Keat S Wong

I am a keen cyclist. Have done End to End in UK, toured in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. The Silk Route is my retirement present and I am looking forward to it.

Yvonne Goldsmith

I look forward to my fourth TDA adventure and hope to set a new PR for the lightest and smallest daily bag. I’m retired, my last job being an epidemiologist in women’s and children’s health for the Alaska Division of Public Health. I discovered bike touring 15 years ago, it’s my favorite way to travel the world. We’ve made many a fast friend among fellow TDAers. And, excited to be biking with my cousin Xufeng.

Scott Goldsmith

I'm a retired professor of economics at the University of Alaska Anchorage. When not working I love to ski in the winter and bike the rest of the year. At 75 this will probably be my last mega bike trip.

Anmei Goldsmith

Looking forward to meeting y'all in January!

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!!!!

Roger Hesford

Hi i'm in my mid fifties, a keen, though average cyclist. I am looking forward to scenery on route and the challenge of completing a lengthy journey by bike.

Micah Markson

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Tom Jurenka

Long time road-tourer, mostly in BC.

Stephen Frost

Turning 60 soon so thought I better do it now.

italo mazza

Hi everybody!! My name is Italo Mazza. I was born in Italy 69 years ago, I’m married and I have one son (31). I worked for an international company and we had ( with my family) the opportunity to live in different countries ( Argentina, Australia, Germany and Hungary); now it is ten years I’m retired. My passion is alpinism and I made several interesting climbs: Cho Oyo in Tibet (8.200mt), Muztagh Ata in China (7.550mt), Satopanth in India ( 7.100mt), Spantik Peak in Pakistan ( 7.050mt), Aconcagua in Argentina ( 6.960mt) etc. and several long treks. In 2011 I started to bike and I have been to Patagonia (Argentina and Chile) from Bariloche to Ushuaia, in Mongolia, 2012 in Australia from Darwin to Adelaide, 2013 in Africa from Cairo to Cape Town, 2014 in Asia from Shanghai to Istanbul, 2015 in Europe from Capo Passero ( south tip of Italy) to North Cape alone, in 2016 South America from Quito to Bariloche; 2018 from Morocco to Ghana.

Kevin Hall

Gerald (Jed) Johnson

I’m 66, a Seattle resident spending winters in Arizona. Since my retirement from general contracting 10 years ago I’ve enjoyed travels by car, motorcycle, on foot and by bicycle. This will be my biggest challenge ever, and I’m looking forward to riding my bike in exotic places and meeting like minded adventurers. My two biggest concerns are injury and the lengthy separation from my family. Oh! and how to get to the hotel from the Shanghai airport. Jed Johnson jedconinc@comcast.net

Colin Boyd

I live in Inverloch which is a beachside town in Victoria, Australia. I am 59 yeas old, retired and enjoy riding with friends from our local area. In 2012 I completed the Andes Trail in South America. After that experience, some friends and family have questioned my sanity for joining another marathon ride. But, it is a wonderful way to see a country and engage with its people. I am looking forward to this next challenge.

Ron Jewula

I live in Victoria and Whistler, Canada. Although I am more at home either on a sailboat or skiing, a couple years ago I rediscovered cycling after a short 48 year break. This will be my first trip to India and Nepal so very much looking forward to the ride. I still have a couple years of youth left before I turn 70, so what better way to enjoy life. I’ve done a couple longer rides – across Canada in 2015, Silk Route with TDA in 2014 until a rather inglorious end in Western China (I wasn’t watching and crashed out), then returning again in 2016 to complete the full ride. It will be great to ride again with many good friends – See you in Srinagar next August.

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.

Yolande Field

I am a 60 year old retired Australian. I have three children and five grandchildren. My working career was teaching Physical Education and consulting on Traffic Education and Bike Education. I was also a Principal of a Specialist School. My leisure time activities have always been based around a variety of sporting activities. Since retiring, bike riding has been a focus. In 2012 we road the Andes Trail in South America. I am looking forward to another challenge along The Silk Route.

Sharita van der Merwe

“The thing I love most about my job is watching the social dynamics unfold.”

For as long as I can remember I’ve been stripping, fixing, and riding bicycles. As well, I knew from a young age I wanted to explore, travel, and see the world—my dream at one time was to fly airplanes. However, it wasn’t long before I realized that flying in a straight line from point A to point B wasn’t for me!

