UPDATED November 13, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Olive Route no comments Nioise: Cycling Italy & FranceIn our previous post on the Olive Route Cycling Tour, we looked at what made the Kalamata section of the Olive Route, from Athens to Milan, special. This time, lets move on to the Nioise section.The olive itself, is native to southeastern France. They are small and dark and have a slightly bitter, earthly flavour. Youve probably enjoyed them in their namesake Nioise salad.So what is it about the Nioise section, an 1180 km route from Milan to Bordeaux, that makes it so unique?The AlpsAs soon the cyclists leave the Italian city of Turin, they begin to climb up into the Alps on the way to the French Olympic city of Grenoble. Surrounded by daunting, snowcapped peaks, the riders will cycle through the Col du Lautaret mountain pass at 2,058 metres above sea level, marvelling at the incredible scenery. The first few days in France are some of the most spectacular of the entire route. In 2025, one rider exclaimed, It felt like you were riding through a Game of Thrones set.Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, LyonOn the 2025 Olive Route, Founder Henry Gold wrote that Today in Lyon, I came upon a huge mural. I had no idea who was on the mural, so I took a picture and decided to look him up. And I learned that it was Paul Bocuse, who Wikipedia calls, the pope of gastronomy. The biennial world chef championship, the Bocuse dOr is named after him. If you love good food, and there is plenty of that in Lyon, you will appreciate that Paul Bocuse held a 3-star Michelin Guide rating for 55 years!One of the most popular things to do when you are in the city is to visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. Marketed by Lyons tourist board as the culinary treasure in the heart of Lyon, a name that resonates like a gourmet melody in the ears of food lovers around the world. Nestled in the heart of Lyon, this iconic indoor market is much more than just a place to sell food products; it is a true temple dedicated to gastronomy. And so, I entered and had my lunch.Clermont-FerrandSituated in the beautiful Massif Central region of France, Clermont-Ferrand is one of the countrys oldest cities, has a vibrant student population and is surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Riders should be sure to visit the the 13th-century Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-lAssomption, built from black volcanic lava. It is also home to the fascinating LAventure Michelin, where they will learn that, amongst its many other accomplishments, the company was responsible for the invention of the detachable bicycle tire in 1891.WineAs the section comes to a close, the cyclists will have the opportunity to sample some very fine wines, like a classic Bordeaux blend which combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Cycling through the endless vineyards approaching Bordeaux, riders will note that merlot is the most widely planted varietal (despite the movie Sideways!) and are more than likely to make a stop at at a chateau or two for a guided tour and a relaxed tasting.RELATEDTOUROlive Route The Olive. The food most closely associated with Western European civilization. Olive oil. One of the most important ingredients in European cuisine... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Nioise: Cycling Italy & France" Cancel reply

UPDATED November 11, 2026 BY Olha Kurochkina IN Company no comments A Few Stories and Plenty of QuestionsMaybe because I was young and foolish. No, I wasnt young. I was 50.That was Henry Golds explanation when asked why he thought he could take a group of cyclists across Africa. His cycling experience at the time? Mostly commuting around Toronto.On November 4, Henry joined Shanny Hill, Miles MacDonald and Michael Coo for a live info session. With TDAs 25th anniversary approaching next year, we asked our founder to revisit the early days, including a support vehicle stuck at customs just before the first tour. Getting everyone to the starting line was already an adventure.The conversation soon moved to how one African expedition became a company running tours around the world. Henry also admitted that he wasnt immediately convinced by every idea. Cycling in India? He had questions. Then he went, and found himself reconsidering everything he thought he knew about the place.That curiosity still shapes what we do. As Henry put it: Its not a scripted adventure.Miles introduced our 2027-28 tours and explained the different tour styles, while Michael covered registration and preparing for your first trip. Your questions took us behind the scenes of route planning, scouting and the friendships that bring riders back year after year. We also discussed cold drinking water, because even a conversation about crossing continents needs to address the essentials.Thank you to everyone who joined us and kept the questions coming. If you missed the session, the full recording is available below.Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "A Few Stories and Plenty of Questions" Cancel reply

