Snow Biking the Katy Trail
- + Well it looks like mother nature is not cooperating with an early tour of the Katy Trail. My planned departure date is only 3 weeks away. Has anyone ever ridden the trail with snow? How does the sn...
Discussion started 02/25/2013 12:26 PM by Luke - 11 replies (last reply by Luke at 02/28/2013 11:54 AM)Luke from San Diego on 02/25/2013 12:26 PM
Well it looks like mother nature is not cooperating with an early tour of the Katy Trail. My planned departure date is only 3 weeks away. Has anyone ever ridden the trail with snow? How does the snow affect the crushed limestone trail? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Anonymous on 02/25/2013 12:51 PM
Mother Nature is doing what she does in Missouri. I'd reconsider the timing of the ride and would visit later in the year.
Haank from New Haven, MO on 02/25/2013 12:56 PM
I doubt you'll have snow in 3 weeks but you may well have a soft track. I would choose a thicker tire, at least 35. I wouldn't worry about it too much, it'll slow you down a bit and could be messy but I wouldn't let that stop me.
However if you do have snow then I would consider cancelling. I rode a bit in snow yesterday and it is not fun.
ArkyKenny on 02/25/2013 12:58 PM
My suggestion: 1) Bring a mountain bike or even a fat bike and cut your mileage or 2) Wait untill mid-April. Cold, wet, muddy, and windy on a bike is not my idea of fun, but it might be fun for you. If so, get something that can put up with a little slop, get some Gore-Tex, and have at it.
On the other hand, May through November on the Katy are great. I am dreaming about those times now (and have cabin fever bad enough that I am on this website). If you are worried about a sloppy trail, maybe you should go do the Trans-Arizona Trail for Spring Break, and come to Missouri next summer.
Luke sponsler from San Diego on 02/25/2013 01:30 PM
Great suggestions. I currently have 32 width tires on my bike but suppose I could bring a mountain bike. I will play it by ear. The thought of riding in the snow sounds fun, but I have never pedaled for 6 hours in 35-40 degree weather. Think I may take my bike up to the mountains here outside of San Diego and test out the rig on the snow.
Joey Los from McKittrick on 02/25/2013 09:55 PM
If there's snow the Katy Trail is also a fun place to cross country ski. We try never to miss it!
Don from Ellisville, MO on 02/26/2013 08:47 AM
Your chances of getting snow on the trail PLUS the ground underneath being solidly frozen are pretty slim this time of year. The freeze/thaw cycle does some interesting things with crushed limestone (imagine pedaling through wet cement). If this is your first time on the Katy, and you are coming all the way from SoCal, I sure wish you would wait until May, when we can show you the real beauty of our State.
Luke sponsler from San Diego on 02/26/2013 03:00 PM
Seeing that it is snowing yet again, I am now at least considering canceling the trip. Who would have thought that this year Missouri would have more snow than it has 50 years?
Anonymous on 02/26/2013 10:10 PM
I would be as patient as your travel plans will allow.
Weather-related things change rapidly in this part of the world.
That said - there is (in my opinion) much good advise in previous commments.
If the trail wasn't so shaded (even without leaves) things could turn around very quickly. With all those trees it is tough for the sunshine to get in there dry things up.
Unless it is muddier than I have ever seen (well - minus certain flooding episodes), I think you'd be fine with 32-35 tires. Unless there is snow, I cannot image (based on my experience) that a fatbike would be required. (Disclosure: I almost always ride 28s...which some find too narrow.)
For what it's worth...that's my 2 cents.
Best wishes with your ride.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 02/27/2013 08:53 AM
in 3 weeks, it could be 90 degrees and back to draught conditions.... this is Central MO we are talking about! I'd keep planning... hope for the best. I hope to be riding over there myself in the next 2 or 3 weeks... IF
Ray (webmaster) on 02/27/2013 09:16 AM
There was one day, a week or two ago, when the Weather Channel reported a pollen alert and a winter storm warning both on the same day for Eastern MO. Missouri weather can be very variable.
Late winter and spring, temperatures can also vary a lot during the day. Most of last week, it was in the 30's in the mornings and up into the 50's in the afternoons. Just be prepared for a wide range.
