Benjamin Hirons

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.

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.

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!

Francine Plante

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

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!

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!!!

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!

Douglas Percival

There is a great sense of satisfaction seeing a Rider finishing their day with a smile on their face, and that Day by Day, we have Taken someone safely to a place on this planet that Most People will never see, and all whilst by Bicycle.

I am a South African that has lived a life of itchy travel feet, and found myself Living in Sweden. Being a passionate cyclist in my teenage years, my Bike Mechanic Brother, taught me to fix my own bicycles, a vital bit of knowledge not only for a teenager trying to save money on bike repairs, but how it would shape my working career.

I've worked in all corners of the Bike industry,... shops, import and distribution, race teams, and even now for the Swedish Cycling Federation, as well as personal Guiding for a huge mix of private clients. They have all added up into helping me grow my knowledge of a bicycle, and how I can make one operate even in the worst environments with rider abuse,....which then played into the hand of being a confident TDA mechanic.

Guiding and Leading Tours came organically through my knowledge of Traveling, mixed with my knowledge of fixing bikes, thrown into the pot of being a passionate cyclist, and large desire of being on the Move.... Quite a mix.

TDA tours have the ability to provide one with a gift. It is a gift that keeps on giving...and that is: just when you think you have seen it all, there is always something else to surprise you with! From sleeping inside the Great Wall of China, to swatting flies off your sandwich in 49celcius Australian outback, or watching stars in the Sudanese Sahara, to Sipping Expresso's in an Italian cafe. From the Orderly bike lanes of Denmark to the chaos of Freetown, Sierra Leone.... There is so much that happens daily!

For any future rider that is wondering how to make their experience better. Set your expectations reasonably, ask questions, And come prepared... and Know your equipment!

Know how your bike feels, make sure it has arrived on tour Fully serviced. Know how to put up your tent if you're not confident with it.

And Figure out your bag packing! I have watched too many people lose an hour of their precious day (and some everyday for 4 months).. because they don't have their equipment organized.

Cheers..and happy riding!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robin Bobo

Paid up! Excited to go. [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/BoboSilkRoad http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/cycling-asia-for-health/184719

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.

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!

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.

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 :-)

Bonny Fairweather

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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.

luc scheepmans

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Robert Rowley

I am Adventurer who loves the thrill of being out there on the loose!

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.

Stephen Frost

Turning 60 soon so thought I better do it now.

Tom Jurenka

Long time road-tourer, mostly in BC.

Micah Markson

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

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

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

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

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

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 [email protected]

Kevin Hall

Mary Potyrala

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.

Anmei Goldsmith

Looking forward to meeting y'all in January!

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.

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!!!!

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.

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!

Jacob Warner

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

Grant Prenevost

Andreas Pakenham

As a tour leader, I love the daily challenges, and ever changing worlds we are all so lucky to travel through. Getting a diverse group of cyclists, with different backgrounds, and goals across a continent is a rare thrill that makes life at home feel a bit pedestrian! The best feeling on tour is making a tough day go smoothly, and to surprise the riders with something unexpected or memorable along the way.

I live on the west coast of Canada, in Victoria, a quiet town which can seem like an extreme contrast to many of the places I tour with TDA. In the past I have done a number of solo cycling trips, as well as exploring by motorcycles when time was more limited. Over the years of travelling though, I've realized how much I enjoy the camaraderie of travelling with a group to share experiences and make memories with. My future goals for personal travel at the moment are a bit different, and are based around the sea. In the next couple years I want to go by boat to the extreme north of Canada, in the hopes of exploring places impossible to reach in any other manner.

It's hard to nail down a single memorable experience from all my trips with TDA, but I most often think back to the experiences of Central Asia, and discovering the beauty of the Pamir Mountains for the first time. At one particular high altitude camp in Tajikistan, I remember taking a hike with a group of riders up a steep 5000m peak adjacent to the camp. As we neared the top, we found ourselves unable to safely make it past 5000m due to a loose rock scramble for the last 20 meters. Disappointed, we turned around and witnessed a flock of Marco Polo Sheep running along the ridge just below us, making time before the sun set.

If I were to make a single suggestion to a future TDA rider, it would be to slow down, and keep a camera close. The best stories at the end of the trip are not normally those of the speediest cyclist.

Harrison Banks

I'm a Emergency Medicine doctor based in Manchester UK! I have always been passionate about the outdoors and am a keen fell runner (with my dog, Floki), climber and cyclist. My passion for the outdoors has fueled a desire to work in the extreme environment and I have completed a MSc in Global health, focusing on neglected tropical diseases, and diploma in Expedition Medicine. Since then I have been splitting time between the ER and event/expedition medicine, mostly working on multi-day ultra marathons and long-distance bike rides. Patagonia has been a dream destination of mine for many years so I am extremely honored and excited to be coming along as tour medic!

