit more time to undertakes this kind of activities. Thirdly, the tour and the organisation are very appealing. I give in to this appeal to challenge myself. Looking forward to seeing and meeting co-riders from all over the world!

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.

David Kahn

I'm a retired sporting good retailer and have lived in Lake Tahoe most of my life. Married with no children. 59 years old. Passions include athletics, cooking, community service.

Caroline Derouet

Andy Morritt

Like Bikes, Like Exotic Food, Hate Northern Hemisphere Winters, Like New People. India here I come...

Jeffrey Lizotte

A veteran of TDA. A great company. Love touring. Retired. Always have a great deal of fun on these trips.

Albert Marino

I am an adventurer, runner, excited to participate in my first bike tour. My profession is teacher but my passion is travel. I love to take in new cultures: customs, food, language, etc. and am excited to spend 6 weeks in India, traveling by bike! My sense of humor is quite dry, but you'll enjoy it (after a while). Looking forward to meeting my fellow travelers and sharing this amazing experience.

Brian Rodgers

I'm more of a general adventurer than a hard core bicycle enthusiast even though I've ridden TDA's Tour d'Afrique, Orient Express, Silk Route, Hippie Trail and half of the Trans-Europa from Tallinn to Venice. It's been life changing. Thanks Henry and staff!

Jean Vedova

What keeps me active is being a hands-on owner of the Kettle Creek Inn in southern Ontario. What keeps me relatively young are kayaking, cross country & down hill skiing & biking. What keeps me challenged is joining Henry & TDA - Africa, Silk Route, Ruta Maya & now India. Not to be forgotten are those other countries seen from the seat of my bike- New Zealand, Ethiopia, Cuba & many parts of Canada. You might say I am a very lucky person. Looking forward to seeing old friends & making new ones.

Emily Hillstrom

An active, adventurous 30-something year old who might be crazy for deciding to do her 2nd TDA Tour after the Hippie Trail in 2016. Looking forward to Morocco, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. See you soon!

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

James Bowen

I am a plump 64 year old recently retired barrister who should know better

Merrill F

I retired in 2008 and recently turned 70. I love the outdoors and am always looking for a new adventure. One of my sons introduced me to cycling in 2013 and I found it fun and fulfilling. In 2014 my son and I cycled across SE Asia from Bangkok to Saigon. My first TDA tour in 2016 was the Hippie Trail in India and I then went on to complete an unsupported tour of the U.S. West Coast as well as a U.S. transcontinental west to east. I live in Northern California, have been married for over 30 years, and have 2 sons in their early 30's. Travel by bicycle is a great way to meet the people of a country and experience the food, music and culture. I look forward to new adventures with TDA.

Maureen Collins

I'm from Ireland; moved to Zambia in my twenties and then to South Africa. Love the country, the bush, photography. I've ridden bicycles and horses since I was a kid. I had my own consulting practice in Johannesburg for 20 years but segued into retirement when I met Andy Brookstein in the middle of 2014. Andy did the Cairo to Cape ride in 2015 and I joined him for one of the sections. Now married, and retired, we rode from New Delhi to Mumbai on the Hippie Trail in 2016. I've registered for the Odyssey in 2017

Andy Brookstein

Hello all, my age is 65 and I am presently a retired ex civil construction contractor. Schooled in Durban 1967 Married to Maureen (ex TDA 2015). Three children Peter, David and Lara from a previous marrage. No great sporting achievements other than great enthusiasm in rugby, cricket, hockey, tennis, squash, cross country, road running, walking and lastly cycling. I completed TDA 2015 and feel the need to revisit the tour. It was great.

Annabel Allcorn

Hi! I'm Annabel! I'm from the Uk and will be the Tour Medic for the Hippie Trail 2016. I'm a nurse with a background in emergency medicine and a love of all things tropical and infectious! This has led me to some great jobs both in the Uk and abroad! I'm excited to meet the rest of the team on the Tour and take on a new Challenge!

Lisa Merighi

I'm one of your tour leaders! Happily leading bike tours around the world since 2011! Looking forward to this great adventure and to meeting all of you...

David Paterson

I am 69, retired, and live in the Okanagan Valley of B.C. Canada. Really only cycle to travel. Went on tda trips in Africa and India and the Himalayas.

Jonathan Atkins

I am engineer from Toronto-always keen to travel and be active. Skiing, sailing and cycling & golf in no particular order would be top of the list. I loved the Hippe trail trip a few years ago and I'm looking forward to my next trip in 2023

Bill Wilson

I am looking forward to another challenging and adventurous tour with TDA, my 14th.. I retired eleven 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. It will be great to get together with some old and new friends.

Cristiano Werneck

“Good afternoon, my dear dream merchants."—TDA rider arriving at the office in Toronto for a visit.

I started with TDA as a local cyclist in Brazil during the Vuelta Sudamericana in 2009. I had just finished a long solo cycling trip through South America and I was invited to join the first couple of sections of the tour to help with the language. Once I was back home I started volunteering for the company, doing everything I could to spread the word about TDA. Eventually they decided that it was only fair to hire me.

It’s really hard to choose a place or a tour that was special, but both scouting and leading our first Trans-Oceania tour was certainly out of the ordinary. I had ten weeks to scout the whole thing from Medan to Sydney and spent nine of them trying to wrap Indonesia.

