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OklahomaJack from Oklahoma City on 11/21/2010 6:14:23 PM:

This coming may I will be 60 years old.
I am bikeing short distances this fall and winter to ge ready to do the entire Katy Trail with a friend.
There will be no rush for us.We like to smell the Roses and tour towns
How many miles a day should I plan on? What is the best bike for the trails?
I have 2 diffrent style bikes, mountain bike and a Board walk with no gears and with balloon tires.
We plan to stay at B&B's
I do NOT have strong legs, but I could always bike.I had polio as a kid.
This is a Quest for me, I have a strong heart and it's on my bucket list.

Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 11/21/2010 10:29:50 PM:

Hello Jack, the mountain bike should do well on the trail. Some people ride mountain bikes, some hybrids and some touring bikes. As for the miles per day, that just depends on how much you are used to riding. It seems that many people plan on about 40 miles a day. That is what I planned my first multi-day trip around and it worked out pretty well. The trail is flat for the most part so it is fairly easy to maintain a steady speed of 9 or 10 miles an hour, again that depends on what you are used to.

You have come to the right place to find out most of what you need to know about riding the Katy Trail. I think others will chime in on your questions. It will be fun, May is a good time to be out on the trail, enjoy yourself.

Anonymous on 11/21/2010 10:32:27 PM:

Just turned 61, did most of trail this year. Avg miles for time to browse et al, I say plan
40-50 a day. Best bike is a hybrid with larger wheels - 700s.

Rhona Lococo from St Charles Mo on 11/22/2010 8:32:44 PM:

if you need help with shuttle or overnight accomodations call 636-946-0619 and ask for Rhona (Lococo House III)

Anonymous on 11/23/2010 11:44:34 AM:

I am 67, ride a Hybrid, like to start at Clinton late afternoon pedal into Sedalia that evening, Take bike into Motel. Ride from Sedalia to Hartsburg next day,stay in B&B, Hartsburg to Hermann following day and into St Charles next day. Knocking that 40 miles off the first day gives you a ride of little less than 200 for the 3 days which gives you a chance to see and enjoy the trail. Take Train back to Sedalia and bike to Car in Clinton... Never a bad experience on the trail...

Anon on 11/23/2010 11:59:53 AM:

Together with the above advice, you'll be okay with your MB. A cyclocross, mountain bike, or hybrid with good tires works well on the trail. Carry an extra tube or two to be sure, and maybe a good boot or spare tire as well. Enjoy.

OklahomaJack from Oklahoma City on 11/26/2010 3:48:28 PM:

Thank You all!
I am so excited.
I am planning to start my trip May 23rd 2011.I will be going west to east.
Hope I meet and greet some of you there.
Jack

John T from Palmyra, MO on 12/21/2010 5:14:44 PM:

Try the DNR ride the third week in June. You are treated like ROYALTY. This year will be from west to east, I think. ALWAYS, a GREAT RIDE with REALLY GOOD people.

MAH on 12/22/2010 12:39:17 PM:

I agree with checking out the DNR ride. It would be a good way to feel the trail out and then the next year go it alone! I've done both ways (alone and DNR) and each have a lot to offer.
Good thing re the DNR ride...they carry all your gear (great if you're camping), provide breakfast and supper, sag support every 10-12 miles, and if for some reason you've goofed off too long or you don't feel like the full days' ride, they'll load you and your bike up and take you into camp. It's a bit more expensive if you do the B&B/motel as you pay for your own lodging and the shuttle from the DNR camp to your lodging. We've always met many interesting people whether doing it alone or with the DNR. Here's the link from this past year's ride if you're interested http://mostateparks.com/katytrail/2010ride.htm
How ever you decide...you will have a blast. Just don't plan too many miles for each day....build in enough goof off time to make it fun.

maxine from sedalia on 12/22/2010 1:29:29 PM:

We would love to have you stay with us in Sedalia. Happy biking. Maxine "Maxine's Rooms for Rent".

jd from gkc on 12/22/2010 1:56:15 PM:

The suggested 40 plus-or-minus miles a day of actual riding could be about right for vacationers on the trail. Enjoy.

Terry H. from Kansas City, mo. on 3/4/2011 4:49:48 PM:

I will be 65 in May and am also a first timer !
The DNR Ride in June 2011 is well organized and would be a good choice; sign up is next week. That is what I am planning. My bike will be a
mountain bike that I inherited from my son who
lives in Oklahoma City. It has less than 20 miles on it; he left it here when he moved to your town.
A good piece of reading material is The Katy Trail Guidebook by Brett Doufer - lots of great options.

zgeezer on 3/6/2011 1:20:17 AM:

I am 61, rode the trail this past November, East to West (West to East is much better). Rode it in three days, which with head winds all three days made it kind of tough. Next time I will do the West to East version, and allow 4 - 5 days. Rode a hybrid bike, and it worked great. If one of your riding days will be Monday, some of the restaurants/bars will be closed, so plan accordingly. If you train by riding a few 25 - 40 mile rides ahead of time you should do fine.

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