Reading Tom’s thoughtful review of Snails Around France was an absolute pleasure. When you pour your heart into a journey—one pedal stroke, one baguette, one minor detour at a time—you hope it resonates with readers not just as a cycling trip, but as an experience rich with life, laughter, and the occasional sore leg. Tom’s recognition of the humour and spirit behind our tandem adventure truly affirms what Kate and I set out to do: tell an honest, light-hearted, and immersive story that’s as much about resilience and joy as it is about geography and grit. 

Our slow-paced, two-wheeled tour was intentionally more "snail" than "sprint"—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We believe there’s something deeply rewarding in embracing the rhythm of slow travel: the smell of lavender in Provence, the sound of church bells in sleepy villages, the taste of regional cheese eaten roadside, and the sheer unpredictability of tandem life (trust me, it’s a test of marriage and brakes alike!). To know that Tom appreciated the landscapes as well as the emotional landscape—the joy, the setbacks, and everything in between—makes the writing of this book feel all the more worthwhile. 

Thank you, Tom, for capturing the essence of what we hoped to share. For readers who hop on this journey with us, we promise a ride that’s filled with charm, misadventure, French countryside magic—and a good helping of humour.