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Riding the Trail the First Time
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Dave G from Aurora, CO on 3/23/2022 9:46:03 AM:
This July we will be riding parts of the Katy Traal on the way to LaCrosse. WI. What sections do you recommend for first time riders; most scenic, smoothest ride, best places to stay overnight, etc? There are four of us and are all seniors so we look forward to scenery and great places to stay over or eat. Are sections of the trail paved, or just crshed stone? We are riding street bikes, not fat tire bikes and any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks, Dave
 
John from Pleasant Hill on 3/23/2022 11:04:16 AM:
Two of my favorite sections are Defiance to Marthasville with its vineyards and historic small towns all pretty close together. I also would recommend riding around Rocheport (maybe take the spur down to there from Columbia) and around Hermann.
 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 3/23/2022 11:37:12 AM:
I don't remember any part of the trail being paved, except for a small portion close to St Charles. The rest of it is fine crushed gravel.

How many days do you want to ride the trail?

How far can you ride in a day?

Will you be riding through, or out and back?

Have you ever done a multi-day trip on a trail?

When you say "street bikes" do you mean skinny tire road bikes, or hybrids or cruisers that you ride in your neighborhood?
 
Dave G from Aurora, CO on 3/24/2022 1:08:39 PM:
Thanks for your suggestions, John. Bill, they are road bikes, I guess. Not racing skinny tires but not fat tires, either. Three of us have road bikes and one electric. We are heading to LaCrosse to ride the Sparta-Elroy Trails and will be staying one night at several places along the way. We'll do an out and back from a hotoel or location near the trail each time. We ride from 20 to 30 miles easily a day.
 
Anonymous on 3/24/2022 1:29:20 PM:
The Great River, LaCrosse River, Elroy-Sparta, and the 400 Trails make for some great riding. We've ridden there several years ago and really enjoyed the tranquil scenery.
 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 3/25/2022 8:34:02 AM:
Gotcha, Dave G, thanks for narrowing down the possibilities.

John made good suggestions. Staying in Hartsburg and riding over the bridge to Jefferson City and back could also be a fun day. If you like ice cream, Central Dairy in Jeff City is a fun place.

Be ready to repair a flat. I doubt you will get one, but it does happen.
 
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