UPDATED November 9, 2026 BY Guest Author IN Bamboo Road no comments What Makes Vietnam Such A Special Place To Ride Your Bike?Paige Taylor White is the Content Creator on the 2026 Bamboo Road Cycling Adventure.As soon as I step outside the hotel in Hanoi, Im sweating. It isnt the heat alone that gets you, its the humidity. If youve been to or read about Southeast Asia before, this should come as no surprise and since its my second tour with TDA in this part of the world I knew what to expect. I went to my first hot yoga class back home right before this trip to remind myself what Id be in for once I arrived.The hustle and bustle on stage one leaving HanoiIt is one thing to walk around in this kind of climate but its another thing entirely to ride your bike here. Crossing roads on foot feels hazardous at first, and yet I love the feeling of weaving through Vietnamese traffic on a bicycle. Its a flow, or maybe even an art form here to join the sea of scooter traffic which feels like both a whirlwind and a meditation all at the same time.Eventually though, you hit a red light. This is enough to snap you back into reality and remind you how hot it is when not gliding through the world at 20 kms/hour. What was once a warm breeze comes to a halt as a stifling, stale heat. In some ways what makes Vietnam unique is how the heat alone incentivizes you to keep riding a bike. In Vietnam it is a perpetual anything-to-keep-the-breeze-flowing kind of weather (especially if youre from Canada like me).Locals stop and chat in Hoi An as scooter traffic wizzes byIt is also the kind of place where riding your bike in the rain isnt so bad after all. Most of our riders seemed to almost prefer it some days. Of course though, there are different kinds of rain. The torrential downpour that lasts 5 minutes and requires quick cover, or maybe the kind that is a constant trickle while a cloud chases you for 5 hours.Bertie takes on the last few kilometres of a rainy ride with smiles in VietnamBeyond the weather, what makes Vietnam so special is how the locals are friendly everywhere you go. Almost every interaction in Vietnam is met with a smile, from a sweetened condensed milk with a side of coffee, or a quick xin cho from the saddle. Vietnamese people have the kind of warmth that makes room for a meaningful exchange even if you only share the common knowledge of about the same 5 words as one another.Riders say hi to locals after leaving breakfast in a small town in VietnamLandscapes and scenery are also a highlight in Vietnam. This country has seemingly everything from rice fields dotted with water buffalo, karst mountains, tropical rainforests, and sweeping coastal beaches. While riding in Vietnam the road is always varied and full of life that spills over into every lane of traffic. The charm here is endless, and although Im still in the country right now I already know that I want to come back again.RELATEDTOURBamboo Road Many of us have criss-crossed the countries of South-East Asia on a shoestring over the years, returning home with fond memories. Now we invite... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "What Makes Vietnam Such A Special Place To Ride Your Bike?" Cancel reply

UPDATED November 6, 2026 BY Guest Author IN South American Epic no comments What Makes You Feel At HomeBenjamin Levin is the Content Creator on the 2026 South American Epic.When traveling like we do, something funny happens to your perception of time. I cannot really explain it and you will only know what I am talking about if you have travelled like we do on these TDA tours. You are present nearly every moment of every day. The world that you see is novel, it isnt a typical daily life thats full of repetition and normality. Because of the novelty of the world you tend to notice things, you see the different ways that houses are made. You see that in countries with a higher GDP there tend to be more fences. You see that houses that are on the beach look similar all across the worldGary riding down Chiles Pacific CoastIt has been 65 days since we last saw the ocean here in South America. As Will (the Tour Leader on this edition of the South American Epic) and I crested a small rise near La Pesca, Chile, we saw the break of the waves and felt the sea mist through the windows of the car. Will and I both come from places on the Pacific Ocean: Sydney and San Francisco. We have spent so much time in the waves, we both grew up with the chill air telling us that we were home.As we drove towards the ocean and then made our way through coastal towns Will commented on the buildings, This looks like such a fishing village. When he said that, I realized that these towns had the same feel as ones that we have in some towns in California and others that I have seen in Japan, in Peru, and in many other places all over the world that I have been to with TDA.That feeling of familiarity in a new place is a feeling that I really treasure on these trips. While being in new places and being super conscious and present every day is lovely, after months on the road its amazing to feel a sense of the familiar. Seeing the ocean and hearing seagulls call makes me feel at home on the road.Will and Richard enjoying lunch on the coastHere are some other things that make us feel at home on the road on the South American Epic:As soon as I see the shape of the trees (Eucalyptus) I know what they are and I feel like home, Maddie said when we chatted about it. I work out in nature a lot back in Australia and see the trees nearly every day, so when I see them here it brings me back.She was not the only rider