Frequent stops are made for ice-cream, swimming, resting at the tops of hills, talking with local sheep, etc. The group regroups at or near the final destination to arrange for grocery shopping and dinner. The evening's activities can be planned ahead, or left open to the spontaneity of the moment. A few trips will spend the night in college dorms, country inns, or farmhouses. On trips with phantom overnights, groups often stay in farmer's fields, back-yards, churches and firehouses as well as regular campgrounds.
Cycling is much more than physical exercise.
You'll become close friends with your bicycle as the two of you get to know a region the way no motorist can. People are pleased to see you taking the time and energy to explore the landscape and culture of their particular region. Cycling also means traveling under your own steam, pollution-free, carrying your essentials with you every pedal of the way. Of course there will be days when the weather is less than perfect or times when bike repairs slow you down, but the experiences you have along the way make it all worthwhile. If this sounds enticing but you're not an Olympic champion, don't worry.