patricia moore

I started biking about 15 years ago when I met my husband, Helmut Kiffmann. While I don't ride as much as he does, I have been training pretty hard these last couple of months, riding with his bike group, taking spin classes and doing my grocery shopping by bicycle. We rode the first leg of the Orient Express two years ago, and had a great time, and are ready for more! We look forward to meeting you all in Vienna, and even more, to arriving in Istanbul. See you soon!

Patrick McManus

Living in Perth, Western Australia. Working in the Mining Industry. Looking forward to meeting everyone and a month of new sights, experiences and some hard rides.

Chet Basher

Looking forward to this adventure-----Have previously done ride across USA and 2 other TDA trips in Europe--- Stay well to all have fun

Stephen Frost

Turning 60 soon so thought I better do it now.

Lisa Norcross

Hello Everyone, I am relatively new to bike touring - having done my first tour in 2009 along the Camino de Santiago from France through Northern Spain and back to France. I absolutely loved it and have since done a few other shorter tours, most recently crossing Switzerland from Lake Geneva to Bodensee. I am taking advantage of changing jobs to take the time for another long tour and I am thoroughly looking forward to it. See you all in Paris in a few weeks! Lisa.

Bonny Fairweather

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Don Colpitts

The vendors setting up their market stalls in the early morning light, the children joining friends for the walk to school, scooters carrying entire families through busy intersections: the start of another day, in this town, right now, right here, where I am in the midst of the intimate fleeting dance called life. Some make references to "real-life" back at home, call this journey "once-in-a-lifetime", speak of a destination as a finish line. I reject all such attempts to constrain these experiences of exploring the world's peoples, cultures, geographies, religions, customs, daily rhythms of life, as merely attempts to stay sheltered in what is familiar, to be put it in a box to be forgotten. Instead, these journeys are life-changing: challenging what we think we know, can do, can feel, and need.

Evan Colpitts

25, living in Montreal. Going on this tour with my dad (Don Colpitts). This is my first bike tour!

Vilma Plesníková

Hello everybody, my name is Vilma. I like going to the nature by bike or just for a walk whenever it is possible. Bottle of water, some snack, camera and good weather - what could be better :-) See you soon

Peter Plesník

Hi, my name is Peter Plesník and I work as a shop assistent and bicycle mechanic. I'll be your mechanic on this tour and I am looking forward to meeting you all :-)

Brian Cox

I love taking bicycle vacations. I think I took my first bicycle vacation in 1992 or so. All my trips have been on road bikes using commercial touring companies and some tours with friends as well. Click on my blog to see some of my trips. Happy Biking, Brian Cox

Brigitta Varadinek

My first and only experience with a longer cycling tour was two years ago when we went from Belgrad to the Black Sea. The photo shows how it ended up ... we brought three little dogs. I loved Romania, the people, the landscape, the bars in Bukarest, so I am looking forward to come back again. Otherwise I am more a runner than a cyclist but I will start training as soon as the sun will show up. At the moment we still have snow in Berlin. So I hope I will make it! I love traveling, Africa, South America, lived in Paris for some years, but now I work too much so I am looking forward to head away for a while. See you all in Wien.

Daniel Frye

Hello, I'm a retired oceanographer and I've taken up cycle touring as a replacement for running and backpacking, which I'm no longer able to do. My wife and I have done several previous trips with TDA (Orient Express, TransOceania, and the South American Epic) and we're looking forward to another interesting and challenging experience this year in Africa. Looking forward to meeting all the riders and seeing old friends.

David Hamilton

So where in the world next? A love of travel and adventure since I was a kid has seen me scuba-diving in a shark tank, kayaking on the Zambesi River and sky diving over the desert in Swakopmund, abseiling down waterfalls and caving, trekking to Everest Base Camp and climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro, and travelling by overland truck down the west coast of Africa. As well as the heart-pumping action of occasionally cycling to work in the traffic in Sydney, I have also enjoyed more leisurely rides alongside some of the canals in the Netherlands, ridden over the high passes in Kashmir, cycled the length of the Birdsville track in the Australian Outback and the Old Telegraph Track to the tip of Cape York, and struggled up and rolled down Alpe D’Huez. So now it is on what will hopefully be an enjoyable yet challenging ride across Europe.

