Facebook
- + To whom it may concern: Have you considered a Facebook account?? This forum is very difficult to navigate and there's no way to be notified if anyone answers a question you post. Facebook could real...
Discussion started 07/18/2012 08:44 AM by Tess - 17 replies (last reply by Michael rodemeyer at 07/27/2012 03:34 PM)Tess from OFallon on 07/18/2012 08:44 AM
To whom it may concern: Have you considered a Facebook account?? This forum is very difficult to navigate and there's no way to be notified if anyone answers a question you post. Facebook could really improve your circulation as well. Just a thought!
TMI on 07/18/2012 08:49 AM
Tess, I realize you and Steve may find it difficult to believe but there are people in the world who don't have and don't want facebook accounts. Ray is a master at what he does and we long time forum readers are very satisfied with his website. But he has twitter for the twits.
Tess from OFallon on 07/18/2012 09:59 AM
First off, you have never read a comment from me stating that Ray isn't doing his job. This was only a suggestion. A suggestion, I might add that you didn't even consider, before turning it down. If you've never had a Facebook account, how can you comment on how it could affect this forum? It would never take away from what you have here, but it would reach thousands of others and it would only be an additonal (and easier way) for individuals to talk about and get answers to what concerns them. I'm sorry you took offense at a suggestion. BTW: Who is Steve?!?
kevin from Jeff City on 07/18/2012 12:42 PM
That is a great idea, but there's no reason why this site should do it. FB pages take a lot of time to manage. A FB page for a site like this is a lot different from a personal FB account, and takes time to maintain. Same for Google+, Pinterest or anything else.
It's easy to let on-line discussions there get out of control, so unless there are some angels out there who Ray would trust to monitor it, it may be more work than it's worth. Besides, he manages similar sites for other trails.
There are several Katy Trail-related pages out there, so it may be that there is already someone doing something similar. Or one of us could start a page.
Trek on 07/18/2012 12:50 PM
It is sometimes difficult to get through the forum. But, there was an addition of tags recently that should help.
And on the home page there is a large "?" to search the site which makes it really pretty easy to find something.
Although it's probably not like facebook, it works.
ArkyKenny from Farmington, AR on 07/18/2012 02:24 PM
Well said TMI. Great job Ray!
"Just say No" to Facebook.
Animus on 07/18/2012 07:08 PM
We don't need no stinking Facebook! ;)
Doug from Bluffton on 07/18/2012 07:16 PM
Please Ray, Do Not listen to her. Tess you obviously saw that someone replied to your post so notification is not needed. This website is the absolute easiest to use I have ever seen. Let us not complicate things. Besides, Facebook sucks. Just my ever so humble opinion.
Jim from St. Thomas on 07/18/2012 10:35 PM
Tess, Please forgive my fellow Luddites. Change is a terifying thing to us and we sometimes forget common coutesy when confronted with it. That said I agree that it would be a major pain in the arse for Ray to maintain a public Facebook presence and I am very happy with the current site.
Ray ( webmaster ) on 07/19/2012 07:36 AM
Thank you, I always appreciate suggestions.
I am a Facebook user and think it's a great tool. But I have not set up a trail-related FB page because I can do more useful stuff with the forum comments when the discussion is kept here within the website. I can provide the tagging feature (tagging is not perfect but it goes a long way in helping with navigation). I can make comments about towns and businesses show up on the pages for those towns and businesses. I can pre-emptively filter out (most) spam, porn, and other inappropriate comments. If the discussion were moved over to FB, these things would not be possible or at least would require a lot of extra work in copying the FB comments into the website, adding tags, etc. There would definitely be some advantages in FB, but I think keeping the forum within the site provides a higher level of usefulness.
Having said that, I really do like your idea of having an option to be notified when someone replies to your post. I am going to add this to the development list (right after the itinerary builder feature which is still on the way).
