Reasonable First Time Trip?
- + My wife and I want to try a short trip on the Katy Trail in early May. We are inexperienced cyclists in our early 60's and I am wondering how many miles per day we should plan for an enjoyable ride e...
Discussion started 03/05/2013 03:31 PM by Bob - 7 replies (last reply by Bob Lambert at 03/10/2013 07:33 PM)Bob from Springdale, AR on 03/05/2013 03:31 PM
My wife and I want to try a short trip on the Katy Trail in early May. We are inexperienced cyclists in our early 60's and I am wondering how many miles per day we should plan for an enjoyable ride each day. We are in good shape for our ages, but we are not interested in winning a race. I am thinking about an overnight in Washington with a shuttle to Augusta the next day. Bike west on the trail and overnight in Marthasville or Peers and then on to McKittrick the next day with an overnight in McKittrick or Hermann. Is this challenging enough or should we increase the mileage. Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Haank from New Haven, MO on 03/05/2013 05:50 PM
Bob,
If you are in decent shape I think something like Augusta to McKittrick (35 miles) would be fine. This is just 8 mph per hour for a little over four hours. Part of the fun of riding the Katy is covering some distance. It doesn't have to be at breakneck speed, but over the course of a day you can cover some ground. I would fear if you go too short you would wish you'd bitten off more. Augusta to McKittrick is a nice ride with stops at Dutzow, Marthasville, Treloar and the Gore Winery if you wish. On the following day you could go back to Marthasville or Dutzow to pick up a shuttle ride (23 and 27 miles) back to Washington.
A slightly more ambitious trip would be to overnight in Jeff City, ride from there to McKittrick in Day 1, (47 miles) then McKittrick to Marthasville or Dutzow (23 and 27 miles) and then get a shuttle into Washington, overnight, then ride the Amtrak with your bikes back to your vehicle in Jeff City.
Good luck whatever you do.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 03/05/2013 08:23 PM
Bob, define inexperienced cyclist for us. How often and how far have rode in the past? No matter what your overall shape is, if you have not ridden any distance before you will not enjoy your trip if you dread getting back in the saddle.
Anonymous on 03/05/2013 09:25 PM
We did an urban bike ride in Dublin last summer for about 10 miles. It was fairly flat and we stopped several times to sightsee. The trip didn't tax us at all. I am concerned about not covering enough ground and not feeling like we have gotten our "money's worth" for the trip. Jefferson City to Marthasville sounds good but 47 miles the first day may be a little much. Thanks for your comments!
kevin from Jeff City on 03/06/2013 01:45 PM
Augusta to Marthasville is 11.3 miles. Marthasville to McKittrick is 23 miles, and another 2.5 miles to Hermann.
There's nothing in Peers since the general store closed. There are reports that there is a restaurant in Treloar again, but I've not seen it.
If you are comfortable doing those distances, then that sounds like a pleasant ride.
RD on 03/08/2013 12:38 PM
Last year I was like you, mid 60's, hadn't ridden a bike since I was kid, but in reasonble health. So I bought a comfort hybrid bike and started riding the Katy. I was not interested in setting any records, didn't want to spend weeks getting "in shape", just wanted to enjoy myself. I found that including breaks, observation stops, visiting with other riders, etc. an average pace of 5-6 miles was comfortable. I know many will say that's too slow but like I said, just out to enjoy, plenty of things to stop and observe along the way. Then I found that 6 hours on the trail was about the max without being too sore or tired to go again the next day. Plus 6 hours was about all my rear end could take. Plan your stops at places like Sedalia, Rocheport, Jeff City, Hermann, Augusta, St Charles, etc and you'll have plenty of things to see and do after your ride. Plus the smaller towns along the way are interesting breaks. Enjoy yourself and you'll be hooked like me. After riding all the Katy, both ways, a segment at a time, I went to Mississppi and rode the Long Leaf Trace last fall. Going to South Dakota this summer to ride the Mickleson Trail. Happy Biking
Trek on 03/08/2013 01:30 PM
RD....we rode the Mickelson a few years back. It's not as flat as the Katy. There are several grades that are several miles long. Great going down, but you can sure tell they are there when going uphill. It was a wonderfull ride that was well worth the trip from MO.
