Charlie Wolf

Like to ride a bike anywhere in the world. Recently retired but had to go back to work to get some rest. Looking forward to doing the tour with my daughter Jessica.

Jessica Wolf

Haley Elzen

Hi everyone! I will be the medic for 2013 NAE. I am a Registered Nurse and have worked as Ski/Bike Patroller in British Columbia for several years. I am an avid cross country cyclist, dabble in downhill and new to touring. I'm excited to hit the pavement and have been dreaming about cycling North America for some time now. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

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.

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.

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.

Monique Laflamme

IAN TINGLE

I am 63 , retired and live in Hermanus, South Africa

Craig Tingle

Looking forward to another trip with TDA and meeting up with my very old Canadian friend.

frank smith

This is a great chance to ride with some old Boet from the RSA.I have only been in this part of the country while travelling in a car so it will be great to slow down and see the area.

Maxime Drouin

Dear All: I've dream about this Africa bike trip for so many years ! I was part of the Silk Road expedition in 2008 ... and nothing has been the same since ! These expedition are just addictive - by far the best way to travel. I can't wait to meet you All - we will have so much FUN ! And sometimes ... little less fun ... goanna be challenging for sure - but it is all worth it. Cheers - Max

Judy Murphy

I'm retired after many years as an auditor for the State of Alaska. I been on 47 bicycle tours mostly in the United States, all in North America. They've varied from overnights to 8 week cross-country (USA) trips. Early trips were self-supported, but recent ones have almost all been supported. I look forward meeting new people, seeing new places, seeing some great new scenery, and to the challenge. "I'm not slow—I just enjoy the ride a lot longer than you." http://yehudamoon.com/20120328/

Alex Klopfer

I live in Vancouver, I'm 73 ... will turn 74 on the trip. Looking forward to meeting everybody. Alex Klopfer

george browes

A veteran rider ,eager to discover and learn about countries and cultures I have not previously experienced. Grateful to all at TDA for providing the adventure and opportunity.

Bernice Aebly

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

Very excited to be Chef of this years North American Epic!

Len Spratt

Hi, I live in Alberta and have travelled quite extensively by bike around the world. Currently riding for Kids With Cancer in Alberta and British Columbia.

Bob Tessier

In 2010 cross Canada, 2011 North American Epic and 2013 the new North American Epic I'm not a fast rider -

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.

Brian Fullerton

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

Garis Alexander

I am retired, living in rural Victoria, Australia, and have toured Europe most years since 2007 on a bike, including the 2008 Orient Express. It is time to see the National Parks of North America.

Jacqueline Goodall

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

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 LEVITT

This will be my second adventure with TDA. It would be redundant to say I am looking forward to another great summer of cycling.

Marina Krilova

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

Nina Gässler

A mountainbiker at heart I just love cycling and being outdoors. I've raced a lot of long distance races and done a few solo trips. I run a little fatbike guiding and rental business in Norway. I live in Norway and work as ski-instructor, fitness- and personal-trainer, fatbike- ski and snowshoe guide. The NAE 2013 was a life-changing experience. Loved it!

Nykänen Ilkka

Rob Waghorn

I retired early and have enjoyed my bike riding a lot since then, so I am looking forward to another challenging trip. I have enjoyed riding long distance events for all my years of cycling. I have completed classics such as Land's End to John O'Groats in the UK and also various Audax events from 200K to 1400K. I have also raced in events of 12 & 24 Hours. In the last few years I have taken part in The Andes Trail and a journey across West Africa, both with another company similar to TDA. I did the North American Epic with TDA in 2013. Also Oh! Canada with TDA in 2017. In 2018 I rode from Lhasa to Timbuktu over The Himalayas with another cycle touring company based in the UK. So looking forward to meeting some more intrepid riders on the journey through Europe.

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.

Trina Prior

I live in Vancouver, British Columbia. I love to see the world from the view of my bike and have done several multi-day cycling trips including Kenya to Tanzania in 2007 and Alaska to Whitehorse in 2013 with TDA. I will be raising money for Cycle 4 Sam which supports Pediatric Palliative Care Service at the Adelaide Children's Hospital http://www.cycle4sam.com/ This will be my second long distance bike trip with my husband Peter Roberts Looking forward to Cycling with Vlad and the rest of the TDA riders.

Karine St-Jean

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Marie-Christine Fleury

I am originally and live in Montreal, Canada. I crossed Canada in 2009 and I am very excited to take to road with all of you. See you in Anchorage !

Francine Plante

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

Emily Currie

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

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

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

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

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

Anne-Marie Adachi

I am originally from Newfoundland Canada, currently living in Edmonton Alberta Canada. I love cycling and I am the Touring Coordinator for the Edmonton Bicycling and Touring Club. I am excited about doing the first leg of the NAE Anchorage to Whitehorse. I have always wanted to see the Great Canadian North and can't think of a better way to do it than from the seat of my bike. I am also excited about doing this leg with 3 friends who are members of our club

Lizz Hale

Avid cyclist from Santa Fe, New Mexico. This will be my third trip with TDA.

Kelley Hale

Cyclist, photographer, goofball from Santa Fe New Mexico. Looking forward to my third trip with TDA.

Michael Andersen

I am 42 years old. I live in East Timor with my wife and two kids. I like cruising around on my bike, but I'm built for comfort, not for speed! I like learning languages. 5 weeks through Mexico is going to be incredible. Hola!

Jacob Warner

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

Roger Hesford

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

volker ecke

76 years young, not bald as yet. Married to Heidi, a girl from the Rhineland, two children, daughter Petra, son Axel. 6 grandchildren, all of them normal but great. Born and bred in Germany, ja, ja, look like it, think like it, when I do. Work took me around Europe, New Zealand/Australia, Central Asia. We all live in Aussieland now. I am a mad cyclist, fascinated by it since age four, riding roadbike, 2 MTB, dual suspension and hardtail plus a comfy touring bike for when I am getting older. At present I am still keen to see, what's round the next corner. Been to 35 or so countries (not all on the bike) did the tour d"afrique this year and still can't get enough of it. The world is a wonderful place, see you out there.

Clement Lam

This is my Sixth time cyclo-touring with TDA. The other five times were portions of Orient Express (Vienna to Istanbul, 2007), Silk Road (Shanghai to Dushanbe, 2012), North American Epic (Anchorage to Fort St. John, 2015), Oh Canada (Winnipeg to Quebec City, 2017) and North American Epic (Tuktoyaktuk to Whitehorse) 2019. I enjoy travelling and cycling very much so TDA tours are perfect match. I look forward to meeting like-minded friends on this trip.

