UPDATED July 12, 2026 BY Olha Kurochkina IN Istanbul Express no comments Get Lost In TroyesThere are cities you visit because they belong on every bucket list. You arrive with a checklist, a carefully saved Google Map, and the feeling that you need to see everything before you leave.And then there are places like Troyes. Places you never expected to fall in love with. When we rolled into Troyes the day before, we almost bypassed the historic centre. Id heard the Tour Leader Balazs say it was beautiful, but honestly, I wasnt expecting much.The following morning was my rest day. Like any responsible traveller, I did what were all guilty of doing these days. I opened Google Maps, asked ChatGPT to build me the perfect walking route, pinned all the places I had to see, and confidently headed into town.That plan lasted about five minutes.Because Troyes has a habit of distracting you.You spot a tiny medieval alley and think, Ill just peek in for a second. Then another. Then a hidden courtyard. Then a bakery that smells too good to walk past. Then a little square full of people lingering over lunch. Before you know it, your phone is back in your pocket. The map is forgotten. Youre no longer trying to see Troyes. Youre simply wandering through it. And thats when the city starts revealing itself.Could I tell you to visit the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul? Sure. Youll probably end up there anyway. Should you walk down Rue mile Zola? Chances are, you will. Should you find Ruelle des Chats? Somehow, Troyes will make sure you do. Thats the beauty of this place. You dont have to chase its highlights. They quietly appear when theyre supposed to.Eventually youll get hungry. Dont overthink it. Look around, pick the nearest caf, and sit down. Just make sure youve learned one important French lesson first: restaurants serve lunch when they serve lunch (between 12 and 1 pm). Miss the service, and the kitchen is closed. But even thats not really a problem. Find the nearest boulangerie instead. Grab a fresh baguette, a slice of quiche, maybe something sweet for later, and find a shady bench or a little square with a fountain. And that might end up being the better meal. So this isnt really a guide to Troyes, Its suggestion to get lost. Put your phone away, ignore your map, take the next little street that catches your eye and trust the city. It knows where its taking you.And one more thing.What are you doing to me, Istanbul Express?Day one, you gave me one of the most unforgettable arrivals Ive ever experienced, rolling into Provins. Day two, you casually introduced me to Troyes and then had the audacity to schedule a rest day here. If this is only the beginning, I genuinely have no idea what the rest of this journey has in store. No wonder Istanbul Express (formally the Orient Express) has become one of TDAs most loved tours. Im only a few days inand Im already wondering how this tour plans to top itself.Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Get Lost In Troyes" Cancel reply

UPDATED July 6, 2026 BY Guest Author IN The Odyssey no comments What Is The Perfect Day On A Bicycle?Sara Frenning was the Content Creator on the 2026 The Odyssey Cycling Tour.I asked the riders on The Odyssey this very question. Most of the answers started in an expected way. Sunshine, tailwinds, scenery, descents. But as the question lingered, the answers started to shift. Some uphills, some unexpected turn of events, some rain, even some traffic started to seep into this imaginary perfect day on a bike.Somewhere in between, with a balance between the good and the hard, was where most of the riders landed. A subtle agreement that easy does not always equate to good when it comes to cycling. That the descents are sweeter after a gruelling climb, that the sun feels a little warmer after a heavy rain, and that a deserted mountain road fills you with more freedom after you battled some traffic to get there.One exceptionally rainy day in Germany proved this. It was raining buckets from the moment we left the hotel until we reached the lunch spot, 70 km later. I kept my head down and battled against the elements, stopping only occasionally to take a photo or two of drenched riders, while trying not to cause permanent damage to my camera. Despite the freezing rain and a dark cloud that seemed to stretch to the size of Germany itself, almost every rider that passed my plastic bag, wrapped camera, smiled and joked about our situation. Even those who did not smile but simply endured were part of the collective suffering. We felt more like a team than on any of the other days. We all felt the same pain and suffering that day.Perhaps more importantly, we all felt the same joy when the cloud of doom lightened by just a few shades of grey. Suddenly, the flowers smelled sweeter, the grass was greener, and the otherwise rather mundane landscape seemed like the most beautiful sight any of us had ever seen.The thing with suffering is that it makes joy easier to find.A couple of dry socks for drenched feet, a cup of tea for cold hands to hold, an extra layer of protection when Germany decides to dump a record amount of rain on you. All these things are nothing special, nothing you would think twice about on a normal day, but things that, after a long day of suffering on a bike, feel like nothing less than pure joy.I think this is why so many of us like to ride our bikes. We choose to suffer to remind ourselves how sweet a downhill can be, that bliss can be found in the simple absence of rain. To remind ourselves of how easy pure joy can be.Its a privilege to choose our suffering in the form of bike riding, but just like in life, a good day is not only one where everything is easy, but one where we get to practice the art of spotting and enjoying the simple joys life offers, even on a day with many hills.RELATEDTOURThe Odyssey The original Odyssey by Homer followed Ulysses, King of Ithaca, on his grueling ten year trip home from the Trojan War during which he faced and... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "What Is The Perfect Day On A Bicycle?" Cancel reply