We stayed in Hill City in town and at Emerald Pines B&B just outside of town. Great couple who owns it. The Alpine Inn is a hot spot to eat. Lots of variety on the menu there....filet mignon, large or small. Plenty to do in the area, Spearfish Canyon, train from Hill City to Keystone, etc.
Bob Lambert from Springdale, AR on 03/10/2013 07:33 PM
It looks like 25 to 30 miles to day will be our pace. Thanks for all of the advice!
Change of rates at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg
- + The rates have been changed, effective 2013,$65.00 single and $100.00 double, additional charge stayed the same.
Discussion started 03/10/2013 06:20 AM by Hartsburg Business Association/Cycle Depot - 0 repliesHartsburg Business Association/Cycle Depot on 03/10/2013 06:20 AM
The rates have been changed, effective 2013,
$65.00 single and $100.00 double, additional charge stayed the same.
Need a Route from Katy Trail to St. Louis (
- + This will be my first time on the trail and wanted to see if anyone had any good route suggestions on how to get from the Katy Trail to Forest Park area in St. Louis. I saw the suggested routes to the...
Discussion started 03/07/2013 08:57 AM by JC - 1 reply (last reply by Luke at 03/09/2013 12:03 AM)JC from Mission on 03/07/2013 08:57 AM
This will be my first time on the trail and wanted to see if anyone had any good route suggestions on how to get from the Katy Trail to Forest Park area in St. Louis. I saw the suggested routes to the downtown, but not sure if that's the best way to go since the place I'm staying at is further west on Washington Place and between the cross streets of Union Blvd and Kingshighway Blvd. Thanks!
Luke from Luke Sponsler on 03/09/2013 12:03 AM
Wow what a strange coincidence. I'm riding to my 15th college reunion to the forest park area from KC staring a week from Sunday. When I was a senior at Wash U I lived on Washington Place, 5151 to be exact, between Union and Kingshighway. I can't help but think you are one of my buddies putting me on. Too strange.
Anyway I am planning on entering St Louis around Creve Coeur. Just following suggested routes on google bike maps. I will make my best effort to update this thread after I ride it. Also I will tweet it at at TravelswithLuke
Out of all places in St. Louis. Too funny.,,
KATY TRAIL TO KANSAS CITY, MO
- + I AM LOOKING FOR THE SAFEST RIDE FROM THE KATY TRAIL TO KANSAS CITY. DOES ANYONE HAVE A GOOD ROUTE. I HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE IN MICHIGAN THAT I WENT FROM ST.LOUIS TO KANSAS CITY. I WOULD PREFER TO STA...
Discussion started 12/04/2011 12:31 PM by JEFF WRIGHT - 12 replies (last reply by Paul Toigo at 03/08/2013 11:13 PM)JEFF WRIGHT from LANSING, MI on 12/04/2011 12:31 PM
I AM LOOKING FOR THE SAFEST RIDE FROM THE KATY TRAIL TO KANSAS CITY. DOES ANYONE HAVE A GOOD ROUTE. I HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE IN MICHIGAN THAT I WENT FROM ST.LOUIS TO KANSAS CITY. I WOULD PREFER TO STAY OFF MAIN ROADS IF POSSIBLE.
jbbike from Columbia, MO on 12/05/2011 09:49 PM
Similar questions have appeared here. I would like to suggest you view the MoDOT- Other transportation website map for the Kansas City region showing traffic volume on various Missouri highways. This map shows departure roads from the Clinton, Calhoun, and Windsor trail heads. The GREEN roads are usually safest. http://modot.org/othertransportation/bike_ped/Bike-PedProgram--RoadandRouteInfo.htm
Darrell from Jefferson City, MO. on 12/06/2011 10:04 PM
You may find the information you need at mobikefed.org.
Skyguy9999 on 12/08/2011 02:37 AM
A lot of this depends on how much of the Katy Trail you are looking to ride and where in Kansas City you want to end up.
kc from nj on 12/14/2011 09:54 AM
You might try "google maps, directions." They have a biking option. I would use this as a general guideline. Local knowledge, of course, is best.
Billy from Mokane on 12/21/2011 12:23 AM
Jeff,
I wouldn't ride my bike from Clinton in to KC with a police escort. Those roads are to scary for me and downright dangerous.
