Warmshowers: why free hospitality for bike tourists is a priceless experience | Joshua Cunningham

The global network of 85,000 members runs on goodwill and a 'pay it forward' philosophy, allowing riders to navigate the lonely and sometimes testing side of cycle touring and connect with kindred spirits

Imagine you're nearing the end of another long day in the saddle, partway through your latest cycling tour. Your panniers feel heavy and your tyres sticky as you drag your bike over the final climb of the day. You pull your map out and wrestle with the foreign characters on the paper, trying to match them with those on the road sign ahead.