In my previous Novel, The Purple Runner, in the very late 1970s a mysterious talented American runner with a disfigured face is seen bolting over the Hampstead Heath north of London, England. At story's end, the Runner (never identified) wins the Greater London Marathon. For the first time in history the time for the 26.2-mile distance is under two hours. Yet on completing the course, he continues running, disappearing into the many streets and avenues of London. Many have wondered what has become of him.

Fast forward perhaps 13 years to 1993 and the unfolding story in this sequel novel, Pedals of Gold. Now over 40, Coos Charletaigne (his adopted pseudonym), has had reconstructive surgery on his face in California, then discovers new residence in an abandoned mine in the mountains above Boulder, Colorado.

Although still maintaining a high level of fitness, Coos disguises his current ability and former competitive history while riding with an international array of 40-plus-year-old cyclists, all of whom have talented and accomplished backgrounds.

From here you must read the sequel to discover how gold, treasure, a final race, and The Holy Grail play into Pedals of Gold...