I recall a particular day in Indonesia that the riders later named "The Wall". Henry and I had been discussing avoiding a stretch of highway we weren’t happy with. We’d seen an alternative on the map but the road was privately owned by industry and we were having trouble getting the getting the permits we needed to use it. When we arrived, we saw local people using the road, which was a trail, so we decided to have lunch there to give me time to scope it out. A local guy on a motorbike took me up the steep trail to check it, flag it, and take notes and waypoints. At some stage, the trail got so steep that the motorbike couldn’t get both of us up, so I walked the rest of the way before calling staff at the lunch spot to tell them the route worked and to give them directions. It was a bit improvised and out of the ordinary but it was functional.

Because I knew what this steep route would put the riders through, I decided to wait and touch base with the first to complete it to see what they had to say about the experience. The first couple of cyclists showed up with big smiles on their faces and said they’d loved it but that they didn't think I should wait for everyone because there was sure to be some aggravated rider who would probably punch me. I decided to stay and wait for that punch, and while a few people did arrive looking ready to smack me, the angriest of them all actually just gave me a big hug. After a good shower and some good food everyone was in fine spirits; in the end, this day turned out to be a rider favourite of the whole trip.

Working with TDA is really the perfect job. Not only do I love both travel and bicycles, I also love watching people achieve things of which they never imagined themselves capable. Finally, this job allows me to share these loves with a wonderfully diverse group of people.

Nicholas Cherniwchan

Oil and gas engineer who enjoys hiking and travelling. Jennie and I cycled in Rwanda in 2013 and loved the experience. Looking very forward to India!

Alison Caiger-Watson

When one of my best friends of more than 20 years (Sunita) asked me if I wanted to do this trip I thought.....YES! Can't wait for the fun, laughter and adventures that await us on this amazing journey. I'm looking forward to meeting you all very soon!

Hubert Schanne

Back again after riding through India with TDA in 2016, Aus/NZ in 2018, the crazy Ruta Maya in 2023 and now Cape Town to Kili in 2025. Somehow this stuff is addictive and there is so much to see and so many people to meet, especially the repeat offenders who come back for more!

Michiel van Wijk

Love the mountains and absence of smooth asphalt, the team spirit on the way and a well deserved hot shower afterwards.

Ruut van Wijk

Ruut van Wijk, married with Mien, 3 children , 6 grandchildren. Hobbies Trekking in the mountens all over the world with Mien and cycling without Mien. With TDA: TDA 2005, Silk Road 2007 and Doomsdayride 2012. We Michiel (son) and I, accompanied bij Mien ern Hanneke (daughter) see you in January in Delhi.

Haylee Clark

Hi, I'm a keen adventurer who hasn't taken on hard core adventures! I love being outside whether it be on a bike, on a yacht, in my 4wd, in the garden or camping in the beautiful Australian bush. I have chosen a career working with people and currently work as a senior social worker in mental health. I've worked with children, youth and families all my career and have a strong belief that if I can help one young person to have hope for their future and to believe in themselves then maybe I've made a difference. I'm looking forward to the ride and exploring more of our world. Haylee

Anthony Collier

I have been cycling with friends most of my adult life with a particular passion in cycling on a tandem with my blind friend. I have 2 adult sons and 3 adult step sons. Professionally, I work in mental health services, which is bit of a calling for me.

Yvonne Waalewijn

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

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

Philippe Pepin

Travelling has always been a part of who I am. My recent trips include touring 9 country's in Africa some touring of Europe and a trip to UAE. Cycling is a new passion of mine and I've been talking about going to India for over 2 years now and I hadn't quite figured out when and how... I'm so glad to have come across TDA when I did and that I now have this trip booked. Looking forward in meeting new great people this winter travelling through India. Philippe

Sunita Singh

Mitchell Kamiel

73 years old 4 children 4 grandchildren married to a great woman cycled Tour du Canada in 2007 Hippie Trail in 2017 cycled Vancouver to Inuvik in 2010 many one and 2 week trips in Europe and US. 5 days of cycling in Viet Nam and Cambodia Cycle with sight impaired riders on tandems Indoor rock climber Run a book club Working at being a better person

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.

Richard Force

I am 56 years old,been married for 32 years and have two children aged 24 and 28 years old.My wife and I live in Cornwall UK in an old farmhouse on a small holding. I have had a varied career, consisting of mining in South Africa,teaching,property renovation and lorry driving. The previously most adventurous time I have had was working as a tour leader/driver travelling across Africa for 5 months,London to Nairobi,in a truck with 25 passengers. I enjoy keeping fit and am interested in history and world development.

Denise Silk

Hi All, I am Denise. I am currently taking a sabbatical and enjoying some travelling and cycling.

Daniel pilliard

Midwest deplorable

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.

Jennifer Cherniwchan

I am a 32-year-old vegan (7 years going), who is in love with back-country camping, hiking, travelling, and advocating for the rights of animals! I can't wait to see the sights of India in 2016!

Ronnie Mandowsky

After riding with TDA on the Hippie Trail and Journey to the East I am very much looking forward to The Tea Route.