Helmut Kiffmann

My wife, Patricia Moore, and I live in Encinitas, CA and we took these pictures in our front yard. I am a semi-retired Real Estate developer and investor who has enjoyed bicycling for the last 20 years. I ride once or twice a week locally and have done a number of 1-2 week tours, mostly in the Western US, but also in portions of Europe including France, Austria, Denmark, Germany and Hungary. I am looking forward to the tour from Paris to Vienna, and wish I could stay with you to Istanbul, and hope to complete that portion in 2015. I look forward to meeting all of you in Paris.

James Panzl

Love traveling (39 countries), having my paradigms altered and/or expanded, meeting demanding goals and biking in general. This tour should address all of the above.

Jean Abbott

Hi all! My family and I love exploring by bike. We really enjoyed the Orient Express a couple of years ago with TDA, and India last year! Ready for something tamer this year. We have 2 adult kids and one 15-year-old granddaughter, who lives next door -- awesome! Our son Nate and his girlfriend Courtney are joining this trip too -- even though we might not Pub-crawl as much as they will. I'm not as addicted to biking as my quick-twitch husband, but I usually get where I want to go, even if it may be a bit slower than some of the rest of you. In my other life, I'm a doctor and "academic" type trying to learn how to slow down, retired a few years ago from Emergency Medicine. I'm currently more interested in bioethics, and work more doing clinical ethics (as part of our US dysfunctional healthcare system) these days. Looking forward to meeting all of you soon!

Jim Murton

I seem to be at that stage of life where I'm not sure if I'm unemployed or retired. Consequently, cycling is occupying more of my time. Currently, I'm "researching" and preparing a guide for some bike routes around our cottage. In the recent (and not so recent) past I completed the Tour du Canada in 2006 (hello Lloyd Strong; I was in the other group...). I've also done some mountain and road biking in France (including a climb up the infamous Mont Ventoux) and Thailand, and have taken many other "more local" trips in Ontario and Quebec. Touring by bicycle is the best way to see new places and meet new people. I look forward to meeting all of you in Paris.

Lil Martin

I reside in Manitoba Canada and we are experiencing a very cold winter. I enjoy the slower pace of cycling and love to explore different countries. Cycled Nashville TN to Winnipeg MB, across Canada, Vancouver BC to Inuvik NWT, Orient Express tour, state of Iowa, and shorter Canadian trips. Staying active has always been a part of my life and I enjoy biking and trekking in the Himalaya's. I've been fortunate and proud to be a part of this group tour, sharing unique cycling experiences with like minded people from all parts of the world. I want to live my dreams instead of dreaming my life! This tour will be another great adventure and look forward to meeting everyone and enjoying some great company. Cheers,

Liz Bicknell

Hi. My profile photo is of myself with my sons taken at a recent wedding in Vancouver. I am Irish by birth but have lived in Canada as a proud Canadian since 1984. Before that I lived in East Africa where I worked with the United Nations. I have 3 sons and two granddaughters. I love to hike and bike and am counting the days to the start of our cycling trip. I work full time with the BC government. For those of you interested in politics the government has just won another 4 years in office in an historic election victory on May 14. I love to travel and enjoy rambling all over the world. After this trip I will know whether or not I will be biking all over the world! My birthday is August 25 and I look forward to celebrating it with my biking buddies in Istanbul and sharing some champagne which I have been able to purchase along the way. Happy training everyone and I look forward to meeting you all. My blog address is bicknell2013bikeride.wordpress.com See you in Paris. Cheers, Liz.

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.

Lori Evans

I'm a mother/grandmother/speech pathologist/avid runner/cyclist from San Antonio, Texas. Had a wonderful experience on The Orient Express in 2013. Looking so forward to getting to know everyone and sharing a great adventure!!

Louise Sims

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

Maureen Wotherspoon

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

Mick McManus

Hello everyone, I am a retired teacher from London UK and have recently enjoyed many long cycle trips. I would describe myself as a traveller who cycles and appreciates the extra opportunities for eating and drinking afforded by need for extra calories!! Looking forward to the trip and meeting new cycling friends.

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, semi-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. BTW, in the picture, I'm the one on the right.

