Chasing Health, Joy and a little speed at 60+

Hi, I’m Roberto Rodriguez — lifelong educator, community advocate, and proud Trustee on the Palomar College Governing Board since 2020.

For more than three decades, I taught High School Social Science, mainly AP Government and Economics. Public education has always been one of my deepest commitments — a belief shaped by my experience as the son of immigrants and the first in my family to attend college.

My grandfather was my first teacher. He instilled in me a love of learning and a sense of responsibility to others. That foundation guided my entire career, from the classroom to leadership roles in public education and labor advocacy. I served as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary of the Sweetwater Education Association (SEA), representing over 1,800 educators. Under my leadership, SEA joined the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and was honored as Union of the Year for our work transforming our local school board.

I also served statewide on the California Teachers Association State Council and its Board of Directors, representing educators across San Diego and Imperial Counties.

But somewhere along the way, I fell into a trap many leaders know well: taking care of everyone except myself. I was in the worst shape of my life. I used to joke that I was a quarter pounder away from 400 pounds — but it turned out to be no joke. I was diagnosed with the beginnings of congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes. The trifecta.

I knew something had to change. After COVID, I stepped back from union leadership, moved into an administrative role in my district, and slowly began focusing on my own wellbeing. Two years later, at 60, I retired.

A few months into retirement, I ran into a friend who’s 10 years older than I am. He said something that has stuck with me ever since: “Roberto, your health is your job now.”

That sentence flipped a switch. I started learning about longevity and thinking seriously about the kind of life I wanted to live — and how I didn’t want my later years to mirror the decline I witnessed in my own mother’s final years.

So I got to work. I committed to improving my fitness, lost nearly 80 pounds, and dusted off the bike that once brought me so much joy. Cycling became my path back to health — and the vehicle for rediscovering who I want to be in my 60s and beyond. I’ve made progress with my diet too, and while it’s still a work in progress, I’m heading in the right direction.

That’s why I revived Tour de Bike. I originally started this blog over a decade ago, but like many things, life got in the way. This time, it’s different. This space is my way of staying accountable, reflecting on the journey, and sharing what it’s like to rebuild my health, fitness, and longevity later in life.

I don’t know if anyone out there is particularly interested in a guy in his 60s chasing better health and bigger goals — but I do know I’m doing this for me. And if anyone wants to follow along, learn something, or just enjoy the ride with me, I’d love the company.