tips for a beginner
- + All,I am looking for advice on how to start. I'm 40 and have just bought a house near the trail in St. Charles. I don't have a bike and would like to get one. I haven't had one since I was a teen (...
Discussion started 01/31/2013 10:49 AM by Iron Mike Sharpe - 15 replies (last reply by Nicole at 02/06/2013 10:01 AM)Iron Mike Sharpe on 01/31/2013 10:49 AM
All,
I am looking for advice on how to start. I'm 40 and have just bought a house near the trail in St. Charles. I don't have a bike and would like to get one. I haven't had one since I was a teen (I'm 40 now) and have no idea about all of the changes in bikes and such.
Initially, my plan would be to ride from my house (between Page and I-70) along the trail and into Creve Couer park and back. And maybe to ride the entire trail October 2014.
How do I go about learning what I would need? What type of bike should I buy? Other equipment? I'm sure I would need to carry tools and tubes with me at all times. What do I get, best way to carry that equipment, etc?
Ideally, I'd prefer to buy a used bike off of Craigslist. I'm not looking for anything super expensive, but what like a good, sturdy, quality used bike to accomplish the above goals. Can anyone give me some pointers as to what I should look for?
I'm 40 and lost about 55 pounds last year. I'm looking to this year increase my fitness through lifting and cardio. My knees are shot so I figured weekend biking would be a good way to get more active.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Iron Mike
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 01/31/2013 12:14 PM
Depends on what you mean by "my knees are shot". Those are important parts of the body when doing any bicycling.
You might want to consider using an indoor exercise bike or trainer before getting out on the trail.
Doug from Bluffton on 01/31/2013 12:17 PM
If you would call Doug at The Rendleman Home I would be glad to try to help. I'm 65 and started when I was 30. Still remember what you are going through and all the folks that helped me. I'll be glad to answer all your questions that I can or refer you to those that know the answers I don't. Or that know LOTS more than I do about it. Just click on Bluffton on the map above for the contact info.
Iron Mike Sharpe on 01/31/2013 12:30 PM
Doug, any time/date good?
Gary, might have been a little bit of an exaggeration. Last year, for exercise I just went on 1-4 mile walks. So the knees are good for that, and I'm sure for cycling. But the knees didn't seem to like the impact of jogging anymore. There were a couple of times I could jog for more than 100 yards last summer, but most days they hurt too much.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 01/31/2013 12:54 PM
Although deals can be had on CraigsList, do yourself and your knees a favor and visit a local bike shop or REI first to get an idea what size bike you need. After you buy your bike from the shop or from CL make sure you have bike set up for you at a shop. When you start looking for a bike I would suggest what most makers call a hybrid or fitness bike, such as the Trek FX line of bikes. Get yourself a helmet that fits and is comfortable, a couple water bottles, a spare tube, the tools, and knowledge to change a flat and you are set to go. We like to use a rear rack and bag to keep lunch, rain jacket, extra water and snacks handy. We also use a handlebar bag to use for camera, sunscreen, bug spray, wallet, keys, etc.
Don from Ellisville, MO on 01/31/2013 01:26 PM
Could not agree more with the advice of going to a bike shop. Wife bought a bike at Walmart 2 years ago that was "sized" to her by a Walmart employee. She rode it for a year, but could never go over 15 miles in a day. Took it into a local bike shop and they almost cried. It was totally wrong for her. We paid for a good one ($350 vs $125 at Walmart). The next day, she was able to ride 30 miles with no problems. And her knees did not hurt any more.
Jim from St Louis on 01/31/2013 03:47 PM
Agree with the last 2 posts. They have solid information. Being properly fitted to your bike is very important--your knees will appreciate it. You might want to get a little better bike than you initially plan--you won't regret it. I didn't and replaced it after a year. Cycling, I've found, is not nearly as aggravating to the knees as jogging or running. I had a knee replacement several years ago and it doesn't stop 30-40 mile runs.
Iron Mike Sharpe on 01/31/2013 07:00 PM
Thanks. I will check out a bike shop as I don't have a lot of experience with real bikes.
Anon on 01/31/2013 07:51 PM
You might want to consider a used hybrid or cyclocross kind of bike, rigid (no shock absorbers), one that will take 25-35-mm wide tires. Shock absorbers steal a rider's energy.
Also, this kind of riding requires butt-conditioning along with general fitness. By all means, do get into it! You won't regret it. Good luck.
Doug from Bluffton on 01/31/2013 08:57 PM
Any time MIke. If you miss me I'll call you back.
Haank from New Haven, MO on 01/31/2013 08:59 PM
I would say get a $600 Cannondale or some other hybrid for starters. You don't need to spend more. You can go cheaper but a cheap bike ultimately will not take you far. Go to a local bike shop and tell them your story. One that doesnt have a huge selection but is Katy trail smart is the one in Defiance, forget what it's called.
