Reasonable expectations?

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Anonymous on 8/27/2012 11:34:04 AM:

My husband and I are looking to plan a trip. He is very fit, but I am not. I've done a lot of the trails in our hometown and on average I can do about 14 miles in about three hours (he can do it in about an hour) Our trails are somewhat hilly, where my understanding is the Katy is not... so what would be a reasonable expectation for a weekend trip? He is proposing 35 miles per day but I have serious doubts. We are looking at the Clinton to Boonville section with an overnight stop in Sedalia. Thoughts?

Pistolero45 from Columbia, MO on 8/27/2012 11:43:24 AM:

I think you can do it. Clinton to Sedalia is extremely flat. The section between Sedalia and Booneville winds through the Osage Hills, and in my opinion, is the prettiest section of the trail. There are no steep hills, just long grades. And the last several miles into Booneville is downhill.

Bike Rider from Kansas City on 8/27/2012 1:55:18 PM:

Just remember that on the flats you are always peddling....no downhills to get a good coast off of. Take breaks as needed. 35 miles on the Katy Trail is alot to those not used to high miles. Take your time and you should be fine. The section you are thinking of riding doesn't have a lot of tree cover, and Saturday's in Octoer have the potential to be kind of warm with alot of sun. Be prepared with extra water.

Haank from New Haven MO on 8/27/2012 7:59:33 PM:

I don't mean to burst your bubble but if it takes you three hours to go 14 miles then Clinton to Boonville will be a stretch for you. Yes the Katy is flat but still you are talking about minimum five hours on the bike per day which you may be able to handle for a day, however the second may really hurt. I am just being realistic. I would not want to discourage you, that section is gorgeous, but you must be prepared. I would have a "lifeline" available just in case.

Trek on 8/28/2012 9:46:10 AM:

You could let your husband leave from Clinton and then you drive to Sedalia or some point north and ride toward him as he rode north. He'd get to ride the entire route and you could ride with him from when you met, back to Sedalia. You could both ride, but it wouldn't be a 7 hour ride at 5mph for you. Then do the same thing the next day between Sedalia and Pilot Grove. I'd opt out of riding up Lard Hill in Boonville to meet him.

Or just opt out and do some more simple out and backs together until you both can reasonably ride 35 to 40 miles together.

jr from Wylie, TX on 8/28/2012 9:47:23 AM:

I just rode last week from Sedalia to St Charles - I kept looking for this downhill that so many people have mentioned.... Never saw it... it's constantly going uphill... a few miles are flat, but more going uphill then downhill...
The ride from Sedalia to Jefferson is very nice. After that is boring and nothing interesting to see until you hit Augusta.

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