Firecop, sorry to hear of your tribulation in "the hood". I live in the hood, am aware of the, ahem, "trouble" in the area, and I frequented that area growing up. There are loads of trolls and alarmists around this area (esp on forums). I'm not doubting the veracity of your claims of a dog attack though. Glad you were able to get away. I've ridden that part of the trail many times, and I've never had trouble. Not saying that others haven't, only that I haven't, and I've ridden it North, South, East, and West to the terminus in all directions. I don't like to ride West of Burlingame, as there is a certain 'entitlement' attitude of those that use it out that way. That and all the little kids and parents and dogs dawdling on that part of the trail make it nearly unuseable at times. I've seen people reading and walking at the same time on that thing! Going South from the Brown v. Board building is the best ride, IMO. I've seen deer 1 block South of the the building! I've never seen any homeless camps out South, but I have smelled them (I own businesses in NOTO, so I know what they smell like). I've encountered the most friendly people on the trail out South, between 37th and the Brown museum. There's almost always a greeting exchanged, while it rarely happens out West. Late summer (out South) a guy was walking his pitbull (off-leash), I called "rider" and he was very apologetic, and quick to call his dog back to him. I stopped and talked for a couple of minutes. Very nice guy that beside not having his dog leashed was a very responsible dog owner. Riding "urban" areas is different than riding trails, and it seems that our experiences and expectations on the same trail have been different. So T-town riders, ride South and East of you dare, or sort through snobby folks and their teeming brood out West. Arm yourself, or don't. Hopefully I won't be mistaken for a "stereotype" by the gun-toters using the system. Guns in this situation don't make me feel ANY safer.
Perry is one of the best trails in the area. If you are a beginner, make sure that you know where you're going, and it might be best to NOT ride solo. It is a big, advanced(ish), well-designed, challenging trail. The thing is, is that for the same amount of windshield time you can ride LRT, Clinton, Brownbuck's residence, and Dornwood as well. If you want to avoid the crowd at The Mansion, and/or don't want to drive to Lawrence, I'd suggest trying Dornwood. Sure, naysayers and hand-wringers will tell you not to, but it's got a little bit of everything, and it's not huge. There are challenging sections, and there are flowy sections. There are a limited number of climbs. I rode Dornwood both Saturday and Sunday.
SlakJak I know lots of different stuff that can be ridden around here. Feel free to PM me. I have Wed-Mon off, and I'm wanting to ride when I can.