When I left school I had no direction, no idea of where I wanted to be or what I wanted to do, once my dream of flying died. In 2003, I saw a magazine ad of a bunch of cyclists lined up in front of the Giza pyramids and I became hooked on the idea of doing that but I had to choose between taking a four-month cycling trip across Africa or going to Warriors Boot Camp to get educated. I chose Warriors and the programme equipped me for life by giving me a solid foundation. There, I was free to discover and explore who I was and to test physical and mental endurance. Having my attitude and my comfort zone constantly pushed readied me for all sorts of real-world challenges. I stayed at Warriors for three years, then cycled solo across Africa when I was 22 years old. In 2009, I landed the job as TDA’s assistant tour director on the Cairo to Cape Town trip—and the rest is history.

Ever since, Africa has been my baby and my favourite. I’ve worked on other tours—the Silk Route, the Bamboo Road, Ruta Maya, Magical Madagascar—but Africa is my full-time project and has lately included TDA’s complex tour of West Africa.

I’m based in beautiful Cape Town; when I’m not here, I’m scouting, exploring, problem-solving somewhere in the world and revelling in the adventure of being alive.

TDA has taken me to 80 countries and my most incredible off-the-beaten-track expedition was the West Africa scout in 2017, especially Guinea—I’d never been to a place so remote, rough or wild. I fell in love with Africa all over again on that trip. The stories are epic and endless!

There’s never a dull moment with TDA, because you absolutely never know what’s going to happen next.

Brian Thompson

I rode Shanghai to Dushanbe in 2012, and am going back to complete the ride to Istanbul. I'm Looking forward to meeting the other riders as that's half the fun, even though by the time you get to Dushanbe you will all be firm friends and I will be the new boy !

caroline Denee

Hi, I am Caroline, I am a 54 year old Kiwi and I live in Auckland by the sea with my family.I only really started biking 10 years ago but now it is a big part of my life. Since 2007 I have done small group trips to Vietnam, in Africa and in China, up on the Tibetan Plateau but nothing as epic as this ! I also climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in 2011 but this will be my biggest challenge yet, by far. My New years resolutions for 2014 were to get fit, be healthy, be bold and to be inspired to get out of my comfort zone and to go on an adventure. This trip covers them all !!! I look forward to meeting everyone in a couple of months in Shanghai to begin our adventure. Still so much to do but so exciting, can't wait to start.

Benjamin Hirons

Douglas Percival

Flinging spanners, clicking gears. Juggling bike spares & Humans Habits to create Bicycle Tours that function in crazy locations. See you guys at the next crazy location.

Daniel Blachut

I am a 59 year old married father of 3 daughters and grandfather to 2 little boys residing in Oakville, ON (Toronto). 10 years ago I did the 8,400 km trek from Vancouver, BC to St.John's, Nfld. After that incredible experience, I put the "Silk Road" on my bucket list, never even having visited the Far or Middle East. This summer my dream is going to become my reality....I am really looking forward. I also look forward to meeting you all and sharing what is advertised to be the adventure of a lifetime!

Claire Pegler

Hi there - I'm Claire and I'm your expedition medic/assistant tour director. I am a Registered Nurse in both Australia and New Zealand with a background in Emergency Nursing, and an interest in prehospital trauma and expedition medicine. Looking forward to seeing you all in Shanghai!!!

Emily Currie

“‘Happiness is only real when shared’: I think this counts for a whole spectrum of experiences and emotions—pain, hardship, excitement, joy, for instance—and explains why sharing an adventure or journey with a group makes it so very real!”

Who would have thought that growing up on a farm and a career in rural healthcare would prepare me for a job like my job at TDA? I always had the desire to travel and even though I thought working here would be too good to actually come true when I sent in my job application, here I am, six tours and 28 countries later. I’ve learned more about the world and myself then I ever expected.

With so many incredible memories—and so much food shared, so many friends made along the way—it will take me years to process everything I’ve experienced courtesy of TDA. Highlights of my travels so far include finishing the North American Epic (NAE) in Mexico City on the Day of the Dead, cycling Central Asia’s Pamir Highway, Abdul’s pilaf in the parking lot, Colombia, pan con chicharron, Patagonia, a massive thunder storm in Zambia, Hami melon, Madagascar, Samarkand, walnut and honey spread on fresh bread and topped with whipped yak cream, eaten in a warm yurt… and the list goes on! It’s amazing to realize that everything I experience with TDA will have an impact on my life long after these adventures are over.

