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The Hitchhikers Guide to Hospitality
We’ve all been there, standing on a degrading asphalt shoulder, thumbs towards the heavens, as yet ANOTHER nearly empty car zooms past without acknowledging our existence. There’s no doubt that hitchhiking can be one of the most agonizing chores in trail life. The task will either restore one’s faith in humanity, or make you question if you’ll ever see your desired footpath again. What if I told you, there is a better way; or at very least, a few simple steps that can help reduce the time you spend completing side quests on your main adventure?
Today, let’s look at some of the key factors you can implement to minimize the time spent getting between town and the trail….
Location:
How we position ourselves is crucial to success whilst trying to catch a hitch. Moving vehicles rarely stop, so it is important to find vehicles while they are stationary. Parking lots are your friend here. They allow you to interact with potential candidates at both the trailhead before they even reach their vehicle, or as they’re pulling out, depending on how bold you choose to be with your approach. These interactions give you a chance to be more personable, or at the very least, paralyze them with guilt by flashing those dead set eyes.
Your next best option are intersections. Vehicles sitting for an extended period are more likely to inquire about your needs. Especially, when you’re strapped to the gills with backpacking gear, it’s only a matter of time before your presence will spark intrigue from a passerby.
Already on the move? Sometimes in can take multiple hitches to get back to our destination, and as passengers, we don’t often get a vote as to how far someone will take us. If you find yourself hitching on the open road, look for natural or constructed pull offs and position yourself at the end closest to the direction of traffic. This will provide ample space for a passerby to make a decision, as well as a safe place for them to pull over to retrieve you.
Timing:
Try to plan your travels around heavier commuting times like dawn, midafternoon, or on weekends when more traffic is available. This will give you more opportunities to meet your desired objective, especially when trying to exit and enter at remote trailheads or road crossings.
Group Size:
Ever hear of that saying, “Two is company, three is a crowd”? The same can be said for hitchhiking. Is it possible to catch a ride for 3, maybe even 4 people? Yes, but the odds aren’t in your favor. Drivers aren’t likely to stop if they can’t accommodate the entire group. This eliminates most families and our most prized target, fellow outdoorsman, as they likely have their vehicle to packed out for another venture to make room for an additional hiker. Divide and conquer is the best practice for larger tramilies traveling together.
Presentation:
Let face it, we all look rough, but it doesn’t mean we can’t do ourselves any favor before pointing our thumbs towards the sky. Try to find a water source to wash your face and hair if available. In addition, don’t become outwardly frustrated if you’re not getting the results you desire. If someone was going to stop, nothing would change their mind quicker than watching an adult throwing a temper tantrum on the side of the road. Stay classy San Diego!
Turning every stone:
You never know where the next ride will come from, so never let an opportunity pass you by. Vans, motorcycles, big rigs? They’re all fair game when an open seat is the only thing between you and last call or escaping from a pending storm.
Look for Alternatives:
As the trail community continues to grow, so does the support structure around our beloved footpaths. It’s no longer uncommon to trail angels to have their services added to Guthooks (“FarOut”). Try to coordinate a ride well before you need it, as the services can become competitive, especially for those traveling in the bubble.
Other more public means of transportation like Buses and Uber/Lyft are also sometimes available in limited cases. Make sure to check the route schedule or preview how many drivers there are in your area BEFORE making a final decision that depends on the service. It will go a long way to avoid unnecessary headaches.
Lastly, while in town, get to know and make friends with the locals. You never know when an impromptu offering may be thrown your way.
I’ll be the first to admit, these tips and tricks are not foolproof. You can do everything right and still end up watching the hands on your clock turn significantly around the circle before finding your behind on an upholstered surface. At the end of the day, hitchhiking relies on one thing more than any other, the kindness of a stranger. Never take advantage of this, represent the trail community in a positive light, and be humble in your gratitude. Your actions can influence change in others. Leaving outsiders with favorable views of our community will lead to more rides for us all.
Feel free to leave additional tips and tricks in the comments below!
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Comments 10
Great post, Moxie! Can’t wait to read more in the future!
Thanks for the support Goldilocks! It means so much!!
Great blog post, Moxie! Many good tips for us to keep in mind as we venture to and from trail.
Looking forward to future blog posts of yours. I enjoyed your writing style!
Hey, thanks Canoe. I definitely had our near Uber debacle in Ashland, OR on the mind when writing the last tip down, lol
I usually stop if someone has a guitar or a dog. My friend who hitches a lot says it’s important to have a cardboard sign printed with their destination if hitching on the interstate. (I understand these two tips don’t really apply to long distance hikers)
You can also post a need on the local trail Angel Facebook page, just be sure to update your post when you have a ride.
Great recommandation Erica! I didn’t even think of this.
Hey, you can’t go wrong with a guitar or dog, lol. Carrying a sign in also a great idea, although I’ve only ever implemented this trick once myself
Yeah, good post and info and to go further on the “cardboard sign” message…
The slickest thing I saw on Trail was a sit pad with “TOWN” and “TRAIL” lettered on it.
Every thing we carry MUST have multiple uses.
Keep Hiking
I completely agree on the double use philosophy. I’ve also seen hiker write on their tyvek ground sheets, so the text is large enough to be seen by passing vechiles.