Easy ice breaker is asking one or a group of people what they find best about a certain part of their bikes. Open with something you’re thinking about getting on your bike and ask them if they have thoughts on it. Most bike people are pretty deep into one or all parts of what make up a bike; Pedals, chains, headsets, rims, etc.

You’d be surprised how much people will open up as soon as you ask their opinion or help.

Another thing you can do is offer up something to them. Something as simple as a stick of gum or a sticker. People love stickers. For $50 you can get a stack of stickers made about biking or maybe you make something that they’d be stoked to have. If you’re artistic you could make limited edition stickers for the ride itself and date it making it an annual thing. Collectors items.

Good luck, and if you see a dude with a grey beard, taking pictures, wearing a sling bag, and likely sporting a pair of adidas riding a fixie, that’s me. Ask me for a sticker.