Robert Shapiro

I have enjoyed biking from childhood. I retired in 2007 after a very rewarding career in general & bariatric surgery. My wife & I live in northern MN for the summer & in coastal NC for the rest of the year. We have two grown sons. Since retiring I now have time to pursue my love of bicycle touring. In addition to day and week tours(e.g. CANDISC, C&O canal), I have traveled by bike through Normandy,the Netherlands & in 2008 between Amsterdam & Florence. In 2011 I cycled across the Northern Tier of the US with a group. I currently ride an S&S coupled touring bike to avoid the outrageous airline charges for sending bikes as luggage. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone & cycling the Orient Express.

Shanny Hill

Look forward to meeting everyone in Alaska. I have worked for TDA for over 10 years now and every trip is a new and challenging experience. I have been fortunate to have traveled all over the place, but North America ironically I have not explored much. It should be great fun (except maybe for the mosquitoes). Happy pedals...

Shirley Frye

Have enjoyed many TDA trips and hope to do many many more.

Steven Pade

I live in the United States on the West coast in Burlingame, California just south of San Francisco. I'm a retired software engineer that specialized in medical applications. I love to travel. I will go anywhere anytime. This is my third TDA tour. I cycled the Orient Express in 2013 and Magical Madagascar in 2017. Cycling is my passion. I am proud of the fact that I bicycle more miles per year then I ride or idrive a car. I love the freedom of traveling on a bicycle. Traveling by bicycle your only concern is your health, your bicycle, and experiencing the immediate world around you. Im looking forward to meeting you in India and experiencing the wonder of the Himalaya Mountains with you.

Peter McCartney

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

John Brady

Male, 64 years old, canadian

Marian Brady

I Retired 6 years ago from Sheridan College where I was a sales rep for training and development to business and industry. We have two adult children, Meredith who is a chiropractor here in Port Dalhousie and Ryan a carpenter in Rossland B.C. One grandson two and a bit and little brother on the way in November. Grandchildren are wonderful. I can enjoy them but get lots of bike riding in too which was impossible when our kids were young. John and I ski out west at Red Mountain in the winter also do a lot of snow shoeing and cross country skiing. As well as sing with friends with guitars and ukelales. We stay out there all winter to make sure we catch the pow when it comes. Also book club and bridge. Off ski season is biking, yoga Pilates and playing with our grandson Finnley, in Port. This summer we did an awesome bike trip in Holland, Belgium and France. Bike and barge from Bruge to Paris. We rode everyday for month. It was wonderful. Looking forward to summer 2015 with Tour d'Afrique.

Graham Geddes

My name is Graham and I am from the South Island of New Zealand. I am greatly looking forward to this my first big bike ride outside New Zealand. Over the last eight months I have completed some big rides locally with a veteran of TDA Jim Pearce. It is Jim who has inspired me to take on this adventure and who has been high in praise of the way these tours are organised. It is my intention to be at Paris for the start and at Istanbul for the finish hopefully completing EFI.

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.

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?!

kathy herson

I'm 65 years old and look it. I love to bike, meet new people, and see the sights. I like the TDA format a great deal as you get enough support, but lots of opportunities to mingle with the locals. I am looking forward to this ride and meeting everyone.

Gillian Davies

Hi I'm Gill. I am 55 years old, married with 2 children. I love road biking and mountain biking but have never previously done a trip of longer than 6 days (yikes!). I am leaving my job in Marketing towards a future with a better work life balance and this adventure is the kick start. I am doing the trip with my dear friend Debbie and we are looking forward to the journey and adventure.

Wei Ruan

Hi my name is Wei. I love travel and seeing different parts of the world. I like bicycle touring. In my opinion, bicycle touring is the best way to interact with environment and people. I have done bicycle tour from Paris to Istanbul with TDA in 2015 and some short and medium tours in the past ( cycled around Qin Hai lake in China, rode to Niagara fall from Toronto with my son. )

Bennett Herson-Roeser

I am a 19 year old from Wisconsin. I have been doing different cycling tours throughout the United States for nearly 6 years now. Outside of biking, I enjoy music and dance, puppies, and playing tennis.

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.

Jane Bloodworth

I have recently retired from teaching and looking forward to this bicycle adventure.

