Katy Trail Forum

What would you suggest to train for Katy Trail? The plan is to ride the entire trail from East to West in about 5 days. We have about 4 months to get ready.

The main thing in my opinion is to make sure you try to acclimate your body to the heat and humidity that will still be there in September. You will need lots of fluids. If you're going in late September, you may get lucky and the temperatures may have cooled some, but most likely not. The trail is flat, so you will not need much hill training. However, this will mean you will not be shifting your position on the bike much and your fanny and back will probably protest the first couple of days. When I did the trail, I tried to stop and get off the bike and stretch, even if it meant only 5 minutes or so, every 10 to 15 miles. Enjoy the KATY !!

Hopefully, this link works as there are lots of good advice here:



http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=1099&full=&ascdesc=&pg=



Also, you have to keep in mind if you want to really say you did the whole trail, you have to go to Machens, which lenthens your trip to approximately 238 miles. It was also pointed out to me previously that because I did not go past the trailhead in Clinton(as it does technically continue past this point for a little ways), I really did not do the whole trail.

anybody ever ride the whole thing in the rain? I was thinking about riding the trail next week but right now the forecast is for "isolated t-storms" or "scattered t-storms" all week. I have one of those capes that clip on your handlebars----might be a good time to try it out.

Anytime you spend more than a day on the trail, you run the risk of getting wet. There are several things you have to think about. You need to keep yourself and your gear dry, or you will be miserable. The best way to keep yourself dry is with a good, high quality breathable rain jacket. You may also elect to get rain pants as I did. For the gear, I had all my stuff in waterproof bags (OR makes great ones) and my panniers had waterproof covers also. If you are camping, that makes things even more difficult as you will need a waterproof tent. Riding in the rain is miserable, expecially on the KATY trail surface. It can be done though, you just have to plan ahead and honestly, spend some money on good gear. Have fun!

I basically agree with the previous comment and have ridden many miles in the rain over the years on the Katy. The one thing not mentioned above is a need for a second pair of riding shoes for a rainy day. Once your shoes are drenched and covered with the trail the next day is pretty miserable with wet gritty shoes. I always take an old pair of shoes just in case it does rain. So just come prepared and enjoy the ride.



My next scheduled ride on the Katy will be the Katy Trail State Ride in June hope to see some of you then.

I would just add--expect decreased mileage if it is raining or has just rained a lot, as the surface gets soft, and harder going.

I rode the whole thing from Clinton to Machens in October and it rained every day but the last, and that day was very windy. Although I wouldn't say it was the best trip in the world it was enjoyable. Expect decreased mileage and that you will get filthy. A second pair of shoes to wear it night is a must and I found Goretex trail running shoes to have been a good selection to ride in.

Egad. I was afraid of this.



These capes: Do they cover both rider and bike? Am invisioning something out of a jousting scene, where a cape covers the horse's flanks.



I'm only slightly kidding. Is that what this cape does?

Ixnay the apecay. If you're concerned about riding in the rain, ride a bike with fenders and pack a rain suit. The poncho/cape limits your flexibility, the ability to see the ground under your feet, and can get caught in the wheels. If it were me, I'd even skip the rain pants.

Nails is right on. You are going to get wet. Even with the cape, you will get wet. My

guess is that you have been wet before. Just be wet... the temps should be warm enough

these days that you won't get cold so long as you keep riding. Capes and ponchos and the

like are usually made of plastic or nylon which means you will just get hot and sweaty and

wet. Riding the trail in the rain means you will be wet and dirty (but you will wash and

hopefully will have packed a fresh set of clothes and protected your stuff from the water)

and it will be slow going...when the trail gets saturated it is like riding through plaster of

paris that is not quite set up. It is different than riding in just plain mud. And, your bike

will be filthy . . . be sure to clean it up paying attention to those moving parts--the chain,

the pedals and the like. Carry some lube so your chain doesn't rust and you can ride the

next day moving smoothly! And, rain or shine, have fun!

Ixnay the cape and get a light weight hiking jacket like the Marmot Precip. The sleeves open for ventilation and it is hooded. Also performs quite well as a windbreaker. Everyone makes them. The ultra-lightweight biking jackets just don't cut it in my experience. They look nice, they are light, but they don't shed water.

thanks for comments. yeah I guess I'll just wait till we get some nice weather.

