“It's hard to comprehend the entire tour because everyday is visually stimulating. It is mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging. But you get to see more of each country than the average tourist. The opportunity to see each country in its most natural state is worth the challenging mountains and grueling highway riding.”
SCROLL
South American Epic
South American Epic
The only South American bicycle trip that covers the continent from top to tip and everything it has to offer
RIDERS AND STAFF
Chris Wille
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Chris Wille
"The very core of man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun" Chris McCandless Into the Wild Extremely happy and grateful to have participated in and cycled the equivalent of twice around the world on some 10+ incredible TDA trips, Coast to coast, all EFI, on 6 of the worlds 7 continents. First rider to have completed all & of the TDA 7 Epics. Special thanks to the TDA and their amazing, dedicated staff for making such trips,. and the quote above, possible- there is an incredible amount of work that goes into scouting, logistics, bookings, vehicles, staffing food, etc etc. Nobody does it better than the TDA, No one runs tours like they do on roads less travelled. It's a wonderful lifestyle, Eat, Sleep and Ride. Learning lots every day from wherever we are on the planet. " The world is my classroom, I am it's student and class is in session" Thanks also to the many wonderful, strong willed fellow riders who have helped shape each unique journey and make it special. From ages 25 to 78, you are all very inspiring and show us what is possible, proving that age is just a number. Thanks also to my dedicated and understanding wife Linda. Together we started a charity in 2008, Bicycles for Humanity Victoria. Since inception we have collected, shipped and donated over 5500 good used bikes and spare parts to 3 African countries, Namibia, Uganda and Malawi. Our work continues, always collecting good used bikes and spare parts for the next container load.. It's a great way to give back and every donated bike helps change a life for the better. Our efforts are ongoing.
Bob Whitehead
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Bob Whitehead
Bob Whitehead Age: 73 Profession: Retired Chartered Civil Engineer Resident in Hong Kong: 31 years I was attracted to join my first bike tour in 2012 with Tour d’Afrique by the prospect of long distance adventure cycling in intriguing and sometimes remote and hostile environments. This was TDA's Silk Road tour. Some time later, when I saw their South American bike tour advertised, I was immediately attracted back to do my second long distance tour. I have now fitted bike touring into my already full & active lifestyle in future! So where have I come from? I’m a retired civil engineer living in rural Hong Kong, where there is such a great variety of outdoor activities on the doorstep, in particular excellent trail running and sailing. It’s also a good hub from which to take off to countries in the region and indulge in skiing, trekking and even simply just travelling! When one is still fit, why would you want to leave Hong Kong, even after 31 years? As for what else got me into cycling……..Well, I’ve been a trail runner for most of my time here in HK and reached the top level in my age category in cross-country, long distance trail running and mountain marathons at the ripe old age of 55. Then, after a few years, I decided to take after the great ultra-marathon runner, Marshall Ulrich, and diversify. This, as a way to keep motivated. It started with adventure racing and along with a team mate, we travelled around SE Asia competing at the top level for a number of years. Mountain biking was an important discipline and to help with my bike fitness, I brought my trusty 30-year old Carlton Gyro road bike over from the UK as my training steed. This had to go back recently to be sandblasted and painted after suffering from the ravages of Hong Kong's humidity for 10-years. Then in 2010, we competed in the Scottish Coast to Coast adventure race, for which I purchased a 16-speed cyclo-cross bike. I decided to "tour" back along the route over 5-days. This started me thinking about doing a "proper" bike tour and since I possessed a book about the Silk Road, such a bike tour loomed high on the agenda. I had also picked up a couple of books in a second hand bookshop back home in England. They were travel books on Morocco and Yunnan province in China. Glancing through those I rediscovered trekking, something I had experienced years before in Nepal in the early ‘80s. So long distance bike touring and high altitude trekking have been the focus for the last 8-years or so. In 2012, it was the Silk Road for 10-weeks for which I set up my mountain bike with road transmission components. In May 2013, I completed two solo treks in Morocco each based on the two highest peaks of Toubkal and Mgoun, both a little over 4000 metres. And from May 2014, China was the focus. It started with the Big Kora, a Pilgrims' circumnavigation of three 6000-metre peaks in western China involving seven mountain passes of up to 4700m. Since then, Habba Snow mountain has been the focus, with several trips (there being no maps available) culminating in a successful trip to the summit at 5,396m in 2019. Late in 2014, I completed a 5-day tour in Devon, UK on my cyclo-cross bike. This with a view to tackling LEJOG, a bike challenge of 970 miles taking in the UK from bottom to top (SW to NE). I needed to test out my gearing for the many hills on LEJOG. The idea was to take in LEJOG as a warm up for the SA Epic. The part of the LEJOG in Devon has the toughest hills on the whole LEJOG route, so this was an ideal testing ground for my equipment and gearing. And the result? I straight-away ordered a new MTB cassette and new rear changer for the bike! As for LEJOG, well I completed this in 12-days after Easter 2015 …….. and still had to walk up a number of the hills! For the South American Epic, starting in July 2015, I decided to take my mountain bike, which had proved very successful and trouble free on the Silk Road. I felt it more suitable and comfortable for the longer distances and longer climbs. And it featured yet again in the TDA West Africa tour in 2018. Meanwhile I'm still enjoying trail running and find it compliments biking very nicely. And the incentive remains for the odd mountain race as well.
Kaye Hudson
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Kaye Hudson
Have done 3 rides with TDA Trans Europa 2012, South American 2015 and NZ section of Trans Oceania in 2016 and m doing the Odyssey from Bosnia to Amsterdam in 2017. I look forward to catching up with riders from previous rides and meeting new ones on the Pub Ride plus catching up with old friends on the NA
Jason Becker
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Jason Becker
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Like everyone here, I love my bike...as a glorious mode of transportation, but much more importantly as a freedom tool, taking me to places around the world I would never have seen if not from atop my bike. I have kept myself busy the past decade and a half as an art teacher and freelance artist and designer. I also love traveling, hiking, drawing, painting, building models, and anything else involving creativity. I currently live in Kansas, but look forward to the day, very soon perhaps, when I can wake up to mountains out my window.
John Stowe
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
John Stowe
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
My first thought about biking the SAE was: "I'm not letting Chris Willie, Chris Jones, and Dudley Jesser get all the glory...and drink all the beer!" :) ...and so begins my 4th tour with TDA. Can't wait to see you all again!