You will also need a decent pair of bike shorts. I did without for a while but it was not comfortable and ultimately unncessary. A good pair of bike shorts solves that problem.
St. Charles has some excellent bike trails nearby, many accessed off the Katy. There's really no end to the places you can go.
Don't think it will happen overnight. Start small and build from there.
One of my favorite things to do is ride the Katy 20-40-60 miles or so in the area of Augusta-Defiance-Weldon Spring-St. Chas etc. and then end my day at a brewery or winery. This my friend is living. You will love it.
Enjoy!
Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 02/01/2013 04:55 AM
Well Iron Mike, that about covers it. From a $600.00 Cannondale to a $30.00 Craigslist find, the important thing is to get out there and enjoy yourself on whatever bike you are comfortable riding. I agree with going to your LBS (local bike shop) and maybe even check into something used but well maintained, or a last years model, it could save you some money. Good luck!
Trek on 02/01/2013 08:44 AM
There are a couple of bike shops right in the trail, one in Rocheport and one in Defiance. At either you could rent a hybrid type bike and ride it on the Katy. That would give you a feel for the bike on Katy trail conditions for little cost before you decide to buy.
El Toro on 02/01/2013 11:48 AM
Fit. Fit. Fit. Your bike has to fit you or it will not be pleasant. If its not pleasant - you won't do it over time.
If you spend $600 and enjoy it for 10 years...that's 5 bucks a month (plus a few new tubes, tires and some other reasonable repairs.)
If you spend $300 and don't ride it - its a whole different cost.
Just a thought....
Iron Mike Sharpe on 02/01/2013 05:21 PM
Thanks everyone. I think I will go to a bike shop. I have a friend and he and his wife have gotten into riding over the last few years. He also lives in the St. Charles area. I'll ask him for reviews of bike shops out there and see what he has.
Then after I move next month and get my new place furnished, I'll look at the money I have left over. And see if I can buy now or need to save up. (I refuse to finance anything...other than my mortgage). But, I should have some money left over. I'm pretty sure I overbudgeted on closing costs and in my furnishings budget.
Nicole from St. Charles on 02/06/2013 10:01 AM
Check out the Bike Stop Cafe on historic Main Street in St. Charles. They offer several types of bikes for rent and are directly across the street from Frontier Park and the Katy Trail. This will let you test a few types before you commit.
Weekend trip getaway
- + Love wine,beer,hiking. Not so sure about biking?
Discussion started 02/03/2013 04:18 PM by Roberta - 6 replies (last reply by Haank at 02/05/2013 06:45 AM)Roberta from Maryville on 02/03/2013 04:18 PM
Love wine,beer,hiking. Not so sure about biking?
Doug from Bluffton on 02/03/2013 06:21 PM
What's not to like? It takes DAYS to walk from one winery or brewpub to the next. You can be there in just a few hours on a bike!
DSD on 02/04/2013 03:19 PM
Get a tandem and let your friend or whomever pull you.
Haank from New Haven, MO on 02/04/2013 08:45 PM
You can start in Portland, have a beer or four, and stumble, bike-wise, into Bluffton, where Doug I've heard is a great host. From there go to Rhineland for a beer or four, then Hermann where you can drink all night. Ride back to Portland the next morning hungover. 34 miles round trip. You can do it!
Doug from Bluffton on 02/04/2013 10:01 PM
And if you do want to walk here I would be glad to pick up any supplies you might want waiting when I go to the store. It is actually a quite pleasant walk here from Portland. Very scenic with places to sit and relax along the way.
Doug from Bluffton on 02/04/2013 10:06 PM
P.S. Thanks for the kind words Hank!
Haank from New Haven, MO on 02/05/2013 06:45 AM
Doug, my wife and I ride that section often. We stopped by once last summer but you were out. We'll try again this year.
I'm not ashamed to mention that Katy riding for us is often just bar-hopping on bikes. We don't get too drunk to drive but we do get oiled up well enough to not feel the knees and hips creak.
Pedaler's Jamboree
- + I SIGNED UP!!! I rode KT for the first time last October, and fell in love with this area of the trail. It just so happened that the Monster Bike Bash was going on at the time and I was impressed with...
Discussion started 02/04/2013 03:51 PM by Figs - 1 reply (last reply by MidSouth at 02/04/2013 04:14 PM)Figs from Olathe on 02/04/2013 03:51 PM
I SIGNED UP!!! I rode KT for the first time last October, and fell in love with this area of the trail. It just so happened that the Monster Bike Bash was going on at the time and I was impressed with the party / fun atmosphere. So, when I heard about the Jamboree, I decided I wanted to take part. Dove right in to the whole 3 day event and CAN"T WAIT!! Trying to talk as many friends into joining me as possible.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 02/04/2013 04:14 PM
We have done the Jamboree the last three years and always have a ball. Will prolly do the 3 day this year also.
