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Katy Trail - St Charles


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cat from nashville on 9/23/2011 9:52:45 PM:
Is the Katy Trail in the St Charles area a paved trail? I have never been on the Katy Trail but have always wanted to ride it. I am in STL for the weekend and want to take a short ride.

 
Brad P. from Pea Ridge on 9/23/2011 10:37:41 PM:
No. There seems to be some unwritten rule by the state to not allow paving. I say that because the trail is not paved even in some urban areas that are paved in trails in other parts of the state. For example, the Frisco trail between Springfield and Willard has a sign saying Missouri received money from the Obama stimulus in 2009 to pave it. Missouri used the stimulus to pave the lowly Frisco over the Katy? Don't let that keep you from riding a great trail, though, and the recent rain should keep the dust down a bit.

 
cat from nashville on 9/24/2011 8:06:28 AM:
Thanks. I am just worried I don't have the right size tires. I will be checking out the Frisco trail too.

 
Darrell from Jefferson City, MO. on 9/25/2011 12:08:37 PM:
Hey Nashville Cat, Most any tire works on the Katy, people seem to get concerned when they are running those skinny little road tires, of which I don't know anything about. But, 28mm's and up no problem, some have run 25's I believe with no problems. I run 700c x 32's on touring bike and 700 x 38's on the hybrid they work very well, I really don't notice much difference. Carry a patch kit, you probably won't need it but just in case.

The Katy Trail is pretty smooth, Frisco Highline, not as smooth and with an occasional rut or two, it's not really too rough but a more challenging ride and also a lot of fun, I wouldn't use a road bike on it, hybrid or mountain bike or anything that is a little beefier than most road bikes.

Enjoy your ride!

 
Anonymous on 9/29/2011 10:22:46 PM:
Darrel's advise is in line with my experience as well.