Fritz Gut

Hi My name is Fritz and I am married with Marlies. Our hobbies are sking, hicking and cycling. We just returned from a longer cycling trip, 1 1/2 year around the world. We traveled with bike, ship and plane. The photo shows the finish of the 4 river cycle trail in South Corea from Busan to Seoul in June 2016. Our next advanture will be the hippie trail. See you in Delhi Fritz and Marlies

Dennis Wilson

I am 68 years old , retired , living in Derbyshire England and I am looking for my next adventure .

Cindy Pittman

I'm from Calgary, Alberta and love riding my bike! I've been a *bit* obsessed with TDA since 2011 when an acquaintance completed tour d'Afrique - one day I will to. I loved the Hippie Trail trip that I completed with TDA in 2017! I look forward to meeting everyone and getting on the road!

Cristiano Werneck

“Good afternoon, my dear dream merchants."—TDA rider arriving at the office in Toronto for a visit.

I started with TDA as a local cyclist in Brazil during the Vuelta Sudamericana in 2009. I had just finished a long solo cycling trip through South America and I was invited to join the first couple of sections of the tour to help with the language. Once I was back home I started volunteering for the company, doing everything I could to spread the word about TDA. Eventually they decided that it was only fair to hire me.

It’s really hard to choose a place or a tour that was special, but both scouting and leading our first Trans-Oceania tour was certainly out of the ordinary. I had ten weeks to scout the whole thing from Medan to Sydney and spent nine of them trying to wrap Indonesia.

I recall a particular day in Indonesia that the riders later named "The Wall". Henry and I had been discussing avoiding a stretch of highway we weren’t happy with. We’d seen an alternative on the map but the road was privately owned by industry and we were having trouble getting the getting the permits we needed to use it. When we arrived, we saw local people using the road, which was a trail, so we decided to have lunch there to give me time to scope it out. A local guy on a motorbike took me up the steep trail to check it, flag it, and take notes and waypoints. At some stage, the trail got so steep that the motorbike couldn’t get both of us up, so I walked the rest of the way before calling staff at the lunch spot to tell them the route worked and to give them directions. It was a bit improvised and out of the ordinary but it was functional.

Because I knew what this steep route would put the riders through, I decided to wait and touch base with the first to complete it to see what they had to say about the experience. The first couple of cyclists showed up with big smiles on their faces and said they’d loved it but that they didn't think I should wait for everyone because there was sure to be some aggravated rider who would probably punch me. I decided to stay and wait for that punch, and while a few people did arrive looking ready to smack me, the angriest of them all actually just gave me a big hug. After a good shower and some good food everyone was in fine spirits; in the end, this day turned out to be a rider favourite of the whole trip.

Working with TDA is really the perfect job. Not only do I love both travel and bicycles, I also love watching people achieve things of which they never imagined themselves capable. Finally, this job allows me to share these loves with a wonderfully diverse group of people.

John Sweet

I'm 74 years old, semiretired, working as a trustee for a small family foundation. I have never done anything this extensive or exotic, but figure if I ever am going to do something like this, I'd better get on with it. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and having quite an adventure.

Morris Scott

I am a 60 year old guy looking to get out of my comfort zone and connect with like minded people.

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.

Rick Abbott

Jean & I are both ER Docs, retired. Our typical vacation for the past 40 years has been some sort of adventure travel, often cycling (Canada - BC, Alberta, Newfoundland; USA - transcontinental as well as less ambitious all over the US; UK end-to-end; Morocco; Vietnam - Saigon to Hanoi; Tasmania - working and cycling). We've done a bit of hiking and trekking - Kilimanjaro, Nepal. Sea Kayaking: BC - Vancouver Island, Nefoundland, Baja California Sur, Wales. And, some skiing in the backcountry both close to home in the western US, as well as in the Canadian Selkirks. I think once or twice we might have gone somewhere to just hang out on a beach, and I visited a city once a long time ago, but it's hard to remember.

Nirmika Athalye

What I love most about this work is the constant puzzle of figuring things out, the hands-on problem-solving, working closely with local teams, and adapting to whatever comes our way. Alongside that, the camaraderie that grows across borders with people you never expected to meet is what keeps me coming back for more. At the heart of it all, though, it’s you - the riders. Watching people from all kinds of backgrounds come together, each pushing themselves for their own reasons, and achieving things most wouldn’t even dream of, is endlessly inspiring.

No matter how diverse our backgrounds, cultures, or professions may be, out on the road everyone is equal. All connected by a shared passion and a curiosity for the world around us and the world within us. That quiet determination, that raw humanness, is truly beautiful to witness, day in and day out.

I live in Central India, close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora Caves, right along the Hippie Trail route. Thanks to my parents and their wonderfully offbeat way of raising us, I grew up exploring the outdoors from a very young age, in a way most kids in India probably didn’t. At 17, I left the country for the first time as an exchange student in France. Everything was new; the food, the language, the culture.. but it gave me a taste of what else was out there. After that, I knew I had to keep chasing the horizon. During college, I began leading treks and summer camps across the Indian Himalayas. That was the start of my professional journey in the outdoors, more than a decade ago.

Over time, I found a way to blend my two favorite things, adventure and photography into a path in adventure filmmaking....and that’s how I found TDA in 2019!