Bridge North of Boonville
- + I'm worried about crossing the bridge over the river. Is there a bike lane, and if so is it on both sides of the bridge?
Discussion started 02/01/2013 02:39 AM by novice bicyclist - 4 replies (last reply by Paulie at 02/01/2013 01:29 PM)novice bicyclist on 02/01/2013 02:39 AM
I'm worried about crossing the bridge over the river. Is there a bike lane, and if so is it on both sides of the bridge?
Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 02/01/2013 04:27 AM
Not to worry! The bike lane on the Boonville bridge is on one side, separated from automobile traffic by concrete barriers and a tall fence like rail on the other side, to make a lane that is probably 8ft. wide. It's a great view of the river.
Trek on 02/01/2013 10:28 AM
The only Katy Trail related bridge that should cause worry and should not be attempted on a bike is in Washington. Yes, it's been done. But no, it's not advisable to ride this one.
The bridges in Boonville, Jefferson City, and Hermann are all similar with very adequate bike lanes and great river views.
El Toro on 02/01/2013 11:44 AM
As noted by the others...NOTHING to worry about. I do recommend that people be cautious as they exit the bridge at Boonville on the north side. There is a sharp hairpin left turn that sometimes has sand. But in terms of traffic - NO WORRIES whatsoever!
Paulie from Knoxville on 02/01/2013 01:29 PM
But, get ready to use your low gear. The Boonville bridge is probaly the steepest part of the entire Katy trail.
Dotty's Cafe
- + Hey everybody,just letting you know we are still here, Jan is more than half over, we are still open ,but 4 days a week til spring. Th, Fri. Sat, Sun. 7:30am-200 pm we look forward to seeing you all s...
Discussion started 01/22/2013 05:49 PM by Dotty Manns - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 01/24/2013 07:46 AM)Dotty Manns from HARTSBURG on 01/22/2013 05:49 PM
Hey everybody,just letting you know we are still here, Jan is more than half over, we are still open ,but 4 days a week til spring. Th, Fri. Sat, Sun. 7:30am-200 pm we look forward to seeing you all soon. Spring is just around the corner. If you have a large group just call and we will get your table ready. :)573-657-9750
El Toro on 01/23/2013 08:07 AM
Can't wait for warmer weather and a chance to get over and ride the KATY and have breakfast at Dotty's.
Billy from Mokane on 01/23/2013 09:07 PM
Love you Dotty. Keep the good grub a coming. Love those big old slices of pie. Best place on the trail...
Anonymous on 01/24/2013 07:46 AM
Easy Manti
March Camping
- + Hello Experts,First time Katy Rider here and I need a bit of help. Planning on doing an unsupported ride from Dutzow to Sedalia in March. Will take the train back to Washington (Dutzow) when done. I s...
Discussion started 01/22/2013 12:42 PM by SofiAndMe - 6 replies (last reply by Haank at 01/24/2013 07:01 AM)SofiAndMe from Bettendorf, IA on 01/22/2013 12:42 PM
Hello Experts,
First time Katy Rider here and I need a bit of help.
Planning on doing an unsupported ride from Dutzow to Sedalia in March. Will take the train back to Washington (Dutzow) when done.
I see lots of campgrounds along the way, but does anyone know if they will be open in mid-march? I just want to ensure I'll have access to a toilet and a shower.
Thanks so much for the help.
SofiAndMe
Trek on 01/22/2013 01:13 PM
Your best bet would be to contact those places that you'd like to stay and have them tell first hand if they'll be open on the days you'd like to stay.
ArkyKenny on 01/22/2013 01:52 PM
The bathrooms and drinking fountains are winterized, and won't open up until early April. It doesn't mean that those things aren't available (they are), but you will probably have to get off the trail so you can get them at convenience stores, restaurants, etc. You'll also want to bring your own toilet paper (which is usually not necessary for me on the Katy)
You'll be able to find somewhere to camp/sleep without too much difficulty (just knock on a door and ask for permission to do so if nothing else), and/or print off info from this site or use a smart phone to access it. Otherwise, make sure you get hotel/B&B reservations.
If you use a CamelBak and 2 water bottles, and fill them up at every opportunity to do so, you should be fine on liquids.
Bring plenty of your own food, warm and wet weather clothing, tubes/repair stuff/etc. just in case you need them (because they won't be as readily available as they would otherwise be)---not that you wouldn't bring them anyway, but bring extra.
Otherwise, have a great time. Hopefully, the weather will be great.
Anonymous on 01/23/2013 08:11 AM
Best wishes with the ride. Sounds great.
If it was me, I would have reservations and know where I was going to be spending the night...
