Sarah Thomas

I'm from Providence, Rhode Island, and I love to travel by bicycle! I have ridden self-supported from Providence to New Orleans, Atlanta to Virginia Beach, Portland to San Francisco, and various tours around Colombia and Ecuador. I also like mountain biking, trail running, racing cyclocross, and I used to compete in triathlons and marathons but haven't done one in a while. I have worked in the bike industry since 2011, and have experience as a pedicab driver, tour guide, mechanic, advocate, and courier. I love anything having to do with cycling, staying active outdoors and being in nature!

Emily Lister

Hi There, My name is Emily Lister and I will be the Tour Medic/Support staff for the stretch of the tour from Tuktoyaktuk to Helena. I am very excited to join TDA for a leg of this EPIC ADVENTURE. A little bit about myself, I graduated from Algonquin College's Practical Nursing Diploma Program in 2016. From there, I have worked several jobs ranging from hospitals to medical clinics, and everything in between. I am also going into my fourth and final year of my Bachelor in Science Nursing Degree program at the University of Ottawa. I am an avid outdoors enthusiast. I love cycling, running, and yoga. In my spare time, I can be seen sipping coffee with a tabby cat in my lap, reading. I look forward to meeting all of you :)

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.

Andreas Pakenham

If doing this trip once has others questioning your sanity, doing it twice must confirm its missing. As this is my second time leading this wild, beautiful, and challenging trip, you could say I've fallen hard for the old trade route. My goals this time around, are getting fewer people lost, and finally discovering the fabled peanut butter merchants of Central Asia ;)

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.

Katherine Stelfox

Hi there! My name is Katherine and I'll be joining the NAE from Montana to Panama City as a cycling medic. Currently I'm working as a Registered Nurse up in the Canadian Arctic in a small city called Iqaluit. After six months in the arctic I'm looking forward to the warmer weather down in Mexico. I have some experience with long distance physical pursuits, having completed the Appalachian Trail in 2016 and the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 - both taking 5-6 months to complete. And While I grew up mountain biking for fun or just to get into town, I'm new to the world of long distance cycling. I'm looking forward to testing myself and meeting all of you!

Carolina Ceravolo

I love to work at the leisure industry as I can use my skills to teach people about subjects that I love such as nature and history, as well be able to help others to have the best time possible enjoying their vacation or explorations. I'm Cave Diver, Tour Guide at Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and bike tourist. I have crossed by bicycle from Mexico to Brazil in a self-supported journey. Riding my bicycle on the road is just my perfect place to be.

Lezinda Rossouw

Namibian born who grew up on a farm. This will be my 3rd trip with TDA. Looking forward to seeing something new everyone day and meeting new people.

Colleen Gordon

Cape Town born and bred. Bird and wildlife enthusiast. Been guiding for 8 years. Very excited for this new adventure.

Jairo Corrales

I've done three tours with TDA, and I learned that it's not just a simple job, it's a complete teaching experience.

Coby Werlin

Nomadic videographer from the US accompanying the NAE on & off and documenting all of its ups and downs!

Cindy Smith

I am a runner/cyclist. I have been a long distance road/trail runner for years and I took up cycling a few years ago. These days, if I am not out running, I can usually be found on my on my bike. I ride with several local cycling clubs. I enjoy traveling and have ridden both the Trans Europa and Bamboo Road tours with TDA.

Tim Sole

Married to Judy. Both rode LEJOG in 2014, TDA Bamboo Road in 2015, the first third of TDA Trans-Europa in 2016, the TDA Odyssey in 2017 and the TDA Pub Ride in 2018. I think of myself as a a travel cyclist rather than as a 'real cyclist'. I am slow uphills, but excellent at finding coffee stops. I am an actuary and still work part-time. My main hobbies are recreational maths and writing, with my tenth book to be published in July 2019 ('The Strange and Infinite World of Numbers'). We live near Wellington, New Zealand.

Judy Sole

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

Murray Beare

I retired recently and look forward to finally getting to Canada's North. I usually start the cycling season in Mallorca in April and then transition to Ontario cycling. Travelling by bicycle is a great way to get a fuller experience. This will be my first TDA tour, although I have cycled with other tours in Europe, the US and New Zealand.