Liam Stroud

Hey there! My name is Liam and I'm a 26 year old fella from Ottawa, Canada but currently living in New Zealand. This is my first season with Tour d'Afrique and I'm more than looking forward to getting started as one of your staff members. More specifically my primary role will be as the trip bike mechanic. I've worked in Canada and New Zealand as a cycle guide and mechanic for several years so I'm excited to continue the adventures by joining the Tour d'Afrique team and riding with you folks. See you there! Liam

Erin Hamayda

Fiona Craig

Re-discovered cycling in 2012. Self guided cycle tour in Europe in 2014. TDA - North American Epic in 2015. TDA - Magical Madagascar in 2017 Haven't ridden much for a few years so looking forward to getting back on the bike. Time poor, so unfortunately only doing Great Ocean Road.

Mike Gemus

60-year-old male. Avid cyclist for 25 years. Several tours completed, including a Trans-Am. Second time TDA participant.

Chris Bass

I'm 24 years old and from Toronto. Looking forward to cycling this adventure with everyone!

Mike Hennessy

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

David Briery

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

Yanez Novoa

A long time ago, I had a ten minute conversation on the beach with Steve who had been on a TDA tour through Africa. I didn’t know it then but it planted a thought in my head that would soon change the course of my life.

It seemed that everything I had done before had in some way prepared me for this. A life in hospitality and a few years at sea - from some grand establishments to some very inhospitable vessels and anything in-between.

There were a variety of less stimulating occupations I had explored before I landed at TDA. I think this is what has kept me here for so long, the almost overwhelming stimulation that one gets from daily life on tour, which is miles apart from my quiet country life in South Africa.

That, and the other people. There is always such a variety of people from all walks of life and from all over the world that I would otherwise not have met.

Bonny Fairweather

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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.

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. :)

Pascale Bilodeau

Hi, After a career in education, I am now spending my time in outdoor activities like cycling, hiking and cross-country skiing. I am especally enjoying the freedom of cycling in wide open spaces and discover differents cultures. Can't wait to go back on the road.

Isabelle Roy

Discovering Italy by bike, what a great idea! A first TDA while staying in a hotel seems like a great option for a good life! Can't wait to be part of the group! See you there

Philip Gordin

I am a 62 year old lawyer living in Toronto. My wife and I have 3 wonderful daughters. I was on on the original TDA trips about 10 years ago - Namibia to Capetown section - and it took this long to get another friend to agree to go on another one. I'm looking forward to a fun two weeks with all of you.

Morris Kansun

56 year old native of Toronto. Married with three children... I enjoy biking, and I love the southwest.... and adventure. Who knows, if things go well, I may just retire early and keep riding...

Dan Squires

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.

Rana Freedman

Tour d'Afrique 2009 alum. Lonely Planet staffer. Occaisonal writer. Slow but steady rider. Big eater.

Keith Hazeldine

I am 68, married 45 years to Ethel, with 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Retired engineer from Michelin Tire Corp. Snowbird: summer in Nova Scotia, winter in Florida. Kayak. Biked across Canada summer 2011. Sections 1-3 of TdA North American Epic 2015. Really looking forward to this major ride next spring.

Viv Horton

Retired from a career in Social Work and now work in the voluntary sector. Love sport, active travel and enjoy a full life with family and friends.

Beate W

After finishing Tour d'Afrique in 2011 I postponed the 'bigger' tour plans year after year.... Will I be perfectly prepared? NEVER! Will I ever be ready for a new adventure? ALWAYS! And YES- I want to ride EFI ! Looking forward to the long days on the bike-exploring NA on a bicycle-and meeting all of you soon!

Manni W.

I am 54 years young, live at the Lake of Constance in Germany. This will be my first long bicycle tour.

Robert Fletcher

I belong to Edmonton Bike and Touring club and I have enjoyed past tours with TDA. Last year I did the French Connection and prior to that the India and NAE tours. I spent 30 years as an educator with Edmonton Public Schools. I also spent 2.5 years teaching in Australia. I have been retired for 19 years. I look forward to meeting everyone on this trip.

Wayne Grover

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

Thomas Lais

I love to bike tour. I did the North America Tour and ThetourdeAfrique

Cristiano Werneck

“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.

Katherine Stelfox

Hi there! My name is Katherine and I'll be joining the NAE from Montana to Panama City as a cycling medic. Currently I'm working as a Registered Nurse up in the Canadian Arctic in a small city called Iqaluit. After six months in the arctic I'm looking forward to the warmer weather down in Mexico. I have some experience with long distance physical pursuits, having completed the Appalachian Trail in 2016 and the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 - both taking 5-6 months to complete. And While I grew up mountain biking for fun or just to get into town, I'm new to the world of long distance cycling. I'm looking forward to testing myself and meeting all of you!

Emily Lister

Hi There, My name is Emily Lister and I will be the Tour Medic/Support staff for the stretch of the tour from Tuktoyaktuk to Helena. I am very excited to join TDA for a leg of this EPIC ADVENTURE. A little bit about myself, I graduated from Algonquin College's Practical Nursing Diploma Program in 2016. From there, I have worked several jobs ranging from hospitals to medical clinics, and everything in between. I am also going into my fourth and final year of my Bachelor in Science Nursing Degree program at the University of Ottawa. I am an avid outdoors enthusiast. I love cycling, running, and yoga. In my spare time, I can be seen sipping coffee with a tabby cat in my lap, reading. I look forward to meeting all of you :)

Sarah Thomas

I'm from Providence, Rhode Island, and I love to travel by bicycle! I have ridden self-supported from Providence to New Orleans, Atlanta to Virginia Beach, Portland to San Francisco, and various tours around Colombia and Ecuador. I also like mountain biking, trail running, racing cyclocross, and I used to compete in triathlons and marathons but haven't done one in a while. I have worked in the bike industry since 2011, and have experience as a pedicab driver, tour guide, mechanic, advocate, and courier. I love anything having to do with cycling, staying active outdoors and being in nature!

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.

Micah Markson

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

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

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

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

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

Jairo Corrales

I am from Costa Rica, the country where I have lived since I was a child. Before I joined TDA in 2016, I had only traveled outside my country one time. Now I have the opportunity to travel across the Americas every year and support international cycling tours, working behind the scenes to help make these experiences possible.

I am a History and Geography teacher and also a lawyer. Before TDA, I worked for a tour company in Guanacaste, where I learned about logistics and coordinating international groups. Over time, I discovered that adventure tourism was a place where I could grow and contribute in a different way. Since 2016, I have fallen in love with teamwork and the energy of each expedition.

Most of my work in operations happens behind the scenes. I enjoy organizing, solving problems, and taking care of details so everything runs well. It makes me happy to know that our work helps riders focus on enjoying their journey.

