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

UPDATED June 7, 2026 BY Guest Author IN Journey to the East no comments A Day On The Road In JapanArjuna Boucher-Pertuisot is the Content Creator on the 2026 Journey to the East Cycling Tour.A riding day in Japan has its own rhythm, and by now the Journey to the East crew knows it well.Most mornings begin around 7:45 with bag loading first, then breakfast, then the slow migration toward the bikes. Bottles are filled, GPS devices are checked, snacks disappear into jersey pockets, and riders gather outside the hotel in various states of readiness. Some are alert. Some are still negotiating with their coffee. Someone is usually looking for a missing glove, charger, sunglasses or snack that was definitely right here a second ago. And if history is any guide, there is a fair chance someone will leave with a hotel key still in a jersey pocket, leaving Kazu, our local support legend, to arrange its return.Then, somehow, everyone rolls out.That is one of the funny things about a TDA tour. No matter how scattered the morning feels, the group eventually finds the road.In Japan, the first kilometres often arrive gently. A few turns out of town and the noise fades. The route slips between rice fields, follows rivers, climbs into forested hills, or passes through small villages where everything looks tidy enough to make you feel underdressed on a bicycle.Shrines and temples appear without warning. Sometimes they are tucked under trees. Sometimes they sit beside the road so quietly that you almost ride past them before realizing what you have just seen. Japan rewards riders who pay attention, but it also rewards riders who stop often, take pictures, and pretend the photo break had nothing to do with needing a breather.Some days, the mountains arrive early. The climbs in Japan are not always long, but they can be sharp enough to end a conversation mid-sentence. The group stretches out quickly. Some riders settle into a steady rhythm. Some stand on the pedals. Some stop to admire the view. Some stop to admire the view several times. At the top, the heavy breathing becomes laughter. Someone says, That wasnt so bad, usually after saying the opposite for the last thirty minutes.Then comes the descent, and suddenly everyone remembers why they like cycling. Japan can be hard on the legs, but it is generous with the rewards.It is also very good at snacks. A 7-Eleven. A Lawson. A FamilyMart. A vending machine beside a quiet country road. These stops have become part of the days culture. For cyclists, Japanese convenience stores are less quick stop and more mini expedition. Cold green tea, iced coffee, onigiri, steamed buns, sandwiches, pastries, sports drinks, jelly packets, salty snacks, sweet snacks, mystery snacks, and drinks with labels that make you take a leap of faith. Everyone develops a strategy. Some riders stay loyal to one chain. Others test everything. One person swears by onigiri. Another becomes emotionally attached to canned coffee. Someone else walks out with a snack they cannot identify but is willing to defend.Lunch is the official reset point of the day. TDA staff set up somewhere along the route, and riders arrive in small groups. Shoes come off. Bottles are refilled. Plates are built. The morning gets replayed in fragments: the climb, the quiet road, the temple, the tunnel, the convenience store discovery, and the rider who somehow always leaves late but still arrives early.After lunch, the day has a different personality. The legs are warmer, sometimes heavier, and the hotel starts to feel like a real destination rather than an abstract promise. Some afternoons keep us deep in the countryside, surrounded by rivers, hills and small villages. Others begin to hint at what is coming: wider roads, larger train stations, more traffic, more buildings.That contrast has been one of the most memorable parts of Japan.For days, the group can feel wrapped in calm: mountain roads, forested valleys, temples, hot baths, quiet dinners. Then, almost suddenly, Japan begins to change. The roads widen, the train stations grow, the traffic thickens, and the countryside starts handing the day over to the city.For both Kyoto and Tokyo, the final arrival came by bus transfer rather than riding all the way into the centre. It was a practical decision safer, smoother, and probably much better for everyones blood pressure. After days of quiet roads, narrow tunnels and mountain villages, sitting in transit while the city built itself around us felt like a strange kind of re-entry.Kyoto felt layered and graceful even from the approach. Tokyo was another beast entirely: trains, towers, lights, crowds, speed, scale. The same country that gave us silent mountain roads also gives us one of the largest urban worlds on