Reply to Time on Bike

Hi all, this question is for those that ride the whole trail - how much time do you spend on the bike each day? I'm seeing people recommending 50-80 miles per day for a relatively fit cyclist, just curious how much time is spent on the bike. I'm trying to plan out my first out and back from St. Louis. For reference, I'll do a century ride on pavement in about 7 hours (6a-1p). Would I be completely out of my mind to think I could ride from Machens to Pleasant Hill in two days, and then back in another two, assuming I'm spending most of the daylight in the saddle?

100 miles on pavement in 7 hours means you average 14 MPH. I would say on the Katy, that could reasonably go down to 12 MPH. If you start at Machens and go to Pleasant Hill, that's 268 miles. That would be three 7-hour days each way for you. Of course, if you want to ride longer each day, then 2 days each way would work. However, you would not have much time (if any) to enjoy the sights and towns along the way. And if the weather is bad or the wind is not in your favor, then you put your schedule in jeopardy.

A good approach for most people is to decide if you want to do the Katy in as few days as possible, or to see as much as you can. And whatever you choose, add an extra "weather day" into your plans.

My only question would be "why?" Why would anyone try to ride any rail/trail as fast as they can? That kinda defeats the whole purpose of riding the trail, doesn't it. My wife and I have ridden rail/trails all over the country (KATY is on our schedule for June but, that might not happen) and we always enjoy just taking our time, stopping frequently to enjoy the scenery and take photos. We stop in most every little trail-side town or village and check them out. We are always courteous to those who come blasting along but, we never really understand why they are in such a hurry to leave the beautiful outdoors and get to their overnight destination where there really isn't much attraction. My advice, if you have limited time then limit your distance goals and enjoy the ride!

Al, there is no right way to do the trail. I’ve biked the whole trail many times (well, almost the whole trail - never done the St. Charles to Machens portion) mostly over 4 days but once in two days. Why? Because I wanted to see if I could do it. Lots to be said for a leisurely ride but it’s not the only option.

Agree with BikerBoy—you’ll go about 2 mph slower on Katy than you will on asphalt. So 10+ hours of riding time 4 days in a row is a pretty ambitious schedule for the vast majority of folks. Nor does it take into account meals, weather, wind, added bike/equipment weight, stops not being where you want them, etc.

So, can it be done? Yes. Does it sound fun? No. I’d suggest keeping it in the 60-80 miles per day range, drinking coffee in the AM, eating decent meals, drinking a few beers, and enjoying your time. If you want a big mileage day, do that too; then follow that up with an easier day.

Al - Would you mind sharing other favorite rail trails you have ridden? My husband and I rode the Katy last year and planned to to Pittsburgh to Cumberland in September (hopefully)...but we are open to other trails. I would love to hear your favorite ones.

Hello Jennifer - I'll try to answer but I'm not sure I'll remember them all off the top of my head. Of course, there's the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage)- we started on a different trail in West Virginia that hooked into the GAP and then rode it to the end (which I think is technically the beginning) in Maryland...it took a week. We've done a bunch of the Paul Bunyon and connecting trails - those are nice in sections but some sections are not so spectacular. We loved the tour we did in Wisconsin - Elroy-Sparta, Gandy Dancer, Glacial Drumlin, and maybe another. (not all of these connect so, there was some driving between trails)
For a wonderful 1-2 trip, do the Virginia Creeper - it's beautiful but you shuttle to the top of a very steep mountain and then meander your way down to Damascus but, don't stop there! Ride on the less traveled part to Abingdon and have a nice dinner. Damascus is more fun to stay in, though. There's a very cool trail in Iowa (more than one) - the High Trestle trail is kinda short but the bridge is a must see! I can't remember the other ones we did. Fox River Trail in Illinois is also a very nice ride but it's been a long time since I was on that one. OK, that's enough for now... There's a bunch of them across the country and we've probably only done about 20 or so. NOTE: I haven't ridden the KATY, yet! Our trip scheduled for last year got flooded out. We're scheduled to go in June but we may get postponed again if the COVID-19 thing doesn't feel safe to us by then. Al

Other rail trails that are noteworthy are the Mickelson in South Dakota, the Tunnel Hill in south central Illinois and the Raccoon River Valley trail east of Des Moines Iowa.

The High Trestle trail bridge is unique with the lights at night, but hardly worth the trip to Iowa for just that trail. Iowa has an extensive network of trails in the Des Moines area. Check out bikeiowa.com.

The Paul Bunyan trail in Minnesota is a decent paved trail as well.

The Route of the Hiawatha in Idaho takes the prize for being the most beautiful. It is definitely worth the time/expense to visit this trail. It's just pretty hard to beat a one way downhill ride in the mountains over majestic trestles.

I have enjoyed these. Shorter trails. (1) Root River Valley trail in SE Minnesota. Stayed at Eagle Cliff Campground near Lanesboro. (2) Heritage Trail in Dubuque Iowa. My go to trail to have a few hours away from the city. (3) Summerset Trail south of Des Moines Iowa. Hoping to bike the Katy trail and possibly the Paul Bunyan trail in 2020.

Does anyone have thoughts on reception of out of state bikers in small towns along these trails given the Cover situation?