It’s hard to pick a single favorite memory, but riding the full Tour d’Afrique in 2023 was truly life-changing. Cycling for months through places I’d only ever seen in books or on screen was like a dream. The expanse of the universe in front of you, and watching it change slowly one sunrise, one pedal, and one sunset at a time was unforgettable. I think I’ll be chasing that wilderness feeling forever.

If you're thinking of joining a TDA tour, my one tip would be this: come with an open heart and an open mind. Some of the toughest days on the road might just become the most meaningful ones. Embrace whatever the journey throws at you and enjoy the flow. Because once you go back home, this will be all you’d be daydreaming about.

Gergo Szanyi

20. Twenty. Just a number. But when we talk about 20 years, it is a significant chunk of a lifetime. It's been 20 years since I started long-distance bike touring with TDA. 20 years of cycling. Riding a bike for longer stretches alone brings calm to the craziness, and it feels the best way to relax for me. Going somewhere, pushing the pedals, moving forward, feeling the wind, while rearranging my thoughts in my head. It is a therapy. For the body and the soul. In these twenty years I became a frequent traveler, I visited many countries on four continents, crossed countless borders, and – most importantly – made many many friends. Friends from all over the world. Literally from every corner of it. And of course, I assisted these friends to do what we – cyclists – like to do the most: pushing the pedals, moving forward, feeling the wind… I am glad I did. I would not change a thing. And... I am ready for my next therapy session! See you there! Peace Gergo

Shaik Baba

Baba is a maestro in the art of cycle maintenance. He has close to 20 years of experience in the industry along with 10 years of travelling the length and breath of the country on cycle trips and camps. India is a highly diversified country with many languages. With five spoken languages under his belt, Baba is an asset to have on the team. Baba is a very friendly team person and ever willing to help & contribute in all aspects.

Bethan Jones

I am a doctor working in London, and am currently taking a few months out of work for travel, adventure and to indulge my passion for wilderness and expedition medicine. So far I have cycled the Camino de Santiago in Spain and through the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains to Greece, as well as hiking the Cinque Terra in Italy and trekking to Annapurna base camp in the Himalayas. I have acted as a medic at marathons in the UK and Nepal and worked in the challenging environment of the Calais refugee camps. Outside of all this I enjoy yoga, running, cooking and creating ethical handicrafts. I can’t wait for a new adventure in India!

Cristiano Werneck

“Good afternoon, my dear dream merchants."—TDA rider arriving at the office in Toronto for a visit.

I started with TDA as a local cyclist in Brazil during the Vuelta Sudamericana in 2009. I had just finished a long solo cycling trip through South America and I was invited to join the first couple of sections of the tour to help with the language. Once I was back home I started volunteering for the company, doing everything I could to spread the word about TDA. Eventually they decided that it was only fair to hire me.

It’s really hard to choose a place or a tour that was special, but both scouting and leading our first Trans-Oceania tour was certainly out of the ordinary. I had ten weeks to scout the whole thing from Medan to Sydney and spent nine of them trying to wrap Indonesia.

I recall a particular day in Indonesia that the riders later named "The Wall". Henry and I had been discussing avoiding a stretch of highway we weren’t happy with. We’d seen an alternative on the map but the road was privately owned by industry and we were having trouble getting the getting the permits we needed to use it. When we arrived, we saw local people using the road, which was a trail, so we decided to have lunch there to give me time to scope it out. A local guy on a motorbike took me up the steep trail to check it, flag it, and take notes and waypoints. At some stage, the trail got so steep that the motorbike couldn’t get both of us up, so I walked the rest of the way before calling staff at the lunch spot to tell them the route worked and to give them directions. It was a bit improvised and out of the ordinary but it was functional.

Because I knew what this steep route would put the riders through, I decided to wait and touch base with the first to complete it to see what they had to say about the experience. The first couple of cyclists showed up with big smiles on their faces and said they’d loved it but that they didn't think I should wait for everyone because there was sure to be some aggravated rider who would probably punch me. I decided to stay and wait for that punch, and while a few people did arrive looking ready to smack me, the angriest of them all actually just gave me a big hug. After a good shower and some good food everyone was in fine spirits; in the end, this day turned out to be a rider favourite of the whole trip.

Working with TDA is really the perfect job. Not only do I love both travel and bicycles, I also love watching people achieve things of which they never imagined themselves capable. Finally, this job allows me to share these loves with a wonderfully diverse group of people.

Cesar Matamala

My name is Cesar Matamala, father of 3 children; We will go to the tour with my wife Valery. We love to ride a bike throug Colombia and Spain and we are very happy to go on this tour throug India

Gennesse Beadman

Have been bike touring since about 2007 through Tasmania, New Zealand, Thailand, Israel, Africa, Costa Rica, parts of Mexico, India and Sri Lanka and most of Europe except those cold northern areas. And I did a self-supported ride to China, via Macau in 1983, now that was an adventure... My "affair" with the TdA family began with the Africa trip in 2012. Then the inaugural French Connection tour in 2016, 2017 The Odyssey. Fabulous group, exciting hill climbs, rugged/raw scenery and the tour leaders & staff, exceptional. 2018 Pub Ride 2, a fun trip with lots of laughs and and great hills in the Yorkshire Moors. 2019 The Hippie Trail and best tour for diversity, contradiction, colour, food and, and, and excitement. I enjoy travelling with like-minded people from all parts of the world, indulging in a cold beer or two when it's hot, or cold but especially after a great day in the saddle. Just love the life on the road.

