tire size and tread
- + I'll be riding the Katy Trail first part of June 2014 and I'm curious what tire width, tread pattern you might recommend for the crushed, packed limestone. I'll be riding a Mountain bike (29er). Do ...
Discussion started 03/17/2014 11:35 AM by gwrightf150 - 14 replies (last reply by Pseudio at 03/21/2014 05:51 AM)gwrightf150 from on 03/17/2014 11:35 AM
I'll be riding the Katy Trail first part of June 2014 and I'm curious what tire width, tread pattern you might recommend for the crushed, packed limestone. I'll be riding a Mountain bike (29er). Do I need to go as narrow as 700cX45c or does it really make that big of a difference? Thank you in advance for any advice.
gwrightf150 on 03/17/2014 11:38 AM
I should probably add that this is a 5 day ride, so speed is not the goal.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/17/2014 01:04 PM
You will not need any knobby tread tires. I prefer touring bike tires for the Katy. I use tires such as the 700x32c Continental Touring Plus or the 700x40c Clement X'plor Mso Adventure. I would say the majority of tires that I see on the trail are hybrid types in the 35-38c widths.
ArkyKenny on 03/17/2014 04:44 PM
I agree with Midsouth. There are threads on this website where we have beat the subject up, but we all pretty much agree that knobbies are not necessarily, and anything else between 28s and 2 inches will do.
If you have not ridden Katy, I think it is like hard concrete with a fine layer of kitty litter on the top. There are a few wash outs, but the trail is pretty solid--especially east. I tend to get flats when my fat butt rolls from the trail over asphalt crossings, so if you're loaded, be careful there.
I ride a touring bike with 29er rims most of the time. On it, I will have 32s with about 70lbs of pressure if it's dry and I want to go fast, or 40s running 55lbs if it's wet, or if I'm lollygagging. Whatever you use, they need to be in good shape and have some puncture protection. I'm also considering setting up my Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 40s up tubeless...........just because I can........there is that overkill thing again.
Anonymous on 03/18/2014 08:13 AM
MidSouth and ArkyKenny, thank you for the input. Much appreciated.
Anonymous on 03/18/2014 03:14 PM
Agree with the comments above. I run 28s...which is the low end (or lower) than what others prefer but I have had no problem with them on repeated trips Clinton to St. Charles and lots and lots and lots of single day rides. Even important to me than width is (as noted above) FLAT PROTECTION. I DO NOT like to change tires sitting on the edge of the trail!! Between the limestone shards, thorns and other miscellaneous, flat protection is a must in my opinion! ENJOY your ride!
Paul Toigo from Kansas City MO on 03/18/2014 09:04 PM
The WIDEST tires I've ever ridden on the KATY are 28s. Indeed, flat protection is imperative for those that want to keep rolling. In my experience, any Schwalbe tire with PLUS protection (e.g. Durano Plus, Marathon Plus) will do the trick.Plus are both durable.
Pseudio on 03/19/2014 03:43 AM
Since Paul has experience in the single day full Katy Trail ride, his opinion on types of tires and definitely flat protection is both good and valuable. I believe he does long rides in Asia too?
Ninard from St. Louis on 03/19/2014 09:58 AM
I ride with my 29er all the time including long trips with Racing Ralphs and now I have Maxxis Crossmarks. You do not need to change to a thinner tire. Both I have used have worked great.
ArkyKenny on 03/19/2014 12:37 PM
I love these discussions! We have people saying that 700x28 slicks are the thing to use: And in a post right after that, a guy says that 2.2" knobbies are the way to go. Others, like me, say that something in between those extremes is "Perfect"--and even I used 3 different sets of tires on the Katy last year on 2 (very different) bikes.
It just goes to show that there are many speeds, and ways to enjoy the ride.
Anonymous on 03/19/2014 09:11 PM
They're pretty good until someone puts down others choices instead of realizing that most all tires or bikes will work. No need to be rude because someone rides a different tire.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City MO on 03/20/2014 06:31 AM
I didn't claim "700x28 slicks are the thing to use". My recommendation is to have flat protection, specifically the "Plus" product offered by Schwalbe.
I'm back from Asia and ready to ride my 3rd century of the year this Saturday. I'm looking for Fleche (360km) teammates for a 18-19APR2014 ride starting in Washington MO that will use a significant portion of the KATY trail. Any volunteers?
ArkyKenny on 03/20/2014 07:50 PM
"The widest tres I have ever been on is 28s" is not an endorsement?
I understand that efficiency, speed, weight of the wheels, etc. is something to be considered, especially if you are trying to cover a lot of ground fast. But 28s are not for me on the Katy. I'm considering a 1 day Katy attempt on my Surly Pacer road bike with 32s on it. We'll see...... I am not a fan of vibration, or of plowing a row in the limestone, so I have always chosen to go bigger/more comfortable/stay on top of the surface. That is especially true on a wet day. But then again, I have never not carried a significant amount of "stuff" with me.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 03/21/2014 05:37 AM
Correct. It is not an endorsement. Much less a directive. It's just a report.
