TDA Global Cycling

Starting in the iconic city of Cape Town with unique Table Mountain as the backdrop, the cyclists head north. With “Mother City” behind them, the riders head into the stunning Cederberg Mountains – a route we last used on the 2014 Tour d’Afrique. They’ll be challenged by the climbs but will enjoy the local citrus farms and rooibos tea plantations along the way. Continuing northwards, given the fact that the tour is taking place in Southern Africa’s spring season, the mountains should be covered with a spectacular array of wildflowers and newly grown vegetation.

Leaving the mountains, the tour heads towards the Atlantic coast, spinning along the main route of Northern Cape Province across the heather strewn hillsides of Namaqualand with its rugged coast, cool, foggy conditions, and hopefully vast areas that in spring transform into a lush orange flowerbed.

The cyclists then cross the scenic Senqu (Orange) River, the border of South Africa and Namibia. A few days ride in wide open spaces and wild animals on route, brings us to the Sossusvlei Dunes with their unique red tone, and known as the tallest dunes in the world.

The ride then continues on dirt and sand roads into the Namib desert, a vast moonscape of endless horizons and boundless blue skies heading northeast across the central Namibian plateau. Over the scenic Spreetshoogte Pass, we reach Windhoek a few days later where riders can dust themselves off as they reflect on this fascinating section.

Highlights

• Table Mountain
• Cederberg Mountains
• Sossusvlei Dunes
• Atlantic Coast Views

Cycle your way across two of the most dynamic countries of East Asia. From K-pop to Samurai to Sushi to Hot springs to Lonely mountain roads, an incredibly diverse range of experiences awaits!

While Korea and Japan are close neighbors, their lands and cultures are completely their own, and cycling across these countries one after the other gives an opportunity to experience them both in all their contrasts, and surprising similarities. Both belong to what has been named over centuries, the Far East, and our Journey through these countries will allow us to experience Eastern culture, from Buddhist practices and architecture, to ancient martial arts, to an incredibly diverse cuisine, and the modern bustling cities leading the technological era of today.

The landscape takes in river valleys, winding mountainous roads, extinct and active volcanoes, beautiful coastlines and lush forests. Of course we will also experience the villages, towns and cities along the way, giving us a chance to explore multiple UNESCO world heritage sites, palaces and temples, old Samurai towns, and the residences of ancient emperors.

This incredible cycling adventure will take riders across Central America, from Costa Rica through Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and on into Mexico. They will marvel at the remarkable Mayan ruins in Copan Ruinas, Tikal, Lamanai and Tulum, pedal through small rural villages, wander through colourful local markets and spin past verdant rainforests and roaring waterfalls. Cyclists will gaze up in wonder at the region’s towering volcanoes and laze away on sun-drenched beaches. Central America’s Spanish history is evident in the beautiful colonial architecture of Granada, Nicaragua while the area’s biodiversity is spectacular and the riders can even try their luck at spotting the most beautiful of birds, the Quetzal, Guatemala’s national symbol.

The hilly terrain of Central America means that the cycling will be very challenging with many gorgeous climbs and, thankfully, an equal number of stunning descents. The 3200 km expedition features 32 cycling days broken up by 8 well-allocated rest days, ensuring that the adventurers make the most of their cycling trip. The overall ride is actually downhill as the cyclists drop over 1000m from beginning to end. There is, however, the small matter of the terrain in-between. Over 32 riding days the cyclists will climb over 45,000 m, an average of 1500m per riding day. The route almost completely avoids major highways. Instead cyclists will spend their days pedaling along quiet rural roads, many of them unpaved, passing by isolated settlements and deserted mining towns.

Highlights

• Colonial cities
• Ancient Mayan cities
• Volcanoes and jungles
• Off the beaten path Central America

This stunning section begins in the small, friendly town of Leh nestled in the beautiful but barren landscape of Ladakh. The cyclists will spend time acclimatizing together in Leh, as well as, after a vehicle transfer, by cycling 3 days from Mulbeck, by the Kashmir border, back to Leh. We will then depart Leh for a final time, heading east, to set out on the spectacular stretch to Manali. Over 6 days, the riders will cross two 5000m passes and spend most nights sleeping at altitudes well above 4000m. The route, especially on the first day, will take them past remote forts and Gompas (Buddhist Monasteries) perched dramatically above the Indus River.

At the small village of Upshi, the riders will leave the Indus and follow the incredible Leh-Manali Highway through the Pang Valley. The road itself is only open 4 ½ months of the year and has an average elevation of over 4,000m. The cyclists will splash through icy, glacial streams and be captivated by some incredible rock and sand formations, always with the snow-capped Himalaya looming in the background. They will climb over the Talang Pass (5328m) and descend 500m through the 22 hairpin turns of the famous Gata loops. On the last day, the weary but exhilarated riders will spin down into the verdant Manali Valley for a well earned rest day.