MURIEL THOMSON

I am a retired Professional Golfer. Since I retired I’ve hung up my golf clubs and my new passion is cycling. I enjoy travelling to other countries, especially by bicycle - it’s a great way to get a feel for the country and have a chance to interact with the local people. I've cycled in many countries on various trips and enjoyed the TDA Hippie Trail 2019. This will be my second trip with TDA. I’m looking forward to the challenge of experiencing another part of the world on a bicycle with like minded people from around the globe.

kathy herson

I love to bike and explore. I also enjoy learning about new places and cultures- I love the TDA style as they provide the right amount of support for me, neither too little nor too much.

Evelyn Holland

This will be our 10th TDA trip, and our second to India - we rode the Hippie Trail several years. India is an experience! We are really looking forward to this ride, as well as connecting with some old friends, and making new friends, of course!

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.

Vinnie Duncan

A keen cyclist, adventurer and outdoors lover from Wellington NZ, this is my second TDA tour (Hippie Trail 2019) . I am looking forward to connecting with a group of like minded cycle and adventure enthusiasts again.

Ben Brown

Alexandra Ruch

After having cycled the Tour d`Afrique 2018 and Hippie Trail & Canada 2019, I am Looking Forward to another Cycling Adventure, this time in Westafrica.

Chris Penney

I’m glad to be returning to TDA for another adventure.Victoria BC is home for the past few years. So many good memories and friends from the 2011 tour have lured me back for this ride to Gqeberha.Very excited to share this trip with Amy my sweetheart.

maggie williamson

I’m a lover of the outdoors and have discovered I really enjoy the slow travel that bicycle touring allows. Did the Hippie Trail in 2019 and now am looking forward to exploring southern India and Sri Lanka.

(William) Dave Morriss

I go by my second christian name "Dave' Born in 1950 in North Wales and have lived in BC, Canada since 1997 when I moved here after marrying Wendy (Holmes), also with TDA. I am very keen on the outdoors, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, skiing and of course cycling, both road and mountain. Since 2014, Wendy and I have completed several self-supported tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Off the bike, I also play a number musical instruments, notably the guitar and squeezebox.

Wendy Holmes

I was a legal assistant before I retired in 2013 and since then biking has become the main focus of my thoughts. In 2014, Dave Morriss (my husband) and I did our first supported bike tour with Adventure Cycling, riding south through Northern California. In 2015 we began self-supported biking, our first tour starting in Manchester, England and ending 16 weeks later in Paris. In 2016 we spent 5 months touring in Australia and New Zealand, and in 2018 we returned to New Zealand for another 3 months. In 2019 we did the TdA Hippie Trail tour along with our friends, Rae and Ursula Simpson who have done many TdA tours. Since then we have done more self-supported bike tours in Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain and Portugal. We are now in our mid 70s and, rather than lugging all the gear around on our bikes, we think that the extra support from TdA would be a good idea.

Tres Smith

I am an RN, CRRN, doing rehab nursing for 31 years. I have officiated wheelchair rugby at every level including Paralympic and am a USQRA Hall of Fame member since 2002. I have been an avid outdoorsman, backpacker, kayaker snorkeler and cyclist. I have done many week long bike tours including Fairbanks to Anchorage. I completed C2C 2016 southern tier from San Diego to St. Augustine a little over 2900 miles. I have traveled extensively and will continue to travel. I am married for 30 years to the love of my life and that was how I was able to plan and attend the India trip in 2019.

Christopher Clyde

Looking forward to cycling Korea and Japan, seeing a few old friends from TDA 2014, Hippy Trail 2019.

Rae Simpson

The Odyssey will be the twelfth TDA trip for me and my wife Ursula and Valhalla will be number 13. We're looking forward to more fabulous inches, reunions with friends from previous TDA trips, and meeting new friends.

Ursula Simpson

I am a retired IT specialist / 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 have participated in 11 TdA tours mainly in either the Oceania, African or Asian continents. Last year was our first tour with TdA in Europe riding in the Viva Italia. Now I am looking forward to venturing out to European countries I have not been before.

Malcolm Juring

I love traveling, riding bikes, and meeting new people. What more could you ask for?

My most memorable experience on a TDA tour is swimming in the Arctic Ocean at the start of the North American Epic. *spoiler* It's not very cold in July :(

My advice for anyone planning to join a TDA tour is to read a book set in your tour's destination. Try learning a few phrases in the local language and don't forget your towel!

Carolina Ceravolo

There are many things I love about my job, but my favorite is to dive deep in the route to learn all about its features, profile, geographical and historical facts, and to reunite with the team and riders to explore the journey together. All of us are very privileged to be able to explore the world at the pace of a bicycle; to really be present and see, feel, hear and smell all the environments we are cycling through. I love to keep the riders focused on their journey, motivating them to see the magic and the beauty of what we have the opportunity to be doing. I like to be the bridge to their experience, helping them face the challenges and persevere.

