Bike/Tyres Types for the Katy Trail
- + I may be in St. Charles for Thanksgiving. I'm a roadie and I doubt my bike will take fatty tyres, only 700X23-25. I'm not sure if 28c would clear the frame or not. I could put some gatorskins on it...
Discussion started 08/12/2005 06:16 PM by Mark - 10 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/03/2011 09:55 PM)Mark from Houston on 08/12/2005 06:16 PM
I may be in St. Charles for Thanksgiving. I'm a roadie and I doubt my bike will take fatty tyres, only 700X23-25. I'm not sure if 28c would clear the frame or not. I could put some gatorskins on it. Otherwise, I have a hybrid that I could put my road seat on and get some cross tyres around 30c. Would it be dumb to bring the road bike or would I be better off going with the hybrid?
J.B. from PITTSBURGH on 08/12/2005 09:46 PM
I rode trail in June on 28mm hard case tires on a Trek 2300c (rode-comfort--new for 2005)bike. Worked fine.
frank from festus, mo on 08/13/2005 07:33 PM
i have a raleigh bike with i would guess medium knobby tires, maybe a 1 1/2 wide. have rode numerous miles on the katy with out a dimes worth of trouble. i have rode the day after it poured down rain for 2-3 hours and when i bone dry. no problems with my tire at all. what ever u use, good luck and have fun. frank umbdenstock
Austin from Longmont, CO on 08/14/2005 12:22 AM
I rode from Pilot Grove to Hartsburg and back on a Trek 2200 with 700x25's and thought they worked great.
Rob from Parker, CO on 08/19/2005 02:33 PM
My wife and I rode the whole trail pulling trailers with our Specialized Seqouias. We had somewhat knobby 700x35's on the fronts and 700x25c road tires on the rear. We had one rear flat, but no trouble other than that. Even with the additional weight the road tires seemed to do ok. I think I would prefer to have the 700x35 all around just for security.
Rear Admiral from Wisconsin on 10/23/2005 01:42 PM
I just finished riding Clinton to Weldon Springs and back on a tandem with 26 by 1.5 tires. We had NINE flats between Tebbets and Weldon Springs. Lots of thorns, walnuts, sticks, rocks, etc.
MLH from Overland Park KS on 10/23/2005 09:17 PM
For either bike, check Specialized website and look for any tire in the various categories that is designated as Armidillo. The 700 x 32 Borough CX is particularly suited but will not likely fit the road bike. Also, check the Schwalbe website and choose the "On Tour" link for numerous tires that are Kevlar-belted and come in sizes for both bikes but check the weights of the tires, you don't need the 700gm+ types in the larger sizes. If you use the hybrid, I would highly recommend the Continental Travelcontact in 700 x 37 (measures about 33-34 though) as I have never had so much as a scratch in the tread on these tires after hundreds of miles on the Katy and other rail-trails. They ride great with acceptably low resistance and weight also. Note that true 30mm "cross" tires are lightweight for racing,
not belted, and tend to puncture on the Katy. You are looking for "trekking" or "touring" tires.
Anonymous on 12/04/2007 01:08 PM
You should expect many flats with GatorSkins. They have a thin tread and sharp rocks penatrate very easily. I agree that Armidillos are a better choice.
I am a veteran of many R to T's and have had many problems with GatorSkins on Canal Trails etc.
Anonymous on 12/06/2007 11:10 AM
I rode the full trail in September. Chose my hybrid over my road bike.
Glad I did. My main reason was the number of cracks in road. Several times I thought to my self that I was glad I didn't have raod tires when I went through a crack. Not sure what the leafs are covering up on the trail, which would be another concern.
Pat from Oklahoma City on 01/08/2008 05:36 PM
I'll second the comments about Specialized Armadillo's. In three multi-day trips on the Katy and one multi--day trip on the Cowboy Trail, I have had no flats with the Armadillo's (700x32c on Specialized Sirrus).
Anonymous on 04/03/2011 09:55 PM
I have tried numerous tires on the Katy and my favorites are Michelin Cyclo Cross Jets, 700x30 on my Trek 7700 hybrid. They are low rolling resistance yet stable and durable. No matter what tires you use take a patch kit or better yet a spare tube and no what to do with them.
Is the Eastern extension to Machens complete?
- + Just curious if the proposed extension to Machens is now complete. If not, how far does the trail currently extend? I ran it this morning, and I know it goes at least 7 miles East of Frontier Park a...
