Caversham Bridge Cycles

Late last year I posted a blurb about Old Man On a Bicycle and a photo of its cover to bicycle shops and clubs throughout the US and some other countries as well. Recently I was advised to repeat the process, which accounts for this Facebook posting.

When I told family and friends that I intended to ride a bicycle from New Hampshire to San Francisco, most of them questioned my judgment, if not my sanity. I was in my seventies, hadn’t been on a bike for years, and had never ridden more than a few miles at a time. But in May 2002 I put doubters behind me and headed west. Old Man on a Bicycle is the account of the solo bike ride across the country. I relate the challenges this included, such as riding a loaded bike over the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, crossing the Great Plains in brutal summer heat, dealing with the aftermath of a collision with a car, and traversing Nevada’s basin and range country and the Great Salt Lake’s desert. Rewards included passing through spectacular mountain forests, experiencing the aching beauty of the lonely plains, viewing the grandeur of the West’s sculpted canyons and mesas, and meeting interesting people along the way.

I tell how I prepared for the 3,600-mile journey and what I saw and did during the two months I was on the road. In addition I rebut the misconception that aging invariably means debilitating decline and, drawing on certain events of the ride, I present research-based advice on how to ease the physical aspects of aging, emphasizing the importance of exercise to physical and mental well-being at all ages.

Some who have responded to this message have asked where they can buy the book. It is available on amazon.com (both print and Kindle editions), barnesandnoble.com, and other online booksellers. And It can be ordered at a local bookstore.

A massive thank you to the team at Caversham Bridge Cycles for their generous sponsorship of gear for our bikes for the J9 London to Brighton bike ride in support of Joost Van Der Westhuizen

I'd be grateful if you could share our cycling event with your members. Please note that any fundraising is optional and that entry includes chip timing.



Get on your bikes for a choice of three routes around the beautiful countryside of the Chilterns, cycling through Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

We have a route to suite all abilities, but the routes are designed to challenge the rider. For novice cyclists or a fun day out with the family, we suggest you choose the 10-mile route, but if you’re looking for a real challenge, then the 60-mile option is the route for you. Whichever distance you choose, it’s guaranteed to be a fun and memorable day.

There is no minimum fundraising target, we just ask you to come and have fun and support your local hospice! And your entry fee include chip timing.

For more information or to register please call our fundraising office on 01491 641 384 ext.246, email [email protected] or register online at www.sueryder.org/rideforrydernettlebed.

*STOLEN BIKE* If by any chance you see the bike below around the Reading area please contact either myself or the police. Stolen between the hours of 3pm yesterday and 5pm this evening from Kennet Island (coded bike shed and D-locked). It is a Liv Giant road bike with continental road tyres, black taping around the handle bars, Garmin watch mount and two saddle bags attached to it. Racing an Ironman in 6 weeks so this couldn't have come at a worse time, your help is much appreciated!

Are you open tomorrow (Monday 29 December)? I've got a couple of broken spokes.