Bonny Fairweather

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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.

Stephen Frost

Turning 60 soon so thought I better do it now.

Shanny Hill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

Hi everyone, 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

Evan Colpitts

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

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. http://www.coxintl.com 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 2014, the South American Epic, and Tour d'Afrique, among others) and we're looking forward to another interesting and challenging experience this year in Australia and New Zealand. 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.

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, 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.

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.

Shirley Frye

Have enjoyed many TDA trips and hope to do many many more. After health issues and Covid, back on the road again. Slower for sure but so looking forward to a part of the world I've never been but hear so many great things about.

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.

Bill Wilson

I am looking forward to another challenging and adventurous tour with TDA, my 14th.. I retired eleven years ago, after more than 35 years prosecuting criminal cases for the Ontario government, and spend the bulk of my time cycling, golfing, reading and travelling. It will be great to get together with some old and new friends.

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.

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.

John Brady

Male, 64 years old, canadian

Barbara Smit

Love cycling and travel. Looking forward to seeing this part of the world

Jim Skeel

Barb and I have done several TDA rides. The most difficult part of this trip will be leaving my one old dog at home. Consequently, I am only signing up for the first section.

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/

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

Ruth Grathwohl

Looking forward to participating in my 6th TDA ride with my husband Peter Ellis

Peter Ellis

Five TDA’s. All good.Looking forward to the fun ahead.

Trond Michelsen

Hi. I'm a 49 year old programmer from Oslo, Norway. This will be my sixth 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) and Pub Ride (2018) 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.

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 :-)

Gergo Szanyi

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

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.

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!

josine meurs

Vilma Plesníková

Hi everyone, 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

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.

kathy herson

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

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. )

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.

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!

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.

Jane Bloodworth

I live in Melbourne. I love cycling long distances with the assistance of TDA.

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

My initial TDA experience was the Orient Express (Paris to Istanbul) in 2015. Many good friends made on that ride with whom connections have been maintained to this day. It's taken me 10 years to get the time, money and health/fitness aligned to do another TDA ride. The last component in particular has proved particularly challenging this 12 months or so. My background is living and/or working in cross-cultural contexts primarily in International Humanitarian Emergency Relief and Development. So the opportunity to immerse myself for the first time in the cultural experiences that Japan has to offer is a significant attraction of the ride. Looking forward to sharing a great experience with friends yet to be made.

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.

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.

Ming-Jiing Hsieh

Ming-Jiing Hsieh from Taiwan(Formosa) . I may be the first Asian cyclist to participate in TDA for past years and forthcoming 2024 for this route Pub-Ride 2024. I will be excited to do this trip together with many other cyclists 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 memory. I look forward to fulfilling my dream this time after my retirement. See everyone in Dublin!

Gergo Szanyi

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

Robert Kazmerchek

I need to travel somewhere on my bicycle and I’ve never been to Korea or Japan. I have a hunch that this trip is gonna fly. It can’t come soon enough!

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!!!!

Balazs Perjesy

I am based in Hungary. Having started out as a chef with TDA, I think food is one of the most important elements for a successful tour. I like to introduce local delicacies to our riders, and get to know their stories over a nice meal. I also enjoy connecting with locals - from receptionists to market vendors to car mechanics to kitchen staff at hotels. I like getting to know them and working together with them. I am often amazed how kindhearted, selfless and helpful most people are, and how far some of them go to help a cycling tour continue its journey. It is a great feeling to solve a hard situation without the clients noticing anything. As one of our riders put it, when the surface of the water is smooth, no one needs to know how much pedaling is going on underneath.

My personal favourite bike ride on a TDA tour was an early morning Sierra Nevada in Spain scout ride on Trans-Europa.

My advice to future TDA participants is to come with curiosity, a well fit bike and a lightweight duffel bag. All three will make your life so much easier every day.