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

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!

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.

Joan Donohue

I am a retired business professor from South Carolina who has done two other TDA trips - 2016 Silk Route from Beijing to Dushanbe and 2024 Tour d' Afrique.

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

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.

Per Sörner

Freelance engineer, musician and reality hacker from the Swedish west coast. Currently on an indefinite sabbatical to explore life more fully. I find expedition cycling a good way to practice living in the present, enjoy the "simple" downsized 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), Kashmir to Kathmandu (Trans Himalaya premiere 2019) and Journey to the East (2024).

Niek Padt

I'm looking forward to complete the last sections of the South America trip that I haven't done yet!

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.

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.

Mark Lutz

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.

Jordan Kadelbach

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

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 .

Ivan Zimmermann

Creative, adventourous, good sense of humour.

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.

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.

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.

PAR AKESSON

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

Michael Archer

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.

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. .

Erwin Attenberger

Hi, I´m Erwin, already 69, 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.

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, TDA Madagascar 2019 ,TDA Himalayas 2019 and North American Epic in 2022. I also sail, trek, climb and ski long distances and remotely. Looking forward to exploring with like-minded friends!

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...!

Bruno Boilard

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 .

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 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

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.

Andreas Pakenham

As a tour leader, I love the daily challenges, and ever changing worlds we are all so lucky to travel through. Getting a diverse group of cyclists, with different backgrounds, and goals across a continent is a rare thrill that makes life at home feel a bit pedestrian! The best feeling on tour is making a tough day go smoothly, and to surprise the riders with something unexpected or memorable along the way.

I live on the west coast of Canada, in Victoria, a quiet town which can seem like an extreme contrast to many of the places I tour with TDA. In the past I have done a number of solo cycling trips, as well as exploring by motorcycles when time was more limited. Over the years of travelling though, I've realized how much I enjoy the camaraderie of travelling with a group to share experiences and make memories with. My future goals for personal travel at the moment are a bit different, and are based around the sea. In the next couple years I want to go by boat to the extreme north of Canada, in the hopes of exploring places impossible to reach in any other manner.

It's hard to nail down a single memorable experience from all my trips with TDA, but I most often think back to the experiences of Central Asia, and discovering the beauty of the Pamir Mountains for the first time. At one particular high altitude camp in Tajikistan, I remember taking a hike with a group of riders up a steep 5000m peak adjacent to the camp. As we neared the top, we found ourselves unable to safely make it past 5000m due to a loose rock scramble for the last 20 meters. Disappointed, we turned around and witnessed a flock of Marco Polo Sheep running along the ridge just below us, making time before the sun set.

If I were to make a single suggestion to a future TDA rider, it would be to slow down, and keep a camera close. The best stories at the end of the trip are not normally those of the speediest cyclist.

Helen Gertig

I'm a GP based in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Love an adventure by any self-propelled means. I have previously been medic for the (fabulous) Tour d'Afrique, Silk Route and Trans-Himalaya TDA expeditions. Looking forward to joining you all for this joyful two-wheeled scamper!!

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.

Rachel Vanderzwet

Coming from Victoria, BC I have been fortunate to join TDA on a number of tours over the last 5 years. I'm looking forward to joining the upcoming Golden Buddha Ride and to continue to explore the world by bicycle!

will carter

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

Peter McCartney

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

Jasper Koolstra

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

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 :)

Kees Kouwenhoven

Born and raised in Holland. I am married for a long time, over 60 years of age and working in agricultural business as an advisor for growers in pest management in greenhouses. Besides travelling, cycling is one of my hobbies so this tour is a good combination of both. With friends we have been cycling a lot through Europe This will be my third expedition outside Europe after doing half of the Silk Route with TDA four years ago and Buenos Aires Ushuaia in 2022 Hoping to make new memories

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.

Mitchell Kadelbach

Something of a British Canadian mongrel, raised in Toronto and currently awaiting judgement day in the UK's Southwest. I first cut my teeth as a chef in Toronto's fast-paced restaurant scene, specialising in Italian and Mexican cuisine. But really grew in to my own, after I started traveling, seeing drawing connections, conjuring up my own fusions, and getting to grips with real french cuisine in France. In 2018, I completed the Silk Route tour with TDA as the tour chef. and then returned to the region in 2022 on TDA's Trans-Caucuses. Working for TDA is truly a dream come true, as I never stop savouring the opportunity, overland across continent, tasting cuisine, drinking in the sights and sounds, learning languages and laughing with locals. I hope to engaged more openly with my travels by, recording and photographing the outlandish and irregular natural and cultural communities, eventually capitalising on my journalism undergrad.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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)

Jim Sarver

63 years old

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!

