Mats Fredrix

I remember the first time I had tears of joy running down my cheeks on a descent. The day after I was screaming every syllable of 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light' suffering the wind battering down on my nose. You'll soon experience those beautifully painful joys of riding yourself. It's my mission to make sure you get home and have a way to show and share those moments with your friends and family. See you soon, rouleurs!

Tim Millikin

I love travel and more importantly travel by bicycle. It brings the freedom and adventurous spirit that any other way of travelling cannot match. I love that I am able to share this with our guests and show them the world in the best possible way.

I currently live in Oxford, UK but have had a relatively nomadic lifestyle from my mid-twenties. Call it an early mid-life crisis! I am best known for a three-year, mostly solo, 46500km bike ride from Reading, UK to Reading, USA. It was truly transformative and gave me a motivation to pursue a life of travel and adventure. It also saw me leave my career in television for one in cycling, and I haven’t looked back. I have also written a book about this adventure, available in all good book stores!

TDA for me brings the beauty of bike travel with the ease of some support, but that does not mean it is easy. For me, my favourite days are the ones you will remember forever. The Blue Nile Gorge day in Ethiopia is a real stand out. Beautiful scenery and rough roads as you descend 1800m into the Blue Nile Gorge before then climbing 1800 back out of the Gorge on the same rough roads, with children running past you, cars honking, each rider riding their own battle against the gradient. The beer at the campsite on the top never tasted so good! Roads and stories like this happen on each and every TDA tour and that is what is so special. No matter where in the world you are going, you are going to have epic, mementos days.

My best tip for any future TDA rider is bring a positive attitude. It is the most important tool in your kit bag. This will keep the spirit of adventure burning throughout the tour, which can be up to five months for some. It will ensure you are able to see the beauty in the world around you even when you are tired. It will mean that the hard moments pass quickly and the memories will last a lifetime.

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!

Micah Markson

A mountain biker at heart, but bike touring pays the bills!

Most of the time, I work at the TDA head office in Toronto as the IT Manager, but I also sometimes work on the tours as needed, either as a guide or a bike mechanic. I landed here because my uncle mentioned to me he had a friend—Henry—with this crazy bike company, the friend and I met, and the rest is history.

I studied Business and IT at university, and my previous job was at an exotic car dealership. In my own time, I do more mountain biking than touring, and usually find nice trails to ride wherever our tours take me. Outside of TDA, I’ve cycled across Europe and half of Canada.

The Pamir Highway was a peak experience for me! As a mountain biker, I always love the roughest, crappiest roads our tours travel on. My favourite day of the entire Silk Route was actually the day that most of the other riders thought was the worst—it ended with a long switchback descent on a rough gravel road.

Every day brings a new challenge to solve, whether here in the office or on the side of a road in the desert. I really value that element of my job and relish it immensely.

Mark Lutz

Holly andrews

Hello! I'm Holly and I am the medic on the trip. I am an anaesthetist from the UK with a passion for bringing my job outside of the hospital 4 walls as much as possible. I have practised medicine on multiple expeditions across the world from the Nepal Himalayas and the Honduran rainforest to assisting multi stage ultra marathons in the wild and wet North of Scotland. I am a keen cyclist and having completed multiple long distance cycle tours myself, I maintain it is the best way to travel and be absorbed in all a country has to offer. I am currently living in the French Alps and training for the tour with mutli - day ski mountaineering adventures and a lot of trail running whilst waiting for new snow! Looking forward to meeting and adventuring with the tour team :)

Nicolas Teng

Looking to get fit, while visiting exotic places, experience culture, history and sampling great food. Really surprised that TDA offered this kind of trip now in the middle of Pandemic. It is my first, looking forward already the next one.

Anthony Rock

I'm a Canadian-American and split my time between urban urban life Brooklyn, NY and on the Northumberland Strait in Atlantic Canada. The Road of Empires will be my 5th ride with TDA.

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!

Brad Gray

Tour D'Afrique Alumni 2019. Morocco 2022. South America is a challenge I now embrace.

