mileage + teenagers
- + Help! We are planning a Katry trail ride June 2010 and trying to decide on how much mileage to do daily with 3 teenage girls. Should we ride most of the day because there isn't much for teenagers to d...
Discussion started 01/31/2010 07:24 PM by Cheri Castleberry - 4 replies (last reply by familyof4 at 02/14/2010 03:47 PM)Cheri Castleberry from Amarillo TX on 01/31/2010 07:24 PM
Help! We are planning a Katry trail ride June 2010 and trying to decide on how much mileage to do daily with 3 teenage girls. Should we ride most of the day because there isn't much for teenagers to do at the stops or should we cut our riding short (30miles/day?) so we can take our time along the way? We have ridden "Freewheel" in Oklahoma (50-70 miles/day) but are usually exhausted when we get to camp. Don't want bored teenagers, but don't want to miss stuff along the way! Any time estimates would be helpful.
Chris on 01/31/2010 08:46 PM
Try maybe doing between 30-50 miles, that way your not overly exhausted by days end & will also avoid having alot of extra free time & getting too bored. This amt. should give plenty of time for photos, picnic lunch & other stopping opportunities.
EB from Greenwood on 02/01/2010 12:09 AM
I agree with Chris on the mileage. Make sure to stop in Rocheport and try to stay at the dorms at School House and you should really eat at Abigails. Good luck!
Gene from LaPorte, IN on 02/08/2010 11:52 PM
You'll probably find more than 30 miles is better. I rode Freewheel in 2007 (great ride) and
the rolling terrain in OK is not the same on the trail. It is flat with slight grades and you can
make good time. You can look at 40-60+ miles and still have time to do things. Have a
good trip.
familyof4 from Pineville, MO on 02/14/2010 03:47 PM
Having ridden the trail several times w/ pre-teen boys (after having trained extensively
beforehand), we have found that 30-50 miles/day is realistic. To try to exceed 50 miles/day
would be difficult if you plan to stop along the way for lunch, snacks, pictures, etc. While the
trail is mostly flat, there are some areas where you will encounter gradual inclines ----
particularly the stretch between Clifton City-Boonville. In addition to the gradual inclines,
you could also encounter winds which could also slow you down. Be conservative and plan
ahead (e.g., lodging, food, snacks, water) since many stores & restaurants are closed during
the week.
Clinton
- + I need to rent a car at the Kansas City Airport and return it in Clinton, MO. Is this possible?
ejzerby@yahoo.com
Discussion started 02/10/2010 05:15 PM - 2 replies (last reply by jd at 02/12/2010 07:40 PM)Anonymous on 02/10/2010 05:15 PM
I need to rent a car at the Kansas City Airport and return it in Clinton, MO. Is this possible?
ejzerby@yahoo.com
Doug from Bluffton on 02/11/2010 06:03 PM
I'm going to go way out for this one and suggest calling one or more of the many car rental companies at the K.C airport to see if any of them do.
jd from gkc on 02/12/2010 07:40 PM
Hmm. Could be difficult to drop off a rentalin Clinton. Many small towns away from the city and airports here do not have national rentals. And if they do, one-ways are much more expensive than round-trips. If necessary, you might try finding a taxi and/or shuttle service? Good luck.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Clinton
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=3260&tonly=1
bike trailers
- + My husband and I will be riding the KT this year and want to pull a bike trailer. We would appreciate suggestions, pros and cons of brands, etc.
Discussion started 02/02/2010 04:53 PM by Jan Mc - 7 replies (last reply by John B. at 02/12/2010 02:53 PM)Jan Mc from Bryan, TX on 02/02/2010 04:53 PM
My husband and I will be riding the KT this year and want to pull a bike trailer. We would appreciate suggestions, pros and cons of brands, etc.
chris J from centralia IL on 02/02/2010 08:00 PM
I like the one wheel BOB trailer, about $250. It hooks up easily to your bike and can haul 75 pounds. It comes with a water-proof bag large enough for tent, supplies, food,... On the KATY, we like to put a large tote in it for easy access to snacks, jacket, drinks... I has a low center of gravity and, unless you are going up hill (which you don't have to do on the KATY), you forget it's there. It doesn't catch ths wind like those tall 2-wheel ones like Burley. I took it on a 600 mile trip once and easly made 100 miles per day on the road (mostly flat). A lot of people swear by panniers, but who whats all that wieght on their bike? Plus, you have to pack them just right. If you want to pay less, Nashbar has a knock-off for about $150. Google B.O.B. trailer or go to PerformanceBike.com or Nashbar.com... I think there is even BOB on the KATY Trail map.
