kim from independence, mo on 6/16/2009 11:05:04 PM:
The only paved part of the trail is when it is on the streets through Sedalia. However, there are some very nice, firmly packed areas. When we rode the week of June 6, I noticed that the trail was in excellent shape around Augusta. However, yes, rain can make it softer. Also new chat can be loose. Where the trail crosses gravel roads and driveways it can be pretty challenging as you are then riding on much different surfaces. We switched to tires with more side tread on our road/trail bikes for this last trip and I had alot more confidence when riding the looser trail areas where I have had trouble before with the slicker tires.