Wossen Mitiku

George Oertel

Semi retired, live part of the time in Jhb, part of the time on in the bush in a game farm and the rest of the time on my bike

matthew clark

Maureen Matthews

I have been on one other TDA adventure; the section of the Bamboo tour that included Cambodia. Looking forward to seeing southern India and Sri Lanka from my bike.

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!

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.

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!!!

Barbara Cross

Hi, I am a happy dedicated TDA alumni. I have participated in the Silk Route, the India Tour and "all roads lead to Rome'. I am looking forward to my new adventure on the Bamboo Route!

Kendall Alford-Madden

I am from Durham North Carolina. This will be my fourth trip with TdA and the most adventurous one to date. I can't wait to re-unite with old friends and meet new ones. I am scared I'll admit, but I will singing and laughing down the road hopefully.

David Williams

Having been a farmer for many years. I moved to Suzhou in China where we worked for 2 years. I have been retired to Mumbai for the last 4 years where my wife is a Principal of an International School. I have cycled from Mumbai to the southern tip of India with the 2012 India tour . I am looking forward to the sights and food of Asia.

Pierre Chesnay

I am recently retired lawyer by training; I have worked most of my life in the auto parts business with Uni-Select a large North American parts distributor. My wife Johanne and I have enjoyed riding our tandem bicycle near home in the Quebec Eastern townships, and we have also enjoyed riding in Italie, France, Corsica and Croatia. Now that we have a bit more time available, we look forward to a lengthier trip in new and exotic surroundings.

Johanne Richard

I am married to Pierre Chesnay. We have travelled on our tandem and single bikes mostly in Canada and Europe.

Rudolf Tize

I am Rudolf, 71 years old and cancer survivor. After 40 years with 65 I did my first Tour, the Amber Route. The Bamboo Road was my 4th tour with TDA. I am fascinated with all the different cultures and looking forward to see more facets' of life...more hotels and less tents. I thought the Indian Adventure tour would be the highlight of my cycle tours. Now in my age I hope to see a lot of new old Europa and good food. The sweepers have been always good friends!!! Thank you !

Annegrete Warrer

Starting doing my first TDA trip back in 2011 and doing quite some more along the years I am so happy to be back there after a far too long Corona pause. First time cycling with you in Europe is exciting - a bit more comfortable than my third world camping expeditions.. Fits me really well! And about time to learn the more charming stretches of Germany after pendling between Austria (where I live) and Denmark (where I come from) for over 40 years. This will be wonderfull: to meet you all and doing a full supported tour again!

Jim Pearce

After riding OE09 and NAE11 I am looking forward to joining BR13 later this year to catch up with friends from those rides and make new ones - it is all about people and places. Dont know how we will manage without a tent but I'm sure we will cope - after bulletin 8 we may need Walli as our chaperone! Keep in touch thru [email protected] .... until we kick off in Shanghai, cheers, Jim.

Gerald Coniel

After completing the Tour d'Afrique 2010, the Bamboo road in 2013 and Australia in 2014 this will be my 4th full tour with Tda. Quite a few familiar faces already booked for this exciting new adventure. Looking forward!

Catriona Kennedy

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.

GLORIA JEAN MACKENZIE

I like to do bicycle tours, This is the 5 time i have been on a TDA global cycling tour

Alice Roest

This will be my fourth trip with TDA, since 2011. I have also done three self guided trips; Paris-Rome (2012), Barcelona-Lisbon (2014)and Amsterdam-Madrid (2016). Looking forward to this new adventure and meeting new like minded people.

Michael Netzsch

I am happy that I can join another tour with TDA.

Janice Simpson

Prasit Suthisirikul

Trond Michelsen

Hi. I'm a 49 year old programmer from Oslo, Norway. This will be my sixth trip with TDA. Previously I've done a section on Bamboo Road (2013), three sections on Trans-Europa (2014 and 2016) and the complete Orient Express (2015) and Pub Ride (2018) Looking forward to a great summer of cycling

Jean Turcot

I am a gentle man (pince sans rire) I don't take myself to seriously and since few years already I realized life is gone to be shorter and shorter,so I do my best to appreciate day by day and enjoy the present instant. I consider myself has a semi retire person who try to do more personnel thing then working.It will be my first trip to Asia and it would be extraordinary to visit sitting on my bicycle and try to get involve with people we are gone to meet.I have done few bike trip to Europe and North America.

Michel Savoie

This will be my eighth trip with TDA. I like to travel on a bike with other cyclists like me.

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).

Pei - chen Chen

Bicycling is my passion and relaxation. I am looking forward for 3 month "relaxation". I had never had this kind of holidays. I am looking for my limitation. I am curios about the world and what this Part of the world has to offer. I live now 1 year in Burnaby, Vancouver BC, Canada. Before I lived always in Taiwan.

Dennis Kipphardt

Hello everybody, I am German, 45, living in Switzerland and rode with TdA before, loved it and now I am back for more. TdA (2011) really was a trip of a lifetime. Rode Bamboo as a sectional from Phnom Penh to Singapore in 2013 - different but enjoyed it anyhow. Always liked the idea of doing some additional miles in Africa. Due to time off from family and the holidays season I will only be able to ride to Sierra Leone ! Looking forward ! Dennis

Nieka Streef

Hello everyone! I'm so excited to be the Assistant Tour Director on the first Bamboo Road and to share this journey from Shanghai to Singapore. I will be making sure that logistically everything is taken care of and running smoothly so you can enjoy this life changing experience. Can't wait to meet everyone and get it in Saddle! Happy training!