Good luck, if the weather cooperates you will have a fantastic and memorable adventure.
Luke from San Diego on 02/28/2013 11:54 AM
Thanks for teh encouragemnet. I was just about to cancel but y'all have given me hope. I will wait a few more days to decide. I understand spring will have not fully sprung with green on trees. However I already have the time off and flights booked. And I don't know when I will next be in the Midwest. I think I should just charge it.
- + You can ride it...I guess. But that is not something I would EVER DO (hear the many, varied safety concerns that are too numerous to mention in this small space--but most of which center on getting k...
Discussion started 02/21/2013 01:02 PM by ArkyKenny - 12 replies (last reply by ArkyKenny at 02/27/2013 11:23 AM)ArkyKenny on 02/21/2013 01:02 PM
You can ride it...I guess. But that is not something I would EVER DO (hear the many, varied safety concerns that are too numerous to mention in this small space--but most of which center on getting killed on the side of the road by bad drivers and bad people).
Get a shuttle, hire a taxi, take a train to Sedaila, make a freind, find a way to Columbia, do whay you will, but DO NOT RIDE TO CLINTON FROM KC!!!!!!!!!!!
Luke Sponsler from San Diego on 02/21/2013 01:45 PM
I guess the drivers in Missouri must be really bad. I have ridden from Vancouver to San Diego without trouble. I have done enough rode touring that I don't mind riding on a shoulder. That said, I will heed your advice and Amtrak to Warrensburg. It's only about a 2 hour ride from there to Clinton.
ArkyKenny on 02/21/2013 04:11 PM
Warrensbury to Clinton will be a good ride. Good roads.
The problem with KCMO is that you are likely to ride throgh some VERY HIGH CRIME AREAS. Not safe.
barf from Clinton on 02/21/2013 10:37 PM
if you can make it from vancouver to San Diego you can make to clinton o.k.
Anonymous on 02/21/2013 11:03 PM
I don't think this ride needs ruled out instantly. Arky - do you live in Kansas City?
I would not want to do it after dark, but depending on arrival time, I think it could be thoughtfully considered.
You might check ridewithgps.com or other similar sites to see if any options are proposed.
I am GUESSING that MCI to Clinton would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 120 miles. From previous experience, I know its about 80 from southern Johnson County, Kansas. The airport is WAY north of that.
Best wishes.
Anon on 02/22/2013 09:33 AM
The train to Warrensburg is your best bet.
Otherwise you'd need to ride around KC rather than through it. For example, you could taxi west of the airport to KS-7 (in Lansing - Leavenworth area), and ride south to KS-68. Then go east on KS-68/MO-2 to Harrisonville. From there take MO-7 to Clinton. The trailhead will be on your right (south-side of 7 at Route-52) on the west edge of Clinton.
Again, the train to Warrensburg is the way to go. Good luck.
ArkyKenny on 02/22/2013 08:55 PM
Anon,
I'm not bad mouthing all of KC, just the 10 miles south of the stadiums in the Swope Park/Bannister Mall and beyond corridor. That, IMO, is no place to be a tourist on a bike.
So, as I, and others have said here, get to Warrensberg, ride to Clinton, and have a ball! Might I add, that Memorial Day weekend and Pedalers Jamboree in Booneville and Hartsburg would be a great time to do that trip. Search the web for Pedalers Jamboree for more info.
Anon on 02/23/2013 06:59 AM
I understand that okay. Cities in general give distance riders problems I think, mostly traffic ones. Even tho KC is rapidly becoming bike friendly with more trails and bridge/street bike lanes, it is still a heavy traffic center. Yet, TransAm riders do stop over here occasionally.
Unless one wants to spend time in the Power-Light District, the Plaza, or one of our museums or restaurants, it's might be easiest to ride around the city and all of its traffic. Or, at least, know one's way thru it if that's the choice. Chow.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 02/25/2013 09:01 AM
IF, you must ride from KC to Clinton: Ride due east from the airport until you get to 7hwy, near Butler MO. Then ride 7 south to Clinton. It's 2 lane for a long way, then turns into 4 lane divided with a LARGE paved shoulder. This does not go through all these dangerous neighborhoods that people speak of and is safer riding than any of the interstate areas (which are of illegal for non-motorized vehicles.) This route should also offer you many gas station type quick stops for water and food.
