Full Tour Riders
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Adam Birkan
 United States
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Hi, I can't wait to meet you all, I come from crappy weather central, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. I was born in Jerusalem, Israel but moved when I was 2. I have only recently gotten into cycling (about a year ago) but I have taken to it like a duck to water. I can't wait to test my iron here and then in Africa when i do the even more epic Tour d'Afrique.
I'm only 18 so I can't wait to learn some life lessons the hard (but fun) way. When my dad first told me about this company and what they do i thought he was psycho, but as I read into it I started to understand there was no better way to see the world. Most teens in America go from high school to college to
career. Not me. They say this is the best time of our lives. Well unless you choose to do something different and exciting, its just like the rest of your life. I love traveling, and now I love biking. Can't wait to meet everyone in beautiful Paris.
I'm really look forward to this adventure, the Orient Express for bicycles. Like most, I rode a bike as a child and then took it up again about 20 yeares ago. First I purchased a Velo sport, explored the cycle paths in Toronto and did a few weekend trips. Approximately 15 years ago, I bought a Guardin touring bike and it has been my faithfull companion on many trips. Most years, a group of friends and I take a summer cycling holiday; we've been to Europe several times, western Cananda, Nova Soctia, and rode along the Erie Canal. In addition to cycling I enyoy down hill and cross skiing, working out at the "Y" and skating. Sewing and knitting are my hobbies when time allows. I've recently retired so anticipate volunteering and taking up some new hobbies.
I am a Canadian from sunny Alberta who has traveled to many places in Canada touring on the bike. It is now time to explore other cultures and world historical sites. I have cycled across Canada (Vancouver to Halifax) . The Orient Express was recommended by a friend and seems the ideal way to continue my adventures on a bike.
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Gloria MacKenzie
 Canada
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I live in Canmore, Alberta, Canada where Bob and I own a Bed and Breakfast. I like cycling for fun,fitness & fresh air, I'm looking forward to the challenges and the great people I will be meeting on this journey which travels through so many countries. I have done several trips in Canada, mostly in BC and from Vancouver to Halifax.
I live in Timaru just 2 hours south of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. As a 60 year old semi-retired electrical engineer I enjoy cycle touring, tramping ( hiking or walking) around New Zealand, voluntary work and spending time with my family! After riding across Australia and doing LEJOG in the UK I look forward to meeting like-minded people as we ride across Europe together.
I am a 57 year old former teacher and taxi mom from Central Alberta where most of my cycling experiences were with Gloria.
We had some excitement - snow storms and grizzlies - and some moments of hilarity - learning to set up our tents and ride with clips. I have fallen in the ditch many more times than the prescribed three. How could I not love cycle touring?
In 2007 I joined the Tour du Canada and in many ways it was the best summer of my life - the challenge and exertion of
each day; the camaraderie; the sensory images I gained of my country.
I was very exited when I discovered the Tour d'Afrique site. What a way to see the world! This may only be the beginning.
I am encouraged by my husband and two adult children who now remind me to "be careful and wear your helmet!"
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Barry Stauffer
United States
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I live in Alexandria, Virginia where I settled after a Navy Career. I then had a second career as a computer security specialist before I retired in 2004. I am now 67 and spend much of my time volunteering to remodel apartments for a local non-profit. The rest on my time is often spent on a bicycle enjoying the great selection of riding paths around Washington DC. I started riding as a kid and then returned with some enthusiasm about 15 years ago when I purchased a “modern” bicycle. Then I really got hooked when I got a road bike. I regularly do one or two centuries (100 miles) somewhere in the US each year. I have had 5 European bicycle trips, but nothing like the one ahead.
My wife and I have five grown children and 2 grandchildren scattered across the US. My wonderful wife is also a cyclist, but declined this trip opting instead to fly to Istanbul.
In my teens I did a fair amount of cycling, but then working full time, and raising a family took priority. In my late 40’s I started cycling again, mainly to and from work, and sometimes on weekends. A big ride was 30 km and I thought I was ready for the Tour de France. Then a wonderful thing happened, I became a retired professional forester. This turned out to be my downfall as I now had lots of time to cycle. My rides started getting longer and I started trying to pick up a little speed. As I let my mind wander on the rides I thought it would be great to cycle across Canada. At a party someone mentioned cycling from Paris to Istanbul. This all became very intriging. So last year I joined a group and cycled across Canada, and this year I’m cycling from Paris to Istanbul. If my body, finances, and wife will allow I would like to do Istanbul to Bejing next year.
Live in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; lived in BC (various places) all my life;Retired professional forester; will be 59 when we start the tour; married (to a very understanding lady); 4 children (when we got married our email address was the brady bunch); like to ride 5 – 6 times a week but this isn’t manditory) and get in 250 – 300 km; did over 17,000 km last year; I suck at going up hills; the joy of touring is the new sights you see and the people you meet.
“I got my first bike when I was nine (1951) and have been cycling fairly regularly ever since. However, I have yet to cycle through an Ottawa winter—maybe next year, maybe not.
The 2009 Orient Express will be my second cycling venture in Europe. The first was a leisurely self-guided trip through parts of Belgium, Holland and Germany with a friend. I also walked 1,700 Km on the Camino from Le Puis (France) to Finisterra (Spain) in the spring-summer of 2007.
As a result, I’m looking forward to Europe and cycling daily, getting lost, experiencing paths, villages and cities older than 200 years plus not having to carry everything in a backpack. I’m also excited about sharing what promises to be an incredible adventure with like-minded travelers.”
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Daphne Tonellato
Canada
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I purchased my first road bike in 1988 and slowly and cautiously increased my confidence to venture further from home, from Oakville to Stoney Creek. From the Women's Cycling Committee in Toronto, I learned about simple bike repairs, safe riding techniques and traveling by bicycle. Manitoulin Island was my first 3 day solo adventure. By 1992 I was obsessed enough to complete the Tour de Canada. Since that time my adventures have included at least one cycling tour each year. Europe, the USA, New Zealand and Ireland have all been destinations for great adventures.
Early retirement from a career in nursing education and a very supportive husband at home in Oakville, Ontario has permitted me these wonderful opportunities to see the world traveling on two wheels.
To all the new friends I am about to make on this tour, I wish you safe peddling.
New Zealand