Michael Coo

andré marcoux

We have been to many places on our tandem in the last 10 years, but this is our first in Asia , we are now over 60 ,so it should be a little more challenging but ,thats what we like . I was in Africa in 2011 ,so this ride should be a breeze ,all hotel ,and tarmack !!!WOW , so see you in Shanghai , André Marcoux and Lise-Anne Dupont Québec ,canada

Barendina Hunt-Davis

Love exploring countries on my bicycle

Brett Lanham

I’m an ex seafarer, retired now for 13 years, fortunate enough to have been able to get away on a bike tour with TdA every year since 2011, until 2020 that was! My last rides were Morocco, Kingdom of the West, in 2024, and the Olive Route mid 2025. I'm joining the NAE 2025 in Yuma and looking forward to catching up with friends from past rides, meeting new ones, and sharing this adventure with a beer, or should that be, a wine or two.

Charles Feaver

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.

Dan Kirby

This will be my 5th experience with TDA, and each has been better than the previous. Journey to the East last year exposed me to the wonders of Japan, and I'm anxiously looking forward to this next adventure there.

Daniel pilliard

Midwest deplorable

David Gary Ford

PADI scuba diver (510 dives since 1991), self-supported treks to Everest Base Camp (2001) and Annapurna Circuit (2003) in Nepal, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro (2007). Began solo tour cycling in 2002 with three trips across western Canada, then solo tours from Amsterdam-Budapest (2006), Amsterdam-Casablanca (2008), an Italy circuit (2009), and England/Ireland/Wales circuit (2011). Gave away my paniers and joined TdA for the Indian Adventure (2012) and the Bamboo Road (2013). Summer activities involve road rides around Brandon and ACC mountaineering camps in the Rockies; winter activities are indoor `spin sessions`, downhill skiing, and Master`s curling.

Fred Promoli

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

Gerhard Kiessling

I'm a retired airline pilot, I'm married and I've two adult children. Since my retirement in 2009 I finally found the time to explore parts of the world with my bicycle. I toured through Italy in 2010, I rode part of the NAE in 2011, in 2012 I crossed West Africa by bicycle riding from Dakar to Accra, and in January this year I've been cycling the mountains of Northern Thailand (I can tell you, those were really, really steep!). Now I'm looking forward to meet some old friends from the NAE and to make new friends! :-) I'll join the Bamboo Road in Hanoi and leave the tour at Krabi for some relaxing days at the sea. I'm looking forward to meet you all in Hanoi!!

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

Dianne Lizotte

This seems to be an exciting adventure through places I have not ridden before. Been on many TDA adventures and they are always memorable.

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.

Marco vom Hau

Tag cloud: Marco vom Hau, 35 years, male, database programmer, Siegerland, Germany, cycling, mountainbike, road bike, touring bike, camping, yoga, jog, badminton, black cloth, RPG, Heavy Metal

Maureen Wotherspoon

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

Michael Kennedy

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.

Miles MacDonald

I caught the travel bug young, while staring up at airplanes and wondering where they were going. It hasn’t ever really left me.

Before TDA (which is quite a while ago now), I had several relevant passions. I was a serious bike racer for quite a few years. Then I lived long summers in the boreal forest planting trees, followed by winters of bike couriering in Montreal. The next step in the skill set—cooking—was acquired at culinary school and by working for some of the best chefs in Montreal and Vancouver. And all of this was interspersed with traveling however and wherever I could around the globe.

With TDA I’ve experienced so many incredible sights, smells, sounds, and more. The memories to ponder later on while in the communal rocking chair are endless. In particular, I feel exceptionally lucky for the professional and personal relationships developed with people from around the world over more than a decade—it’s in these relationships that windows to so many cultures have been opened, so many ways of being witnessed.

I also feel fortunate to get to watch tour participants as they delve into nomadic life on our journeys. Each day, whether easy or grueling, is a trip into the unknown; the simplicity of these days brings people together while at the same time offering grand rewards.

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.

Patrick Landey

Love to travel and love to cycle; what better way to experience the different sights, sounds and cultures in a part of the world that I have never explored (apart from Thailand). This is also a wonderful opportunity to meet and cycle with like-minded people from around the world.

Rae Simpson

The Odyssey will be the twelfth TDA trip for me and my wife Ursula and Valhalla will be number 13. We're looking forward to more fabulous inches, reunions with friends from previous TDA trips, and meeting new friends.

ROBERT MACKENZIE

I am from Red Deer Alberta . This will be my 5th cycling adventure with TDA. I have previously rode the North American Epic, Orient Express , Amber Route & Bamboo Road. Looking forward to meeting up with old friends and meeting new fellow bikers.

Robin Hunt-Davis

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

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.

Ursula Simpson

I am a retired IT specialist / database analyst. Enjoying life in Squamish, on Canada's West coast. Either hiking, biking, or skiing. Having fun with my two grandsons and one grand daughter or hanging out with friends. My husband Rae and I have participated in 11 TdA tours mainly in either the Oceania, African or Asian continents. Last year was our first tour with TdA in Europe riding in the Viva Italia. Now I am looking forward to venturing out to European countries I have not been before.

Walli Pagniello

Hooked on biking with TdA - the best company!!!! My first tour was in 2009 Vienna to Istanbul, on the Orient Express, 2011 Toronto to St. John's, part of initial North American Epic, and 2012 St. Petersburg to Venice, the Amber Route, part of Trans Europa. 2013 I did the amazing Bamboo Road tour. My riding style is slow but steady, need the force to be with me uphill but let her roll downhill! Completed 100-mile day in Cambodia 2016 New Zealand To my "unknown" fellow riders: Please let us get to know you by completing your profile! It's not easy to meet so many at once and remember your names.

