Katy Trail Home  The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail Rock Island Trail Home
Katy Trail Home Clinton Windsor Calhoun Green Ridge Sedalia Clifton City Boonville New Franklin Rocheport McBaine Hartsburg N Jefferson Tebbetts Mokane Portland Bluffton Rhineland McKittrick Treloar Marthasville Matson Defiance Weldon Spring St Charles Machens Easley Pilot Grove Hermann Huntsdale Columbia Jefferson City Dutzow Washington Augusta KT sticker Rock Island Spur Map Katy Trail Katy Trail Merchandise
switch to Rock Island map

riding
Go to Forum
julia from ofallon ill on 3/7/2020 3:18:20 PM:
when is the best time to start a bike ride? I have a 7 speed bike. wanting to try riding a trail. need input about gear, costs, riding time, anything that would help me prepare. I am an amateur. also I a 63 years young.
 
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 3/7/2020 6:09:00 PM:
Julia, so glad to hear you are interested in starting riding. I'd suggest taking your bike to your local shop (Cyclery in O'Fallon) and have them check things over for you. It's essential that your bike fits you properly, otherwise you can do serious damage to your knees, hips, etc.

As for where to ride, start out on the local trails. I'd suggest making use of the new trail going from O'Fallon up to Edwardsville, where you will connect with 130 miles of paved, off-road trails. You will never be too far from home if you practice on those trails. Go to mcttrails.org to see the map.

Once you build up enough strength and confidence, you can tackle parts or all of the Katy and other long-distance trails.

There are quite a few Metro East riders on this board who can offer you more tips.
 
Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 3/8/2020 6:27:59 AM:
BikerBoy provided some excellent advice. I'll add that the Nickel Plate Trail from Edwardsville towards Alhambra has the same kind of limestone surface as the Katy Trail. That would be good practice.
 
Anne from Cleveland on 3/8/2020 7:18:16 PM:
I’m 61 and have done it twice. Going this summer end to end. But this will be my first time unsupported. You’ll be fine. Ride a lot before you go and train some hills so you can handle the uphill grade part, Clinton to Sedalia. Train with the weight you’ll carry on your bike, for me two rear panniers. It is SO much fun and so relaxing. I take my time, 38-48 a day. Enjoy the journey.
 
Jim from St. Thomas on 3/8/2020 7:55:14 PM:
While there are some slight uphill grades between Clinton and Sedalia, the longest uphill grade is between Clifton City and Pilot Grove when going west to east.
 
FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!
More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us
 
By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2026 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.