Bunk-a-Biker: Information for Guests
Your first interaction with a potential Bunk-a-Biker host will likely be thru Facebook, text, or email. It’s the best time to ask your host direct and honest questions about what they’re offering and what you need. You will want to find out about how long you can stay, what the sleeping arrangements are, what your host’s schedule is, any rules your host may have, the appropriate time to arrive, etc. Asking up front will avoid any unnecessary detours in your route and save everyone some time.
Many members of Bunk-a-Biker ask how they can be safe when they’re going to a host’s house for the first time, with women asking the most often. Here’s a few suggestions for everyone:
Besides that, here’s a few suggestions on how to be a wonderful guest who will be welcomed back:
DO NOT:
I’ve stayed with many hosts and made such wonderful memories with all of them. If you are a good guest, there’s not many reasons they wouldn’t invite you back like you’re family. The pure joy of meeting fellow bikers while you travel is priceless and I hope everyone who uses Bunk-a-Biker shares their great stories and encourages other people to make some road family of their own.
Many members of Bunk-a-Biker ask how they can be safe when they’re going to a host’s house for the first time, with women asking the most often. Here’s a few suggestions for everyone:
- Tell someone where you’re going, who you’re staying with, and check in with them often.
- Take pictures of where you’re staying when you arrive and before you leave.
- Send pictures of house numbers, license plates, and other things to family.
- You can meet your host on neutral ground beforehand, like a restaurant, and trust your instincts whether they feel safe.
- Keep your valuables and important documents somewhere safe.
- Never be scared to leave prematurely or say you’re not comfortable.
- Post on Facebook before you get to your host (I’m so excited to stay with X tonight!)
- Remember that the host is inviting you into their home. You know that you’re safe, but they don’t. Try to be open and friendly to establish trust.
Besides that, here’s a few suggestions on how to be a wonderful guest who will be welcomed back:
- Bring gifts from your home area (Harley Davidson poker chips, keychains, local foods, etc).
- Leave your accommodations as good or better than you found them.
- Make the bed or offer to start laundry when you leave.
- Always ask for permission to eat their food or get a drink for yourself.
- Respect their wishes when it comes to alcohol, marijuana, weapons, and drugs.
- Ask questions to make sure you understand where you’re allowed and what is off limits.
- Be polite. If you’re tired, just say so without being rude. Your host is likely excited to have you over and may forget you had a long journey.
- Be open to doing fun stuff with your host if they offer.
- Don’t expect to be fed. If they do feed you, offer to help cook or do the dishes afterwards.
- Be respectful of when your host sleeps and wakes up. Be quiet when you need to be.
- Keep in mind, some personalities clash. If you don’t get along well with your host, try to be polite until you can leave.
DO NOT:
- Tell someone you’re coming and then don’t show up. They likely went out of their way for you and the least you can do is say something.
- Leave trash or a mess behind.
- Steal or take anything without permission.
- Destroy property (riding in the yard, running over plants, break household goods). If you accidentally break something, own up to it and offer to pay for it. Don’t try to hide it.
I’ve stayed with many hosts and made such wonderful memories with all of them. If you are a good guest, there’s not many reasons they wouldn’t invite you back like you’re family. The pure joy of meeting fellow bikers while you travel is priceless and I hope everyone who uses Bunk-a-Biker shares their great stories and encourages other people to make some road family of their own.