Yves LANDRIAULT

Adele Woodyard

Back on the road with TDA after a long COVID hiatus! Looking forward to getting this tour rolling with all the antics and adventures it may bring. See you in Seoul!

PAR AKESSON

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

Franz-Georg Henn

I´m a German long-distance bikerider, cycle and travelling in different countries of our world. In 2013 I made the 6 months cycle around Australia ride with nice Aussieguys and guys from the US, UK and NZ.

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.

Elizabeth Rooke

Liz Rooke Love cycling and love travelling and caught the TDA bug a few years ago. Did Venice to Barcelona leg in 2014 and it was so good that in 2015 I completed the Orient Express and the Bamboo Road before realising I had to get a job again! Sadly this year I can only do one segment but with lots of old friends (no reference to ageism) I couldn't resist returning - looking forward to joining you in Banff

Alex Percival

This will be my 4th TDA tour, having done the Silk Route and the Tour d'Afrique twice now. I will be doing my best to keep everyone's bikes on the road. Looking forward to this next adventure!

Klaus Schmidt

I am a German Biker , had some experiance to do it in Asia. To go from Shanghai to Singapur is a dream. Let the Bike be the guide.

Greg Roberts

keen to get out there.....

Peter Williams

Late 2015 completed most of the Bamboo Road tour (about 4,000km though China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand), and had so much fun wanted to do more Feb, March 2016 completed all the 3,000km Hippie Trail tour through India I've taken a year off work, and have spent it mainly cycling Been cycling in Europe lately, but will finish my year of cycling doing part of the French Connection Should be fun

Conor Canaday

New to TDA, but old to cycling, I'm super excited to join all of you on this incredible trip! After riding through, across and around the US, Canada, and Europe I look forward to riding in the far east with you. I wholeheartedly think travel by bike is the best way to immerse yourself in a new place and can't wait to help make that possible for all of you!

Gila Zamri

Hi I was born in the USA and have been living in Israel for the past 35 years. I love riding my bicycle in Israel ! Have done the Bike and Barge tour in Holland. I love meeting new people and enjoy other sports like downhill skiing, swimming, volleyball, etc... Looking for a new challenge and experience.

Danie Nel

I am a psychotelemographer practising traditional medicine. Originally trained as a chemical engineer. However my services not available during the trip without compensation. Keen long distance trail runner and enjoy other sports eg scuba diving, paragliding. Passion for homeless people. Run an organization G- Project for which funds will be raised by cycling Bamboo. Family with 15 children.

Judy Sole

Married to Tim Sole, who is also on the tour. This will be my sixth TDA trip having previously done the Bamboo Road, part of the Transeuropa, the Odyssey, the Pub Ride and 80% of the North American Epic (Jasper to Panama). Greatly enjoyed cycling LEJOG (Lands End to John O' Groats) and the South Island of New Zealand.

Tim Sole

Married to Judy. Both rode LEJOG in 2014, TDA Bamboo Road in 2015, the first third of TDA Trans-Europa in 2016, the TDA Odyssey in 2017, the TDA Pub Ride in 2018, the last 80% of TDA's North American Epic (Banff to Panama) in 2019, and Viva Italia in 2022. This will be my second TDA tour on an e-bike and first without Judy, who unfortunately could be heading for a hip replacement in 2025. My main hobby is recreational mathematics.

karen robyn

Film worker by trade. I took up cycling in 2015 to do the Bamboo Road, Shanghai to Singapore. Followed by 14 months working in Shanghai, without the bike. In 2018, Cairo to Capetown ended for me in Lusaka due to illness, and I’ve been trying to get back there to finish it ever since. These tours are as tough as anything I've done, but they're also full of magical moments. Look forward to sharing it with all of you...

Patsy Howe

Love cycling (mostly on road) and ride with two clubs. Also love to travel - seeing new places, meeting new people, having new experiences and especially love not knowing what each day will bring. Really looking forward to meeting up and beginning this adventure.

Phill Clapham

Presently I am milking dairy goats just outside Timaru in the South Island. I belong to 2 cycling clubs and race most week-ends. I have done a number of longer rides eg. across Australia, and in 2014 I rode across the United States from west to east. It took 50 days to complete and was 6,000 kms in total. I have a good sense of humour and get on with most people. I take things as they come and I think I have a positive mental attitude. I'm 6'2" and a bit overweight, but the ride should sort that out. Looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new places.

Jan De Bock

Just a nice guy ☺

Stephen hanlon

Just taking a break after 35 years of creating, building and running businesses in Australia and Asia. Time to chill out and ride through a region where I have spent a great deal of time for work, but never from a saddle.

Michael Doucet

This will be my fifth TDA tour. Excited to meet the riders and ride with Jacqueline.

Paul Doucet

I look forward to meeting my fellow travellers/cyclists and sharing this trip with my younger brother Michael. This will be our third TDA trip together.

Elisabet Otterstedt

I am very much looking forward to experience countries I haven't seen. The route is the target!

John Waterhouse

This will be my eighth TDA tour. Obviously, I am an addict. Why do I enjoy it enough to keep coming back? The people, the sights, sounds and smells of distant lands, the food, the physical challenge and the comradery of touring.