edward sokol

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

Chris Wille

After an intense 30 Year career, and 4 Ironman Triathlons, whats a guy to do? While searching long distance bike tours way back in the early 2000's, the TDA site came up. Cycle across Africa- 12,000kms, 4.5 months- What? Thats nuts! However, the more i thought about it, the more intrigued i was. Wow- people- 'ordinary people-doing extraordinary things' actually participated in those rides, and lived to tell about it! They didn't get killed by lions or headhunters or...Fast forward to 2008 TDA and there we were,at the Pyramids, 60 strangers from 14 different countries about to have the ride/total experience of our lives. It was incredible, just like cycling through the pages of the National Geographic, every day for 4.5 months- i was hooked! The Tda was/is like a drug- the more trips you go on, the more you want to do. In Africa i met Michael Linke and the BEN (Bicycle empowerment network), inspired by the great things they were doing, started a chapter of Bicycles for Humanity here in Victoria as a way of giving back. To date we (B4H Victoria) have collected and shipped 11 container loads of bikes to 3 African countries- Two container loads each to Namibia & Uganda and 7 to Malawi ( 5000 bikes + spare parts to date and counting!) So fortunate and blessed to be able to give back... Since TDA 2008, I have been super lucky to have cycled the Orient Express, Silk Route, Trans Oceania, South American Epic, Trans Europa and (most of)- Bamboo road rides with TDA. Completed Trans Europa 2018. In 2015 my goal of cycling around the world was completed, albiet not all on TDA trips. I am extremely lucky, fortunate & grateful. The North American Epic ride marks the 7th of the TDA 7 Epics for me.Working hard to be the first client to complete all 7 Epics- It's been a fun ride so far... There is no greater way to see the world than from the seat of a bike, under human power. How blessed am I to be able to share the experience with so many incredible fellow riders, TDA staff, and all the amazing people you meet along the way!

John Hemmen

I have been an avid cyclist all my life and have done many tours on both road and mountain bikes. Cycling is simply the best way to travel through country, for it lends itself to a relaxed and visceral connection to the land and its people. I am a retired Emergency Physician and spend my time off the bike painting, reading, and traveling. I have done the Trans Europa, Odyssey, and Pub Ride tours previously and look forward to sharing the NAE with old riding buddies from previous tours.

ray harder

i am a 72 year old male from missouri, usa. i have ridden on bike tours across the us, and this will be my fourth out of country. i speak a little spanish at the intermediate level and i enjoy talking to the locals... this is my first sectional tda ride and i will start in mazatlan and ride to panama city... i am looking forward to this trip... good to see a lot of international riders... and several alumni of tda sa 2015, tda wa 2018.... email me -- harderr@umsystem.edu if you want to talk... ray

Debbie Jenner

As a (by then) former Geography teacher, this will be an amazing way to celebrate retirement! I have loved my previous TDA trips and am looking forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones. Not sure why photo is upside down?!

Peter Millikan

I am 70, a retired emergency physician, married since 1973, three children and five grand children, living north of Seattle on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. Travel highlights: half year backpacking and tent camping in East Africa and South America, four weeks trekking in Nepal, half year living in Andalusia, Camino de Santiago on mountain bike, road bike trips from Seattle to Bath, Maine, Natchez Trace, Seattle to San Francisco via Oregon Coast, TDA Transeuropa, TDA Odyssey, mountain bike trips in Northern Rockies, around Moab, and various rides around California and Washington with friends, bike clubs or solo. I've summited the volcanic peaks in the Cascades as well as Mt Whitney. Besides hiking and biking I like windsurfing and skiing. I can say a few things in Spanish or Russian.

Cynthia Sheller

I’ve got an itch to travel via cycle across swathes of this earth... and am joining this tour as an experiment in handing the planning and support details over to the pros. Surely there are advantages in both columns, so it comes down to this; which, for me, is more satisfying/enriching/‘wow-ing’/fun ; Tour? Or, doing my own thing? I’m a great fan of the Earth ....mountains...grasslands...undersea wilderness...desert......Equally appreciative of living rough or living with luxuries... I enjoy my delightful well-fledged sons, reading...nature (not excluding human nature), lounging around, good friends, good food, good wine, good conversation, film, jazz, blues, classical, swing dancing, spontaneous adventure. I can't carry a tune, so if I'm singing you might want earplugs. Finally retiring this June, I’ll gift myself with you all + tda North America See ya in July....

Kevin Hall

Geoff Bailey

After a lifetime of long distance walking around the world, it’s time for me to swap the trekking boots for pedals. I’m excited to be participating in this big adventure and really looking forward to meeting you all.

Peter McCartney

My name is Peter McCartney and this is my 4th TDA trip.

Jim Skeel

My wife and I like to take bicycle trips when we go on a vacations. Ten years ago we went on a two week bicycle trip in Burma. We have been on other bicycle trips since then. We did the Orient Express with TDA in 2015. The most difficult part of this trip will be leaving my two dogs at home.

Barbara Smit

I love biking & travel. Can't wait to travel through such beautiful country

Alexandra Ruch

My name is Alexandra and after having cycled the Tour d`Afrique 2018 and Hippie Trail 2019 i am Looking Forward to another Cycling Adventure, this time in north and central america

Walker Mooney

Herman Sans

64 years old. Lots of cycling through Europe. Last year coast to coast in America. Always together with my wife Ada. We are a good team . Not fast but steady. Like to make photos on the road and enjoy the good things of live.