Wish I was off on the 16th, then I would just pick you up at the airport and get you to Clinton. I have yet to ride most of the western end of the trail and could have used that as an excuse to ride. But, I am working that day :(
Bike Rider from Kansas City on 02/25/2013 02:01 PM
Well, just to let everyone know you can ride your bike in the South Kansas City, Swope Park area and not be in danger! We have ridden through Swope Park on several occasions on our way to the Country Club Plaza. There is also a great bike shop at I-470 and Blue Ridge, just south of Bannister Road called Bicycle Shack. We ride from this shop frequently and have had no problems. If you need help navigating through the City, I'd suggest calling a local bike shop (like Bicycle Shack) and asking for advice.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 02/26/2013 02:09 PM
Hey Bike Rider, I was not casting bad mojo over South KC. I live and work in Olathe, KS, but ride a trail frequently that goes through S. KC. I am still looking for a way to link it to the Trolley Trail and ride all the way from South Olathe to the Plaza area. There are parts of KC that I would suggest not riding in, but my Grandmother's neighborhood at 122nd and Holmes is safe!!
just sayin' from kcmo on 02/27/2013 12:04 AM
There's nothing to fear, but the fear mongers themselves.
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/02/26/4088802/waldo-neighbors-come-to-the-rescue.html
ArkyKenny on 02/27/2013 11:23 AM
"What big eyes you have, and what a bushy tail you have...." said Little Red Riding Hood.
"There is nothing to fear" .....whatever. You first. I'm not going.
What's next? You going to tell me to go ahead and get the cheese from off the mousetrap because it's safe? Maybe the empty parking lot of Bannister Mall would be a great place to have a bike rodeo?
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hotels with shuttle?
- + Hello everyone. Im curious if there are any hotels or B&Bs that offer shuttle picups from the trail after a day of riding. I have been reading through the forums and found of one place.... Alpenhorn...
Discussion started 02/17/2013 07:59 PM by Maceh - 7 replies (last reply by Joey Los at 02/25/2013 10:01 PM)Maceh from Norway on 02/17/2013 07:59 PM
Hello everyone. Im curious if there are any hotels or B&Bs that offer shuttle picups from the trail after a day of riding. I have been reading through the forums and found of one place.... Alpenhorn Gasthaus in Herman ...that does this, but i was wondering if there are any others. I live in Norway, so i was hoping to get some information from people with experience on the trail before I start calling. Thank you.
Brian L. from Wichita on 02/18/2013 11:05 AM
The FAQ on this website is always a good place to start ... Click "Katy Trail Home" up above, then "Read the FAQ". Look for "shuttle" on that page -- it'll lead you here: http://www.bikekatytrail.com/planner.aspx?src=faqs&tid=1&StartCityID=0&EndCityID=0&chkShuttle=on
Haank from New Haven, MO on 02/18/2013 03:52 PM
Many of them do. A few that come to mind include Lococo in St. Charles, Brick Inn in Washington, Doll House in Rhineland. I'm sure many more will do it, just ask.
Been There from Oklahoma City on 02/18/2013 04:03 PM
Many and most BandBs are within riding distance of trail
DSD on 02/18/2013 05:08 PM
If you are coming from Norway do not try and ride to find B&B's. As most have said calling ahead for reservation and pick-up and then possibly during the ride day (if you cell service) and having them meet you at a trailhead or designated point at a certain time, usually after 3PM since most do not open until then, is much better.
Anonymous on 02/19/2013 01:22 PM
It doesn't matter where you are coming from.
It is usually best to have a reservation if you want to stay at a B&B.
maceh from Norway on 02/19/2013 06:25 PM
Thanks everyone!! Just booked the Lococo! Can't wait!
Joey Los from McKittrick on 02/25/2013 10:01 PM
Joey's Birdhouse in McKittrick. Not an advertised service but we do it quite often.
