What 366 Miles on the Mississippi River Taught Me About Aging, Touring, and Just Keeping Pedaling
Last Updated: June 2026 My son and I during my June 2026 Mississippi River bicycle tour. He provided vehicle support while I rode 366 miles through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois on my Specialized Diverge. Last week I finished a six-day, 366-mile bicycle tour along the Mississippi River on my Specialized Diverge. The ride began in southeast Minnesota, crossed into Wisconsin, continued through Iowa and Illinois, and ended near the Missouri border. My son provided vehicle support for the trip, carrying gear and helping with logistics while I rode the route. It wasn't the longest tour I've ever ridden. It wasn't the fastest. It wasn't the toughest. But it may have taught me more than any bicycle tour I've done in years. At 70 years old, I came away with a realization that many older cyclists eventually face. No matter how much we train, age changes things. And that's okay. This Wasn't My First Adventure I've been riding bicycles serious...