One adventure I don’t expect to have again is the one I had in Mexico, when we discovered Hurricane Patricia was heading right straight at us. Monitoring the storm’s progress through the night—from stage 4 to stage 5—seemed so unreal. By 5:00 a.m., CNN was calling Patricia the strongest hurricane ever measured on planet earth. A few hours later, we loaded all bikes, riders, kit and crew onto an extra van and bus … and took off, tails between our legs, because Patricia was shaping up to be a beast! By nightfall we were safe and sound in the heart of tequila country, and, as Patricia lost most of her fury at landfall, the party at our lodgings ramped up.

There are so many wonderful aspects to working with TDA but key amongst them are travelling with purpose, meeting people from all over—and the food!

Francine Plante

ALLEZ ALLEZ ALLEZ! On n’est pas à la plage...

Jude Kriwald

This is my first TDA tour, I'll be working as your Assistant Tour Director. I've done a little bit of this route before by myself but I expect this to be a completely different experience, I can't wait! See you in Shanghai!

Robin Bobo

Paid up! Excited to go. robinbobo@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/BoboSilkRoad http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/cycling-asia-for-health/184719

Mike Hennessy

From Shawnigan Lake BC, near Victoria, I will be 70 by the time I get on my bike in Srinagar. In 2014 I rode the Silk Route from Tehran to Istanbul and returned in 2016 to ride from Beijing to Almaty. In 2015 I rode from home across my province to connect with the North American Epic and some riders and staff from SR 2014 - what a hoot! Now I'm returning to ride the Himalayas and a Silk Route reunion - at the time of this profile update eight Silk Route 2014/16 tour riders will be riding. I'm excited by the notion of riding with a new tribe across northern India and Nepal. Certainly much more exciting than doing the same ol' 50-150 km rides around familiar roads at home. See y'all soon. Cheers! Mike

luc scheepmans

just over 50 years old, experienced mountainbiker, slow traveller, love to meet other cultures and people.

David Briery

I’m a recreation cyclist who passion is discovering new places and cultures from the back roads of the world. I have cycled Malaysia, Vietnam, Morocco, and Ethiopia, much of Europe, as well as significant portions of the American West, including Alaska. Last year, I celebrated the first day of my retirement, by beginning a solo adventure from Venice Beach to my 50th High School Reunion in Topeka, KS. Through heat, followed by torrential monsoons, I finished 25 days later “one happy camper.” Twenty-five years ago I was fortunate to help start a ski school, the U.S. Adaptive Recreation Center at Big Bear, for the disabled of Southern California and Nevada. To help support the school, each October we cycle 350 miles from Big Bear to Mammoth in an adventure we call Peak-To-Peak. I hope many of my new friends from the Silk Route will join me.

Bonny Fairweather

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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 and grandfather, and I do have a cat! In 2014 we joined TDA on the last stage on The Silk Road to Istanbul. Last year I joined the Orient Express 2019, both tours together With my beloved Asrun, but this year she only rides the first stage. I love Biking, Beer and Botatoes (french fries is the favorite) ! See you soon in St.Petersburg or later on the long road :-)

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.

Peter Gaskill

I'm 55, on a sabbatical from work, and excited to make the most of it. Cycling adds joy to my life and exploring the world by bike seems like the perfect thing to do. In the last 20 years most of my vacations have involved biking, skiing or mountaineering. Sharing this vacation with a group of adventure junkies is going to be a gas!

Frieder Wolfart

Being 60 it’s time to fulfil another dream of my life. Sailing, flying my sailplane, hiking and cycling are my preferred ways to experience the world‘s beauty and diversity. From now on I reduce my job as a teacher: half of the year cycling - half of the year teaching. Since I saw the TDA website two years ago I have been looking forward to the Silk-road-adventure. See you all in Shanghai.

Gary Thomson

Iam Gary, 36 years of age, born in Scotland, uk I have worked abroad for over 12 years and now I'm taking a few years off, "on a career break", so as part of my break , I want to try and do things i love, stay fit, achieve something fantastic and see the world. i love cycling and I have always had an interest in the Silk Road, to follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Marco Polo and to see these famous ancient lands will be amazing, this is the adventure of a life time for me, cannot wait. hope my legs keep up. ill be trying to blog about my experience too on http://garysilkroutecycle.wordpress.com

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.

