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Training for the entire Katy Trail
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Leeann J on 7/9/2011 11:12:56 AM:
My husband and I want to ride the entire trail from Clinton to St Charles next May. We are both 62 and would like some input as to the best way to train for the ride.
Thanks for any input!
LJ
 
Darrell, from Jefferson City on 7/9/2011 7:00:17 PM:
Saddle time Leeann! There are no really strenuous parts and it is mostly flat, so you have to pedal most all the time. It really depends on how far you plan to ride each day, for me about 40 or 50 miles a day at a leisurely pace and I'm ready for a break. But, saddle time will get you prepaired. Good luck and enjoy!
 
jd from gkc on 7/10/2011 1:44:30 PM:
You'll want to at least check into other issues as well: what to take (camera, some food, water, medicated powder), outlets for food-camping-lodging, safety, insects, mosquitoes, shelter, poison ivy, sun/rain/hail/dust/wind, soft shoulders, Big Muddy, flat repair, extra tubes, water sources, and the like just in case. 'May' is a good time to do it. Enjoy.
 
Trek on 7/10/2011 4:38:39 PM:
Darrell and jd are in the know. To add to Darrell's response, you need to be able to ride whatever daily mileage you choose for several days in a row. It may be easy to ride 40 miles while in training and have a 2 to 3 day window before you ride those 40 miles again. Riding the length of the trail, you will probably be riding that distance each day.
 
Anonymous from Independence on 7/10/2011 9:28:04 PM:
You need to know there are some long inclines on the western part. Very doable but I didn't expect them on our first ride.
 
Cathy from Jefferson City on 7/10/2011 11:03:43 PM:
I'm 59 and 2 years ago went from Rocheport to St. Charles with my daughter. My husband was our support in the car. I would suggest you figure out the longest you want to ride in a day first. Then when you have that figured out you can plan your trip around those distances. Do a ride from 20 to 40 miles and see how you feel. Would you want to do that 3-4 days in a row? If you have the luxury plan some time to enjoy things along the trail. All the above suggestions from other posters will help. Especially trying to do 2-3 days in a row of the distance you plan to do each day. If you don't have Bret Defur's book, get it. It think you may be able to order it on this web site. Finally, expect the unexpected - that's part of riding the Katy Trail, and part of the adventure.
 
ct from lisle on 7/11/2011 9:30:28 AM:
riding is important, also the time of year. The cool weather is less of a stress. Sept/Oct and Apr/May.
 
Leeann J on 7/11/2011 10:32:50 AM:
Thanks everyone, you made some really good points and I will sure pass this information on to my husband.
Leeann J
 
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