A tip for those who are cycling through the prairies ....

There is a word which, when used carefully, may open doors and provide food and accommodations to the person who used it.

The magic word is .....

...... "crops" .... or any associated words such as "harvest", and "planting".


Here's how it works:

You, the cycletourist, walk into the quaint little grocery store in the small prairie town. At first you are regarded with suspicion. A stranger in town! And not only that but a stranger dressed in spandex riding a bicycle. The people in the store are friendly enough, and may ask you a few questions, but they might be a bit aloof. So, you decide to employ the magic "C" word. You start by talking a little bit about the weather ... perhaps they tell you that it has been raining for days, or maybe they tell you that they can hardly remember when the last rain was. From there you move into the comment .... "I bet that must be tough on the crops." ..... that statement will work for either drought or flood situation. Here's the thing though ... you've got to say it sympathetically and sincerely.

All of a sudden you become their best friend!! They will tell you all about the crops ... and the town ... and all the people in the town ............. you'll know more than the local newspaper about everything going on there!!

And this is when, if you are looking for a place to sleep for the night, that you bring up the question: "Are there any good places to camp around here?" Note: Don't specifically ask for a campground ... that narrows the question too much. By asking "Are there any good places to camp around here?", you open the door to allow them to say something like, "Why not pitch your tent in my backyard" ... or behind the store, or in the local park, or wherever.

Now a note of caution ... the magic "C" word must be used carefully. If you do not intend to stay and chat for a while, avoid using the magic "C" word. Use it only when you've got a bit of time to kill!!