Nykänen Ilkka

Phillip Mumford

I'm a retired teacher living in Livermore, California. I enjoy biking and camping. I'm really looking forward to this epic bicycle tour.

Robert Rowley

"Oh Canada, Oh Canada, Where art thou?", Robert Shakespeare Rowley says, " I am excited to be cycling across this great country meeting interesting people, seeing pretty scenery and rolling along on pavement." On my last two tours I did Tour D' Afrique in 2012 and the Silk Route in 2014. I experienced long days in the saddle, early sunrises, sharing tea and vodka with the locals, had mechanical and physical breakdowns and produced three talent shows when the moral was down. I've learned that what is most important on these lengthy bicycle rides is getting along with everyone. It doesn't matter how good a cyclist I am. I just have to be able to self manage myself. I sit here imagining pushing the pedals with the wind at my back as we glide over the wind swept prairies toward Winnipeg. There is less than 90 days left until June 3. "There are miles to go before I sleep," Robert Frost writes. So, get after it, ride your kilo - meters before hand so you're ready to pedal OH CANADA!

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...

Bruno Boilard

Steve Winter

Originally from New Zealand I spent ten years living in the UK before moving to Latvia where I'm currently living. Always up for a challenge or adventure riding through West Africa seems like it should be for me...!

Wim Pauw

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

Wim Pauw

I have cycled mostly self contained or with other groups in 95 countries , with a goal of reaching 100 soon . This is my first TDA trip. I ski both alpine and Nordic.I live in Banff Canada and part time in Scottsdale AZ , USA .

PAR AKESSON

Keen cyclist. Road, self supported touring and fully supported touring enthusiast.

William Hsu

I'm 21 and I'm doing the cycle with a friend for a charity called A Child Unheard. This will be my first cycle tour but really looking forward to it.

Ruth Storm

Joining the Tour d’Afrique in 2007 was the beginning of my love of cycle touring. Since, I’ve cycled independently in Europe, New Zealand, Middle East, North America, TDA Silk Road 2016 and TDA Madagascar 2019. I also sail, trek, climb and ski long distances and remotely. Looking forward to exploring with like-minded friends!

Erwin Attenberger

Hi, I´m Erwin, already 67, retired. My first long tour was TDA 2014, where I went from Khartoum to Nairobi and on my own through Uganda, back to Kenia and from there down to Southafrica, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. Meantime I´ve been on several TDA-Tours including South America, Silk Route and Trans-Himalaya. Looking forward to meet you on the next tour with TDA.

Robert Gex

I have always loved to travel by bicycle, traveled around the world by bike for 2.5 years in my 20's... Now I take a solo trip every year for about one month. .

Michael Archer

57 year old , ex builder , Married to a very understanding wife who has put up with my travel addiction for 29 years. I enjoy skiing and am also a Taekwon Do instructor. I have done a few adventurous things but not a bike trip like this ,am looking forward to going to places that until now were only in books like Marco Polo and travel stories .

Stephen Warren

I am a professor of Earth Science (atmospheric physics and glaciology) in Seattle, now partly retired. I rode three weeks of the TdA Silk Route in 2016, from Siberia through Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan; I was usually the slowest rider. I crossed the Sahara in 1977 rather quickly by truck with a trans-Africa camping-safari. Now I'm looking for a more leisurely crossing.

Liz Ferris

Looking forward to meeting everyone in Addis Ababa. Cycled from Beijing through Mongolia and into Sibera with the 2016 Silk Route... phenomenal trip with some amazing folks. Hoping the TDA 2018 is more of the same! Climate Change policy analyst from Victoria BC.

Peter Ferris

This is my second TDA tour. I rode on the 2016 Silk Route from Beijing to Siberia. Since 2016 I have enjoyed several cycling tours. I have cycle toured in British Columbia, Wales, England and New Zealand. I have enjoyed both supported and self supported cycle tours. I retired in 2016 to join the Silk Route. Since my retirement I have enjoyed cycling as a wonderful pastime. Cycling keeps me fit and young at heart. I’m looking forward to cycling across Canada and seeing the many sights that Canada has to offer.

Frieder Wolfart

After riding with TDA one and a half time the Silkroad, the Magical Madagaskar and the Himalaya Tour it's time for the next one to South Korea an Japan. For me Korea and Japan are totally unknown countries and it's time to change that. I am looking forward to meet some old friends again and to find some new ones.