I currently live in Belgium. I have been traveling through all hidden corners of the American continent and Europe for the last 10 years where I learnt about its history and culture. I'm a certified nature and history guide in Mexico, specialized in Mayan History. I'm also a technical cave diver and worked with cave exploration in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, where I lived for 9 years. Here I developed skills in safety and risk management, which is one of my favorite aspects of the job as a tour leader: to be able to foresee hazards and plan ways to mitigate them.

Cycling is my favorite thing to do, so in 2017 I did a solo self supported bike trip for 4 months from Mexico to Brazil. This was when I decided to change the course of my career from guiding nature and cave diving tours to working with cycling tour companies, realizing I could transfer my skills in safety and risk assessment from cave diving into leading cycling tours/expeditions.

My tip for cyclists joining our tours is to trully allow yourself to be out of your comfort zone and to enjoy being there. Traveling by bike is physically challenging, but having a strong, open and adventurous mind is what you need to take the most out of it. Learn to appreciate the differences. To think as a group and to be realistic about what crossing a country - or a few of them - by bicycle implies. It's a unique and a massive achievement for everyone involved in it, don't forget that! Have fun, and smile always.

Rajni Kant

I am a mountain trekking guide. I am working with Cycling groups more then last 15 years. I am worked as a Chef and manager .I have done many task in my life. I worked as a barman as well I worked with many organizers but TDA is different I live at very beautiful place called Manali at Himachal Pradesh. north part of INDIA I found TDA from a local support. they was doing new adventure in high Himalaya named it Trans Himalaya from their my journey start with TDA this story from 2019 but after that COVID came and destroyed every thing and after 3yers everything become normal and 2023 journey start again I got chance again to work on that after that I worked on tours in trans Himalaya, Hippie trail and ,bamboo road now the journey is still on. TDA give me chance to see the world witch I can not see from my on. I am the first person in my family who traveled out side of my Country. thanks. TDA

Shaik Baba

Baba is a maestro in the art of cycle maintenance. He has close to 20 years of experience in the industry along with 10 years of travelling the length and breath of the country on cycle trips and camps. India is a highly diversified country with many languages. With five spoken languages under his belt, Baba is an asset to have on the team. Baba is a very friendly team person and ever willing to help & contribute in all aspects.

Christopher Thompson

Kody Block

I'm an ambitious and curious cinematographer utilizing creative storytelling to inspire a global movement of exploration. My emphasis is on representing a variety of geographic populations to advocate for cultural diversity and environmental stability, as well as mental and physical benefits to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. This will be my fourth tour with TDA, previously serving as the content creator on the Hippie Trail across India, The Odyssey, and Kingdom of the West! I'm excited to meet you all and embark on this adventure together!

Stacey Bailey Pauw

Hello All, I am fairly new to road cycling. I just started my fourth year and I can’t imagine traveling without a bike! My first TDA trip was the Trans Europa in 2020. Now I'm hooked, I love the TDA style of cycling. What I love most about traveling with my bicycle and TDA is that I meet locals who live off the beaten path in small villages. I also love tennis and hiking. My husband and I each brought two grown children from previous marriages, and we now have nine grandchildren. Although I spend a considerable amount of time traveling, I live in Banff, Canada, during the summer months and Arizona during the winter. I consider Arizona my home. My husband Wim and I look forward to meeting everyone! Cheers ~ Stacey

Wim Pauw

Born and raised in Utrecht ,NLD and moved to Canada in my early 20s. Have been living in Banff Alberta since 1971 and also have a residence in Scottsdale AZ. Me and my partner Nancy have travelled the world on our bicycles for the last 25 years but unfortunately she passed away July 2019 at a relatively young age (59). I promised her to keep on traveling with my bicycle so here I am doing another trip. Looking forwards to make new friends and enjoying life to it’s fullest .

henrik sommer egvang

63 years old. Semi retired..... Love cycling (of course :-) Did the TDA HippieTrail in India last winter and got hooked. I'm ready for another long term challenge next autumn.

edward sokol

retired, single worked 44 years in retail business, owned it for 30 years like cycling, hiking

Brian Thompson

I have ridden the entire way around the world, much of it with TDA. I am eager to join a mate who is also doing this ride. I am retired, have been riding/racing/touring my bike since I was 14 and am still in love with it.

Mark Vantrease

I've been fortunate to live and travel in many places around the world. The Paris to Istanbul ride will be a new experience and fulfill a bucket list item. I enjoy Adventure Travel including Cross-Ocean Sailing, Distance Hiking/Back Packing, Distance Cycling and Competitive Rowing. Looking forward to meeting like minded adventurers!

Jody Van Houten

I am a TDA rookie and this will be my second time riding with TDA after cycling in India along the Hippie Trail last winter. Looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing in the journey.

Karen McCloskey

My husband and I live in the US, north of Boston. I am an average rider, and love the challenge of each TDA tour. I am very much looking forward to exploring this part of the world, meeting new riders and reconnecting with TDA alumni!

Brian McCloskey

My wife Karen and I reside along the seacoast north of Boston. I've loved riding with TDA on over a half dozen adventures, most recently Morocco and Viva Italia. Very much looking forward to reuniting with old friends and exploring new and exciting landscapes.

