My blog ‘Texas Odyssey 2025 – Bob 2’ was about Bob Sanders epic cycle ride from San Diego in California to St Augustine in Florida in a plan of becoming the oldest person to ride across the USA since 2023 when, the mere stripling at the age of 78, Bruce Closser did it. Bob is 85 years old, yet, any dealings with Bob will make you wonder if this is a mistake as he has the energy, determination and fitness of folk several decades younger.

After meeting Bob in Texas in mid April we returned to the UK and left Bob to roll on toward Florida’s east coast. As a busy cyclist communication with his audience, as he toiled every day, was limited with occasional photographs but little else. I compared this situation to being sat in NASA’s Houston Mission Control as the various Apollo craft disappeared behind the moon preventing all radio contact. As then eventually communication would be established and all was well.

Bob kept to his schedule and arrived in St Augustine, Florida after completing the crossing in 44 days (49 overall including rest days) and having accumulated 3,010 miles. Bob did tell a local news website in his home state of Oregon –  “I’ll tell you one thing, without hesitation, I wouldn’t do it again.” Frankly, there’s no need as this record will stand for a long time. I think his lack of enthusiasm may be influenced by his now considerable administration of collating the photos, videos, witness forms, daily logs, and GPS tracking information that the Guinness Records require in order to confirm his achievement. However this won’t be completed perched on a thin saddle in 30 to 40°C heat in a headwind.

Congratulations Bob. I’m truly in awe.

If I have any female readers I must advise of an exceptional opportunity: the current record is held by Lynnea Salvo who sauntered across at the age of 73. Frankly a babe in arms. This was her second crossing although it must be added she did warm up earlier by acquiring the oldest female records for cycling North to South (in the USA) and then across Canada. If you need advice, I know a man.