UPDATED September 29, 2026 BY The TDA Team IN Hippie Trail no comments A Passage Through India: Cycling The Hippie TrailFollow in the footsteps of the flower children and cycle into the physical and spiritual kaleidoscope that is India.We have been running long distance cycling adventures in India for over 15 years and our riders are always amazed at their experiences. Cycling is the best way to see any country and this is especially true for the sub-continent, allowing riders to meet the locals and experience their warmth and hospitality.India is such an intense experience that sometimes it is difficult, if not impossible to describe it simply with words. To that end, we have gathered together a few videos in order to give a visual taste of what cycling through this amazing country from Agra to Goais like.Spaces are still available for the 2027 Hippie Trail Cycling Adventure.Hippie Trail Accommodations: From Basic Hotels To Royal PalacesThe Hippie Trail is full of surprises and one, perhaps unexpected example, are the accommodations. Hotels in the more isolated areas of Madhya Pradesh, where few Western tourists venture, may be basic and simple but they allow riders to get an authentic feel for live in these regions, a way to feel part of the rural community around them. At famous historic sites like Ajanta and Ellora, we stay in comfortable government hotels along with domestic tourists while on the Konkan Coast, the riders will bunk down in sunny beachfront hotels. In Rajasthan, many nights are spent in historic forts and palaces. As one rider put it, You are staying in a place that until recently had soldiers guarding the parapets and theres a real Maharaja somewhere in the vicinity.A Gastronomic Journey Through IndiaIndian food is certainly one of the worlds great cuisines and the Hippie Trail will give the riders the opportunity to sample dishes that are not only familiar to them from their local restaurants but spices they have never tasted and flavours and pairings that they have never experienced at home. On tour, the day usually begins with a buffet breakfast, followed by a nutritious roadside lunch, a mix of protein and carbs, combining comfort food with local flavours. Dinner is enjoyed each night as a group at the hotel and often includes some of Indias famous curries. Adventurous riders can take part in street food tours and discover the wide variety of options available each night at local markets.Cycling India On The Hippie Trail Cycling Adventure From Nervousness to NirvanaFor many cyclists perhaps, pedalling through India on a bike might not be the first thing that comes to mind. The prospect of navigating such a bustling landscape can initially spark anxiety and the prospect of constant human interaction, endless attention, and persistent curiosity might seem overwhelming but the reality is beautifully different. What begins as nervousness quickly transforms into genuine connection and joy. The Hippie Trail reveals a profound truth about India: beneath the dense population lies an incredibly warm and welcoming culture. Every day brings unexpected encounters from spontaneous wedding invitations to impromptu cricket matches, from being asked to speak at local schools to experiencing moments of genuine hospitality. What cyclists discover is that Indias crowds are not intimidating, but instead represent opportunities for remarkable human experiences, making the journey not just a cycling expedition, but a deeply transformative cultural immersion.A New Perspective: Experiencing India From The Saddle Of A BicycleOver 6 weeks, the route of the Hippie Trail leads cyclists 2750 km across India, all the while exposing them to the countrys remarkable culture. What dynamic elements makes it so unique? Past riders have gained first hand insight into why the Hippie Trail is different from all other cycling tours and discovered the specific qualities that make India a once-in-a-lifetime experience.RELATEDTOURHippie Trail "Turn on, tune in, Drop out" It was 1967 - the Summer of Love - and Timothy Leary had this advice for his young followers at the Human Be-In taking... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "A Passage Through India: Cycling The Hippie Trail" Cancel reply

