reppans

Two things that I dislike about bicycle riding are getting stuck on long stretches with heavy vehicular traffic, and backtracking the same route to get back to your starting point - ie, I'd rather see 30 miles of new scenery, than 15 miles twice (when you can't build a good loop).

In an urban area a folder often gives you public transport options to minimize both issues, but what do you do in the country away from these transportation infrastructures?

I recent did a ultralight 3-night camping tour on my Brompton and was shocked at how many folks had never really seen a folding bicycle before. People were astounded by the bike with many actually asking if they could take pictures of it. It certain opened up many friendly conversations.

So I was wondering if this folding bicycle curiosity might be a good catalyst to catch a ride while out in the country. Just fold the bike up by your feet and stick your thumb out. There's bound to a few folks that would inquisitively stop to check out the bike and offer you a ride. Just testing in my own cars, I think I can gracefully board most cars with the Brompton right on my lap, and without touching/bumping any part of the vehicle - in other words, no additional loading time or effort required by the driver vs a regular hitchhiker.

So, anyone ever try hitchhiking with a folding bike?

Still Pedaling

Well, I don't quite understand why you are shocked that you find many people don't know what a folding bike is. Two years ago, I hadn't a clue either. Depending on where you live determines, to a large degree, whether it's something conmanly known. Where I live, its a rare site to see someone on a folding bike. Perhaps in larger urban areas where more people commute with public transportation, you might find individuals that know something about folding bikes.

Hitchhiking? I don't know where you live brother, but here, your life can be at serious risk. When I was a kid, we would hitchhike all over. No chance of doing that anymore. I wish you God's speed with that idea.

tudorowen1

I have had lifts from strangers in Thailand with my Bike Friday and Giant MTB..but I also paid locals with a pickup truck to take me various places with my bike..I have toured with a Brompton in Thailand also and it is so easy to go on buses , trains,tuk tuks and taxis..as well as private cars..So....yes ..you can certainly hitch hike in some places...but it helps if you pay..

reppans

Great points guys...

I'm near NYC where folders do not seem to attract attention as it did on Cape Cod where I did the mini tour. Also folders seem to attract much more attention while folded, than while unfolding and ridden. I'm not new to folders (had Dahons since '91) but the Brompton is new to me, and the speed/easy/size/rolling of the Brompton fold meant I was folded/rolling much more often (not to mention I'll tend to lock the Dahon vs ball-and-chain the Brompton) hence the additional attention.

Might not make sense to hitch in the greater NYC area due to lack of folder interest/danger, but somewhere touristy like the Cape (with a reverse interest/danger ratio) might be perfect.

Pay rides are good, but hate taxis (rip-off). Uber is a definitely option... used it a few times with my son and was impressed... need to load the app and try it out for myself.

Thanks for the thoughts so far.

Winfried

I've shared rides several times, with one or even two Bromptons. I/we've never been stuck loading them, something that wouldn't have been possible with bigger folders. That's why we stick to Bromptons even though there are better folding bikes for touring.

fietsbob

I've accepted rides Home , folding up my bike ..

a Friend* I read, got low on water, and Hitched a Ride
in the Midst of a Tour down the coast . on his Brompton..

*He is also co Owner of the Shop in PDX that sells them.






....

sleepycactus

I have hitched rides with the folded bike in rural central California maybe 5 times. It was always the first or second vehicle going by that stopped to offer a lift. I think having a folder next to you greatly increases your chance of getting a ride.

reppans

BINGO! That's just the report I was hoping for - thanks for chiming it.

I haven't hitchhiked in decades - I wouldn't pick myself up today. But if I weren't really aware of folding bicycles, I think I'd be compelled to give a hitchhiker a ride to find out more about them. As discussed above, this might be more effective in a rural setting than an urban setting, but that seems to pair nicely with the reduced alternative transport facilities.

I gotta give this a whirl, and to hedge my bet, I think it would be prudent to hitch out first, and then ride back .

Thank you all for your thoughts.

kraftwerk 

I am glad to see that people still hitch-hike, used to get around that way in the early 80's, thought that was the end of it. Anyway, as far a folders go.. and I have seen it many times, am still amazed at the Brompton "fold'. It's a pretty slick fold.

smallwheeler

wesgreen

Very inspiring thread. I hitchhiked all across the US at age 18, but haven't done it in years. To try it with a folder sounds like a great idea (before I get too fat and lazy). I think hitchhiking is one of the best ways to see the country and meet people, and having a folder could add some possibilities. Thanks for the idea!

Sangetsu

I did a lot of hitchhiking when I was younger. I met some interesting people, and some weirdos. If you are hitchhiking, be careful, and don't fall asleep in an stranger's car.

In my teens, my family lived across the way from Randy Kraft. Google the name.