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 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. Also the full 2017 TDA Orient Express. In 2018 we cycled Seattle to Boston with BAC. Last year, Yunan in February and Southwest Ireland in September with CCCTS. I look forward to planning for and experiencing the Slavic cultures from St. Petersburg to Budapest. I'd enjoy sharing any recommendations for reading preparation for what we are about to encounter. Ride on, Mark

Sandy Shier

Always ready for adventure and unwilling to accept status quo my life is filled with talented family and gifted friends, new experiences, great wine and delicious food.

Randall Shier

Randy is happily married to his best friend and wife Sandy of 42 years. He has three adult children, all married and eight grandchildren. Randy resides in Kelowna, British Columbia and enjoys his semi-retirement from his real estate development career at Mission Group. When he is not working, he loves travel, cycling, skiing, boating and oil painting. Born in Vancouver, he has been a lifelong British Columbian, except for six 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 Vancouver Canucks fan, USC Trojan college football fan, as well as a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. He and Sandy have experienced multiple long distance cycling adventures since 2015. Randy is grateful to be married to an adventurous wife as she has been the catalyst for our long distance cycling adventures.

Catalin Pricoiu

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

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

Stephanie Thornton

Hey Everyone, I am looking forward to traveling & supporting you on your tour across Italy. This will be my 5th TDA tour. In between tours, I do all sorts of other work spanning from Fighting forest fires to working with Doctors Without Borders. Can't wait to ride bikes with all of you and eat gelato when we aren't!

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.

Balazs Perjesy

I am based in Hungary. Having started out as a chef with TDA, I think food is one of the most important elements for a successful tour. I like to introduce local delicacies to our riders, and get to know their stories over a nice meal. I also enjoy connecting with locals - from receptionists to market vendors to car mechanics to kitchen staff at hotels. I like getting to know them and working together with them. I am often amazed how kindhearted, selfless and helpful most people are, and how far some of them go to help a cycling tour continue its journey. It is a great feeling to solve a hard situation without the clients noticing anything. As one of our riders put it, when the surface of the water is smooth, no one needs to know how much pedaling is going on underneath.

My personal favourite bike ride on a TDA tour was an early morning Sierra Nevada in Spain scout ride on Trans-Europa.

My advice to future TDA participants is to come with curiosity, a well fit bike and a lightweight duffel bag. All three will make your life so much easier every day.

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.

Peter Roberts

Riding the Dempster Hwy is a fascination for me, and I’m excited to make that a reality in July 2025! I’ll be raising funds for Cycle4Sam, a charity supporting the families of kids in palliative care.

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!

Stella Afesumeh

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

Kathleen Dempsey

Retired nurse practitioner. Have done quite a bit of long-distance cycling in past: TDA 2008 alum. Rode Orient Express in 2019 and decided to see/enjoy more of Europe. Looking forward to seeing new parts of the world to me and having a great time.

William Olmstead

Retired lawyer and educator who ended up in Ghana managing a furniture manufacturing and retail company. Now living in Sacramento.

John Karwoski

I enjoy bicycling, camping, and hiking. Looking forward to sharing adventures on this tour with new and old friends.

Steve Rogers

I'm an active cyclist, always seeking new adventures...wherever the road takes me. Having thoroughly enjoyed several past TDA trips, I now look forward to the 2027 Amber Route!

Robert Stavros

I live in San Diego, Southern California USA and in Edinburgh, Scotland UK. I love to bicycle, hike, walk and garden. I was a Computer Scientist and an Engineer.

Finn Trygve Nybakke

My name is Finn and I have bene living in Norway all my life since I was born i 1952. I am a father and grandfather, and I did have a cat! In 2014 we joined TDA on the last stage on The Silk Road to Istanbul. After that we joined the Orient Express 2019, and last year, Viva Italia 2022. All 3 tours together with my beloved Asrun, but this time through Europe I go alone (but we are still partners). See you soon in Tallinn :-)

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! I participated on 2019 Orient Express Full Tour. This year I only bike the first stage.