that mentioned the environment as something that reminded them of home. Today, as we approached the Pacific, we entered a more forested ecosystem before emerging onto the coast, Joanna said this reminded her of her home in Denmark.Karen and Andrew both said music. I listen to music everyday as I ride and on the rest of the days I am always downloading music, said Karen.My wife, said Luca. Even though I am far away from home I speak to my wife every morning. That brings me home.Jess and Ine leading Halloween games at the beachToday, in particular, as we reached the coast, a lot of people felt at home, not just myself. It was a peaceful evening on the beach at camp, at least until Ine and Jessica, Assistant Tour Leader and Medic respectively, had a trivia and games night to celebrate Halloween. In no time at all, we all got riled up and ready to push onwards down into Patagonia.On the road againRELATEDTOURSouth 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 "What Makes You Feel At Home" Cancel reply

UPDATED November 3, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Olive Route no comments Kalamata: Cycling Greece & ItalyThe Olive Route Cycling Tour is divided into 3 separate sections which, like the olives they are named after, each have a distinct flavour, its own individual appeal. Of course, as anyone who has visited a tapas bar knows, the combination of all 3 types of olives is also a winning combination! So try one, two, or all three!Lets start with Kalamata. The olive itself, appropriately named after a Greek city in the southern Peloponnese Peninsula, is large and purple with a fruity and smokey taste and a meaty texture.What about the Kalamata section of the Olive Route, a 2220 km journey from Athens to Milan? What makes it so special?AcropolisGiven the current political climate, having the riders of the Olive Route begin their journey in the shadow of the Acropolis, which watched over Athens as the ideal of democratic governance emerged, seems serendipitous. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site features the Parthenon, an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess, Athena that incorporates some incredible architectural and engineering techniques. Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time.The Best Day Of Cycling In ItalyIt just kept getting better and better. It was almost indescribable.Somewhere in Italy on the Olive Route there is an 85 km stage that will knock your (cycling) socks off but you will have to join the tour to find out where!Mosaics of RavennaEven in a country like Italy, with its seemingly endless treasury of cultural riches, the mosaics of Ravenna stand out. These beautiful pieces of early Christian art were created between the 5th and 6th centuries and are situated in 8 (yes, 8!) UNESCO World Heritage buildings. The tradition continues today as students from around the world come to Ravenna to learn the art of mosaic. You can also try your hand at creating your own piece of art in a local workshop.Leonardo da Vinci Museum Of Science & TechnologyIn 2025, Founder Henry Gold was wandering aimlessly through Milan when he noticed this museum. He recalls that Inside I saw Leonardos sketches for a variety of inventions from flying machines, to military devices, to a mechanical walking lion. The exposition and the range of Leonardos work or rather his genius simply mesmerized me. There was a whole room dedicated to Leonardos Last Supper painting including a video of the colours of the painting when Leonardo first created it.RELATEDTOUROlive Route The Olive. The food most closely associated with Western European civilization. Olive oil. One of the most important ingredients in European cuisine... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Kalamata: Cycling Greece & Italy" Cancel reply

UPDATED October 29, 2026 BY The TDA Team IN Cycle Touring Advice no comments 5 Quick & Easy Bike Upgrades To Improve Your Cycle Touring ExperienceAre you happy with your current bike and cycling gear? Or are you looking for ways to improve your performance on the road? We have hosted riders on our cycling adventures for over 20 years and recently asked our in-house experts for 5 quick and easy upgrades that should have an immediate impact on your cycling performance and enjoyment out on the road.1. Pedals and shoesAn upgrade to your pedals and shoes doesnt always mean switching to clip-in pedals. If you have found that you are falling or feeling unsafe or unstable while using clip-in, the best upgrade might be to switch to sturdy soled flat shoes like mountain bike riders use. Conversely, If you are considering moving up to clip-in, thats fine, just be sure to use them a lot at home before starting your adventure. And lastly, if you are riding in regular street shoes or running shoes, we highly recommend upgrading to sturdy-soled cycling shoes.2. Tires and tubesThe simplest upgrade of them all costs you nothing besides a few more pumps on your floor pump. Find the PSI or bar rating on the tire sidewall. Once inflated to the right pressure, you will find that you will cruise along much more smoothly and efficiently.Another tire consideration upgrade from the stock tires to the flat resistant Schwalbe Marathon line of tires. These tires have been tried and tested by touring cyclist over many years and we always recommend them to our tour