Trek on 02/03/2010 08:31 AM
One for the BOB...one for the Nomad!
We have a Burley Nomad that works well for us. The top cover snaps on which makes it easy to get to items without digging through a bag. I've not used a BOB, but digging through a large bag to find something seems to be similar to trying to find an item in a pannier but on a larger scale. Capacity is 100 lbs. It is not water proof, but neither are the panniers or the leather saddle.
We have a small cooler that sits in the front for easy access. Wind is not an issue. When it is windy enough for a bike cargo trailer to catch wind, you and the bike make a much bigger sail than the trailer. The difference I guess being a trailer to pull kids like "those tall 2-wheel ones like Burley." If you want to haul kids....a trailer designed to do so is taller than a trailer designed to haul cargo.
We use panniers/cargo bags and the Nomad. Both systems work well and are suitable for different needs while traveling.
chris J from centralia IL on 02/03/2010 06:31 PM
I think the BOB type or the 2-wheel type (Burley) would be fine for the Katy. Trek is right about the bag on the on the BOB, that's why I use a tote (like you would use to store Christmas lights in). But on a long trip on the highway, I think the BOB is best. That single wheel tracks behind your bike wheel so if you miss road debris with your bike, you also miss it with your trailer.
Pat from Washington, MO. on 02/04/2010 02:10 AM
I live five miles from the Dutzow, Mo access to the KATY, ride it almost every day and have done countless overnites on various sections. My gal and I ride Catrike recumbants and I pull a Burley Nomad trailer. I swear by it for training with unnecessary weight, for day trips with a cooler and picnic basket or for long distant multiday camp rides with tent etc. It tracks perfectly behind both my trike and behind my two wheeler, its very light weight, comes with Schwalbe Big Apple tires which are bulletproof, and with the optional top rack it will haul way more than a hundred lbs. Burley told me that they picked 100 lbs as a nice round number but that the axles etc will do much more, and I know they will because I have. If both of you were pulling a Nomad you could carry the kitchen sink as well as everything else you'd need for extended touring. If you want more info about the trailer or KATY specific info email me at momule@charter.net. The Katy is a wonderful trail; it's safe, rural with ammenities along the way to provide B&Bs plus camping, and more. Hope to see you on the trail.
kim from independence, mo on 02/04/2010 02:05 PM
My husband and I have done the full Katy Trail twice, once staying at B&Bs, and once camping. We used the Burley Nomad both times. We also did a shorter ride (Sedalia to Hermann) and used the carrying bag for the Nomad (purchased separately) to travel back to Sedalia on Amtrak. We carried the trailer onto the train in the bag. We also purchased the extra top rack which is perfect for packing a tent and sleeping pads above and moves easily out of the way to get into the trailer. We are big fans of this two-wheeled trailer.
robert Johnson from columbia on 02/04/2010 04:47 PM
I've used a BOB, a Burley Flatbed and a Burley NOMAD.
I'm partial to either Burley but dislike the bob. If you have anything in it higher than the
little bag that comes with it then it becomes really unstable and its unstable at high speeds
regardless of load.
I actually think its kinda dangerous. I know several people who love them but they've
never used anything else.
John B. from Springfield, MO on 02/12/2010 02:53 PM
BOB,BOB,BOB,BOB! I used a BOB IBEX this past summer on the trail. I also used around town, going to farmers market and other places I need to haul items. I like the fact that where my bike goes it will follow right behind, there is no concern of how wide my trailer is.
Guy's lodging in Hermann
- + There will be three guys going W-E on the trail in early May. One of our overnighters is in Hermann. All I am able to find are these romantic BBs with a single bed. We need three beds and trying to ec...
Discussion started 02/12/2010 10:41 AM by Co Biker - 3 replies (last reply by Paulie at 02/12/2010 12:14 PM)Co Biker from Centennial, Colorado on 02/12/2010 10:41 AM
There will be three guys going W-E on the trail in early May. One of our overnighters is in Hermann. All I am able to find are these romantic BBs with a single bed. We need three beds and trying to economize to where we don't all need to book a pricey single room. In the other towns like Boonville and Jeff City it is not a problem with the Holiday Inns etc. to find double or rollaways.
Are there any accommodations similar to this, or something where we can bunk three guys together, in Hermann? Thanks for your feedbacks.
Anonymous on 02/12/2010 10:45 AM
Hermann Motel 112 East 10th St
573 486-3131 Smoking & Non-smoking rooms
Co Biker from Centennial, Colorado on 02/12/2010 11:31 AM
Oh yea, I forgot to include this in my earlier query. I have heard twice now from locals to beware of the Hermann Motel. Said there were some shady dealings, law was about to shut them down, Health Dept was investigating and all sorts of other negative points. Did not sound very appealing.
