It gave us time to overcome jet lag and warm up to the journey ahead of us. They led us on local roads, taking in all the interesting sights, so we didn't have to plan our meals, check route markings, or worry about getting stranded due to mishaps. Even though we had a map for each day's travel plan, there was no way to know in advance what services were available in each small town along the way. Selecting the best cycling routes meant eliminating food and service conveniences of larger towns along the busier roadways.
Food is served in pubs, which are open for a short lunch period if open at all.
This is a holdover from the WWII days we were told. Laws banning the pubs from operating early have been relaxed, but the tradition is still kept. When we found a pub open for lunch, we ate, whether we were hungry or not. They were also one of the few restroom stops available. For a country that promotes bicycling, we were surprised to see so few bicycle shops.