Old Man on a Bicycle: A Ride Across America and How to Realize a More Enjoyable Old Age Paperback – June 10, 2014

There are several adjectives I could use to describe this book: Inspiring, Informative, Interesting are just a few. The author is clearly a man of some intelligence who came up with an interesting writing paradigm for this book, he alternates his journal entries from when he made the trip with his thoughts at the time he wrote the book which is about 12 years later. He peppers the book with information about aging and physical activity and health which should interest the senior citizen and the 20 something who might want to continue riding when he/she is 50 years down the road of life. He gives mundane facts, like how much it cost him at various motels, which, to be honest, is a concern with most planning a long distance tour since we will always think 'How much is this going to cost ?'.Just the fact that he makes this tour when he is 71 speaks to his personal courage, vivacity, and guts. But there was something else that struck me about this book which sets his trip apart from others I have read, and I have reading them for years, and that is the mental equanimity that he is able to maintain For example, anyone he saw the movie 'Ride The Divide' mjust be struch by the mood swings of several of the riders. Mike Dion goes from almost calling himself 'invicincible' to dropping a few days later. Reuben Kline is keeping up with Matthew Lee, but when he has to ride alone he falls apart mentally and drops. Mary, the only woman, has many problems and ups and downs but makes it eventually, using her support system of family. On the other hand, Matthew Lee, just seems to flow along with the attitude that this is adventure and the fun is in solving the problems, not avoiding them or running from them, but essentially understanding that they will come and accepting them as part of the fun. The author of this book has that, in a unique, rather matter -of-fact way. I would highly recommend this bobok.

Don, an ex US Ambassador, gives me, and those like me approaching, ok well into, middle age hope! Why, because at 71, this man decided, "What the hell! I am going to ride across the United States!"First off some quick facts.He was NOT a cyclist. He hadn't ridden a bike in decades! Even when he did, it wasn't long distance. He decided to cycle across the country mainly because he felt his flying skills (also decades old) were not up to safely using an ultralight to cross. Seems perfectly logical to me!He did NOT sign up for a tour, or take a support crew. This 71 year old packed up a new touring bike and rode from New Hampshire to San Francisco alone. One man, two wheels, saddle bags and a credit card (or 2).And finally, he did NOT take the easy way. In all the books I have read about crossing the country, east to west is considered harder. More often than not the winds are out of the west, which means a headwind! And rider will tell you headwinds suck.I will say, it is point number three that made the difference for me in this book. Yes, he had headwinds almost each day. And yes, they made it harder to ride. But the man never whined once. I can't tell you how many authors come across as whining about them page after page.Don simply indicates yep the were headwinds, yep it slowed me down, sometimes to single digit mph, and hell yes it wore me out, but a good meal and a beer (or two) at the hotel made things much better!I had to laugh the one time he seemed to apologize for drinking beer so often. But then, as he put it, when you ride all day, and drink bottle after bottle of water, more water with dinner is the LAST thing you want. (Personally, anyone who rides across country, let alone someone who is 71 has earned all the beer he or she wants!)He has the perfect balance for a bike travel book, in my humble opinion. He quotes his miles and the terrain, and talks about the things you can see from a bike. (I've seen whales, seal lions and elk, but he has me beat with a bear). But then he goes into his thoughts, experiences, and inspirations as well. In essence it feels like you are riding along with him. And, I love the fact he scored many a free meal from people impressed at someone his age riding that far.This septuagenarian badass even gets hit by a car in Utah, breaks a collar-bone, and has to fly home. The next spring, after PT, Rehab and working out, he flies back, finds the spot he was hit, and finishes that days ride. Only then does he continue on to San Francisco.What I enjoyed almost as much as the travelogue was his explanation of how aging affects the body. Thinner skin, less muscle mass, less dense bones, thicker heart, less efficient lungs and recalcitrant joints. All a direct result of aging. Once again though, no whining!He is not complaining about these things, he merely points them out as facts, and, in each case, explains how exercising and being in good shape can mitigate many, if not all of these issues. He also explained how he adjusted his ride to take account of the older body. Shorted days, more sun screen, icing when need be. All in the effort to keep his body moving and bike rolling.I know many people, MUCH younger than Don, who would benefit from his example.All in all this was a quick, fun and easy read. It also has me even more jazzed for my ride along the Oregon coast this fall! If he can ride 3500 miles, my buddy Rob and I can do 350! I highly recommend this book!

I'd like to do this sometime. I've ridden the 3000 mile Race Across America (RAAM) 3 times but that's an 8 day race. His 2 month solo tour is something I'd like to do. Much can be learned from this book. Indeed his age really isn't a big factor. A major difficulty of his, although he goes to some effort to play it down, was that he was riding east to west. He did motel it rather than camping, which makes things lots easier. He averaged something like 60 miles/day, which is a respectable touring distance for any age. As you read the book not only are his mistakes glaring, but you can see them coming before he does. I find it odd that he didn't start out with lights on his bike and as odd that he didn't wear his helmet all the time. You should carry at least 2 spare tubes. I often carry 3 while riding in west, where I live, because it can be 70 or more miles between towns where there's a bike shop. I wouldn't have gone toward Salt Lake City out of Green River. There are less difficult ways of getting to US-50 where it's a straight shot to Carson City. I've ridden the route a half dozen times and driven it maybe 40 times. But you really need to know this part of the country.I hope there are people, especially people in their 60s or 70s who might be inspired by this book. Long distance bicycle touring is lots of fun.Enjoyable read.

This is a good book for those needing some inspiration as you age. We all age and at times feel as if we can’t do what we use to do. Here’s a story about just a guy and a bike, yes active in younger years but not a cyclist. He sets a goal and it’s achieved (not a spoiler really) how he gets there is impressive but even he admits all he really did was pedal