Kids on KATY Trail?

Go to Forum

WBULR from Little Rock on 2/10/2008 5:14:01 PM:

I'm an avid cyclist and have 3 small boys (5,9 and 12). I was thinking about riding the entire trail sometime this summer.

The boy's have ridden 15 miles many times. My middle son did a 40 miles ride with me when he was 7. Have any of you taken small children for an extended distance like this? I am still in the planning stages. The boys are excited about the idea of riding across an entire state and riding a train back to the car.

Any input would be helpful.

Thanks

Arkie from Fort Smith on 2/10/2008 6:53:10 PM:

They should do well. The only thing I would consider is that unlike riding around the neighborhood the trail doesn't allow for much coasting. Thus little legs would have to be pumping pretty much non-stop. Sounds like the ticket for fun. Enjoy.

Jim from St. Thomas on 2/11/2008 3:39:34 PM:

I think it's a great idea to do the ride with your boys but I'm a little concerned about the 2 younger ones. It's one thing to ride 30 - 40 miles in a day but it's a whole different ball game when you do it for 5 or 6 days in a row. Is there any possibility you could have someone shadow you in a sag vehicle?

family of 4 from Pineville, MO on 2/11/2008 7:08:22 PM:

We rode the trail from Sedalia to Jeff City in 2 days at the end of November, spending the
night in Boonville. Our 2 boys are 8 & 10 and we found they could handle 35-45 miles per
day. Unlike riding on pavement, you are constantly pedaling on the Katy, which will wear the
children (& adults!) down, not to mention give you a sore bottom. For us, doing different
sections of the Katy at different times works best. This spring, we are planning to ride from
Jeff City to Washington, another 80 mile trip in 2 days. We found Amtrak to be very
accommodating; they even helped us to carry each bike onto/off of the train. Be sure to call
them ahead of time to make a reservation for you & your bikes. Enjoy your trip! The Katy
makes for a great family adventure.

ET from Columbia on 2/11/2008 8:42:21 PM:

We have made several trips on the Katy with our kids, starting when they were about 5. We found a trail-a-bike to be the way to go when they were younger--they could pedal when they wanted to, and just ride along when they were tired. I definitely recommend a short day part way through to rest up a bit. In fact, you might try to do a loop, with the Amtrak stretch in the middle--for example, ride from Sedalia to Jeff City in a couple of days, then take the train back to Sedalia and do the western end (you would have to use a shuttle or go there and back). Also, most, but not all B*B's are kid friendly--check around. If you do the western end, I highly recommend Cruce's cabooses for 3 boys. Pack plenty of snacks and water--it can be a long, hot haul between places to get supplies! It's great fun, though. Go for it!

Anonymous on 2/17/2008 8:36:42 AM:

Our first ride my youngest was 8 and did fine..but we only did a 2 day ride. I think she could have handled more.
I would be a bit worried about the 5 year old though.
I think you can gauge your child though and will be able to tell.
Bring lots of extra water and lots of snacks.
We always carried string cheese and beef sticks ... and would stop often for mini snacks and to explore.
Mom to 3

Strawberryfun from Hannibal on 2/20/2008 12:29:21 PM:

Even for the older kids (between 15 and 18) that aren't used to riding a lot if at all. Would they have a lot of trouble you think?

ET from Columbia on 2/21/2008 3:41:40 PM:

Kids can get saddle-sore just like adults, and that's really the only problem. You want to ride at least some first, and I highly recommend bike shorts, but as far as just doing the ride, you'll have no problem. Be sure to take enough water, and don't forget to drink it.

Strawberryfun from Hannibal on 2/21/2008 5:36:36 PM:

What about for those who might be a little body-concious? Or even for weather that might not be warm enough for shorts. What type of pants would you suggest? I have a funny feeling that stretchy wouldn't be a good idea. Too many interesting stories come from that kind of thing.

ET from Columbia on 2/24/2008 3:48:32 PM:

Bike shorts under tights or other pants work fine. You just need to use a velcro strap or rubber band on your ankles to keep your pants legs out of your chain. I don't recommend jeans--the seams will definitely bother you!

Strawberryfun from Hannibal on 2/25/2008 4:27:52 PM:

That makes sense. Kids wear jeans while riding bikes in town all the time. Is it just the longer distance and different terrain? There is one thing I was curious about. I've heard of wearing the shorts over the tights, but under them just sounds a little akward. But under pants I do all the time. It's a lot more comfortable once you get them unrolled. You seem to have a lot of experience with this stuff. How lonw have you been riding? I used to ride all the time. I could even do some stunt biking. But it's been around 4 years since then. That's another reason I enjoy this class so much we get to do all the outdoors stuff I love and haven't had a chance to do for a long time. Heck I even learned how to swim. Which was interesting. You'd think that some one that loves being outside would know that already but it was fun to learn even at my age.

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

More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us

By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2025 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.