Thanks again for suggestions, and all the compliments. :-)
Tess from OFallon on 07/19/2012 08:53 AM
Thanks Ray. It was never my intention to move this forum, just add an additional one on FB. Possibly a group site where people can add their experiences or ask questions. I love the fact you can add notifications here. There are questions I've added and never got a "known" response because they are buried so far back in time. That and I'm positive the same questions are asked time and time again because people don't have the time to flip through each page every time the come here.
Anonymous on 07/19/2012 09:48 AM
Maybe at the very least we could just get a Like button? And we could click on it once and again for what ever purpose that serves.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 07/19/2012 08:40 PM
Ray, in the past, I signed up for your auto notification of new posts to this page. That has work well for me and could be solution for Tess. I just don't remember where or how I got it started.
Billy from Mokane on 07/20/2012 08:34 AM
I like this forum just fine. Pats on the back here to Ray.
TMI on 07/20/2012 10:43 AM
Tess, I am guessing but you have probably grown up with FB? I understand the FB dependance since all my family members have accounts. But as you can see from the other comments, this forum has some of the capabilities you need but not all. I am not objecting to change just this forum and website does have a great deal to offer if you do a small tutorial. Oh sorry, its Mark not Steve (Zuckerberg), my bad, right.
Tim from Raymore, MO on 07/22/2012 06:52 PM
I like the current platform just fine. I think you do a fine job Ray and it's definately more managable this way. Thanks for all you do for us!
Mark from St. Louis on 07/27/2012 08:53 AM
Read the first few posts and am commenting - hopefully not re-posting others thoughts.
"This forum is very difficult to navigate "
This implies that Ray isn't doing his job, so don't argue that you didn't say that.
My main point - This site is wonderful. I biked a 15 miles out/15mile back a few weeks ago, and am hooked. Getting ready to do a 30 mile out and back + overnighter tonight. This site has been very helpful and facebook would be a waste.
Besides, facebook and google plus are fads, this site will always show in search engines and thus be easier to find.
Michael rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 07/27/2012 03:34 PM
First horse manure and now facebook, both the same to me. How have we survived on the trail without such?
Best Ride?
- + My hubby and I only have 3-4 days to ride the trail and want to know what would be the best, most scenic area to ride? (Can't do the whole thing!)
Discussion started 07/26/2012 03:46 PM by Suebee - 2 replies (last reply by Michael Rodemeyer at 07/27/2012 03:30 PM)Suebee from Rantoul, IL on 07/26/2012 03:46 PM
My hubby and I only have 3-4 days to ride the trail and want to know what would be the best, most scenic area to ride? (Can't do the whole thing!)
Arnold from Tulsa, OK on 07/27/2012 03:29 PM
I've only ridden the trail twice so I'm no expert but I liked the Booneville to Hermann section the best. There's the tunnel at Rocheport, riding next to the bluffs, riding across the big bridge at Jeff City and of course, the river. Hermann is actually a few miles from the trail but they have a spur and it's a nice little town.
Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 07/27/2012 03:30 PM
The ride from Jefferson city to Rocheport is the most scenic and you can stay overnight in one of our great B & Bs. Come see us.
Crime at Weldon Spring trailhead
- + I've been to Weldon Spring 3 times in the last 2 weeks and have seen cars with windows broken out. Everyone stay alert and watch your valuables.
Discussion started 08/18/2008 12:04 PM by DougK - 9 replies (last reply by sk at 07/27/2012 01:12 PM)DougK from Troy on 08/18/2008 12:04 PM
I've been to Weldon Spring 3 times in the last 2 weeks and have seen cars with windows broken out. Everyone stay alert and watch your valuables.
Matt from St. Charles on 08/18/2008 04:22 PM
Thanks for the heads up!
Doug from Bluffton on 08/18/2008 09:03 PM
Sounds like a good place for a nearby gunrange.
Trek on 08/19/2008 08:09 AM
Ahhhh....you've been keeping up Doug! Good one!
