Reply to Average miles per day on Katy Trail

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Reply to Average miles per day on Katy Trail

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Joma from Oklahoma City on 8/17/2019 2:16:00 PM:

We are going to ride the Katy Trail from Sedalia to St Charles in September. My question is.... what is the average miles a person can ride per day that isn’t a real experienced rider. When I do ride, I average 10-12 mph. We are planning on averaging 40-50 per day. Is that too many? Thank you

Biker from STL on 8/17/2019 10:18:49 PM:

Each time I ride the length of the trail I take a casual approach, which just happens to be what you suggest: 10 mph and 40-50 miles each day. At that pace, you can ride for an hour, stop for an hour, and spend only 9 hours (or less of course,as an hour break is not absolutely necessary, but possible). Even in october, that allows the potential to hit the trail at 8 a.m. and be done well before dark at 5 p.m.

Allen from Shawnee on 8/18/2019 7:12:02 AM:

I have always found lodging was a big factor in miles per day. I always camp and it seems the campsites I like are about 35-40 miles apart. If you aren’t an experienced rider butt pain will probably be a factor after a couple of days. If you are traveling using B&B’s you can be a little more flexible because there are more of them than campsites, many are located in the same towns as campsites. If you are a pavement rider you will find miles on gravel are harder and you can do less of them. There is not much coasting on rail trails you pretty much pedal every foot of the trail.
I would err on the short side for miles per day, there is plenty to see. I approach it as a vacation rather than a training ride.
Have a good trip.

Allen

Bill in Houston from Houston on 8/19/2019 8:58:53 AM:

If you average 10-12 mph on pavement, you're looking at ~8 mph on the gravel on the KATY. It really sucks the energy out of your tires.

We trained by riding on pavement, and had 40 mile rides under our belts, but the trail gave us a serious beatdown. We enjoyed it, and it felt like an accomplishment, but it was what we call Type 2 Fun. :)

Our first day was Clinton to Sedalia, 41 miles, 5 hours 29 minutes moving time. Whew!

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