safety

I'm planning a solo trip from Clinton to Sedalia in late September. Most likely on a Saturday or Sunday. Are there any safety concerns for riding alone on the trail? I know women have been attacked on the trails in my area and am hoping for a safe ride. :)

I just did that section last weekend and saw very few people, and no one for miles in most sections. I rode early from Sedalia to Clinton, and back. I only stop at the trailheads tho...but I am male, and have never ran into any hostile or unfriendlies on the entire length of the Katy.

Anythng can happen, but I think the Katy is very safe. Especially on a weekend. I ride that stretch a lot and have never had ANY probelm with anyone. In fact, riders more often go out of their way to help each other. But, it is not a perfect world we live in, and the Katy is part of that imperfect world.

One time I was riding alone near High Point when I came accross a very strategically stopped group of guys standing around not trying very hard to fix a flat tire. Let's just say that they did not look like recreational cyclists. It occurred to me that where they stopped was a great place to be "Shang High" an unsuspecting tired, solo biker carrying cash. So I slowed, gave them a wide berth and didn't stop to help them. I didn't have any problems, but it crossed my mind that their intentions were not good.

The flip side of that is that people on and around the Katy will go out of their way to help you. I have changed several flats for ladies in distress, and fixed bikes on the trail for those less mechanically inclined.
Once, a nice little old lady in N. Jeff City hooked me up with a bike mechanic on a Sunday morning who literally saved my trip because she said I "Just looked like I needed help......" I did. The old man she brought to me, who I thought was wasting both of our time, and his 30 year old Huffy rear derailleur got me and my $2000 bike home. He also taught me a lesson that I should have already known: Don't judge a book by its' cover. Such is life on the Katy.

But......wrecks, mechanical issues, health issues, and anythng else can happen. If you're worried about your safety, I suggest you ride with a buddy or two. Bring a cell phone and some wasp spray for dogs, and bad guys, and keep them both where you can get to them fast. I use a Topeak TourGuide bar bag up front.

Especially on a weekend, I wouldn't be real worried. The great thing about the Katy is that you can usually find someone

ArkyKenny has some good advise. I am a woman, and, oiy! 60, (how did that happen?). Anyway, I ride the Katy by myself from Jeff City east to Bluffton, and west to Easley. I feel as safe on the trail as I do on the streets of Jeff City. Actually, I feel safer on the Katy. Pay attention to your surroundings, carry a cell phone to get help if you need it, pay attention to the mile markers. If something bad happens and you have to call for help, knowing what mile markers you are between would help. People are nice, friendly, and if you need help, ask and you'll probably get assistance. I think I've only heard of one incident, and I can't remember where it was, but I think they got the guy. I want to say it was maybe on a trail in Columbia. Most of the crazy crime in Central MO. (and probably other parts) is people trying to get money for drugs. They're looking for more money that they expect bicyclists to carry.

I believe the KC urban trails have more undesirables lurking. The Katy Trail is pretty safe as noted. The safety issue is probably more being caught out in isolated areas with bike problems, without provisions, water and cell service.

I think the trail is extremely safe. Carrying a cell phone is always sound advice. Ditto for riding with a buddy. And if you are really concerned for your safety, the State of Missouri allows those with CCW permits (from any state) to carry a loaded handgun in a concealed manner. I use a Kel-Tec P-32. Fully loaded, it weighs just over 9 ounces.

I guess we'll have to add to the trail etiquette. Along with saying "on your left" for passing, say "packing heat" if you are armed.