Over the years I have hosted many bike tourists that I have met while riding through Santa Barbara. I meet them while I am riding and give directions and/or ride with them. If I feel like it I offer them a place to stay clearly outlining my rules and expectations. I have not been disappointed yet.

Somehow I have never signed up at warmshowers or couch surfing hosting mainly because I want to directly assess the person in person before providing the hospitality offer. This probably reflects my age and curmudgeon status but it has worked for me. Unfortunately I have most likely missed out on many more positive contacts from hosted links than my hit or miss direct method!