Member Profile

Pete Staehling

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About

I am a 71 year old who is interested in bicycle touring, rowing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and backpacking among other things.
I dreamed of Bikecentennial 1976, but didn't manage to do the trip until 2007.

In 2008 I was unable to ride comfortably for long distances due to a bike/car accident and I took up running. I for a while I actually ran a lot more than I rode, mostly on trails and mostly with my dog who loved the trails as much or more than I do.  These days at 13 the pooch can't run anymore and I have given it up myself.

In my subsequent tours, I have been pursuing lighter and lighter touring to the extent that I now consider my last trip (Southern Tier) to be ultralight with 14 pounds of gear and a 24 pound bike. The 24 pound includes bike, pump, tools, spares, rack, and empty water bottles.

I retired from full time employment back in December 31, 2012.  I celebrated retirement with a car trip visiting some state high points and acclimating to the altitude on the way to a John Muir Trail through hike starting August 2nd 2013. It was an altered trip. Forest fire smoke changed my route so I didn't follow the originally planned route. It still was a beautiful trip though.

I did a number of longish tours after that including the Southern Tier from San Diego to Pensacola.

2022 update... I haven't been touring in a while, but am looking forward to doing so again. I have no immediate plans other than to get ready for a 2026 Trans America. I am not sure what tours I may do to get ready.  I may ride from Pensacola to St Augustine in the Fall.