My husband and I will be on the trail Friday through Sunday riding from Jeff City to Sedalia. I am hoping that the forecast changes (call me Polyanna!) We will definitely be ready for the winery in Rocheport where we are spending our first night. I don't seem to be very good at planning these trips. Last year we rode during the hottest weekend of the year (in August) and it looks like I've chosen one of the wettest weekends for this years trip. Someone else is picking the time for the next one!

Way to go Polyanna! : )

I always carry a rain jacket with me on extended rides. Adding fenders to my recumbent was the very best improvment for those wet days on the trail. You still get wet, but not near as dirty/sandy. Riding a bent puts your head closer to the rear tire, and ALL that sand slings on the back of your neck and head. I actually enjoy some of those lighter showers now!

This gives you almost no info on the structure of the ride. Where do you stay, where do you eat, how much does it cost, where do you register (if you ride). Eg, here is the Brag website (http://www.brag.org/brag.html). We would like to do the ride but need more info than just the date. Is there a sag wagon? Do we have to tote our tents and stuff. What do we eat?

The "DNR Ride" as many call it is a function of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The link below will get you to their website where you can request more information. To my knowledge info about the 2007 ride is yet to be released.



http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail/2007ride.htm

This is not the website for the DNR sponsored bike ride. Here is a link to that website:

http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail/2007ride.htm. No details are posted yet, but you

can see details/photos from previous year's rides and sign up to receive notification when

details are available for the 2007 ride. This is a site for people to post comments about the

Katy Trail, in general. I encourage you to check out the DNR website and to sign up for the

ride as it is great fun! Sharon

http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail/2007ride.htm



In reference to the 2007 Ride by DNR, keep your eye on this link for update, and you can also submit your email to get their registration packet. It will have all the info you are looking for. For this ride, all you have to do yourself is ride your bicycle, get luunch somewhere, and pitch your tent. On the last day, I believe that lunch is usually provided also.

Are there camping areas along the route that would not normally be there? Is the camper population usually higher at existing campgrounds?

DNR sets up camping sites at various locations for the riders and provides the evening meals

and the ever popular shower truck. I would not think the ride would affect the "normal"

camping spots, so long as those are not the spots DNR has chosen for its ride. When the

brochure is out, you will be able to see where the overnights will be and could plan

accordingly if you plan to be on the Trail at the same time the ride is going on. DNR also

provides SAG stops along the route as well as transporting all gear from one overnight locale

to the next. It is a well supported ride.

I have done this ride 2004,2005, and 2006 and it is a great time. Yes there are multiple sag wagons. No you do not have to haul anything you don't want to -- they will truck up to two 50 lb. bags per person. I take way more than I probably need and have never come near the limit.



They feed you breakfast 5 mornings, dinner 4 evenings and a bag lunch the last day (which is always a short ride). You are on your own for dinner Sunday (if you arrive Sunday) and for lunch mon-thur. Vegetarian meals available.



Particulars aren't usually posted on the official DNR page until March, but if you examine the volunteer application you can see the overnights are in Sedaila, Columbia, Mokane and Augusta this year -- though it does not say exact camping location.



Cost was $230 for whole ride last year, up from $220. It's a bargain.

"Are there camping areas along the route that would not normally be there? Is the camper population usually higher at existing campgrounds?" -- so far in my experience, the DNR ride hasn't used any existing campgrounds. When starting in St. Charles you camp in the park. When starting in Clinton, you camp at the fairgrounds there. We have stayed at Liberty Park in Sedalia which is a WONDERFUL facility. We have camped at Les Bougouis vinyard in Rocheport. An abandoned military school in Boonville. A couple of years ago we spent the night in the tiny town of Hartsburg, more than quadrupling the popuation of the town for that night. The fine citizens of Hartsburg allowed us to camp in their yards. The only 'bad' campsites were only bad because there isn't much shade - a ballfield in Marthasville, a schoolyard in Augusta - and I am fortunate enough to like riding early and fast, so I get there in time to get a shady spot for my tent even in those situations. You have to try really hard to have a bad time on this ride. Register early, ridership is limited to around 300 and by June they are turning people away.