Surrounded by pine forests and apple orchards Manali, one of the Indian Himalaya’s most pleasant hill stations, marks the start of this delightful section. The riders will pedal back up into the arid Himalayan plateau and follow first the Chenab River before climbing over the Kunzum Pass (4590m) where they will marvel at the otherworldly Kunzum Stupas. The route then descends to the Spiti River and on into easygoing town of Kaza.

This area is known for its wildlife – wolves, snow leopards, golden eagles, ibex, marmots and blue sheep – so the riders should keep their eyes open. A short cycling day will take the riders into Tabo and its Gompa, one of the most significant in Tibetan Buddhism. Constructed in 996AD, it is has been mentioned as the place where the current Dali Lama will retire. The route now takes the riders through the scenic Kinnaur region whose old capital, Kapla, is said to be the winter home of the Hindu God, Shiva. Finally, a long, steady climb will take the riders up to Shimla, perhaps the most famous of the Indian hill stations and the end of this amazing section.

Highlights

• Cycling 5000 m Passes On The Leh - Manali Highway
• Remote Forts and Gompas (Buddhist Monasteries)
• Gata Loops - 500 m Descent Through 22 Hairpin Turns
• British Hill Stations in Manali & Shimla

Shimla was the summer capital of British India and memories of the Raj can be found everywhere. The riders have 2 rest days here and one thing they should do is to take the famous ‘toy train’ down to the plains. It covers the 100km in about 5 hours and passes through 102 tunnels and over 845 bridges! The riders will now pedal through some of the Indian Himalaya’s most beautiful scenery. Unlike the arid, semi-desert conditions of the first section, this area is blessed with misty pine and oak forests and a wide variety of beautiful rhododendrons. Mussoorie, another colonial hill station marks the start of a long descent into the holy city of Rishikesh and the Ganges River where the riders are free to explore the numerous ashrams that the city is famous for.

After practicing their yoga and meditation skills the riders will head out towards Nepal and Kathmandu. The first 3 days of riding will take the cyclists into India’s first National Park, the Corbett Tiger Reserve, beautifully situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. They will get a chance to camp out in the Rathua Forest and possibly see one of the park's 220 tigers. A rest day in Marchula on the north-eastern edge of the Reserve will allow the riders a chance to further explore the incredible variety of wildlife in the park – elephants, sloth bears, macaques, crocodiles and much more.

The route now takes the riders back up into gorgeous rolling hills along twisting roads, past temples, lakes and small villages. The locals think of the region as the ‘Land of the Gods’ and as the riders spin along they will likely agree. In the hill station town of Ranikhet, cyclists can visit the Jhula Devi Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, and adorned by hundreds of bells. After 3 days of climbing the riders will enjoy a long downhill run to the Nepalese border before spinning across the lowlands to Bardia National Park.

A rest day at an eco-lodge gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful setting on the banks of the Girwa River, surrounded by grasslands populated by rhinos, elephants and tigers. The route now continues eastward through the flat plains of Nepal’s Teri region, a fascinating jumble of cultures and traditions. In Lumbini, the reputed birthplace of the Buddha, riders can pedal through the tranquil grounds of numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. Bicycles are now pointed north and the cyclists will put on their climbing shoes. The next 2 days take them up into the stunning Mahabharat Ranges on the Siddhartha Highway passing through the medieval town of Tansen with its charming cobblestone streets before arriving in Pokhara for a rest day.

Pokhara is famous as the starting point for the world famous Annapurna Trek but the riders will have to settle for some rest and relaxation, perhaps sitting by the lake and watching the rising sun illuminate the Himalayan peaks that provide the perfect backdrop for the town. Of course, the more energetic amongst them can enjoy some of the world’s best paragliding! Leaving Pokhara, the riders will face a challenging 800m climb to the top of a ridge, arriving in Bandipur, one of the country’s most charming locales and the epicentre of Newari culture. The next day brings forth Gorkha, an important Newari pilgrimage site, with its ancient palace and historic temples. The last 3 riding days to Kathmandu will take the riders onto some isolated rural roads and tracks, giving them an opportunity to experience local life before descending into legendary Kathmandu and the end of this astonishing section.

Highlights

• Himalayan Wildlife - Wolves Snow leopards Golden eagles
• Tabo Gompa - Tibetan Buddhism's Most Important Monastery
• Ashrams In The Holy City of Rishikesh
• Drink In The Himalayan Peaks In Pokhara

Perched on the edge of the Baltic Sea, the riders can explore its splendid 14th century Old Town or the Art Museum of Estonia, housed in what was once the palace of Peter the Great. Departing Tallinn, the route takes the riders south across the rolling countryside before continuing along the shores of the Gulf of Riga. They will spin through Parnu, known as the ‘Riviera’ of Estonia, with its sandy beaches and waterfront promenade. The route continues into Latvia, stopping for a rest day in Riga, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the North’.