British UCI Continental team Handsling Alba Development Road Team is to become CAMS Alba from 2027 after securing funding from their new title partners, a cycling accident support firm.The Scottish squad were founded as Alba Development Road Team in 2022, became a UCI Continental team in 2024, and have had multiple promising riders through their ranks, including FDJ United-Suez rider Lauren Dickson. The team won the National Road Series and National Circuit Series through Eilidh Shaw in 2024, and the National Circuit Series last year with Kate Richardson. While competing as a Continental team, and racing domestically and in Europe, they focus on developing riders. CAMS, which stands for Cycling Accident Management Service, is a company which helps riders manage non-fault claims for personal injury and bike damage. They also support British development team Camsmajaco, and used to provide title sponsorship for UCI Continental team CAMS-Basso, which went onto become DAS-Hutchinson. Bob Lyons, the team's performance director and manager, welcomed the news: "It's a significant moment for the team, but it is particularly exciting because CAMS already understands the importance of creating opportunities for women in cycling."This isnt simply about putting a name on a jersey. It is about investing in riders and giving talented young women an environment in which they can develop, compete and progress."Womens cycling has grown enormously, but the development pathway beneath the professional level still needs investment. That is the gap Alba exists to address."We have seen what is possible, with a rider progressing from Alba to the Womens WorldTour in each of the last three years. With CAMS behind us, we have an opportunity to build on that work and give even more riders the chance to see how far they can go."Alba's riders this year included Richardson, who won gold in the team pursuit at the UEC European Track Championships, Maddie Leech, reigning world champion in the Madison, former Lidl-Trek rider Izzy Sharp, and Arabella Blackburn, a junior track world champion."We have always believed that supporting cycling means supporting the people within it, and that absolutely includes women and girls," Sam Moss, a director at CAMS, said. "CAMS has a history of giving women opportunities in cycling, so this partnership with Alba is a natural continuation of something we care deeply about. "We are particularly passionate about supporting young women. The evidence is clear that girls can miss out on sport at a crucial point in their lives, and we want to be part of creating more opportunities for them to stay involved, develop their confidence and see what is possible."We are incredibly proud to put our name behind CAMS Alba and to continue investing in the future of womens cycling."CAMS ambassador Dame Laura Kenny added: "Seeing how far womens cycling has come since I was young is really special, but there is still so much potential to unlock. "What I love about this partnership is that it is about giving women opportunities. CAMS has been supporting womens cycling for years, and CAMS Alba is another way of making sure young female riders have the support, environment and belief they need to develop."The news comes days after it was announced that DAS-Hutchinson, the UK's most successful women's UCI Continental team in recent years, will close down at the end of the year.

Il Lombardia will take place on the 10th of October 2026. The race is the ultimate culmination of the Italian autumn classics, having the status of fifth and last monument of pro cycling. WithTadej Pogacarabsent this year, there will be a new winner after five editions. Below, you will find the pr...

UPDATED September 28, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Africa: Ocean to Ocean 2 comments Cycling South Africa, Eswatini & MozambiqueOur 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 countries number 5, 6 , & 7 South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique.Soutpansberg Mountains, South AfricaOnce the riders cross the border from Zimbabwe into South Africa, they will spin past surreal baobab trees which eventually give give way to the subtropical Soutpansberg (Salt Pan Mountains), part of UNESCOs Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. They contain over 500 species of trees and birds and 116 species of reptiles as well as leopards, hyenas and antelopes. The area is also the ancestral heartland of the Venda people who are known for their distinct culture, including the pre-marital Domba (python dance).Blyde River Canyon, South AfricaAt 26 km long and 800 m deep, the Blyde River Canyon is the third largest on earth, after the Grand Canyon in the US and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. What makes it unique and special is that, unlike the other two, it is a green canyon, covered in sub-tropical vegetation. Riders will enjoy a rest day there allowing them time to explore natural wonders such as the Bourkes Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and Gods Window.Kruger National Park, South AfricaOne of the most famous National Parks in Africa, Kruger National Park was established in 1926 and covers almost 20,000 sq. kms. Riders will have an excellent opportunity to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, African buffalo) here as well as the endangered African Wild Dog. The park features 6 distinct ecosystems, 150 species of mammals and hundreds of bird species. It is not just wild life there are also 300 archaeological and cultural heritage sites to be found in the park.Sibebe Rock, EswatiniAfter exploring Kruger National Park, the riders will cross into the tiny landlocked country of Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland. One of the worlds last absolute monarchies, one of the highlights is Sibebe Rock, just a few kilometres outside the countrys capital, Mbabane. Also known as Bald Rock, it is the second largest monolith in the world and the worlds largest granite dome. Riders can hike to the summit and afterwards enjoy an appropriately named, cold Sibebe Premium LagerHlane Royal National Park, EswatiniFormerly the private hunting grounds of King Sobhuza II, Hlane Royal National Park was established in 1967 and is known, not only for its mammals like elephants, cheetahs and rhinos, but also for its incredible bird population, many attracted by the parks ancient hardwood trees like knobthorn, leadwood, and tambuti. They include white-backed, lappetfaced and Cape vultures, martial eagles, bateleurs, and long-crested eagles as well as Marabou storks and the southern yellow-billed hornbill.Maputo, MozambiqueA couple days of cycling after leaving Eswatini will bring the riders to Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, where their incredible trans-African adventure will come to a close. This port city features some stunning Portuguese colonial architecture as well as a number of vibrant local markets. After exploring the citys striking railway station, designed by an associate of Gustave Eiffel, the riders can celebrate by gorging on the countrys delicious, fresh seafood.Recommended ReadingJacob Dlamini Safari Nation: A Social History of the Kruger National ParkEben Venter DecimaHilda Kuper The Swazi: A South African KingdomMia Couto Women of the AshesRecommended ViewingThe Train of Salt and Sugar (2016): Aperilous 1989 train journey through war-torn Mozambique during the civil war.Wah-Wah (2005): Director Richard E Grants comedy-drama set during the twilight of British colonial rule in Swaziland and based on his own childhood growing up there.Keeping Up with the Kruger (2017): 13 episode documentary on the day-today operations of the national park.Recommended ListeningKruger National Park (SANParks)Eswatini Talks (Spotify)Left To Die: Escape From The Amarula (Apple)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: 2 Comments for "Cycling South Africa, Eswatini & Mozambique" I would be interested in doing something like this.Reply We would love to have you join us and have emailed some tour information to you.Reply Leave a Comment for "Cycling South Africa, Eswatini & Mozambique" Cancel reply

