warm showers guests

Well, my recently departed husband was very enthusiastic about warm showers. A handful of cyclists came through over the last few years, and he loved every minute of it. He helped them with their bikes, he went on SERIOUS rides with them, he fed them big dinners and good breakfasts, he spent a lot of time visiting with them all.

He died and never turned off "warm showers" So last week when i got a phone call from a 19 year old German boy, I couldn't just say no. I thought; what would Donald do? So i told them yes, they could stay (there's two of them) here for two nights.

While they were still on their bikes, I figured out how to log on to our Warm Showers account, and changed it a bit. No I will NOT sag their bikes, and no, they can't have alcohol in my home. I took dear Donald's name off the thing and also took out the part where it said we were enthusiastic bike commuters because I am not commuting, I am retired. So anyway, kids arrived and
they are quite worn out. I did feed them breakfast (I can scramble eggs) but I don't want to feed them dinner, although I am worried about them (they came home early from the flight museum because they are tired and have been laying around all afternoon. )
They are supposed to leave tomorrow. THey are polite and take showers.

Hopefully they leave with grace and good memories for you. You need to treat yourself well after giving so much for Donald in last few months.

Are you doing any cycling at this time?

yes, today I rode downtown and back, 15 miles... did some chores, visited the park that Donald loved; stopped at the supermarket and carried food home...all on my bike. No big rides yet. I will work up to it. Have to stay busy, that's for sure!

Yes, yes, do take care of yourself. Good to hear you are getting some time in on the bike.

well, the boys just asked if they could stay an extra day; as one of them has sore knees. I said yes.

I bet you're a terrific host(ess).

I'm not sure I could even scramble eggs anymore. I could probably follow a recipe to make an ice bag for those knees.

they decided they would head south slowly, after all. I guess my concern about them wasting another day sitting around at my house got their attention?

Scrambling eggs is easy! just make sure you start with a lot of butter in the fry pan

:) Enjoy the day, Mimi.

I'm not sure I would feel comfortable with "stranger" males in my house, if I was alone. Usually, the common denominator of cyclists makes me less wary, but really, one never knows. I am not unusually cautious about stuff, but I don't think I could do this.
Of course, it's a moot point as my DH would be even more uncomfortable and never want to have people he doesn't know in the house. He wouldn't be "afraid," but let's just say his expectations for neatness are high and this would stop him. I'm kind of the same way, but a lot more flexible.

My sister has been a Warm Showers host for a couple of years. She has had some really nice people stay with her. I've thought about it, but our yard/house lay out would make it difficult for someone camping in the backyard to get to the bathroom.

missjean, i let them into the house. We have lots of extra bedrooms. "WE" being me....

Mimi - Good for you for letting them stay.

I think I would consider doing it if my boys weren't so small/young.

Good for you! I would do it, but we only have one bedroom. I recently got an email from my cycling club asking for housing for the pros coming to race cyclocross in Providence. It makes me wish I had more room.

I was just looking at the lovely thank you card you sent. I have it on my mantle.

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

I have it on my mantle.

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Me too. It is a lovely card.

How nice of you to host the cyclists, Mimi. I bet those were some yummy and much appreciated scrambled eggs!

Biciclista, wow, that is very generous of you to have them. While reading I kept thinking about how that is such a great thing to do and I also could not fathom me doing that. As much as I feel like a trusting person, strangers in my home goes past my comfort level. Maybe that's why I've never stayed in a Bed and Breakfast.

well, they made their own breakfast today. instant oatmeal, sliced grapes and water. YUM.
they did NOT cook the instant oatmeal. They said they were eating it German style.

Muselix! It's not as bad as it sounds. It was really nice of you to let them stay.

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Originally Posted by Eden

Muselix! It's not as bad as it sounds. It was really nice of you to let them stay.

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what would Donald do?

(that's how I came to this conclusion)

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Originally Posted by indysteel

Me too. It is a lovely card.

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Me three!

I don't think my comfort level is quite there with warm showers either. I suppose I've seen too much of the bad side of people.

well, they're off!

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Originally Posted by indysteel

Me too. It is a lovely card.

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Here, too. Thank you. I will frame it.

once our remodel is done, we'll look into this. Our backyard is perfect for camping.

they would have been content camping outside. their eyes got so big when they saw i was offering a bed.

We enjoy being warm showers hosts, there are actually more hosts than bike tourists in our area, so we don't feel bad if we have to turn someone away due to scheduling. We had a couple over memorial day that were very fun, we basically gave them run of our little apartment over our shop. I was a bit concerned because they were vegan and we aren't but we even cooked dinner together, twice.
Good for you Mimi!
the Bike Hermit had great experience his last long tour with his warm showers hosts as well.

I've been a host on WarmShowers for about 6 years and it has been a wonderful experience. Some of my more memorable guests include:

-- A guest who told me about the National 24 Hour Challenge, and thus started my endurance cycling career (his son recently came out and rode the N24HC with us)
-- A family who had been on the road already 12 months - the boys were 4, 6 and 8 when they left Calgary and headed for Mexico. Each morning mom taped their homework to the handlebars on the tandems and tagalong.
-- A couple on their honeymoon, visiting all 50 states and raising money for two fantastic causes
-- A photographer/touring cyclist who I am still in contact

And many more.

I recommend everyone consider becoming a host, whether you live alone, as a couple or a member of a large family. And regardless of whether you have just a small place to pitch a tent or a private bedroom w/bath.

I had my card on the mantle too, but apparently the naughty kitty thought it belonged behind the piano,

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Originally Posted by Jaclyn

-- A couple on their honeymoon, visiting all 50 states and raising money for two fantastic causes

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Hey- I hosted them, too! Well, I suppose it could have been another couple doing the same thing, but A&C were the sweetest couple ever! They even rode to school with me and did a big presentation for the school before they left town.

That was very nice of you to take them in. Were they riding the Pacific Coast or ? Any good stories or interesting conversations? Would you consider hosting again?
I will consider Warm Showers once I retire (44 months!).