Brenda Trenholme

I have a passion for most outdoor sports, especially in the mountains. I’m looking forward to exploring these countries with old cycling friends and staff and meeting new ones. By giving slideshows of my past cycling adventures, I have fundraised for a Canadian charity called the Kenya Education Endowment Fund. I’m considering creating a digital presentation of this ride as a fundraising enterprise. www.KenyaEducation.org

Mark Heim

I retired early several years ago and since then I have enjoyed spending my free time staying fit and active. I've done multiple 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, and the first half of the North American Epic. I’m looking forward to sharing this adventure with old friends and meeting new people.

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!

Jim Arthur

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

LINO MONGE

Mike Gurnham

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Phil Dixon

I really love long distance cycling ...love the adversity of climbing …weather … distance….makes me smile all day .

Kylie Sheppard

Hi, How awesome is it that we get to cycle across Africa?!! In 2018 I was lucky to participate in the TDA Silk Route. Since then I’ve been able to do some more cycle touring and bike packing trips throughout Oz, NZ and Europe. I'm looking forward to meeting you all - let the adventures begin!!!

Richard Kingsley-Smith

Retired Brit, travelling the world

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.

A. Ryan Lahuti

Hi everybody. I am from Tampa, Florida. I am passionate about traveling, cycling and reading a little bit of philosophy and economics in my spare time. Have done one other TDA tour (Silk route in 2018) It was also the last time I cycled up mountains ( Florida is mostly flat). Born in Iran, raised in US, I guess traveling the world and experiencing new cultures has become part of my DNA. I have never been to Vietnam and Cambodia, and look forward to exploring them (especially on a bicycle), and making new friends.

Victor Beijen

Theo de Klein

Theo de Klein from the Netherlands,

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!

Simon Prince

I'm a Brit, current living in Toronto. Very excited to be joining this trip. I've cycled across Canada on my own and from Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan with TDA in 2018. An amazing couple of months. These tours are fun but can be stressful in other ways. I'll endeavour to bring chill vibes...

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 was originally signed up for the Trans Caucuses ride this year but it was recently canceled. This tour opened up so I signed up. I’m an older rider but fit and have experience on longer tours. Looking forward to this experience.

Juergen Willrodt

I am 75 years old and have already participated in 10 TDA tours mainly as a sectional rider. I am married and happy father of three girls (44, 29 and 27) 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.

Sinan Yuksel

Hi! I was very much inspired from the riders and staff when i helped a TDA tour as a translater in Turkey and I wanted to be a part of it. I am a part time engineer, and a part time farmer. Very excited to experience Europe with a speed of a bike :)

Mitchell Kadelbach

Something of a British Canadian mongrel, raised in Toronto and currently awaiting judgement day in the UK's Southwest. I first cut my teeth as a chef in Toronto's fast-paced restaurant scene, specialising in Italian and Mexican cuisine. But really grew in to my own, after I started traveling, seeing drawing connections, conjuring up my own fusions, and getting to grips with real french cuisine in France. In 2018, I completed the Silk Route tour with TDA as the tour chef. and then returned to the region in 2022 on TDA's Trans-Caucuses. Working for TDA is truly a dream come true, as I never stop savouring the opportunity, overland across continent, tasting cuisine, drinking in the sights and sounds, learning languages and laughing with locals. I hope to engaged more openly with my travels by, recording and photographing the outlandish and irregular natural and cultural communities, eventually capitalising on my journalism undergrad.

Lorna Eaton-Brown

Josiah Skeats

I was cycling through the breathtakingly high mountains of Tajikistan, overloaded with my tent and ten days of noodles and tuna, halfway through a three-year cycling expedition from England to Australia, when suddenly, a peloton of cyclists sped past in a cloud of dust and camaraderie. ‘Well, they’ve got the right idea,’ I thought to myself, as a lunch truck and bags van followed closely behind. It was my first encounter with TDA, and I applied to join the team as soon as I found Wi-Fi!

Since then, I’ve been fortunate to join many TDA adventures around the world and I love witnessing their transformative power. Aside from the drama of pedal strokes that shuffle across the map through varied and striking landscapes, even the most mundane and everyday tasks become thrilling moments of discovery. Going to bed at home is barely noteworthy, but on tour you might be pitching your tent to the cackle of distant hyenas or sleeping on the floor of a Japanese Ryokan. I forget most meals I eat at home but can still recall flavours and meals from several tours ago. Watching Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit turn pink at sunset is certainly the most scenic spot I’ve ever washed the dishes. On tour anything can happen next, and moments of magic are a daily event!