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Catriona Kennedy
Rider
Cartegena to Santiago
Catriona Kennedy
Rider
Cartegena to Santiago
Mike and I have cycled from Istanbul to Beijing, Shanghai to Singapore, through India, Cartagena to Santiago and Brazil with TDA and done numerous cycling tours through Europe and across America. This trip through Seoul and Japan sounds fantastic and we're really looking forward to it.
Rider
La Paz to Santiago
Rider
La Paz to Santiago
Michael Netzsch
Rider
La Paz to Ushuaia
Michael Netzsch
Rider
La Paz to Ushuaia
I just finished the Transhimalaya. It was a great and enjoyable experience. I am sure that the Journey to the East will be just as well. I am looking forward to meeting you all in Seoul.
Aloysius Carlay
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Aloysius Carlay
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
This is my fourth TDA tour - did North America, South America, and India. Looking forward to this part of the world and reuniting with some old friends from previous tours. I currently ride with a full carbon moutain bike setup w/ 29 inch wheels and 2.35/2.2 sized tires and a 1x11 setup. It worked really well in South America where there was a good combination of pavement and dirt/gravel roads. Expecting something similar with the Bamboo tour.
Eriberto Roana
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Eriberto Roana
Questo è il mio secondo TDA, nel 2010 ho fatto il Coast to Coast Los Angeles-New York, nel 2015 SudAmerican Epic, nel 2017 Il Great Divide, adesso andiamo ad affrontare questa nuova avventura e felice di incontrare alcuni ciclisti del SAE 2015.
Tim Padmore
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
Tim Padmore
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
I am a slightly rusty veteran of three TDA full tours (and of life in general I suppose). Ronda and I will tear ourselves away from three toddler grandchildren and our Gastown condo for a month on a fine new road with a few old friends and more friends to be.
Ronda Green
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
Ronda Green
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
Hi, I am Ronda, one half of Mr. and Ms. 'Slow', Tim being the other half but we totally enjoy watching the world go by at a manageable pace. I have been a potter for forty years. Traveling to different countries gives me an intimate connection with the local culture. Pre-Columbian pottery of South America is amazing, detailing the life style and skill of the indigenous people before the Spanish invasion. Tim and I have traveled with TDA on four of the original excursion. I liken the experience to being a kid at camp: all of the adventure and fun with little of the work or management. Perfect, if we could just find someone to pitch the tents
Victor Beijen
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Victor Beijen
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Bob Briggs
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
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!!!!
Theo de Klein
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Theo de Klein
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Theo de Klein from the Netherlands,
ray harder
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
ray harder
i am a 73 year old male from missouri, usa. i have ridden on bike tours across the us, and this will be my fourth out of country. i speak a little spanish at the intermediate level and i enjoy talking to the locals... i am glad that we are going north to south as it seems downhill to me... i am looking forward to this trip... good to see a lot of international riders... and several alumni of tda -sa-2015, tda-wa-2018., tda-nae-2019... email me -- harderr@umsystem.edu if you want to talk... ray
Klaus Michael Jensen
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Klaus Michael Jensen
I'm 65 years old and retired. I have done Africa-tour and South America epic.
Peter Hodges
Rider
Quito to Lima
Peter Hodges
Rider
Quito to Lima
Kiwi who enjoys getting out Mountain biking, and exploring.
Erwin Attenberger
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
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 and Silk Route. Looking forward to meet you on the next tour with TDA.
Nicholas Harrison
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Nicholas Harrison
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
I live in Perth Western Australia, married to Johanna (Jo) who is also on the Trip. I am reasonably active enjoying outdoor activities, ocean swimming, windsurfing, snowboarding and of course riding. I ride a hard tail mountain bike in preference to a standard road bike even when commuting, makes me work harder chasing guys on road bikes. Getting into single track riding, enjoy the physical and mental challenges. The longest bike trip I have done was in 2013 when we completed the 'Traverse of Costa Rica", which was the inspiration to take part in the Epic South America Trip. I have worked as a Surveyor for about 40 years on land and sea, remote areas to urban centres. Have travelled, worked and lived in a number of different countries including Southern Africa, Guatemala, Venezuela, Qatar, Mauritania and of course Australia.
Johanna Platt
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Johanna Platt
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
What have I signed up for!!! I must admit my main sporting passion is ocean swimming, it doesn't sound like there'll be much of that on offer! We, that is myself, & Nick (husband, also on the tour) got a taste for cycle touring on a recent trip to Costa Rica - Challenging, yes, rewarding, absolutely. Not too sure how this long distance cycle touring will go, however, always looking for the next challenge, so will give it my best shot. At least it's heading south - that is downhill - isn't it? Chao Chicos, nos vamos en Julio.
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Alex Glisson
Rider
Cusco to La Paz
Alex Glisson
Rider
Cusco to La Paz
I'm 27 and from the U.K. and will be undertaking two stages of the South American Epic 2015; from Lima to Bolivia. This will be my first Tour and am very excited! No idea what I am letting myself in for - but that's all part of the fun right?! Looking forward to meeting everyone :) Bring on South America! p.s. I'm on Facebook - so feel free to get in contact. I've got the same profile picture as i've uploaded to this profile page.
David Saevitzon
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
David Saevitzon
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
Live in Toronto - love being on the bike. Looking forward to the ride. 'Graduate' of TDA 2010 and Doomsday 2012.
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
Laura Martin
Rider
Quito to Cusco
Laura Martin
Rider
Quito to Cusco
I'm a retired Forester and who enjoys getting outside and being active. I'm not a speedy cyclist but do try to finish the day. What better way to see a new country than from a cycle seat. This will be my second tour with TDA.
Greg Field
Rider
Quito to Cusco
Greg Field
Retired Electrical Engineer, living in Nanoose Bay, BC Longer cycle trips include across Canada (2008) & New Zealand (2011) Toured & hiked Chile & Argentina in 2014 Quito to Cusco leg of SA Epic 2015 Pub Ride in 2018
Marius Kiefer
Rider
Quito to Ushuaia
Marius Kiefer
Rider
Quito to Ushuaia
After 10 years of working I am looking forward to a well deserved Sabbatical and this amazing trip through Southamerica. Cant wait! : ) Marius
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
jos malherbe
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
jos malherbe
This will be my 5th tda trip. So i must be addicted to tuna sandwiches and camping, especially bush camps. See you all in Cartagena. Please support the charity i will be raising funds for. Visit http://www.childwelfarechallenge.co.za
Per Sörner
Rider
Quito to Cusco
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, 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) and Freetown to Cape Coast (West Africa en Vélo premiere 2018).
