Unwanted Companions : How do you deal with them?

[byegad]

Not hard to say, but some people have difficulty taking the hint unless you are downright rude to them and it can be difficult escaping when touring in a rural environment.
I had this experience in Iceland when a particularly tightfisted Italian guy who was clearly not the type for solo touring and craved company latched on to me one afternoon and the following day during which he said it was his policy to move on every day, not spending two nights in any on place. That evening I said I would be staying for a second night and he immediately went off to find another unsuspecting tourer on the campsite and the two left together next morning much to my relief.

So long as he was planning to stay two nights that's a great solution. Otherwise a straight Yorkshire reply which translated into modern English as 'Beggar off' usually works for me.

 

[StuartG]

Remember us who tour alone - but not by choice

 

[Ganymede]

Remember us who tour alone - but not by choice

Awww.

 

[snorri]

Remember us who tour alone - but not by choice

I am pleased to say I have met many people on cycle tours and have been pleased to spend a few hours , or days cycling along with them. Some have become friends of several years standing, but this thread is about the tiny minority of oddbods.

 

[Low Roller]

Not hard to say, but some people have difficulty taking the hint unless you are downright rude to them and it can be difficult escaping when touring in a rural environment.
I had this experience in Iceland when a particularly tightfisted Italian guy who was clearly not the type for solo touring and craved company latched on to me one afternoon and the following day during which he said it was his policy to move on every day, not spending two nights in any on place. That evening I said I would be staying for a second night and he immediately went off to find another unsuspecting tourer on the campsite and the two left together next morning much to my relief.

This is a well considered response and reflects exactly where I was coming from!

 

[John the Canuck]

i'd point at my ears and mouth 'DEAF'

they'll soon leave --- as they have no-one to talk to.........................

 

[ColinJ]

i'd point at my ears and mouth 'DEAF'

they'll soon leave --- as they have no-one to talk to.........................

Knowing my luck, they would start signing at me!

 

[watchtowergoggs]

i'd point at my ears and mouth 'DEAF'

they'll soon leave --- as they have no-one to talk to.........................

Yes!! I knew being deaf would come in handy for something.

 

[raleighnut]

Knowing my luck, they would start signing at me!

 

[Ticktockmy]

I just tell them I am Gay, and they are very handsome, blah, Blah. which does two things, either they quickly run away or think it their lucky day,

 

[raleighnut]

I just tell them I am Gay, and they are very handsome, blah, Blah. which does two things, either they quickly run away or think it their lucky day,

Knowing my luck they'd be after me and saying "I just knew you did" .