UPDATED July 8, 2026 BY Henry Gold IN Road to Valhalla no comments Paalo Nurmi, Emil Zatopek & The Road To Valhalla Cycling TourMind is everything. Muscle pieces of rubber. All that I am, I am because of my mind. Paavo NurmiGreat is the victory, but the friendship of all is greater. Emil ZatopekHave you heard of Paavo Nurmi or Emil Ztopek? Helsinki connects these two remarkable people. I am here for the inaugural Road to Valhalla Cycling Tour which will take us from the capital city of Finland, Helsinki, to Stockholm Sweden, onward to Oslo, Norway and then past some amazing fjords to our final destination, the city of Trondheim. But this blog isnt about cycling.As is my habit when I come to a place I know little about, I take a walkabout. It is not that there is no cycling in Helsinki. The city has an extensive network as well as great routes such as the Seuirasaarenslka trail which is part of a 130 km long public waterfront system. This 14.4 km cycling and walking route runs through four delightful islands. To top it off, the city had just finished building the amazing Kruunuvuorensilta, or Crown Mountain bridge, for cyclists, pedestrians and light rail at a cost of US$373 million.Oodi Central LibrarySo, if I am not writing about cycling, what else should I focus on? There is certainly no shortage of subjects here, starting with world-famous Finnish design. Since 2014, Helsinki has been a UNESCO City of Design and one could easily spend a day in the Design District and still be eager to have more time there. A blog or two can easily be written about Finnish cuisine, ranging from game bear, elk, reindeer or grouse to the Finnish staples of herring, smoked fish, or the iconic whitefish vendace, eaten whole and accompanied with tasty rye or sourdough breads.Kampi Curvilinear ChapelIn Helsinki a city designed for walkers you can wander around, admire and write about architecture, ranging from remarkable churches such as the contemporary curvilinear wooden Kampi Chapel or the Temppeliaukion Kirkko church hewn from solid rock, to buildings such as the Oodi Central Library or the Musiikkitalo, the glass and copper fronted Helsinki Music Centre. And lets not forget Finladia Talo, the landmark concert hall designed by world famous architect Paulo Alto, known for his concept of Well Being and Human Environment.I could dedicate a blog or two to Helsinkis 10 million metre underground network of sports fields, art installations, swimming pools, museums, tracks for go karting and running, tunnels, the metro, parking and much more, initially built during the Cold War. To get a feel for it, consider watching Architect Tapi Snellmans film, Helsinki Underground.Instead, I will write about a couple of long-distance runners whose achievements and personalities made an impact on their countries and the world far beyond running. Paavo Nurmi, considered to be a national symbol and know as the flying Finn, set 22 world records, won nine gold and three silver Olympic medals and was undefeated in 121 races. If you are interested in finding out more about his impact on Finland and its identity, check out the Wikipedia entry. Without a doubt, a truly legendary figure. And on my walkabout, I came across his statue in front of the Olympic Stadium where Emil Zatopek, a Czech runner who visited my school when I was a kid became a running legend at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.Emil Zatopek won the 5 km and 10 km gold medals and, at the last moment, decided to run the marathon as well for the first time in his entire life. To everyones surprise, he won that as well, the only athlete to ever win the three races in one Olympics. If you like sports, there are many fascinating stories about these two amazing athletes.My favourite story, however, is not about running. Zatopek was an officer in the Czechoslovak army in 1968, by then retired from athletics, when the Soviet army invaded the country. Zatopek, along hundreds of thousands of citizens expressed his displeasure with the invasion. For this gesture, he was dismissed from the army and to shame him, the functionaries decided to make him into a garbage collector in Prague. It didnt work out well for the party. When the public heard that Zatopek was collecting garbage, people waited outside their doors and didnt allow him to touch the garbage. It was the functionaries who ended up looking embarrassed. So they gave Ztopek another job, as a forester, to keep him away from the public eye.As a youngster, I was consumed by athletics and read the sport pages from A to Z. Neither Nurmi nor Zatopek have crossed my mind in decades but in Helsinki memories of distant times have come back. Paavo Nurmi became a cultural icon in his country, representing perseverance and excellence, and Emil Zatopek inspired many athletes and non-athletes and is remembered for his generous spirit and camaraderie with fellow athletes. These are good thoughts to have for our challenging cycling from Helsinki to Trondheim.RELATEDTOURRoad to Valhalla Valhalla, also known as the Hall of Heroes, was the goal for all real Vikings. Ruled by the Norse God, Odin, only the bravest and fiercest of warriors... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Paalo Nurmi, Emil Zatopek & The Road To Valhalla Cycling Tour" Cancel reply