In between TDA tours, you may find me struggling to sit still at home in England’s Lake District, but more likely I’ll be out on a different adventure, whether by bike or by sailboat, on foot, on skis, or in a climbing harness.

My top tip for anyone embarking on a TDA tour would be to understand that it’s an expedition; at times, it will be uncomfortable, things will go wrong and there will be challenges that demand the right mindset. Believe it or not, these moments will form some of your proudest and fondest memories, and sources of great hilarity. ‘It will either be an experience or a story,’ as the saying goes.

On a more practical note, I would urge you to slow down and savour the experience of being on tour, because it will pass surprisingly quickly. It’s too easy to not stop and take a photo, to race past the coke stops, and to ignore the friendly local who wants to say Hi.

Cheers, and see you out there!

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!

Malcolm Juring

I love traveling, riding bikes, and meeting new people. What more could you ask for?

My most memorable experience on a TDA tour is swimming in the Arctic Ocean at the start of the North American Epic. *spoiler* It's not very cold in July :(

My advice for anyone planning to join a TDA tour is to read a book set in your tour's destination. Try learning a few phrases in the local language and don't forget your towel!

Carolina Ceravolo

There are many things I love about my job, but my favorite is to dive deep in the route to learn all about its features, profile, geographical and historical facts, and to reunite with the team and riders to explore the journey together. All of us are very privileged to be able to explore the world at the pace of a bicycle; to really be present and see, feel, hear and smell all the environments we are cycling through. I love to keep the riders focused on their journey, motivating them to see the magic and the beauty of what we have the opportunity to be doing. I like to be the bridge to their experience, helping them face the challenges and persevere.

I currently live in Belgium. I have been traveling through all hidden corners of the American continent and Europe for the last 10 years where I learnt about its history and culture. I'm a certified nature and history guide in Mexico, specialized in Mayan History. I'm also a technical cave diver and worked with cave exploration in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, where I lived for 9 years. Here I developed skills in safety and risk management, which is one of my favorite aspects of the job as a tour leader: to be able to foresee hazards and plan ways to mitigate them.

Cycling is my favorite thing to do, so in 2017 I did a solo self supported bike trip for 4 months from Mexico to Brazil. This was when I decided to change the course of my career from guiding nature and cave diving tours to working with cycling tour companies, realizing I could transfer my skills in safety and risk assessment from cave diving into leading cycling tours/expeditions.

My tip for cyclists joining our tours is to trully allow yourself to be out of your comfort zone and to enjoy being there. Traveling by bike is physically challenging, but having a strong, open and adventurous mind is what you need to take the most out of it. Learn to appreciate the differences. To think as a group and to be realistic about what crossing a country - or a few of them - by bicycle implies. It's a unique and a massive achievement for everyone involved in it, don't forget that! Have fun, and smile always.

Nicholas Coe

A photographer that plays outside all year round. From Vermont, and now split time between there and Colorado. Excited to work with TDA for a 4th expedition!

Michaela Pye

It's a sweltering day riding through rural Uzbekistan. I'm riding sweep, when a rider stops in a lazy town square to adjust something on his bike. Within seconds of stopping, there are a dozen local folks offering us fruits, tea, shade and trying to communicate with us. It was just an example of the immense generosity and community minded nature of so many folks on the Silk Route. The simple act of nurturing from these strangers struck a chord with me. It's one of my favorite moments on a TDA tour; the simple reminder that most people are kind and that makes the world smaller in the best way possible. Experiences like those remind me why I started guiding, and why tour leading for TDA is so special; as a tour leader you have this opportunity to create an environment that breeds curiosity, kindness and allows riders to relax into the riding, and the culture.

I started guiding backpacking and sea kayaking when I was 17 as a summer job near my hometown in Newfoundland, Canada. I found it amazing that I had the opportunity to share wilderness and culture with folks from all over the world, and that sentiment has never really left me. I worked as a guide and treeplanter throughout university where I obtained a degree in Environmental Science. Post-grad, I decided a traditional science job wasn't for me, and went down the long certification process of becoming a Canadian Ski Guide. These days when I'm not on a TDA tour, I work as a ski guide for helicopter and snow-cat skiing, near where I live in Northern British Columbia. Somewhere in there I squeezed in lots of travel, some highlights being: living and working in Ukraine as part of an international development program, cycling across South America, studying and mountaineering in Alaska!

My biggest advice for a TDA participant is to let go! Really settle into the experience, and the routine. Most people's day to day lives exist at a pace much more hectic than riding your bike all day, this is your opportunity to totally settle in!

