Advice for my special needs daughter riding Katy trail.

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Paul from Barrington, IL on 3/31/2022 1:30:15 PM:

Hello! I am thinking about riding the trail with my special needs daughter. She functions really well though she is certainly not independent. (I'll also say that, in so many ways, she is my bike riding idol. Just loves to go,keeps going, and never complains!)

The only reason I can think NOT to do this is her bicycle. She rides a three speed aluminum beach cruiser with coaster brakes. We've felt that hand brakes and more complex gearing would be a bit too much for her and, overall, not as safe. I know for sure that she can ride thirty miles at a crack without complaint and I am at least somewhat confident that she could ride 50 or more each day. Also, my impression is that, as a rail trail, the trail is pretty darn flat and overall relatively smooth.

So, my big question is whether or not her bike would be okay? Other questions (that I'm sure I can research pretty easily) have to do with frequency of restaurants and/or food shopping, and frequency of camping opportunities. If we do this, we'll want to keep things pretty loose; heading out and getting as far as we get, calling mom to come get us when we finish or need to bail out.

Anyway, thanks for your input!

Bill in Houston from Houston on 3/31/2022 1:59:49 PM:

Such a cool idea! My wife and I saw people riding the trail with exactly the bike you describe. It's pretty flat and pretty smooth. The sections where we had to be on a street were very quiet and calm.

This site and Google Maps can help you find camping spots and food. I did not research camping, so I don't have a feel for it. Food can be a little sparse in certain stretches on certain days of the week, so take something along with you in case you can't find food at the right time.

And, any place that you are planning to stop, check them right now to see if they are still in business and what days they are open, and then check with them the day before you need them. This has been a tough time for small businesses.

brad wilson from st louis on 3/31/2022 2:58:55 PM:

If possible, try to use tires that are flat-resistant. The Katy Trail has sharp rocks in places, and sometimes there are thorns that can puncture tires.

For example, Schwalbe makes tires that have a Kevlar belt to reduce punctures. I use them and haven't had a flat in years, even in areas with lots of broken glass..

Also, there are tire liners available that you place inside the tire between the tube and tire. These aren't as effective, but are generally less expensive than kevlar-belted tires.

Using some form of flat protection will help reduce the risk of sometimes tricky repairs.

BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 4/1/2022 12:08:49 PM:

Paul, you are obviously a great Dad to do this with her! Since she is riding a 3-speed, does she have trouble with hills? If so, consider just doing the trail from New Franklin eastward, where the only hills are the river levees. Also consider her ability to navigate the detour around the Salt Creek bridge, if that has not been repaired by the time of your ride.

Paul from Barrington, IL on 4/1/2022 4:47:23 PM:

Hey, many thanks to each of you for the encouragement and the good advice. Next step....a hard look at the calendar to see when we can make this work! If you see an enthusiastic young lady on a pink beach cruiser (and her geezer dad), give us a wave!

FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!

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