Louise Sims

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

Richard Russek

I enjoy the slower pace of cycling that allows one to explore a country. And the opportunity to try new food. And the history. But not the sore bum.

Stirling Lee

I probably like cycling more than cycling likes me. That means I will probably be at the rear of the group but I have completed every trip I have been on. I enjoy eating enormous amounts of food, cycling means I do not gain weight while eating. I also speak a little of any language in any part of the world we are likely to travel in.

Tom Catanese

WOW, ANOTHER TDA TOUR SO FORTUNATE AND PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS GROUP. CHOICES DETERMINE OUTCOMES.. MY CHOICE IS TO STAY AS ACTIVE IN LIFE AS POSSIBLE. SHARE MY EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS. ENERGIZING MY GOALS AS I SEE THIS AMAZING WORLD ON TWO WHEELS. PAPA

ANN COLLINS

hi everyone I am Ann and have lived and worked in Sydney since 1982...now working part time and looking forward to 3 months of cycling across Asia ! regularly cycle with the Muggaccinos group here and have done Sydney to Brisbane, 1000kms, as a charity ride 9 times; also enjoy long distance walking and completed the Coast to Coast in the UK last year... 102 miles with lots of up and down ! so plan on keeping fit for September with lots of riding and walking !

Colin Dymond

Done a bit of this and that , not world breaking ,but, have achieved.

Evelyn Holland

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

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.

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)

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.

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 17+ 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. Super inspired on the recent Journey to the East tour where over 50% of the riders were between 70-80 years young! Looking forward to the next adventure! Let's ride!

Armin Reich

My name is Armin. I am 59 years old. We live in Würzburg, Unterfranken, Bavaria. I like skiing/ski touring and cycling. I am speaking english and french, but not to good. Cycling from Hanoi to Phnom Pen will be my first tour with more than 1000 km.

Richard Bradley

Started bike touring five years ago. Think it's the best way to see a place and meet people.

Bryan Lorber

I am a retired Registered Nurse who is passionate about bicycles for transportation and travel. This will be my third TDA tour. I cycled the Hippie Trail in 2016 and HongKong to Bangkok in 2017. I soloed across the U.S. in 2014 and have completed a number of other interesting bicycle adventures at home and abroad. I'm looking forward to making new friends and experiencing diverse cultures. I especially enjoy taking photographs and journaling. I have a page on crazyguyonabike.com

Marek Poplawski

Hi, I’m Marek from Canada and this will be my third tour with TDA. I started cycling in 2014, and signed on for my first trip with TDA in 2015, through Africa. I cycled 10500km of the over 12000km trip. It was an incredible experience; definitely a trip of a lifetime. Then in 2016, I completed five hard weeks of cycling, through the mountainous terrain of Central America, with stops in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. I climbed 41061m in elevation, and cycled the total distance of the tour, 2600km. In doing so, I achieved the illustrious TDA EFI designation; meaning I rode Every F#&!ing Inch of the journey! It was challenging mentally, physically, and tested one’s endurance and equipment. I’m happy to say that my bike and I, met all the demands of that test. The experience was incredible, and I will treasure the memories forever. Now I look forward to meeting the people on the Bamboo Road tour, and making new memories.

Aloysius Carlay

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.

Marloes Verwijst

This will be my first time in Central America. I'm looking forward cycling through it.

Jan Donkers

After joining the Bamboo Road a few years ago, I'm eager to go on a next TDA adventure. I'm looking forward to cycling in central America and experiencing its culture and nature.

Bill Wilson

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

maggie williamson

I’m a lover of the outdoors and have discovered I really enjoy the slow travel that bicycle touring allows. Did the Hippie Trail in 2019 and now am looking forward to exploring southern India and Sri Lanka.

Brian Hoeniger

I'm a former long-time TDA employee (Accountant/Tour Support) who is soon to retire from his current job as PDGA International Director (see www.pdga.com) . In celebration of this occasion my gift to self is to ride TDAs latest amazing far-flung tour - the Tea Route. I have wonderful memories of previous rides - the TDA, Iran/Turkey, Bamboo Road, Patagonia, Ruta Maya - and now its time to embark on another wonderful TDA adventure. :)

Brad Davis

Australian 25-year-old journalism graduate whose only priority is getting out and seeing as much of the world as possible! I'm passionate about travelling, socialising, and writing (usually about travelling and socialising).

Thomas Eldner

german/swiss Citizen Living in Lucerne

Ethan Feldman

I am a recent college graduate. I will be cycling with my father (Richard Feldman) before heading off on my own journey through SE Asia on foot. I love music, nature and learning new things.

Richard Feldman

Since 2016, I’ve ridden with Adventure Cycling Association on their Southern Tier USA Cross Country Route, the Route 66 ride from Chicago to L.A. and the Pacific Coast from the Canadian to Mexican borders. Morocco will be my third trip with TDA. My previous trips are the Bamboo Road from Shanghai to Singapore. and The Trans Himalayan ride through Northern India into Nepal. Great adventures all! Semi-retired, divorced with two adult sons. I live in and bike New York City. Enthusiastically looking forward to this new adventure! Everyone tells me Morocco in a fantastic place to see and be.

Henry Gold

Founder, TDA Global Cycling

Gizaw Tessema

I am a civil engineer by training and has been working in the major relief, emergency and development work all over Africa for the last 30 years. I have seen so much and at times I get overwhelmed but it has been a privilege and a humbling experience as well. Working in the great ethiopian Famine to the Rwandan genocide, from the big south African emergency to the current west African work etc. It has been a good and rewarding life I had

Özgür Karataş

Working outdoors is phenomenal.

