When Regina signed up for a Backroads trip through Utah’s National Parks in 1988, she expected fun rides, beautiful views and great company. She didn’t expect to meet Bob, or that a single cycling trip would turn into a lifetime together.
“I get in the van on the first morning, and I see this guy and I thought ‘ooh,’” she recalls with a laugh. Bob was an impressive cyclist, a strong rider determined to conquer the miles. Regina, on the other hand, was more of a nature lover, drawn to the landscapes and adventure. “I spent the next ten days biking after him,” she jokes.
One day of the trip, they rode nearly 85 miles before reaching their lodge on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Exhausted but exhilarated, they opened a bottle of wine and watched the sun dip below the canyon’s edge. “It sounds corny,” Regina admits, “but I knew in that moment he was the one.” Later that night, when they rejoined the group for dinner, the entire crew erupted in cheers—by then, everyone could see what was happening.
But the trip had to end. Regina went home to Philadelphia; Bob returned to Atlanta. Then, just six weeks later, he told her he’d be in the area and asked if she wanted to meet up. As it turns out, he wasn’t actually in the area—he just made a major detour on his travels, for the chance to see her again. That visit went well, so they planned a second Backroads trip together, this time in Oregon.
After that, fate (or a totally coincidental job search in exactly the right city) led Regina to Atlanta, and they’ve been together ever since.
For over 30 years, life was full of love and adventure, but it wasn’t until Regina received a Backroads catalog in the mail that she thought about returning to where it all started. She signed up for a trip on her own, wondering if the experience would be as special as she remembered. “Just as good,” she confirmed. “The incredibly engaging leaders, fascinating people, all the flexibility you want, unforgettable experiences.”
And so, for their 35th wedding anniversary, she and Bob decided to celebrate the way they began—on a Backroads trip. This October, they’ll be heading to Greece.
Regina sums it up best: “I never would have met Bob if not for that trip. We lived in different cities, we work in completely different fields—but I’m still crazy about him. I think he’s just…the coolest guy.”