Does anyone know if this is valid or their status?
Paulie from Knoxville on 02/12/2010 12:14 PM
I've stayed there before and its nothin' fancy but it is clean,comfortable and best of all cheap. It was perfect after a long day in the saddle.
Paulie
Planning
- + My sister and I are planning on doing the Katy bike trail the first week of June. We do not
have a set milage for each day because we want the leisure to stop and explore. Will this
make it ...
Discussion started 01/10/2010 09:02 AM by R6Elliot - 12 replies (last reply by maxine at 02/10/2010 11:55 AM)R6Elliot from Hot Springs, AR on 01/10/2010 09:02 AM
My sister and I are planning on doing the Katy bike trail the first week of June. We do not
have a set milage for each day because we want the leisure to stop and explore. Will this
make it hard to find overnight lodging?/or/ should we set goals now and make reservations?
Chris on 01/10/2010 12:16 PM
I'd say its always best to have some idea of where you'll end up by the end of the day. Even if that means setting very leisurely speed averages. June can be a busy time of yr on the trail & room availability may be a problem if you've decided to use the plan of "flying by the seat of our pants and see where it takes us". Best to be pre-booked I'd say, unless you're planning to camp out.
Randy from Edwardsville on 01/10/2010 01:45 PM
There is plenty of time to plan before June. I checked out everything on this site and made choices/options from there. If you have not read it yet... insect repellant is vital!
Skyguy9999 on 01/10/2010 02:05 PM
I'm a very slow cyclist compared to most and did the stop and take pictures and rest and eat and (well you know the drill), and made it from Clinton to Sedalia in 4-5 hours. So that should give you a decent idea on how long things take.
I was planning on getting the ride back before dark (this was in November), but got stopped in Windsor by darkness - the one thing I didn't realize going in was that the trees shade the trail pretty well in most spots and when the sun gets down below the trees, it's as good as dark.
Anyhow, you need to have accomodations reserved if you can help it. Otherwise, enjoy and have fun!
jd from gkc on 01/11/2010 06:55 PM
A little study and planning doesn’t hurt anything here. Unless one studies the trail information at this website well, one almost has to do the trail once or twice to learn how to do it. :) :)
Apparently, you’re planning an end-to-end ride with enough time to explore parts of it ad hoc while leaving your vehicle parked somewhere? That’s a good plan. The trail is safe to enjoy and explore as long as the riders stay within the corridor and public places.
Riders can also get out of the on-the-trail lodging jams with a good cell-phone, credit card, and a few supplies on hand. Most of the larger towns on the map above have hotels/motels as well as the well-liked B&B’s, which are located everywhere in all shapes and sizes.
The motels generally have last-minute space unless a convention or celebration is taking place, like, the Oktoberfest in Hermann. Thus, you might want to jot down several lodging and food-outlet phone numbers and their locations from the town descriptions above via the interactive map. That might be easier than checking several yellow pages found off the trail. :)
Terry from Festus on 01/11/2010 10:51 PM
If I were going to try and ride the trail end to end without making reservations, I would make certain I had the most recent edition of The Katy Trail Guidebook somewhere on my bike.
Trek on 01/12/2010 09:08 AM
Not knowing every convention, wedding, etc. that might make finding lodging difficult the first week in June, it is then difficult to predict if it will be hard to find a place to stay at the spur of the moment.
I most often operate with the following in mind: "Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part." For my own use then the phrase translates into: "Why create my own state of chaos when I could plan a trip and let the peace of the trail dictate the course of the day."
But if you are so inclined to whing it then this become applicable....as the French say: "When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout." A viable option also, but not becoming in front of others on the trail.
R6Elliot on 01/12/2010 11:49 AM
Thank you for all your excellent experianced advice, especially skyguy. We are making plans and reservation after plenty of reading on everything we can find on the Katy Trail. Again, thank you for all your thoughtful comments.
jd from gkc on 01/12/2010 12:23 PM
One more small thing. Yes, the trail is busy during the spring and fall months. Any last-minute lodging is easier to find during the week (Sun-Thurs) than on the weekends (Fri-Sat) especially at the B&B’s in the wine country on the eastern half of the trail. People from the nearby cities come to those B&B’s in droves on the weekends to sample/visit the local wineries and their accompanying dinners then.
Unless you also have a support vehicle with you, be sure to carry extra tire tubes, plenty of drinking water, nonperishable energy snacks/food, and a camera! Enjoy.
jd from gkc on 01/17/2010 07:34 PM
As you already know, Monday's are good days to carry extra snacks on the trail since some (but not all) of the nearby cafes and bar-grilles are closed then...you-know, the ones that put out the whomping cheese-burgers, tenderloins, and huge amounts of fries.