Doug from Bluffton on 08/19/2008 04:57 PM
Well,, I came to this world to have a good time. You humans; although easily sidetracked, are for the most part quite enjoyable and several are very astute. I would welcome your company. The conversation, I am sure, would be refreshing.
Okydokey on 08/19/2008 08:17 PM
Last week we went on a ride from Weldon Springs with our son and daughter-in-law. When
we got back their passenger side window was broken out and glove box open. We just got
back an hour ago from a ride there and there were 4 additional patches of broken glass along
the parking lot. BE CAREFUL and don't get back after dusk. It's a shame. We have been
biking from there for the last 2 years. Guess we'll have to drive farther away to start a bike
ride. Don't really know who to report this to. It is fairly secluded area and I'm sure there will
not be an officer assigned to watch the parking lot.
Bike Cop from KCMO on 08/20/2008 07:16 PM
Call the responsible Sheriffs Dept. It's thier job. Call them, complain. If your a victim, have a report taken. A lot of people are hesitant to call the law for whatever reason. A stakeout and bust is the solution. Cops love this stuff. I know I do. Probably a local meth-head they know.
Okydokey on 08/20/2008 08:16 PM
Thanks for the interest. My son and daughter-in-law reported it to the St, Charles country
sheriff's dept. the day their car was broken into. Hope he/she/they get caught and
prosecuted.
DougK from Troy on 08/24/2008 08:17 PM
Guns, that's the answer. There's nothing more dangerous than a hot, peeved off hiker/biker packin heat.
sk from st. louis on 07/27/2012 01:12 PM
We had a purse stolen out of our vehicle at the weldon spring trailhead recently. (Reported to sheriff's dept.) They didn't break the window, I wonder if my remote got bumped while I was riding and unlocked it.
St Charles Ameristar Casino
- + So i am planning my first long trip on the Katy. Im gonna do Clinton-St Charles. My mom is going to pick me up in St Charles. She likes to gamble so i thought I could just meet her at the Ameristar Ca...
Discussion started 07/26/2012 07:24 PM by Gabe - 4 replies (last reply by Gabe at 07/27/2012 12:41 PM)Gabe from springfield on 07/26/2012 07:24 PM
So i am planning my first long trip on the Katy. Im gonna do Clinton-St Charles. My mom is going to pick me up in St Charles. She likes to gamble so i thought I could just meet her at the Ameristar Casino. From google maps it looks like it is right on the trail. Am I looking at this correctly? Thanks!!
sk from st. louis on 07/26/2012 08:50 PM
Yes, the trail runs right next to the casino.
Gabe from springfield on 07/27/2012 10:47 AM
Excellent, that will make things much simpler. I appreciate the info
Ray ( webmaster ) on 07/27/2012 11:20 AM
Technically, the trail runs through a tunnel under the street that leads to the casino. You'll need to go up and around to get into the casino. But it is right there.
Gabe from springfield on 07/27/2012 12:41 PM
Ok thanks Ray, I really just wanted to make sure it wasnt a dangerous trip getting from the trail to the casino.
Sedalia to Clinton?
- + My boyfriend and I will be traveling by Amtrak from St Charles to Sedalia to attempt to ride the Katy Trail from Clinton County back home to St Charles County. The train drops off in Sedalia and we ne...
Discussion started 07/26/2012 04:19 PM by Allison - 1 reply (last reply by Joe G at 07/26/2012 10:10 PM)Allison from St Charles on 07/26/2012 04:19 PM
My boyfriend and I will be traveling by Amtrak from St Charles to Sedalia to attempt to ride the Katy Trail from Clinton County back home to St Charles County. The train drops off in Sedalia and we need to get to Clinton County, any ideas on fastest/easiest/cheapest way to do this? I want to start at the beginning of the Katy!
