Once again I have to agree with my collegue Gabriel. I ride a fair amount each week. I am also from that Garden State. We have a good mixture of every persuasion but I would say 9 out of 10 cyclist (strangers) will return a greeting no matter what I ride. Perhaps it is because there are so many of us sharing the crowded NJ roads that it is kindred to acknowledge ones survival on any ride.
I have to say that more than once while riding a vintage bike I would attract a tag along rider. Sometimes with more questions than I have answers for. I also have a record of sorts of bringing newcomers into my LBS who just saw me on the road and started up a conversation on old bikes. I have to admit that I have attracted all sorts of characters. Still the one common bond is a bicycle, vintage or otherwise. As Gabriel said, you would not think this of friendly ol New Jersey but it is true. Now the drivers, that is another story for another topic.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ USA