participants.3. Seats and bike shortsThe seat that came on your bike is probably not ideal for touring. Speak to someone at your bike shop. Have your sit bones measured and get a seat that suits your body type and is good support for long days in the saddle.Its also important to choose high quality padded cycling shorts. The midrange to higher end padded cycling shorts will do a lot to help cushion your bum and a well fitting short, with good construction, will reduce the risk of chaffing and saddle sores. Dont go cheap on cycling shorts.4. GearingThe vast majority of riders will want easier gears than what comes on a new bike from the factory. Consider upgrading to a smaller chainring or bigger cassette. Your bike shop staff can help you with this. This can be a game changer in your overall enjoyment of a cycling tour. You essentially want to have the largest range of gears (especially climbing gears) that are compatible with your bike. A few extra teeth on the gears will make all the difference when you are ascending a steep hill.5. Grips and glovesThe original grips on your bike may not be the best choice for long days on the bike in a variety of weather. Make sure you have good thick and comfortable grips. For straight bar bikes, ergonomic grips are essential to avoid hand pain and numbness. A good pair of padded gloves are also a big part of this upgrade.Choosing the Right BikeI hope our 5 upgrades help make your ride more enjoyable. We have an even more detailed blog with an accompanying in-depth video to help you choose the right bike for your next cycling tour. Whether you are hitting the road with TDA Global Cycling or another outfit, this should be a great resource for you.Got some other suggested bike upgrades? Share them in the comments.Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "5 Quick & Easy Bike Upgrades To Improve Your Cycle Touring Experience" Cancel reply

UPDATED October 26, 2026 BY Guest Author IN Viva Italia no comments My Highlights Of The Viva Italia Cycling TourSara Frenning was the Content Creator on the 2026 Viva Italia Cycling Tour.My parents live in a very small village in the Swedish countryside. Its the kind of place where, in winter, rain falls horizontally, and the cold seems to sink straight into your bones. In summer, it does get warmer, but never enough to forget where your jacket is or to fully trust a sunny day. Its about as far from Italy as you could come in terms of both weather and culture. Yet in my parents house, on a wall in the kitchen sits a sign reading Ici on sert LAperol (Aperol is served here). They brought it back from a train trip to southern Italy, along with the habit of having a glass of Aperol basically any chance they get.It looks completely out of place against Swedens lemon-less fauna, but it serves an important purpose. It lets my parents transport themselves back to warm summer evenings in Italy with a specific bright orange beverage, if only just for a moment.Its the same kind of sign Ive biked past multiple times in souvenir shops all over Italy. Shops filled to the brim with trinkets people can bring home to remember the brief time they spent soaking up the Italian sun and the Italian culture. More than just a trinket, or a sign marking the presence of Aperol, I think what people are trying to bring back home is a feeling, a lifestyle, or perhaps even a personality. The ease of life, the flexible relationship with time, late dinners, and the love of siestas is perhaps Italys biggest imaginary export. Everyone wants to live life like Italians, even if its just having an Aperol Spritz in Swedens afternoon sun.After biking along much of Italys coastline, I get it. There is something special in the air that I cant help but be inspired by, and whatever *that* is, it seems, for me, to be nestled into Italian people.Sunset in CefaluIts in the way Mario, a local farmer, stopped me on my bike to hand me two bags of figs and grapes after he saw me reaching on my tiptoes to pick some from a tree. Its the way the local market man asks me endless questions in Italian and doesnt let the fact that we dont speak the same language stop him from conversing, or the way the roadside fruit vendor quickly hires me as his personal photographer (I was paid in grapes) and asks me to take his photo again and again. Its also in the way the shopkeeper refuses to keep his shop open even just a minute longer if it encroaches on his siesta time. Its in the way people see you and respond to you, even when its in the form of an angry mano a bolsa. I also want to take that feeling home with me, and I wonder if I should get a trinket to remind me how life feels the Italian way.When I think about the highlight of my Viva Italia tour, I keep coming back to the people and the Italian way of life. Although the places we visited and the views we saw were incredible, its not them I will try to resurrect by pouring a generous amount of olive oil on my food, or taking a siesta once Im back home in Kathmandu. I will do so in the hope that, in its own tiny way, it will let me live a little more like an Italian. And perhaps that is the best kind of souvenir. (But if Im forced to pick one specific highlight, it would be Sardinia, and the whole Tyrrhenian Sea. I had some of the best swims of my life there)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 "My Highlights Of The Viva Italia Cycling Tour" Cancel reply