Annegrete Warrer
Rider
Quito to Puerto Montt
Annegrete Warrer
Hi everybody, I am from Denmark and 59 years old. Until my India adventure in 2011 I did not know a lot about cycling - but after about 3.400 k I kind of catched a bit up on it.. I live in St. Anton, Austria where I live out my passion for skiing. I also began my "cycling career" here - on mountain bike. Last autumn after doing Rome with TDA I went to south of Italy and bought a racing bike. I am about to pick it up now and plan to do some training on it and my mountain bike here in St. Anton. Spent all summer in Denmark and did not bike (did some sailing). I used to own a travel company specialized in ski holidays but since the last 6-8 years I started to do some free lance writing as a journalist and also do some studying in that field. I look very much forward to meet old and new friends in Asia (Hongkong to Penang) - and hope that the chinese traffic is not going to be too tough.. Cheers, Annegrete
Irin Zschokke
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Irin Zschokke
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Hi everyone, I'm gonna be your medic for the tour. I first heard about Tour d'Afrique 3 years ago, when one of my colleagues asked me, if I would join her for the TdA 2013. Yes I did, and I loved it. I then got to know this kind of traveling as a participant. I now can't wait to be on the "other" side and support you guys to make your South American Epic as fantastic the TdA was for me. Looking forward to meeting all of you. Cheers, Irin
Grant Prenevost
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Grant Prenevost
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
chris hectors
Rider
Cartegena to Lima
chris hectors
Rider
Cartegena to Lima
biking to see the world is my favourite way of traveling i live in ghent, an old medieval and beautiful city in the northern flemish part of belgium look forward to meet the team and to bike through latin america
Rider
Quito to Lima
Rider
Quito to Lima
Linda Wille
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Linda Wille
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Tom Jurenka
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Tom Jurenka
Long time road-tourer, mostly in BC.
Jessica Wolf
Rider
Cartegena to Bogota
Mark Heim
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Mark Heim
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
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.
Britten Ferguson
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Britten Ferguson
Four years ago, I sold what I could and gave everything else away before hopping on a 1-way flight to Central America to work for Outward Bound. Captivated by a sense of adventure and the unique complexities of living abroad, I started mountain biking all over Costa Rica which serendipitously led to a job guiding cycling trips throughout the isthmus, logging thousands of miles fueled by rice, beans, and my beloved plantains. Since then, I've also spent significant time working and traveling through South America as an educational instructor, leading students on rugged trekking-intensive courses. I recently started Revolución, a small bike travel business, as a way of combining my passions for traveling by bike, Latin American history, and community building. An eternally optimistic Washington State native, I love a good story and scheming for the next adventure over a cold beer.
Catherine Hanauer
Rider
Quito to Ushuaia
Catherine Hanauer
Rider
Quito to Ushuaia
Bicycle and adventure enthusiast. This has been on the bucket list for far too long
Maxime Dionne
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Maxime Dionne
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
"Travelling, moving, waking up every day in a new place means I have a thousand memories of different homes all around the world."
I used to work in an office developing softwares in Quebec City and one day I decided to quit that lifestyle. Being able to take only a trip or two per year wasn’t enough anymore—I needed to travel full time. 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.
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Alejandro Rico
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Alejandro Rico
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Hello I am Alejandro Rico and I will be your mechanic during the Tour. I'm Colombian I am excited to participate in the tour and help during this incredible journey. I am 29 years old and since I got my first bike at 8 years old I never stopped riding. We did the Scout of Colombia with Cristiano our tour leader and I can say that the route through my country Colombia is totally amazing; a journey that will like books of the Colombian Nobel of literature Gabriel Garcia Marquez a journey of magic realism. I live in Bogota capital of Colombia. I hope to help all you can so I can contact my personal email :alejandro@bikerscrew.com See you in July.
Adrian Wood
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Adrian Wood
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Hi, My name is Adrian and I will be working on the 2015 Tour D'Afrique. I couldn't be more excited. I will have just finished my final year at university and couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than meeting new people who share a common passion.
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Michele Kline
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Michele Kline
Rider
Lima to Cusco
My Husband Anthony (Tony) and I, are from Hobart in Tasmania...we went on our first TDA tour in 2014 from Lima to Cuzco our second one was NZ from Auckland to Queenstown 2015, last year we did our first full tour the Pub Ride. We are looking forward to our first Italian visit and our second full tour!
Anthony kline
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Anthony kline
Rider
Lima to Cusco
54yrs old small business owner building concreting landscaping. Enjoy adventure activities, have walked everest base camp and kilimanjaro successfully. Been a keen cyclist for several years, in 2015 Michele and did our first TDA trip from Lima to Cusco. Last year we completed Auckland to Queenstown and now looking forward to the Pub ride.
Rider
Quito to La Paz
Rider
Quito to La Paz
Jodi Scott
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Jodi Scott
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Hi I'm Jodi and I'll be the medic on tour
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Peter Sennhauser
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Peter Sennhauser
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Well, my son Britten will be working for TDA from tip to tip on this South American Epic, so it'll be his chance to take care of me rather than the other way around. He's been all over Central and S. America and this will be the first time I'm able to join him on one of his adventures. As a former Seattle bike messenger/bike dork I know bikes. The section I'm doing in the Andes from Lima to Cusco (and beyond) should go a long way toward telling me a little bit more about myself. Midlife crisis? Spiritual journey? Both? My wife signed off on this cage-rattling excursion and pushed me in this direction. Now it's time to push in a new direction - up, up, up to Cusco!
Rider
La Paz to Ushuaia
Rider
La Paz to Ushuaia
Will Hill
Rider
Lima to Ushuaia
Will Hill
Rider
Lima to Ushuaia
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!
Sue Shuttleworth
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Sue Shuttleworth
Aged 60, retired veterinary surgeon. Married and live in Lancashire, UK. Cycled Africa 2015, South American Epic 2015 and Trans Oceania 2016 plus various long distance cycle camping epics in the past with my husband. In 2015 Nairobi to Arusha took us 2 days to cycle. Really happy that I'll get to cycle Nairobi to Arusha now via Uganda and Rwanda. Looking forward to seeing the gorillas, and revisiting Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Also catching up with friends from previous tours.
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Mark Lutz
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Mark Lutz
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Hello, I'm Mark, and I'll be your chef for the tour, joining you in Darwin. I'm excited to be a part of this amazing adventure, and look forward to meeting everyone when you reach Australia.