One special moment for me was in 2019, during the North American Epic, when I went to Panama City to organize the group’s final arrival. After many months on the road, understanding that the tour was ending was very emotional for me.

I also remember my first camping experience during the South American Epic in 2017. It was the first time in my life that I set up a tent. Staff members and riders helped me, and that simple action made me feel part of the team from the beginning.

I have learned that keeping an open mind and being flexible is very important. Small challenges on the road often become the best memories.

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!

Andrés Guadrón

still learning...

Colleen Gordon

I just love Africa. I love introducing Africa to people that have never been here or have never done anything like this. You can just see their eyes open, and all of their prejudices drop as they ride through it. The bike is just such an amazing way to do it, I’ve done tours in the past where the passengers are in the vehicle with me, and it’s just not the same. [On a TDA tour] you stop at coke stops all the time, and are constantly interacting with your environment. You often rely on locals for something like water, that interaction is absolutely essential to the tours. In the end, it’s one giant road trip with people that become your family. I love camping. You get addicted to the camping lifestyle, to see the sunrise and sunset everyday. You’re in the mix, you’re hearing the hyena’s and the owls. The amount of times I’ve had elephants come through our campsites in Africa, it’s magic.

I have been leading tours in Africa for over a decade, but I started at TDA as a chef. I love shopping at local markets in Africa, the interactions with the mama’s, and just buying everything they’re selling in bulk.

I love the behind the scenes moments. Everything it takes to keep the show on the road. Trucks getting stuck, and us having to try and pull vehicles out with help from the locals and their tractors. I remember another time on the North American epic, on the Arctic section, we had such a hard time trying to source water, that we sent up the drone to find the local water tank in a little First Nations village. It’s stuff like that that I love, the behind-the-scenes challenges. I like the spontaneity, the natural chaos of Africa.

[As a tip for future participants of our expedition tours], get comfortable with all your camping gear. Set up your tent first, maybe even sleep in it for a night or two in your apartment. Test your mattress, take it up and down a couple of times, because you’ll be doing that a lot. People don’t always realise this. You’ll be coming into camp after a long ride, and having to set your tent up and then tearing it down again in the middle of the night, just day after day after day, it’s relentless. So packing well and being comfortable with your set-up is absolutely essential in my opinion.

Lezinda Rossouw

Namibian born who grew up on a farm. This will be my 3rd trip with TDA. Looking forward to seeing something new everyone day and meeting new people.

Carolina Ceravolo

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

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

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

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

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.

Benedicte Therien

I have been cycling all around the world solo or duo (Cuba, France, West Africa, Patagonia, Balkans, S-E Asia, etc..). First organized tour ever was North American Epic in 2019 (northern part and central America). Liked it so much, here I am super excited to bike the Trans Caucasus with you

Knut Erling Wedul

In 2008 I cycled with TDA for the first time and made The Silk Route from Istanbul to Beijing. This was fun, so I did the Tour d'Afrique in 2010. The tour was a bit short, so I started at the top of my country, North Cape in Norway, and rode alone to Cairo. In 2014, I cycled from Kathmandu to the southern tip of India, and crossed South America from Quito to Usuhaia. Last year, I cycled with friends from Myanmar to New Zealand, through the countries of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. The only continent I have not cycled is North America, but in the fall I will meet you all there!

Linda Wille

Kim Wright

Ada Sans

Now I am almost 70 Herman and I decided to do some more tours . Europe is for us almost home but we never saw the Scandinavian countries by bike. So Lets do it 😁

Herman Sans

Storting this year with the tea route witch was very Nice. Now we are in for the northern part of europe. And we meet a lot of people again wit h we saw on zeverlap tda tours

Beat Jenni

Dean Murray

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.

Peter Glasson

I have cycled, run, and tramped all my life. My first long ride was riding the length of New Zealand years ago self supported but raising money for CPR training equipment for the NZ Red Cross. Later I cycled from Vancouver to Calgary over those beautiful magnificent Rockies. I have mountain biked off road across Spain on the Via de la Plata. Also across Europe from the Atlantic to Belgrade on the EV6. Last year (2018), the moment I retired (!), I cycled 3,200 kms right around France (Vive la France! Wow!) . In 2019 I cycled with TDA from Tuktoyaktuk to Puerto Vallarta. I completed the Baja California and Central America cycle tor in 2022 and am looking forward to teh Journey to the East.

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

Richard Walsh

Retired teacher but not inactive. In previous years I crossed USA and Australia and indeed Europe (from the West coast of Ireland to Istanbul) and in 2016 from Beijing to Osh, and the Pamir Highway in 2018..... always on my trusty cyclo-cross. I live in Tipperary.....so, no matter where I am, IT'S A LONG WAY TO GO home.

Kevin McAleer

John Poe

Recently retired and excited about riding north to south with people from all over the world. Looking forward to learning from the vast cycling experiences from the cyclist on the expedition. A trip of a life time for me.

Anne Glasson

I am a retired accountant, exchanging a computer for a bicycle! My husband Peter and I have ridden several unsupported tours through Europe, so this will be a change for us not having to carry our own gear. I am looking forward to the challenge, companionship and the opportunity to see new and amazing things.

Greg Roberts

keen to get out there.....

Jess Moyer

Paul Blint

Hi, I'm 63 years old, and have been running and cycling for 49 of those years. Been biking for 32 years, wow I'm old! Raced bikes for 8 years including a couple of years as a category 2. Now it's all about seeing the sights and moving under human power, and meeting like-minded folks. I rode across Nevada last fall and I'm really looking forward to seeing more of the Southwest on two wheels!

David McIntyre

I live in Rossland, BC. Formerly from Toronto. This is my second TDA trip - I biked the Antigua to Panama section of North America epic in 2019.

Norman Viner

Physician, happily married, 3 grown boys. Trying to stay young. Love the open road on a bike. Open to new ideas, people and places. Looking forward to learning from and interacting with all riders and staff.

Anne Wedul

Stein Jotul Simensen

Enthusiastic off road / mtb cyclist who loves nature

Anton Tasic

Donna Keystone

I follow Steve Wahl. He keeps me young

Stephen Wahl

I am an old guy who likes adventure and travel. if I detail my background I'll have nothing to talk about around the campfire.

Doug Winter

Retired, so now life is filled with XC Skiing, Canoeing and Cycling Cycle tours have included Vancouver to St John's, Vancouver to Inuvik, End to End in the UK , and some of the NAE (2019)

Bonnie Blundon

This will be my second TDA tour! In 2019, my husband and I joined the NAE in Banff and cycled to Yuma. I am sooo looking forward to the Dublin to Copenhagen Tour.

