We have colorful old character around these parts named Joe Collier: AKA "Mineola Joe". Joe has been a bike rider for over 40 years. He says that he can't remember the last time he went for a ride when he didn't find a penny on the side of the road. He stops to pick them up too; no matter how spirited the tempo of the ride is. Just like the pros consider it bad form to attack in the feed zone, we always soft pedaled when Joe stopped for a penny.
Considering the minimal value of a penny; this behavior is indeed idiosyncratic. Nevertheless I always found it to be an endearing display of humility.
Jamie Swan - Northport, N.Y. (not that far from Mineola)