Luiz Morais
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Luiz Morais
Hello, my name is Luiz Morais, I'm from Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais - Brazil, land of mountains, water, historic towns and called as the California of mountain biking by the local cyclists. I'm a graphic designer and rider since childhood starting with BMX. Nowadays i'm a cross country mountain biker and practitioner of enduro and downhill beyond cycletours. I have a small support local business to cycling called Magrela's (Skinny's Bicycles) and I've been preparing over the years to work in this area with first aid courses, guide, bicycle mechanic and in this tour i will work as a professional driver and sweep rider among other common functions. We are ready!
Rider
Cusco to Salta
Rider
Cusco to Salta
Jean Bernier
Rider
Cusco to Santiago
Jean Bernier
Rider
Cusco to Santiago
Hi, my name is Jean. I grew up in the beautiful town of Québec city. I have been very active since my young age. Physical education teacher for 32 years; now retired. That's my second experience with the Tour d'Afrique: In 2011, I participated in the four months challenging T.D.A.: very proud of my E.F.I. (evrey f... inches) Countries visited on bike: Canada: coast to coast. Vancouver to Inuvik ( Arctic: on the Dempster highway.) Africa: Cairo to Cape Town. India. See you all.
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartegena to Bogota
Rider
Cartegena to Bogota
Dirk Pater
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Dirk Pater
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
My name is Dirk Pater, and I am 61 years old. I'm married to Nellie and we have four children, three daughters and one son. Their names are Dicky, Hans, Rosa & Anne. I grow vegetables by profession. Together with my family and work, excercising is also very important to me. I've been training all my life. When it comes to sport or something that is connected with competition, I'm very fanatical and enthousiastic. Though, in daily life, I'm a calm person. I see the Tour D'Afrique as the ultimate challenge and I hope that I will have lots of fun.
Nellie Pater
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Nellie Pater
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Hi, my name is Nellie, I am 57 years jong
Pa Dawson
Rider
Cusco to Santiago
Pa Dawson
Rider
Cusco to Santiago
Born in Laos, raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and currently living and working in Hong Kong. Can't wait to see more of the world on two wheels!
Guillaume Blanchet
Rider
La Paz to Salta
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Irena Kharazova
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Irena Kharazova
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Coming to cycle just short part of the trip from Ethiopia to Kenia
Tom Callahan
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Tom Callahan
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Taking a break from a hectic consulting job in Hong Kong. What better way to spend a sabbatical than cycling a continent?! Love cycling but don't get much chance in Hong Kong. There's no better way to see a country though. Looking forward to hitting the road!
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Brett Lanham
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Brett Lanham
I’m an ex seafarer, retired now for 8 years, fortunate enough to have been able to get away on a bike tour with TdA every year since 2011, until 2020 that was! With COVID not sure when but registered to do the new finish to the Trans Europa in Gibraltar, the lap around Tasmania on the Trans Oceania and the Silk Route. I look forward to catching up with friends from past rides and meeting new ones and sharing these great adventures with a beer, or two.
Brian Hoeniger
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Brian Hoeniger
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
There are few experiences in life that compare to riding my bike through beautiful landscapes in faraway lands. Beyond working for TDA as Accountant and Tour Support, I've been a client 7 times now. All these journeys have had their magical moments. Spinning through Iran - pinch me, I'm dreaming!, across Turkey - where east meets west, down Chile's remote Carretera Austral, and into the canyonlands of the American southwest, to name a few. Completing the Tour d'Afrique is another. And of course, meeting our amazing clients from around the world and the "salt of the earth" local people along the way. I rode Hanoi to Bangkok 2 years ago and now its time to carry on down the Malay peninsula from Bangkok to Singapore. See you in November!
Daniel Frye
Rider
Cartegena to Santiago
Daniel Frye
Rider
Cartegena to Santiago
Hello, I'm a retired oceanographer and I've taken up cycle touring as a replacement for running and backpacking, which I'm no longer able to do. My wife and I have done several previous trips with TDA (Orient Express, TransOceania 2014, the South American Epic, and Tour d'Afrique, among others) and we're looking forward to another interesting and challenging experience this year in Australia and New Zealand. Looking forward to meeting all the riders and seeing old friends.
Fred Promoli
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Fred Promoli
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Occupation: retired Physical Education and Outdoor Education teacher; former naval officer; Hometown: Guelph, Ontario Current residence: Collingwood, Ontario Former provinces of residence: all but Nfld, NB, PEI TdA experience: Tour d'Afrique 2003; Orient Express 2008; Silk Route 2008; Bamboo Road 2013; Australia 2014; South America 2015, 2017; Lake Winnipeg 2016; (America by Bicycle northern route 2016); Trans Himalaya 2019 Current activities: cycling, motorcycle touring, golf, canoe tripping, xc skiing; bagpipe band member
Jacqueline Goodall
Rider
Quito to Lima
Jacqueline Goodall
Rider
Quito to Lima
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
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
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
Marina Krilova
Rider
Lima to Santiago
Marina Krilova
Rider
Lima to Santiago
Having got to explore Alaska, Yukon down to Banff with the tour I knew I was hooked for life. People and places you get to meet, experiences you get to share change you. It was only a question of time before I cleared my schedule and packed the infamous duffles to hit the road! Can't wait to see some old friends and make new ones! Xoxo
Michael Kennedy
Rider
Quito to Santiago
Michael Kennedy
Rider
Quito to Santiago
This is my 8th TDA tour starting with the first TDA I have also done the first Silk Route, Bamboo Road, South American Epic, Carnival Cycling Expedition and Trans Himalaya as well as the second India Adventure/Hippy trail. I have also cycled across the US twice, Europe, eastern Australia and South America as well as numerous shorter tours around America, Europe and North Africa.
Nelson Lacharity
Rider
Cartegena to Santiago
Nelson Lacharity
Rider
Cartegena to Santiago
I am from Vancouver, BC, retired June of 2012. I discovered bicycling when I was 42 and long distance cycling when I was 59, so I had to retire to make time for the touring. I have been on six other TDA tours (Amber Route 2010, Bamboo 2013, and South American 2015, TransEuropa 1016, Tour d'Afrique 2017) and Silk Route 2018 as well as several other long distance rides. For me cycling is mostly about the bike, but the chance to see new places and new cultures is right up there, along with one of the biggest pleasures, which is the people - meeting new ones and meeting up with ones from previous rides.