Erik Snucins

Retired Land Surveyor , gentleman farmer, and enjoy long rides

Libby (Elizabeth) McMullen

I love to travel and I love to bike so I can't imagine a more exciting adventure especially in this country. This will be my first TDA tour and I am looking forward to the challenge, meeting the group and exploring Morocco

Karin Lind Hansen

I love travelling. I love biking. I love visiting new places. I have visited several places with TDA - but there are still places left to see, explore, and enjoy :)

Roger Palmer

Hello fellow adventurers. I’m from Melbourne Australia, occasionally the worlds most liveable city! Im looking forward to cycling new roads to exciting places with a great bunch of people. I've been a regular cyclist for many years. Recent trips have been to the Dolomites /Tuscany in Italy, Morocco with TDA in 2022, Nice to Annecy doing some of the TDF classics along with great local food and wine and finishing 2022 in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The subtropical north east coast of Australia a few years back was a great regional food and wine experience. Pre covid adventures also included backcountry skiing in Iceland, Norway and Japan along with sail and ski trips in Norwegian fjords and the northern coast of Iceland. I had planned some backcountry skiing in Kyrgyzstan early 2022 but covid got in the way of that. Was then re inspired by Joanna Lumleys Silk Road adventures.

Richard Schingler

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

Christopher (Kit) Campbell

Transecting Africa remains an unfinished project, but we'll plan for '23 to complete if the body allows. Like many others in the TDA diaspora, we're all eager to get back on tour.

Mike Jakeman

Bike and travel.....it's a retirement thing and these days avoiding Global Gong Show Politics!

peter link

Retiree who likes to travel and can ride a bicycle.

Dennis Joe

I'm looking forward to the next adventure and new places. And, I'm look forward to meeting my fellow travelers and sharing this adventure. See ya soon!!

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.

Michiel van Wijk

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

Mary Potyrala

Jonna Koch

I feel alive when I ride my bike. It is my fifth TDA tour. I did the Trans-Himalaya 2019, Kingdom of the West 2022 and Trans-Caucasus 2022 and sections of th Silk Route in 2025.

Maureen Stone

Looking forward to seeing how the mud roads of West Africa en Velo compare to Tanzania! Cairo to Capetown 2018 was amazing beyond words, will be so good to hit the road with TDA again. So.....that didn't happen - Now excited for Morocco instead!

Stephen Hyde

Just retired, I have been looking for a cycling adventure and this trip fits the bill. I have lived in Abu Dhabi for the last 22 years and I am now back in the cold of the UK. Hoping for some good weather, great cycling and looking forward to meeting everyone and starting.

Terry Scheikowski

I am a retired lecturer in Food Science living in Melbourne and have been cycling as an adult for 40+years. I completed Cairo to Cape Town with TdA in 2019 albeit in stages having started back in 2013. I have previously cycled across Canada with Tour du Canada. some years back I rode with two friends from the north to the south of the UK (John O'Groats to Lands End) taking a wandering route and enjoying English and Scottish B&Bs and the odd pub.

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.

Dehon Ninon Cedric Ainarime

Born and live in Madagascar I worked as Tour guide in Madagascar since 2012 I started as local support for TDA on the Magical Madagascar 2017 and after that i am so lucky to became one of the TDA staff member until now. "While you have the opportunity to do such thing,do it, because there will be a time where you wanna do it but you can't do it anymore" My next trip will be the TDA 2025 and the Magical Madagascar 2025 I look forward to meeting you all

Laurence Boisvert

Enjoying and exploring outdoors since ever. Thriving on adventures, human connections and curiosity.

Nicole Vavra

Obsessed with fresh ingredients and the outdoors, I am a women on a mission. My goal is to learn as much as I can as a chef; traveling and exploring new cultures and culinary techniques around the world. There are few things more inspriational then recipies perfected over time, passed on through generations. When I am not in the kitchen, I am outside exploring. From backpacking, to cycling, to paddle boarding, I am always looking for the next adventure. Next up: Morocco!

Tristin Walker

Hi, I'm Tristin, an Australian adventurer living in BC, Canada. I spend most of my time outdoors exploring, guiding or working outdoors. I have spent the last 10 years in the outdoor industry. I started as an Outdoor Educator in school camps in Australia, and then shifting to focus on cycling I became a downhill mountain bike guide in New Zealand, Australia and Canada. I have spent lots of time riding on a variety of trails, and love exploring new areas. More recently I have swapped to more tour-based work and adventure cycle guiding. I have spent lots of time cycle touring and bikepacking, once spending three months riding up the East Coast of Australia. I love the freedom, pace and experiences you gain from travelling by bike. No matter how far or fast you go!

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.

Bethany Butcher

Hi all, I will be the tour medic for our tour around Morocco. I am a doctor from the UK, currently working in Scotland. I love to be on a bike and can't wait to get started and see what Morocco has to offer.