earth.And between those two worlds, there was Mount Fuji. Fuji does not always show up when you want it to. Clouds can hide it completely. Weather can erase it. So when the sky opened and we saw it completely clear, it felt like the rare celebrity sighting of the section. Riders stopped. Cameras came out. Conversations paused. No one needed to say much. Fuji did the talking.The riding gives Japan its structure, but the evenings have been their own adventure too. In many hotels, the day ends with a routine that feels very far from sweaty cycling clothes: shoes off, yukata on, and everyone slowly transforming from tired riders into slightly confused but very comfortable hotel guests. The yukata has become part of the daily theatre. After a big ride, there is something funny and perfect about seeing the same people who were grinding up climbs a few hours earlier now shuffling through the hallway in matching robes and slippers, trying to remember which side folds over which.Then comes dinner.Some nights, it feels less like a meal and more like a ceremony. Dish after dish arrives at the table: fish, soups, rice, vegetables, pickles, small plates, local specialties, things we recognize, and things we politely study before eating. The presentation is careful, the service is calm, and the table slowly fills until riders are eating like Japanese kings and queens.Of course, honesty belongs in the story too. After enough mornings of fish, rice, pickles and soup, more than a few riders have admitted they would happily welcome a simple continental breakfast. Toast. Eggs. Fruit. Coffee. Nothing complicated. Just breakfast that does not require interpretation before a big climb.Thankfully, Japan also gives us the onsen. At the end of a long riding day, the onsen may be the closest thing to a group miracle. Park the bike. Lock it. Find the room. Wash the cycling kit. Rinse off the road. Put on the yukata. Then follow the signs to the baths and step into hot water until the day starts to loosen its grip.After big climbs, warm roads and hours in the saddle, the onsen changes everything. It turns fatigue into quiet. It makes the hard parts feel less dramatic. It gives riders a few minutes where there is nothing to fix, nowhere to go, and no kilometres left to count.By evening, the familiar TDA routine returns. Rider meeting. Dinner. Route notes for tomorrow. Devices charging beside the bed. Cycling kit laid out. Snacks moved into jersey pockets. Bags packed as much as possible before sleep. Then lights out, often earlier than anyone would admit back home.A day cycling in Japan is not built from one big moment. It is made from dozens of small ones: the morning bag shuffle, a climb through trees, a shrine beside the road, convenience store confusion, lunch in the shade, Mount Fuji appearing through clear sky, a yukata after the ride, a multi-course dinner, an onsen after a hard day, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing we get to do it all again tomorrow.The kilometres matter. The climbs matter too. But what stays with us is the rhythm: ride, eat, climb, snack, soak, sleep, repeat.And somehow, in Japan, that simple routine feels like a pretty good way to see a country.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 "A Day On The Road In Japan" Cancel reply

UPDATED June 5, 2026 BY The TDA Team IN Plum Ride no comments Riding Through Layers Of History On The Plum Ride Cycling TourMost rides move you through landscapes, but what Plum Ride offers can feel a bit different. When I first saw the route, it felt less like crossing Europe and more like travelling through different eras.Long Market, GdanskIt starts in Gdask a true palimpsest city that reflects multiple, distinct eras from the medieval and Hanseatic Era to Rzeczpospolita (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth), Prussian Danzig and finally a modern history and a cradle of the Solidarity movement that reshaped Eastern Europe. You see it in the shipyard cranes rising above the city, but also in the narrow merchant houses along the Long Market, where centuries of Baltic trade still feel visibly built into the streets.Thats what the Plum Ride starts doing almost immediately showing Europe not as a sequence of countries, but as overlapping layers of history that keep shifting beneath your wheels.Then the route enters Czechia, where history starts feeling denser. The ride moves through Bohemia and into Moravia, past Gothic towns, old trade routes, and traces of empires that once shaped much of Central Europe. By the time you reach Prague, centuries seem to overlap almost effortlessly Gothic towers above tram lines, Baroque facades beside modern cafes, reminders of empires and revolutions folded so naturally into the city that history stops feeling distant altogether. Standing