Trail size
- + I plan to take the Trail in June. Will there be any problems for me pulling a trailer behind my bike?
Discussion started 01/10/2013 09:49 PM by keo210 - 7 replies (last reply by Paul K at 02/25/2013 04:54 PM)keo210 from Arkansas on 01/10/2013 09:49 PM
I plan to take the Trail in June. Will there be any problems for me pulling a trailer behind my bike?
El Toro on 01/11/2013 01:47 AM
Would think so unless there had massive rain and the trail was unusually soft. Have a fabulous trip.
Jim from St Thomas on 01/11/2013 04:15 PM
I don't mean to make presumptions but I believe the esteemed El Toro meant to say "would NOT think so".
ArkyKenny on 01/11/2013 04:32 PM
For further clarification, no, there should not be any problem pulling a standard one or two wheel bicycle trailer. The Katy is, for the most part, very hard compacted limestone with some loose material on the surface. I compare it to a sidewalk with kitty litter on it, because that is what it reminds me of. There are also frequent crossings of dirt roads and asphalt roads, so although the trail is good for a trailer, the transition zones and the crossings are potential "flat maker zones." Also, as is mentioned in numerous other threads on this site, your tires need to be able to withstand the limesone "arrowheads" and the thorns. Lots of thoughts on that subject, but puncture protection and/or Kevlar belting need to be up to speed on your trailer, as well as your bike.
Jeff from Olathe, KS on 01/15/2013 08:48 AM
I saw lots of trailers on KT when I rode. As stated, the surface is fine for trailers and the the KT is plenty wide enough. Have Fun!!
El Toro on 01/16/2013 10:24 PM
Good catch Jim. Sorry for any confusion.
Shouldn't be a problem at all in my opinion.
Manhk from Plano,tax on 01/20/2013 09:50 PM
I've done it east to west with a 2 wheel trailer, and another time west to east with panniers. Each time I got one flat. Just be sure you have spare tube for the bike &the trailer. My preferance is to use panniers because you have less weight , less rolling resistence and less spares to carry.
Paul K from Florissant,MO on 02/25/2013 04:54 PM
My friend and I left Machens this past June(29th) and did an out to Clinton and back to St Charles on July 7 with daytime temps never dropping below 102. I pulled a two wheel trailer with a gear bag weighing 35lbs and she had a small gear bag on the back of her bike. I guess we were lucky because we never had any flats in the 468 mile trip. Despite the heat we had a fantastic time and would do it again at the same time of year. Hydration is the key!
Camping around Clifton City
- + i am hiking the trail as I have done twice before. Would like to find a place to camp around Clifton City. Any ideas?
Discussion started 02/25/2013 06:57 AM by Lonnie - 1 reply (last reply by Lonnie at 02/25/2013 06:59 AM)Lonnie from Kansas City on 02/25/2013 06:57 AM
i am hiking the trail as I have done twice before. Would like to find a place to camp around Clifton City. Any ideas?
Lonnie from Kansas City on 02/25/2013 06:59 AM
It would be great if it could be somewhere between Clifton and Sedalia since otherwise it is a 25 mile hiking day between the two. Can do but prefer a more leisurely pace!
River crossing?
- + I'm looking for recommendations for crossing the MO River to get from Dutzow to Washington. The Hwy 47 bridge does not seem bicycle safe.
Discussion started 02/20/2013 01:22 PM by Bill - 2 replies (last reply by D at 02/22/2013 09:02 AM)Bill from Florissant MO on 02/20/2013 01:22 PM
I'm looking for recommendations for crossing the MO River to get from Dutzow to Washington. The Hwy 47 bridge does not seem bicycle safe.
Anonymous on 02/20/2013 02:05 PM
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D from St. Louis on 02/22/2013 09:02 AM
Crossing the bridge isn't too bad. We've done it twice going from Washington to Dutzow. Stay in the middle of the lane and let the cars stay behind you over the bridge. Don't try to stay close to the side so both you and a car can fit. The cars we encountered were patient and they wait for you to cross. The rest of HWY 47 is a different story. Quite scary riding on the shoulder. Don't be afraid to stop and let traffic go by and start again when it's clear. Good Luck.