Hello – Lately, our world has been a strange place in which to feel excited, optimistic, or proud. How will we find compassion or commonality when everyone keeps their doors locked tight against the unfamiliar? Luckily, these things are in large supply because you and everyone else reading this, scattered all over the world, continue to open your doors to strangers. The people that make up this community are a force for good — the happy ending after every moment of absurdity or hardship on the side of the road. Although it may not always appear this way, kind people are everywhere, just waiting to make another person’s day. With the offer of a warm shower and a place to hang wet tents to dry, we invite weary travelers into our homes only to insist that kindness will prevail. And even on the hardest days of a tour, it’s easy to find a reason to laugh — double flat tires, unyielding headwinds, or pouring rain are all pretty funny when you remember you’re only doing this for fun. Two hours later, you show up tired and dirty and hungry in new towns with only the promise of kindness to rely on as you step over a stranger’s threshold for the night. Soon enough, the pannier-pilfering raccoons become the heroes as we regale our hosts with our touring stories. It turns out, some of the easiest ways to recharge the soul are free and easy to come by: a warm shower with a cold drink, and trading laughter and stories with brand new friends for the evening. Whether you are touring, hosting, or gearing up for your next chapter, remember that the members of this community will always embrace you with kindness. We hope the stories we’ve collected for you below provide the inspiration and connection you seek. We wish you happy riding and hosting!
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