The Art of Hitchhiking

I’m sure you’ve seen those poor souls walking along the side of the road as you’re driving on the highway. Their back is toward you as you speed along; their arm is down by their left leg with a weary thumb hanging out forlornly. For the record: That is not hitchhiking.

Photo credit: theroadandawetblanket.blogspot.com

Successful Hitchhiking is an actual art form, and back in the day, a practiced Hitchhiker could cross the country about as fast as another person could drive across the country. But, one has to know how to do it, and like anything else, the more you practice, the better you get.

From the mid 1950’s through the mid 1980’s I relied on hitchhiking to be a primary mode of transportation. I hitched to and from school, to dates (and sometimes on dates), on visits to friends, to work – and lots of times just for the fun of it. I hitchhiked back and forth to Kodiak, Alaska 2 times and to both the East and West Coast on multiple occasions.

During those years, I prided myself in usually getting a ride within the first 10 cars. It didn’t happen every time, but more often than not I didn’t have to wait more than a couple of minutes to catch a ride. During those years of ‘riding my thumb’, I developed a code of sorts, that I always went by. It goes like this:

1.       If you’re going to walk, then walk. If you’re going to hitchhike, then hitchhike. There is a world of difference. Don’t try to do both at the same time.

2.       Be neat and clean. You don’t have to wear a suit, but you must look nice.

3.       Don’t hitchhike in the rain. This is supposed to be fun, and standing in the rain is not fun. Besides, most drivers don’t want a cold, wet stranger messing up their nice car. Get a cup of coffee at a coffee shop; chances are you can pick up a ride from someone in the restaurant going the same direction as you.

4.       Look like you are on a mission; like you are trying to get somewhere important. Display confidence and good manners. Hold your arm and thumb out straight like you are trying hard. Don’t try to be cool; be sincere.

5.       Before getting into the car, find out how far they are going. NEVER accept a ride from a person that isn’t going at least to the next town or the next stop light. You don’t want to be left in a poor spot to catch a ride. If you do find yourself with a ride that isn’t going to drop you in a good spot, nicely ask them if they would kindly drive a little further to the next light. It is a lot better to ask and not have to walk a mile or two! If you have struck up a good relationship with your ride, they will be happy to help you out. It makes them feel better (and you too!).

6.       Always choose a location at which the driver can easily and safely pull over to pick you up. The best spots are on the far side of a stop light from where the drivers have to stop. Going at 70 miles an hour on a country highway, few people will consider taking the time to pull over, and for sure they won’t have the time to ‘evaluate’ you. They will just keep on driving.

7.       At these stoplight locations, put your backpack down and concentrate on the drivers waiting at the light to go. Don’t stare and don’t let your eyes linger. But, try to make eye contact for a second or two. With this type of ‘connection’, you can sometimes actually pull a driver over to the curb to pick you up. Really!

8.       If you don’t like the looks of the driver, or the other passengers, DO NOT GET INTO THE CAR. This is your decision, not theirs.

9.       When you do get picked up, be friendly and polite. This person picked you up because he/she wanted some company. Get them talking about themselves and make some interesting conversation. Not only will you enjoy yourself, but more often than not, you’ll learn something interesting. And the extra bonus is that this driver will look forward to picking up the next hitchhiker because of the experience he’s had with you.

10.   On long rides, you don’t have to pay for gas; that is not part of the deal. If they want gas money, get out of the car at the next good spot and let the first guy drive away. It is not worth it.

11.   Offer a sincere Thank You to each and every driver when you get in the car - and at the end of the ride. Everyone likes to be appreciated.

In this ‘modern world’, one rarely ever sees and hitchhiker anymore, let alone pick one up. This is too bad. Some of the greatest people I’ve ever met either picked me up – or I picked them up. People helping people; what a nice thing to do for someone.

by John S. Mickman