Has anyone ever been mistaken for a homeless person?

[Digital_Cowboy]

Has anyone when out and about with their bike ever been mistaken for a homeless person? A few years back, I was at a free concert in Downtown St. Pete when a person approached me and told me that his buddy had pointed to me and told him (the one who approached me) that I was homeless.

The one who approached me pointed out to him that a homeless person isn't likely to be riding a Specialized Hardrock, let alone one with Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedals, or wearing Spandex, or have the pannier racks/bags that I had on the bike.

He and I had a laugh at his friend thinking that I was homeless.

So, has anyone else ever been mistaken for a homeless person?

 

[downfader]

Yes. A couple of times.Though no one gave me money.

I dont like shaving for one, and my old winter coat used to be pretty scruffy, as did my shoes (I'm always of the mind that if it aint broke dont fix it, save your money).

 

[Digital_Cowboy]

Yes. A couple of times.Though no one gave me money.

I dont like shaving for one, and my old winter coat used to be pretty scruffy, as did my shoes (I'm always of the mind that if it aint broke dont fix it, save your money).

That's both sad and funny.

I know what ya mean though. I'll reuse various containers instead of throwing them out. As to me it doesn't make any sense to throw something away that still can be used.

 

[MontyVeda]

That's both sad and funny.

I know what ya mean though. I'll reuse various containers instead of throwing them out. As to me it doesn't make any sense to throw something away that still can be used.

People thank I'm bonkers for not throwing away carrier bags

 

[yello]

My wife mistakes me for homeless... but I suspect that's just wishful thinking

 

[SportMonkey]

People thank I'm bonkers for not throwing away carrier bags

I don't either, they can be reused so they're at least not a total waste. To be fair though Booths recycle them, so if we get too many we can make sure they're recycled.

 

[ayceejay]

I stopped at a parking meter once but didn't have the appropriate coin, I asked a young couple walking by if I they had the appropriate coin and could I exchange for other coins that I held out to them. Their look of total disdain gave me a new appreciation for homeless people and how they are viewed by some of us. Remember that I was well dressed and had just stepped out of an automobile my gesture alone was enough to trigger their reaction.

 

[Cyclopathic]

Yes. A couple of times.Though no one gave me money.

I dont like shaving for one, and my old winter coat used to be pretty scruffy, as did my shoes (I'm always of the mind that if it aint broke dont fix it, save your money).

It could possibly be said by some that if one is being mistaken for a homeless person that there is a smidgen of a fraction of a chance that it might actually be broke and may benifit from a modest amount of fixing.

Not me of course, I'm a right scruffy b'stard.

 

[fossyant]

No, and certainly not on the bikes. Bike tart I am ! I dress better on bike tan in real life !

 

[downfader]

No, and certainly not on the bikes. Bike tart I am ! I dress better on bike tan in real life !

Thats me all over too. Bike gear is dead posh to my normal clobber.

 

[chillyuk]

Having been a homeless person in London I like to think I kept myself clean and tidy as did most of the homeless people I mixed with. Having no home doesn't equate with no pride or self respect.

 

[Digital_Cowboy]

People thank I'm bonkers for not throwing away carrier bags

By carrier bags do you mean the bags that we get from the grocery store? I also save those and use them for garbage bags. Why buy bags just to throw them away?

 

[RedRider]

Having been a homeless person in London I like to think I kept myself clean and tidy as did most of the homeless people I mixed with. Having no home doesn't equate with no pride or self respect.

Well said.

 

[pshore]

I am not there yet but have noticed the Big Issue seller outside wh smiths in Cambridge has newer trendier blingier glasses than me. Wife and kids and bikes are using up all my money.

 

[jefmcg]

I had a friend who's leg just broke - it happens apparently, in fact it's happened to two people I know. Anyway, he's a very refined scientist with an aristocratic air, and he fell in the street and couldn't get up, so was sitting on the footpath. He said to a passing stranger "can you help me" and got back "I don't give to beggars"

Sadly, I'd have probably pretended not to hear in the same circumstances.