Clement Lam

This is my Sixth time cyclo-touring with TDA. The other five times were portions of Orient Express (Vienna to Istanbul, 2007), Silk Road (Shanghai to Dushanbe, 2012), North American Epic (Anchorage to Fort St. John, 2015), Oh Canada (Winnipeg to Quebec City, 2017) and North American Epic (Tuktoyaktuk to Whitehorse) 2019. I enjoy travelling and cycling very much so TDA tours are perfect match. I look forward to meeting like-minded friends on this trip.

Nancy Stueve

Cyclist who loves seeing new places from a bike seat.

Mark Heim

I retired early several years ago and since then I have enjoyed spending my free time staying fit and active. I've done multiple other long distance bike tours including a ride across the US then up to Alaska, TDA's Transeuropa, South American Epic, the Silk Route, and part of Africa, and the first half of the North American Epic. I’m looking forward to sharing this adventure with old friends and meeting new people.

Geoffrey Bailey

Cynthia Sheller

I’ve got an itch to travel via cycle across swathes of this earth... and am joining this tour as an experiment in handing the planning and support details over to the pros. Surely there are advantages in both columns, so it comes down to this; which, for me, is more satisfying/enriching/‘wow-ing’/fun ; Tour? Or, doing my own thing? I’m a great fan of the Earth ....mountains...grasslands...undersea wilderness...desert......Equally appreciative of living rough or living with luxuries... I enjoy my delightful well-fledged sons, reading...nature (not excluding human nature), lounging around, good friends, good food, good wine, good conversation, film, jazz, blues, classical, swing dancing, spontaneous adventure. I can't carry a tune, so if I'm singing you might want earplugs. Finally retiring this June, I’ll gift myself with you all + tda North America See ya in July....

Peter Millikan

I am 75, a retired emergency physician, married since 1973, three children and five grand children, living north of Seattle on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. Travel highlights: half year backpacking and tent camping in East Africa and South America, four weeks trekking in Nepal, half year living in Andalusia, Camino de Santiago on mountain bike, road bike trips from Seattle to Bath, Maine, Natchez Trace, Seattle to San Francisco via Oregon Coast, TDA Transeuropa, TDA Odyssey, TDA North American Epic (Banff to Yuma), mountain bike trips in Northern Rockies, around Moab, and various rides around California and Washington with friends, bike clubs or solo. I've summited the volcanic peaks in the Cascades as well as Mt Whitney. Besides hiking and biking I like windsurfing and skiing. I can say a few things in Spanish or Russian.

Kevin Hall

Walker Mooney

Alexandra Ruch

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.

Peter McCartney

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

Jim Skeel

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

Barbara Smit

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

Lee Taylor

I am retired in Tucson, Arizona, in theprocessofmovingtoThailand, 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 five years I have done four supported tours. Did the last section of the North American Epic in December 2019, Tour de Europa, Slovenia to Barcelona, NAE, Puerto Vallarta to Nicaragua, and Journey to the East

guy bonnetta

I'm a retired manager at a bio tech seed company. I live in Winnipeg Canada. I have 3 grown daughters and 4 wonderful little grandchildren, 2 of which I see just about everyday. I'm a avid road biker, belonging to a couple of different cycling groups. But living in the Prairies I don't get much hill or mountain practice. So I'll be slow on the hills of Central America. Looking forward to meeting up with the group in Granada

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!

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!

John Hemmen

I have been an avid cyclist all my life and have done many tours on both road and mountain bikes. Cycling is simply the best way to travel through country, for it lends itself to a relaxed and visceral connection to the land and its people. I am a retired Emergency Physician and have done the Trans Europa, Odyssey, Pub Ride, and NAE tours previously with TDA.

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 am glad that we are going north to south as it seems downhill to me... i am looking forward to this trip... email me -- [email protected] if you want to talk... ray

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.

edward sokol

retired, single worked 44 years in retail business, owned it for 30 years like cycling, hiking

Murray Beare

Rode from Tuk to Fort St John on the NA Epic 2109. Trans Caucuses late Summer 2022. Journey to the East Tokyo to Sapporo June 2024. Hiked to Tengboche monastery in Nepal in 2011. Picked up the NA epic from Fort St John this year and rode to Banff. Hope to join the Next NA epic.in Banff 2029.

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.

Cindy Smith

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

Barendina Hunt-Davis

Love exploring countries on my bicycle

Brian Fullerton

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

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.

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.

Lloyd Strong

HI, I'm looking forward to this adventure and meeting everyone. And renewing some old friendships as well. Never been to the Northwest territories and can't wait to experience all it's charms.

Louise Sims

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

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.

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.

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.

Shauna Danos

I'm passionate about helping people live and breathe adventure, and I've traveled the world in pursuit of that goal. I've flown helicopters in South Korea, performed avalanche control as a ski patroller in Utah, piloted whitewater rafts on the Colorado River, instructed outdoor education programs in China, led treks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Iceland, and guided cycling trips all over the American West and Europe. I have been searching for a leadership role that would truly challenge me, which led me to join the staff of TDA Global Cycling. I can't wait to help everyone achieve their goals and have the cycling experience of a lifetime!

Juan Farias

Born and bred in Buenos Aires, I am a History teacher and traveller. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and have the privilege to share this experience in our beautiful continent. Nos vemos en unas semanas!

Sarah Fonger

I am a Videographer from Ontario, Canada. I will be joining the trip as the content creator and will be documenting our adventures along the way!

Josiah Skeats

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers, and see you out there!

Jairo Corrales

I am from Costa Rica, the country where I have lived since I was a child. Before I joined TDA in 2016, I had only traveled outside my country one time. Now I have the opportunity to travel across the Americas every year and support international cycling tours, working behind the scenes to help make these experiences possible.

I am a History and Geography teacher and also a lawyer. Before TDA, I worked for a tour company in Guanacaste, where I learned about logistics and coordinating international groups. Over time, I discovered that adventure tourism was a place where I could grow and contribute in a different way. Since 2016, I have fallen in love with teamwork and the energy of each expedition.

Most of my work in operations happens behind the scenes. I enjoy organizing, solving problems, and taking care of details so everything runs well. It makes me happy to know that our work helps riders focus on enjoying their journey.

One special moment for me was in 2019, during the North American Epic, when I went to Panama City to organize the group’s final arrival. After many months on the road, understanding that the tour was ending was very emotional for me.

I also remember my first camping experience during the South American Epic in 2017. It was the first time in my life that I set up a tent. Staff members and riders helped me, and that simple action made me feel part of the team from the beginning.

I have learned that keeping an open mind and being flexible is very important. Small challenges on the road often become the best memories.