UPDATED July 10, 2026 BY Olha Kurochkina IN Istanbul Express no comments Cycling in Paris: Great Bike Lanes, Tiny Panic AttacksI arrived in Paris fully expecting to spend a day exploring the city by bike. After all, Paris is often praised as one of Europes most bike-friendly cities. And it absolutely deserves that reputation.The funny thing is, none of what surprised me had anything to do with the infrastructure. Paris has absolutely nailed that part. Protected bike lanes stretch across the city, cycling routes actually make sense, and if you dont have your own bike, youre spoiled for choice.The citys public bike-sharing system, Vlib Mtropole, has thousands of bikes and docking stations practically everywhere. You can choose between regular bikes and e-bikes and if youre planning to visit Montmartre, trust me, youll want the electric one. Your legs will thank you later.Another option I came across was Dott. Unlike Vlib, its app-based, so you can unlock bikes (or e-bikes and e-scooters) straight from your phone without looking for a docking station. The app is clean, intuitive, and very easy to use perfect if you prefer the flexibility of a dockless system.If youd rather rent for a full day, there are plenty of options too. Holland Bikes, Paris Vlo, and Unlimited Biking all offer city bikes, e-bikes, and even guided tours if thats your thing.Its affordable, convenient, and one of the easiest cities in Europe to explore on two wheels. On paper. Then I spent about ten minutes watching the traffic. Lets just say my confidence started negotiating with my common sense. Thats when I realised theres a difference between cycling infrastructure and cycling culture.Now, I should probably mention that Im not new to cycling in cities. I survive and these days Id even say I enjoy cycling in Toronto. Whenever I travel, I try to explore at least part of a city by bike. Paris, however, plays by its own rules. Or perhaps by no rules at all.Everyone seems to be in an incredible hurry. Cyclists fly past at impressive speeds. Traffic lights appear to be open to interpretation. Helmets are surprisingly rare in fact, most of the ones I spotted were probably worn by North American tourists trying to hold on to at least one familiar safety habit. The bells never stop ringing. Pedestrians are treated as moving obstacles rather than people. And whatever you do, dont accidentally end up at the front of a group of local cyclists. If youre not moving fast enough, youll quickly become the main character in a symphony of ringing bells, impatient sighs, dramatic tongue-clicking, and world-class eye-rolling. Nobody actually has to tell you to hurry up. Youll know it! It feels chaotic,fast, and very intense.The infrastructure is outstanding, but the cycling culture took me completely by surprise. Maybe its one of those things that locals dont even notice anymore. Maybe its just the rhythm of Paris. Either way, I found it stressful. Would I still recommend exploring Paris by bike? Absolutely. Its one of those experiences that deserves a spot on every cyclists bucket list. You get to discover quiet streets that youd probably never find otherwise, stop whenever something catches your eye, and experience the city from a completely different perspective. Just dont expect a slow, romantic ride along the Seine. Think of it as sightseeing with a healthy dose of adrenaline.That said, after a few wonderful but undeniably overwhelming days in Paris, I couldnt have been happier to leave the city behind and get back on the TDA bike. Within just a couple of days, everything changed. The traffic disappeared, the pace slowed down, and suddenly we were rolling through quiet country roads and charming little villages that, to me, felt much more like France than Paris itself. Dont get me wrong I absolutely loved Paris. Its one of those cities everyone should experience at least once. But out here, surrounded by wheat fields, sleepy cafs, and church towers, I finally felt like I had met the France I had been dreaming about. And the best part? This is only the beginning.Im excited to see what the next kilometres and the next corners of France have in store.Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Cycling in Paris: Great Bike Lanes, Tiny Panic Attacks" Cancel reply

UPDATED July 2, 2026 BY Guest Author IN Journey to the East no comments From Seoul To Sapporo: The Journey We SharedArjuna Boucher-Pertuisot was the Content Creator on the 2026 Journey to the East Cycling Tour.After thousands of kilometres, countless bowls of rice, endless vending machines, ferry crossings, mountain climbs, quiet roads, busy cities, and more than a few well-earned onsen, the Journey to the East has officially reached its final destination: Sapporo, Japan.What began in the energetic streets of Seoul became much more than a cycling tour. It became a moving community between riders, staff, bikes, duffel bags, snack stops, laundry missions, early mornings, tired legs, and unforgettable views. For Sheila Morehouse, the tour was a chance to discover two countries at the perfect speed. The Tour dAfrique helped me confirm that biking is the perfect speed and manner in which to explore a country. Japan and Korea were complete unknowns to me, so this seemed like a great opportunity to learn a lot in a really granular way. For Vince Waite, the journey was also about challenging expectations. I came here to challenge myself with another expedition tour, and to challenge my stereotypes of Japan. And for many riders, that is exactly what the tour became: a chance to move through South Korea and Japan slowly enough to notice the details: one climb, one meal, one ferry, one convenience store stop, and