on Charles Bridge early in the morning, with the castle rising above the Vltava, it becomes surprisingly easy to understand why so much of Central European history seems to converge here.Ottoman Domes and Austro-Hungarian Details in PcsThe further south you go, the older Europe starts to feel. Hungary marks one of the most interesting transitions on the route. In places like Pcs, former Ottoman mosques stand beside Habsburg-era facades, while vineyards spread across hills once shaped by Roman settlements.Kalemegdan Fortess, BelgradeWhen the route reaches the Balkans, Europes historical layers become harder to separate from one another. Belgrade alone has been destroyed and rebuilt dozens of times over the centuries shaped by Romans, Ottomans, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Yugoslavia, and modern Serbia. Riding into Belgrade, the layers become impossible to ignore. From the Kalemegdan Fortress, where the Danube and Sava meet, you can look across a city shaped by centuries of conflict, reconstruction, empire, and reinvention.Skopje, North MacedoniaThe route continues into North Macedonia and the capital, Skopje, where the historical contrasts become even more complex. Byzantine influences, Ottoman bazaars, Yugoslav modernism, Orthodox churches, and neoclassical facades rebuilt after the 1963 earthquake centuries of history compressed into one city that somehow feels both fragmented and deeply connected at the same time.Thessaloniki, GreeceAnd finally, Thessaloniki founded in 315 BC and shaped by more than two millennia of overlapping histories, where Roman remains, Byzantine churches, Ottoman influences, and Sephardic Jewish heritage still sit visibly alongside modern everyday life. You can walk from the Roman Forum to the waterfront in minutes, crossing centuries almost without realizing it.Europe is full of history. The Plum Ride isnt unique because of that. What makes this ride different is the pace. You move through historical periods gradually enough to notice how one starts blending into another. Roman roads become Ottoman towns. Austro-Hungarian architecture gives way to Balkan rhythms. Byzantine traces begin appearing before youve fully realized Central Europe is already behind you.And maybe thats one of the things bicycle travel does best it slows history back down to a human scale.RELATEDTOURPlum Ride Plum brandy has a long and illustrious history in Central and Eastern Europe, beginning as far back as the 14th century. Distilled from local plums... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Riding Through Layers Of History On The Plum Ride Cycling Tour" Cancel reply

UPDATED June 2, 2026 BY Guest Author IN no comments Beyond The Finish Line: A Morocco: Kingdom Of The West Tour RecapRihab Gouaied was the Content Creator on the 2026 Morocco: Kingdom of the West Cycling Adventure.It was our last day, from El Jadida to Casablanca. We called it an easy day: short, a small reward after 2,500 km across the Kingdom of the West and a stack of climbs. But rain flooded sections of the road and created one last challenging ride. When the finish line finally came into view, the relief was quiet but deeply felt. Morocco is fascinating. Its not only a country of constantly changing landscapes, but also a place full of experiences beyond the bike.Rest days offered plenty to explore: sunrise hot air balloon rides above the desert, visits to the famous Atlas Studios where major films and series were shot, and wandering through the colourful and artistic ANIMA Garden near Marrakech. Over the weeks on tour, we tried new things whenever the route and the clock gave us room.In At Ben Haddou, Pascale took a traditional Moroccan hammam, a communal steam bath and cleansing ritual. The hammam was simple and social: a woman handed her a bucket, ran hot water, mixed in cold from the tap until it felt right, and passed over a kees, a coarse exfoliating mitt, over the body to remove dead skin feeling at the same time like a deep clean and a relaxing massage. There were tiled rooms, steam, low voices, and unhurried care. For someone from Canada, the ritual was new but clear: plain tools, a communal room, and you walk out lighter.Brices dishLater that day, she and Brice joined a cooking class where they learned to build a tagine and make Moroccan sweets; chopping, spicing, and tasting under local guidance before eating what they had cooked together.Kent mentioned a detail that will stay with him: if he made a photo book of Morocco, he would fill it with football on streets and beaches, at schools and on the edge of hillside villages. Children found a flat patch, put two rocks down for goals, and started a game. It struck him how easy it is to play here, and how often, at home, people wait for the perfect surface before they begin.We