Paul Davison
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
Paul Davison
Rider
Cartegena to Quito
62 years old, retired engineer. Coming back for another instalment of South America. Not a fast rider, but a persistant one.
Phil Kissel
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Phil Kissel
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Have done Cairo to Capetown 2013, Registered nurse keen for cultural and cycling challenge
Shirley Frye
Rider
Cartegena to Santiago
Shirley Frye
Rider
Cartegena to Santiago
Have enjoyed many TDA trips and hope to do many many more.
Svend Paulsen
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Svend Paulsen
Hi Since I retired from Teaching 11 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 first hand and up close . I look forward to seeing all of you on the trans oceania
SEE
LESS
SEE LESS
Chris Wille
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Bob Whitehead
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Kaye Hudson
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Jason Becker
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
John Stowe
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
SEE
MORE
SEE MORE
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Mike Vermeulen
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Mike Vermeulen
I am an experienced bicycle tourist who has cycled across five continents, with South America next on the list. I rode across Africa with TDA in 2013, the other trips were carrying my own gear. I've also cycled China with TDA on Silk Route in 2007. My plan is to ride some of South America on my own and join TDA for the southernmost part starting in Puerto Montt. I'm looking forward to meeting other riders to ride across Patagonia.
Tom Bell
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Tom Bell
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Celebrated turning 65 by riding South American Epic. Loved the experience. I was warned these trips become addictive and was home for only 2 weeks before signing up for TDA.
EVAN KENLEY
Rider
Cusco to Puerto Montt
EVAN KENLEY
Rider
Cusco to Puerto Montt
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.
Mike Jakeman
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Mike Jakeman
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Bike and travel.....it's a retirement thing.
Kim Wright
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Kim Wright
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Andy Sorensen
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Andy Sorensen
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Discovering recumbent bicycles 15 years ago has turned a hobby into a bit of an obsession. I like to ride on pavement, dirt, and even snow. Whether pulling a trailer to/from the grocery store or riding from Paris to Brest and back, I'm happiest when pedaling.
Angus Mitchell
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Angus Mitchell
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
It’s a turning 50 thing. The last kid heading off to university, an accommodating wife and a sabbatical from the law firm. I’m based in Bangkok, so heat and humidity shouldn't bother me but anything resembling a hill will be a problem.
Barb Sweeney
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Barb Sweeney
It's time to explore some more of the world on my bike.
Bronwyn Kelly
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Bronwyn Kelly
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Each year I seem to find some new ride to do that is harder than the last. This section will be twice as long last year's cycling trip.
Emily Currie
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Emily Currie
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
“‘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!
Jacob Warner
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Jacob Warner
Hi everyone, I will be helping out on the tour and occasionally riding a bike too. See you in Cartagena!
Thomas Burgess
Rider
Cartagena to Bogota
Thomas Burgess
Rider
Cartagena to Bogota
I am a school principal in California and am riding the first leg from Cartegena to Bogota on my July holiday. I wish I could do the whole ride! I've been training in the Santa Cruz mountains so am hoping to get up and over the mountains in Columbia in a reasonable fashion.
James (Jim) Raddatz
Rider
Salta to Puerto Montt
James (Jim) Raddatz
Rider
Salta to Puerto Montt
Old and slow.
Bruce Nation
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Bruce Nation
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
I have a hard time saying no to ridiculously long adventures.
Rebecca Nation
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rebecca Nation
I am two time Ironman finisher, avid mountain biker and backpacker. I just finished the South American Epic this past year. I'm excited for this next adventure and have been training hard with a few IPA's post ride to recover properly
Dean Murray
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
Dean Murray
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
Retired from engineering in 2015 and have been doing cycling and hiking trips since, including Newfoundland, Ruta Maya, Australia, Pub Ride, West Africa and Great Divide. Cycling trips with camping are my favorite times.
Michael Pope
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Michael Pope
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
I am a bicycle mechanic, lover of outdoor adventure, music, cycling, poker and anime. I currently live in Boulder, Colorado. I fell in love with road cycling in 2011 in the mountains of North Carolina and continue to love it to this day. My affection for cycling grew on me, gradually, over the course of several years. From commuting to riding 20 miles, 40 miles, 60 miles. Twice I rode from my house to college and back 115 miles both ways. Eventually, in 2014 I rode 4000 miles across the country with Bike&Build. Since then I have dreamed of long solo-tours through foreign countries. Until then, I will travel as a bicycle mechanic!
Rider
Cartagena to Santiago
Rider
Cartagena to Santiago
Yanez Novoa
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Yanez Novoa
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Exited to be part of the team.
Rider
Lima to La Paz
Rider
Lima to La Paz
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Mark Young
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Mark Young
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Hello, my names Mark and a Paramedic from England! I'll look forward to meeting you all and helping you in this amazing adventure! See you soon!!
Caragh Rellis
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Caragh Rellis
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Hi, This is my first international cycle tour, although I'm a regular road cyclist and have done quite a few one day sportives and some multi-day tours around Ireland and New Zealand where I currently live.
Mario Posada
Rider
Cartagena to Bogota
Mario Posada
Rider
Cartagena to Bogota
I am a salesperson for a big biotech company in San Diego, where I cover the Latin America market. I am Colombian by birth and American by choice, but Brazilian in my soul.
Karen Mitchell
Rider
Lima to Ushuaia
Karen Mitchell
Rider
Lima to Ushuaia
I am a Canadian who has been living in Thailand with my family until recently when my kids flew the coop and my husband started the tour in Cartagena. I am up for any adventure so will be joining him for 3 sections.
Rider
Lima to La Paz
Rider
Lima to La Paz
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Amy Jurries
Rider
La Paz to Salta
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!
Robert Hooper
Rider
Cusco to La Paz
Robert Hooper
Rider
Cusco to La Paz
Life long athlete who has really got involved with cycling recently. Taking this opportunity to meet up with some family on this trip.
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Shanny Hill
Rider
La Paz to Salta
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.
Don Colpitts
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
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.
Maxime Dionne
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
Maxime Dionne
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
"Travelling, moving, waking up every day in a new place means I have a thousand memories of different homes all around the world."
I used to work in an office developing softwares in Quebec City and one day I decided to quit that lifestyle. Being able to take only a trip or two per year wasn’t enough anymore—I needed to travel full time. 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.