one unexpected conversation at a time.The Challenge of the RoadThe Journey to the East was beautiful, but it was not always gentle. There were long riding days, steep climbs, changing weather, city transfers, ferries, and the daily challenge of waking up and doing it all again. Riders had to adapt constantly.. to new roads, new countries, new food, new routines, and sometimes to legs that were clearly asking for a rest day. But this is also what makes the wins feel even bigger. For Giselle, each day came with its own uncertainty, but also its own reward. Every day I thought I was not sure I would be able to ride every day, let alone complete the hills. Most proud to finish and think of the mountains as only hills.Vince also found himself changing through the climbs. Steep ascents previously created anxiety for me, and I came to look forward to them. That is the magic of a long tour. A climb becomes a hill. A hard day becomes a story. A fear becomes something you know how to ride through. For Sheila, the challenge was not only physical. It was also about letting go a little. Im proud of overcoming some of my Point A to B tendency, choosing love over EFI, and getting up the climbs.Some riders were chasing every kilometre. Some were chasing the experience. Most were trying to find their own balance between the two.The Moments Along the WayThere were plenty of big highlights: arriving in Busan, seeing Mount Fuji on a clear day, cycling through the Japanese countryside, reaching Hokkaido, and finishing near Lake Shikotsu before rolling into Sapporo. But the small moments may be the ones people remember most. A perfect lunch stop. A quiet road through rice fields. A surprise view after a climb. A convenience store snack that saved the energy. A shared table at dinner. A joke that somehow lasted for weeks. A rider overcoming a challenge they were not sure they could complete.When asked about her favourite moments, Sheila did not choose just one. Every downhill was an amazing multi-sensory experience. Every single little kid I played with, every single onsen for better or worse and being able to ride with Vince this time around were all favourite moments. For Vince, one of the best parts of the tour was also one of the simplest. My favourite moment was riding with Sheila and matching our very different styles of riding so that we could stay together. And Giselle found her favourite memories in the shared rhythm of the group. Riding with our tribe through the many gorgeous winding paths, with canopy over the road, lakes, mountains, and gorges. In the end, a tour like this is not remembered as one single highlight. It is remembered as hundreds of little moments that slowly become something much bigger.Two Countries, Many SurprisesSouth Korea and Japan offered two very different but equally memorable chapters. In Korea, riders found smooth bike paths, riverside riding, busy cities, and a cycling culture that made moving through the country feel easy and exciting. Vince remembered Korea for the amazing bike paths, while Giselle was struck by how polite, respectful, and shared the country felt.Japan brought a new rhythm. The tour moved through islands, mountains, forests, fishing towns, rice fields, temples, shrines, hot spring towns, and some truly impressive hotel dinners. One day might include a tough climb in cold weather, and the next might end with riders walking around in the traditional clothing yukata, before a multi-course meal. For Vince, experiencing Japan completely changed the way he viewed the country. Japan has literally broken all my stereotypes. I have found it to be a loving, kind place of magnificent beauty.A Tour Built by PeopleOf course, no tour like this happens by accident. Behind every riding day was a team of staff working early mornings, late evenings, and all the hours in between. Bags had to be moved. Routes had to be pre-checked. Lunch had to be made. Hotels had to be ready. Riders needed answers, support, encouragement, and sometimes just a calm voice saying, Yes, youre going the right way. The staff were at all time the invisible engine behind the journey, but the riders brought the magic.Some brought humour, others their wisdom. Some brought unstoppable climbing legs, others contributed with their excellent snack strategies. And many brought stories from past tours. Together, they created the spirit of the trip. As Sheila put it, one of the things she will miss the most is: Our cool, quirky group riders and staff overeating to try every new food and drink, and the freedom to just ride and explore. Giselle echoed the same feeling: Ill miss the camaraderie and freedom that comes with every day riding. That freedom was everywhere on Journey to the East. It was in the open roads, the daily discoveries, and the rare simplicity of having one main job each day: ride your bike and see what happens.What We Take With UsAt the end of a journey like this, it is easy to talk about the goals achieved: distances we passed, destinations that were reached, and elevation that was climbed. Those numbers matter, but they do not tell the full story. The real story is in the people. It is in the rider who overcame more than they ever thought they would. The friendships built over shared ups and downs. The jokes that only makes sense to the people who lived them. The comfort of miso soup, ramen, onsens, and, as Giselle reminded us, automatic toilets.The Journey to the East was not just about crossing South Korea and Japan by bike. It was about discovering what happens when a group of people commits to moving forward together, one stage at a time. From Seoul to Sapporo, it was one incredible ride.RELATEDTOURJourney to the East While South Korea and Japan are close neighbors, their lands and cultures are completely unique. Cycling across these countries, one after the other... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "From Seoul To Sapporo: The Journey We Shared" Cancel reply