Mike Hennessy

From Shawnigan Lake BC, near Victoria, I will be 70 by the time I get on my bike in Srinagar. In 2014 I rode the Silk Route from Tehran to Istanbul and returned in 2016 to ride from Beijing to Almaty. In 2015 I rode from home across my province to connect with the North American Epic and some riders and staff from SR 2014 - what a hoot! Now I'm returning to ride the Himalayas and a Silk Route reunion - at the time of this profile update eight Silk Route 2014/16 tour riders will be riding. I'm excited by the notion of riding with a new tribe across northern India and Nepal. Certainly much more exciting than doing the same ol' 50-150 km rides around familiar roads at home. See y'all soon. Cheers! Mike

Joan Donohue

I am a professor of business at the University of South Carolina. I have done two shorter road bike tours in Europe but nothing like this expedition. I hope I am tough enough. Update: I am happy to say that I completed every inch of the trip from Beijing to Dushanbe (I only planned to do the first 5 sections). The roads (4-wheel drive tracks) in Mongolia made it very difficult on a cyclo-cross bike. For Section 2 of the ride, I highly recommend a full-suspension mountain bike and tent that can withstand extreme wind conditions. Contact me via email if you have any questions: donohue@moore.sc.edu

Per Sörner

Freelance engineer, musician and reality hacker from the Swedish west coast. Currently on an indefinite sabbatical to explore life, the universe and everything. I find expedition cycling a good way to practise living in the present, enjoy a "simple" life, see the world, fill up with new impressions and stretch the edge of my comfort zone. Previous TdA experience: Hong Kong to Bangkok (Bamboo Road premiere 2013), Bali to Alice Springs (Trans-Oceania premiere 2014), Quito to Cusco (SAE 2015), Ulan Bator to Gorno-Altaysk (Silk Route 2016), Freetown to Cape Coast (West Africa en Vélo premiere 2018) and Kashmir to Kathmandu (Trans Himalaya premiere 2019).

Luke Costello

I'm Luke and I will be your medic for the SR 2016. After completing the Cairo to Cape Town 2013 adventure I'm pleased to be returning to the TDA. I'm a Registered Nurse with a background in Emergency Room & Intensive Care but I've also worked in remote areas of Canada's north and as a Flight Nurse. Looking forward to meeting you all in Beijing!

Ron Jewula

I live in Victoria and Whistler, Canada. Although I am more at home either on a sailboat or skiing, a couple years ago I rediscovered cycling after a short 48 year break. This will be my first trip to India and Nepal so very much looking forward to the ride. I still have a couple years of youth left before I turn 70, so what better way to enjoy life. I’ve done a couple longer rides – across Canada in 2015, Silk Route with TDA in 2014 until a rather inglorious end in Western China (I wasn’t watching and crashed out), then returning again in 2016 to complete the full ride. It will be great to ride again with many good friends – See you in Srinagar next August.

Grant Prenevost

Jacob Warner

Hi everyone, I will be helping out on the tour and occasionally riding a bike too. See you in Cartagena!

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.

Robb Hickey

It's all good! More to come!

Will Hill

Back for round 3! Excited to be joining the flagship TDA tour. I will be your Assistant Tour Director. Looking forward to meeting you all. Cheers!

Daniel Byrne

Greetings all: Hello from Seattle. Excited about seizing the opprtunity to cycle across exotic Mongolia with an inspirational group. Getting in long distance shape this spring is task one! I look forward to learning more about each of you. Warm regards, Daniel V. Byrne

Harrison Banks

I'm a medical student living in Brighton, UK. I also completed a MSc in Global Health last year which saw me travelling to rural Ethiopia to conduct some research! I'm a big outdoor enthusiast, especially when it involves climbing or hiking. I run a Wilderness Medicine Society at my university where we hold talks, trips and teach survival/wilderness first aid skills. I bought my first DSLR camera when I was 16 and get a great kick out of documenting and photographic amazing places and the people I go with - I wont force you to have your picture taken, but... I might. In terms of future goals, I'd like to do more long-distance cycle touring, rock-climb around the world and hopefully one day become an expedition doctor and/or work for the World Health Organisation/UN. Sadly owing to studies and the like I can only come for a short section, but I'm looking forward to meeting you all soon!