DEH from Wildwood on 03/07/2013 03:46 PM
I agree with Billy. I rode the entire KATY trail and wanted to complete my trip across Missouri on bike. I tried going the last 40 miles on HWY 18 out of Clinton west to Kansas. It was very difficult and dangerous, no shoulder, high grass that stopped you cold and cars flying over the hills. I also tried some of the other back roads and was chased by some of the meanest dogs I ever saw.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/07/2013 06:14 PM
DEH, I had a similar problem when my son & I did our cross-state ride. He wanted to ride ALL the way across the state - border to border, not just the Katy. My wife drove us to Clinton, and then up Hwy 7 to Garden City (~30 miles), and then due west from there to State Line Road, around 309th Street or so (another 30 miles). From there we hopped on our bikes and took that route back to Clinton. It's 20 miles longer than going directly west from Clinton, but worked out well. The back roads from State Line to Garden City were very quiet, and Hwy 7 had a nice wide shoulder, even if the traffic was a little unsettling. I'd recommend it for anyone who feels like they HAVE TO start at the Kansas state line.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 03/07/2013 10:57 PM
Here's my stab at a route from KCI to Clinton.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=206447626207924780981.0004d755079cabc6cae6a
Forgive me, but this is my very first google map. Let me know if there are any problems with the mapping or the riding.
Disclaimers: I've only ridden the roads on this route between Barry Rd in Kansas City and Warrensburg. Some may be unnerved by the high-speed traffic passing by while riding on the shoulder of US-50. (I prefer it to rolling 2-lanes without shoulders and "low-speed" traffic.)
Skyguy9999 on 03/08/2013 01:10 AM
2 comes out of Harrisonville and 58 out of Pleasant Hill (both I've ridden sometime in the past and would consider over 50). Then I'd consider working over to 7 (haven't been on that one). Bound to be better than 13, which couples the high speed traffic of 50 with little to non-existent shoulders.
Whatever you do, be safe, and good luck! (and how I wish Rock Island would be done, all these questions would become moot then)
Skyguy9999 on 03/08/2013 01:14 AM
Also, F on the route is a real torture test even without equipment, and 58 from 50 to where it turns west gets hot traffic-wise, too. Just FYI.
Jharte from Kansas City on 03/08/2013 06:51 AM
Jeff, as stated a few times, most routes from Clinton to Kansas City are narrow with high speed traffic. If you don't mind jumping off the Katy you can pick up 50 hywy W from Sedalia to Kansas City. Nice wide shoulder. This is the route I take from Kansas City to Sedalia to pick up the Katy when I don't want to drive to Clinton. I've ridden 50 hywy E many times to Sedalia, then on to St. Charles on the Katy. You do lose the stretch from Sedalia to Clinton.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 03/08/2013 11:13 PM
I predict that if I was touring, I'd continue on US-50 to Sedalia. If that means going out-and-back from Sedalia to Clinton to avoid some of those shoulder-free roads, so be it.
Katy Trail vs other Rails to Trails
- + Hello, this is a great website. Last year I rode the C and O/Great Allegheny Passage and loved it. Im looking into another ride of approx one week. Would you say the Katy Trail should be next on my li...
Discussion started 03/07/2013 06:42 PM by mtncanyon - 1 reply (last reply by Schosser at 03/08/2013 08:12 AM)mtncanyon from Colorado on 03/07/2013 06:42 PM
Hello, this is a great website. Last year I rode the C and O/Great Allegheny Passage and loved it. Im looking into another ride of approx one week. Would you say the Katy Trail should be next on my list or is there another rails to trails route which you pefer? This looks great. Scenery, some history and quiet are important for me. Id prob do it in the fall and camp at least a few days. Is the guide book up to date and reccomended? thx..
Schosser from Memphis on 03/08/2013 08:12 AM
The Silver Comet /Cheif Lagonda trail in GA/ALA is nice, but parts of it are close to a major highway so there is some noise. Other parts are very secluded. Unlike the Katy there are some significant elevation changes.
The sections of the Katy I have been on are very flat, peaceful and not too crowded on weekdays.
Considering where you live you should make the effort to experience the Hiawatha Trail in Idaho and then enjoy the Trails of the Cour'de Lene area..just make sure it's no sooner then July or later than September.