Jon,

Would I be correct in assuming that the two 50lb bag per person includes your camping gear?

thanks

Never been on the annual ride but here's a hint to a great ride. Park at Kirkwood, MO and take the AMTRAK to Sedalia. Then pedal back to any AMTRAK stop or pedal back to St. Charles. No need to buy books on the Katy just google "Katy Trail" and you'll find B&B's, motel's etc. on the way. Park at the Casino in St. Charles if going all the way. My family does it every summer with great anticipation! Take plenty water/gatorade on hot days, sunglasses and bug spray. Cell phones work most places. Have fun!

What a wonderful place. We stayed in the Ranch House Cabin and it is wonderful. The setting is amazing near a hill which has a path leading to a small stream. It is so peaceful. The porch swing is a great touch. The cabin itself has a wonderfully huge jacuzzi tub and soft bed. Breakfast was incredible. The hosts came to pick us up in Marthasville and then dropped us off again the next morning. It is a great place to stay.

What a wonderful place. We stayed in the Ranch House Cabin and it is wonderful. The setting is amazing near a hill which has a path leading to a small stream. It is so peaceful. The porch swing is a great touch. The cabin itself has a wonderfully huge jacuzzi tub and soft bed. Breakfast was incredible. The hosts came to pick us up in Marthasville and then dropped us off again the next morning. It is a great place to stay.

In November, 2005, the store on Main St. had a big "Closed" sign in the window, and the space was empty. Today the web site is "not found" (404 error). Anyone know the current situation for Momentum Cycles?

In November, 2005, the store on Main St. had a big "Closed" sign in the window, and the space was empty. Today the web site is "not found" (404 error). Anyone know the current situation for Momentum Cycles?

Looks like they changed their website, but I still had their old web address listed. I have updated Momentum's listing on the St Charles page to have their new web address. Thanks for pointing this out!

Looks like they changed their website, but I still had their old web address listed. I have updated Momentum's listing on the St Charles page to have their new web address. Thanks for pointing this out!

Am planning on riding the whole shebang with the DNR's Katy Ride in June and I'm a little nervous. May I ask for your expert feedback?



I plan to train by riding the St. Joe State Park trail (11 mi., vy. hilly), working up to 3 rounds in a day. Am also working out on my spinning bike while it rains. Think this is a good start? I mean, how "expert" do you need to be to make 30-60 mi. a day? Is it more about stamina than speed or strength?



Also, I plan to stay in hotels along the way, but the wet weather makes me nervous. Do I need to pack quite a bit of gear on my bike?



...Which is a mountain bike. I've seen the back-and-forth on this wonderful forum about the merits of comfort/mountain/road bikes, but am wondering if my mtn. bike (with flat-faced, knobby-edged tires, thank you) is going to kill my shoulders at the end of the day. Was thinking of a quick investment in a comfort bike....?



I'm not in the best of shape, but I have excellent memories of riding the trail in college, and am looking forward to riding it with my dad. Am just trying to prepare to the best I'm able...Thanks for any advice you can provide...

It sounds like you're on the right track. In my opinion the biggest issue on multiday rides is saddle fit to your hind side. Time in the saddle while you train is the best prep for that. Get good and familiar with your bike. Stamina...yes. Speed....doubtfull you'll break, or want to break any land speed records while trying to enjoy the trail. Strength....nawww....a steady cadence perhaps though while your out in Flatland.



I certainly wouldn't consider a comfort bike purchase...would probably ride what ya have. If you're thinkin you'd like a new bike....a hybrid is probably a better fit than a mountain bike, road bike, or a comfort bike. They are a good tweener in regards to tires and gearing. My riding partner and I just rode two days on the Katy Sunday and Monday of this week. It was her first ride on her new hybrid after riding a comfort bike for the past few years...she was amazed at how much easier the hybrid rode and how much more comfortable it was on the Katy than her "comfort" bike. I've yet to figure out exactly what nitch a comfort bike is supposed to fill.

Trek is right. The key seems to be increasing your saddle time as your distance is more likely to be limited by your rebellious sit bones than your heart, lungs or legs. The trail is technically very easy.

Neither myself or my wife were in great shape before we did our end to end last summer, However we did have 5 or 6 hundred miles on the seat before we made the trip. We took our time (approx. 40 miles a day) on the Katy and enjoyed our suroundings. If you plan to go self contained I suggest you make several short trips with your bike loaded (dumbells in the bags). Fourty extra pounds makes a larger difference than one would realize.



A couple of things I have found that aid in comfort for a multi day trip.