Andreas Pakenham

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

Ivan Zimmermann

Creative, adventourous, good sense of humour.

Paul ten Brummelhuis

As former participant in the Tourdafrique ( in sections) and the Silkroute (2016) and the first section to Calgary together with my daughter Lieke, and Westafrica en Velo 2018, I will do now the last two sections again .

Jordan Kadelbach

Seasoned Bicycle Mechanic and Enthusiast. I like coffee,beer and long smooth descents. Mud,Snow,Gravel and Road. I love it all.

Mark Lutz

Bernice Aebly

This is me having fun in Vermont. This will be my fifth time with TDA, Orient Express in 2018, Baja section of North American Tour, 2013; Australia 2104; and 2 month Silk Route in 2016. The draw for the Silk Route was going through Mongolia . This new tour in the Himalayas is an area that I have not travel to before. Looking forward to the experience and meeting up again with friends from past tours. Wow so excited, a space came available for Journey to the East 2, so here I go again. So many good friends to meet up with again and to enjoy Japan. See you all soon.

Joost Rovers

This is the thirth time that I join the silk route. In 2008 I rode the whole route. In 2012 the Pamir Highway section and this year I want to discover Mongolia.

Frederick Harris

Love to ride my bike. Live in New York City near Columbia University. I am involved in producing high density mixed income housing in New York.

Rhys Gray

I am married and live between suburbia in Wollongong (near Sydney) but live mostly on a farm at Harden (in country New South Wales, Aust.). We are mostly retired (medical field) and enjoy trekking and travelling, plus 'my' riding. We have 8 'kids' and 13 grand-kids between us, to keep us busy. I thoroughly enjoyed the Shanghai-Xian section of 2012 Silk route and look forward to a longer commitment (Beijing -Almaty). Finished UB to Almaty in 2016.

Roger Hesford

Hi i'm in my mid fifties, a keen, though average cyclist. I am looking forward to scenery on route and the challenge of completing a lengthy journey by bike.

Brian Fullerton

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

Doug Pearson

Hi: I am 62 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 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

Jacqueline Goodall

Cant wait to hit the road for another TDA Tour! Looking forward to seeing some old touring buddies and meeting some new ones. Wish I was joining you for the full tour, but feel very lucky to be able to get away from work for three sections.

Jacqueline Nel

"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle." Ernest Hemingway

Phillip Mumford

I'm a retired teacher living in Livermore, California. I enjoy biking and camping. I'm really looking forward to this epic bicycle tour.

Helen Gertig

I'm a doctor from the UK, working mostly in the Emergency department and rural Scottish hospitals in the Highlands and Islands. I try to spend as little of my time in hospitals as possible, and have found cycling is a great way to do this! I have previously been medic for TDA Tour d'Afrique and the Silk Route - both really fantastic trips. I have also worked in a Nepalese high altitude rescue station in the Everest region for a season. I have a life long love affair with mountains, and am really looking forward to joining you all on this adventure!

Andreas Pakenham

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

Peter McCartney

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

will carter

I live in Bedford uk.,im 72 and enjoy the challenges of life

Els van Gulik

I am Els and 65 years. I have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. The Silk Route was my second long distance bike ride in 2018. In 2016 I cycled from coast to coast through the US and Canada. Last year I was in Nepal, Climbing (5800 mtr). I am looking forward to the North American Epic and excited to meet all of you.

Amy Jurries

I'm a freelance outdoor and adventure travel writer based in San Francisco. I absolutely love exploring new places on a bike -- there is no better way to travel!

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.

Lars Wilson

I am a retired psychologist. I live in Yakima, Washington. In 2018 I road the Silk Road with TDA to Almaty, Kazakhstan where I was forced to abandon the tour due to an infection that required surgery. I hope now to complete the tour to Istanbul. I have done tours in Spain and Portugal as well as the U.S. Currently heading to the Cotswold in England for bike tour.

Anke Goldschmidt

My name is Anke, I am married with 3 children and live in Perth, Australia. This will be my first TDA tour, I am only doing section 1 though. So far, I have done cycle trips in central and Western Australia as well as trips in Europe. I am slow but sure and am looking forward to it!

Phil Dixon

I really love long distance cycling ...usually solo ...looking forward to a supported trip with other lovers of cycling . My name is Phil...I am 62 and from Canada. I like cycling and I like adversity ...this trip sounds perfect ! This picture is from a trip thru southern India February 2017...crazy traffic !