Joseph Lee

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

sylvain rondeau

i am so happy to be on this tour

Michael Perlette

I did my first long distance cycle trip about 40 years ago and fell in love with the notion of travel on two wheels. Since then I have done a number of cycle trips including a couple with TDA. I have been fortunate to share most of my cycling adventures with my wife Margy. I'm looking forward to seeing a bit of India and Sri Lanka and to meeting a few more folks in the TDA community. Cheers...

Margaret Perlette

I'm Marg. I really enjoy travelling by bike with my husband, Mike. I look forward to the sights and experiences that this tour will offer.

Jay Ozturk

I am a real estate broker living in Toronto, Canada. I love to travel and I think cycling is best way to do it. Only problem with Tda is once you do one tour you are hooked,this will be my 5th one. Looking farward to meet some new crazy friends and catch up with previous ones. Jay Ozturk

Maria Victoria Cardini

Retired. Hobbies: travels, movies and technology

will carter

I live in Bedford uk.,im 76 and enjoy the challenges of life

Michel Bee

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

Wayne Grover

Wayne Grover is a retired Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, his professional life encompassed time with the military, with Bell North Research as a Research Engineer, then as founding VP Research for TRLabs, and as a full Professor (ECE) at the University of Alberta. He has over 150 peer-reviewed published articles, one book, and 38 patented inventions. Among other awards and recognitions he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a Commonwealth Scholar to the UK, Fellow of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, Life Fellow of the Alberta Association of Professional Engineers, Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada, and Professor Emeritus University of Alberta. As a cyclist, he is a past Hawaii Ironman and an Alumni of five other TDA rides before Trans Europa. From July to December last year he rode 14,500 km from Fairbanks, Alaska to the Panama Canal, accompanying fellow TDA Alumnus Bob Fletcher as he set the Guinness World Record for the longest e-bike ride to date. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with his wife Jutta. Their son, Ted lives and works in Vancouver, B.C.

Katherine Slotnick

I am a retired public health nurse and live in Juneau, Alaska. I’ve done several TDA tours with my husband Neil.

Stephen (Neil) Slotnick

Looking forward to slowly making my way through Italy and Corsica with a fabulous group of people.

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!

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 have been on some long rides across the USA, Europe, North Africa and Asia and want to keep the momentum going. On, on!

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.

Doug Pearson

Hi All! I am 67 years old and live in St. Louis, Missouri, USA with my wife, Carolyn. I have two grown married children, one couple living in Houston, Texas with our two grandchildren and the other couple living in Seattle, Washington. I completed the Tour d'Afrique in 2015 and the Garden of Eden Section of the Silk Route in 2016 and the Orient Express route from Paris to Budapest in 2019. 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.

Gergo Szanyi

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

Balazs Perjesy

I am based in Hungary. Having started out as a chef with TDA, I think food is one of the most important elements for a successful tour. I like to introduce local delicacies to our riders, and get to know their stories over a nice meal. I also enjoy connecting with locals - from receptionists to market vendors to car mechanics to kitchen staff at hotels. I like getting to know them and working together with them. I am often amazed how kindhearted, selfless and helpful most people are, and how far some of them go to help a cycling tour continue its journey. It is a great feeling to solve a hard situation without the clients noticing anything. As one of our riders put it, when the surface of the water is smooth, no one needs to know how much pedaling is going on underneath.

My personal favourite bike ride on a TDA tour was an early morning Sierra Nevada in Spain scout ride on Trans-Europa.

My advice to future TDA participants is to come with curiosity, a well fit bike and a lightweight duffel bag. All three will make your life so much easier every day.

Ryan Rice

Is there a more challenging, charming, or humbling way to travel the World and discover it’s people and treasures? If there is, I haven’t come across it yet, and perhaps I wish not to. I have been a bicycle mechanic for over ten years and it has led me towards new adventures and friendships. Here’s to clean and lubed chains, straight wheels, and a comfy saddle! See you on the next adventure!