Susan Ecenia
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Susan Ecenia
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
I am about to turn 60 so it's time to go on another bike ride. I rode across the U.S. about five years ago with a tour set up very similar to yours- they carried my gear and provided the meals; I was given a cue sheet in the morning and off I went. I visited Patagonia two years ago and still think of it's beauty often so this seems a perfect fit for me. I am a painter and I listen to the podcast Dirt Bag Diaries while I paint; their motto is Get out and Chase Your Passion- Be relentless and Never Give up. This podcast gave me the courage to sign up for this wonderful adventure.
Mark Heim
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
Mark Heim
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
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.
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
Dan Squires
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Dan Squires
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Having sampled TDA and the first three sections of the North American Epic I could not resist book ending it with the last 2 sections of the South American Epic. Look forward to seeing the crew again and meeting everyone else.
Wayne Brown
Rider
Cusco to La Paz
Wayne Brown
Rider
Cusco to La Paz
I Love to cycle, and I love to travel. I had a great time as a sectional rider in South America last year. I’m looking forward to seeing some of New Zealand this year.
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Charles Feaver
Rider
Salta to Puerto Montt
Charles Feaver
Rider
Salta to Puerto Montt
My first TDA ride was India in 2012. Loved it. Bamboo Road in 2013. Awesome. Ruta Maya 2015. Oceania 2016. South America 2017. Looking forward to going back to Central America.
Fred Promoli
Rider
Lima to Santiago
Fred Promoli
Rider
Lima to Santiago
Occupation: retired Physical Education and Outdoor Education teacher; former naval officer; Hometown: Guelph, Ontario Current residence: Collingwood, Ontario Former provinces of residence: all but Nfld, NB, PEI TdA experience: Tour d'Afrique 2003; Orient Express 2008; Silk Route 2008; Bamboo Road 2013; Australia 2014; South America 2015, 2017; Lake Winnipeg 2016; (America by Bicycle northern route 2016); Trans Himalaya 2019 Current activities: cycling, motorcycle touring, golf, canoe tripping, xc skiing; bagpipe band member
Lloyd Strong
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Lloyd Strong
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
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.
Paul Davison
Rider
La Paz to Puerto Montt
Paul Davison
Rider
La Paz to Puerto Montt
62 years old, retired engineer. Coming back for another instalment of South America. Not a fast rider, but a persistant one.
SEE
LESS
SEE LESS
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Mike Vermeulen
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Tom Bell
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
EVAN KENLEY
Rider
Cusco to Puerto Montt
Mike Jakeman
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
SEE
MORE
SEE MORE
Cristiano Werneck
Tour Leader
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Cristiano Werneck
Tour Leader
Cartagena to Ushuaia
“Good afternoon, my dear dream merchants."—TDA rider arriving at the office in Toronto for a visit.
I started with TDA as a local cyclist in Brazil during the Vuelta Sudamericana in 2009. I had just finished a long solo cycling trip through South America and I was invited to join the first couple of sections of the tour to help with the language. Once I was back home I started volunteering for the company, doing everything I could to spread the word about TDA. Eventually they decided that it was only fair to hire me.
It’s really hard to choose a place or a tour that was special, but both scouting and leading our first Trans-Oceania tour was certainly out of the ordinary. I had ten weeks to scout the whole thing from Medan to Sydney and spent nine of them trying to wrap Indonesia.
I recall a particular day in Indonesia that the riders later named "The Wall". Henry and I had been discussing avoiding a stretch of highway we weren’t happy with. We’d seen an alternative on the map but the road was privately owned by industry and we were having trouble getting the getting the permits we needed to use it. When we arrived, we saw local people using the road, which was a trail, so we decided to have lunch there to give me time to scope it out. A local guy on a motorbike took me up the steep trail to check it, flag it, and take notes and waypoints. At some stage, the trail got so steep that the motorbike couldn’t get both of us up, so I walked the rest of the way before calling staff at the lunch spot to tell them the route worked and to give them directions. It was a bit improvised and out of the ordinary but it was functional.
Because I knew what this steep route would put the riders through, I decided to wait and touch base with the first to complete it to see what they had to say about the experience. The first couple of cyclists showed up with big smiles on their faces and said they’d loved it but that they didn't think I should wait for everyone because there was sure to be some aggravated rider who would probably punch me. I decided to stay and wait for that punch, and while a few people did arrive looking ready to smack me, the angriest of them all actually just gave me a big hug. After a good shower and some good food everyone was in fine spirits; in the end, this day turned out to be a rider favourite of the whole trip.
Working with TDA is really the perfect job. Not only do I love both travel and bicycles, I also love watching people achieve things of which they never imagined themselves capable. Finally, this job allows me to share these loves with a wonderfully diverse group of people.
Jairo Corrales
Driver
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Carolina Ceravolo
Assistant Tour Director
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Carolina Ceravolo
Riding my bicycle on the road is just my perfect place to be. SAE will be my second tour working with TDA.
Kathy David
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Kathy David
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Xaver Einsle
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Xaver Einsle
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
As a long term and proud member of the bicycling team Rolling Bones (www.rolling-bones.com), Germany, whose only obligation is to participate in the annual team competition Alb Extreme (www.alb-extrem-de), I learned to enjoy a full beer mug (Octoberfest size) after some 200 km in a pretty hilly landscape. I never did the distance of 300 km and 6.000 m of elevation. This round is destined for grown-ups only. Now, I take a 6-7 month’s Sabbatical from developing technology in the field of molecular diagnostics to practice the ups and downs of crossing the Cordilleras. Besides doing some bicycling before the “take-off” in Cartagena, I started to revive my sunken Spanish. I hope that, amongst the enthusiastic riders there are some passionate Backgammon players. I will bring along two foldable leather boards. How about a Competition to find out who is the "Backgammon Master of the SAE? My age is 61 and I plan to never retire. This statement inspired me to do unusual things since I came across it in 1986: Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though chequered with failure, than to take rank with those pure spirits who never enjoyed much or suffered much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt (Maybe it reflects the spirit of some TDA-tourers as well.)
Janet Briggs
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Janet Briggs
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Rona Lowe
Rider
Lima to Ushuaia
Rona Lowe
Rider
Lima to Ushuaia
I am Scottish, currently based in Aberdeen. I am married to Ron (also on the trip) and we have two sons who are now both away at University. After 30 years working as a lawyer I am due to (semi) retire next year and looking for a challenge. This will be my first TDA tour, my first trip to South America and my first long distance cycle.
