I've only recently learned to seek out people like that, those in their 70's, 80's, and even 90's who are setting a good example for the rest of us. Some spent their entire lives living that way, and others only saw the light in their 50's or 60's. My life is better for knowing them.

As for the guy in the tin foil hat, I'm unfamiliar with the area you're riding but my guess is that fewer than 1 in 100 are like that, so keep smiling and chatting with the strangers. You've already met your one weirdo for the decade!

People who want to live are always more pleasant to be around than those who don't. If you really think about it, most people are just putting in time, waiting to die, and habitually engaging in one addiction or another that hastens the inevitable outcome.

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!

Maybe you've met your quota of weirdos as well as mine!

Then again, I'm sure a lot of the people we ride by look at us and think we're the weirdos. I know I got some strange looks the other day when I went to lunch in my car, but came back on a bike.

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.

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.

It does not hurt to be friendly . . .

This would make a wonderful beginning to a “Souls we encounter as we pedal through life.” thread. :)