Samuel Roy

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

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

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

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

See you on the road!

Alex Smith

I’m excited to explore South Korea and Japan on a bike, the ultimate mode of transportation. Have enjoyed several cycling adventures over the last few years; love the activity, exploring new parts of the world between the cities and being in awe of beautiful new sites on a regular basis

Michael Kahn

My interest in bicycle touring began in 2000, riding with a group on a one year international tour. Since then I’ve done numerous one month rides in Europe and more "exotic" locations, usually solo and self supported. I’m looking forward to this tour.

G. Michael Keltos

Aloha, Greetings from O'ahu. I have been living and riding around these beautiful islands over the past 35 years and am currently a member of the Hawai'i Bicycling League to stay active and socialize with fellow riders and also often train indoors with ROUVY. As an avid global traveler who enjoys experiencing new places and cultures, I discovered TDA in 2022 and its unique way of exploring the world from a bicycle vantage point. My most recent TDA tour was The Tea Route in early 2026. The Bamboo Road trip will be my 7th tour with TDA, and I look forward to many more to come. May this be a safe and exciting adventure for us all!

Valerie Ohanian

I am a long time cycling enthusiast--a road rider who has guided multi-week trips abroad, commuted starting in the 1980's, and rides at home, just for fun! Home is in Minneapolis, but winters are mostly spent in Santa Barbara, CA now, since working remotely is possible. I am a teacher and practitioner of classical homeopathy, have worked full time for 40 years, and now am reducing my schedule to make room for some other things. This trip has been a dream in my mind, only. I finally have time to make it a reality!

Evelyn Holland

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

Greg Forst

Have been a cyclist since '92 doing a variety of things including commuting to work, week long rides, after work group rides and more recently longer duration rides including one across the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon of Canada. I enjoyed the challenges and scenery of the Outback and the terrain of New Zealand on the 2016 Trans Oceania tour. Rode the Bamboo trail and enjoyed it immensely. Had an overall good time on the Hippie Trail. The food was great and the whole experience was incredible.

Justin Ripley

Soon.

Wendy McDonald

Mike Busby

A serial cycle tourist always keen to escape winter in the UK and keen to stay active!

David Ross

I am 70 and semi-retired. Had a great trip with TDA Taiwan to Singapore before covid, Part of OrientExpress in 2022 and just finished Journey to the East

Nancy Stueve

Cyclist who loves seeing new places from a bike seat.

Coni Dean

Biking and exploring.

Jim FOWLER

I'm a nomad and spend as much time as possible traveling. With TDA I've done the Tour d'Afrique, the South American Epic, Magical Madagascar and the Orient Express. I’ve become a TDA junkie and am signed up for lots more trips. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones on the next tour!

Jude McDaniel

Married, old lady, financial advisor

Wayne McDaniel

My wife, Jude, and I are both riding this trip. We have done a number of long distance rides in the US. I have done one international trip in Nicaragua. We have two grown kids, two grandkids and a dog.

David Odonnell

53yrs old, from Manchester UK. TDA tour no 5. Looking forward to S E Asia. C U all soon. Cheers. David.

Lori McCarney

Loving being part of the TDA cycling family! On to another journey!

Frank Wichlo

I have done 5 TDA trips and I plan to keep doing them as long as I am able, or the money runs out.

Britton Morrell

I've been bike-touring here and there as time permitted. I've done the Katy Trail (twice), parts of the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota, The TransAmerica in 2017 with the ACA, Pacific Coast Northern Tier, Death Valley, Idaho, ACAs Utah Parks, ACAs Great Lakes and four Ride the Rockies, and two Pedal the Plains. (Both RIP) In 2022 I biked solo from Edinburgh to Paris and then joined up with TDA's Orient Express Tour to end up in Istanbul. In 2025 my wife Gina joined me for her first TDA ride on the inaugural Olive Route from Athens to Lisbon. I am looking forward to joining all of you for the 2026 Journey to the East ride. I'll almost be last one in, but I tend to go slow and dawdle.