The 2026 European Championships reach their climax this Wednesday with the time trial events. All four under-23 and junior races have now taken place, with Spain taking an incredible three gold medals. Spain has shown great quality in the youth ranks over the World Championships, and now the same i...

UPDATED September 26, 2026 BY Guest Author IN South American Epic no comments Bolivia Stay On Your ToesBenjamin Levin is the Content Creator on the 2026 South American Epic.When I was a kid playing soccer (football to the many), my coach always used to tell me, Benjamin, stay on your toes! Little good that did me because here I am in La Paz, Bolivia, writing travel blogs for an expedition cycling company rather than scoring goals for F.C. Barcelona Alas, it was not all for nothing. Because here in Bolivia, with TDA Global Cycling, we have to stay on our toes.Valle de Los AnimalesBolivia is a country of extremes. It was extremely cold yesterday morning. Today, on my morning ride up to Valle de Los Animales in La Paz, it was a tad under boiling. Out on the Altiplano, the population is sparse; llamas outnumber humans and abandoned buildings seem to stand one-to-one with inhabited ones. In El Alto and La Paz, it is the opposite. You are among the people, all the people, all the time. The streets are alive with vendors, business people, students, tourists, and stray dogs.Llamas in the AltiplanoEven the traffic seemed extreme. On the road cycling into La Paz, it was heavy, but Ana Marie, our local support, told us there was about 50% less traffic than usual. Why? Right now, Bolivia is in the middle of a serious fuel shortage. For much of its history, Bolivia has been able to produce a good portion of its own fuel. That is no longer the case. The country still has the refining capacity, but there simply isnt enough domestic crude oil to keep the system supplied. As a result, Bolivia has become increasingly dependent on imported fuel. And importing fuel requires U.S. dollars, something Bolivia is currently desperately short of. The result is four-day-long lines at gas stations, if those stations are even open at all.Now theoretically you do not need fuel to ride your bike across Bolivia. Unfortunately, we are doing rather more than that. We are driving four vehicles supporting a group of 28 cyclists and 10 staff across hundreds and hundreds of kilometers, from Lake Titicaca to the Argentine border. So, as my soccer coach 15 years ago would be proud to hear, we have stayed on our toes.Gas pumped wrapped up and closed in El Alto, Bolivia because there is no fuel at the stationOver the last few weeks, we have been collecting hundreds of liters of diesel in Peru in order to be as independent as possible from Bolivias struggling fuel system. We entered the country with four full diesel tanks and another 730 liters strapped to the roofs of two of our buses. In La Paz, our local contact was even able to source another 200 liters that she had stashed at home. Lucky us. Hopefully, that should be enough to get us into Argentina without too much trouble. Of course, this is Bolivia, and there are always a few variables to account for. A road closure, a political protest, a particularly ambitious pothole or some other unforeseen adventure that could change the equation pretty quicklyStaying on your toes is one of the great skills that TDA staff excel at. As Will Druce, our Tour Leader from La Paz to Ushuaia, put it: The tour is already taking us through some pretty remote areas where it can be hard to find basic resources so this is just another extra challenge that were going to have to take on. And that is expedition cycling for you. You can plan the route, bring a doctor and a mechanic, pack the food and bring nearly a thousand litres of diesel across an international border. But once you set off, you never quite know what is going to happen next. You just have to stay on your toes.RELATEDTOURSouth American Epic This challenging expedition offers you the best opportunity to explore the vastness and diversity of South America by bike. In keeping with the TDA... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Bolivia Stay On Your Toes" Cancel reply

