Pay it forward.

On my run in this past Monday morning, i passed a cyclist standing next to his bike, and he was on his mobile. I stopped and noticed his back tyre was flat and asked him if he had a spare tube or puncture kit. He said he's used his last tube the day before.

Now, there's a bit of a background to my next action which needs elaboration first; I have made a regular habit of cycling to and from work and was struck at how aggressive cyclists were compared to runners, and it was rather off-putting, but i decided to persevere and try a social experiment. I started by saying, "hello, how're you doing?" when i passed other cyclists or when i was passed (easier when you're passing), and have had a mixed response. Most people say, "hello" back when you pass them, but not many the other way.

It was about two weeks in to trying this when i ran in to the cyclist with the flat, so i thought i'd be extra nice and stop and offer help. My good intentions were founded on solid ground as i had my cycling stuff in my running bag, which included a spare tube, which i offered to the guy (whose name i had now learned was Jono). I gave him my number and said he could replace the tube if he had the time. I got to work and had received an sms from Jono saying thanks and asking for my address which i duly supplied.

So it get's to Friday and i think, typical, i do a good deed and i don't even get a replacement tube, and i'm now taking a chance riding to work and back with no spare, so i decided i'd go buy myself a replacement today (Friday).

Well blow me down, if i don't receive (just before i leave the office to go buy the tube), a package with two spare tubes and a thank you note! Awesome.

It has restored my faith in humanity (slightly) and vindicated my social experiment that you can create a better world by starting with yourself. I'm sure it doesn't always turn out this way, but with such a good response, i think i'll keep it up. Worth a try, why not give it a go?!