Grant Duncan

Enjoyed thoroughly a few other TDA trips, in "Western" style societies. Now looking forward to exploring a different part of the world I've not been to before- sharing experiences with fellow travelers, enjoying whatever the route brings. Enjoy capturing the experiences on camera. Carpe Diem!

Barbara Tate

I am retired and live in south Wales with my husband (Grant Duncan). In 2019 we did our first TDA tour (The Odyssey). Since then we have cycled the Orient Express (2022), TransOceania (2024) and Trans-Europa (2025) tours. Looking forward to the Journey to the East 2026!

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.

GLORIA FU

I signed up for the entire Bamboo Road 2019 on a whim with zero training, no bike, and having mostly ridden a peloton stationary bike. From there I caught the bug. Alex Smith and I aim to do two long trips a year, and Journey to the East, I’ve been wanting to do since 2020! So five years later, I can’t wait to visit S. Korea for the first time, and cycle Japan for the first time.

Becky Timbers

Originally from Vermont, I now live and travel in my converted van. I love all forms of bike from mountain biking, bikepacking, gravel, and touring.

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.

Coby Werlin

Cycling, photographing, video-ing, and traveling -- what could be better?! I cherish the many precious and unique experiences that these tours have unlocked for me over the years, so let's keep 'em coming! You might see me out on the road snapping pics, shooting a short rider interview at lunch, or editing on a rest day in the lobby. My goal is always to bring the tour to life through visual media -- to share with friends, family, and the greater TDA community, and as memories for riders to cherish for years to come. See you on the road!

Sebastian Diaz

I am a 26 year old avid nature enthusiest and traveler. I come from a multicultural background being Venezuelan American, born and raised in Miami FL. I have many interests including making art in its many mediums, as well as hiking and biking. Cooking is also a large part of my life as it connects me to my cultural heritage.

Ezhil Ebinezer

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

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

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

Tip for future TDA riders:

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

Balazs Perjesy

I am based in Hungary. Having started out as a chef with TDA, I think food is one of the most important elements for a successful tour. I like to introduce local delicacies to our riders, and get to know their stories over a nice meal. I also enjoy connecting with locals - from receptionists to market vendors to car mechanics to kitchen staff at hotels. I like getting to know them and working together with them. I am often amazed how kindhearted, selfless and helpful most people are, and how far some of them go to help a cycling tour continue its journey. It is a great feeling to solve a hard situation without the clients noticing anything. As one of our riders put it, when the surface of the water is smooth, no one needs to know how much pedaling is going on underneath.

My personal favourite bike ride on a TDA tour was an early morning Sierra Nevada in Spain scout ride on Trans-Europa.

My advice to future TDA participants is to come with curiosity, a well fit bike and a lightweight duffel bag. All three will make your life so much easier every day.

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 :-)

Michelle Frost

I enjoy gravel riding, long distance cycle touring and bikepacking in more remote locales. My favourite way to see a country is from a bike.

Geoff White

Retired teacher - High School Maths/Sci/DigTech Cyclist/surfer/skier/snowboarder.

Karen Gold

I am a 60-year-old she/her with an active lifestyle and an elite athlete mindset. I have run 15+ Marathons including 3x Boston, and while in recovery, I do a lot of spinning which has endeared me to cycling. I have done 1 Sprint Triathalon which got me interested in road riding and one day joining a group destination ride. Wishes do come true! I work as a Marketing Executive and a Business Professor at Humber College in Toronto, Canada, and also do some consulting. I love keeping busy and often say I love 2 things: Working and Working Out. This isn't to say I am a boring workaholic. I surely am not. I love to laugh, make people laugh, and have a great time. I enjoy going out to dinner, watching movies, and entertaining, very much. I live in a Condo in downtown Toronto and love being in the action of the city and being able to walk everywhere. This is a good thing because the daily gridlock traffic makes it impossible to drive most days. I have a daughter, a partner, and a dog named Skittles, whom I consider my second child. I am having surgery on my right foot in September to repair a damaged tendon and will therefore be going out with a bang on this ride. I am joining the last section of the ride from Romania to Istanbul and look forward to celebrating with everyone at the finish line!

