Need basic information about riding the trail for 5 days

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ACD from Nashville on 2/28/2025 5:02:43 PM:

We discovered the Katy Trail last year as we drove across Missouri and are very interested in biking at least part of it. We love bicycling and have done week-long rides for many years. We now ride a Tandem recumbent bike. First, is the trail appropriate for our bike?

Secondly, is this the best website for planning the trip? Details like leaving our car at one end and shuttling back to the car after riding several days. If anyone knows of more websites or organizations that could give us more information, I would appreciate it.

I also saw that there's a planned trip once a year with a large group. How do we get more information about that?
Thanks,
ACD

Deby Elliott from Dallas on 3/1/2025 6:41:50 AM:

I don't think you will be disappointed if you chose to do this ride! We have done it 5 times, at different times of the year, and all have been great rides. That being said, you do have to understand the reality of this trail and be prepared. There are very few places for bike repairs or needs, so you need to be pretty self sufficient. Also careful meal planning is a must. Every restaurant you think you will be stopping at needs a phone call about 2 weeks prior to your trip to be sure they will be open.

Regarding the tandem, surely someone else will chip in. I don't really know, but my instinct is there would be no problem.

This forum is your go-to for information. There is no better website for the all round information. Of course you can cater your trip activity in the small towns with google searches.

Anonymous on 3/2/2025 8:08:31 AM:

You should okay with your bike. We’ve ridden our tandem with 700 x 28’s without problem. As with all bikes stay out of the loose chat and ride in the path. It’s out in the country so there might be a tree branch or a rut here and there to look out for.

This site with the Trip Planner and Forum is a great asset to plan and gather information for your ride.

The DNR ride by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources State Parks may be what you are referring to. There is also the BAM ride…..Bike Across Missouri. A search should help you find more info on each.

Deby makes a good point about resources. It is a remote trail with resources dotted along in the rural towns. That can add to the adventure or be a deal breaker if you’re unprepared.

Jerry Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 3/2/2025 9:40:42 AM:

I've done the Katy end-to-end 11 times with two of them on a conventional tandem. I've ridden on it with tires as small as 700x25s to 650bx47 on single bikes and 26x2.15" on the tandem. What I've learned is when it comes to tires, bigger is better. Plus you want deep tread or some mild knobbies. The Katy can get soggy and slick when wet.

From Machens to Boonville, the Katy is very flat. However there are ups and downs between Boonville and Clinton. The climbs are usually under 4% but there are a couple of short stretches that get up to 6%. I know that climbing can be an issue with recumbents.

Actually there's several group rides. We've done the Katy on our tandem with Bubba's Pampered Pedalers. They stay in hotels and B&Bs so it's rather expensive but in my opinion worth it. PBB puts on two week-long rides in September.

I can also vouch for Big BAM on the Katy. They have a hotel option; a tent service option; or bring your own tent option where they drag your bags for you. They have one in June and another ride in October.

Unfortunately the Missouri DNR no longer puts on a Katy Trai Ride.

DS Douin from KT Rider on 3/17/2025 1:25:21 PM:

Jerry,

Since you are a veteran of the KT, was wondering if the trail is solid and dry enough to ride in mid-April? I was fortunate in either 2013 or 2014 in early April to get a dry warmer high 60s week. Could that happen in 2025?

DSD

Jeffco25 from Flower Mound, TX on 3/18/2025 11:00:14 AM:

I am planning to ride middle of June, have 650Bx47mm tires and am planning 5 days from Clinton to St. Charles. I will finish to Machens on 6th day. Assuming good weather and trail conditions, what average speed should I plan assuming at a steady pace. I am using the trail planner, but interested in hearing first-hand your experience.

Gary from Washington on 3/18/2025 11:23:37 AM:

April in Missouri can be a mixture of everything weather related. From chilly days & nights to humid and very windy conditions. Rain is expected almost weekly. The greatest advantage in riding the Katy in April is the abundance of wildflowers. The trail surface can be soft and rutted to hard and dusty, but will not be a huge problem. I would go for it and enjoy.

Jerry Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 3/18/2025 11:59:44 AM:

The old saying is April showers brings May flowers. I've only ridden short stretches on the Katy in April when I knew it was dry.

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