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The original was posted on /r/bicycletouring by /u/David-Max on 2024-03-24 15:17:57.

I know people like to look at anything that’s out of the ordinary, and it’s true that riding and hauling around a bike with panniers and other kit isn’t exactly ordinary, but I’m two days into my tour (Northern Spain) and the staring is bothering me a bit. Like not just curious glances, I’m talking about prolonged staring at me, sometimes up and down.

I’m left wondering now if desensitising yourself to staring is one of those useful skills for bike touring. There are so many situations on a tour in which people are inevitably going to stare, lugging your bike on trains, going into shops, checking into hotels, stopping for a break in a busy town, etc. I guess it’s just something I have to accept.

I’m using a very cheap, somewhat goofy bike and using some cheap equipment (e.g. helmet and glasses) which might make look a bit silly idk. The staring from other cyclists has been surprising, who seem to be somewhat judgemental. Maybe it’s in my head but I’m wondering if anyone else is bothered by staring in general or if it’s just something one needs to get used to.

I’d appreciate hearing other people’s thoughts/experiences in relation to this topic.

Btw I’m in Basque Country, Spain where cycling has been lovely overall.