That's just me. I don't like riding along "worrying" about where I will rest my head. It takes away some of the enjoyment for me...plus I like the idea of knowing where the goal is for the day. Again - that's just me.
As suggested earlier, I would be on the phone trying to find out what was open for re-supply and MANY places are shut down until April.
Two Cents Worth on 01/23/2013 04:05 PM
Since I have ridden the trail end to end in late march, weather and trail condition are a bigger concern than summer time. Planning as the others have said with reservations, since not much is open, carrying as much as possible with you and knowing starting and stopping points are a very good and wise idea.
SofiAndMe from Bettendorf, IA on 01/23/2013 09:09 PM
Thanks all for the help. Sounds like official camping spots may be hard to find in March. I'll have start calling around and identify who is open. I was trying to not lock ourselves into any specific timetable that way we could go as fast slow as we wanted. Generally shoot for 40 miles a day but don't mind slowing down or speeding up depending of what we see and hear. Also don't want to "have" to ride in the rain just to stay on "schedule". Thanks again. Please keep posting if anyone else comes up with a stroke of genius that has yet to be mentioned.
R. SofiAndMe.
Haank from New Haven, MO on 01/24/2013 07:01 AM
Starting in Dutzow I would go to Bluffton Day 1, Hartsburg Day 2, New Franklin Day 3 Sedalia Day 4. Camping available at each spot. Yes, call ahead.
Rendleman Home
- + We loved staying at Doug's house! He is a very fun host and we consider him our friend! He had "valet parking" for our bikes, keeping them out of the rain. He has a wonderful fire pit, well, actually...
Discussion started 10/23/2012 04:40 PM by Jean Ann - 1 reply (last reply by Loni at 01/23/2013 08:07 PM)Jean Ann from Southwest Colorado on 10/23/2012 04:40 PM
We loved staying at Doug's house! He is a very fun host and we consider him our friend! He had "valet parking" for our bikes, keeping them out of the rain. He has a wonderful fire pit, well, actually a fire mound, enabling us to thaw out after a chilly ride. He is a great cook, as well! I'm really glad he has opened his home to us bicyclists, as there isn't a whole lot of other lodging in the vicinity. Thanks, Doug!
Loni from Springdale, AR on 01/23/2013 08:07 PM
Yes! Doug is a wonderful host. I did not get to go in 2012, but I did for four years in a row prior. I stayed with Doug each time. Always great cooking, and LOVED the fire pit. It was so enjoyable to meet and visit with other cyclists.
Highly recommend!
Texas Riders
- + Notice a lot of post from Dallas/Plano and surrounding towns. I live in Dallas and love the trail and ride when I can. Older rider who rides alone and likes the B&B's. Be interesting to see if others ...
Discussion started 01/23/2013 07:15 AM by Cove - 3 replies (last reply by MidSouth at 01/23/2013 08:33 AM)Cove from Dallas on 01/23/2013 07:15 AM
Notice a lot of post from Dallas/Plano and surrounding towns. I live in Dallas and love the trail and ride when I can. Older rider who rides alone and likes the B&B's. Be interesting to see if others from the area are inteterested in sharing e-mails and possible buddy rides in the future. Cove148@yahoo.com
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 01/23/2013 07:42 AM
You do realize this site pertains to the Katy Trail in Missouri don't you?
Cove from Dallas on 01/23/2013 08:07 AM
absolutely. Love to start my ride in Clinton and finish in Saint Charles.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 01/23/2013 08:33 AM
Great, this will be my 4th year to ride end to end and we also make several weekend trips during the year.
MKT RR at Colmesniel, Texas
- + I understand that a trunk line was installed in east Texas with a "turn around" at Colmesniel Texas. I would like to get information on and possibly the location of this "turn around".
Discussion started 11/08/2012 01:51 PM by Terry Jordan - 2 replies (last reply by Terry Jord at 01/22/2013 08:33 PM)Terry Jordan from Baytown, Texas on 11/08/2012 01:51 PM
I understand that a trunk line was installed in east Texas with a "turn around" at Colmesniel Texas. I would like to get information on and possibly the location of this "turn around".
SteveK from Saint Louis, MO on 11/09/2012 06:27 PM
The rail line that was associated with the MKT was the Trinity and Sabine Railroad that terminated in the Colmesneil area. It was not part of the main MKT RR in Texas. It had a turntable at the Colmesneil junction to connect it to other railroads but not sure of its location. You can google Trinity and Sabine Railroad for additional info. However, with google maps you can still see where the abandoned Texas and New Orleans Railroad ran north and south through Colmesneil but can't see where the Trinity and Sabine came in from the west. This leads me to believe that the Trinity and Sabine was wiped out by roads after it was abandoned.
Terry Jord from Baytown, texas on 01/22/2013 08:33 PM
Sorry for just now responding. I appreciate the information. I'll do more research on the alternate railroad.