Joe G from Wildwood, MO on 07/26/2012 10:10 PM
I rode from Clinton to Machens in June and I found it cheaper and faster to take the train to Warrensburg and use Central Cab Co to shuttle to Clinton the train cost another couple of dollars and the shuttle was $40 or $45 just call Central Cab ahead of time to make arrangements.
Metro Transit bus to trail
- + Anyone had any experience taking the Metro Transit bus from the Amtrak Kirkwood station to the trail? Any suggestions would be appreciated as I will be starting from Kirkwood on 7-31-12 via bicycle.
Discussion started 07/23/2012 08:05 PM by awbikes - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 07/26/2012 12:49 PM)awbikes from Spring Hill Florida on 07/23/2012 08:05 PM
Anyone had any experience taking the Metro Transit bus from the Amtrak Kirkwood station to the trail? Any suggestions would be appreciated as I will be starting from Kirkwood on 7-31-12 via bicycle.
sk from st. louis on 07/25/2012 10:18 PM
I don't think the bus goes across the river to st. charles and the trail, but I think you can catch a bus to creve coeur park in maryland heights and ride the 5 mile paved bike trail across the river. It has a nice bile span seperated from car traffic across the river.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 07/26/2012 12:19 PM
Nice bile? We know what you meant, but funny anyway.
Anonymous on 07/26/2012 12:49 PM
Its good the bile span is seperate from the car traffic. Bile AND car traffic would be deal breaker for me.
Rocheport BBQ
- + New food place in Rocheport! The Rocheport BBQ and Bike Rental, located just north of the Trailside Cafe has been open for a couple of weeks now. No business sign yet although a few temporary signs ...
Discussion started 06/02/2012 05:42 PM by ShowMe - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 07/25/2012 08:39 PM)ShowMe on 06/02/2012 05:42 PM
New food place in Rocheport! The Rocheport BBQ and Bike Rental, located just north of the Trailside Cafe has been open for a couple of weeks now. No business sign yet although a few temporary signs out front. They are open Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. I've eaten there three times and tried pulled pork, brisket, and chicken. All very good. Cooked on premises (BBQ'd out back, actually) with two kinds of really good sauce on the side. The sides are potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans,green beans. Water, soft drinks, beer, wine. BBQ with two sides is $8. Soft drinks/beer extra. Beer was $2.50 (Bud Light). Service was quick--about two minutes. Best food and best price I've had in years.
Pam O from Independence on 06/03/2012 12:31 PM
Thanks ShowMe. Will try it next Sunday when we ride in on our trip. We like to have a beer after our rides and you can't get that at Trailside.
S Cox on 06/09/2012 09:25 PM
Not only is the food great, but the service is magnificent!
AKillen from Kansas City on 07/15/2012 06:18 PM
Just tried Rocheport BBQ on July 11th and was impressed. As a Kansas City native I was skeptical of others' BBQ; however, I can vouch the pulled pork was delicious (sweet, slightly smoky, not dry). I am glad they offer a small menu because they can do a quality job instead of having a large amount of items ready to deep-fry (as many small rural restaurants do).
Rocheport Bike and BBQ on 07/18/2012 08:29 PM
Thank you all for stopping by Rocheport Bike and BBQ. We really appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again.
Anonymous from Rocheport, MO on 07/25/2012 08:39 PM
AMAZING BBQ! Our new found BBQ place. When you have to contemplate whether to put sauce on it or not so you don't ruin the flavor of the meat...that says it all!
Discounted stay
- + Hi Katy Trail Riders, We are offering a discount again for all of you. Check out our website to see the deals we are offering.We also offer safe, secure storage for your bikes!
Discussion started 07/25/2012 07:11 PM by High Street Victorian, B&B - 0 repliesHigh Street Victorian, B&B from Boonville, on 07/25/2012 07:11 PM
Hi Katy Trail Riders, We are offering a discount again for all of you. Check out our website to see the deals we are offering.
We also offer safe, secure storage for your bikes!