Moniek Mestrom

Hi! I will be the medic on the silk route in 2023 and I can't wait to explore this beautiful part of the world. In my 'normal' life I work as an emergency doctor, originally from the Netherlands but I have been living and working in New Zealand since late 2021. I take regular breaks to enjoy nature, be outdoor more and take in whatever the world has to offer. I just looove the sea and the mountains, so it makes sense I need to escape the Netherlands often right? Since finishing medical school in 2013 I have specialized in Emergency Medicine and I have worked as an expedition doctor, covering jobs in all 7 continents. The polar regions are one of my favorite places where I work as the ship doctor now and then since 2017. In April I crossed the Atlantic Ocean and a few weeks ago I was still in Spitsbergen working as an expedition guide. This will be my first long distance bike ride and I'm super excited! I cycled through Malawi in 2019 which was beautiful so let's have an amazing experience on the silk route trip this year too! See you soon!

Terry Scheikowski

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

Leonie Katekar

I am a fit an healthy 58 year old lady from Australia. I have been a keen cyclist for most of my life using cycling for commuting as well as recreation. Recently I undertook a bike packing adventure solo from Guatemala to Ushuaia - over 12,000km. I did this unsupported and raised $19,000 for the Fight Cancer Foundation. Since returning I have quit full time work so I am officially 'retired' and have writen a book about my adventure called 'When We're Not Afraid'. When I am not working I have been a medical officer managing hospitals and primary health care services. I have four grown children in their early 20s. I am a dog lover.

Thomas Powers

This trip is a retirement gift to myself, and another step in a lifelong immersion in cycling. I’ve raced on roads, velodromes, and gravel since a teenager, toured across the USA and up and down the West Coast, done a few supported tours in Italy and France, and Almaty-Osh with TDA in 2023. The current plan is to bikepack the Tian Shan Traverse (reverse directions, with a loop back to Bishkek) in July and meet the TDA caravan in Osh to continue through the Pamirs and onwards.

Eero Oura

After starting trekking at the age of 50, I have spent some 2 months every year on skis, pulling sledge, carrying rucksack or kayaking. Most recently also cycling. My greatest affections are polar expeditions and long/ultralong treks both alone and in a group. Challenging shorter-duration treks here and there. Cycling experience is still modest but growing Himalayas Lhasa-Kathmandu, Pamirs Dushanbe - Osh, Vietnam Hanoi - Saigon, Vietnam's northern mountains, Trans-Europe, round Finland, round the Baltic Sea, western half of Silk Route, 2024 tour d'Afrique

Rod Oram

I'm a New Zealander, tho originally from the UK,. My wonderful wife of 47 years to date, and I have a terrific daughter. I'm a business journalist for Newsroom.co.nz, I'm an Edmund Hillary Fellow https://www.ehf.org/ and am involved in all sorts of other things. I have always cycled a fair amount..since I was a small kid. Some highlights in recent years include all seven Tours of New Zealand so far; a one day ride in 2009 across the South Island of NZ from the Tasman Sea , over our Alps to the Pacific Ocean, for a total of 260km; a north-south end-to end of NZ in 2010...riding 2,200km in 14 days; and in 2022 another NZ end-to-end, Tour Aotearoa, a 3,000km bike packing trip, much of it off tarmac, in 28 days. And years ago, my wife and I spent a leisurely three weeks riding from John O'Groats to Lands End in the UK, taking a slightly roundabout 1,150 mile route. I was born in Birmingham in the UK...and I first visited Beijing as a young business journalist and have been back numerous times since. China's long been a dominant factor in my work. So riding from Birmingham to Beijing is a long-standing ambition. Given Covid's great disruptions, tho, it's a rather round-about route: Almaty to Istanbul in 2023, Istanbul to Birmingham in 2024 and Beijing to Almaty in 2025!

Rob Fisher

I am 72 years old and have been more of a hiker than biker. I did the Silk Route trip in 2023 and sections of Tour D'Afrique in 2025. I was in the newspaper business for about 30 years, leaving about the same time newspapers in their historic construct left us. For last 13 years my brother and I have been running a wine and spirits store in New York City and we recently sold it to the employees. I look forward to seeing the back of all your heads as I trail the group while cycling and your faces at the end of the day. I have no social media accounts.

Roger Palmer

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

Jerry Huynh

will carter

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

Gary Hoffman

A retired guy from Washington DC who really enjoys biking and meeting new people on these TDA trips.