Britney Charme

Hi, I’m Britney! I am based out of the southwest region of the US where I spend my time cycling in the red rock desert, riding alpine single track and exploring the Colorado Plateau.

Five years ago I made the decision to pivot away from my career as an event planner and become a cycling guide in some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in the world. Working in the adventure cycling industry has allowed me to blend my love of bikes with my passion for facilitating experiences that allow people to connect and create memories. I believe there is a lot of value in getting outside of our comfort zone and stepping away from our everyday lives in pursuit of adventure.

In my opinion, there is no better way to explore this planet than from the saddle of a bicycle. Biking is a sensory experience that allows us to savor the sights, smells, sounds and flavors of the world that we live in.

Some of my favorite moments on my bike are watching desert bighorn sheep in Canyonlands, crossing into Mexico from Arizona for tacos & Modelos and bantering with the locals cycling alongside me in East Africa while on the Tour d’Afrique.

I encourage everyone that joins a TDA tour to ride their own ride. As the day to day sets in, it is easy to lose sight of what brought you on the tour to begin with. Set an intention at the beginning of the tour and check in on that intention throughout the trip. This will allow you to stay present and grounded throughout the experience.

I also encourage riders to interact with locals, wander through markets, enjoy the coke stops and eat all the roadside food you possibly can. Get outside your comfort zone. Engage your senses. Savor the experience.

A bit of practical advice? Dial in the fit of your bike before the tour begins. Practically everything on your bike is adjustable- the angle of your saddle, stem length, the angle of your handlebars, the reach on your brake levers and shifters, etc… If you are doing test rides and something doesn’t feel right, it will be exasperated on the tour. It is worth taking the extra time to get it right while you are still home.

I look forward to seeing you on the trails!

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!

Drew Digney

I am a 61 year old trying to retire emergency doc from the east coast of Vancouver Island. Yes I am Melanie’s other half and love traveling the world with her since our meeting in Nepal many years ago. We have recently caught the bike bug after a spectacular Morocco tour in 2025. It was a test run before the TDA 2027. The camping was not so bad so we are looking forward to seeing more of the continent up close and personal. Not being a fan of the 'all inclusive' I am looking forward to the days in the saddle, the vistas and smells that this touring affords. Looking forward to meeting up with old friends and the evenings spent meeting new people from near and far.

Audrey Spielmann

Dean and I have lived most of our lives in Vancouver. We have three adult kids and we all love biking of any kind. We have mostly mountain biked on the beautiful West Coast of Canada in the past but more recently have gotten into road and gravel riding. We had a fabulous trip to Morocco with TDA and look forward to exploring Vietnam and Cambodia by bike.

Melanie Digney

My first TDA trip was in Morocco, which was amazing. So looking forward to seeing other parts of Africa by bike.

Dean Johnston

Husband, Dad, Physician Regular mountain and road biker. Reasonably fit. I have no social media accounts (and I like it that way)

Cindy Smith

This will be my seventh trip with TDA. Looking forward to this next adventure!

David Moliterno

I really enjoyed the great crews and fabulous riders on the Bamboo Road, Morocco: Kingdom of the West, and the part of Trans-Himalaya we were able to ride. So, I very much look forward to the next TDA adventure!

Ian Fischer

Retired from the investment business, I enjoy fitness, through cycling, running, walking, downhill and cross country skiing. I became aware of TDA and am looking forward to the adventure and camaraderie of this trip. A keen gardener and the chairperson of a volunteer run garden that covers one hectare of vegetables and fruit, sold to support a women's charity in Africa. A polyglot and student of languages, I'd consider myself a lifelong learner.

Sandra Hughes

I am Sandra from North Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. I had an amazing first touring experience with TDA doing the Taiwan section of the Bamboo Road tour in Fall 2019. I also enjoyed the first two stages of TransOceania 2022 and Morocco 2024. Looking forward to exploring Korea and Japan in 2026.

Kaye Hudson

Previous tours Trans Europa 2012, South America 2015, NZ section Trans Oceania 2016. Odyssey 2017 sections Bosnia to Amsterdam, Pub Ride 2018, Africa Kenya to Cape town 2019, Trans Oceania 2022 (Adelaide to Melbourne and Tasmania), Morocco Kingdom of the West 2024, Olive Route 2025 and North American Epic 2025. Looking forward to another ride with my husband Brett and catching up with riders from previous rides and meeting new riders.

