Yellowknife (Oct 22/03) - There's more to Edith and Norman Mair than meets the eye.

Now 72-years young, the couple have cycled more than 20,000 kilometres all over the world together. Their latest expedition took them through Spain and Portugal.

"We like to do everything at least once," said Edith. "There are so many places to see and so many beautiful places to go."

The couple began their journey in Madrid, and spent over two weeks peddling to the Portugal border, eventually ending their journey in Lisbon, the capital city. The total trek covered 720 kilometres.

"We were going to go further but it was just too hot," said Edith. "By mid-afternoon the sun was just burning."

The couple said they took up cycling when they were in their early 50s, after their four children were old enough to be on their own. Edith said the first trip to Britain was so enjoyable that they decided to continue journeying abroad each year.

"It keeps us fit and healthy and we just enjoy it so much," said Edith.

After about eight long hours of cycling each day, the Mairs would set up camp for the night, but Norman said finding a campsite was often impossible.

"Sometimes we had to just drop in a farmer's field," laughed Norman. "There is really a shortage of campsites in those countries."

Among the necessities the couple packed before leaving were the basic cooking utensils, dried oatmeal, dried milk, raisins and a first aid kit.

"We always cook our own food," said Edith. "We have our meal in the tent and a bottle of wine."

Norman said language was a slight barrier in the two countries, and during the course of their journey, they only saw two other cyclists.

"We just try to do the road less travelled," said Norman.