Also if you haven't done so already, you can see extra photos of the KT on the Facebook page: "Katy Trail Riders Unite."
Cathy from Farmington, New Mexico on 02/07/2010 10:56 AM
Wow, my husband and I were going to 'wing it' in June. Maybe I should make some lodging reservations. I'm glad I found this forum!
Doug from Bluffton on 02/08/2010 08:05 AM
One more bit of advice: Carry the phone no. of a shuttle service with you just in case. Wouldn't hurt to call and establish a rapport with them so that both sides would know in advance what might become necessary as well as possible.
maxine from sedalia on 02/10/2010 11:55 AM
I am on the web site but not in the tour books. I usually have rooms during the week and some weekends, give me a call if you need me. Thanks Maxine's rooms for rent. Have a fun trip. Be sure to explore the Depot in Sedalia. Maxine
Crossing bridges from St. Charles..
- + Of the bridge crossings available from St.Charles, which one(s) have provisions for bikes such as bike lanes or pedestrian/sidewalk area. Which ones, if any, are best avoided due to narrow shoulders o...
Discussion started 12/30/2009 10:44 PM by Chris - 3 replies (last reply by Miles at 02/07/2010 07:47 AM)Chris on 12/30/2009 10:44 PM
Of the bridge crossings available from St.Charles, which one(s) have provisions for bikes such as bike lanes or pedestrian/sidewalk area. Which ones, if any, are best avoided due to narrow shoulders or no sidewalks?
Pat from Washington, MO. on 02/04/2010 02:29 AM
The only bridges that connect St Charles with St Louis county are interstate highway bridges. I would not recommend this to anyone as there are no bike paths or dedicated shoulders and what shoulders are there will be filled with glass and debris.
Anonymous on 02/04/2010 09:23 AM
The Page Avenue Extension bridge at MM 42.8 has a wide bike/pedestrian lane that is separated from the highway by a concrete and fence divider. To be more exact, it is actually a separate bridge hung on the same supports as the highway bridge. It takes you to Creve Couer Park. Connects directly to the trail via a nice switchback climb on the St Charles side and a couple of miles of parkland on the other.
Miles from Mission, KS on 02/07/2010 07:47 AM
Bicycles are permitted to use the shoulder on the Discovery bridge north
of St. Charles.
2010 Katy Trail Ride / Crusin the Katy 2010
- + Have the dates been set for the 2010 event? I missed the ride last year but would like to schedule it this year.
Discussion started 01/29/2010 11:18 AM by texasmike - 7 replies (last reply by Terry at 02/05/2010 10:45 PM)texasmike from Round Rock, Texas on 01/29/2010 11:18 AM
Have the dates been set for the 2010 event? I missed the ride last year but would like to schedule it this year.
Skyguy9999 on 01/29/2010 10:48 PM
It seems that no it hasn't been set yet. But here is where you check to find out.
http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail/index.html
Chris on 02/03/2010 09:59 AM
I called DNR about the June ride and they said it going to be June 21-25 and it will start in St Charles and going west. DNR said they should know more around March first
MidSouth from Rogersville, Mo on 02/03/2010 02:25 PM
We plan to ride the trail during the same time frame West to East
Don from Plainfield, IL on 02/04/2010 09:52 AM
I believe Chris is correct for the dates and the direction. They alternate directions and it was west to east last year. Also it is the 20 year anniversary so there may be some type of celebration this year in late June.
Linda @Sedalia Katy Depot from Sedalia on 02/05/2010 09:30 AM
Not sure if DNR i s doing anything for the 20th anniversary but the newly formed KTMac
(Katy Trail Merchants & Communities) organization is working on events to span the dates of
May 28 to June 20th. This would lead into this years DNR ride starting on the 21st of June.
More details will be finalized at the Feb 16th annual winter meeting of the KTMac. If any
business or chamber or community wants more information about this meeting please
e-mail me for details.
MidSouth from Rogersville, Mo on 02/05/2010 02:19 PM
Adventure Cycling Association is also doing a supported tour from St. Charles to Sedalia. May 15th thru May 21st. Here is a link: http://www.adventurecycling.org/tours/tourdetail.cfm?t=EV10&id=195&p=1
Terry from Festus on 02/05/2010 10:45 PM
The DNR has posted some info on their site including dates and the daily desinations. You can get on their mailing list for a registration packet. Applications should become available around March 1st. http://mostateparks.com/katytrail/index.html