Discussion started 03/06/2011 03:15 PM by Steve - 5 replies (last reply by Don at 04/03/2011 04:05 PM)Steve from O'Fallon, MO on 03/06/2011 03:15 PM
Just curious if the proposed extension to Machens is now complete. If not, how far does the trail currently extend? I ran it this morning, and I know it goes at least 7 miles East of Frontier Park at St. Charles.
Ruth Morley from Cincinnati, Ohio on 03/25/2011 09:41 PM
I was at St. Charles just yesterday, checking out the Katy Trail for an October trip with my sister. At the park service office, they informed me that the trail is now completely open to Machens. In fact, today is the "grand opening," if I remember correctly. So now our trip from Clinton in October will be 12+ miles longer, I guess!
Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator on 03/28/2011 02:21 PM
Please join us to celebrate an important milestone for Katy Trail State Park -- the opening of the trail from St. Charles to Machens. Gov. Jay Nixon and other dignitaries will officially cut the ribbon to open the trail in a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 2 at the Ed Bales Area of the Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Park in St. Charles. The DuSable Park, located at 2598 N. Main St., is right along the Katy Trail. I hope you will be able to join us on April 2. If you are not able to attend, please take the opportunity to walk or bicycle on this new section of trail and enjoy spring in Missouri.
Bill Bryan, Director
Missouri State Parks
Theron from Akron, Ohio on 04/02/2011 08:35 AM
Looks like that I need to come to St. Charles early before the dnr ride to do the extension! It will be a nice little warm up before the ride
Bicyclist from St. Chuck on 04/02/2011 02:13 PM
Now that the Katy goes to Machens, does anyone have an ETA on when it will connect with the Great River Road in Illnois??
Don from Plainfield, IL on 04/03/2011 04:05 PM
Will the Katy Ride in June then be extended to Machens for the end this year?
restrooms
- + Just wondering if the restrooms will be open this weekend since it will officially be April?
Discussion started 03/30/2011 07:55 PM by Al - 2 replies (last reply by Kris at 04/03/2011 08:57 AM)Al from Blue Springs, MO on 03/30/2011 07:55 PM
Just wondering if the restrooms will be open this weekend since it will officially be April?
stevieville from saint louis, MO on 04/01/2011 02:36 PM
I would think that they will be. I know the restroom in Treloar, MO was open 3/31.
Kris from Jefferson City, MO on 04/03/2011 08:57 AM
They were open at North Jefferson and Hartsburg this weekend, so I suspect they're open at all trailheads.
tent/going alone
- + should i buy 1 or z two person tent ? more room for stuff in tent if it would rain. Any sugestions.
Discussion started 03/24/2011 04:59 PM by dave - 7 replies (last reply by daveoh at 03/31/2011 03:16 PM)dave from lowry city, mo on 03/24/2011 04:59 PM
should i buy 1 or z two person tent ? more room for stuff in tent if it would rain. Any sugestions.
Almost Retired on 03/24/2011 05:09 PM
I have a 2 person tent. Gives room for the duffle bags in the tent.
Anonymous on 03/24/2011 08:55 PM
I am a big person - 6 feet tall and 220 pounds and I simply don't fit well in a 1 person tent - never mind any of my "stuff." My "2 person" tent is just right for this one person.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/25/2011 12:03 PM
We have two tents. I going alone I use the 2-person, if my wife comes along we use the 3-person.
dave from lowry city, mo on 03/25/2011 02:25 PM
thanks for the info on which size tent to get. I will go with a colemaen sundome for two or three people. 59.95 plus shipping sounds like a good price i think.
Terry from Festus on 03/25/2011 09:50 PM
If you are getting the tent for a summer ride, such as the DNR ride, I would suggest one with as much mesh as possible. Every bit of air flow is nice.
gene from Indiana on 03/30/2011 10:14 PM
Get a two or three person tent but don't get a cheap tent. A bargain isn't cheap when you're miserable with rain coming in. Other people are correct about putting your gear inside plus getting lots of mesh if you can. Go to a camping/outfitter shop and talk to them.
daveoh from lowry city,mo on 03/31/2011 03:16 PM
got my confirmation notice monday so i will see you all then. this will be my first dnr ride.
Jefferson City new bike and Ped. bridge
- + Just wondering if anyone knows when the new bridge officially opens I did ride across it yesterday its going to be a very nice addition to the capital city area. Is there going to be any ribbon cuttin...
Discussion started 03/31/2011 06:35 AM by Ron - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/31/2011 08:02 AM)Ron from Portland, Mo on 03/31/2011 06:35 AM
Just wondering if anyone knows when the new bridge officially opens I did ride across it yesterday its going to be a very nice addition to the capital city area. Is there going to be any ribbon cutting ceremony? Thanks, Ron
Anonymous on 03/31/2011 07:06 AM
I saw a post April 7th for the ribbon cutting
How did you like the ramps & approach up to the bridge?? Just wondering what it will be like in June when 300 of us ride up & down them.