had impressive encounters during every part of the tour, but one especially sticks in our memory. Over lunch near the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains, we met some nomadic shepherds heading into the mountains for weeks with their sheep. They explained how they walk long distances on foot and stay high in the mountains for the season while the animals graze. What surprised us most was how little they carried: just small bags with a few basic tools and food, no tents or mattresses, simply roughing it out in the mountains.Birgit navigates a construction zoneIn the High Atlas, mornings began wrapped in cloud: cool air, damp gloves, the road vanishing into mist. Rivers braided through valleys while stone and mud-brick villages climbed the hillsides. Switchbacks opened views that made the work feel honest. Then the easy lines disappeared: long construction stretches, single-lane cuts, fresh gravel, convoy trucks, crews waving us through. In areas hit by the 2023 earthquake, repairs were still in progress.Keith was struck by both the poverty and the kindness of people in the area. During a walk through a quake-struck village, a family invited him and Birgit in for a meal an act more than any headline could convey.Staying healthy on the road was equally important. Stomach bugs circled, knees needed care, and small problems could quickly grow. When that happened, we ate plain food, hydrated, added electrolytes, and sometimes took a lift before a niggle became a full stop, so we could start the next day able to ride again.Dag chased long climbs and quiet roads, but was still surprised by the beauty of the desert sections, On the one day when we went through the really flat barren desert, it was a very special sort of meditative experience.Fabrizio watches the skiesFabrizio watched the skies and hedges through his binoculars. They say Morocco has around 430 bird species, he told us. He counted around 70 during the tour and pointed out birds in the Atlas Mountains that we hadnt seen in the north. Everyone has their own adventure from time to time. Pascale missed a turn, rode an hour in the wrong direction, laughed, and turned back. Dags GPS died near Dades; he rode past the camp and ended up 20 km too far before realizing something was off, with people back at camp wondering where he had gone. At Mountain View, one of our bush camps, bees found Fergals tent especially funny as he had just been jokingly trying to send them towards Rolf earlier. He ended up sprinting out of his tent, swatting and laughing while the camp howled.Pascale cycling amongst the cloudsIn the end, the distances mattered less than the days we shared on the road. We finished with names, places, and simple moments that stayed with us: evenings at bush camps where the crew surprised riders with cold drinks after hard stages, time spent kicking a ball around, and quiet, undistracted reading after long days on the bike. Patrick said it best, Be very open to what youre going to experience. Come for the riding, expect change, adjust, share and when a short final day turns wet and slow, ride it through.RELATEDTOURMorocco: Kingdom of the West Join us on this mystical cycling odyssey through Morocco The Kingdom of the West. It is a country of mountains and beaches, souks and mosques... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Beyond The Finish Line: A Morocco: Kingdom Of The West Tour Recap" Cancel reply

UPDATED May 30, 2026 BY Guest Author IN The Odyssey no comments Biking the Balkans: An Exploration On 2 WheelsSara Frenning is the Content Creator on the 2026 The Odyssey Cycling Tour.Over 1400 km, 20 days, 4 countries, 4 languages, 3 currencies, winter, spring, summer, mountains, sea, and flatlands the Balkans really covered it all.In the small town of Danilovgrad, Montenegro, on a busy pedestrian street among cafs and restaurants, I asked the young guy at the tourism office what the best thing about Montenegro was. That you get everything you need, from views to food to culture, condensed in such a small country, he answered. Unbeknownst to him, his words not only perfectly described our time in Montenegro but also our whole experience biking the Balkans for the last 20 days.Between Athens and Sarajevo, we have had most of the weather known to man, but also an incredibly rich diversity of cultures, food, fauna, and landscapes, all squeezed into what felt like an impossibly short amount of time and distance.Before this trip, when I heard someone mention the Balkans, I had a homogeneous idea of what that meant. For me, I (naively) expected Eastern European architecture, grey buildings, green valleys, and one or two rice-stuffed vegetables across all these countries, but more or less the same. The reality, though, was very different. Even though there is