TEAM BACKSTOPPERS - RAGBRAI 2013
- + The Katy Trail is a great trail that travels through communities with professional law enforcement, firefighters, and ems. The Backstoppers supports the families of these professionals.TEAM BACKSTOPP...
Discussion started 01/13/2013 09:13 AM by TEAM BACKSTOPPERS - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/07/2013 10:44 PM)TEAM BACKSTOPPERS from STL on 01/13/2013 09:13 AM
The Katy Trail is a great trail that travels through communities with professional law enforcement, firefighters, and ems. The Backstoppers supports the families of these professionals.
TEAM BACKSTOPPERS has been formed for the upcoming 2013 RAGBRAI. Join/Support the team as they aim to support "The Backstoppers". Find out more at:
www.facebook.com/teambackstoppers
Thank You ahead of time for your continued support.
TEAM BACKSTOPPERS from STL on 02/19/2013 09:00 AM
We are still looking for riders to join us for RAGBRAI.
If you can't make it, you can still support The Backstoppers while getting a great deal on custom cycling apparel representing the organization.
Check out our store:
www.peak1bikestore.com/backstoppers/
Thanks!
TEAM BACKSTOPPERS from STL on 03/07/2013 09:02 PM
We are currently at 23 registered riders and growing. For those of you still on the fence, we are one week away from the deadline to join (03/15/13). We have room for you to and lots to offer.
Anonymous on 03/07/2013 10:44 PM
What are you doing or what have you done to support the police, fire fighters, or EMS families in Sedalia and Clinton?
SPRING RIDE
- + Two twenty-something guys looking to ride the Katy for the first time west to east toward the end of May. Anyone else going to be on the trail?! We are looking forward to it!
Discussion started 03/07/2013 06:59 PM by Chris - 0 repliesChris from Detroit on 03/07/2013 06:59 PM
Two twenty-something guys looking to ride the Katy for the first time west to east toward the end of May. Anyone else going to be on the trail?! We are looking forward to it!
from KC to Clinton?
- + Hello,I have done some research but I am looking for update information on getting from KC to Clinton as I will be flying in to MCI from San Diego on MArch 16 and planning on arriving to St. Louis by ...
Discussion started 02/21/2013 12:18 PM by Luke Sponsler - 9 replies (last reply by Figs at 03/07/2013 08:57 AM)Luke Sponsler from San Diego on 02/21/2013 12:18 PM
Hello,
I have done some research but I am looking for update information on getting from KC to Clinton as I will be flying in to MCI from San Diego on MArch 16 and planning on arriving to St. Louis by 22nd.
Option A: take train from KC to Warrensburg. Ride to Clinton via MO13 or county roads
Option B: There have been rumors of connectors from Lees Summit or Pleasant Hill but I can not find any up to date info. Is that a possibility? (I saw one route that connected to Windsor. Would I miss some of the majesty by starting from Windsor?)
I have the time to ride all the way from KC but don't necessarily want to be on super busy highways if I can help it.
Any suggestions? Thanks for all your help.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 02/21/2013 12:45 PM
It's hard to imagine riding the trail now with 25 degrees and snow, but who knows we could have a heat wave in three weeks?
If you have reservations somewhere along the trail, you might check to see if they will shuttle you from the airport to where you want to start or you might contact one of the shuttle services listed in this site.
Luke Sponsler from San Diego on 02/21/2013 01:04 PM
I'm nervous trust me. I'm praying for a heat wave. Maybe I should consider bringing my mountain bike instead of my touring bike. I have a feeling I will be the first one on the trail this year.
I will look into the shuttle but I am hoping to ride as much as possible. The Amtrak to Warrensburg is only $13. I don't think a shuttle could beat that price.
Luke Sponsler from San Diego on 02/21/2013 01:46 PM
I will bumb this in search of more info about a connection from Lees Summit or Pleasant Hill.
