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woman thinking of last minute solo trip - crazy?
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annqueue on 6/24/2013 11:16:18 AM:
Hi all,
some summer plans just fell through, and I'm thinking of hopping Amtrak to the KT and doing that instead. Will I have trouble finding camping or rooms if I don't make reservations in advance? Should a lone female be concerned for her safety in campgrounds along the trail? I usually feel safe in popular campgrounds, but wanted to check with others... thanks.
 
randy & penny on 6/24/2013 4:17:27 PM:
We can't say anything about if you'll be able to get camping spots or a room. It will be based on when your on the trail and where. As for you feeling safe, we have never got a bad feeling anywhere on the trail and see a lot of women a lone riding.
 
annqueue on 6/24/2013 5:05:19 PM:
at this point it's looking like the first week of August. Maybe I have time to make reservations after all...?
 
Doug from Bluffton on 6/24/2013 5:17:20 PM:
I don't think a lone rider would have trouble finding accomodations this time of year anywhere along the trail. A group or during the fall is a different matter. Noise at times in SOME of the campgrounds yes. Safety in them does not seem to be an issue.
 
annqueue on 6/28/2013 5:21:29 AM:
That's good news. How is cell phone coverage on trail? I have a GPS and ham radio but would rather save the weight and not bring them if cell works the whole way.
 
Ry from Indi on 6/28/2013 6:52:26 AM:
Re: solo trip crazy? Having similar thoughts and I'm a man. Yet, I'm going for the KATY I'd kick myself if I chicken out. Option #1 get up around midnight Saturday night drive to the NE start of the KATY (2) drive to Pontiac, Illinois take the 8:35pm Amtrak train to Alton, Illinois arrive 11:35pm Sat. cycle at night to someplace open 24/7 begin the KATY run 4:30am Sunday morning bye cycling over the Mississipi bridge at Alton onto the KATY or (3) find someone to share a ride down to NE start of the trail and bike together to the cycling hostel at Tibbetts, MO. option 1,2 or 3 I'm going for it and will most likely drive the entire 300 miles and options 1,2 and 3 are all equally as crazy, so be it. One suggestion is to make sure you have pepper spray for personal protection and make extra sure you spray test it, many times pepper spray gadgets do not work and that's no guda. Dogs tearing flesh off you is not my idea of having a good time. There are better ways to deal with such, yet, using pepper spray is P.C. - Ryan
 
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 6/28/2013 4:43:19 PM:
Anqueue
Regarding cell phone coverage, each cell service is different. Check your cell service coverage map in Missouri along the Katy keeping in mind they tend to stretch the truth slightly and you will get an idea of where you might not have coverage. I think you will find your fellow cyclists and people along the trail will help you out if you need assistance. Enjoy your ride.
 
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