Stranded

Saw a guy on the off ramp begging. Not unusual but he had a fully rigged touring bicycle and a sign that said "stranded". I checked for flats but they looked fully inflated. I was wondering how the hell you're stranded when you have a bicycle. I didn't bother to ask so maybe I'll never know. I have no problem with begging but I do have a problem with a lack of creativity. Utah Phillips told a story one time about being on the bum and needing some food. He found a pot and told people "I've got this pot but nothing to cook in it. Can you help out?". Hell at least he was making an effort.  He wasn't being a liar either.