Jane Tagney

Nicholas Ramsbotham

Getting a different perspective on life but I have no social media so no links Sorry

Warwick Board

Recently retired Zanuck geologist passionate about wild birds, animals, and the spectacular natural landscapes that provide habitat for them. I also love mountain biking on Vancouver's North Shore mountains and along the Sea to Sky corridor, as well as mountaineering, skiing, ski mountaineering, hiking, and travelling.

Joanne Challen

This will be my first long distance bike ride but I did do the Tour de Wyoming a few years ago. I'm a generally active person who does a lot of backpacking and hiking in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter. My husband and I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro last year but I know this trip will be a whole other level from that! I can't wait to sightsee by bike on the Silk Route 2023. I've wanted to visit Central Asia for most of my life.

Jette Bak

Lars Bak

Retired computer scientist.

Nina Schriver

Soren Schriver

Danish native, born 1956. Maried to Nina, who is riding Island too. 30 years mainly MTB riding. This will be my second TDA trip , first one was SILKROUTE 2023.We have biked many places in the world, the picture is taken in Georgia, Kaukasus mountains. Looking forward to ride with you all. I am still working, mainly as Chairman of a number of Danish companies and active investor. We have two children living close by, and four grandchildren. Søren

Erwin Attenberger

Hi, I´m Erwin, already 69, 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.

Anton Tasic

Loic Morin

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

Mats Fredrix

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

Will Druce

I’ve always felt the most free when I’m riding a bike. Coincidentally, I’ve found that riding a bicycle is also the best pace to travel at — fast enough to feel a sense of progress, but slow enough to stop, explore, and be curious. For me, this sense of curiosity is what TDA tours are all about. Without a doubt, the highlights of every tour begin with a simple smile, a wave, or a hello — whether it be to your fellow rider, the chefs at dinner, or a local person going about their everyday life. We’re all incredibly lucky to experience new cultures, countries, and landscapes from the perspective of a saddle, so I encourage you all to slow down and be curious. I'm originally from Sydney, Australia, and have been an outdoor guide and educator for the last few years, both locally and around the world. Before that, I spent a lot of time working in bike shops… so you can see how I ended up here. One of my favourite memories from TDA is setting up camp at 4,200 m in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. We camped with one of the few families still living the traditional nomadic way of life, alongside a small herd of yaks that they take up to graze in the high country every summer. This family welcomed us into their life for a day with open arms and, after dinner, invited a few of us into their home to taste their homemade fermented yak milk and cheese. Truly a special moment. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and getting tyres on the road. Not long to wait now!

Volker Tardif

Cycling has always been a central part of my life. Growing up in a car-free family, I was introduced to the joys of commuting by bike, and from there, my passion only grew. I soon discovered mountain biking and began working as a bike mechanic in local shops around Montreal. Whether it's mountain biking, touring, or simply riding through new landscapes, I find that cycling is the perfect pace to truly experience the world around me. The vulnerability that comes with it often leads to unexpected and meaningful interactions with locals – something I truly cherish.

Owen Hayter

I'm a London-based Paramedic who spends 6 months of each year travelling / working abroad on expeditions. The outdoors is what makes me happy; camping, climbing, cycling, trekking and generally roughing-it in beautiful places. This will be my third TDA tour, having done the Tour D'Afrique and Hippie Trail. I am excited to be joining The Silk Route for the final leg of what I'm sure will be an amazing expedition.

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!

Maxime Dionne

"Travelling, moving, waking up every day in a new place means I have a thousand memories of different homes all around the world."

In 2013, I bought a bicycle (that's right, I only had one from Canadian Tire at the time, but I quickly concluded a Surly LHT would better fit my needs) and went on my first bike tour, solo, starting from home and riding through Canada, the US, and Haiti. A year later, I was in Vancouver looking for a job and someone told me about TDA and their recruitment ad for Australia. I applied, bought an airline ticket to meet TDA in Adelaide, and the following month I was enjoying my new outdoor office from the saddle of my bike!

An incredible country I've cycled through is Haiti. The scenery is stunning and every 100 kilometres is an adventure, but best of all is the local folklore. I have many stories about this mysterious country and one of my favourites is about the werewolf living on the island. The Haitian werewolf is a shape-shifter able to impersonate any animal. It transforms at night—any night, even if there's no moon—and is always looking to feast on human flesh. The only way to avoid an assured death at this creature’s hands is to sleep in a house with a roof. I like to bush camp while cycling and Haiti was no different. I would sleep out in my sleeping bag in the mountains or on the beach, sometimes in my tent, sometimes under the stars. Every night the locals would warn me about the werewolf, genuinely worried I’d be eaten as I slept. Some invited me into their homes, and once a group of five friends volunteer to check on me every hour of the night. People were surprised every morning I woke up alive and some started to believe the werewolf didn't have an appetite for strangers.

