Originally Posted by
Pamestique
The trail I mentioned is a very popular bike trail that runs from Riverside to San Bernardino. On that same day I encounted not one but two men rambling about the government and weather (the clouds were weird that day so maybe that's why). And I live in Southern California - so weirdos (and Bike395 can confirm) can be a daily occurrence! Just need to know which weirdos are friendly and which are not!
Talking to strangers is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. Some of them are nuts.
I think it's also a little different for women. I have the luxury of being male, so I feel a little more comfortable that people won't take my friendly nature the wrong way or come to see me as a potential victim. As for the tin-foil people, I actually find them entertaining. But then again, I truly miss the "Weekly World News" at the grocery stores. RIP.
Originally Posted by
RideMyWheel
Then again, I'm sure a lot of the people we ride by look at us and think we're the weirdos.
Absolutely! Just ask them.
I think that and the fact that we're on a bike and less threatening than people in cars is the reason strangers are willing to open up to us. I showed up one day for "Shared Bread" ... a charity that feeds the homeless. I was there to work and serve, but because I showed up on a bike (the way a lot of the homeless get around), they thought I was one of them. It was a hoot chatting with them.