O.k. guys, I got to chime in ...
I've been watching this thread and pretty much new exactly where this would end up.
The easiest way to get others to ride is to do these 7 things:
1. Get out and ride your bike as much as possible! Ride it into the township parks, the town squares, the local party store, wherever people are gonna see you. Then park it and hangout.
2. Pass out flyers, business cards, etc. to get people's attention.
3. While riding or hanging out answer questions and ask questions. If anyone even looks remotely interested start a conversation.
4. Use craigslist or similar classifieds to get the word out about the upcoming ride that you wanna have or to look for other's rides.
5. Expect to have to drive an hour or so out of your area to meet up with like minded enthusiasts.
6. Hang out at car and motocycle shows. I prefer car shows over motorcycle shows. The car guys are way more receptive of custom bikes. Motorcycle guys sometimes see us as threats to their motorcycles.
7. And most of all, don't be afraid to run with the other groups of bicycles! Kenny P started the original FreakBike Militia from a bunch of mountain bike riders. Most all custom guys have a strong background in one of the other styles of bike riding. The FreakBike Nation has roadies, bmxers, moutain bikers, HPVers, car and motocycle guys, just to name a few who enjoy the custom bike movement! But on our FreakBike rides 90% of the bikes are customs (Kustoms if you're feeling really cool!)
When you do get people interested in showing up, make sure that everyone's on the same page.
Custom rides slow so people can see all the cool! Roadies ride fast so their friends don't see them in spandex! :mrgreen:
If you follow even just a few of my suggestions, you should be able to get some people to ride.
Get out and push the issue don't sit on your butts and complain that you've got nobody to ride with!
Also most bike shops could care less about customs. What little bit of money they make off us, isn't worth their time. Plus if you're talking to their potential customers, then you're stopping them from making a sale on a new overpriced bike. NOT ALL BIKE SHOPS FEEL THIS WAY, but most do!
Good Luck and don't be afraid to ask me any questions.