Rob Leachman

Author, Educator, and Occasional Adventurer

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The Long Walk to Compostela

Life Lessons Learned on the Camino de Santiago

What compels a retired couple to hike 500 miles across Spain?

When Rob Leachman’s wife proclaimed, “I want to hike the Camino,” it set in motion an extraordinary journey of grit, grace, and growth—one that would take them from the comforts of suburban life to the rain-soaked paths of northern Spain.

The Long Walk to Compostela chronicles the real-life adventure of Rob and Bev Leachman as they take on the legendary Camino de Santiago. With a mix of humor, humility, and heartfelt reflection, Rob details every aching mile, cultural misstep, and transcendent moment as the couple confronts both the physical toll of the trail and the internal questions that come with it. More than a travelogue, this is a story of transformation, aging with purpose, and rekindling connection—between partners, with fellow pilgrims, and with life itself.

Along the way, readers will discover:

  • Lessons in resilience and personal growth
  • Finding a balance between detailed planning and simply letting go
  • The enduring human need for purpose and adventure
  • How saying “yes” to a dream can change everything

This book is for anyone curious about the Camino, facing a major life transition, or yearning for a deeper connection to the world—and their own sense of adventure.

Reviews for
The Long Walk to Compostela

“Leachman…is a skilled writer who blends poignant descriptions of his journey with learned historical context… This engaging work is…an engrossing and often moving travelogue of a couple’s personal pilgrimage.”

— Kirkus Reviews

“Leachman’s easygoing, amiable writing style makes it easy for readers to connect to his story. He sweeps them into the sights, sounds, and tastes of his adventure, vividly portraying the people and experiences he and his wife engage in, while sharing poignant observations that linger.”

— The BookLife Prize

One Ride At A Time

Life Lessons Learned on a Cross-Country Bicycle Ride

At an age when most people are slowing down, Rob Leachman set off on the adventure of a lifetime. In 2017, Rob and his wife had just turned sixty years old and were recreational cyclists at best. But they refused to let their age prevent them from pursuing their goals and dreams. Instead, they embarked from San Diego on a 3,000-mile bicycle tour across the southern United States, hoping to reach the Atlantic Ocean forty-six days later.

Written with humor and deep reflection, One Ride at a Time: Life Lessons Learned on a Cross-Country Bicycle Ride will leave readers captivated by the story of these cyclists pursuing a life-long dream and enchanted by such a unique viewpoint of this vast nation. And like these adventurers, it may leave you yearning to pursue that long-time goal you’ve always wanted to attain. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or an armchair adventurer, you’re sure to find this unique perspective of America and tale of personal growth a ride worth taking.

Now, Rob invites you to join him as he recounts this incredible adventure and the many life lessons he learned along the way, lessons that can help you to…

  • Stretch yourself and achieve goals you thought were out of reach.
  • Follow your heart and find your own adventure.
  • Break through limitations to live your best life.

Reviews for
One Ride At A Time

“His observations of people, nature, the elements and road conditions were mesmerizing… Such an adventure. A wonderful read.”

— Nonfiction Book Awards (Silver Medal Award Winner)

“Leachman crafts an uplifting chronicle of his experience on a cross-country biking trip . . . a candid, relatable perspective that will appeal to readers. . . While the story is a personal one, readers may be similarly inspired to embark on an ambitious excursion.”

— The BookLife Prize

 “Travel memoir enthusiasts will likely find satisfaction in this account of an unusual cycling experience.”

— Kirkus Reviews

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