UPDATED June 27, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Africa: Ocean to Ocean no comments Cycling NamibiaOur newest cycling expedition, Africa: Ocean to Ocean, takes riders through seven fascinating Southern African countries. In this post, we take a look at what cyclists can expect on their journey through country number 2, Namibia.*Note: Our flagship cycling expedition, the Tour dAfrique also passes through Namibia but that route is far to the south of this tours path, which explores a new area of this fascinating country.Kunene RiverAs soon as the riders exit Angola and enter Namibia, they will begin to pedal westward along the Kunene River. This body of water marks the border between the two countries and is one of the areas few perennial rivers. Besides hosting a number of crocodiles, it is home to the Kunene River mouth cichlid, a species of fish found nowhere else on Earth. The cyclists will enjoy the views as the river changes back and forth from rushing rapids to quiet lagoons.Epupa FallsAfter following the Kunene River for a couple hundred kilometres, the tour will stop in Epupa Falls, a rather remote and unspoiled location. It is a spectacular sight, especially given the arid surroundings. The water crashes down into a gorge and the shores are lined with baobab, fig and palm trees. Riders can check out the many bird species that inhabit the area or simply sit and enjoy the sight of the falls with Angolas mountains looming in the background.KaokolandKoakoland is a vast area of northern Namibia and is the countrys least densely populated region (which is saying a lot given that the countrys population density is 3 -4 people per square kilometre!). The climate, although harsh, supports a number of animals such as the unique desert adapted elephant, giraffes, zebra and springbok while hardy succulents and dwarf trees are scattered across the boundless landscape.Himba CultureThe Himba people, a polygamous, semi-nomadic, pastoral society make their home in Kaokoland, keeping up their traditions and surviving by herding their drought-resistant cattle from one water source to another. The red ochre they use to braid their hair and protect their skin from the harsh sun is distinct to their culture and the women display ornate hairstyles and jewellery made from iron, copper and shells.Etosha National ParkThis iconic National Park, known as The Great White Place in the local Ovambo language, features a dry lakebed (Etosha Pan) that is 130 km long and 50 km wide. It can even be seen from space! The park is notable for the large number of watering holes that dot the southern edge of the Pan. These attract an incredible variety of wildlife including elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs and many, many more. Cyclists will enjoy a game drive through the park as part of their experience.Recommended Reading:Dr Mary Seeley The Namib DesertNeshani Andreas The Purple Violet of OshaantuAndr Brink The Other Side of SilenceSandra Shields Where Fire Speaks: A Visit With the HimbaMarion Wallace A History of Namibia: From the Beginning to 1990Recommended Viewing:Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation (2007) A historical drama that chronicles the countrys fight for independence.Bikes for Africa (2013) A documentary following the life adventures of Hap Cameron and Mandy Todd, and their attempt to help implement a self sustainable bike workshop in rural Namibia.|Kapana (2022) A heartwarming drama-romance follows an openly gay office worker and a closeted local kapana (grilled meat) vendor who fall in love.Recommended Listening:This is Namibia (Apple)Namibia: The Price of Genocide (BBC)Journey Back to Namibia: The Story Begins (Spotify)RELATEDTOURAfrica: Ocean to Ocean The original way to cross Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean was the maritime Cape Route past the continents southern tip, a perilous... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Cycling Namibia" Cancel reply

UPDATED June 18, 2026 BY The TDA Team IN Pub Ride no comments Riders Reflections from the First Half of the 2026 Pub RidePaige White, Content Creator on the 2026 Pub Ride, invited riders to reflect on their journey so far. Collected in a notebook passed from rider to rider, these entries capture some of the experiences, challenges, and highlights from the first half of the tour.On the 2026 Pub Ride, a notebook with a race plate taped to it has been passed around. In it, we asked our riders to describe their experiences so far riding through the first half of the tour. We invited them to share personal stories, highlights, mishaps, and everything in between. Heres what they had to say so far.Cycling is what brought us together through a common interest. We all have diverse backgrounds, yet cycling makes us cohesive. What a privilege it is to share this energy, laughter, and conversations with others. For me, cycling brings me joy a heart-and-soul connection to my physical self. It reminds me of how resilient our bodies are. Thanks, TDA, for taking care of all the logistics so that I am able to focus solely on the ride. Wendy DeloumeWendy rides along the Scottish canals with a group of ridersAs always, cycling has brought me many new faces and friends. The encouragement and camaraderie, no matter what your cycling experience has been, on the Pub Ride has been fantastic. Jeff CohenJeff watches other riders go pastRain. Steep hills. Landscapes!We walked