Peye Vlot

Since 1990 living and working ( dental surgeon ) in Muscat ( Sultanate of Oman ).

Dean Andrews

72 year old Australasian. Born NZ now reside on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Likes - open spaces, natural wonders, cycling, golf, rugby union and watching sport in general, meeting new and interesting people, a good laugh, good food Looking forward to meeting you all and the challenge

Howard Weinerman

LOVE ACTIVE VACATIONS. EXCITED ABOUT THIS TRIP!

Ryan Stotland

I am a songwriter and music producer who writes about educational topics. I recently toured my music about Psychology and my album called The Ryan Stotland Experiment. I am passionate about mental health endeavours. I did a number of bike tours when I was younger and also was part of the Tour d'Afrique South America expedition.

Sarah Holden

64 year old construction consultant with an eye on retirement! Recreational cyclist, have done several cycling and bike/barge trips around Europe with my husband Russ. Interests are traveling, cooking, reading, architecture, photography, Buddhism and connecting with new friends. This trip entices me as its a culture I've never experienced, the cities and architecture look incredible, it's a mileage stretch on some days, and I'll get to cycle with my friends, Karen and Brian McCloskey.

Mark Pretty

64 yr old from the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Have toured most of the Asian countries by bike over the years and can’t wait to finally explore parts of India

Elias (Eli) Baron

I'm now retired and live in Plano Texas. Since I retired I have been doing one or more long distance bicycle rides each year. I did the Viva Italia Ride in 2019 and it was a very special experience. This year I did a self guided self supported ride in the Sierra Blanca in Spain, in Greece from Athens to Thesalonniki, a bicycle ride in Mongolia and a bicycle ride in Maine. I'm looking forward to ride in 2023 The Hippie Trail and Madagascar with TDA.

Eric Wolinsky

I love bicycle touring and I've been looking forward to this trip for a while.

Peter Mehl

I am a retired philosophy and religion professor. I have been cycling off and on all my life, starting with overnight tours with Dad when I was 14. I am 66 now, and for the last 12 years I have been cycling regularly again. I have complete 9 week-long tours with Adventure Cycling, and a variety of other tours around the US. This will be my first international bike tour, but I have travel overseas before, Europe, Africa, China and Turkey. I enjoy travel and the variety of new people and places.

Ezhil Ebinezer

I still remember when I learned to ride a bike – that quiet thrill, that feeling that the world just opened up a little more. That sense of freedom has stayed with me and shaped how I see the outdoors as more than just a place to explore, but as a space to slow down, learn, and connect with the world around me.

I’m from India and now living in Manchester, UK. I tried a few different paths before realising my happiest moments were always outdoors. That changed everything. I started out managing operations for an active holiday company in India, then moved into full-time guiding cycling and trekking trips across India and beyond. Fifteen years later, I still love every bit of it. In 2023, my longtime friend Baba, a TDA legend, introduced me to the TDA family.

That love for the outdoors is what keeps me guiding. I’m just as excited about exploring new places as I am about meeting the people who join the journey. Every trip is a mix of new landscapes, different cultures, and fresh perspectives!

Tip for future TDA riders:

A positive spirit and an open attitude go a long way in making the trip enjoyable. While you are out there riding, don’t rush - take your time and really soak in the experience!

Benjamin Levin

Hi all! I'm Benjamin. I have worked several TDA tours over the last two years and cannot wait to meet you all on this one! I love traveling and being part of something bigger than myself and TDA tours are just that. I am an exceptionally adequate naturalist (I have a B.S in Zoology), lover of sports and athletics, and type two fun enthusiast (as I am sure many of you are as well). The combination of sport, being outside, and working towards a goal all come together for me on the seat of a bike, the best seat in the house. When you're on a bike, you're not just passing through the landscape, you are part of it. Exposed to the elements and open to encounters, you are in a position of vulnerability that break the barrier between traveler and local. That openness invites connection, allowing you to immerse yourself in new cultures and, more often than not, be welcomed by the people you meet. This is a great thing you are all doing. These tours are life changing experiences. Hope you are ready! See ya soon

Ezhil Ebinezer

I still remember when I learned to ride a bike – that quiet thrill, that feeling that the world just opened up a little more. That sense of freedom has stayed with me and shaped how I see the outdoors as more than just a place to explore, but as a space to slow down, learn, and connect with the world around me.

I’m from India and now living in Manchester, UK. I tried a few different paths before realising my happiest moments were always outdoors. That changed everything. I started out managing operations for an active holiday company in India, then moved into full-time guiding cycling and trekking trips across India and beyond. Fifteen years later, I still love every bit of it. In 2023, my longtime friend Baba, a TDA legend, introduced me to the TDA family.

That love for the outdoors is what keeps me guiding. I’m just as excited about exploring new places as I am about meeting the people who join the journey. Every trip is a mix of new landscapes, different cultures, and fresh perspectives!

Tip for future TDA riders:

A positive spirit and an open attitude go a long way in making the trip enjoyable. While you are out there riding, don’t rush - take your time and really soak in the experience!

