Bill Oetinger

Occupation: free-lance graphic artist and illustrator (and writer)

Ride Director and newsletter Editor, Santa Rosa Cycling Club, Sonoma County, California

Director, Terrible Two Double Century, Santa Rosa, California

Board of Directors, California Triple Crown cycling series

Owner of Adventure Velo Cycle-touring

I’ve ridden bikes all my life and have been cycling “seriously” for most of the past two decades. I currently ride about 7000 miles a year. I’m not a racer. The only vaguely competitive riding I do is centuries and double-centuries, and in these events, I’m mostly competing against myself..trying to do the best I can and see where that leads me. In spite of having completed many doubles–including some of the toughest ones out there–I can still recall the challenge and thrill of completing my first 50-mile ride.

My experience in long, hard rides has given me an understanding of what strong, fit riders are looking for in a tour. At the same time, my many years as an “average” rider have given me great empathy for those who still find that first 50-miler a huge undertaking.

I will be writing about touring, advocacy, just having fun riding your bike, racing, double centuries and much more. The column is updated monthy.

Bill can be reached at srccride@sonic.net