the hills on the moors, with grades over 11%. These short, steep hills zapped my energy. The moors are a unique landscape with amazing views.It was an exhilarating experience riding out of London. There were other cyclists, traffic, potholes, pedestrians, and an unfamiliar traffic flow. At the roundabouts, it felt like locals didnt care about their own rules, and it required hyper-focus to avoid any close calls. Notes from Hans, Ross, Ryan, Dave, and Anne while riding the ferry to France.Hans and Ross Dad and Son cycling togetherI learned once again not to turn back to those behind you while informing them that youre going to look for coffee. If you forget this, you might catch the curb next to you and suddenly have that awful feeling that you are headed for the sidewalk and the concrete wall beside it. Now that we are halfway through the trip, Im feeling back to normal and almost healed. Bart BergBart inspects the damage after a coffee-related mishap in ScotlandThere is something unexplainably appealing about TDAs style of travel. Part boot camp, part social experiment, with so many special moments with newfound friends in between. The lunches are always the carrot of my riding days; fresh and flavourful salads can lure me over the steepest hills. In the days and years after these epic rides, I know that Ill forgive the early mornings, hilly days, and heavy duffel bags. I will smile inwardly with a sense of accomplishment and fond memories of our host countries and fearless tour leaders. Melissa MorseMelissa rides with Susan along some of the beautiful bike paths in IrelandRelated Posts:Leave a Comment for "Riders Reflections from the First Half of the 2026 Pub Ride" Cancel reply

UPDATED June 16, 2026 BY The TDA Team IN Company, Places to Ride no comments The 2027 TDA Global Cycling Tour Calendar: A Mid-Season UpdateSummer is well underway, which means many of our riders are currently out on the road. It also means something else weve started noticing in the office: more inquiries about 2027, more registrations coming in, and more tours beginning to fill. If youre still focused on this years adventures, thats understandable. But if your mind has already started wandering toward next season, we thought it would be a good time to share a quick update on whats currently on the calendar for 2027. Whether youre looking for a four-week cultural journey or a four-month expedition, heres what the year ahead looks like.Road to Shangri-LaThis tour has been sitting on the shelf for far too long, and we cant wait that its finally here. First scouted during a carefree 2019, and rescouted in 2025, Road to Shangri-La has at last found its place on the calendar. Starting in Saigon and finishing in Shangri-La, this route takes riders through Vietnam and deep into Chinas Yunnan Province, combining vibrant cultures, spectacular landscapes, and a gradual climb toward the foothills of the Himalayas. For those of you who like room to yourself, single occupancy is currently available for this tour.2027 Tour Status: Registration openHippie TrailRunning alongside Road to Shangri-La, the Hippie Trail returns to India for another journey from Agra to Goa. Expect iconic landmarks, colourful markets, rural villages, incredible food, and the kind of sensory experience that makes India unlike anywhere else in the world. Like Road to Shangri-La, this tour offers a single supplement for those who prefer a room to themselves.2027 Tour Status: Registration openTour dAfriqueOur flagship expedition needs little introduction. Beginning beneath the pyramids of Cairo and finishing in Cape Town, the Tour dAfrique remains one of the worlds great cycling adventures, crossing a continent and creating friendships and memories that last long after the final finish line.2027 Tour Status: Registration Open, Limited Space AvailableRoad of EmpiresAfter the successful inaugural RoE last year the tour linking Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, and Italy returns hopefully for another great version. The Road of Empires explores centuries of history shaped by some of the Mediterraneans greatest civilizations. Its a journey through cultures, landscapes, and cuisines that have influenced the world far beyond their borders.2027 Tour Status: Registration OpenOlive RouteThe first running of Olive Route sold out. From Athens to Lisbon, the Olive Route follows the heart of the Mediterranean. Riders experience ancient history, coastal roads, mountain villages, and some of Europes most celebrated food and wine regions along the way.2027 Tour Status: Registration OpenJourney to the EastSouth Korea and Japan continue to be among our most popular cycling destinations. Journey to the East combines both countries into a single adventure, offering outstanding riding, fascinating culture, and a remarkable balance between modern cities and traditional landscapes.2027 Tour Status: Registration OpenSilk RouteFollowing one of historys most famous trade corridors, the Silk Route stretches from Beijing to Istanbul. Crossing multiple countries, cultures, and climates, this expedition offers riders the chance to experience Asia on a truly continental scale.2027 Tour Status: Registration Open, Limited Space AvailableAfrica: Ocean to OceanThere is no other continent like Africa. As a result we decided to create another amazing route. Africa: Ocean to Ocean connects the Atlantic and Indian Oceans through Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique. Its a route defined by vast landscapes, wildlife, and the unique experience of travelling across Southern Africa by bicycle.2027 Tour Status: Registration OpenAmber RouteThe Amber Route follows the ancient trade paths that once