Marcel Cornelis

LIKE TO EXPLORE THE WORLD BY BIKE WITH PEOPE ALL OVER THE WORLD

Nicholas Harrison

I live in Perth Western Australia, married to Johanna (Jo) who is also on the Trip. I am reasonably active enjoying outdoor activities, ocean swimming, windsurfing, snowboarding and of course riding. I ride a hard tail mountain bike in preference to a standard road bike even when commuting, makes me work harder chasing guys on road bikes. The longest bike trip I have done was in 2015 when we completed the Epic South America Trip. Since then we have ridden from Manali to Leh through the high mountain passes of Ladakh. Since returning from South America I have competed in several long distance offroad endurance rides and enjoy the physical and mental challenges.

Johanna Platt

What have I signed up for!!! I must admit my main sporting passion is ocean swimming, it doesn't sound like there'll be much of that on offer! We, that is myself, & Nick (husband, also on the tour) got a taste for cycle touring on a recent trip to Costa Rica - Challenging, yes, rewarding, absolutely. Not too sure how this long distance cycle touring will go, however, always looking for the next challenge, so will give it my best shot.

Joanna Jaworska

This trip will be my 4th trip with TDA. I’ve done the New Zealand part from TransOceania, Journey to the East and Morocco. The trip to Korea/Japan was amazing and I’m very happy to go to Japan again to learn more about this fascinating country and culture. I live in Warsaw, I’m an entrepreneur operating in the packaging industry.

Elaine Cox

Becky Lewis

I live in Steamboat Springs, CO. I do lots of outside activities in this mountain town. I do a lot of volunteer work.

Anne Thompson

Looking forward to this trip!

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.

Manfred Hoefert

This is the first time I'm participating in TDA organized tour and I'm really looking foward to it.

Marnie (Margaret) Souter

When I retired in Fall 2022 I went on my first TDA adventure - the South American epic. I loved it so much I'm signing on for more ! This year I am looking forward to Morocco in April and the Cape Town to Kili trip in the Fall.

Charles Feaver

I have ridden several TDA routes. India was my first and favorite. Looking forward to this ride.

John Fleming

Looking forward to visiting new countries the best way...by bike. I'm a bike guide for Vélo-Québec (France, Italy, Cuba, Greece, New England). Tour with my wife whenever we can. Work with Cyclo Nord-Sud collecting old bikes in Québec and delivering them for reuse in Central America, Haiti, West Africa and .... Montréal. Last spring, we pedalled the Loire from Bâle to Nantes. This spring (we just got back to Montréal June 15) we card toured Montpelier - Toulouse - Bordeaux - La Rochelle - Saint-Brévin - Nantes - parts of Bretagne - Paris - south of Belgium - Namur - east through the Ardennes to the Rhine, south to Bàle. We innovated with light folding armchairs, stopping whenever the urge hit us. Luxuriated on the Eurovelo network away from cars. Ride with GPS showed the way. Professionally I was a translator, writer, editor, account exec, communications prof, explorer of ideas and using irritation management as a performance tool on the path to organizational destinations : happy people make happy performing organizations! I'm very curious about what makes me tick and how I can contribute to helping others surpass themselves without taking themselves (nor myself) too seriously. Etc. etc.

Michele Kline

My Husband Anthony (Tony) and I, are from Hobart in Tasmania...we went on our first TDA tour in 2014 from Lima to Cuzco part of the South African Epic our second tour was NZ from Auckland to Queenstown 2015 and a lap around our state Tasmania in 2022 both were part of the Trans Oceania. We have completed 3 full tours the Pub Ride 2017, Viva Italia 2020 and The Orient Express in 2022. We are looking forward to Morocco!

Anthony kline

54yrs old small business owner building concreting landscaping. Enjoy adventure activities, have walked everest base camp and kilimanjaro successfully. Been a keen cyclist for several years, in 2015 Michele and did our first TDA trip from Lima to Cusco. Last year we completed Auckland to Queenstown and now looking forward to the Pub ride.

David Pennington

FriedlyDrifter

Corinne Pennington

Coffee first, then a few written pages, followed by breakfast before starting the day's ride. I am thankful to my dad, who took my training wheels off, pushing me forward with momentum and freedom I've never forgotten. I am grateful to be on yet another riding tour with my partner, Rod, and to enjoy the immersive experience of riding, eating leisurely at the lunch truck, and sitting under a few bamboo trees before peddling to the finish, where a cool, refreshing drink always awaits. Alumni 2011 India, Madagascar 2023. Morocco 2024, Japan 2025 and excited to join TDA and fellow riders in Hanoi for the 2026 Bamboo Road adventure!

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.