Shaik Baba

Baba is a maestro in the art of cycle maintenance. He has close to 20 years of experience in the industry along with 10 years of travelling the length and breath of the country on cycle trips and camps. India is a highly diversified country with many languages. With five spoken languages under his belt, Baba is an asset to have on the team. Baba is a very friendly team person and ever willing to help & contribute in all aspects.

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!

Samuel Roy

I see bike touring as an opportunity to slow down and bring yourself back to the essential things in life. Food, water, shelter, love, connection, space in your heart, space in your mind, movement, exploration. I believe that travelling by bike is the best way to discover our beautiful planet because of the pace of travel. It's fast enough to cover ground and cross continents, as we do with TDA, but it's slow enough to be able to truly soak in the destination you're in and everything that comes with it. The vulnerability of being alone on a bike, dressed up in bright lycra in the middle of nowhere makes you approachable and sparks curiousness and interest in the locals you meet on the road. As a tour leader with TDA, I am grateful to have the opportunity to facilitate these experiences, moments and connections.

I'm originally from Montreal in Canada where I studied business and tourism, but I have recently moved to Barcelona where cycling is unreal, even over the winter months. For the past few years, my career has been a collection of different projects and opportunities such as working as a TV host back home in Quebec, guiding with TDA and other outdoors companies as well as running my own vanlife conversion business. I've always loved getting around on two wheels, for some years, my focus was to go as fast as I could while I raced Ironman triathlons as a semi-pro. Nowadays, I still enjoy riding my bike, but a little slower, and looking around much more.

My best memory on tour is without a doubt when both my parents joined the 2019 Tour d'Afrique as riders to cycle the last two sections of the tour, from Vic Falls to Cape Town. It was such a precious privilege to be on sweep duty and get to ride with both of them through the namibian dunes.

As a tip for future participants, I think the best mindset to come onto a tour with is one of gratitude. We are all so privileged, both staff and riders, to be on these trips that being grateful for this life we get to live is an attitude we must cultivate.

See you on the road!

Owen Hayter

I'm a London-based Paramedic who spends 6 months of each year travelling / working abroad on expeditions. The outdoors is what makes me happy; camping, climbing, cycling, trekking and generally roughing-it in beautiful places. This will be my third TDA tour, having done the Tour D'Afrique and Hippie Trail. I am excited to be joining The Silk Route for the final leg of what I'm sure will be an amazing expedition.

Dawn Connolly

I live and ride around Victoria British Columbia Canada. When not cycling I'm swimming, running, gardening or walking my dogs on Cordova Bay Beach.

Margot Inches

Hi. I’ve done some long distance cycling from my home in Victoria on the west coast of Canada and the US and a trip to France, but have never done anything like cycling in India! This is my first TDA tour and I’m very excited about it.

Constance Grill

I like to explore new places, cultures, people and foods whether on foot, on horseback or bicycle!

Rich Langston

I'm a burned out tech guy who is taking a break and riding my bike a lot. I completed RAGBRAI this summer and I've been looking for another challenge, especially since it's winter here in Northern California.

Trixie Wagner

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

Daniela Hofstetter

Hello everyone! I'm Daniela and I'm exited to be part of this cycling group. Although I don't have lot's of long cycling tours of experience yet, I'm really motivated and eager to learn from all of you and to embark on new adventures together. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, running, swimming and also meet friends and travaling. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and exploring beautiful routes together.

Richard Whitlock

A steady finisher

Maureen Lanuke

Hi. My name is Maureen, and I am passionate about bicycle touring and anything to do with bicycles. I had to abort on the Hippie Trail in 2025, but I successfully completed the amazing new Tea Route tour in 2026. and am excited to be exploring more of the middle east and part of China. I have cycled the Orient Express, Canada 150, Madagascar, part of the Hippie Trail, and the Tea Route trips with TDA, and have participated in, or led many bike tours through Canada, the States, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia - both supported and self-support, and am hoping to be able to do many more rides on my bucket list while the mind and the body are still willing and able! I'm looking forward to meeting my fellow adventurers on this unique adventure!

David Miles

I enjoy the opportunity TDA gives me to ride in different countries and unique locations.

Erin Ely

I’m a late starter and began cycling in April of 2022, when I was 66 years old. I live in the Pacific Northwest and ride locally with a cycling group called GEARS. I love to get out and ride with the group. I really like the social part of riding as well as the fitness. My first big cycling tour was in 2025 on the TDA Hippie Tour. I'm excited to check out this next tour on the Road of the Empires, it looks like an amazing trip!

John McQualter

I want to get away from work! Looking forward to a break in Africa/India

Michael Talbert

I like to travel and cycling is a great way to do it. I travel to experience different cultures, meet people, look around, learn about history and eat interesting food. I did Hippie Trail and Tea Route and am looking forward to a new adventure.

jacqueline murdoff

Before moving to the Pacific North West in 1968, I lived in San Francisco where I was aware of the hippie movement and treks to India but I was in school. Fifty plus years later I get to go to India and experience it by bicycle. Thank you TDA for this opportunity, this challenge.

Anil Sachdev

Time to explore "The Empire Of The Soul" Looking forward to a new adventure.

Mary Potyrala

Richard Schingler

I love to travel and see the world from the seat of a bicycle. Married living part time in Spain.

Alison Longfield

Kids are off to uni so its time to explore once again :)