1. (Learned from a blog of a distance rider) from day to day or every few days alter the height of your seat. A quarter of an inch makes a big difference. After our second day on the Katy I did this with great success on both of our bikes, 1/4 down today and a 1/4 back up tomorrow.



2. I don't know about you but I have my "favorite" gears I run a lot (usually large front sprocket and mid rear sprocket, when my bike is loaded). Again several days into the Katy I discovered if I went center front and a higher rear gear it changed my cadance enough to "rest" my legs, but I was able to keep pace.



"I've yet to figure out exactly what nitch a comfort bike is supposed to fill." From what I have seen the nitch is the 6 mile weekender on a paved trail. I was excited when my sister-in-law went out to get a new bike thinking they would now join us on some weekend trips. I was disapointed when they came back with a comfort bike but it suites her style of a few miles on the weekend.

Because the Katy Trail is so flat, riding becomes constant pedaling (instead of pedaling for awhile, going uphill, coasting downhill), which does make a difference after awhile. A smooth, comfortable pedal stroke makes a world of difference.



It is important to practice riding with as much gear as you plan on bringing. Training with 10-20 extra pounds makes your trail weight seem that much lighter: a true blessing.



Distance riding is about pacing yourself. Going too hard the first portion makes the end all that much harder. Slow and comfortable pace, with breaks is good.



The best on-bike wet gear I have found is a poncho. It is possible to drape it over yourself and the bike. Tuck the front corners under your hands on the grips; gather the back (that otherwise could get tangled in the wheel) and rubberband. Effective, simple, cheap; plus one can alter the amount of wind coming in from underneath. That, plus a showercap to go over your helmet, and you're set.



Best of luck.

Many thanks to all for your advice.



My "training" began today when my dad invited me out with him to ride the St. Joe State Park circuit (20 mi., paved, lots of hills). Oy! Lots of practice ahead, and I definitely need to develop a few callouses to get my "bike butt" back!



The St. Joe terrain, of course, is nothing like Katy's-- It's anything but flat. But I figure if I can do a couple of 20 mi. loops in a row, maybe tackle a Farmington-Fredericktown round trip,I'll be loaded for bear.



My father did last year's ride, and when I grilled him this morning about the experience, he echoed everyone's sentiments here.



Let's cross our fingers for excellent weather.



Thanks again!

I plan on riding St Joe some for my training for my first DNR ride. I know it is different terrain than the Katy, but I see the hills as a bonus to the training. I know riding 30 miles of flat trail after training on hills is a breeze. The big difference is the surface, especially if you are using narrow tires. I have thought several times about the Farmington/Fredericktown trip as a possible ride. I will be down that way in a couple of weeks and my bike will be with me.

Hello, Festus. Maybe I'll see you at St. Joe. Curious thing about hilly vs. flat, my dad and sister have a different perspective... My dad said he found it difficult to maintain speed from the incessant pedaling on the Katy (then again, I think he was going for Lance Armstrong records). My sister said she'd never ride the Katy because of all the pedaling as well.



While there are some heart-stopping hills on St. Joe, they at least provide some downhill relief once you get to the top (unless a deer jumps in front of you during the downhill-- That was exciting!). It certainly is appealing, but I think as long as I maintain a slow, deliberate pedal stroke, I'll enjoy the Katy ride.



I'm using tires that have a flat face and knobby edges. Thinner tires are probably faster, but I've spilled on the Katy before and it wasn't fun.



You're coming all the way down from Festus? Wow! Just an idea-- My father rode on the Hwy. 67 shoulder from Park Hills to Festus, at the top of the hill where that gas station is with the stop light-- before you get to the 55 interchange? He said the shoulder's newly paved and it was a really enjoyable trip, although he said it took about 90 minutes Park Hills-Festus, and 150 minutes Festus-Park Hills (climbing away from the Mississippi valley, I guess).



I throw that out there in case you'd like to save gas but get a good workout.

Your dad is a better man than I am. I would be interested in riding Farmington south toward Fredericktown. Heading north toward Festus would be a little tougher. I need some more training for that adventure. My plan is to visit St. Joe Monday the 14th and Thursday the 17th during the day. I will be passing through for a trip and will stop. I hope to meet up with you.

We really miss having the Cracked Crab in Rocheport. We really enjoyed the food.

We really miss having the Cracked Crab in Rocheport. We really enjoyed the food.

The building is for sale if you are interested in returning it to its former glory.

The building is for sale if you are interested in returning it to its former glory.