Sime Baricevic

Media Creator, joining the tour from Tuktoyaktuk to Whitehorse

Philippe Paradis

Adventurer travelling the world on two wheels! I am a Phys.Ed. teacher and course lecturer. I love human relationships and the outdoors more than anything else in this magnificient world! After completing many bicycle touring on my own, I had the privilege to be part of the crew on the 2022 North American Epic. I loved it! I am very excited to join the Odyssey 2023 team and meet more inspiring people!

Alicia Arellano

My name is Alicia and I am from Mexico. I love documentary films and travelling and I would love to continue exploring the world and telling stories about it! This is my second expedition with TDA, and I am thrilled to hit the road one more time.

Christopher Thompson

Carolina Ceravolo

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

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

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

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

Odessa Kelebay

Make good choices!

Bethany Butcher

Hi all, I will be the tour medic for our tour around Morocco. I am a doctor from the UK, currently working in Scotland. I love to be on a bike and can't wait to get started and see what Morocco has to offer.

Colleen Gordon

I just love Africa. I love introducing Africa to people that have never been here or have never done anything like this. You can just see their eyes open, and all of their prejudices drop as they ride through it. The bike is just such an amazing way to do it, I’ve done tours in the past where the passengers are in the vehicle with me, and it’s just not the same. [On a TDA tour] you stop at coke stops all the time, and are constantly interacting with your environment. You often rely on locals for something like water, that interaction is absolutely essential to the tours. In the end, it’s one giant road trip with people that become your family. I love camping. You get addicted to the camping lifestyle, to see the sunrise and sunset everyday. You’re in the mix, you’re hearing the hyena’s and the owls. The amount of times I’ve had elephants come through our campsites in Africa, it’s magic.

I have been leading tours in Africa for over a decade, but I started at TDA as a chef. I love shopping at local markets in Africa, the interactions with the mama’s, and just buying everything they’re selling in bulk.

I love the behind the scenes moments. Everything it takes to keep the show on the road. Trucks getting stuck, and us having to try and pull vehicles out with help from the locals and their tractors. I remember another time on the North American epic, on the Arctic section, we had such a hard time trying to source water, that we sent up the drone to find the local water tank in a little First Nations village. It’s stuff like that that I love, the behind-the-scenes challenges. I like the spontaneity, the natural chaos of Africa.

[As a tip for future participants of our expedition tours], get comfortable with all your camping gear. Set up your tent first, maybe even sleep in it for a night or two in your apartment. Test your mattress, take it up and down a couple of times, because you’ll be doing that a lot. People don’t always realise this. You’ll be coming into camp after a long ride, and having to set your tent up and then tearing it down again in the middle of the night, just day after day after day, it’s relentless. So packing well and being comfortable with your set-up is absolutely essential in my opinion.

Malcolm Juring

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

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

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

Dave Yaeger

Live in Ottawa, Canada and have done a number of bike tours in Canada, Europe, Hawaii, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and India. Cycled New Zealand - north and south islands - with TDA in 2018. Active in sports......running, cycling, swimming, skiing, triathlons. Retired professional engineer and find that the days are not long enough to do everything.

roger warren

Deborah Mulcahy

I like cycling.

Anna Manceron

Henry Gold

Founder, TDA Global Cycling

Peter Glasson

I have cycled, run, and tramped all my life. My first long ride was riding the length of New Zealand years ago self supported but raising money for CPR training equipment for the NZ Red Cross. Later I cycled from Vancouver to Calgary over those beautiful magnificent Rockies. I have mountain biked off road across Spain on the Via de la Plata. Also across Europe from the Atlantic to Belgrade on the EV6. Last year (2018), the moment I retired (!), I cycled 3,200 kms right around France (Vive la France! Wow!) . In 2019 I cycled with TDA from Tuktoyaktuk to Puerto Vallarta. I completed the Baja California and Central America cycle tor in 2022 and am looking forward to teh Journey to the East.

Charles Elliott

Recently retired.

Jess Moyer

Jetje Antonietti

Retired banker , loves cycling to new places .

Whitney Kistler

Michel Lebel

I am an experienced tourer who did almost all Europe (except Norway), Canada, USA, Mexico, Central America, South America and part of Asia on a bike. I have ecently added NewZealand. What remains to claim to have done all Europe is Norway and I intend to get to Lofoten island after the tour. I did the Baja California, Perú, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile lately with TDA to get an experience of TDA tours. I speak french, English and Spanish.

Erin Hamayda

Tom Perlmutter

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

kim payne

I have realised cycling holidays let you see and experience so much more - and you can eat porridge every day and not feel guilty for all those carbs! Sign me up. I have cycled sections of Ruta Maya, Tour D'Afrique, North American epic 22 and the last section of West Africa in 2018. Let's hope there is WIFI. I'm self employed so have to work outside of riding my bike. It's been done everywhere else so I am sure I'll be fine here too. Places I want to see before I die.. Iran, Mauritius and Alaska in no particular order

Alastair Wilson

I'm a high school teacher taking a career break for 6 months. I teach Business and Economics. I'm naturally very adventurous and culturally inquisitive. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Mark Pittaccio

Brian McCloskey

My wife Karen and I reside along the seacoast north of Boston. I've loved riding with TDA on over a half dozen adventures, most recently Morocco and Viva Italia. Very much looking forward to reuniting with old friends and exploring new and exciting landscapes.

Christine Bierling

For living, I try to optimize the financials as a management accountant. For fun, I try to optimize the time I spend outdoors. I’m currently on a sabbatical. Tour d’ Afrique is one part of a long and active journey through different parts of the world. I’m excited about it.

Alexander Kling

I am an actuary. In my daily business, I am used to deal with risk and I am usually on the safe side. I’m joining the last part of North American Epic 2022. I hope I will be able to enjoy while trying to survive. I did my calculations, and I can say that the chances for both, enjoying and surviving, are pretty good.

Ruth Storm

Joining the Tour d’Afrique in 2007 was the beginning of my love of cycle touring. Since, I’ve cycled independently in Europe, New Zealand, Middle East, North America, TDA Silk Road 2016, TDA Madagascar 2019 ,TDA Himalayas 2019 and North American Epic in 2022. I also sail, trek, climb and ski long distances and remotely. Looking forward to exploring with like-minded friends!

Michael Holley

I'm looking forward to seeing a little bit of South America by bike. I've lived in Guatemala and Mexico, but have hardly traveled in South America. And I've hardly done any bike touring though have been an avid biker since I was a kid,

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.

Peter Mulcahy

Excited about this adventure. Where are we going?

Hans van der Wulp

When we travel, we open up, we learn, we absorb and we get amazed by the different sights, landscapes and the people we meet. This is what I am continue to look for on my second long distance bike tour with TDA. I am of Dutch nationality but feel more like a cosmopolitan as I lived the majority of my professional career abroad. Currently residing in New Zealand. Love doing all kind of sports and in particular triathlons.