Theo de Klein

Theo de Klein from the Netherlands,

Victor Beijen

Bruce Campbell

Late 60's. 4 years retired - from computer work. Cycling for three decades. I ride a lot and I'm pretty fit, but this will be a big deal for me - certainly a challenge.

Joan Thompson

Hello fellow adventurers! I am a retired teacher who has rekindled a long-ago love affair with the bicycle. Most of my bike tours have been solo and self-spported, so looking forward to the comfort and company on this one!

Jim Sarver

63 years old

Roderik Otten

I'm 64 years and a retired ENT-surgeon in the Netherlands. In 2005 I cycled part of the "Tour d'Afrique" (3500km from Nairobi to Vic Falls). In 2012 I cycled the "Andes Trail" (11.000km from Quito to Ushuaia). In 2013 I cycled in New Zealand and Australia (8000km with my tent and panniers). In 2014 Himalaya (from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmandu, Nepal 1200km). In 2015 I cycled the "100 Cols Tour" in France in 6 weeks 4200km with 78.000 altitude meters. In 2017 I cycled "Going Northcape" (from Oslo to the Northcape 3000km). In 2017 part of the TDA "Bamboo Road" (from Hanoi to Penang, 3800km)

Edmund Huang

I am a retired chemical engineering executive living in Washington State of the Pacific Northwest in the United States. I enjoy travel and am an avid hiker/biker. The Silk Road Tour will be the most ambitious bike trip I have attempted. Look forward to meeting my fellow travel companions!

Mark Heim

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

Brenda Trenholme

I have a passion for most outdoor sports, summer and winter, especially in the mountains. After exploring other cultures by bicycle, I fundraise for the Kenya Education Endowment Fund by showing my travel slides. I’m looking forward to this South American adventure!

Raymond Quan

I have a bucket list started upon retirement after 35 years as a chemical / nuclear engineer. I have completed thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, 150 miles of the John Muir Trail and done several of the great walks in New Zealand. Also biked semi-solo, self contained Trans-Canada, then last year the Southern Tier with Adventure Cycling from San Diego to St Augustine. So the Silk Road will be my longgest bike trip, an item on my Bucket List.

Virginia Stewart

Not too sure what I was going to do for my third act, I set out on a solo loaded bike ride around Lake Erie. A 1000 km loop ride from my home in St. Catharines, ON, CDN. My longest unplanned tour. That was 2015, since then, I celebrated turning 65, being 65 and getting older cycling across Canada then Europe solo. Cycling the Silk Road will have wrapped me around the world. Traveling solo, wild camping, and spending time with locals inspire my next adventures. In some ways, I’m intimidated by the thought of five months of a structured routine, but then again it will be like travelling with a family of like-minded people looking out for one another, which isn’t so bad. If a regular regiment is making me a bit anxious, the thought of bone shaking off-road riding makes me more so. I like the wind at my back and smooth asphalt. I look forward to meeting everyone. Roads were made for journeys not destinations. Confucius.

Kees Kouwenhoven

My name is Kees Kouwenhoven, age 58 I quit my job for this experience. I am only working a lot, not having time to live my dreams. So now it is about time for a change I am working as an adviser in horticulture greenhouses, in crop protection. Married without children

Will Rafferty

I am from Tasmania, Australia and completed the Tour d'Afrique in 2015 as a rider. I enjoyed the experience so much that it compelled me to seek work with TDA Global Cycling. I have since worked on the Trans-Oceania & Oh Canada Tours and am looking forward to what i expect to be the best trip yet! I look forward to getting to know you all :)

Jasper Koolstra

zwerft wat over de wereld. Met de fiets als favoriet vervoermiddel. (Andestrail, Great Divide)

EVAN KENLEY

I have the wanderlust. What better way to do it than by bike? I have traveled extensively and recently did the SAE and Silk Route. What fun and challenging trips. I am hitting that sweet spot in age when the time, energy and desire are there to challenge myself to new adventures. I look forward to sharing this challenging experience with my fellow adventurers.

Marjan Winkler

I always wanted to visit Mongolia by train. Last year I did the Bamboo road by bicycle and this experience did me decide to do the Mongolian part of the Silk route by bicycle instaed of train. It will be a much more tough journey than the Bamboo road and travelling by train, but I look forward to it especially to do this part together with my partner Paul Otten who will go on to Oezbekistan. I will leave at Gorno Altaysk.