connected the Baltic and Adriatic Seas. Beginning in Tallinn and finishing in Venice, riders travel through nine countries, discovering medieval cities, castles, and some of Europes lesser-known cycling destinations.2027 Tour Status: Registration Open, Limited Space AvailablePlum RideIf you thought that Plum Tour is only about plums think again. The word plum also means something desirable. And the tour is exactly that. Travelling from Poland to Greece, the route explores Central and Southeastern Europe, including Serbia and North Macedonia, offering riders a chance to discover regions that remain largely overlooked by mainstream tourism. Single occupancy is currently available for this tour.2027 Tour Status: Registration OpenIsland Hopping JapanSimilar to Road of Empires and Olive Route the maiden tour of Island Hopping tour was a great success.For those looking for a different side of Japan, Island Hopping tour explores lesser-visited islands and coastal regions on the journey south toward Okinawa. It combines excellent riding with unique cultural experiences and spectacular ocean scenery.2027 Tour Status: Registration OpenPath of the JaguarClosing out the year is one of our newest adventures. Path of the Jaguar takes riders from Costa Rica through Central America and into Mexico, combining tropical landscapes, volcanoes, colonial cities, and rich cultural traditions into a truly unforgettable journey.2027 Tour Status: Registration Open, Limited Space AvailableLooking AheadThe world has a way of reminding us that very little is certain. Plans change, headlines shift, and tomorrow rarely looks exactly the way we imagined it would. Maybe thats all the more reason to start thinking about where youd like to ride next. Whether its crossing Africa, cycling the Silk Route, exploring Japan, or finally visiting that one destination youve always dreamed about, perhaps 2027 is the year to cross at least one bucket-list adventure off your list. So, why not start thinking about where your bike might take you next year?Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "The 2027 TDA Global Cycling Tour Calendar: A Mid-Season Update" Cancel reply

UPDATED June 10, 2026 BY Guest Author IN The Odyssey no comments What I Wish I Knew Before My First TDA TourSara Frenning, Content Creator on the 2026 Odyssey, reflects on her first TDA tour. From lessons in time management and content creation to unexpected discoveries about the countries, riders, and staff she met along the way, she shares what she wishes she had known before joining the adventure.When I first got assigned the role of content creator on the Odyssey, my overwhelming feeling was excitement. Little thought was given to the potential hardships or difficulties. In my mind, I was going to get paid to ride a bike and take photos what was there not to be excited about?And luckily, my excited mind was right. It has been a dream job in many ways, and I have probably had even more fun than I anticipated. Without sounding too much like a hype machine, my first TDA tour has been amazing so far.With that said, running a TDA tour is not for the faint-hearted. The staff works hard, often around the clock, to make the tour the well-oiled machine that it is.One of the best surprises of a TDA tour is the community you become part ofBut these are both things I expected. I expected to work hard, and I expected to have a lot of fun. Which makes What did I wish I knew before my first tour? a difficult question to answer.When it comes to the content creator role in particular, there were certainly things I wish I had known and done before the tour. I wish I had built a music library with songs that fit each country, so I wouldnt have to spend hours sifting through endless music lists on Motion Array and Instagram during the trip. I wish I had prepared a shot list and planned my reels in more detail.Behind every great tour is an incredible teamIn general, time management is incredibly important. Instead of scrambling to put a post together at the end of the day, opting out of some of the days fun to get editing done often pays off in the long run. But when it comes down to it, spontaneity and the ability to create in the moment are equally important on a TDA tour and perhaps part of the charm of this type of job.When it comes to the tour in general, I felt prepared, but I guess I wish I had known that Greece could be so cold (bring that puffy jacket), that Albania would be so beautiful (plan to ride as much as possible), that Montenegro would have such kind people (plan to stop often and talk to them), that Bosnias history was so rich yet harrowing, that Italy could get so much rain (rain pants are definitely needed), that Austria would have such amazing bike paths, and that Germany would actually have really good food (sorry, Germany).I also didnt expect to learn world-class lessons in logistics and organization from Katie, our tour assistant; lessons in leadership and how to be an absolute boss lady from Carolina, our tour leader; the value of a positive attitude and how to laugh until my belly hurt from Doug, our bike mechanic; or how to stay calm in the middle of a TDA storm from Micah, our other tour assistant.I also didnt expect to be so inspired by the riders. Most of them are in their 70s, yet they remain incredibly strong, resilient, and healthy.In short, I wish I had known that I would not only get to do a really fun job, but also do it alongside world-class people whom I feel lucky to have met. In any job, its a gift when you genuinely enjoy spending time with your coworkers, and on this tour, I was truly fortunate in that regard. But in the end, the best preparation for a TDA tour is an open mind and a sense of excitement. That will take you very far.Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "What I Wish I Knew Before My First TDA Tour" Cancel reply

