2012 DNR Katy Trail Ride

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christine from Ashland on 6/3/2012 7:48:39 PM:

I'm doing this ride this year and thought I'd open it up for suggestions from anyone who's done the ride in the past, this will be my first year. I'll be camping along the way except for the night I'll be so close to home in Hartsburg. I'm ready, I think, though a little concerned about the 50/60 miles in a row. Otherwise, I can't wait. Suggestions/tips?

ArkyKenny from Farmington, AR on 6/3/2012 9:45:06 PM:

My advice: HAVE FUN! When your butt hurts, when you are hot, when it feels like your legs can't push the pedals, when you wonder to yourself "Why am I doing this?", the answer is "Because it is fun". And it is. It's also fun when you see all those cool things that you never get to see, and amke all those memories. Enjoy yourself. P.s. Drink a lot of water, and bring powdered Gatorade, and drink a bottle of that every 3rd or 4th bottle of water.

Anonymous on 6/3/2012 11:29:32 PM:

Ride your bike....a lot.

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 6/4/2012 12:21:37 PM:

You'll be fine. The DNR folks run a well-organized ride, with several sag stops along the way. I volunteer each year as a sweep (a person that follows the pack to help with flats, etc.) and this year I have the Herman to Stedman section.

Colorado Riders from Fruita, CO on 6/4/2012 2:16:40 PM:

You lucky duck! To live so close to such a gem! You're getting good advice--ride, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, and use all your senses to make those memories. I just had the joy of getting to ride out here in the desert with a new-to-riding friend and I'm hoping that she might be open to a KATY trip someday. Have fun!

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 6/9/2012 9:13:10 AM:

Good for you! You will have a blast! Couple thoughts - ride at your own pace. A lot of those folks wake up REAL early and bike REAL fast. A very Point A to B mentality. I am more of a lollygagger and tend to like to explore the small towns, read all the interpretive stuff, eat lunch at diners, visit with some locals, that sort of thing. Bike at your own pace. Who cares if you don't pull into camp until dinner time? The purpose is to explore! Put a little grey pipe insulation foam on your grips will also help reduce wrist/neck discomfort. And bring a few pieces to give away - trust me! I've ridden the DNR ride twice and loved it! Pace yourself and do your best to stay out of the sun when possible!

Rick Wallen from Springfield, MO on 6/11/2012 8:41:07 PM:

Christine,

I am doing the DNR ride for the first time myself although I have done small bits and pieces of the Katy. I wish you a fun trip.

Paul K from Florissant on 6/13/2012 9:49:35 PM:

I chose not to do the DNR ride and will be riding the entire Katy Trail for the first time from Machens to Clinton and back - 475+ miles from June 29 through July 7. I was going to ride one direction and decided what the heck... why not turn around and ride back. I guess I had a Forest Gump moment. Anyway, I like the advice ArkyKenny gave. I ride about 3000 miles a year on my road bike and like going fast. I plan on taking my time and enjoying what the Katy has to offer... enjoy every town and the people I meet and thank them for being there for us crazy cyclists.

Katy DNR Rider on 6/14/2012 10:56:24 AM:

Gary, Does your responsibility as a sweep also include going into bars and getting the stragglers and making sure they can make it to the overnight city too? What do you look like. I will hide when I see you.

Jim from St. Thomas on 6/14/2012 12:27:01 PM:

Katy, Gary is a man of many disguises. Last year he dressed as a cocktail waitress to catch folks like you and herd you into camp

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 6/15/2012 5:24:40 PM:

Katy pay no attention to the man behind the curtain (Jim) he knows not of what he speaks.

If we happen to find a DNR biker in a bar along the way, we may have to just stop and join them until they are ready to move along. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. ;-)

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