Russell Brown
Rider
Cartagena to Quito
Russell Brown
Rider
Cartagena to Quito
Bryan Patterson
Rider
Cusco to Salta
Bryan Patterson
Rider
Cusco to Salta
Director of Squash at CitySquash. A not for profit organization in the Bronx for at risk youth. The programme is one of 23 programmes around the US and the world. Was a Professional Squash player ranked as high as 16th in the World and 2 in England. Represented Great Britain and England in World Championships Have taken CitySquash students on three rides over the last 8 years. San Francisco to the Bronx, Route 66 and Seattle to San Diego. Support Newcastle United in the EPL Looking forward to this South American ride in 2020.
Ron Lowe
Rider
Lima to Ushuaia
Ron Lowe
Rider
Lima to Ushuaia
stuart blumstein
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
stuart blumstein
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Salta to Puerto Montt
Rider
Salta to Puerto Montt
Matt Hancock
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Matt Hancock
Dad of 3. Avid skier and biker. Basketball Coach. Investor. Treasurer of a local scholarship foundation. Colby College '90. Harvard Business School '04. Drive a Dodge Ram pick-up truck. Love cowboy boots and country music. Explorer of the spirit world. Grill master.
ellen loopstra
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
ellen loopstra
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Linda Ng
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Linda Ng
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Michael Holley
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Michael Holley
Rider
Lima to Cusco
Kenny Summers
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Kenny Summers
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Joao Luiz Mallmann
Rider
Cartagena to Quito
Joao Luiz Mallmann
Rider
Cartagena to Quito
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Wendy McDonald
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Wendy McDonald
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
will carter
Rider
Cartagena to Quito
will carter
Rider
Cartagena to Quito
I live in Bedford uk.,im 72 and enjoy the challenges of life
Brenda Trenholme
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
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!
Colin Rugg
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Colin Rugg
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rowena Eastick
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rowena Eastick
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cusco to Puerto Montt
Rider
Cusco to Puerto Montt
Tom Green
Rider
Cartagena to La Paz
Tom Green
Rider
Cartagena to La Paz
Hugh Green
Rider
Lima to La Paz
Roger Cook
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Roger Cook
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
I am a 69 year-old that has primarily been running over the last 10 years. (Lots of gym sessions and treadmill in the decades before that.) I completed the Viva Italia in the fall of 2019 and was impressed. It's time to take on some more trips...
Tom Perlmutter
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Tom Perlmutter
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
I'm still relatively new to cycling having taken it up three years ago after many years of long-distance running. After a two-trip in 2018, I signed up for a much more daunting second only trip--TDA's Tour d'Afrique. It was exhilarating and somewhat addictive. I'm excited and nervous as hell. This is significantly longer and then there are those mountains and the high altitudes! I'm including a link to my Tour d'Afrique blog.
Gordon Luckett
Rider
Cartagena to Quito
Gordon Luckett
Rider
Cartagena to Quito
Steve Lund
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Steve Lund
Rider
Santiago to Puerto Montt
Corinne Burt
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Corinne Burt
Digital nomad currently living in US but open to other options.
Rider
Cartagena to Bogota
Rider
Cartagena to Bogota
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Mike Crum
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Mike Crum
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Fifty Six years old. Kiwifruit Orchardist from NZ Looking for an adventure. Participated in 2020 Cairo to Capetown until Covid stopped the tour. Some long distance hiking experiences. Very excited to be doing this !!!
Paul Bullen-Smith
Rider
La Paz to Ushuaia
Paul Bullen-Smith
Rider
La Paz to Ushuaia
Last year I took a sabbatical to do the Tour D’Afrique with TDA, which was absolutely amazing. Now I have decided to finish full time work spring next year and book this! I love coast to coast, and end to end touring and this trip looks like another amazing tour. Looking forward to the journey, cycling, talking and meeting you all Now it is just planning.....
ian priestner
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
ian priestner
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
I joined the Africa 2020 tour in Nairobi and three riding days later the Tour was over due to Coronavirus. In that short time I became addicted despite not being in a tent since my 20s. I'm sort of retired with family commitments though occasionally I'm allowed out.. Hopefully see you all later this year
Laszlo Gere
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Laszlo Gere
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
I am an avid bike rider from the United States who is ready to conquer the Tour D'Afrique! I am looking forward to meeting all of you who have signed up for this tour.
Alexandra Ruch
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Alexandra Ruch
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
After having cycled the Tour d`Afrique 2018 and Hippie Trail & Canada 2019, I am Looking Forward to another Cycling Adventure, this time in Westafrica.
Jim FOWLER
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Jim FOWLER
I'm based in Liberty Lake, Washington but live a very nomadic life. I did the 2020 Tour d'Afrique from Cairo to Arusha (where it was canceled due to Covid-19). I hope to finish the Tour d'Afrique in 2021. I also hope to ride the South American Epic in 2021 and the Silk Route in 2022.
Colin Duncan
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Colin Duncan
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Started cycling when I retired early 15 years ago. Since then have cycled most of Europe, SE Asia and India. Really looking forward to Patagonia as it has always been on my bucket list.
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Lee Taylor
Rider
Cartagena to Quito
Lee Taylor
I am retired in Tucson, Arizona, married, and have been a bicycle tourist for the last 25 years or so. I road bike, mountain bike, and try to get in a tour each year. I have toured South America, Vietnam, Singapore to Thailand, Japan. At home rode the Great Divide Trail and Northern Tier among others. Normally I tour with friends self supported. The last three years I have done two supported tours. Did the last section of the North American Epic in December 2019. I am 73 years old.
Tonianne Pease
Rider
La Paz to Ushuaia
Tonianne Pease
I am determined to live life to the fullest, finding excitement, humour and wonder from surroundings at every turn. I have a strong energy to apply towards work and play. I enjoy people, observe them, interact with them, sharing time and creating joy. This is not my first rodeo, each day is a fresh adventure to hold and praise. Charge ahead!
Marv Hildebrand
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Marv Hildebrand
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
At 60+ I'm looking forward to an active retirement starting in 2021. Most of my long-distance cycling to date has been unsupported / self-contained riding in North America, though I've been on supported tours as well. Other enjoyable types of adventures for me are trekking / back packing and long-distance walking holidays. Looking forward to making many new friends through TDA.
Erma de Boer
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Erma de Boer
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
After cycling Nairobi - Cape Town in 2014, it is time for an other challenge
Rod Pennington
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Rod Pennington
Hi there fellow adventure travellers....so excited to jump into this part of the world with you.