Ada Sans

Together with my husband herman I did several tours through Europe. Last year we did together cross America. It was a new experience for us cycling lonely roads . But we had a very nice group and looking back we are homesick of making such a tour. Because my husband has his 65 years birthday a diside to give him this present. We hope to see a lot of nice nature and animals. Off course we also looking forward to meet the group and have lots of fun together.

Kim Wright

On New Year’s day 2017 I decided to sign up for my very first cycle tour, which happened to be one of the longest commercial cycle tours available at five and a half months, TDA’s South American Epic. To be honest I had no idea what I had signed myself up for. My longest cycle prior to the tour was 80km, I had never ridden multiple days, barely managed any climbing and had mostly ridden in the safe confines of a park rather than venture out on the roads in Sydney.

It has been just over twelve months since completing the trip, and what can I say, wow what an experience! There were certainly a lot of first’s, longest ride, highest altitude, longest time on bike, all terrain conditions, off road, wind, ice, rain, heat, and every road condition you could imagine. It was an amazingly rich travel experience through spectacular landscapes, from the steep mountains of Colombia, cycling the Pan American Highway down the coast in Peru, high altitude in Peruvian Andes, crossing the Bolivian Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni), meandering through Argentinian wine country, and cycling the Carretera Austral through the amazing Patagonia landscapes of Chile.

The journey was spectacular but certainly not always easy, adjusting to long days on the bike, all weather conditions, cycling in some of the busiest cities in the world, challenging terrain, high altitude and simply backing up day after day. But what I did learn is the body has an amazing ability to respond to everything that you throw at it, it is only your mind and imagination that hold you back. Sometimes the toughest days on the bike were the most rewarding, although it did not stop me from howling a few profanities into the wind from time to time. Before you realise it, you have cycled the length of a continent.

So here I am again, ready for another adventure on the North American Epic! I look forward to meeting everyone on tour and maybe howling a few less profanities into the wind this time around :)

Richard Walsh

Retired teacher but not inactive. In previous years I crossed USA and Australia and indeed Europe (from the West coast of Ireland to Istanbul) and in 2016 from Beijing to Osh, and the Pamir Highway in 2018..... always on my trusty cyclo-cross. I live in Tipperary.....so, no matter where I am, IT'S A LONG WAY TO GO home.

Elizabeth Rooke

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

Peter Glasson

I have cycled, run, and tramped all my life. My first long ride was riding the length of New Zealand years ago self supported but raising money for CPR training equipment for the NZ Red Cross. Later I cycled from Vancouver to Calgary over those beautiful magnificent Rockies. I have mountain biked off road across Spain on the Via de la Plata. Also across Europe from the Atlantic to Belgrade on the EV6. Last year (2018), the moment I retired (!), I cycled 3,200 kms right around France (Vive la France! Wow!) . This will be the first time that I have cycled long distance in a group and the comradeship is something I am looking forward to! I am swapping NZ sandflies for Canadian mosquitoes! Traveled extensively already through Canada, USA, and Mexico but really looking forward to being back there this time on a bike, and then to see Central America.

Dean Murray

Retired from engineering in 2015 and have been doing cycling and hiking trips since, including Newfoundland, Ruta Maya, Australia, Pub Ride, West Africa and Great Divide. Cycling trips with camping are my favorite times.

Beat Jenni

Bill Wilson

This will be my 8th trip with TDA, as I've previously ridden the Trans Europa, the Orient Express, the Hippie Trail, the Bamboo Road, Magical Madagascar, the Tour d'Afrique and the Trans Oceania. I retired four 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 traveling. I am looking forward to getting together with some old friends and making some new ones.

Linda Wille

Knut Erling Wedul

In 2008 I cycled with TDA for the first time and made The Silk Route from Istanbul to Beijing. This was fun, so I did the Tour d'Afrique in 2010. The tour was a bit short, so I started at the top of my country, North Cape in Norway, and rode alone to Cairo. In 2014, I cycled from Kathmandu to the southern tip of India, and crossed South America from Quito to Usuhaia. Last year, I cycled with friends from Myanmar to New Zealand, through the countries of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. The only continent I have not cycled is North America, but in the fall I will meet you all there!

Benedicte Therien

I have been cycling all around the world solo or duo (Cuba, France, West Africa, Patagonia, Balkans, etc..). First organized tour ever, this Epic North America will start a sabbatical leave. Looking forward to meet and Bike with you

Stein Jotul Simensen

Enthusiastic off road / mtb cyclist who loves nature

Anne Wedul

Norman Viner

Physician, happily married, 3 grown boys. Trying to stay young. Love the open road on a bike. Open to new ideas, people and places. Looking forward to learning from and interacting with all riders and staff.