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

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

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

Klaus Michael Jensen

I'm 70 years old. I have done Africa-tour and South America Epic.

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!

Frida Percival

Medical doctor working in Sweden and travelling the world with my husband Douglas as often as we can!

Joost Kramer

Hi, I am about to embark on my seventh TDA (sectional) tour and as excited to do so as was the first time. Being Dutch I was raised using a bicycle to get to places, and I still do. What always will be a challenge is the uphill parts as those we lack here in The Netherlands.

Abhi Sethi

Cindy Smith

This will be my seventh trip with TDA. Looking forward to this next adventure!

Cam Kilgour

Rode TDA 2014, Khartoum to Cape Town. Long-time friend of TDA personnel. Fat-biked in Algonquin in 2015 with TDA 2014 leader. Joined a Dane and a Dutch to ride from Vordingborg Denmark to Haarlem, Holland. Inveterate urban cyclist. Semi-retired from teaching.

Yvonne Waalewijn

Nationality: Dutch Gender: Female Occupation: retired/dive instructor Passions:diving, biking, travelling the world and looking forward to another adventure

Hanns Fellenz

Married 42 years, 4 children, 3 grandchildren. Retired CIO World traveler; 2 circumnavigations by air and train on 5 continents. TDA Epics x 4 (so far)

Aaron Goldenberg

I'm Aaron. I'm 63, and live in Southern Florida. I rode the Trans-Europa tour last year from Budapest to Lisbon. I'm looking forward to riding in Southeast Asia.

Kevin McAleer

Greg Forst

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

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

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.

Esen Küçüktütüncü

Hey everyone, I'm Esen from Istanbul. I'm a documentary filmmaker who loves traveling and cycling, so TDA is a dream come true. So far I've done Trans Europa 2018 (Barcelona-Lisbon) and West Africa 2018. They both were unique experiences, having the chance to see places not only by main roads and attractions but through pathways across villages is I think the sole way to catch those unique moments. Being able to remember the old lady sitting in a panadería, carefully reading her newspaper as I stopped to grab some snacks in Tarragona (Spain) is a delight, as well as the little Senegalese children asking me if I wanted to join their game. There are many moments that we wish to remember, of course in tours like this there are tons. I hope the videos we make will help you remember them even after the tour ends. I'll you see you Asia!

Anna McHugh

I'm a doctor in the South-West of England with experience in A&E, GP and hospital medicine. Outside of medicine, I love sport and the outdoors - highlights this year have been running the London marathon, Breacon Becons Trail marathon and riding the Tour de Bristol 2019. Looking forward to my first TDA tour, meeting everyone and exploring this beautiful part of the world!

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.

Sophie DeGroot

When I’m not leading day cycling tours in Alaska, I seem to find myself out and about with TDA. This will be my third trip - after having crewed both East & West Africa in 2018. As your ATD I look forward to getting to know you all while we ride (and eat!) our way through SE Asia.

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!

Greg McKenzie

I rode the Bamboo Road section from Hanoi to Bangkok in 2019 and am excited to get back to finish the ride to Singapore.

Peter Mulcahy

Excited about this adventure. Where are we going?

Frank Wichlo

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

Deborah Mulcahy

I like cycling.

David Odonnell

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

Désirée Ludwig

In 2004 I was a participant (sectional rider) of the Tour d'afrique. Now I'm very much looking forward to this new TdA-Adventure, and also getting to know all of you. Till then, take care and see you soon!

Jim Flynn

cycled all my life, hate having to drive to work. Lots of cycle touring in the 80's and 90's. 1st mid-life crisis lead me to the road scene after I turned 50. Now back into long distance, completed a few big rides (including IndiPac and Tour Aotearoa) in the last cuppla years. Toud d'Afrique was meant to be my 60th birthday present, delayed a few years cos of COVID. Looking forward to the adventure.

Robert Kazmerchek

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

Steven deGroot

From Seattle. Rode in Tanzania last year. looking forward to some sun!

Nicolas Rosat

Christian Degen

In terms of riding a bike, my wife Lea is far ahead of me. But now I catch up ... She managed to get me excited about exploring different parts of the world by bike.

Mike Busby

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

Lara Margaret Marjerrison

Author, Artist, Poet, Storyteller, Eleutheromaniac.. (mostly) living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with my son. It's my goal to see every country in the world before I die (which hopefully remains a long way off yet) and to take my boy on as many of those adventures as possible. As of the date of this writing, I have visited 11 countries (so many left to see) on 5 continents--though never on a bike. I love the experience of immersing myself in another culture, meeting new people, learning new languages, collecting and co-creating new stories, and gaining a greater depth of education every step of the way. I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the Bamboo Road riders for 2019 and to experiencing Asia for the first time. See you out there! Happy trails! :)

Bill Talbot

Never Know what to say in theses things. But there is over a year to figure that out. So no rush. This will be my second Tour? Expedition? Adventure? with TDA. I did the inaugural Dooms Day tour in 2012 (Costa Rica to Belize) and managed to survive that on not exactly the right bike. So I thought I would try again on the Bamboo road. There is not nearly as much climbing, right Mike? Any ways ,totally can't wait to get back to Asia and on a bike too and meeting fellow riders.