a common thread that ties the Balkans together, each country has its own unique character and energy. The subtle shifts and changes in culture and energy are felt distinctly, especially on a bicycle.In Greece, the weather was anything but stereotypical. Hail, rain, sleet, and cold temperatures all paid us a visit, but the warmth of the people and good food made up for it. If I were to tell you about the olives, I would need another thousand words, so I will refrain.From Greece, we entered Albania, a country we all had high expectations for, and it was also the first time we saw the coast on this trip. The coastline along the Ionian Sea created a wonderful contrast to the breathtaking mountain views and farmlands, and, perhaps more importantly, offered the chance to soak our tired bodies in its comforting waves at the end of the day.Albania is developing fast, and infrastructure and cities are growing, but time still moves differently there. Shepherds in the fields we biked by reminded us to take a breath and move with the phases of nature, and sometimes to move by the pace of the very slow coffee service in the mornings. Albania teaches you patience and acceptance in the best of ways.Before we knew it, we were in Montenegro, and the asphalt was instantly smoother, the valleys steeper, and the water, if possible, even bluer. We were only in Montenegro for two days, but I sure wished it were longer. On the first day, we were invited by the tourism office in Danilovgrad for coffee, and they made sure all the riders were well caffeinated before the climb up to the Ostrog Monastery, a 17th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery founded by Saint Basil of Ostrog. It is one of the Balkans most visited pilgrimage sites. Just one of many examples of Montenegros hospitality and rich culture.Bosnia gave us beautiful scenery and cultural richness. This is where we had the biggest shift in food, and you could see a strong Serbian influence in the dishes. Meat and potatoes seem to be the fuel that gets much of this region through the day, but there is plenty of regional variety in vegetables and seasoning (although my early prediction about stuffed vegetables did come true, there is no shortage of that dish anywhere in these countries).Stari Most, Mostar, BosniaThe Bosnian capital Sarajevo, which was under heavy military siege in the 90s, marked the end of the Balkan section of the Odyssey and was a harrowing reminder that, behind the warmth of the people we met and the ease with which we crossed its boarders, there is a complicated social history that draws deep lines between these areas.As that young man in Danilovgrad told me, the wonder of these countries lies in how much you can experience in such a short distance and time. From Greeces olive groves and rich history to Albanias blue coastline, to Montenegros smiling people, to Bosnias big mountains it truly has been everything we need.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 "Biking the Balkans: An Exploration On 2 Wheels" Cancel reply

UPDATED May 26, 2026 BY Guest Author IN Journey to the East no comments South Korea: Bike Paths, Barbecue & The Road To BusanArjuna Boucher-Pertuisot is the Content Creator on the 2026 Journey to the East Cycling Tour.South Korea was never going to be just a warm-up for Japan.For many riders on Journey to the East, the Korean section began with curiosity and a few assumptions: Seoul, skyscrapers, skincare, K-pop, perhaps some excellent food. What followed between Seoul and Busan was more layered than that. Over several days, the group rode through riverside parks, quiet farming valleys, mountain passes, coastal towns and city corridors where bicycles seemed to have been considered from the very beginning.The first surprise was the cycling itself.Leaving Seoul, the route quickly found the Han River and settled into a rhythm that would define much of the Korean section: smooth bike paths, clear markings, bridges built with cyclists in mind, and regular access to toilets, cafs, convenience stores and rest areas. This was not cycling squeezed into the margins of a road system. It often felt like its own system entirely.Annegrete, who has ridden many long-distance tours around the world, put it simply, The cycling infrastructure is in a class of its own.That became one of the recurring conversations at lunch stops and dinner tables. Riders noticed how the paths moved through the country without feeling separate from it. One moment the group was rolling beside apartment towers and city parks; a little later the same path would open onto rice paddies, rivers, low mountains and small towns. Even near major urban areas, the bike routes often kept a sense of calm.South Korea also carried its history close to the road. Along the Han River, riders