Catherine Hardee

I am an avid cyclists and a law professor. I'm using my sabbatical to bike across my fourth continent and create a class on bicycle law and transportation justice. I look forward to chatting with the other tour riders about cycling laws around the globe.

Hilary Edwards

I am a 55 year old female. I have done a lot of cycling in different countries, mainly on road bikes. I am looking forward to this adventure.

John Edwards

Long retired 56 years old UK male (with an Irish Passport), experienced recreational road cyclist. Husband of Hilary who is also riding. We have done lots of week long supported cycle trips in many parts of the world, but this is by far the longest. Had intended to do the South American Epic this year, but switched to North American Epic once shortened South American Epic route announced because we wanted the full continent ride. However, subsequently found out that our daughter is expecting our first grandchild in October so we will stop in Yuma.

Marjon Baas

I enjoy travelling, cycling, and camping, so I'm looking forward to join a few sections of the NAE. Not my first time in North America, but definitely my first time cycling multiple weeks. Will meet you all in Jasper :)

Beat Karl Aschwanden

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

Niels van Dongen

Steven Nadler

69 year-old retired physician, spending way too much time on my bike, but who cares, I so enjoy it. Never done any bike-camping trips though, this would be my first.

Marie-Josée Vasseur

It’s always a joy to be on a bike, see the world and meet new people. See you on the road!

Francine Plante

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

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.

Matt Payne

I'm a technology guy (ex CTO) just starting down the road to retirement. I've cycled across Canada and the US as well as several other long tours.

David Grassham

Did the 2018 Tour D'Afrique. Looking forward to the 2nd tour.

Yvonne Malakoff

I live in Tasmania, Australia. I enjoy commute to work cycling, and cycling for fitness, fun and adventure.

David Malakoff

Cyclist. What else is there to know?

Amy Laird

Love cycling. Have done the southern tier across the U.S., and various state rides of about a week in New York, Wisconsin and California. Did a week in France and a week in Italy. I love camping on the tours, but the hotel nights are good too! I so look forward to this!

Inge Ruijs

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

Peter Ferris

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

Lee Taylor

I am retired in Tucson, Arizona, in theprocessofmovingtoThailand, 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 five years I have done four supported tours. Did the last section of the North American Epic in December 2019, Tour de Europa, Slovenia to Barcelona, NAE, Puerto Vallarta to Nicaragua, and Journey to the East

Jan Demeulemeester

In daily life a site manager in Belgium, who likes to discover and enjoy the world by bicycle in a slow way.

Johan Saey

Isla McColl

Originally from Scotland, I have lived most of my adult life in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. I love biking and travelling, and have done lots of "cycling holidays" and one big solo trip through Europe (2 1/2 months). I am now retired, having worked as an English teacher, and later in sports administration in various sports organisations and federations (sailing, rugby, football and the Olympics). I'm a bit of an extrovert.

Klaus Michael Jensen

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

Yvonne Waalewijn

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

Michael Treloar

Retired Geotechnical Engineer, who enjoys long distance cycling, currently residing in the Great Karoo, RSA. "When it comes to traveling, it's not the destination which matters, but how many different beers you get to taste, before you get there" (Apologies to Ralph Waldo Emerson).

Judith Treloar

Retired High School Teacher and Sports Coach. Previously a PA in corporate business. After completing Tour d'Afrique 2017, I cannot resist joining Michael on another tour. - otherwise I am going to suffer from FOMO!

Mike Crum

Sixty years old. Kiwifruit Orchardist from NZ Looking for adventure Have ridden Tour d Afrique and NA Epic Epic Should be experienced, sure don’t feel Iike it !!! Very excited and challenged to be doing this !!!

Richard Yurich

I enjoy outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, biking, fishing, golfing I and most outdoor activities. I have travelled to many countries and continents. I mountain climbed in three peaks in Peru. I am a retired school teacher.G

Jason Roussel

Canadian bike mechanic and ski tuner.

Benjamin Levin

Hi all! I'm Benjamin. I have worked several TDA tours over the last two years and cannot wait to meet you all on this one! I love traveling and being part of something bigger than myself and TDA tours are just that. I am an exceptionally adequate naturalist (I have a B.S in Zoology), lover of sports and athletics, and type two fun enthusiast (as I am sure many of you are as well). The combination of sport, being outside, and working towards a goal all come together for me on the seat of a bike, the best seat in the house. When you're on a bike, you're not just passing through the landscape, you are part of it. Exposed to the elements and open to encounters, you are in a position of vulnerability that break the barrier between traveler and local. That openness invites connection, allowing you to immerse yourself in new cultures and, more often than not, be welcomed by the people you meet. This is a great thing you are all doing. These tours are life changing experiences. Hope you are ready! See ya soon

Michael Coo

Jairo Corrales

I am from Costa Rica, the country where I have lived since I was a child. Before I joined TDA in 2016, I had only traveled outside my country one time. Now I have the opportunity to travel across the Americas every year and support international cycling tours, working behind the scenes to help make these experiences possible.

I am a History and Geography teacher and also a lawyer. Before TDA, I worked for a tour company in Guanacaste, where I learned about logistics and coordinating international groups. Over time, I discovered that adventure tourism was a place where I could grow and contribute in a different way. Since 2016, I have fallen in love with teamwork and the energy of each expedition.

Most of my work in operations happens behind the scenes. I enjoy organizing, solving problems, and taking care of details so everything runs well. It makes me happy to know that our work helps riders focus on enjoying their journey.

One special moment for me was in 2019, during the North American Epic, when I went to Panama City to organize the group’s final arrival. After many months on the road, understanding that the tour was ending was very emotional for me.

I also remember my first camping experience during the South American Epic in 2017. It was the first time in my life that I set up a tent. Staff members and riders helped me, and that simple action made me feel part of the team from the beginning.

I have learned that keeping an open mind and being flexible is very important. Small challenges on the road often become the best memories.

Chris Woodward

Paige White

Excited to be joining on my third TDA tour as a content creator after doing the Tour d'Afrique and Golden Buddha in 2025 :)

Colleen Gordon

I just love Africa. I love introducing Africa to people that have never been here or have never done anything like this. You can just see their eyes open, and all of their prejudices drop as they ride through it. The bike is just such an amazing way to do it, I’ve done tours in the past where the passengers are in the vehicle with me, and it’s just not the same. [On a TDA tour] you stop at coke stops all the time, and are constantly interacting with your environment. You often rely on locals for something like water, that interaction is absolutely essential to the tours. In the end, it’s one giant road trip with people that become your family. I love camping. You get addicted to the camping lifestyle, to see the sunrise and sunset everyday. You’re in the mix, you’re hearing the hyena’s and the owls. The amount of times I’ve had elephants come through our campsites in Africa, it’s magic.

