touring 101: the wave

alright future tourers, listen up! one of the critical aspects to cross-continental riding is "the wave". motorcycles, truckers, RVs, minivans - each has it's own unique greeting that must be strictly abided by to ensure a safe & enjoyable ride for all parties involved. 

the "biker" (applies to all motorcycles, crotchrockets, cruisers, etc.) - swing you left hand out almost to form a peace sign (but not all the way), making sure not to raise it above your handle bar. keep it low and keep it cool. 

the "camper" (RVs, 5th wheels, camper trailers, etc.) - a coy wave of the hand coupled with a condescending smile, knowing you are way more environmentally friendly in your own exploration of the Great Outdoors than those gas-guzzling, smoke-spewing contraptions they've dragged across the country. 

the "commuter" (sedans, minivans, single drivers, etc.) - extended wave well after the driver passes you, with as friendly a smile as you can muster. you're biking across the country and they are dragging themselves to another 9 to 5 job. which one of you needs more cheer in their life at that point?

the "cyclist" (this should be obvious) - wave. pull over to their side of the road. chat for 5-10min. exchange names & upcoming road conditions. (optional) handshake and/or hug it out. 

the "porchsitter / yard worker" (again, the audience here should be obvious) - your most parade-like wave and smile, maybe even a "hi" or "howdy" or mornin'!" .... this is one of the few times your interaction with someone on the road lasts longer than a passing split-second. why not go all out with a hearty greeting? 

the "truck driver" (semis, work trucks, etc.) - this is a trickier one, and depends on a few conditions. with a tailwind: use the same "almost peace sign" but raise your left arm high for maximum visibility. with a headwind: either a quick "howdy partner" nod (but do not touch your bill of your helmet in salute as well, that simply looks foolish. you are not a cowboy, no matter what you think) or a quick flick of the hand that must occur before the truck passes you. both hands on the bars, my fellow tourers, whenever a large vehicle blows by you in headwinds, as their draft can easily knock you and your 90lbs. of bike/panniers right off the road. 

the "wait to pass" (cars coming from behind and waiting til traffic is clear the opposite way) - extend the wave til after the car has passed, and if you can swing it, a loud "thanks!" never goes amiss. 

there you have it! you're one step closer to becoming a seasoned roadster who knows their way 'round any turn of the trip. 

and for those of you keeping track back at home, we're in Summersville for the night, staying in "the square" which we're thinking is just a fancy new name for the town's city park. but when it's right next door to a restaurant that's playing game 5 of the tigers vs. athletics, I'm fine with it being called whatever they want to call it. go tigers! 

until next time,

may the wind be always at your back

josh & mark

the lifecycle team