Jim Harrison

I am a 68 year old retired family physician experienced with long distance, 1-3 month solo touring in the US and western Europe. I joined a great group to do the Bamboo Road in 2019. I have also traveled in SE Asia without a bicycle. I am looking forward to joining others on both the Odyssey and then on the Golden Buddha for further exploration of a fascinating parts of the planet in a fashion - bicycling- well suited to learning and enjoying whatever we encounter. I also look forward to time with fellow bicyclists and crew as we share experiences. I live in western Oregon, married 41 years to a lovely and loveable non-cyclist who doesn't mind that I do trips like this.

peter link

61 year old retired MD, married 38 years, well traveled, one prior TDA trip (first third of Bamboo) I was going to do the west africa trip but that has been canceled. I have previously traveled to Egypt and southern africa so wil only be doing the central half of the bike ride.

Brian Hoeniger

I'm a former long-time TDA employee (Accountant/Tour Support) who is soon to retire from his current job as PDGA International Director (see www.pdga.com) . In celebration of this occasion my gift to self is to ride TDAs latest amazing far-flung tour - the Tea Route. I have wonderful memories of previous rides - the TDA, Iran/Turkey, Bamboo Road, Patagonia, Ruta Maya - and now its time to embark on another wonderful TDA adventure. :)

Ruth Grathwohl

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

GLORIA FU

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

Karin Lind Hansen

I love travelling. I love biking. I love visiting new places. I have visited several places with TDA - but there are still places left to see, explore, and enjoy :)

Peter Ellis

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

Sandra Hughes

I am Sandra from North Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. I had an amazing first touring experience with TDA doing the Taiwan section of the Bamboo Road tour in Fall 2019. I also enjoyed the first two stages of TransOceania 2022 and Morocco 2024. Looking forward to exploring Korea and Japan in 2026.

David Ross

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

Claudine Levesque

Biking : the best way to travel the world !

Jill Cohen

Hi Everyone! Really looking forward to joining Bamboo Road 2022 as your Tour Medic. Saddle sores happen--I'm here to help, and we'll get through it. :) A bit about me: I've been an ER Nurse for 20 years, and now I do travel medicine and remote primary care. I love running amok outdoors on a bike, a snowboard, a boat, or my own two feet. Colorado is home base. I'm curious about the world, so I go on lots of expeditions, explorations, journeys, and trips. If you ask "Hey wanna come visit me in Siberia," I am that person who will show up on your doorstep. This is more or less how I started working with TDA. My last tour was Magical Madagascar in 2019, and I'm super excited to do another. Ok, see y'all soon!

Sheelagh Daly

Hey there! I'm Sheelagh. My two favourite things are bike touring and making videos about bike touring... maybe that's one thing ;) I have absolutely loved bike touring on my own and I am so excited to be a part of others' bike touring adventures as a member of the TDA team. My bike touring videos on YouTube: youtube.com/sheelaghdaly

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!

Max Cochran

Having been a mechanic for many years and on TDA tours the last four years, I have noted a few common mechanical issues that riders encountered. Namely, cables, bearings and tires. Please check that your brake and shift cables are working smoothly, not frayed or rusty. Heck, just replace your cables before you leave, they are not expensive. Hubs and bottom brackets often need special parts and tools that are beyond the scope of my toolkit. I'll do what I can, but it is best if they are running well before you start off. Make sure your tires are good quality, in good condition and that the rim tapes are covering the spoke holes properly to avoid having to fix flats. I once again look forward to the sights, the food, the culture, the riding, but most of all, to getting out of the basement workshop and solving people's bike problems with a minimum of tools in the fresh air and sunshine (and occasional rain). Speaking of rain, fenders go a long way in keeping you and your bike running well in wet weather.

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.

Richard HIMBERT

Cyclist since 1987 after having been a runner, I traveled mainly in France and a little in Europe, in 1993, I made my first trip ouside the european continent, it was Colorado's turn. In 2018 i started a world tour by bike, North America Epic from Tuktoyaktuk to Yuma is one stage, so I will finish, I hope so, the all American continent from Ushuaïa to Tuktoyaktuk.

Russ Parker

I rode the 1st ever Viva Italia trip in 2019. (Highly recommended if you haven't done it). Looking forward to more fun on the Bamboo Road

Sue Parker

I'm active and play a lot of casual sports and enjoy photography. I did a leg of Rome to Rome with my husband and really enjoyed it so looking forward to cycling abroad again and joining him on one of the legs.

Nanqun HE

Now in New Orleans area, South US. Grew up in China; lived and worked in five countries on three continents. Love travel and biking, TDA is the ideal blend. I rode one segment of Spice Road (Thailand to Malasia), glad to join again with some old and new friends.

Michel Bee

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

Katy LeBarron

I love biking about the world!

Mayumi Stroy

I am a 59 year old retiree who enjoys bicycle touring, traveling, hiking, and downhill and xc skiing. I live in Soda Springs and Alameda, CA. This will be my fifth trip with TDA - 2020 Tour d’Afrique, 2021 Great American Road Trip, 2022 Bamboo Road, and 2024 Cape to Kili. When I am not cycling or skiing, I enjoy cooking, eating, listening to music, watching Premier League futbol, and reading. Traveling along the Silk Road is a dream of mine. I’m interested in the history, music, people, and food. I have a particular interest in Genghis Khan.

Erika Lindquist

Retired biology scientist Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Gary Womeldorff

I live in the Seattle area and love being in the outdoors. Cycling has been my main passion for over 35 years. After riding the Bamboo Road in 2022, and Nairobi to Cape Town in 2024, I'm looking forward to my next TDA adventure.