Anonymous on 03/31/2011 08:02 AM
I enjoyed it the tower that takes you up to the bridge floor elevation is an easy ride, nice view of the river and capital. Has a couple areas that are wider for lookouts.
Parking in Rocheport
- + Is there any place I can park my car in Rocheport for about 5 days?
Discussion started 03/28/2011 07:46 PM by Rick - 3 replies (last reply by Howie at 03/30/2011 12:05 PM)Rick on 03/28/2011 07:46 PM
Is there any place I can park my car in Rocheport for about 5 days?
Trek from St. Joseph MO on 03/28/2011 08:12 PM
The trailhead parking lot would be a good spot. There is ample parking right at the trailhead and a lot off to the side where your vehicle would probably also be safe. I've left my vehicle there and not had any problem.
Rick on 03/29/2011 06:34 AM
Thanks for the info. I will be down there on tomorrow evening and plan on riding for 5 days. What kind of shape is the trail in between Rocheport and Defiance?
Howie on 03/30/2011 12:05 PM
If you're parking at the trailhead for more than a day or two, be sure to provide your vehicle make and model and plate number and location to the state parks staff so they don't think you've abandoned your vehicle. Otherwise it may get towed. Contact moparks@dnr.mo.gov
Shuttle service in Defiance
- + Is there any recommendations for a shuttle service that will take me and the family from Defiance back to Rocheport? There will be 3 bikes (one a long tail cargo bike), a Burley trailer.
Discussion started 03/28/2011 07:48 PM by Rick - 1 reply (last reply by Trek at 03/28/2011 08:13 PM)Rick on 03/28/2011 07:48 PM
Is there any recommendations for a shuttle service that will take me and the family from Defiance back to Rocheport? There will be 3 bikes (one a long tail cargo bike), a Burley trailer.
Trek from St. Joseph MO on 03/28/2011 08:13 PM
The bike shop in Defiance has a shuttle service.....contact them perhaps for their hours, rate, etc.
Confirmation
- + Went to Florida last week. Tired of the spin classes. Weather was GREAT! Dry & 80's everydayDid 5 differant rail trails, 200 miles. Came back to freezing temps in Ohio.Then found the confirmation on ...
Discussion started 03/26/2011 08:41 AM by Theron - 4 replies (last reply by Jim at 03/27/2011 12:37 PM)Theron from Akron, Ohio on 03/26/2011 08:41 AM
Went to Florida last week. Tired of the spin classes. Weather was GREAT! Dry & 80's everyday
Did 5 differant rail trails, 200 miles. Came back to freezing temps in Ohio.
Then found the confirmation on the e-mail YEA!!! The ride is getting closer!!!!
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 03/26/2011 02:26 PM
Jealous...haven't got a good ride in yet this year. Looking forward to seeing you on the Katy Ride in June!
Trek on 03/26/2011 05:14 PM
Good weather on Sanibel Island last week....no rail trails, but all the streets have bike paths that parallel them. We enjoyed an end to island end ride with a detour through the Ding Wildlife Area along with several other routes. The Dolphins were busy along the coast line too. The Sanibel link at the bottom of the home page here has alot of good island and riding info. Thanks for that link here Ray.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/26/2011 10:14 PM
Love Sanibel, especially Ding Darling. Glad you had a good time there. Could use a little Gulf warmth right about now!
Jim from St Thomas on 03/27/2011 12:37 PM
Captiva - the sister island to Sanibel - also has a bike path of sorts. Nothing as nice as Sanibel's but it would add about 4 miles 1-way to your ride with a mile or so right along the beach.
Places to stay
- + Cliff Manor B&B in Jefferson City, Great place to stay, food very good. Hermann, Alpenhaus B & B, one cottage in back is a true european experience, food very good. Augusta, Lindenhof B&B, big rooms,...
Discussion started 03/25/2011 05:28 PM by Bike527 - 1 reply (last reply by Ktytrfan at 03/26/2011 05:52 PM)Bike527 on 03/25/2011 05:28 PM
Cliff Manor B&B in Jefferson City, Great place to stay, food very good. Hermann, Alpenhaus B & B, one cottage in back is a true european experience, food very good. Augusta, Lindenhof B&B, big rooms, great food. St. Charles, Bitter Sweet Inn, rooms fine, food very good
Ktytrfan from Palmyra, Mo. on 03/26/2011 05:52 PM
Not sure; so will ask--When you say European experience, what are you referring to?