Mireya de la Pena

I am a Civil Engineer and manage the Oil and Gas Department for Michael Baker International's Anchorage, Alaska Office. I've lived in Alaska for over 25 years and have always enjoyed international travel. I have a large combined family with my life partner, Wilbur that includes 7 children and two grandchildren. I love triathlons, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, hunting, and generally anything that involves the outdoors.

Rod Pennington

Hi there fellow adventure travellers, looking forward to sharing this experience with all of you....let's go!

Henry Gold

Founder, TDA Global Cycling

Bob Kieckhefer

Geophysicist, cyclist, swimmer. I currently live in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where there are plenty of hills to climb. I rode Cairo to Cape Town in 2018/19/20/23/25 and several other TdA tours. I look forward to riding around across Europe, completing the Orient Express that I started in 2019.

Raul Costa

I’m Raul from Lisbon, Portugal. After a career in banking, I’ve retired in 2022 in order to enjoy life at a slower pace. Cycling different regions of the world is part of that plan. I’m looking forward to meeting all fellow riders.

Laurens Keesen

I am 62. I cycle a lot. I am born in Holland, and moved to the Caribbean island of Curacao almost 30 years ago. I am really looking forward to my next adventure. I did several bike tours in Europe and the Americas carrying my own stuff. This is my third time on an organized tour, I did the Trans Himalaya and the Maroc tour.

Brett Lanham

I’m an ex seafarer, retired now for 13 years, fortunate enough to have been able to get away on a bike tour with TdA every year since 2011, until 2020 that was! My last rides were Morocco, Kingdom of the West, in 2024, and the Olive Route mid 2025. I'm joining the NAE 2025 in Yuma and looking forward to catching up with friends from past rides, meeting new ones, and sharing this adventure with a beer, or should that be, a wine or two.

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.

Loic Morin

Hi everyone! I'm Loïc, 26 years old, and I’ll be the Chef for this tour. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of restaurants and health retreats, which has deepened my love for food and wellness. I’m a very social and adventurous person—traveling and discovering the world are true passions of mine. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and sharing this amazing experience together. See you soon—cheers!

Rihab GOUAIED

Content creator, traveler and bikepacker from Tunisia

Britney Charme

Hi, I’m Britney! I am based out of the southwest region of the US where I spend my time cycling in the red rock desert, riding alpine single track and exploring the Colorado Plateau.

Five years ago I made the decision to pivot away from my career as an event planner and become a cycling guide in some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in the world. Working in the adventure cycling industry has allowed me to blend my love of bikes with my passion for facilitating experiences that allow people to connect and create memories. I believe there is a lot of value in getting outside of our comfort zone and stepping away from our everyday lives in pursuit of adventure.

In my opinion, there is no better way to explore this planet than from the saddle of a bicycle. Biking is a sensory experience that allows us to savor the sights, smells, sounds and flavors of the world that we live in.

Some of my favorite moments on my bike are watching desert bighorn sheep in Canyonlands, crossing into Mexico from Arizona for tacos & Modelos and bantering with the locals cycling alongside me in East Africa while on the Tour d’Afrique.

I encourage everyone that joins a TDA tour to ride their own ride. As the day to day sets in, it is easy to lose sight of what brought you on the tour to begin with. Set an intention at the beginning of the tour and check in on that intention throughout the trip. This will allow you to stay present and grounded throughout the experience.

I also encourage riders to interact with locals, wander through markets, enjoy the coke stops and eat all the roadside food you possibly can. Get outside your comfort zone. Engage your senses. Savor the experience.

A bit of practical advice? Dial in the fit of your bike before the tour begins. Practically everything on your bike is adjustable- the angle of your saddle, stem length, the angle of your handlebars, the reach on your brake levers and shifters, etc… If you are doing test rides and something doesn’t feel right, it will be exasperated on the tour. It is worth taking the extra time to get it right while you are still home.

I look forward to seeing you on the trails!

Colleen Gordon

I just love Africa. I love introducing Africa to people that have never been here or have never done anything like this. You can just see their eyes open, and all of their prejudices drop as they ride through it. The bike is just such an amazing way to do it, I’ve done tours in the past where the passengers are in the vehicle with me, and it’s just not the same. [On a TDA tour] you stop at coke stops all the time, and are constantly interacting with your environment. You often rely on locals for something like water, that interaction is absolutely essential to the tours. In the end, it’s one giant road trip with people that become your family. I love camping. You get addicted to the camping lifestyle, to see the sunrise and sunset everyday. You’re in the mix, you’re hearing the hyena’s and the owls. The amount of times I’ve had elephants come through our campsites in Africa, it’s magic.