Randall Schell

61 year old husband and father of one (20 year old son) who is passionate about supported and unsupported bicycle touring. I have ridden across the US (Adventure Cycling Northern Tier), Seattle to San Francisco (unsupported), Canadian to Mexican border unsupported along cascades/coast, Skyline/BlueRidge Mountains (unsupported) among others. I have ridden four different Alp tours in France and Italy including a Grand Tour of the Alps and multiple one week tours in the USA. Currently Professor and Interim Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Kentucky but am entering phased retirement in July 2021. I ride a Kona Sutra with panniers on unsupported trips. Really enjoy the friendship and camaraderie that develop on bicycle trips like this one. Plan to do section 2 and 3 of the TDA Bamboo road.

Richard Morneau

I am looking forward to this great trip which should provide various beautiful landscapes, and, perhaps, meet again friends I made on previous TDA’ trips.

Walter Luetolf

Am a Swiss citizen, living already for 13 years now in South Africa, Somerset West (near Cape Town). As a retired person, I have anough time to enjoy my hobbyes which are MTB , road cycling and playing golf whenever I can. In 2012 I was participant in the Tour d'Afrique which was my most exciting journey. After 40 years in the saddle I have ridden almost everywhere but not in the Far East and not in South America.

Megan Copas

Have always had a love for the outdoors and recently got into bikepacking and long haul cycling trips. Have traveled many of the more well known trails in the United States and looking forward to taking this passion to a new part of the world. I love experiencing cultures and places by slowly traveling through and so this feels like the perfect trip. Taking an intentional career pause to take this trip, hike the Kumano Kodo and solve for what is next. Looking forward to a life changing experience.

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.

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!

Bob Kieckhefer

Geophysicist, cyclist, swimmer. I currently live in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where there are plenty of hills to climb. I rode Cairo to Cape Town in 2018/19/20/23/25 and several other TdA tours. I look forward to riding around across Europe, completing the Orient Express that I started in 2019.

Trixie Wagner

I live and work in Switzerland. After having survived Ruta Maya, parts of the Tour d'Afrique, West Africa and Madagascar, I am looking forward to the next cycling challenge!

Rick Harwood

This will be my 5th TDA tour. I did the last month of Tour D’Afrique in 2017, Trans Europa (efi yes!) 2018, the new final stage of the Trans Europa from Barcelona to Gibraltar in 2021, and the Bamboo Road in 2022. I’m excited to be going back to Southeast Asia!

Cheryl Yates

This will be my 5th tour with TDA.

Helmut Schuett

Hi everyone. I am living in the south of Germany in Stuttgart. Now I am retired and so I have plenty of time for my preferred hobby, which is biking. It is the first time for me to participate in a TDA tour. In the past years I did many tours in Europe with a group or alone. So I did several crossings across the Alps and many bike packing tours from Germany to other European countries. In the first 2 weeks of June I crossed Spain and Portugal in a solo tour. Now I am looking forward to get in touch with South East Asia. I think it is the best way to experience the countries and cultures by bike, where we can also get in touch with the people. See you soon in Hanoi!

David Moliterno

I really enjoyed the great crews and fabulous riders on the Bamboo Road, Morocco: Kingdom of the West, and the part of Trans-Himalaya we were able to ride. So, I very much look forward to the next TDA adventure!

John Karwoski

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

Gonzalo Pastor

Hi. I am a Peruvian economist. I am 67 years old. I am not a regular rider, but I like the experience when I do it.

Judith Gold

I am a casual cyclist, who has participated in several TDA Global Cycling trips, including the Bamboo Road, part of the Africa ride, and part of Korea/Japan ride. I am coming with my husband, Gonzalo Pastor. We are slow, and get to know the sweepers really well. We are really there to make all the other riders feel good! Looking forward to reuniting with some riders, and meeting new ones.

Max D

I’m a self-employed engineer in San Francisco who enjoys biking at a casual pace, with plenty of stops for snacks + photos. Before 2022, most of my bike touring was DIY 1-week-or-less trips with friends, but I joined the first month of the 2022 TdA Bamboo Road (Vietnam and Cambodia), and the full Journey To The East in 2023 and had a great time on both (the riding, the people, the food)... so I'm hoping to join another tour some day-- the 2026 Tea Route and/or Odyssey.

LENORE LEWIS

Hi there I am a retired accountant from Montreal who took up cycling about 14 years ago. An Adventure Cycling Association trip in Utah was my first introduction to cycle touring and since then, I have had many adventures on bike exploring places near and far. After completing ACA’s leadership training course, my husband and I designed and led a couple of tours of our own. In 2019 we were fortunate to have completed TDA’s epic Tour d'Afrique prior to the travel coming to an abrupt halt. With life returning to something near normal we are looking forward to seeing more of the world once more on two wheels.

Gerry van der weyden

Bicycle touring is the one thing I can't seem to get enough of. I'm looking forward to another tour with TDA.

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.

Max Cochran

Having been a mechanic for many years and on TDA tours the last four years, I have noted a few common mechanical issues that riders encountered. Namely, cables, bearings and tires. Please check that your brake and shift cables are working smoothly, not frayed or rusty. Heck, just replace your cables before you leave, they are not expensive. Hubs and bottom brackets often need special parts and tools that are beyond the scope of my toolkit. I'll do what I can, but it is best if they are running well before you start off. Make sure your tires are good quality, in good condition and that the rim tapes are covering the spoke holes properly to avoid having to fix flats. I once again look forward to the sights, the food, the culture, the riding, but most of all, to getting out of the basement workshop and solving people's bike problems with a minimum of tools in the fresh air and sunshine (and occasional rain). Speaking of rain, fenders go a long way in keeping you and your bike running well in wet weather.