David McIntyre

I am a Canadian recently moved to Cayman Islands. First tried bike touring a few years ago - London to Edinburgh, more recently Toronto to Cape Breton, both on my own. I now have an idea of circumnavigating the Caribbean Sea (most of it) by bike and kayak, and I'm joining this trip- from Guatemala to Panama, as part of this journey.

Mark Heim

I was fortunate to retire early a few years ago and I now enjoy my free time staying fit and active. I've done a few other long distance bike tours including a ride across the US then up to Alaska, TDA's Transeuropa, South American Epic, the Silk Route, and part of Africa. I’ve previously ridden through some of the areas that The North American Epic will cover it is was some of the best riding of my life. I’m looking forward to sharing this adventure with old friends and meeting new people.

Nancy Stueve

Avid road cyclist who loves seeing new places from a bike seat. I've done shorter tours and ridden the Southern Tier across the USA, but this will be by far my longest trip. I'm looking forward to meeting the other people doing this ride because we must all have the same screw loose.

Clement Lam

This is my Fifth time cyclo-touring with TDA. The other four times were portions of Orient Express (Vienna to Istanbul, 2007), Silk Road (Shanghai to Dushanbe, 2012), North American Epic (Anchorage to Fort St. John, 2015) and Oh Canada (Winnipeg to Quebec City, 2017). I enjoy travelling and cycling very much so TDA tours are perfect match. I look forward to meeting like-minded friends on this trip.

Bonnie Blundon

I have been retired for 2 years. My husband and I have previously biked from Vancouver to Inuvik, and from Vancouver to St. john’s NL. The tour across Canada was self supported. We have also biked from Lands End to John O’Groats, and last summer biked from Juneau to Anchorage My other passion is x country skiing. I am thrilled to be part of this adventure.

Doug Winter

Retired, so now life is filled with XC Skiing, Canoeing and Cycling Cycle tours have included Vancouver to St John's, Vancouver to Inuvik, End to End in the UK ,

Anton Tasič

Stephen Wahl

i am an old guy who likes adventure and travel. if i detail my background i'll have nothing to talk about around d the campfire.

Donna Keystone

I am following Steve Wahl to tackle the Dempster Highway before he turns 70.

Greg Roberts

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

Anne Glasson

I am a retired accountant, exchanging a computer for a bicycle! My husband Peter and I have ridden several unsupported tours through Europe, so this will be a change for us not having to carry our own gear. I am looking forward to the challenge, companionship and the opportunity to see new and amazing things.

John Poe

Recently retired and excited about riding north to south with people from all over the world. Looking forward to learning from the vast cycling experiences from the cyclist on the expedition. A trip of a life time for me.

Kevin McAleer

Paul Blint

Hi, I'm 63 years old, and have been running and cycling for 49 of those years. Been biking for 32 years, wow I'm old! Raced bikes for 8 years including a couple of years as a category 2. Now it's all about seeing the sights and moving under human power, and meeting like-minded folks. I rode across Nevada last fall and I'm really looking forward to seeing more of the Southwest on two wheels!

Jessica Moyer

guy bonnetta

I'm a retired manager at a bio tech seed company. I live in Winnipeg Canada. I have 3 grown daughters and 4 wonderful little grandchildren, 2 of which I see just about everyday. I'm a avid road biker, belonging to a couple of different cycling groups. But living in the Prairies I don't get much hill or mountain practice. So I'll be slow on the hills of Central America. Looking forward to meeting up with the group in Granada

Lee Taylor

I am retired in Tucson, Arizona, married, and have been a bicycle tourist for the last 25 years or so. I road bike, mountain bike, and try to get in a tour each year. I have toured South America, Vietnam, Singapore to Thailand, Japan. At home rode the Great Divide Trail and Northern Tier among others. Normally I tour with friends self supported. The last two years I have done two supported tours. I am 71 years old.

Andrés Guadrón

still learning...

Adele Woodyard

Barendina Hunt-Davis

Love exploring countries on my bicycle

Brian Fullerton

Have done several tda trips (mostly sections) and am excited about Helena to Moab. Even more excited about having a shiny new bike. The photo was taken during the West African trip not long before I fell in the ocean and ruined my phone, my gps, my pride and of course my bike.

Charles Feaver

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

John Waterhouse

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

Lloyd Strong

HI, I'm looking forward to this adventure and meeting everyone. And renewing some old friendships as well. Never been to the Northwest territories and can't wait to experience all it's charms.

Louise Sims

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

Nelson Lacharity

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

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.

Svend Paulsen

Hi Since I retired from Teaching 11 years ago I have had the opportunity to travel with TDA . This will be my 8th trip. I enjoy meeting new travelers as well as reuniting with old friends . Together we see and experience the incredible wonders of the world first hand and up close . I look forward to seeing all of you on the North American Epic