UPDATED October 23, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Balkan Odyssey no comments Cycle Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Croatia On The New Balkan OdysseyThis summer I was fortunate enough to take part in our popular The Odyssey Cycling Tour from Athens to Amsterdam. I joined the riders in Sarajevo and stayed with them until Munich. My colleague Micah was also on the tour and was doing the entire distance and we took the opportunity to chat about how unique the Balkan countries were. While Micah had visited the area in the past for bikepacking, it was my first visit and I was charmed from the start.At one point when discussing some of the challenges the tour faced, we thought it may be a good idea to check some new ideas so I headed off from Sarajevo to scout out a potential new route from the city south to the Croatian coast and Dubrovnik. As I pedalled along the Ciro Rail Trail, I felt like I was travelling through layers of culture and history. Each small town had a story, in fact, many stories from their past and as the churches and flags (and beer ads) changed along the route, I felt like I was spinning through a virtual history lesson.Rejoining Micah and the tour in Split, we continued our conversation about the Balkans. In the end, we felt that this incredible region of the world deserved much more time to fully experience its vibrant cultures and incredible landscapes. After combining additional research, information from my brief scouting trip, and Micahs knowledge of the area from his own bikepacking trips, we eventually came up with a new plan. What emerged was the Balkan Odyssey.Ciro Rail Trail, BosniaOur new version of The Odyssey will begin in 2028 and takes riders from Athens, Greece to Zagreb, Croatia. Covering almost 2100 km over 6 weeks, the average daily distance of just under 80 km will allow the riders plenty of time to take in the sights along the way. And what sights they are the Acropolis, Temple of Apollo, Meteora Monasteries, Sarajevos Old Town, the Stari Bridge in Mostar, Dubrovniks walled old town, Diocletians Palace in Split & Zagrebs quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.St Marks Church, ZagrebAlong the way, we have included a stunning train ride from Sarajevo to Mostar, a 2 day jaunt on Bosnias new Ciro Rail Trail and some island-hopping ferries along Croatias stunning Dalmatian Coast.Korcula old town, Korcula island, CroatiaWe invite you to join us in 2028 on the Balkan Odyssey. Pedal through Greeces hilly countryside, explore enigmatic Albania and spin past Montenegros towering mountains. Ride through Bosnias historic cities and cycle to the sun-drenched Adriatic coast. Travel to some of Croatias stunning islands and experience Zagrebs coffee culture.RELATEDTOURBalkan Odyssey The original Odyssey by Homer followed Ulysses, King of Ithaca, on his grueling 10 year trip home from the Trojan War during which he faced and... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Cycle Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Croatia On The New Balkan Odyssey" Cancel reply

UPDATED October 21, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Tea Route no comments More Than Just A Cuppa On The Tea RouteOn our Tea Route Cycling Adventure through southern India & Sri Lanka, the traditional TDA Global Cycling coke stops are often replaced by cuppa stops. During these breaks, the riders can sample the various types of tea available locally, like Nilgiri in the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankas famous Ceylon varieties.The ride itself, however, is much more than just a chance to try out some of the local teas, it is an opportunity to visit some of the worlds most amazing sights, from ancient temples to stunning national parks. Here are a few highlights we suggest you pencil in to visit along the way.Fort CochinChinese fishing netsThe tour begins in Kochi, Kerala, a historic spice trading port that has been influenced by visiting Dutch, Portuguese and British merchants over the years. Riders should explore the older European area of Fort Cochin where they can wander past the iconic Chinese fishing nets, visit the 450 year old Pardesi Synagogue, marvel at the incredible array of spices on offer and then end the day with a performance of the traditional Kathakali dance which reenacts stories from the Hindu epics.Meenakshi Temple in MaduraiEven in a country like India, where gorgeous temples seem to be everywhere, Madurais Meenakshi Temple stands out. I remember visiting it for the first time way back in 1990 and being floored by the complexity and beauty of the structures. Over 2000 years old, it covers almost 6 hectares and has 14 colourful towers (gopurams) decorated with numerous gods and demons, heroes and mystics.Be sure to wear appropriate clothes the dress code is strictly enforced.Temples of MahabalipuramThe area around the town of Mahabalipuram is sprinkled with amazing temples, caves and rock carvings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features the famous open-air rock relief, Arjunas Penance, which relates the story of the descent of the sacred Ganges River to earth from the heavens. In all there are about 40 monuments, most dating from the 7th and 8th centuries, that showcase the religion, culture and legends of the Hindu