In Riga, the largest city in the Baltic States, the cyclists can wander through its pedestrian-only medieval Old Town. Architecture buffs will marvel at Riga’s Art Nouveau heritage. In fact, almost 1 in every 3 buildings in the city’s centre were constructed in this style. The riders will spin south the next day, crossing the border into the third of the Baltic States, Lithuania. The route then takes the cyclists out across the less travelled central portion of that country, pedalling through small villages and vast forests before ending their journey in Vilnius, with its Baroque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This section kicks off with a quick ferry across the Saronic Gulf to the island of Poros where the riders can enjoy a quick spin to the Temple of Poseidon, warming up their legs for the journey to come. The route heads through the undulating landscape of the Peloponnese, stopping in Nafplio, one of Greece’s most picturesque towns, before heading past towering Mt Menalo and into a well-deserved rest day in Olympia. The day off the bikes will allow the cyclists the opportunity to explore one of the country’s most historic sites, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, where they light the Olympic flame every 4 years. The riders now spin north through friendly villages before stopping in the port city of Igoumenitsa to catch their next ferry to Italy.

Arriving in the bustling southern Italian port of Brindisi, the riders will prepare themselves for the challenge of cycling up the spine of Italy, truly a challenging but incredibly rewarding route. The first day’s ride brings them to a rest day in the ancient city of Matera and its remarkable cave dwellings and rock churches. The ride continues through the mountainous landscape leading to the next rest day in Sulmona, a beautiful town and the birthplace of the Roman poet, Ovid. The route continues north past forested peaks and hilltop villages before descending to Ravenna, home to some of the world’s most beautiful mosaics. Turning west, the riders spin through the countryside to Milan, a hub of high fashion and the end of this incredible section.

Hopefully the riders on this section haven’t gone overboard tasting Bordeaux’s famous wine varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec – before spinning south along the Atlantic Coast. They will enjoy spend a couple nights enjoying the surf and sprawling beaches before crossing into Spain. In San Sebastian the riders can enjoy one of the city’s famous beach sunsets before a challenging ride to a rest day in Bilbao. Once a rough and tumble industrial town, the city is now famous for its incredible architecture including the iconic Museo Guggenheim, designed by the legendary Canadian architect, Frank Gehry. Three more hilly stages bring the riders to Oviedo, capital of Asturias region, for a welcome rest day.

After exploring the city’s medieval old town, the riders will head west along the rugged coastline before turning south towards the incomparable Santiago de Compostela, the end of the epic walking trail, the Camino de Santiago. A rest day allows the cyclists to explore the famous cathedral before they continue their journey south into Portugal. They will pass through the historic religious centre of Braga before arriving in Porto, perched at the mouth of the Douro River. Here the riders will be able to sample some of the city’s famous port wines and explore its historic centre. The route heads south and passes through Portugal’s former capital, Coimbra, now a lively university town, before arriving in Lisbon and the end of this last section.

Highlights

• Museo Guggenheim in Bilbao
• Santiago de Compostela
• Porto
• Lisbon

The Olive. The food most closely associated with Western European civilization. Olive oil. One of the most important ingredients in European cuisine and the Christian religion. The Olive branch. A symbol of peace. The Olive Route. An educational journey through some of the world’s best olive producing regions, exploring the different cultures in Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal: from ancient Greek civilization to modern Italian chic; from the French ‘Je ne sais quoi’ to Spain’s distinctive Basque and Galacian languages and Portugal’s regional folklore. The Olive Route will offer its participants the opportunity to sample some of the world’s great cuisines and to encounter some of the planet’s most enchanting peoples and their histories.

The adventure begins with a ferry ride to the mountainous Peloponnese region, home to the ancient Greek Gods, and continues with another trip across the Adriatic Sea to Italy’s southern ‘Boot’. From here the riders spin north through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, sprinkled with historic Roman ruins and charming rural villages. The route continues through the French Alps to the culinary capital of Lyon and on through the famous vineyards of Bordeaux. Heading south along the Atlantic, the cyclists will marvel at the rugged northern Spanish coast and feast on Basque tapas before exploring magical Santiago del Compostela. Finally, the road leads them to the finish line in captivating Lisbon, Portugal’s historic capital.

Highlights

• Mount Olympia
• Roman Temples
• French & Italian Vineyards
• Basque Culture

The riders will head southwest and spend a few days pedalling along the very popular and scenic Lake Balaton. Then the cyclists will cross into Slovenia. This tiny country has it all – spectacular scenery, fine local wine, historic towns and picturesque villages. The route takes them through the spa town of Moravske Toplice and Ptuj, the oldest city in the country, continuously inhabited since the Stone Age before dipping down through the hills and into Slovenia’s green capital, Ljubljana.

A rest day here allows the riders to enjoy the city’s famous Habsburg and Baroque architecture and they will also have the chance to explore the Ljubljana’s famous hill top castle before heading west towards Italy. This part of the route is very challenging. The tough climbs, however, are followed by some spectacular passes and epic downhills. There are great views of the Alps and of Palmanova, a star shaped fortress town. The day into Venice is memorable. The riders trade their bikes for boats and enjoy a sightseeing trip into the city, cruising along the famous Canale Grande and under the gorgeous Rialto bridge.