Michael Morgan

A Kiwi who moved to Victoria, BC for a few years and is now permanently living in Melbourne, Australia. Still working part time after a corporate career across several different companies in plastics. Married to Jane (who is also on this tour) and have four children. We both took up cycling 7 years ago and have been to Vietnam, Cambodia and NZ on shorter cycling tours. Jane and I are currently building our kilometres to hopefully enable us to enjoy rather than endure the Orient Express ride. Other interests include yacht racing and 4x4 touring in outback Australia.

Denise Silk

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

Callum Davidson

22 years old, enjoys outdoor activities. I am Half Dutch and Half Scottish. Recently Graduated from University studying Environmental Science. Hopefully will be accepted into a Masters degree for a course relating to Renewable Energy starting in September 2015.

Tone I. Lundsaunet

Biking vacations since 2006. TDA´s: the Orient Express 2015 and Cannes-Barcelona in 2016. Looking forward to meet you all again!

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 Ellis

Orient,Europa,Odyssey and now a Pub Ride. All good and looking forward to the fun and comradrie.

Ruth Grathwohl

Looking forward to participating in my 5th TDA ride with my husband Peter Ellis

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

Judy Murphy

I'm retired after many years as an auditor for the State of Alaska. I been on 47 bicycle tours mostly in the United States, all in North America. They've varied from overnights to 8 week cross-country (USA) trips. Early trips were self-supported, but recent ones have almost all been supported. I look forward meeting new people, seeing new places, seeing some great new scenery, and to the challenge. "I'm not slow—I just enjoy the ride a lot longer than you." http://yehudamoon.com/20120328/

Özgür Karataş

“Working outdoors is phenomenal.”

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

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

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

Gergo Szanyi

Hi, My name is Gergo [Grrr-go], I'm from Budapest, Hungary. Graduated in Visual Communications (photography and graphic design) After more than a decade of annual and occasional bike touring with my family and friends in the late 80's and 90's, a few seasons of mountain bike racing, and quite few years of just sitting in an office, in 2005 I've read a magazine article about the Tour of Freaks... I mean... the Tour d'Afrique, it made me wonder if it is even doable? Next January I found myself in Cairo at the start line of the 4th edition of TDA, and completed the full tour successfully. Since then, I did a couple of Orient Express tours, Amber Route, Trans Europa, Odyssey and PubRide. In 2007 I also crossed the Himalaya by bike, riding from Lhasa to Kathmandu including a ride to Mount Everest North face base camp where this photograph was taken.

Peter Plesník

Hi, my name is Peter Plesník and I work as a shop assistent and bicycle mechanic. I'll be your mechanic on this tour and I am looking forward to meeting you all :-)

Vilma Plesníková

Hello everybody, my name is Vilma. I like going to the nature by bike or just for a walk whenever it is possible. Bottle of water, some snack, camera and good weather - what could be better :-) See you soon

josine meurs

Trond Michelsen

Hi. I'm a 45 year old programmer from Oslo, Norway. This is my fifth trip with TDA. Previously I've done a section on Bamboo Road (2013), three sections on Trans-Europa (2014 and 2016) and the complete Orient Express (2015). Looking forward to a great summer of cycling

Matt Wilson

28-year-old technical/creative writer from Ontario. I've done a few short bicycle trips (northern Iceland, Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada), but this will be the longest by a fair margin. Looking forward to the challenge!

Gabriella Ginsberg-Fletcher

I am and Israeli born multinational young adult. I grew up in Jerusalem but spent a few years in Switzerland as well. Upon completing my army service I went traveling through Latin America finally landing in New York City. I am currently a student at Columbia University where I am studying Political Science and Sustainable Development. I hope to somehow make positive change in our world.

patricia moore

I started biking about 15 years ago when I met my husband, Helmut Kiffmann. While I don't ride as much as he does, I have been training pretty hard these last couple of months, riding with his bike group, taking spin classes and doing my grocery shopping by bicycle. We rode the first leg of the Orient Express two years ago, and had a great time, and are ready for more! We look forward to meeting you all in Vienna, and even more, to arriving in Istanbul. See you soon!