There are a few reasons I like to travel so much: for one thing, I always want to have new adventures and face new challenges. And I love discovering new things—food, stories, places, people, cultures … you name it! With TDA, any and everything can happen—we’re constantly exploring the globe and we introduce fresh tours every year. As you can imagine, scouting and leading tours fulfill my desire for the new to perfection.

Angharad Jones

Emergency Medicine doctor based in London. Looking forward to my first tour with TDA and ticking off a long desired trip along the silk road!

Auriane Chouinard-Duggleby

Artist chef, Medic, Power Engineer, and Boat Captain. I grew up on a small Island off the North coast of B.C. Canada. I love to learn new things, go interesting places and meet interesting people. I have worked as a chef in remote locations for the last 17 years across Canada ( mostly in the Canadian Arctic), but also In Australia, Iceland and Greenland. It is my dream to work in Antarctica one day. When I am not cooking in Camps, lodges or on boats I teach pottery In my small town of Terrace B.C. where I am a member of the Clay Artists Of Terrace Society and the local community gardens. I enjoy swimming, canoeing, camp fires and

Carolina Ceravolo

There are many things I love about my job, but my favorite is to dive deep in the route to learn all about its features, profile, geographical and historical facts, and to reunite with the team and riders to explore the journey together. All of us are very privileged to be able to explore the world at the pace of a bicycle; to really be present and see, feel, hear and smell all the environments we are cycling through. I love to keep the riders focused on their journey, motivating them to see the magic and the beauty of what we have the opportunity to be doing. I like to be the bridge to their experience, helping them face the challenges and persevere.

I currently live in Belgium. I have been traveling through all hidden corners of the American continent and Europe for the last 10 years where I learnt about its history and culture. I'm a certified nature and history guide in Mexico, specialized in Mayan History. I'm also a technical cave diver and worked with cave exploration in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, where I lived for 9 years. Here I developed skills in safety and risk management, which is one of my favorite aspects of the job as a tour leader: to be able to foresee hazards and plan ways to mitigate them.

Cycling is my favorite thing to do, so in 2017 I did a solo self supported bike trip for 4 months from Mexico to Brazil. This was when I decided to change the course of my career from guiding nature and cave diving tours to working with cycling tour companies, realizing I could transfer my skills in safety and risk assessment from cave diving into leading cycling tours/expeditions.

My tip for cyclists joining our tours is to trully allow yourself to be out of your comfort zone and to enjoy being there. Traveling by bike is physically challenging, but having a strong, open and adventurous mind is what you need to take the most out of it. Learn to appreciate the differences. To think as a group and to be realistic about what crossing a country - or a few of them - by bicycle implies. It's a unique and a massive achievement for everyone involved in it, don't forget that! Have fun, and smile always.

ANDREW BRINK

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Marco Panebianco

photos.google.com/albums CIAO!

Terry Scheikowski

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

Jonna Koch

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

Alex Menkes

Started biking in October, 2024.

Jonathan Greif

I am 61 years old and live in coastal SW Florida, USA. I really enjoy and have done lots of adventure travel including multiple trips in Africa, trekking Himalayas and Karakorams, motorcycled 26 countries between North America, South America, Asia and Europe, but this will be my first long distance bicycle ride. I’m very excited to be part of this and try something new.

Ross Buckley

Retired adventurer. I love to travel, cook, and eat.

Esther Speck

Kenny Summers

John Benoit

A traveler, wanderer, and seeker of new landscapes. Since retiring from an international career, I’ve spent my time living, traveling, and cycling through off-the-beaten-path places across Africa, Asia, and South America. I’ve completed the TDA South American Epic and the Silk Route, with a few more rides ahead before lining up for the Path of the Jaguar. Looking forward to the miles, the landscapes, and the people along the way. ¡Happy trails!

Ellen Loopstra

NA

Denys Webb

Retired accountant who loves to combine traveling with cycling. Divorced, 2 grown up children

Sarah Easingwood-Wilson

Vikas Patel

Looking forward to the Silk Route!!!

Tim Swadling

Recently retired. Living in they UAE.

Chieh Peng

I am a 60 year old woman from Taiwan originally, but have lived in Texas US for 36 years. I retired end of 2024, and I am starting to travel through US/China/Europe/silkroad with my bicycle. I have bike toured the Pacific West Coast from Seattle to San Diego, from central Texas to Florida, around Taiwan, the GAP (from Pittsburg to Washington DC, Lisbon to Porto (Portugal), and many other shorter rides. I initially want to do the entire silkroad with TDA. But due to timing issue, I can only do part of it this time. Love to travel and love to cycle. So it is perfect to combine both. Looking forward to do this ride

Carolien Lamers

This will be my first tour with TDA. My cycling resume: yearly cycling holidays in Europe and I organized my own 6-months tour from Sapporo (Japan) to Singapore in 2018/19. Next to tour cycling, I like running, boxing, and learning Chinese.

