Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 8/18/2010 11:54:38 AM:
On a ride last Sunday, while stopped in Hartsburg, my back tire looked low. I was fully loaded (gear, not alcohol) but it looked lower than it should, checked it, and it was. On those last few good pumps to top it off, the sounds of a snapping presta valve and a whoosh of air reminded me that I had forgotten to pick up an extra inner tube. I was headed to Sedalia and stuck.
People from Columbia Mo. are nice. One fellow gave up a leaky spare tube to try, that was too small but I had to do something even if to push it someplace. Patched it. But another couple pulled up to the trail head and one of them had a patched spare that was the right size and was willing to give it to me. Great people, I tells ya. Hope they had another spare. A big Thank You, to them. Honestly, there are nice people all up and down the trail.
So anyway, I told you that to tell you this. After a couple of stops for a little pump action I limped into Rocheport and the Trailside Café and Bike Shop. After reading that comment stream from last week, I put on my armor, grabbed my sword and went inside. And found a collection of accommodating and nice people (in a commercial sort of way). But that was why I was there. Had an ice COLD water and soft drink, chatted a little with a couple of the staff, picked up a couple of tubes and was good to go. In truth, I’ve been there before, as other places and thought they could be more friendly, but hey, I have friends. I paid for what I got and they didn’t owe me anything else. This time and most other times they were friendly and accommodating. So, I guess this is the other side of the coin.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with the Trailside Café or it’s ownership, and don’t know these people from Jack, or “the man in the moon“.