passed concrete military structures facing north, quiet reminders that the Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. In other places, monuments and historical markers appeared beside otherwise peaceful landscapes. It gave the ride an unusual contrast: a country that can feel highly modern and organized, while still living beside unresolved history.Then came the climbs.The route south was not only river paths and smooth pavement. Around Suanbo, Andong and the inland mountain sections, the group began to work harder. Some climbs arrived early in the day. Others came after riders had already settled into the idea that the route might be gentle. The historic Mungyeongsaejae pass offered one of those moments where the ride became more than a transfer between towns. It was a reminder that this peninsula has always been crossed by people moving between regions, capitals, markets and homes.Not everyone climbed at the same speed. Not everyone rode every kilometre. That is part of the nature of a TDA tour. One rider summed it up well after a tough day toward Busan, Everyone does this at their own speed and comfort level. Nobody is keeping score.That attitude shaped the Korean section. Some riders chased the climbs. Some stopped often for photos. Some took time to notice trees, temples, graves, bus stops, cats, snacks, or the small details that are easy to miss when the group is moving quickly.Food became another way into the country.Korean dining can feel generous before you even know what you have ordered. Tables fill with small dishes: kimchi, pickled vegetables, soups, rice, sauces, greens, seafood, noodles, grilled meat. There were Korean barbecue nights, with marbled beef cooked at the centre of the table. There was pheasant in Suanbo, served in more ways than most riders had ever imagined. In Andong, some riders found their way to jjimdak, the braised chicken dish the city is known for.Breakfast also became part of the experience. Rice, broth, vegetables, seaweed, pickled radish, fish cake and gimbap-style spreads appeared in the morning, sometimes long before Western appetites had fully adjusted. For some riders, it was a welcome change. For others, it took a few days of negotiation with the stomach.Then the route turned toward the coast and arrived in Yeongdeok, where the crab theme announced itself before dinner did. Crab signs, crab sculptures and crab-shaped details began appearing around town. By the time the group reached the harbour, there was no doubt about the local specialty.Dinner that night became one of the memorable meals of the section: a long seafood spread with crab at the centre, joined by sashimi, shrimp and other dishes that kept arriving until the table ran out of space. It was the kind of meal that makes people linger longer than planned.As Britton wrote after that evening, This is one of the reasons we travel, to eat what this place actually eats, to sit at a table and be surprised by what arrives.Those surprises were not only on the plate.Korea kept offering small, specific details: apple-shaped bus stops in apple country, crab-themed bus stops near the coast, outdoor exercise stations filled with older residents, men gathered over board games beside the river, spotless public toilets in unlikely places, and convenience stores stocked with enough drinks and snacks to rescue almost any tired cyclist.One rider described the Korean bike trails as being woven into the cities, paths that could feel like nature even when urban life was nearby. That may be one of the best descriptions of the section. Korea rarely made riders choose between city and landscape. The two kept appearing together.The final approach into Busan brought the section to a fitting close. After the last hills, the route dropped toward sea level and followed the river into the city. The path lifted at times above the water, with fishermen below and thickening trees around the edges. Then the scale changed. Bridges, port cranes, container ships, glass towers and traffic all appeared, and the group entered one of Asias great harbour cities.It was a big ending, but not a loud one. The bikes were loaded, riders folded into vehicles, and the Korean section suddenly became something behind us rather than ahead.The next chapter would be Japan. But South Korea left its own clear mark: in the river paths, the climbs, the shared meals, the crab shells, the barbecue smoke, the quiet memorials, and the feeling that this country had given the group much more than a passage from Seoul to Busan.For riders, the question now is not only what Japan will bring.It is also what parts of Korea will stay with them once the wheels start turning again.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 "South Korea: Bike Paths, Barbecue & The Road To Busan" Cancel reply