When Ed Keating started taking Backroads trips, it was common for guests to send postcards. He continues to buy, write and send postcards to friends and co-workers, though he is now often the only guest doing so. Sometimes he cajoles other Backroads' guests into buying postcards, pointing out stores with especially good postcard prices. Ed appreciates the fact that Backroads leaders will accommodate and support a single rider who chooses to ride a day's long option. He enjoys having Diet Dr. Pepper (in the United States) or Coke Light (in Europe) in the support van. A helmet zealot, Ed applauds the fact that all Backroads guests must always wear one.