Richard Schingler
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
Richard Schingler
Rider
Salta to Ushuaia
love to travel and see the world from the seat of a bicycle. This will be my fourth tour with TDA.
David Kiser
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Omar Francone
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Omar Francone
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Howard Fairbank
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Howard Fairbank
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
David Richard Dorman
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
David Richard Dorman
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Chris Hutchings
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
Chris Hutchings
Rider
Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
evan Barry
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
evan Barry
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
SEE
LESS
SEE LESS
Cristiano Werneck
Tour Leader
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Kathy David
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Xaver Einsle
Rider
Cartagena to Ushuaia
Janet Briggs
Rider
Santiago to Ushuaia
Rona Lowe
Rider
Lima to Ushuaia
SEE
MORE
SEE MORE
“This adventure was the most remarkable experience of my life.”
Tom Bell (Canada)
2017 South American Epic
“Maybe’s it’s the simplicity of cycling tours that keep drawing me back... I believe they offer a great way to gain perspective on a place, rolling through the everyday lives of those that call it home.”
OVERVIEW SOUTH AMERICAN EPIC 2021
- FULL TOUR
- SECTION 1
- SECTION 2
- SECTION 3
- SECTION 4
- SECTION 5
- SECTION 6
- SECTION 7
- SECTION 8
- SECTION 9
- SOUTH AMERICAN EPIC
- THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
- COFFEE & COCOA
- VOLCANO ALLEY
- THE GRINGO TRAIL
- INCAN HIGHLANDS
- CYCLING THE SALT FLATS
- ACROSS THE ANDES
- THE LAKE DISTRICT
- CARRETERA AUSTRAL
- CARTAGENA TO USHUAIA
- CARTAGENA TO BOGOTA
- BOGOTA TO QUITO
- QUITO TO LIMA
- LIMA TO CUSCO
- CUSCO TO LA PAZ
- LA PAZ TO SALTA
- SALTA TO SANTIAGO
- SANTIAGO TO PUERTO MONTT
- PUERTO MONTT TO USHUAIA
- JUL 4 TO DEC 17
- JUL 4 TO JUL 18
- JUL 21 TO AUG 5
- AUG 7 TO AUG 30
- SEP 2 TO SEP 15
- SEP 19 TO SEP 27
- SEP 30 TO OCT 12
- OCT 15 TO NOV 1
- NOV 4 TO NOV 18
- NOV 20 TO DEC 17
- USD 25700
- USD 3075
- USD 3325
- USD 4800
- USD 2950
- USD 1975
- USD 2750
- USD 3725
- USD 3150
- USD 5575
- SPACES AVAILABLE
- SPACES AVAILABLE
- SPACES AVAILABLE
- SPACES AVAILABLE
- SPACES AVAILABLE
- SPACES AVAILABLE
- SPACES AVAILABLE
- SPACES AVAILABLE
- SPACES AVAILABLE
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
FULL TOUR
- SOUTH AMERICAN EPIC
- CARTAGENA TO USHUAIA
- JUL 4 TO DEC 17
- 25700 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
SECTION 1
- THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
- CARTAGENA TO BOGOTA
- Jul 4 - Jul 18
- 3075 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
SECTION 2
- COFFEE & COCOA
- BOGOTA TO QUITO
- Jul 21 - Aug 5
- 3325 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
SECTION 3
- VOLCANO ALLEY
- QUITO TO LIMA
- Aug 7 - Aug 30
- 4800 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
SECTION 4
- THE GRINGO TRAIL
- LIMA TO CUSCO
- Sep 2 - Sep 15
- 2950 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
SECTION 5
- INCAN HIGHLANDS
- CUSCO TO LA PAZ
- Sep 19 - Sep 27
- 1975 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
SECTION 6
- CYCLING THE SALT FLATS
- LA PAZ TO SALTA
- Sep 30 - Oct 12
- 2750 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
SECTION 7
- ACROSS THE ANDES
- SALTA TO SANTIAGO
- Oct 15 - Nov 1
- 3725 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
SECTION 8
- THE LAKE DISTRICT
- SANTIAGO TO PUERTO MONTT
- Nov 4 - Nov 18
- 3150 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
-
SECTION 9
- CARRETERA AUSTRAL
- PUERTO MONTT TO USHUAIA
- Nov 20 - Dec 17
- 5575 USD
- SPACES AVAILABLE
Prices based on double occupancy at majority of the hotels. Solo riders will be paired with another rider of the same gender at no additional charge. A registration fee of US$150 must first be paid to hold your place on the tour and is in addition to the entry fee listed above. This fee is non-refundable, but may be transferred once, to another tour of your choosing, 90 days or more before the start date of the original tour you have registered for. Full tour entry fees will receive an early payment discount of US$1,000 if full payment is received 6 months before the start of the tour. Those coming for multiple sections get 10% off for 2 or more sections on the same tour (multiple section discount does not apply to full tour price). Full tour and section dates listed are for first and last day of cycling. Accommodation the night before first cycling day and the night of last cycling day are included in entry fee. We advise booking at least 1 additional night at tour accommodation before the tour, to be able to attend rider briefing and have assistance from tour bike mechanic in setting up your bike.










LATEST TOUR NEWS

Miles' Memories Part 1: The South American Epic Cycling Expedition
A 4500 m high salt lake littered with flamingoes flapping wings. Vicunas hiding behind volcanic boulders. Wind gusting, creating…
UPDATED March 26, 2020 BY Miles MacDonald

An Unusual Rest Day In Lima: A Witches' Market & Paddington The Bear
If you find yourself in Lima, Peru, either as a participant in our South American Epic Cycling Expedition or…
UPDATED February 4, 2020 BY Michael Coo

How Safe Is It To Cycle From The Top To The Tip of South America?
Anyone planning to embark on a 5 1/2 month bicycle tour from the top to the tip of South…
UPDATED November 15, 2019 BY Henry Gold
SIMILAR EXPERIENCES
The Road to Shangri-La
SAIGON
TO SHANGRI-LA
54 DAYS,
4,535 km
Trans-Europa
ST. PETERSBURG
TO GIBRALTAR
78 DAYS,
5,965 km
Journey to the East
SEOUL
TO SAPPORO
44 DAYS,
2,685 km
WANT TO TRY US OUT FOR FREE?
We welcome you to join us, free of charge, for up to three days on one of our tours in your area. An excellent chance to sample the TDA experience first hand without committing to a longer tour.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST RIDER DAYS