Complete KT in a day!

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Walter.Dreyer from Ofallon Mo. on 3/17/2012 10:03:15 AM:

I want to make an attempt at doing it. Can anyone who has succeeded, advise me as to tire selection, bike set up etc?

Trip Planner on 3/17/2012 2:45:58 PM:

There is a section on journals and trip reports on this website of others who have done it.

SteveK from saint louis, MO on 3/17/2012 8:24:25 PM:

Walter, there was a guy on here a few months ago, Paul Toigo, from KC that has done it previously. He was planning to do it again this spring/summer and was asking people to contact him on facebook if they wanted to ride with him. I would like to do try it in two days but don't think I could do it in one.

SalsaBoy from Farmington, AR on 3/18/2012 12:14:22 PM:

I haven't done it all in one day, but I have done 150 of it in one day. Vibration killed me on a rigid steel bike with drop bars running Continental Tour Ride 700c x 32's with 70 lb. pressure. It worked OK, but I'd pick 37's if I did it again--ruts, loose stuff, and transition from trail to driveway crossings are snakebites waiting to happen. I'd recommend gel insoles, gel gloves, gel seat, gel bar pads. Since it's flat, weight is not a problem. Check the weather for prevailing winds: You would probably prefer to go west to east. Other than that, trail mix, CamelBack, powdered Gatorade, eat before you're hungry, and drink before you're thirsty. Good luck.

Adam on 3/18/2012 9:05:48 PM:

I've thought about trying it in late June and starting in Clinton before daybreak about 3:00 in the morning. Who would stop you? That would give you about 17 or 18 hours of (mostly) light do 240 miles. Since I average about 13 or 14 mph, I think it's doable. I would want a bail out plan though.

Adam on 3/19/2012 9:42:31 AM:

After thinking about it a little more, some of the fun of doing the entire Katy in one day would be to try and do it legally: Meaning, during daylight hours. If u left at 5:30 and quit at 8:30, that would mean you had to average 16 mph. Very few people could do that on that surface by themselves. But I think it could be done with a pace line. Just a thought.

Walter.Dreyer from Ofallon Mo. on 4/28/2012 10:08:05 PM:

I've been training in St. Charles on the KT, I've been averaging 17-18 MPH round trip. I'm planning a 2 day reconnaissance trip Hopefully May 4-5. I would welcome any company. My wife is going to run support. We're gonna stay overnight in Hartsburg. If I can avg. 16 mph, I'm going to try the KT in a day in mid June

Adam on 4/29/2012 12:01:21 AM:

The hardpack of the east is not the loose surface of the west but reports from the trail so far this year is that it is hard everywhere. 16 mph avg is good! Does that take into account breaks? How long have you been able to hold that pace? What kind of bike/tires? How often do you stop? If you can seriously hold and average 15 or 16 mph with minimal stops, and if you go on a day when there is a friendly wind, you can do it. Keep us posted. When do you plan to ride?

Katy in a Day on 4/29/2012 8:36:53 AM:

Adam,

If a guy, pretty fit (there's a short video) riding in the rain most of the end of the day on a road bike can do it in 2006 for breast cancer and his wife in 18-19 hrs, you can do it. You definitely need SAG, keeping the energy with snacks and camelback, an average about 15-16 mph with stops if you want to be near the record. Go for it in late June (but watch out for the DNR trip riders that week going east to west) and don't look back.

walter.dreyer from ofallon on 4/29/2012 1:34:40 PM:

My longest training ride so far has been 66 miles in 4:02, no stops. That was round trip. I started early to avoid some of the headwinds. Trek 5000 carbon fiber, Profile design aerobars. aero wheels, 700X23s. With all the rain last night and predicted for the next few days, I may hold off until after May 18 for the 2 day ride. I talked to Sam Baugh who gave me tips on nutrition etc. His suggestion was to ride straight through. Thats what I've been training for.

Katy in a Day on 4/30/2012 6:19:56 PM:

The recommendation from the guys who have done it is to do as many 150 mile rides as you can.

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