Barendina Hunt-Davis

Love exploring countries on my bicycle

Helmut Kiffmann

My wife, Patricia Moore, and I live in Encinitas, CA and we took these pictures in our front yard. I am a semi-retired Real Estate developer and investor who has enjoyed bicycling for the last 20 years. I ride once or twice a week locally and have done a number of 1-2 week tours, mostly in the Western US, but also in portions of Europe including France, Austria, Denmark, Germany and Hungary. I am looking forward to the tour from Paris to Vienna, and wish I could stay with you to Istanbul, and hope to complete that portion in 2015. I look forward to meeting all of you in Paris.

Robin Hunt-Davis

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

Stephen Williams

Hi all committed and prospective fellow Orient Express participants, I hail from Canberra, Australia - though the family "home town" is Darwin, NT. I've participated in a number of "Big Bike Rides" in Australia - But they are small stuff (in terms of duration) compared to the Orient Express. Aside from recreational road riding I also play at mountain biking (for fitness). I work for an international development non-government organisation - 23 years plus now. Motivation for ride is mainly to be able to say I've ridden from Paris to Istanbul! NB. Despite career/professional expertise I'm linguistically (outside of English) and directionally challenged

Randall Shier

Randy is happily married to his best friend and wife Sandy of 33 years. He has three adult children, two of them married and two young grandsons. Randy resides in Kelowna, British Columbia and enjoys his real estate development career as President of Mission Group Homes. When he is not working, he loves travel, cycling, snow skiing and oil painting. Born in Vancouver, he has been a lifelong west coast Canadian, with the exception being his six college years in Los Angeles, earning a degree in architecture from the University of Southern California. His favourite team sports to watch are hockey and football. Randy is an avid Canadian Olympic hockey team fan, a USC Trojan college football fan, as well as a Seattle Seahawk NFL fan. He and Sandy have experienced long distance cycling once before in 2015, when they rode 1,800 km, unsupported from Canterbury, England to Rome, Italy. Randy is grateful to be married to an adventurous wife as the 2015 cycle to Rome and the Paris to Istanbul trip are her ideas.

Sandy Shier

I love to read and ride bicycles… but not at the same time! I also write and wakeboard. My winters’ include snow skiing, walking in the silence of a fresh snow, and finding creative ways to stay warm. Cooking is one of my happy places as I try to make the world a better place through one yummy taste at a time and I want to see the whole world in unique ways.Backpacking through Europe, barging In France,cycling from London to Rome, and trekking the Sahara are a few travel highlights. My eyes truly light up when I get to hover near my family; husband, Randy and my kids; Luke, and Rachael(Johnny) and Hannah (Chad) and two grandsons Santiago and Solomon. My vocational passion is to love those on the fringe and fight for the most marginalized of society, which I currently do through a street level church in Kelowna Canada.

Mark Brumbaugh

Love to see the world from a cycle saddle and connect with people, though I haven't toured through days of bad weather yet. My wife and I recently retired from our New Jersey careers. I was a technologist for Prudential Financial. Domestically, we've cycle-toured in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom into the Eastern Townships of Quebec, around the Finger Lakes Region in New York, in the Okanagan Region of BC, and in Orange and San Diego counties. The winter we're going out with our local Morris Area Freewheelers for the first taste of cold weather cycling. Lots of European touring also. Majorca cycling is awesome. Our most recent tour was a great 3 week cycle tour of Croatia with Sitnica. I look forward to experiencing the variety of cultures the Orient Express Tour offers. I'd enjoy sharing any recommendations for reading preparation for what we are about to encounter. Ride on, Mark

gaye swanson

I like to travel by bike; it gives me the opportunity to peek into people's backyards and absorb the essence of a community. My husband, Mark, and I have had many bicycling adventures throughout Europe and North America but we do most of our riding near our home in the the hills of Northwest New Jersey. I am looking forward to the challenge and the new experiences of the Orient Express.

Balazs Perjesy

Bob Briggs

My name is Bob Briggs, 71 year old State of Florida retiree. Since my retirement in 2001. I have completed bike tours in India, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, TDA Africa, Silk Route to Xi'an before crashing and SAE to Lima. Have not done a tour in over a year. I am presently suffering from TDA Global Cycling withdrawal. I've also done numerous less formal long distance tours prior to hooking up with TDA. Went to college in Salzburg, Austria in 1966 but have never done any cycling in Europe. Really looking forward to it!!!!

