STL to Jeff City, and back

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Jack from St. Louis on 1/15/2008 9:11:57 PM:

I'm planning on doing this trip in less than a day on the Katy Trail. I'm a roadie but am not sure how my tires would (or likely would not) hold up. I'd prefer not to switch to a heavier bike for the trip. Any suggestions? Anybody have experience doing this round-trip venture in a day?

Anonymous on 1/16/2008 12:18:29 PM:

Your road bike tires will be OK unless you get a hard rain prior to your trip. If this happens, the trail is mushy and your narrow tires will sink into the surface badly. I'm a little perplexed as to why you want to do this long of a trip in only one day. You're not going to have any time to enjoy the scenery, and that's half the fun.

Don from Dallas, Tx on 1/16/2008 9:59:19 PM:

less than a day? Geez, what are you going to do with the rest of your day?
Road bike would be OK with at least 23mm tires.

Jim from St. Thomas on 1/17/2008 9:45:08 AM:

My only concern would be how the rims would hold up. You're going to have to hit a pretty good pace and are sure to hit a bone-crunching rut or two. We have had folks with road bikes ride with us before and have had the occasional broken spoke.

King Tuts from Eureka on 1/17/2008 11:29:04 AM:

St. Chuck to Jeff city and back? Do you need a riding partner?

Trek on 1/17/2008 1:45:13 PM:

Tuts....we'll be needing a riding partner(s) for several rides from early spring through fall at various locations along the Katy to pay for food, lodging, etc. ....interested??

King Tuts from Eureka on 1/18/2008 11:01:59 AM:

Trek.. Always up for a ride...Training right now for a once in a life time tour set for early June. I read the forum quite a bit, so later this summer post for a new ride and I will respond.

Cheers.

Jack from St. Louis on 1/18/2008 12:58:49 PM:

Is there a trail "rule" that wearing helmets is mandatory? For example, would a park official tell you to get off the trail if he/she saw you without a helmet on? Just curious...

Trek on 1/18/2008 2:09:03 PM:

No....From DNR State Parks website: HELMETS RECOMMENDED. For your safety, all cyclists and equestrian users should wear helmets that meet or exceed Snell or ANSI standards.

Jack from St. Louis on 1/18/2008 9:42:12 PM:

Thank you for the info, Trek. By the way, do you know if aerobars are recommended/usable for longer/fast-paced rides on the Katy Trail?

Trek Biker on 1/19/2008 1:53:19 PM:

I don't know Jack....about aerobars. ; ) We ride with OEM bars on the Trek hybrids and the Santana longbike.

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 1/20/2008 10:17:10 AM:

St. Charles to JC and back in one day + road bike + areobars + no helmet = disaster.

sharonbikes from Kansas City on 1/20/2008 2:54:36 PM:

Since you are in St. Louis, why don't you take your bike of choice out for a few test rides on
the Trail and see what works for you. I am more of a roadie, too, but have outfitted my Trek
mountain bike as more of a road bike with narrower tires that are Kevlar belted (Panaracer
Messengers), and made it as light as possible and I move right along at a good pace on the
Trail. I would not ride my road bike on the Trail because it just isn't built for the bumps and
uneven road surfaces...but, that's my preference.

Jack from St. Louis on 1/21/2008 8:32:23 PM:

For those who have been on the Trail for all-day/multi-day trips, is it recommended to clean your chain periodically? I would think so...however, wouldn't the well-lubed chain just attract more dust? I won't have much spare time, but am not sure if it's worth taking the time to clean the chain for my all-day trip.

sharonbikes from Kansas City on 1/21/2008 9:05:01 PM:

I have not a problem with chain cleaning for just a day trip... and a well-lubed chain will
make your day easier. I use a dry lubricant like White Lightening on my chain with no
problems at all. The Trail can be very dusty, but not to the extent where I have found it
necessary to stop and clean my chain under normal circumstances. But, again, I ride a
mountain bike. The components on my road bike are more delicate and more touchy so I
don't know what your bike will be like. Again, I think a few test rides would prove most
valuable for you to find out what will work best for you!

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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