I have been leading tours in Africa for over a decade, but I started at TDA as a chef. I love shopping at local markets in Africa, the interactions with the mama’s, and just buying everything they’re selling in bulk.

I love the behind the scenes moments. Everything it takes to keep the show on the road. Trucks getting stuck, and us having to try and pull vehicles out with help from the locals and their tractors. I remember another time on the North American epic, on the Arctic section, we had such a hard time trying to source water, that we sent up the drone to find the local water tank in a little First Nations village. It’s stuff like that that I love, the behind-the-scenes challenges. I like the spontaneity, the natural chaos of Africa.

[As a tip for future participants of our expedition tours], get comfortable with all your camping gear. Set up your tent first, maybe even sleep in it for a night or two in your apartment. Test your mattress, take it up and down a couple of times, because you’ll be doing that a lot. People don’t always realise this. You’ll be coming into camp after a long ride, and having to set your tent up and then tearing it down again in the middle of the night, just day after day after day, it’s relentless. So packing well and being comfortable with your set-up is absolutely essential in my opinion.

Arjuna Boucher-Pertuisot

Hi! I’m Arjuna, a documentary filmmaker, adventure lover, and long-distance endurance enthusiast. I’ve explored the world through sailing, cycling, running, and storytelling. I’ve lived on a sailboat, completed marathons, studied adventure tourism, and now dedicate my work to telling stories that connect people to nature, movement, and meaning. I’m deeply passionate about environmental protection and conscious travel. My goal is to use filmmaking not only to document adventures, but also to raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of the places we pass through. I believe stories have the power to shift perspectives and inspire change, and that’s what drives me behind the camera. Whether I’m biking through remote landscapes or filming from a sailboat in the Pacific, I’m always looking for the emotional thread that turns a moment into something unforgettable. I’m excited to join TDA and contribute to its spirit of exploration, connection, and impact.

Camille Kirby

I am a filmmaker from all over the U.S., but I've found myself now in Detroit, Michigan. I have a background in narrative storytelling, so I'm excited to bring that knowledge to TDA and capture such an incredible journey :)

Juan Bianchi

I am from Córdoba. Argentina. I work as a tourist guide specialized on multy day bike tours, in the area of Córdoba Hills. I love cycling and I do it every day, as a way of training, traveling, urban transportation, etc...

Jessica Pollock

I was born and raised in the small town of East London, South Africa and am currently working in various emergency departments in Cape Town. I love all things adventure in the outdoors. Looking forward to meeting you all and exploring some incredible places together.

Britney Charme

Hi, I’m Britney! I am based out of the southwest region of the US where I spend my time cycling in the red rock desert, riding alpine single track and exploring the Colorado Plateau.

Five years ago I made the decision to pivot away from my career as an event planner and become a cycling guide in some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in the world. Working in the adventure cycling industry has allowed me to blend my love of bikes with my passion for facilitating experiences that allow people to connect and create memories. I believe there is a lot of value in getting outside of our comfort zone and stepping away from our everyday lives in pursuit of adventure.

In my opinion, there is no better way to explore this planet than from the saddle of a bicycle. Biking is a sensory experience that allows us to savor the sights, smells, sounds and flavors of the world that we live in.

Some of my favorite moments on my bike are watching desert bighorn sheep in Canyonlands, crossing into Mexico from Arizona for tacos & Modelos and bantering with the locals cycling alongside me in East Africa while on the Tour d’Afrique.

I encourage everyone that joins a TDA tour to ride their own ride. As the day to day sets in, it is easy to lose sight of what brought you on the tour to begin with. Set an intention at the beginning of the tour and check in on that intention throughout the trip. This will allow you to stay present and grounded throughout the experience.

I also encourage riders to interact with locals, wander through markets, enjoy the coke stops and eat all the roadside food you possibly can. Get outside your comfort zone. Engage your senses. Savor the experience.

A bit of practical advice? Dial in the fit of your bike before the tour begins. Practically everything on your bike is adjustable- the angle of your saddle, stem length, the angle of your handlebars, the reach on your brake levers and shifters, etc… If you are doing test rides and something doesn’t feel right, it will be exasperated on the tour. It is worth taking the extra time to get it right while you are still home.

I look forward to seeing you on the trails!

Lorenzo Boutall

Half Italian and half English, I was born in London and moved to the Italian Alps at a young age. Here I developed a passion for the outdoors and outdoor activities such as cycling (of course), skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, trekking etc.. I studied forestry and environmental science at the University of Turin and during that time I started crafting handmade wooden powedersurfs (bindingless snowboards for freeriding). After graduating from Uni I soon realized that my powdersurf "business" was not going to pay the bills, so I decided to direct my workshop skills towards another passion of mine: cycling and cycling mechanics. I moved back to London and found a job as a mechanic and dedicated my whole life to bikes, both fixing them in a stand at work and riding miles in my free time. Doing so I managed to increase my bike knowledge fairly quickly and eventually landed a job at one of the most renowned bike shops in the UK. After a few years working there, I decided it was time to move back to the Alps where I could continue my career as a mechanic thanks to my newly acquired skill set, but also embrace once again the mountain life I missed so much while living in London. Now I work in an amazing workshop in Italy and do product testing and write articles for an Italian cycling magazine (called Alvento if you would like to have a peak!). Everything is going great in life, except for the fact that working full time for a shop doesn't leave much room for proper adventurous travelling that I used to enjoy so much when I was younger. This is where TDA cycling comes into play!! An incredible opportunity to do what I love the most all around the world. NAE will be my third trip as a mechanic and I just can't wait for it to start! I shall see you in Mexico and don't worry, your bikes will be in good hands :D

Malcolm Juring

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

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

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

Mike Mossing

Retired professor - Biochem / Mol Bio. Bike commuter since college, recreational rider for the last 30 years. Bicycle and pedestrian advocate at the campus, city and state level. Tour D'Afrique & SA Epic Alum. Spent the pandemic years helping to coordinate Covid testing, ready for a new adventure!

Cindy Smith

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

Barbara Smit

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

helena munro

Margaret Simon

Born and bred Australian, I am a lifelong adventure seeker who settled in the United States 40+ years ago. I am a proud grandmother to 6 beautiful grandchildren. I travelled extensively in my youth but never by bike. I started riding in my late 50s and fell in love with it. Now my life revolves around cycling. I have ridden across the US as well as many other multi day tours. My first TDA tour was Tour D'Afrique in 2023 which I loved so now I am back for another adventure!

Alaric (Al) Gair

Long-time roadie, commuter and occasional randonneur looking for my next big adventure on 2 wheels.