UPDATED June 9, 2026 BY Henry Gold IN Company no comments Mini-retirement, Cycling Continents And New BeginningsHave you heard of mini-retirements? Until a few days ago I certainly hadnt. And what are mini-retirements anyway? Is it something like mini golf, a small playful version of real retirement? Or is it a thing that has been around forever, but some creative media decided to rebrand it, give it a new name and make it trendy?Judith on the 2026 OdysseyThere is a rideron the current Odyssey tourin Europe, who happens to be my sister, who graduated from university with a masters degree in economicsand received an excellent position in the Canadian Ministry of Finance.Her future looked bright. Except there was a minor problem after a few years, she wasnt happy. She wanted to quit. What she really wanted to do is travel the world.I suggested that she ask for a leave of absence for a year. She was reluctant,who will give her a leave of absence after only few years of working? She spoke to her colleagues whose reaction was this will be the end of your career. She tried anyway. To her surprise the Ministrygave her a leave of absence or call it sabbatical without pay. She spent a year bumming around Asia and came back to work.A few months later, there was an opening at the office of the Canadian Executive Director at the IMF in Washington DC for an advisor. This was rather a desirable position and a dozen people put their name down including our wanderer. She thought that her chances were slim but it turned out that the Executive Director was looking for someone who had a broad world view, and given her recent travels, she was selected. She never looked backOn the first Tour dAfrique Cycling Expedition we had the pleasure of having a senior detective with Manchester police riding with us. When he heard about a bicycle expedition tour across Africa from Cairo to Cape Town, he went to his boss and said: I am burned out. There are two options, I quit or you give me a year of absence. The captain knew what to do. There are other similar stories that participants from our expedition tours tell.A leave of absence can lead to unexpected roads and unexpected opportunities.Why am I telling you this? Well according to Reuters story published on 29th of May by Hani Richter Why more young people are taking mini retirements the individuals above took mini retirements. Who knew! I guess they were trend setters.The author writes that a 2025 HSBC Quality of Life report found that Gen Z and millennials are leading a shift among affluent investors towards treating retirement not as a single moment at the end of working life, but as a series of planned career breaks.As I read that I thought of Alex, an engineer who negotiated with his boss for a four-month leave but also managed to negotiate his salary in such a way that his income was reduced by two months in two calendar years and thus saving on taxes he pays. Creativity is the name of the game.Whatever it is called, a break from work, a mini-retirement, sabbatical, leave of absence, gap year, a necessary strategic reset to supercharge their careers, I am all for it. I may be biased but if you want to supercharge a career, consider taking one of our companys epic expeditions or start with something shorter. In a recent blog, It Takes A Village: The TDA Global Cycling Community I wrote about one of the riders whose life and career took a completely different direction as a result of a tour. And he is not the only one.There are other reasons why long breaks are a positive idea. On a web site called MONEY UNDER 30 on a subject of mini retirements Chris Muller writes: According to a study the Society for Human Resource Management, more companies are offering sabbaticals and extended time away from work than ever before. The study also found that employees who take time away from work for a more extended period come back feeling mentally refreshed, psychologically energized, and overall more productive and happier.Mueller goes on: Many people realize that waiting until youre in your mid-60s to start a life of peace and relaxation isnt always what its cracked up to be. We dont know where well be financially or physically at that time. A change of scenery often leads to a change in perspective.He then goes on mentioning Tim Ferris book The Four-Hour Workweek and how important it is to enjoy life now. He continues by giving an example of graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister who is known for a TED talk and how he shuts his studio for a full year every seven years to help him become more creative.I can only add that though they may not have written books or given TED talks, over the years participants on our epic tours were artists, designers, businessman, high tech workers, physicians and others who took the time off to cycle the world and in the process recharge, redirect, reassess, reboot.So, if you are one of the people who are contemplating a mini retirement, or just need a longish break, check our offering of adventures. There is much to choose from.Adventure, friendship, inspiration and occasionally much moreBy the way, you will recall the senior detective mentioned above. On the tour he met another rider a lovely human rights lawyer. Though a policeman and a progressive minded liberal lawyer are not a common match, I am happy to report that they are now happily married and bringing up two youngsters.Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Mini-retirement, Cycling Continents And New Beginnings" Cancel reply