ArkyKenny on 02/21/2013 04:22 PM
KCMO has too many HIGH CRIME AREAS and you would ride right though them. DON'T DO IT.
ajneumann from Windsor on 03/01/2013 09:18 PM
I live in Windsor, right now the trail is covered in snow, impossible to ride on, but you have some time. The ride from Clinton is absolutely beautiful in the summer, because of the trees and pasture land, but during the winter and early spring, you really won't miss much. If you catch the train to Warrensburg, you can ride several ways to Windsor without a lot of traffic, but there will be virtually no shoulder to ride on, you'll have to watch carefully. If you have any questions about this area, you can email me at neumanns@embarqmail.com. I ride the trail between Clinton and Sedalia frequently. Was planning on riding 200 miles last week, but the snowstorm ended those hopes. I ride a cyclo-cross bike on the trail because the tires are a bit wider. The trail gets soggy when wet, and we've had about 14 inches of snow sitting on the trail for a week now.
Jharte from Kansas City on 03/02/2013 09:42 AM
I've been on the Katy in late winter/early spring. As mentioned above, the trail gets very soft when the ground starts to thaw. It makes for a tough, slow ride, especially if you are running narrower tires and are fully loaded. The connection from Plesant Hill (or Lees Summit) to Clinton via the Rock Island Corridor isn't complete. MO13 is pretty narrow, no shoulder, and high tractor trailer traffic. I've ridden it a couple of times. Doable but a little nerve racking. If you can get from the airport to South KC, Hyway350 is a good route that will take you to Sedalia where you can pick up the Katy. When I leave from home to ride the Katy, that's the route I take. Give me a shout if you would like to discuss it more.
Jharte
Skyguy9999 on 03/05/2013 04:39 AM
Luke: Rock Island Trail State Park (what you're referring to) isn't officially/fully open. The best bet you'll have until that happens is coming in via Amtrak to Sedalia and then riding down to Clinton and back (to see the whole trail).
Figs from Olathe, KS on 03/06/2013 09:47 AM
Luke, I am checking with my boss (wife). IF, she doesn't mind me taking a riding day, I would like to ride the Clinton end of the trail (which I have not yet done). If this plan works out, I could meet you at KCI and transport you and bike to Clinton, then ride a bit of the way up the trail with ya (unless you're gonna go fast). Not sure this plan is going to work out for us, but if it does, what time will you be getting to KCI? It's almost exactly 100 miles from the airport to the trailhead in Clinton.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 03/07/2013 08:57 AM
Luke, The Boss is working the morning of the 16th, so I am free to go riding.. assuming you are arriving at KCI at a relatively early time in the day. So, Send me an email if you wish and we will work on hooking you up with a ride to Clinton.
Trail conditions near Columbia
- + I was wondering how the trail conditions are from McBaine to Rocheport. Snow covered? My husband and I have to take our daughter to Columbia next Tuesday the 12th and thought about riding on Wednesday...
Discussion started 03/05/2013 09:21 AM by Deanna - 2 replies (last reply by Chris at 03/06/2013 02:40 PM)Deanna from Independence on 03/05/2013 09:21 AM
I was wondering how the trail conditions are from McBaine to Rocheport. Snow covered? My husband and I have to take our daughter to Columbia next Tuesday the 12th and thought about riding on Wednesday to kill time until we have to pick her up in the evening.
Deanna on 03/06/2013 01:45 PM
Maybe I will try back this weekend and someone will have some info.
Chris from St. Louis on 03/06/2013 02:40 PM
I know its not too close, but I just rode a small junk from Weldon Spring to Matson and it was like riding in cement most of the way. My whole bike and shorts were covered in mud and there was some slushy spots where the snow was still on the trail. It may have dried up some though
Tires for the Katy
- + Hello, my wife and I are planning on riding the Katy. She has a Trek Hybrid/comfort bike with 700x30 (close to that) tires that have smooth tread in the middle with the knobs on the outer edges. I hav...
Discussion started 03/02/2013 07:10 PM by jason - 11 replies (last reply by kevin at 03/06/2013 01:01 PM)jason from kansas on 03/02/2013 07:10 PM
Hello, my wife and I are planning on riding the Katy. She has a Trek Hybrid/comfort bike with 700x30 (close to that) tires that have smooth tread in the middle with the knobs on the outer edges. I have a mountain bike with 26x2 tires (specialized captain tires, not overly aggressive). Am I going to have issues with 26 in wheels as opposed to 700c or 29r, and is 2in to wide? Should I also think about putting a fully treaded tire on my wife's bike? We will be doing the section between Booneville and Hermann. I am wondering about keeping up with my wife and another rider who will both have 700c wheels. Thanks
Anonymous on 03/02/2013 07:32 PM
When are you riding? Soon?
jason from kansas on 03/02/2013 07:34 PM
not until May sometime
ArkyKenny on 03/02/2013 08:20 PM
I have ridden both 26 x 1.5 slicks and 700c x 37 wheels on the Katy. I think the 26 tires, for me anyway, are a mile or two an hour slower than the skinny tires on the hard surface. That surprised me because we were running fully loaded at 12-14 mph on a flat, hard surface, and at that speed, I didn't think the difference would be that great.
