When I ride in San Antonio doing errands I always wave at: 1) obviously new cyclists; 2) any children that notice me and 3) any motorist who had a chance to run me down but didn't. I nod to well-dressed cyclists on expensive bikes and sometimes get a nod or wave back.

When I'm riding near my home in the country most of the "cyclists" I see would probably rather not be noticed. They are commuters and generally ride on the wrong side of the road. They do not have cars at home and probably do not have drivers licenses and probably would not like to see "La Migra" coming up behind them. I do smile and wave and wonder how my neighbors or small-town folks in the area "classify" me when they see me riding around on my bike along with these other commuters.

Can't wait to get my Big Dummy on the road -- kind of like the Hummer of bicycles. That might confuse the issue even more, especially since I can haul passengers like some of my other "country cyclist" friends.