I have been leading tours in Africa for over a decade, but I started at TDA as a chef. I love shopping at local markets in Africa, the interactions with the mama’s, and just buying everything they’re selling in bulk.

I love the behind the scenes moments. Everything it takes to keep the show on the road. Trucks getting stuck, and us having to try and pull vehicles out with help from the locals and their tractors. I remember another time on the North American epic, on the Arctic section, we had such a hard time trying to source water, that we sent up the drone to find the local water tank in a little First Nations village. It’s stuff like that that I love, the behind-the-scenes challenges. I like the spontaneity, the natural chaos of Africa.

[As a tip for future participants of our expedition tours], get comfortable with all your camping gear. Set up your tent first, maybe even sleep in it for a night or two in your apartment. Test your mattress, take it up and down a couple of times, because you’ll be doing that a lot. People don’t always realise this. You’ll be coming into camp after a long ride, and having to set your tent up and then tearing it down again in the middle of the night, just day after day after day, it’s relentless. So packing well and being comfortable with your set-up is absolutely essential in my opinion.

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.

Paula Branchi

I am an emergency nurse from Vancouver Island. I love activities where you rely on your body to get you there, whether that be bikepacking, climbing, skitouring, or kayaking. Looking forward to meeting you all, riding alongside you, staying safe and healthy, and sharing this wild adventure.

Mike Charalambous

Recently retired and trying to do as much travel as possible exploring different regions of the world

Keith Elliott

Pascale Bilodeau

Hi, After a career in education, I am now spending my time in outdoor activities like cycling, hiking and cross-country skiing. I am especally enjoying the freedom of cycling in wide open spaces and discover differents cultures. Can't wait to go back on the road.

Rolf Hengartner

Bamboo Road 2024, part of the Golden Buddha Road 2025, 2026 Morocco: Kingdom of the West and now part of the Southamerica Epic.

Brice B.

Just a guy in need for a yearly adventure shot.

Fabrizio Brentini

Born in 1957. Retired teacher. I was with TDA in Costa Rica (2021), Turkey (2022) and South East Asia (2025). I like birds and I try to collect lifers during my trips.

Birgit Nägele

Dies ist meine erste Tour mit TDA. Ich mache oft und gerne Radreisen, vorwiegend in den Alpen. Jetzt freue ich mich auf Marokko, wo ich vor 25 Jahren schon einmal mit dem Bus unterwegs war.

Lisa Engel

Hello, I am a psychologist and enjoy cycling and singing. I live alone and am not a great cook but enjoy hosting my family for weekly dinners. I aim to make the most of the quotidian aspects of each day. I am currently engaged in an experiment that began in January 2025 where I commute with an E-bike and use Uber when I don't want to ride somewhere. So far I have managed fairly well and have decided to persist with not owning a car. I mentioned earlier that I am a singer and whilst I enjoy most music (hip hop is the exception) Jazz from the 1920s, 30s and 40s is my favourite. I sing a cappella with five other people in a group called 'Six Degrees of Sound' and we sing an eclectic mix of music including Jazz, Blues and Pop. I am looking forward to visiting north west Africa and meeting the other cyclists very much! I am not on any social media.

Kent Kirshenbaum

I'm an educator and researcher. My passions are moving through landscapes and cooking. I recently did a stint on the TDA Kingdom of the West and I'm eager to continue exploring the Maghreb by bike.

Paul Graham

I am 65 years young and keen cyclist I did competitive triathlons until age of 52 and gave up as a result of knee injury’s running but all good now with new knee, I spend my time now between the UK and in Portugal most of the year. I am also a keen golfer and enjoy watching my Footbal team Liverpool play when I can. I was born in Chester in Cheshire and have dual nationality NZ and Irish. I am married to Sarah and have four children and three grand children. I have been successful in building up several businesses over the years and still involved with two. I enjoy long distance challenges and I am looking forward to meeting new people and making friends along the way..

Suzi Tevendale

A coffee drinking, bagpiping bookworm looking forward to adventures on two wheels in Morocco

Patrick Versavel

57 years old, passionate about outdoor discovery

Dag Willems

I love nature, the mountains, landscapes, endurance and i like riding my bike in new territories. I like to feel the elements on my body, a challenge and an adventure. I like to be completely freed and taken away from the every day routines and responsibilities of life. I look forward to meet everyone on the tour.