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Fred from Saint Louis on 2/7/2013 12:44:50 PM:

I plan on riding the whole length of the Katy, what should I do to get prepared...

Bill P from Ottawa on 2/7/2013 4:32:35 PM:

This is a super open ended question, Fred. How much do you currently ride? How many miles are you comfortable doing in a day? How many days do you intend to take to do it? Do you intend to camp? Stay in hotels/B&B's? Etc.

My super short answer to you is - use the resources on this very useful site to shape your planning. Read the ride reports to see what others did to prepare, what they brought along, how many miles they averaged per day, etc. Consider which direction you want to ride (E-W or W-E), where you'll stay, etc. Be aware of the effect of the time of year (weather, trail conditions, will the trailheads be open or, as they are now, closed) etc etc.

DSD on 2/8/2013 7:46:45 AM:

They have youtube videos of people riding the KT. That's the easy start to see it up close first. Then Ray (websmaster) has trip journals of many people who have documented their rides. Jump right in Fred, the water is fine.

Figs from Olathe, KS on 2/11/2013 5:55:29 PM:

Give yourself plenty of time to make the ride. Don't judge by distance alone, because there is plenty to stop and do and photos to take along the way. Depending on your overnight arrangements, camping or hotel / B&B... make sure to hydrate, most of the route has good stops, but the distance can sometimes stretch out for real hydration..plenty of winery or cafe spirits.
Toughen up the butt endurance and have fun!

Nate from Kansas City on 2/11/2013 9:23:44 PM:

Are the trip journals on the site? I would be interested in reading ones from people that have done a trip with camping.

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 2/11/2013 9:38:46 PM:

You can get to the journals by clicking on Trip Planner, scroll down to the Other Useful Information section and click on Ride Reports and Journals.

El Toro on 2/11/2013 11:44:23 PM:

Ride a lot and buy tires with good flat protection.

The more you ride beforehand the more you'll be able to enjoy the ride on the KATY. Don't ride beforehand and you'll suffer on the KATY.

Spend too much time changing flats on the KATY and you won't have fun either.

Just my 2 cents.

Don from Ellisville on 2/12/2013 12:50:29 PM:

If you are used to riding on asphalt, you should start riding in a gear that is 1 or 2 above what you normally do. Then when you start on the Katy, you will be used to the drag of the limestome. More work before your trip means a much more pleasant time during your trip.

Fred from Saint Louis on 2/15/2013 6:17:52 PM:

Tnx's for all the info, will ride about 20 miles a day, will be carrying my ham gear with me, will be setting up at some of the towns

DSD on 2/17/2013 7:36:18 AM:

Fred, Is your ham gear very heavy? If so, leisurely 20 mi. days are a good idea.

Fred from Saint Louis on 2/17/2013 5:01:48 PM:

No my radio gear is as lite as they come

Terry on 5/1/2013 8:20:24 AM:

Fred what is your call sign ? I am WB0PTD

Beth from Tucson AZ on 5/23/2013 9:04:40 PM:

You'll have to plan carefully to find towns spaced at approx 20 miles along the trail. At least, to find towns that have anywhere to stay overnight. Good luck!

I'm the daughter of Nick (now deceased) W0OHC from Sedalia MO.

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