Robert Kazmerchek

I am 66. My bike is heavy and I am a bit slow. Milwaukee is my home base. I am hooked on TDA and this year’s fix is the Bamboo Road. Looking forward to having a Singapore Sling in Bangkok at the end of my journey.

Gergo Szanyi

Hi, My name is Gergo [Grrr-go], I'm from Budapest, Hungary. Graduated in Visual Communications (photography and graphic design) After more than a decade of annual and occasional bike touring with my family and friends in the late 80's and 90's, a few seasons of mountain bike racing, and quite few years of just sitting in an office, in 2005 I've read a magazine article about the Tour of Freaks... I mean... the Tour d'Afrique, it made me wonder if it is even doable? Next January I found myself in Cairo at the start line of the 4th edition of TDA, and completed the full tour successfully. Since then, I did a couple of Orient Express tours, Amber Route, Trans Europa, Odyssey and PubRide. In 2007 I also crossed the Himalaya by bike, riding from Lhasa to Kathmandu including a ride to Mount Everest North face base camp where this photograph was taken.

Ming-Jiing Hsieh

Ming-Jiing Hsieh from Taiwan(Formosa) and I may be the first Asian cyclist to participate in TDA for past years and forthcoming 2017 for this route Orient Express. I will be excited to do this trip together with many other people from all over the world. It enables me to make new friends and have a lot of fun through these countries and experience different cultures, people and natures and eventually make a great discovery Europe. Should I succeed in accomplishing this journey with my bike all the way, it would make my dream come true after these years and generate it into a lifelong unforgettable memony. I look forward to fulfilling my dream this time after my retirement. See everyone in Paris!

Özgür Karataş

“Working outdoors is phenomenal.”

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

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

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

Catalin Pricoiu

Paul Doyle

Hello everyone My name is Paul Doyle I am a retired 62 yo from the lower Blue Mountains near Sydney ( Irish Born ). Married with two adult children. I enjoy hiking and cycle touring, I am not a fast rider but I always get there. Previously I have cycled in Indonesia,end to end UK, across Australia Perth to Melbourne and last year across America Oregon to New Hampshire, always with a tour company. I am looking forward to meeting everyone in Vienna.

Daniel Kurka

I'm 57 YO, have been retired for 3 years from the hospitality industry. I live in Warburton Vic, a small country town in the mountains 75 km from Melbourne. I have a wife, son, dog, 5 chooks and a hive of bees. I ride 10 - 15,000 km a year, mainly on hilly roads with some gravel rides & MTB. O/S I've cycled in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, India (Himalayas) GB, & Italy. Though the Orient Express will be my longest cycling trip (so far). Looking forward to riding new roads in different countries, especially the mountains.

Shaun Busuttil

My name's Shaun and I'm an Aussie, originally from Melbourne. For the last four years I've been travelling around the world, living in different countries and working online as a travel writer and journalist. This will be my first ever multi-day cycling trip and I'm really excited about the challenge!

Gergo Szanyi

Hi, My name is Gergo [Grrr-go], I'm from Budapest, Hungary. Graduated in Visual Communications (photography and graphic design) After more than a decade of annual and occasional bike touring with my family and friends in the late 80's and 90's, a few seasons of mountain bike racing, and quite few years of just sitting in an office, in 2005 I've read a magazine article about the Tour of Freaks... I mean... the Tour d'Afrique, it made me wonder if it is even doable? Next January I found myself in Cairo at the start line of the 4th edition of TDA, and completed the full tour successfully. Since then, I did a couple of Orient Express tours, Amber Route, Trans Europa, Odyssey and PubRide. In 2007 I also crossed the Himalaya by bike, riding from Lhasa to Kathmandu including a ride to Mount Everest North face base camp where this photograph was taken.

Balazs Perjesy

Cove Fylpaa

Hello! My name is Cove and I'm going to be the Tour Mechanic and Support Aide for the 2019 Orient Express. Since graduating from Macalester College, I've been exploring the bicycle industry from every angle that I can. I have a broad range of mechanic experience spanning from community bike co-ops to racing focused boutiques. Lately, I've been most excited about linking single track to spend all day on my mountain bike, racing the regional enduro series with my friends, and getting into bicycle frame building. I've done a bit of self-supported touring in Central America and a handful of overnight trips in the United States, but this will be my first time visiting Europe, let alone exploring the continent by bike! I cant wait to sample all the beautiful breads, stinky cheeses, and cured meats throughout our trip. I'm looking forward to connecting with each of you over the next few months as we all prepare for our travels together later this summer.

