actually i find that cyclists in general are really great people --- more friendly, interesting, thoughtful, helpful and intelligent than the norm...

must be something about a person that brings them to enjoy cycling...

or is it that cycling relieves stress and generates interest (as you see more of the world than from a car window) and keeps you mentally and physically fit...

actually, i bet it's a little of both: many interesting people seem to be intested in and cycling helps you experience the world...

but most cyclists i know like to travel and like to meet new people and learn about the world and other cultures and all ---- maybe not all cyclists, but a much greater percentage than the "regular" population.

i must admit that if i see a cyclist in need (flat tire, needind directions or whatever) i am almost sure to stop and help... with other people i often won't in big cities as most are just trying to ask you for money or scam you some way --- but for all but the most grungy cycle tourists i would offer my place to crash... (and i don't usually offer other strangers free lodging)

oh, as an aside:
i also find that there are a lot of really cool and interesting engineers and scientists, but there are also a lot who are real dorks (e.g. can't have a real conversation about anything not technical)... but if you combine cyclists and engineers, you weed out most of the dork engineers/scientists and have a really cool group... of course there are other cyclists who are also cool, but a really large number seem to be engineers --- anyway, anyone understand what i mean here, or am i taking a solo tour across a field with really high grass?