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.

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!

Rajni Kant

I am a mountain trekking guide. I am working with Cycling groups more then last 15 years. I am worked as a Chef and manager .I have done many task in my life. I worked as a barman as well I worked with many organizers but TDA is different I live at very beautiful place called Manali at Himachal Pradesh. north part of INDIA I found TDA from a local support. they was doing new adventure in high Himalaya named it Trans Himalaya from their my journey start with TDA this story from 2019 but after that COVID came and destroyed every thing and after 3yers everything become normal and 2023 journey start again I got chance again to work on that after that I worked on tours in trans Himalaya, Hippie trail and ,bamboo road now the journey is still on. TDA give me chance to see the world witch I can not see from my on. I am the first person in my family who traveled out side of my Country. thanks. TDA

Sebastian Diaz

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

Coby Werlin

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

Paula Branchi

I am an emergency nurse from Vancouver Island. I love activities where you rely on your body to get you there, whether that be bikepacking, climbing, skitouring, or kayaking. Looking forward to meeting you all, riding alongside you, staying safe and healthy, and sharing this wild adventure.

Rob Risseeuw

I make this trip together with my partner Ingrid Verhoef. We are born in the Netherlands and still live there (30 km east of Amsterdam). We have cycled a lot in Europe including eastern-Europe. In 2023 we cycled from Venice to Athens. We never cycled in Asia and are really looking forward to it. I am 71 years old and Ingrid is 66 years year old and the trip Venice - Athens in 2023 was our first trip on an E-bike. For the Bamboo Road 2024 we will travel on a foldable tandem. I look forward to meet you all.

Ingrid Verhoef

I am Ingrid Verhoef, 66 years old, partner of Rob Risseeuw. Since 1998 (I believe) Rob has been going on long bike rides with a friend. I said I would like that too. That was followed by our first long trip, from the Netherlands to the south of France in 2010. Since then we have cycled through almost all of Europe. This will be my first trip to Asia. I am also a ceramist, help with the communication of our gallery and I am a volunteer at the Kindertelefoon ('Children's telephone'), where children with problems can call and chat.

Trish Dixon

To the core a mountain biker who adores mountains as much as my bike. Now swapping downhills for uphills and as nobbly adventures as I can find. Life to me is about being outdoors and thoroughly indulging in this time of life for adventuring. Always happy to be the Lantern Rouge, I may not be fast but you'll usually find me ridiculously happy if my bike is near..nb this may include me pushing it!

Jean Lapointe

What a great way to discover other cultures and the world

Xufeng(Gail) Cascketta

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

John Archibald

Catharine Archibald

Retired in 2021 and completed TDA Ruta Maya 2023 and Bamboo Road 2024. Also a few shorter supported tours in UK, Europe, Mongolia, North & South America over the last 5 years. Enjoy road biking, gravel biking and bike packing trips in UK. Love using my bike to get from A to B. Lived in Scotland for over 35 years with Scottish husband John (also joining trip) but I am originally from England. We have 3 grown up girls - only the eldest gets the cycling thing …..

Evert Visser

I am cycling since I was 4, racing since my 13th, biketouring since I was 19. Great discovery was it then, for me, to cycle through Norway and later France, while singing Bruce Springsteen songs, or Peter Gabriel, being one with nature, myself, and my bike. Fond memories of meeting people. Roads were not as crowded, mountains rather empty (even the Ventoux!), I was the only lost soul wandering around on my Koga Miyata Randonneur Extra. Later, I took my MTB to Nicaragua and Peru. Started racing again in NL. Did the Great Divide in 2017. To be honest, I dedicated too much time in my life to work, too little to bike touring. Now that I am getting a bit older, I want to repair that. So, Bamboo, here I come. And, later, one of the next years, another visit to the Americas: South, Central and/or North.

John Dunn

Hello all. I live in North Carolina, USA and the Bamboo Road 2024 was my first trip with TDA. Look forward to riding the Trans-Himalaya 2025, meeting you, learning about your past adventures and sharing the adventure of riding in India and Nepal.

Rolf Hengartner

Bamboo Road 2024, part of the Golden Buddha Road 2025, 2026 Morocco: Kingdom of the West and now part of the Southamerica Epic.

Paul Holbrook

Got a taste for long distance cycling after completing LEJOG in 2017. Retired in 2022 and celebrated by cycling Coast to Coast across the United States self guided with 3 friends. My first TDA trip came in 2023 when I cycled Journey To The East which was amazing and this year rode a section of the Bamboo Road- Bangkok to Penang. Looking forward to riding in Spain and Portugal for the first time and experiencing wonderful scenery and amazing, cafes, restaurants and coffee stops!

Dennis Joe

I'm looking forward to the next adventure and new places. And, I'm look forward to meeting my fellow travelers and sharing this adventure. See ya soon!!

Neil Clyde

I live in Scotland and have been cycling for around 20 years. I've been a section rider previously on a TDA trip to Europe (The Odyssey), but am keen to explore further afield.

Lykke Thingmann Stead

This is my third ride with TDA, and first time ever in south America, Looking forward to going.

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!

Steve Rogers

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

Camia Young

I live in Aotearoa New Zealand and grew up in the US, I'm a dual citizen. I completed the Bamboo Road 2024 tour and loved every bit of it. I've also solo-toured NZ, the west coast of the US/Canada and across Italy. I look forward to sharing this next adventure with all of you.

Marco Panebianco

photos.google.com/albums CIAO!