religious pantheon.Sacred City of AnuradhapuraOnce Sri Lankas capital city, Anuradhapura is the birthplace of the countrys Theravada Buddhism. When we were scouting the route I remember being awed by the emerging vision of its 3 towering domed dagobas (shrines) as we approached the city. It is also home to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sapling taken from the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Planted in 236 BC, it is widely accepted as the oldest human planted tree in the world.Lions Rock SigiryaIt is hard to explain how striking this UNESCO World Heritage Site actually is. The photos of it are stunning but nothing compares to seeing it close up and in person. This fortified palace was constructed in the 5th century BC and within the protective moats and defensive walls, there was a beautiful landscaped garden with pools and fountains. Riders with the energy to climb up to the top can stop at the Mirror Wall, where over the course of centuries, visitors left their thoughts etched into the rock face.Yala National ParkIf you are looking to see a leopard, Yala National Park might be your best bet. This area of forests, grasslands, lagoons and coastline has the highest density of these beautiful animals in the world. There is also an excellent chance to encounter an Asian elephant or a sloth bear. Birders will also rejoice as the park features over 200 species, including seven that are endemic to Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka jungle fowl, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, crimson-fronted barbet, black-capped bulbul, blue-tailed bee-eater and brown-capped babbler).RELATEDTOURTea Route Tea. It wasnt until the British arrived that this wild plant was turned into a commercial crop both in India and in Sri Lanka, creating those... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "More Than Just A Cuppa On The Tea Route" Cancel reply

UPDATED October 19, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Africa: Ocean to Ocean no comments Africa: Ocean To Ocean Difficult & Complex? Bring It On!Africa from west to east is one of the most difficult and complex overland journeys in the world, primarily due to severe infrastructure gaps, geopolitical instability, and impassable gaps through Central Africa. AIFor TDA Founder Henry Gold, who has done the Tour dAfrique (Cairo to Cape Town/2003 Present) and the West Africa en Vlo (Casablanca to Cape Coast/2018), this is waving a red flag in front of a bull. Like Paul Therouxs memorable opening line in his book, Dark Star Safari, All news out of Africa is bad. It made me want to go there..., reading that sentence is a challenge that, in good conscience, we simply could not ignore. And that quote is talking about doing it in a vehicle! While we will have support vehicles, our riders will be completing the distance on 2 wheels.About 170 years ago, David Livingstone also concluded his journey from west to east, from Angola to Mozambique, the first European to do so. While not following his route exactly, we are certainly keeping his spirit in mind. He once claimed I will go anywhere, provided it be forward. We couldnt agree more.Over the years a number of issues have made past crossings of Africa from west to east problematic.Visas and Border BureaucracyEntering Sudan from Egypt on the S.S. SagalnaamIn the past, getting the required visas for crossing Africa involved a delicate dance of getting dates just so and crossing each border could be time consuming and frustrating. You might have had to have the correct amount/currency in cash, maybe passport photos, maybe not. Maybe this, maybe that. Now, with the widespread implementation of e-visas, crossing from one country to another is much easier and less stressful.Road ConditionsRoads can vary from smooth asphalt to deep mud tracks in the rainy season to corrugated gravel and everything in between. If you are heading out on your own, there might be some nasty surprises lying in wait if your information is not up to date. Our African Project Manager, Sharita, has driven every inch of our Africa: Ocean to Ocean route and, while conditions can still change quickly, her detailed knowledge of the roads will make for a much smoother ride.Safety & SecurityCrossing any continent will bring risks with it and heading out across Africa from west to east would certainly be worrisome for any group if you were unsure of what to expect along the way. On the Africa: Ocean to Ocean expedition, riders will be supported by our talented and veteran field crew who have many years of experience in Africa and can count on a dedicated team of local contacts and knowledgable office staff to back them up.Vehicle & LogisticsDriving vehicles over 5,000 km across Africa is a huge challenge. Insurance, carnets, fuel, mechanic issuesthe list is endless and quite daunting. For the Africa: Ocean to Ocean Cycling Expedition, we will be using our own, custom-designed support vehicles, trucks that have been successfully crossing the continent for many years, driven by experienced African drivers who understand the local conditions and have a detailed knowledge of what to expect along the route.The question isnt, are we crazy, its, are you coming?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 "Africa: Ocean To Ocean Difficult & Complex? Bring It On!" Cancel reply