Old Man On A Bicycle A Ride Across America And How To Reali, De Petterson, Don. Editorial Outskirts Press, Tapa Blanda En Inglés, 2014

Descripción

When Don Petterson, a former American ambassador, decided to ride a bicycle from New Hampshire to San Francisco, he faced skepticism from family and friends. Despite being in his seventies and not having cycled extensively for years, Petterson embarked on his journey in May 2002. Battling headwinds, steep hills, and extreme weather, he persevered with the goal of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.

Throughout his 3,600-mile adventure, Petterson encountered numerous challenges, including navigating the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, enduring the summer heat of the Great Plains, recovering from a collision with a car, and traversing the desert landscapes of Nevada's basin and range country as well as the Great Salt Lake's desert. The journey also offered him the chance to witness the beauty of mountain forests, the solitude of the plains, and the majesty of the West's canyons and mesas.

In "Old Man on a Bicycle," Petterson shares how he prepared for this extensive trip and details his experiences on the road. Additionally, he addresses the misconception that aging inevitably leads to decline and provides advice, supported by research and personal experience, on mitigating the physical effects of aging. His story is not only a recount of his cycling endeavor but also an inspirational narrative that highlights the significance of physical activity for maintaining health and vitality.

Don Petterson, the author, is a retired Foreign Service officer with a career that included ambassadorships to Somalia, Tanzania, and Sudan. Following his cross-country bike ride, he completed another journey from Miami to New Hampshire. Petterson is also the author of "Inside Sudan" and "Revolution in Zanzibar" and currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife.