Very true.
Gravel riding is so very different from the road. I really enjoy my gravel rides because apart from the lack of traffic we come across all sorts of weird and wonderful things, derelict, industrial heritage, unusual farms, little cafe stops, a single row of Victorian terraces in the middle of nowhere always indicate there must once have been industry.
Meeting folk and chatting is great, it interesting, entertaining or flat out bizarre. At the house where I found the mural I spoke to an elderly couple originally from deepest Bolton with accents I could barely understand:
Me: "I love the mural. Can I take a picture?"
Lady: "Ay, they came and painted it. See those boxes? There used to be two horses. They was supposed to inject 'em every six months. They didn't come. The horses fell over."
Man: "You're not from round 'ere?"
Me: "No, Chorley"
Man: "Nah. Down south"
Me: "I was born in the south but live in Chorley now"
Lady: "We're from Bolton. Chawlee's near Bolton. I knew you were alright"
Me: "Not because I'm from down south."
Lady: "No 'cos you're from Chawlee."
I decided to move on. Caught up with my buddies and relayed the conversation.
Buddy: "Was it a care home?"
Me:"That's not the first question you ask people in their garden."
Buddy:"No I suppose you're right."