Reply to Tips for a beginner to the Katy Trail

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Reply to Tips for a beginner to the Katy Trail

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JL from Columbia on 11/30/2012 2:25:42 PM:

This upcoming March, I really want to make a ride from Columbia to St. Louis. Currently, I bike about 5 miles a day (two 2.5-mile rides) as a way to get to school from my apartment. I've never come close to riding the amount of milage needed to make this trip. My main motivation on doing this trip is to see if I can actually make the trip, and at least for this first time, I'm not too concerned with sightseeing, but obviously I want to enjoy it somewhat. Anybody have any tips on what to do to work up to that kind of distance, or any other advice on what to do on the actual trail? Thanks for any help in advance!

ArkyKenny on 11/30/2012 3:02:39 PM:

Tip #1: Spend time on the bike. Time, not mileage. I once heard that you can ride 3x as far as you train, and I think that is a good estimate of what you are capable of doing. So if you want to ride all day, build up to 3 hour training rides.

Tip #2: Eat when you are not hungry, drink when you are not thristy. Trail mix, water, and powdered Gatorade are my friends. If you are peeing clear liquid, and always eating a little trail mix, you can go a long way--and as far as you want to go.

Tip #3: A good bike makes a world of difference. You don't need a great bike, but you need a good one. By that I mean one that you don't have to fix every time you take it out, with tires that don't go flat, with brakes that work, with shifters that shift, and is comfortable--as in 8 hours on a bike comfortable. You can get a good used bike on eBay for $300, then tweak it to your needs. Forget about carbon fiber: Steel or aluminum will do great.

Tip #4: Have fun. Enjoy the ride See the sites. If you don't enjoy it, you won't stay with it. So don't kill yourself. That will make you want all of the above more.

That's all from me.

Doug from Bluffton on 11/30/2012 3:48:22 PM:

What he said with an emphasis on time on the bike. Plus reconsider sightseeing. The more you take your mind off the discomfort of long riding and the more often you get on and off the bike the easier it will be.It helps the blood get into compressed areas. You obviously can't stop 100 times a day and get anywhere but for a tour stopping every 8-10 miles or even more, gives you a chance to refresh and feel relaxed.

Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 12/1/2012 5:20:17 AM:

I'll second what ArkyKenny and Doug said!

JL, you have an excellent training ground in the MKT. My suggestion is to ride the MKT when you can and get use to it, to the point of being able to do an out and back to McBaine with no problems. Then stretch it out to Roacheport then to Hartsburg if time allows.

Winter is coming on but even in the middle of it there will be an occasional good weather day to get out there, it will be fun. Then make plans for snacks/food, water, lodging and extra water and go for it. If you are prepared it will be great fun!

Here's to saddle time with wind at your back, enjoy!

Ron_S from Overland Park KS on 12/1/2012 12:01:23 PM:

Have bulletproof tires. I ride standard road/touring bikes fully loaded on the trail. I use the supposedly puncture proof tires: Continental Gatorskin, Specialized Armadillo, Schwalbe Marathon. My riding partner had 4 flats and I had none. Other than that, stay relaxed and take your time. You should have no trouble on that route. Flat. There are convenience stores well spaced on the parallel highway. Good bar with food at Portland.

JL from Columbia on 12/1/2012 3:57:57 PM:

Thanks for the replies so far! I took the advice of spending time on my bike and went for a nice 2 hour ride along the Hinkson and Katy trails. I basically went from downtown Columbia to McBaine and back plus a few extra miles back to my apartment. I felt great the whole time, but my legs are definitely feeling it now! Thanks again for the advice! Definitely going to use these tips for future reference

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