Stephanie Thornton

Hello good people, my name is Stephanie, and I will be your Assistant Tour Leader. I am from Canada, currently living in Victoria, BC. I have lived, worked, and travelled throughout Africa for the greater part of the last 10 years. Looking forward to getting back on the road.

Melissa Morse

I have settled in Houston, Texas after living overseas for most of my adult life. Originally from suburban New Jersey, I headed to the Rocky Mountains for college and stayed a while to enjoy all the healthy living. I enjoy traveling on a bicycle; it provides more opportunity to interact with people, to smell the aromas and feel the elements, and it's a great way to burn enough calories to enjoy the flavors along the way. I haven't been very active since I had a hip replacement last year and am challenging myself to get back into shape with this Orient Express ride as my reward. On, on!

Bob Kieckhefer

Geophysicist, cyclist, swimmer. I currently live in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where there are plenty of hills to climb.

Jay Ozturk

Looking forward to challenges ahead.I am Realtor in Toronto and love adventure. This tour fits my style perfectly.

Cathy Mead

I'm a retired academic, and a board member of Council on the Ageing, Australia. I love cycling and hiking, and doting on 4 grandchildren. I live in Melbourne, Australia. This will be my 3rd epic cycling trip and I've completed a lot of shorter trips in all states of Australia, in New Zealand, Europe, Vietnam and China.

Margaret Perlette

I'm Marg. I look forward to the sights and experiences that the Orient Express will offer next summer. While I enjoy single bike riding as well, I prefer to tour on the tandem as Mike can only get so far ahead of me on the road!

Michael Perlette

Please call me Mike. Like many Canadian kids I rode a bike around my neighborhood from sunrise to sundown. Eventually the rides got a bit longer, we packed a small lunch and we left the neighborhood. When I got my drivers licence at the age of 16 I pretty much abandoned my bike as I discovered cars, girls and employment. The occasional time that I did get back on a bike it felt foreign and a bit uncomfortable. I was 25 and hitch hiking in New Zealand when I became acquainted with 2 very independent cyclists who were using 2 wheels instead of their thumb to see the country. A light went on and the next summer I rode across Canada with my tent, sleeping bag and what I could fit in my panniers. Since then cycling has been a constant in my life. Sometimes a little sometimes a lot. I am fortunate in that my wife shares my love of 2 wheels and we have done a lot of rides together especially in the past half dozen years. We bought a tandem a couple of years ago and we will be bringing it on the Orient Express ride. It is a way to see other parts of the planet while staying in the slow lane, smelling, hearing, tasting and feeling the places that you pass through. Cheers...

Maria Victoria Cardini

Retired. Hobbies: travels, movies and technology

Stephen Slotnick

I'm a 62-year-old resident of Juneau, Alaska. Mostly retired from state service last year. If I'm not traveling, I like to cross-country ski in winter, and bicycle or hike in summer, with my wife, Kate. We have three daughters and five grandchildren. This ride is way ambitious for me. Yet perfect.

Katherine Slotnick

I am a retired public health nurse living in Juneau, Alaska.

Wayne Grover

Turning 66 just days before the ride starts! (How did that happen!?). Bike touring enthusiast, Recently retired, (Prof. Emeritus (ECE), U. Alberta). TDA Alumni of NAE 2015, French Connection 2016, Oh Canada 2017. Took 2018 off from any long tours and looking forward to getting to know everyone on the Orient Express this summer.

Michel Bee

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

Carolyn Pearson

I'm excited to cycle from Paris to Budapest with my husband, Doug Pearson and all of you! I started cycling in April 2011. Four short years later my husband asked me to participate in the last month of the 2015 Tour d'Afrique. After much consideration, I said yes. I enjoyed one of the most challenging, scenic & cultural experiences of my life! This time the trip was my idea : ) I am looking forward to experiencing a variety of European cultures, food, history & sites along the way. See you in July!

will carter

I live in Bedford uk.,im 69 and enjoy reading , cycling ,traveling and meeting people of different cultures.

