seventy eight

BICYCLE TOURING IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES

The characters I meet along the way are almost always more then they first appear. This guy looked like he could live under a bridge but soon took my picture with a very nice digital camera, down loaded it to his laptop computer, and gave me elevation information from his GPS. He also had a cell phone and said he had a web site. 

We talked about half an hour as the traffic rushed by. We were fellow nomads so I think he felt free to tell me many things he would not reveal to strangers. I soon began to feel the same. We were traveling in opposite directions so we would soon be miles apart.

 

I was obviously new to this and must have looked like I needed the advice. He gave me some valuable information that over the years has helped me avoid trouble. He had been traveling for three years and he looks like he did  for a reason. He said he stays in places for longer periods so risk of trouble increases. He said looking like he did gave him the ability to "blend". I think he does stay under a bridge from time to time. 

He suggested I try not to look like a tourist with expensive gear. I took that advice and it works. I only camp one night at any spot so before the size me up or find me I'm gone.

He said at times the police give him trouble because of his look, but producing a drivers license quickly changes their attitude. Like many I have met along the way, there is an untold story. This guy had secrets I am sure but it is his business. I have learned to take some things people say on the road with a grain of salt.