Angela Meharg

Toronto-based Canadian who loves to travel, ride, ski, and play tennis. Did TDA's Orient Express in 2024. Big fan of gravel riding. Could not resist this tour because one of the greatest joys of my last eight years has been learning to speak Spanish.

Mark Turner

Jeanne and I have been on a serendipitous intercultural adventure since December 7th 1993. We've filled our life with skiing, cycling, traveling and heaps of escapades with friends and family near and far. Looking forward to this....

Jeanne Turner

I love seeing the world at 12 miles an hour

Mark Vantrease

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

JULIE RICHERT

HI there! I'm Julie from Port Townsend Washington. This will be my fourth TDA tour. Cycling through Europe is the best.

Joanne Hines

I am a retired teacher with 2 adult daughters and a husband who is about to retire. We are looking forward to this stage of our lives and cycling is one of the things we enjoy doing together. We’ve been inspired by our friends to sign up for this adventure and are working hard to get physically ready for the challenge. We’ve never done anything like this and know that it will push us, both mentally and physically. Can’t wait to put ourselves to the test!

Gary Hines

Husband to Joanne Hines for 33 years, father to 2 girls. It is better to look back on life and say "I can't believe I did that." than to look back and say "I wish I did that."

Robert (Bob) Cheek

Ex- journalist, newspaper editor, author, Australian rules footballer, politician and gym chain founder. Didn't take up cycling until my 70s. Slow but I get there.

Brian Thompson

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

Spiros Theophilas

Roger COOK

I am a 73 year-old that has always been active, with gym-workouts, running, and biking. I completed the Viva Italia in the fall of 2019, the Pub Tour in 2022, and was impressed. As a result, I have signed up for the Orient Express.

Donald Morris

Had so much fun on the 2022 Pub Ride and 3 sections of the 2023 TransEuropa and half of the Orient Express that I had to sign up again. Looking forward to the challenges and celebrations of finishing the TransEuropa. Hoping to meet up with some riders from earlier tours and meet some new friends as we did on the earlier TDA tours. Still hoping I will lose a few pounds this time LOL.

Theresa Morris

I am a retired teacher who is involved in a lot of different activities, mostly involving music. I joined my husband, Donnie, on the Pub Tour in 2022, and part of the TransEuropa in 2023. And then had a blast doing the first half of the Orient Express in 2024 with our good friends, Joanne and Gary, who were joining TDA for the first time. And now we’re doing a second Pub Ride, having inspired (coerced) Joanne and Gary to join us. Looking forward to sharing beers and stories with old and new friends. Cheers!

Alan Brookman

This will be my second TDA tour. Now retired and will be 68 years old at the time of the tour

Sally Weatherald

Now retired, I have the time and money to complete more adventures and continue to explore the world. I love history, cultures and meeting people from all walks of the life. I'm a passionate fitness person, cyclists, and walker/hiker.

Graeme Don

I live in Auckland, New Zealand, am married to Margaret and we have two adult sons. I am a retired mechanical engineer. My cycling journey began when I was in my early 50’s It started with the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, a popular 160km road cycling event in NZ. I have enjoyed many cycling trips in Australasia and Europe. My first TDA trip was the 2024 Oriental Express.