John Karwoski

Sixty six years old, retired. Enjoy road bicycling, camping, and hiking. This will be my first bicycle excursion longer than two days!

Robert Stavros

I am a retired engineer who likes to ride on long trips. I have made the Cross Country trip from Oregon to New Hampshire with America By Bike (ABB) and I have gone from Oregon to San Francisco also with ABB. I have done several week long trips with Lizard Head Tours in Utah and New Mexico,

Steve Rogers

I'm an active cyclist, always seeking new adventures and, having thoroughly enjoyed the 2018 Pub Ride, now look forward to the 2019 Orient Express tour. Let's ride - 'eat, drink and be merry' - all the way to Istanbul!

Donna Queen

I love to bike but have never attempted a ride like this one before. Last year I rode in the California Coast Classic--8 consecutive days of 80 miles per day. It was a great ride, but a tough one! I'm looking forward to this--the riding and the sightseeing--and meeting some great people!

Peter Roberts

I'm really excited to get behind the iron curtain and experience the roads of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. This is my first adventure with TdA, and I'll be relying on the experience of my well travelled wife, Trina Prior, to get me through! We'll be raising money for Cycle 4 Sam, an Australian charity supporting paediatric palliative care projects.

Mark Brandjord

Hi, I'm Mark. I live near Seattle Washington, and I'm retired. I worked as a software developer for over 30 years, and I've been retired since 2013. I am looking forward to this ride because every day I'll get to ride down a road I've never been on before, and I'll get to experience so many new sights, sounds and tastes. And the frosting on the cake will be getting to share the day with so many other people who enjoy cycling as much as I do.

William Olmstead

Lawyer and educator who ended up in Ghana managing a furniture manufacturing and retail company. www.furnart-gh.com.

Kathleen Dempsey

Recently retired nurse practitioner. Have done quite a bit of long-distance cycling in past: TDA 2008 alum. Have not cycled in Europe. Looking forward to seeing new parts of the world to me and having a great time.

Stella Afesumeh

I like an adventure I like to see different cultures I am sure I'm taking a gigantic bite... we shall see

sylvain rondeau

i am so happy to be on this tour

Joseph Lee

I love to travel, and bicycle touring is my preferred way to see the world. This will be my first tour as a 'sectional rider'. I’ve enjoyed 4 full TDA tours: Indian Adventure, Ruta Maya, Pub Ride, West Africa en Vélo. I am looking forward to re-visiting Budapest and experiencing Romania, Bulgaria and Istanbul for the first time. 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.

FINN TRYGVE NYBAKKE

My name is Finn and I have lived in Norway all my life since I was born i 1952. I am a father of two Girls who have given me four grandchildren. I live together with my biking companion Asrun who has 4 children an 3 grandchildren. Most important is that all our grandchildren live near by us in Oslo. Five years ago we joined TDA on the last stage on The Silk Road to Istanbul. This time we also are heading for Istanbul but from the opposite direction; and we are biking full Tour (but no camping)! See you soon in Paris! :-)

ASRUN AALVIK

I am born in 1951 in Hardanger in the western part of Norway With narrow fjords between steep Mountains. I love hiking and biking, but most of all I love to be grand mother of two girls and one boy!

Doug Pearson

Hi: I am 60 years old and live in St. Louis, Missouri, USA with my wife, Carolyn. I have two grown children, one living in Houston, Texas and the other living in Seattle, Washington. I completed the Tour d'Afrique in 2015 and the Garden of Eden Section of the Silk Route in 2016. Haven't done much travel in 1st world countries so looking forward to hotels every night; Great new friendships; A fun relaxing time; Exploring with my wife and being with all of you!! Cheers!! Doug

Trina Prior

I live in Vancouver, British Columbia. I love to see the world from the view of my bike and have done several multi-day cycling trips including Kenya to Tanzania in 2007 and Alaska to Whitehorse in 2013 with TDA. I will be raising money for Cycle 4 Sam which supports Pediatric Palliative Care Service at the Adelaide Children's Hospital http://www.cycle4sam.com/ This will be my second long distance bike trip with my husband Peter Roberts Looking forward to Cycling with Vlad and the rest of the TDA riders.