Pieter van der Korst

I am 56 years old, married, two children (16 and 17), lawyer taking a sabbatical after 31 years of practicing law. when I was young (16 -21), I competed as a cyclist, by now I enjoy trips on the bike at a lower pace. I look forward to cycling in Asia!

Mitchell Kadelbach

I am a British born Canadian chef of humble beginnings. My hobbies and interests including reading classic piece of literature ie) dickens, jack Kerouac and Hemingway. I'm also very active and sporty. Some of my close friends would describe me as some what if a mystic. I believe I possess an aptitude for feeling all forms of art but I wouldn't call myself an intellectual. In recent years I have trade the comfort of a house and home for a more transient lifestyle - Of traveling working and traveling some. I'm keen to see the world and meet all sorts of people and learn all kinds of things.

Elaina O' Brien

I'm an english teacher from Ireland, with a love for health and fitness, and the great outdoors. I'm always up for a new challenge, the more adventurous the better! I have a blog and youtube channel dedicated to adventure travel, and love created digital content showing off this beautiful world we get to explore. I think bike touring is a gateway to seeing the world through heightened senses. It gives you a unique opportunity to learn from the places and people you meet along the way, as well as getting to know yourself in all sorts of conditions. I'm excited to be part of this expedition and ready to meet everyone and get going!

Mike Gurnham

Gerald Mueller

I am 61 years old and have been an avid cyclist for 39 years, when I first started commuting to work. With my first MTB bike purchased in 1992, that meant I could commute 12 months of the year. I did my first big solo bike tour through Germany and into neighbouring countries in 1982. That trip was three weeks long, and I managed two more tours in Canada, and then came marriage. I gave up touring, but not cycling. In the mid 90's I really got into MTB racing, so I then managed to get away for fun time on long weekend MTB trips. Since my wife is Swiss born, we travel quite frequently to visit her family. I used to love to bring my MTB, but sometimes I just rent a bike. Switzerland is such a great country to cycle, and it doesn't matter if you ride road or MTB. Ten years ago, I had my current touring bike custom made by Hugh Black who owns and operates True North Cycles. Since then, my bike has made it over to Europe on five separate tours, with the last three trips being in former Eastern Bloc countries.

Dave Bell

I am an avid cyclist living in London Ontario Canada. My main cycling interests now are road riding and touring, although I mountain bike occasionally. I have completed 5 cycling tours in Europe in the last 9 years - all self planned and supported, riding with 2-3 friends. I was educated as a mechanical engineer, but worked mainly in operations and supply management in the automotive industry. I retired in 2009 and now work part time to keep busy. My wife Mary and I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

LINO MONGE

Jim Arthur

Partly retired and trying to spend more time on my bike.

michael howard

I have been cycling on and off since I joined a North London UK cycling club when I was 15. Since then I have 2 children one of whom convinced me to try Tour De Afrique. Due to business reasons I could only cycle from Khartoum to Addis Ababa. I was hooked, tow years later and here we are again. I am training whenever I can. Since my first TDA adventure the bug bit me. Cycled Tanzania to Namimbia and Kygrstand to Turkmanistan. I train on tollers in the garage due to work commitments. I am looking forward to Magical Mdagascar.

Juergen Willrodt

I am 69 years old and have already participated in 8 TDA tours mainly as a sectional rider. I am married and happy father of three girls (39, 24 and 22) and grandfather of three grandchildren. I am partly retired working now just 1 or 2 days a week which gives me plenty of time to travel. I have studied physics and have a Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics. I have been active in sports all my life and before I started doing cycling tours I have been active in Karate and participated in World Championships 1975 in Los Angeles and 1977 in Tokyo and became European Champion in 1977. You can find more information on my website.

Nelson Lacharity

I am from Vancouver, BC, retired June of 2012. I discovered bicycling when I was 42 and long distance cycling when I was 59, so I had to retire to make time for the touring. I have been on six other TDA tours (Amber Route 2010, Bamboo 2013, and South American 2015, TransEuropa 1016, Tour d'Afrique 2017, Silk Route 2018 and North American Epic 2019) as well as several other long distance rides. For me cycling is mostly about the bike, but the chance to see new places and new cultures is right up there, along with one of the biggest pleasures, which is the people - meeting new ones and meeting up with ones from previous rides.