is it possible they were very new to cycling and weren't really sure what they were doing? i'm fairly new and would probably have considerable trouble doing 68 miles in a day without frequent stops to rest, etc. maybe they bit off more than they could chew? just wondering out loud.....you said you got an off vibe from them on the phone. they do sound like they were trying to take more than advantage of your hospitality.

i guess i'm just not sure why someone would look a gift horse in the mouth, as they say.