Strange Hosting Request

I think if you have a feeling of uneasyness you should follow your feelings.
Sometimes they are the only thing you have to go by.
I can be quirky at times but when I'm a guest I try to be a good guest.
Same thing with being a host. I try to be a good host.

I have had over 50 guests over the years and none of them have made me feel uneasy but I fear this one would definitely make the hair go up on the back of my neck. I think I personally would not offer anything more. You have already gone above gone above and beyond. Your uneasy instincts may have been an alert to pay attention to.

Mary from Montana

Every host has to follow their own gut on this sort of thing. When you have a largish group like this, there will be some strange ones. We once had a 'reverend' visiting some of our hosts... and taking advantage of their hospitality. He was really a bum. But that's one of the few accounts we've every cancelled for misbehavior.

If you aren't comfortable, send them away.

A strange request indeed.
We are not hosting cyclists because we are currently riding.
I think you are handling the situation well, offering him bicycle related help, and not making him known to the whole forum.
We have occasionally seen some very strange touring cyclists on the road, that I´d feel uneasy hosting. )they weren´t members though.
I think it might be wise to discuss his details with the warmshowers webmaster and they might keep an eye on him.
Wish you many more good guests...
anna

I think you went beyond hosting duties. If either party feels uneasy opt out and dont give it a thought.

We just had a couple stay that I didn't enjoy at all. (the other dozen were great).

This couple emailed, I said when, they asked directions, I said WHEN, they said they were already in town. "come pick us at xxxx" I agreed but didnt have time to check them out. They had bicycles and looked legit. At home I found on their blog they only used bike like a cart! they mostly hitched and bussed, then rode around a town. That isnt bad but they were deceptive and outright lied about it. So this makes one a bit uneasy about the whole thing. I couldn't wait for them to leave! And then in the morning the husband lay in bed til 9, dallied while wife and I fixed her bike. They left at 11am.

My point is I use the fact someone is a serious cycle tourist to vet guests. If they are not riding I will pass. If they have blog documenting trip and in my town their bike is stolen then I would invite them.