Katy Trail Home  The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail Rock Island Trail Home
Katy Trail Home Clinton Windsor Calhoun Green Ridge Sedalia Clifton City Boonville New Franklin Rocheport McBaine Hartsburg N Jefferson Tebbetts Mokane Portland Bluffton Rhineland McKittrick Treloar Marthasville Matson Defiance Weldon Spring St Charles Machens Easley Pilot Grove Hermann Huntsdale Columbia Jefferson City Dutzow Washington Augusta KT sticker Rock Island Spur Map Katy Trail Katy Trail Merchandise
switch to Rock Island map

Representing oursleves well
Go to Forum
Craig Parson from Fort Madison Iowa on 6/12/2012 12:06:39 PM:
As I traveled the trail the previous week I observed the behavior of my fellow cyclist and after a few days observation I see how we come off as "rude freaks" to people in town. I watched time and time again as people walked into a business and seem to expect the world to stop what it's doing and serve them. Not enough greetings and smiles from our side, I realize we are hot and tired but please make the effort to be friendly as you remember a bad experience far longer than a good one.

I know this is a two way street and the people in the towns should do the same but even if they don't let's not allow ourselves to be generalized negatively. We may dress like skintight clowns, but we aren't much different than anybody else.

I also made an effort to leave my bike in sight unlocked and out of the way. Stealing bikes in these small towns during broad daylight just doesn't happen. Save yourself the trouble.
 
Anonymous on 6/12/2012 4:51:20 PM:
Rude Freaks sounds like RAGBRI riders from Iowa.
 
savage24 from KC, MO on 6/13/2012 4:08:08 PM:
Craig, I think your post was very well written and I appreciate it. I have seen posts on this site reporting a bad experience at places I have patronized and never had a bad experience at. There is an old saying that may apply to some of these situations: "When everyone around you is not measuring up, it may be time to check your yard stick."
 
FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!
More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us
 
By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2026 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.