The 2026 Tour of Guangxi will bring the World Tour calendar to a close, and will be one of the final races of the season. The Chinese race will take place from the 13th to 18th of October and host an array of Tour de France stage winners headlining it. Below, you will find the preview, route, dates,...

UPDATED September 25, 2026 BY Guest Author IN Viva Italia no comments What Biking Reveals About A PlaceSara Frenning is the Content Creator on the 2026 Viva Italia Cycling Tour.Was that tobacco back there?The riders all roll into lunch with the same question. Some were able to identify the plant, and others aaah in recognition when they hear the answer. Soon the conversation continues.Did you see that plant?, Did you see that bird? What were those flowers with that wonderful smell?Small things noticed along the way, all discussed and compared over Balazss scrumptious lunch and slices of bread topped with a heavy layer of Nutella.TuscanyWe are in the Tuscan countryside, completely taking over a gravel parking lot as TDA does, when the clock strikes lunch. Today we have shared the road with motorcyclists whose speed tilts their knees dangerously close to the road. They certainly enjoyed the views and the wind in their hair just like we do, but as they swoosh by, I cant help but wonder if they spotted the tobacco, or if they smelled the flowers?Thats the thing with traveling by bicycle speed. You notice things. Places you travel to by bicycle stick to your senses in a different way. More than a postcard, it becomes a sensory memory that captures smell, feeling and taste.Diane heading to Romethe long way.You notice and encounter people more slowly. Cathy and Dianne, the smiling Australian sisters on this years Viva Italia, shared an encounter from the day over our pasta dinner. They stopped at a cafe for a coke stop, where the person behind the counter was far beyond retirement age. Nonna looked like she had trouble walking between the cash and the counter, Kate says, and we all laugh. But coffee by coffee, Coca-Cola by Coca-Cola, all the riders get served by the 80+-year-old Nonna who must have wondered what biking tornado had hit her otherwise sleepy little village that day. When we left, we gathered the dishes and handed them to her at the counter, and her whole face lit up in a wonderful smile, Dianne says, her own smile as big as the one she described.Traveling by bike reveals the heart and stories of places in a way that speeding by in a car or motorcycle doesnt allow.In simple acts, such as when dirty dishes are passed from sweaty biking hands to old, trembling barkeeper hands, something is exchanged. A story is told and simultaneously created. The sisters now know that in Italy, Nonnas hold onto their bartending jobs to stay part of, and continue serving, their community, and that keeping your older population involved matters more than getting your coffee served quickly. And Nonna now knows that a cyclist from Australia cares enough to gather dishes to make her day a little bit easier. They will probably have different stories to tell of each other from that day, but their stories are nonetheless intertwined.Perhaps in a way, that would not have been possible without the bicycle.RELATEDTOURViva Italia It has been said that All roads lead to Rome and the Viva Italia cycling tour is simply more proof that this may indeed be the case... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "What Biking Reveals About A Place" Cancel reply

Follow the mens individual time trial at the 2026 European Championships live as the continents leading riders battle for the coveted blue-and-white jersey over a short but demanding 22-kilometre course in Slovenia. The route is far from ideal for the pure specialists, with the two-kilometre climb...