Bob, another thing I've always enjoyed on bike trips, no matter which country, is talking with fellow travelers in campgrounds, people in stores, restaurants, you name it. People and the world are fascinating, and its really fun talking with people and getting some insight into their lives.
So yes, if folks want to make a bike trip a non stop marathon, hey all the power to ya, but to me seeing the world by bike is so much about meeting and talking with people, and the non biking part of the day is a big part of a trip.