KC to Katy
- + Has anybody ridden from Kansas City to the Katy? If so, what route did you take? I live in KC and would really like to ride it all the way across the state to St. Louis. Thanks!
Discussion started 03/26/2011 07:01 AM by BikeRider - 0 repliesBikeRider on 03/26/2011 07:01 AM
Has anybody ridden from Kansas City to the Katy? If so, what route did you take? I live in KC and would really like to ride it all the way across the state to St. Louis. Thanks!
What direction to ride
- + Is there any significant advantage to riding west to east vs east to west on the Katy in October? Thanks.
Discussion started 03/12/2011 01:07 PM by Mary - 5 replies (last reply by Bike527 at 03/25/2011 05:23 PM)Mary on 03/12/2011 01:07 PM
Is there any significant advantage to riding west to east vs east to west on the Katy in October? Thanks.
Trek on 03/12/2011 04:15 PM
I think the prevailing wind is generally west to east....and the percent slope is less going west to east.
Anonymous on 03/16/2011 09:30 AM
Beer and food in Saint Charles is a whole lot better than Clinton.
Jeff Crossley from Fort Worth TX on 03/20/2011 08:22 PM
Agree with the beer and food. But the WIND is the real reason to ride west to east.
Anonymous on 03/23/2011 01:44 PM
Given my experiences on the Trail, I totally agree with the advise about WEST to EAST. Wind (and grade) are the reason this is the preferred direction!
Bike527 on 03/25/2011 05:23 PM
Finished 3 days on Katy trail 3/23/11. Ride West to East. Last day a front was blowing in, difficult to ride into a west wind. The grade is nothing either way, e.g. 6 ft. over 40 miles the first day. For a great experience (food & drink) try Paddy's in Jefferson City, Mo. Corner of Bolivar & Main.
trucks games- jocuri cu camioane
- + The start with half of our lifetime is ruined not later than our parents and the second half by our children. Clarence Darrow
Discussion started 03/21/2011 04:03 PM by Farkguiciagma - 2 replies (last reply by Gary at 03/25/2011 11:15 AM)Farkguiciagma on 03/21/2011 04:03 PM
The start with half of our lifetime is ruined not later than our parents and the second half by our children.
Clarence Darrow
Jim on 03/21/2011 06:06 PM
Marriage is a tedious meal with the dessert at the beginning.
Leo Kottke
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 03/25/2011 11:15 AM
Profanity provides a relief denied even unto prayer.
Mark Twain
geese in the bluffs, snakes, rocheport by-pass
- + Put in 45 miles yesterday - Rocheport past Wilton and back. Trail conditions are nice. The geese are nesting in the bluffs the first few miles downriver of Rocheport. A couple are territorial and w...
Discussion started 03/22/2011 06:09 AM by tmiser - 4 replies (last reply by MidSouth at 03/24/2011 10:30 AM)tmiser from rocheport on 03/22/2011 06:09 AM
Put in 45 miles yesterday - Rocheport past Wilton and back. Trail conditions are nice. The geese are nesting in the bluffs the first few miles downriver of Rocheport. A couple are territorial and will stand their ground hissing at you. Do not be alarmed, they will not attack. Seems like every year some idiot decides that it would be fun to kill one of these defenseless geese. DON'T DO IT!!! Talk to them gently and they will leave you be. Also, DON'T KILL THE SNAKES!!! I saw half a dozen snakes yesterday, the first of the year. None of them poisonous, all sunning themselves on the trail. Leave these creatures alone. They have more of a right to be there than you do. You will see copperheads occasionally but they are non-aggressive. Give them a wide berth and they will ignore you. The bridge over the Moniteau creek at Rocheport is being replaced right now so the DNR has the trail blocked at MM182 and is routing traffic down Hwy 40. If you don't feel like risking your life on Hwy 40 there is a way around the by-pass using conservation land. If anyone is interested in this route let me know and I will relay the information. Tmiser.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/22/2011 07:14 AM
I would be interested in this route through the Conservation Area. I've looked on Google Maps and don't see a way. I took the Hwy 40 detour towing a BOB trailer last year and would rather not do it again. I plan to ride from Clinton to St. Charles and back the first week of May.
Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 03/22/2011 05:35 PM
I would be interested in another way around the contruction area also. Will be riding the trail in a month or so, end to end round trip, a way through the conservation area sounds better than hwy 40.
Anonymous on 03/23/2011 01:41 PM
Can the detour on conversation land be posted on this tread?
Thanks!
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/24/2011 10:30 AM
It it can't be posted could you email to
ackermannsacre at earthlink dot net