Paul Kelley

Retired lawyer from Los Angeles, CA, USA. Avid cyclist. Previous touring experience: (1) long trip in 2023 across the USA from Alexandria, VA to Waldport, OR; (2) TDA Orient Express in 2024. I expect Africa will be quite a bit more challenging.

Oriol Ribas

Hello, I am from Andorra, semi-retired from the banking industry but still active in other fields. I cycled in Europe and Asia, bikepacking most of the time but with TDA in a couple of occasions. I like to alternate both, when you bikepack you miss all the magnificent logistics and the kind company of the TDA world… I don’t do social media, sorry.

marcus ezekiel

I live in London and enjoy road cycling, walking and mountains. I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone. Marcus

Siau-Hsuan Chen

I was born in Taiwan and came to US for graduate school. I am retired 5 years ago from the Telecommunication industry. I enjoy reading, watching movies and biking. My husband and I just finished the Rhine River ride on our own and I realized biking is the best way for us to see the world.

Michael Dreiling

Living in Cleveland, OH. Have traveled extensively in N. America, Europe and Asia. Retired, I like to garden, travel, and bicycle. Completed half of the Orient Express (Paris to Budapest) in 2024 with my wife. We also completed the inaugural Tea Route in 2026, riding in India & Sri Lanka. Looking forward to cycling in India for the third time on my 3rd TDA trip.

Stephane Lancereau

………………. but …..……….., also ………………!

Katy Hawkins

Looking forward to cycling in Europe again after the Orient Express in 2024. Squeezing a summer adventure in on holiday from teaching in Toronto.

David Blair

Grew up in Chevy Chase Maryland ... college in Montana ... Had a very fun 30 year career with members of Congress from Montana, Colorado, and Oregon. Was a casual road cyclist in college and after, in and around Missoula Montana, but got heavy into it when i moved to Washington DC. Since moving to Bend, Oregon in 1999, have done cycling trips in Mexico, Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites, Italy .... Walked half of the Appalachian Trail 2 years ago, finding myself seeking longer adventures like that. I'm living in Thailand this year, in fact will be going straight to the ride from Bangkok. Over the past 40 years my passions have evolved, waxed and waned, but have included cycling, soccer, whitewater kayaking, cross country ski racing, coaching and teaching cross country skiing, alpine skiing, and lately, pickleball and scuba diving ...

Xufeng(Gail) Cascketta

I am retired, and love to explore the world by cycling. Have done some self-supported tours. This will be my fifth cycling tour with TDA.

Michael Howard

A cyclist on and off for many years. I started when I was 14 when I joined Whitewebbs Cycling Club in North London UK. In 2014 I rode a section from Sudan to Ethiopia 2014 followed by the Rute De Maya in 2015. Other rides have been Tanzania to Namibia followed by Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, then Georgia and Turkey. In 2024 I rode Paris to Budapest without any riding for 18 months before due to left ankle fracture. Now I am looking forward to the great ride Algeria, Tunisia and Italy in April / May 2027. Keep healthy to live a long life.

Susan Watts

Francine Plante

ALLEZ ALLEZ ALLEZ! On n’est pas à la plage... #damnFOMO #diebroke

Jack Thompson

Professional Australian Cyclist based in Span

David Stein

Ex nerd, now older and cantankerous. This is my third TDA trip -- I very much enjoyed the Great American Roadtrip in 2021 and the Golden Buddha in 2023.

Philippa Davis

I'm a mad keen cyclist, it doesn't matter what sort of bike I get to ride, as long as I'm on 2 wheels I’m happy.

Maria Dare

I live to travel and enjoy meeting new people along the way. I have cycled in many countries around the world. Having completed the ‘Orient Express’ with TDA and had an incredible summer with my husband Ernest Medina . I Can’t wait for 2025!

Ernesto Medina

Bike riding and world adventure has been part of my life. Looking to ride around the world. No ride is too tough. Finished the Orient Express in 2024 with my adventure loving wife (Maria Dare). Looking forward to TransEuropa 2025