David Kiser

Beat Karl Aschwanden

I've been retired since April 2017. In 2018, I cycled with a group from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. I had registered for the 2020 Tour d'Africa. On December 14, 2019, I tore my Achilles tendon in my left foot. The dream of Africa was over. Now I need a new challenge. Just five days later, I registered for the 2021 Silk Road. And again, there was a postponement. In 2022, I successfully completed the North America Epic from Tuktoyaktuk to Panama City, and in 2024, the South America Epic from Cartagena to Ushuaia. The 2025 Silk Road is also now history. In 2027, I'll make my second attempt at riding the Tour d'Africa.

Neil Casson

A Brit "by passport" but with strong nomadic tendencies having spent the last 40 years overseas (Europe, SE Asia, Middle East, North & South America). A committed cyclist for the last 20 years and a TDA veteran, having participated in the Bamboo Road in 2022, Journey to the East in 2023 and South American Epic in 2024.

Peggy Schrieber

Martin Kister

Beeing transferred from the canceled Transcaucasus I have to visit Armenia on my one. But joining this section of the Silk Road opens the oportunity to discover Georgia and the east of Anatolia. I have wanted to visit this regions since many years. Cycling through these countries and visiting some sites on rest days seem to be a splendid way to experience them. I am also looking forward to cycling along the vineyards and stopping for some wine tasting.

Patrick Nettesheim

Retired American expat living in Germany. Rode the Tour d'Afrique in '23 and am excited about this new tour through a part of the world that has always fascinated me. Looking forward to meeting my fellow riders, who, based on my experience in Africa, are certain to be an interesting bunch. Thanks to my wife and daughters for their encouragement and support as I pursue my dreams!

Grant Mcintosh

Hi I’m 66yr old dairy farmer from Culverden New Zealand. Completed 3 TDA tours Trans Caucasus, GolfenBudda,TDA Nairobi to Capetown 2024. Looking forward to to Almaty to Keiva SilkRoad 2025.

Barry Chase

I love cycle touring and think it’s the absolute best type of travel. I have independently cycle toured about 20 times in Europe and 10 times in the US and have done randonnneur cycling for 25 years. I’m now shifting my riding to TDA type trips, having completed Cape to Kili two years ago and the Central Asia portion of the Silk Road last year, and, by the time the Shanghai-La trip begins, will have also done the Viva Italia trip. Looking forward to exploring a new region of the world on my bike and meeting all of you.

Tom Perlmutter

This will be my fifth TDA tour. The first was in 2019, Tour d'Afrique, the last full one before Covid. It was exhilarating and somewhat addictive. After a year and a half of confinement I was happy to jump on a bike and do TDA's inaugural Great American Road Trek. I did the full North America trek in 2022 and completed the north to south by riding the full South American tour in 2024.

Geoffrey Kehr

I retired 2 years ago and reside in Bahrain with my partner. I have 2 grown up sons living in Belgium & the U.K. International travel is firmly in my blood and I have an insatiable wanderlust; always seeking new locations, cultures & experiences for adventure. My former sporting passion was marathon running and I completed all 6 marathon majors. My running CV also includes the South Pole marathon and a half marathon in North Korea. My newly developing sport activity is long distance cycling and this took a large leap forward having recently completed 2 TDA tour segments; The Golden Buddha and the Bamboo Road ride. I am now well and truly enjoying my new pursuit! Silk Road here we go!

Mark James

I have recently retired from corporate life and am looking forward to getting out and seeing more of the world than the office-airport-hotel-office hamster wheel I've been running on for the last 35 years!

Eric Alexander

American excited to explore more. Biking has been a great activity to build community and challenge myself. I really enjoy traveling with my spouse, especially to international destinations. Favorite activities include hiking, road and mountain biking. Enjoy American football and a forever hopeful Badgers fan. Let's grind.

Luca Ruijs

Swapping the ropes for wheels!

Inge Ruijs

In 2022 I did the North American Epic and got hooked. I love longdistance walking and biking and am looking forward to my next trip!

Svend Paulsen

Hi Since I retired from Teaching 15 years ago I have had the opportunity to travel with TDA. This will be my 9th trip. I enjoy meeting new travelers as well as reuniting with old friends. Together we see and experience the incredible wonders of the world firsthand and up close. I look forward to seeing all of you on the Silk Road.