If you are a stronger rider than your wife, you can use that difference to make you the same speed, but if you are the same speed, you may want to get the same speed bikes.
Trek on 03/02/2013 09:34 PM
I have a Trek hybrid and have ridden slicks for several years. Currently it has Michelins with an inverted tread. When they come off I'll put slicks back on. Our tandem also has slicks on it. I couldn't think of any reason that I'd want to put a tire on with more tread. The slicks have less rolling resistence and work well on pavement as well as railtrail surfaces like the Katy.
Anonymous on 03/03/2013 12:07 AM
Based on my experience, I don't believe you will have troubles whatsoever with tire width.
I always have a better time on the KATY when I use tires with great flat protection. Frankly, I have found that to be more important than the width of the tires.
Just my 2 cents.
Enjoy!
ArkyKenny on 03/03/2013 08:39 AM
Anon, you nailed it, People on this forum always seem to be asking some version of "How skinny can I go?" In regard to tires. I don't understand that. I usually ride multi-day trips on the Katy, (so I carry 40# of stuff), and my preferred ride is a drop bar steel 29er with 40mm kevlar touring tires (Schwalbe Marathon Mondial). I run them at around 60# of pressure.
Anyway, I like the big tires because they keep me on top of the surface, they keep me out of ruts, they allow me to not cringe every time I hit debris, they don't get pinch flats when I cross over an asphalt surface, they save me when I am not paying attention and run off the trail, they keep my butt and hands comfy, and they are plenty fast. For all those reasons, I previously rode on 26x 1.5 semi slicks. (I bought those 26" tires for $12 on eBay--thick rubber in the middle, lugs on the edge).
If I was trying to go for speed, or distance and unloaded, I might think about 700x 28s. But people on the Katy, including me, generally want to cover ground, but not as fast as they can. I say go big, semi-slick or smooth in the center, and go kevlar for maximum enjoyment.
jason from kansas on 03/04/2013 10:01 PM
That answers alot of questions, thanks. I seem to be a bit hung up on 700 vs 26 though. I am really wanting to ride my hard tail MTB as really enjoy riding it but I am riding with two other people that will be on 700c. I know we aren't going to be flying so any thoughts on wether I could just make up for the 26 in with gearing? I just don't want to have to work my tail off to keep up
Trek on 03/05/2013 08:00 AM
I think you're splitting hairs. You've recognized that the 26 will be slower than the 700 bike. Can you make up the difference? Depends on you. If you're really like riding the mountain bike, ride it. Has the ability to keep up with your wife been an issue? If so, why do you ride a 26? If it has not been an issue, move on. Or perhaps you could consider a tandem.....ride as captain and you'll always be ahead of her regardless of tire size and gearing.
jason from kansas on 03/05/2013 08:42 PM
lol, I supposed you are right. I am going to start covering some longer miles on my MTB again soon and see how it goes.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 03/06/2013 11:28 AM
Hi Jason,
I ride a Trek Hybrid. I did a 72 mile day on the KT back in October, and had no problems. My other bike is a mountain bike, and after riding the KT, I think I would prefer the narrower tire. KT is a gravel trail and therefor offers more rolling resistance. The added resistance of fatter tires would be more of a workout, which I need, but won't inflict upon myself.
kevin from Jeff City on 03/06/2013 01:01 PM
I'm a little late to the discussion, but I would say that the difference between a 26" and 700C on the trail is negligible if you are on a recreational ride. The trail is flat, so you have to crank all the time no matter what. If your riding partner is going too fast, she just has to crank a little slower to let you catch up.
Since the trail is crushed limestone, there's squishy, gravelly parts here and there, along with ruts and cracks, so wider tires are more forgiving, but not necessary. As long as the tires are not worn out you won't have much of a problem.