Bike touring is inherently sexy. It also involves lots of skills and dedication which have been proven by the Lampoon Spoof Scientific Research Group to attract the opposite sex. Minor inconveniences like body odor and food stains on your jersey can be turned to your advantage with a little bit of thought. And the heroism of your journey is a real catch. With these sure-fire no gimmick tips, learn how to really attract the opposite sex and ensure you hit it off on your bike tour!
Quick freshen-up in South American border toilet
1. Grooming and appearance
Ah, the good life! Being outdoors all day gives you that fresh-faced adventurous look. Most people will find this enchanting. Chin strap sun lines are not attractive though. If in a fix, keep your helmet on and the strap fastened when buying groceries. Everyone will know you are a biker and a safety conscious one at that. It could also help initiate conversation.
Body odor can be an issue if not explained properly. Travelling fast and light means you have space for only two shirts. By detailing your clothing rotation system; sharing the joys of your utility sink plug and demonstrating how a tent guy line can double for hanging washing you will overpower an odorous difficulties.
Finally, a life on the road is no excuse for sloppiness. The influence that a tidy bar bag can swing in a short time should never be underestimated.
This is a real-life woman I once talked to on a bike trip
2. Food
Nothing says I’m practical and responsible with my health, like nutritionally balanced trail mix. When entering a new town, try and find a large open area where you can park your bike and pose with your healthy snack. Take polite handfuls whilst gazing appraisingly at the nutrition chart.
If a future mate does not approach, try something more elaborate with your stove. By setting up your portable kitchen in a park or lay-by it shouldn’t be long before someone wants to know how to successfully store spices and loose onions in a pannier bag. Use this as a talking point, then let the rich smells of cooking, and your dexterity with the flame adjuster do the talking! After the meal, be sure to brush your teeth before leaving the public area. The value of dental hygiene should not be underestimated.
Get your game face on when odometer posing
3. Odometer allure
Don’t play the bike computer card too early. Let them come to you…
Once in a public space, step off the bike and pull down the kickstand nonchalantly like you have been riding for a long time. Begin counting distances on the fingers of your hand. It’s best if you do this in the thousands, but hundreds will work if still building confidence. If this fails to attract attention, take out a map of the country (avoid world maps, this may seem pompous) and run your finger down the map, repeating the distance counting process.
By now you will have gathered a small crowd. If people want to take selfies with you, that’s fine, but prioritise photos with anyone who takes your interest. Now seal the deal – walk slowly around the bike until you get to the handlebars. Pause for a moment at your bike computer before reading off your total distance (again thousands better than hundreds). Pro tip: Use kilometers rather than miles as a distance of measurement. These add up to more, will befound your listener and make you sound exotic and worldly.
“Do you like my spider?” presents are a great way of attracting the opposite sex
4. Drifter Talk
Knowing how to pose near your bike is important. But to really attract the opposite sex, you need to talk the talk. Here’s some stock phrases that will set the tone.
“I haven’t been in a car for [insert n ] of days.” Glance at a passing vehicle as you say this and scoff derisively.
“I think I’ll push on into the night.” Tap your trusty bike light whilst patting your reflective jacket.
“I don’t do campsites, I wild camp.” Turn up your palm and rub your index finger and thumb to indicate frugalness.
“I could have got here quicker, but I came through the backcountry.” Gaze just over their head.
“I am thinking of getting a tattoo of my route.” Trace a line with your finger up the small of your back.
5. Finally, be adventurous
It’s not about distance, it’s about the destination with whoever that might be. Go out on your bike for yourself. Let romance happen organically. Of all things, be natural.
Remember: There is no formula for finding a soul mate on a bike tour. Any online list – like this one – promising pop-up love is clearly nonsense.
Call for comment
- How fantastic were those tips?
- Care to share your own sure-fire tips for bicycle love?
Next Month: Biking the conquistador’s graveyard
Matt Maynard is a British cyclist, writer and environmentalist. He is based in Santiago, Chile. Find more of his adventures on Twitter @MattNMaynard, Facebook and at his website Matt-Maynard.com.