Charles Hilliard

retired truck driver

Mary Knisely

65 year old physical therapist still practicing. Former professional runner....but now on the bike! Love biking more than running as can take in more of the beauty of nature. Love the Outdoors! Yearly vacation gravel biking somewhere in the western US...usually Utah. Married...doing this ride with my husband Dan. Two grown kids. No social media.

Ulrike (Uli) Schindler

Hi, I am Uli and I love to travel by bike. I completed various tours in Europe, New Zealand and the USA. This is my third tour with TDA.

Margaret Starnes

I love to bike and explore new places meeting people. I've done tours with other companies, the longest was 3 months. I currently work part time as a sales associate at The Hike Shack. We sell hiking shoes as well as equipment for hiking and adventure. I play flute which I started learning in 2018. I love to cook and bake. I don't use social media.

will carter

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

Lori McCarney

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

Murray Beare

Rode from Tuk to Fort St John on the NA Epic 2109. Trans Caucuses late Summer 2022. Journey to the East Tokyo to Sapporo June 2024. Hiked to Tengboche monastery in Nepal in 2011. Picked up the NA epic from Fort St John this year and rode to Banff. Hope to join the Next NA epic.in Banff 2029.

Robert (Bob) Stapleton

Avid off road rider. GDMR 2023

Isabelle Roy

Discovering Italy by bike, what a great idea! A first TDA while staying in a hotel seems like a great option for a good life! Can't wait to be part of the group! See you there

Alexandra Findlay

I love to travel and find new adventures. Looking forward to challenging myself, experiencing new places, meeting new people and seeing some amazing sites.

Bruce Huddleson

Have found the love of cycling recent years, for a number of reasons. This Iowan completed RAGBRAI V-X. In 2022, I did a cross USA tour with Cycling America from Seattle WA USA area to Boston MA USA area. To celebrate 71st bday, I rode via US Highway 71 in Iowa from Missouri border to Minnesota border and back. In 2024, In 2025 completed first 3 sections of TDA North American Epic. Looking forward to more cycling adventure and adventurers. I am a slow, grinder rider. Looking forward to meeting my fellow travelers. All the best.

Christopher James (known as Jim) Hodgkins

I’m known as Jim although Christopher is the first name on my passport I’ve cycled across Europe from London to Istanbul in 7 stages, in a group that is starting Asia next November from W of India. I ride in the 15mph group in my club, Verulam CC in St Albans UK. In the past few years i also cycled the Route de Grand Alps - Geneva to Nice, Pyrenees coast to coast traverse and Milan to Venice via the Italian Alps and Dolomites. I enjoy the mountains and see a lot of tour divide videos, a road version seems ideal.

Cindy McDonald

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.

Scott McFarlane

Originally from Scotland, now living in Victoria , Australia. Was a keen road cyclist, now more off road. Longest ride is the Tour Aotearoa in 2020, 300km in 27 days. Also done great rides over the Himalaya to Ladakh, through the Hebridies and through Patagonia.

Graeme Don

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

Wayne Brown

I Love to cycle, and I love to travel. I have had a great time as a sectional rider with TDA in Peru, Bolivia, New Zealand, Greece, and Albania. I have also biked in Iceland. I have been to Mexico many times, and I’m excited to see it again -from a bike this time. I look forward to meet you all.

Pascale Bilodeau

Hi, After a career in education, I am now spending my time in outdoor activities like cycling, hiking and cross-country skiing. I am especally enjoying the freedom of cycling in wide open spaces and discover differents cultures. Can't wait to go back on the road.

Jeff Boyer

I'm a retired accountant living in central Florida. I'm a cardio junkie and love to ride gravel, road, and bikepack. Looking forward to escaping the Florida heat in the summer of '25 and spending quality time on the bike with some like minded folks.

Stephane Lancereau

………………. but …..……….., also ………………!

Daniel Knisely

Been riding for about 50 years. Average about 8,000 miles a year combined road, gravel and trainer. Former sales manager at Bell, Giro, Stages and Nike. Married with 2 adult children. Wife of 42 years (Mary), she is also doing the ride and is a physical therapist, former professional athlete (runner).

Jackie Silverberg

I’m a retired high school teacher . Im very fit and love riding my bike . I have ridden in Patagonia , the Atlas Mountains , Rwanda and Uganda , Laos, Thailand ,and Borneo .Road Egypt and Sudan., southern US and Transoceania , Japan and Korea with TDA Heading off the cycle NAE from Mexico City to Panama City

Svend Jensen

To Travel is to Live (at rejse er at leve) were famous words by the Danish fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen. My version goes – To Bike is to Live. I love to bike. I bike more now age 65 than I did when I was 35. I’m not as strong as I was at 45 but I still enjoy a good biketour. Hans Christan Andersen was a seasoned traveler, however, I’m not. I am a comfort rider and have never been outside Denmark to bike. So, this TDA North American Epic is way way out of my comfort zone. Look forward to meeting you all.

Kaye Hudson

Previous tours Trans Europa 2012, South America 2015, NZ section Trans Oceania 2016. Odyssey 2017 sections Bosnia to Amsterdam, Pub Ride 2018, Africa Kenya to Cape town 2019, Trans Oceania 2022 (Adelaide to Melbourne and Tasmania), Morocco Kingdom of the West 2024, Olive Route 2025 and North American Epic 2025. Looking forward to another ride with my husband Brett and catching up with riders from previous rides and meeting new riders.

Peter Roberts

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

Daniel Chemtov

Passing through this world

Steve Johnson

Traveling by bike is great. This will be my 3 rd trip with TDA. Did the South American Epic in 2024. Doing the North American Epic in 2025 and now I will be going to Scandinavia Let the good time roll

Luca Bortolami

I am an Italian man that loves cycling and traveling. I have been able to retire at an early age in order to purse these two interests, and TDA expeditions where one of the reasons why I really wanted to gain full control of my schedule while still relatively young. When I signed up for the North American and South American Epic I was proud of my 55 years as a single. The woman I then met understands me so well as to ask me to still do these :-).

Pamela Sbar

I have thrived on outdoor adventure throughout my life. Bike adventures at the top of the list and Africa has always captured my imagination. There's nothing quite like living in a "bike bubble" on a long haul tour! So off I go with my fellow adventure seekers!

Ian Bloomfield

Last year I cycled part of the 2025 North American epic and I am looking forward to cycle in Chile/Argentina this year.

Leah Jay

Glen Greedy

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.

Jay Ozturk

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

John Hutchison

I will be 67 years young for the NAE in 2025. I have done self-contained cycle touring in Canada, Alaska and the TransAM and half of the GDMBR. Former chemical engineer. I am planning to ride from Tuk to Banff. This will be my first ride with TDA.

Keith Elliott

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.