Touring - Hitchhiking

I am thinking of doing a 6 day or so tour next summer from Walsenburg, CO back to my place in Longmont, CO (or maybe the reverse direction, not sure yet).

Both of these towns are right off of I-25 (about 200 miles apart). Has anyone had luck asking for rides at gas stations or truckstops to get to the start of a tour (or back home)? Is there a web-board anywhere where you can request rides like this?

I tried searching the forum using "hitchhiking" but got a message that the term was too common.

Paul

You should try the rideshare section of Craigslist.

Don't try to hitchhike around Canon City. There's a prison there and you aren't likely to get picked up, and might get a ticket.

Has anyone had luck asking for rides at gas stations or truckstops to get to the start of a tour (or back home)?

I've hitched a couple of times from locations where I could talk to the driver for a few minutes to explain the situation. You can't be bashful, but of course you've gotta be polite and look as nice as possible.

I have 'bribed' for a ride with an offer of money. "Anyone here with a pickup going to Podunk. I'll pay for a lift." Worked twice, didn't work once. Got the rides and they both refused money.

In your situation, with time for a little planning, I'd make me a sign "Need ride to Walsenburg" and just stand with it and my loaded bike in front of the truck stop. Sooner or later, you'll get the lift you need.

I am thinking of doing a 6 day or so tour next summer from Walsenburg, CO back to my place in Longmont, CO (or maybe the reverse direction, not sure yet).

Both of these towns are right off of I-25 (about 200 miles apart). Has anyone had luck asking for rides at gas stations or truckstops to get to the start of a tour (or back home)? Is there a web-board anywhere where you can request rides like this?

I tried searching the forum using "hitchhiking" but got a message that the term was too common.

Paul

I hitch hiked 500kms when I hurt my hand. Just asked a few folks with trucks big enough to haul me and my bike. Turns out the guy who helped me was a cyclist. Wasn't a big deal.

I hitch hiked over 1000kms in Mexico to get back to my truck after a sea kayak tour...second truck I thumbed picked me up and gave me a ride the whole way. Super friendly guy who was glad to have someone to chat with.

I would just give yourself lots of time so that there is no pressure to get a ride ASAP.

Can you turn your trip into a circle route, or "out and back" to avoid the need for a ride?

Hitch hiking is no big deal. With a bike, and being an older man (making assumptions because we are on bike forums) it is harder of course. I am young and hitchiked a little over then summer on the east coast. It sucks, takes a long time even if your friendly, and we did get picked up by a cop, he drove us to a better hitching spot though so that was nicer than Id think.

-Good luck, live life on the wild side

Hitch hiking is no big deal. With a bike, and being an older man (making assumptions because we are on bike forums) it is harder of course.

My experience supports your first sentence, but not your second. The bike, especially with panniers, makes hitching easier if you're touring where pickup trucks are nearly as common as cars. Sorta neutralizes the 'older' bit. The most important thing is not to appear threatening. Being young, bikeless, and the least bit unkept would make hitching very difficult I'd think.

Try here
http://www.digihitch.com/forum-69.html