My unpaid endorsement has not waivered. Use Schwable tires with Plus protection. If one is so inclined, the Marathon Plus Tour HS 404 is available in up to 700x40 and 26x2.00. Which reminds me, long story, but for full disclosure there was one trip where I rode a bike with Marathon Plus 700x32 front and 700x35 rear.
Pseudio on 03/21/2014 05:51 AM
I believe tire size depends on your speeds, endurance and strength. But also that most have emphasized, is flat protection. You can get flat protection, kevlar or other materials, in all tire sizes. No fun at all changing flats. If you are riding without flat protection which should be in the tire primarily and with tire change gear, secondary, it is lets say, "commando" riding.
prevailing wind/shuttle
- + Will ride the KATY in April or May and would like to exploit the wind if possible (hate headwinds). Advice? Also would be nice if I could get shuttled back to my East or West End start point where my ...
Discussion started 03/17/2014 10:10 PM by Ocho Uno - 7 replies (last reply by Gary at 03/19/2014 07:35 AM)Ocho Uno from Cincinnati on 03/17/2014 10:10 PM
Will ride the KATY in April or May and would like to exploit the wind if possible (hate headwinds). Advice? Also would be nice if I could get shuttled back to my East or West End start point where my car would be parked. Ideas?
Brian Demarest from Saint Peters on 03/17/2014 10:19 PM
I've heard the winds are usually better riding east to west. How far are you wanting to ride?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/17/2014 10:28 PM
The prevailing winds in mid-Missouri are from the SW, but maybe not on the days you are riding...LOL The winds are not that big of an issue because of the bluffs, they tend to swirl around.
It is usually best to arrange a shuttle at the beginning of your trip and ride back to your car. That way you won't have to rearrange it from out on the trail if you get delayed because of weather or mechanical issues.
Trek on 03/18/2014 06:54 AM
The trail isn't always just below a bluff. The infamous swirl theory may work when you are riding next to one, but when you are out in the open away from the bluffs, that theory doesn't seem to apply. I've ridden many times between Boonville and Rocheport and the bluffs a mile to the north didn't seem to cause a wind swirl. Ride west to east to increase your odds of having a tailwind.
Doug from Bluffton on 03/18/2014 07:09 AM
I'm voting with Trek on this one. I live on the trail in the bluffs and I will admit that the bluffs cause the winds to swirl but 90% of the time I ride west first so that I have tail wind on the return.
Dave from Kirkwood on 03/18/2014 07:34 AM
In the mid-latitudes (30-60 north or south), the winds generally blow west to east. Along the equator, easterly winds are more common. This is all based on Hadley cell air circulation and the Coriolis effect.
Of course, the wind varies here daily (based on fronts moving through), and strong northerly or southerly winds are common, but easterlies less so . West-to-east is more likely to offer a tailwind, but it will depend on the day.
Anonymous on 03/18/2014 03:15 PM
Good advise above. As noted - more days than no...it's going to be blowing out of the south or southwest...so you want to be heading east.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 03/19/2014 07:35 AM
A lot of the times, the wind will be a cross wind and it will feel like it is a head wind no matter which direction you ride due to the winds vector effect not really a swirl effect caused by the bluffs. Also the trail does not run purely east/west, depending where you are you could be riding in a north/south direction or somewhere in between. There is a graphical weather page on this site that will give you the forecasted wind speed and direction using that and where you plan to ride can give you a better idea of what to expect.
Cheap Shuttle/Alternative Options?
- + Planning to ride from St. Charles to Hartsburg later this week/weekend. We're considering hitching a ride back and/or looking for inexpensive shuttle options. Has anyone tried hitching with two people...
Discussion started 03/17/2014 10:32 PM by Siri - 2 replies (last reply by MidSouth at 03/17/2014 10:59 PM)Siri from Minneapolis, MN on 03/17/2014 10:32 PM
Planning to ride from St. Charles to Hartsburg later this week/weekend.
We're considering hitching a ride back and/or looking for inexpensive shuttle options.
Has anyone tried hitching with two people and two bikes? (I actually lucked out in a rainstorm last June and got a ride from Festus to St. Louis with my two riding buddies.)
Are there any more affordable options than the shuttles listed on this site? Thanks!
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/17/2014 10:49 PM
I don't see hitching as a viable option from Hartsburg to St. Charles and I don't know of any inexpensive shuttles due to the price of fuel for several hundred miles.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/17/2014 10:59 PM
You might look into taking Amtrak from Jefferson City back to St. Louis.
Day trip
- + Will be in the area from Kentucky and am looking at possibilities for a day ride on the Katy Trail near St. Charles/Augusta. Would it be a good ride to start in St. Charles, ride to Augusta for lunch/...
Discussion started 03/17/2014 12:25 PM by Tommy - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/17/2014 09:01 PM)Tommy on 03/17/2014 12:25 PM
Will be in the area from Kentucky and am looking at possibilities for a day ride on the Katy Trail near St. Charles/Augusta. Would it be a good ride to start in St. Charles, ride to Augusta for lunch/shopping around town, then back to St. Charles? Or would it be better to start in Augusta and go west 20 or 30 miles, then turn around back to Augusta? Don't want our "base" to be any further west than Augusta...
Thanks for any tips.
Dave from Kirkwood on 03/17/2014 01:50 PM
Either option would be nice. The stretch between Augusta and St. Charles goe sby Klondike Park and Weldon Springs area - both scenic. West of Augusta there are nice some nice bluffs and more farmland.
A nicer option (to avoid doubling back) would be to drive to Defiance and arrange a shuttle (from bike shop there - call ahead to arrange) to drop you off at McKitrick (or some other trailhead to the west).
Brian from St. Peters on 03/17/2014 02:46 PM
For riding, they are both nice. St. Charles to Augusta will have more river view. Augusta will have the better restaurants and shopping between the two options.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/17/2014 05:27 PM
I think I would arrange my ride to have lunch in St. Charles. There are only a couple restaurant options in Augusta and about 30 in St. Charles.
Hank on 03/17/2014 08:26 PM
Either option would be nice, though I would rate the area between St. Charles and Augusta higher than the 25 miles or so west of Augusta. Further west, past Treloar, is one of my favorite sections but also kind of remote.
MidSouth is correct, many more restaurant / shopping options in St. Charles than Augusta. Augusta is quaint but kind of spare, especially during the week. St. Charles is a small town tourist mecca.
Anonymous on 03/17/2014 09:01 PM
This time of year - I would use St. Charles as a base. Lots of options.
Current Trail Conditions?
- + Hi There, I am thinking about riding from St. Charles to Booneville with my partner March 19-21. Does anyone know what the trails and camping will look like next week? We are wondering about what to p...
Discussion started 03/15/2014 05:08 PM by Siri - 1 reply (last reply by Hank at 03/15/2014 05:39 PM)Siri from Minneapolis, MN on 03/15/2014 05:08 PM
Hi There,
I am thinking about riding from St. Charles to Booneville with my partner March 19-21. Does anyone know what the trails and camping will look like next week? We are wondering about what to plan for in terms of ice and mud. I'm about the check the DNR site, but thought I would post here first.
Thanks,
Siri
Hank on 03/15/2014 05:39 PM
We were on the trail today (Defiance to Marthasville) and it was excellent, no problem at all. Yes there is snow forecast tomorrow but clearing by Tuesday so by March 19 you oughta be okay. Maybe some soft track here and there but I wouldn't be too concerned.
Irish Road Bowling
- + Are we doing some road bowling this weekend in Rocheport?
Discussion started 03/15/2014 08:34 AM by Pseudio - 0 repliesPseudio on 03/15/2014 08:34 AM
Are we doing some road bowling this weekend in Rocheport?
Dottys Cafe
- + Hello to all our trail friends.Just wan to let you know Dottys is here and looking forward to a busy spring and summer with all of you. Some big news tho I am going to retire and turn the cafe over to...
Discussion started 02/16/2014 05:41 PM by Dotty - 8 replies (last reply by Nancy at 03/14/2014 04:51 PM)Dotty from Hartsburg on 02/16/2014 05:41 PM
Hello to all our trail friends.Just wan to let you know Dottys is here and looking forward to a busy spring and summer with all of you. Some big news tho I am going to retire and turn the cafe over to my neice and her husband this spring. Linda has been with me the 10 yrs that I have been in Hartsburg, and even tho I am sad to leave , you will be in good hands.She will add some new menu items, Im sure you will enjoy. The cafe will keep going with no down time. I hope you will support them the way you have me. Thank you all so much for a good 10 years. I wish I could work forever :)
Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 02/17/2014 03:10 AM
Good for you Dotty! We will miss your friendly smile, all the best to you in retirement. Will see you before spring.
Dotty on 02/18/2014 05:35 AM
Thank you Darrell! I will miss you too. Keep riding:)
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 02/18/2014 08:41 PM
Congratulations to both you and your niece. I also retired in January and plan to make many more stops at the cafe this year. Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it. Hope you stop in at the cafe every now and to say hi.
Hank on 02/19/2014 08:32 PM
I love Dotty's, one of the great treasures of the Katy Trail. Enjoy your retirement! Great news that family is taking over. Make sure and stop by Dotty's all you Katy riders!
Billy from Mokane on 02/20/2014 06:38 AM
You teach them kids good on how to make those great home made pies. Enjoy retirement you earned it.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 02/20/2014 09:19 AM
Dotty, now that you don't have to get up so early to fix breakfast for us, will have the time to ride and enjoy the trail with us!
Dotty on 02/21/2014 10:04 AM
Thank you all for your good wishes!! We just want to make sure Dottys keeps going , and it will with all our faithful bikers. We are excited for Linda and Brian. They will love it just like I do. Have Fun out there!!!!!
Nancy from Hilliard, OH on 03/14/2014 04:51 PM
Congratulations on your retirement and to Linda and husband on their new ownership of Dottys Café! I stopped at Dottys for breakfast and ended up staying the whole morning listening to Dotty,Dennis and Ed sing. They even invited me up to sing with them. I have a picture of us in my office. It was a highlight of my 450 mile trip on the KATY in 2012. GREAT FOOD AND GREAT PEOPLE! I hope to see you again this year!