Snow Biking the Katy Trail

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Luke from San Diego on 2/25/2013 12:26:42 PM:

Well it looks like mother nature is not cooperating with an early tour of the Katy Trail. My planned departure date is only 3 weeks away. Has anyone ever ridden the trail with snow? How does the snow affect the crushed limestone trail? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Anonymous on 2/25/2013 12:51:14 PM:

Mother Nature is doing what she does in Missouri. I'd reconsider the timing of the ride and would visit later in the year.

Haank from New Haven, MO on 2/25/2013 12:56:59 PM:

I doubt you'll have snow in 3 weeks but you may well have a soft track. I would choose a thicker tire, at least 35. I wouldn't worry about it too much, it'll slow you down a bit and could be messy but I wouldn't let that stop me.

However if you do have snow then I would consider cancelling. I rode a bit in snow yesterday and it is not fun.

ArkyKenny on 2/25/2013 12:58:09 PM:

My suggestion: 1) Bring a mountain bike or even a fat bike and cut your mileage or 2) Wait untill mid-April. Cold, wet, muddy, and windy on a bike is not my idea of fun, but it might be fun for you. If so, get something that can put up with a little slop, get some Gore-Tex, and have at it.

On the other hand, May through November on the Katy are great. I am dreaming about those times now (and have cabin fever bad enough that I am on this website). If you are worried about a sloppy trail, maybe you should go do the Trans-Arizona Trail for Spring Break, and come to Missouri next summer.

Luke sponsler from San Diego on 2/25/2013 1:30:00 PM:

Great suggestions. I currently have 32 width tires on my bike but suppose I could bring a mountain bike. I will play it by ear. The thought of riding in the snow sounds fun, but I have never pedaled for 6 hours in 35-40 degree weather. Think I may take my bike up to the mountains here outside of San Diego and test out the rig on the snow.

Joey Los from McKittrick on 2/25/2013 9:55:07 PM:

If there's snow the Katy Trail is also a fun place to cross country ski. We try never to miss it!

Don from Ellisville, MO on 2/26/2013 8:47:26 AM:

Your chances of getting snow on the trail PLUS the ground underneath being solidly frozen are pretty slim this time of year. The freeze/thaw cycle does some interesting things with crushed limestone (imagine pedaling through wet cement). If this is your first time on the Katy, and you are coming all the way from SoCal, I sure wish you would wait until May, when we can show you the real beauty of our State.

Luke sponsler from San Diego on 2/26/2013 3:00:25 PM:

Seeing that it is snowing yet again, I am now at least considering canceling the trip. Who would have thought that this year Missouri would have more snow than it has 50 years?

Anonymous on 2/26/2013 10:10:52 PM:

I would be as patient as your travel plans will allow.

Weather-related things change rapidly in this part of the world.

That said - there is (in my opinion) much good advise in previous commments.

If the trail wasn't so shaded (even without leaves) things could turn around very quickly. With all those trees it is tough for the sunshine to get in there dry things up.

Unless it is muddier than I have ever seen (well - minus certain flooding episodes), I think you'd be fine with 32-35 tires. Unless there is snow, I cannot image (based on my experience) that a fatbike would be required. (Disclosure: I almost always ride 28s...which some find too narrow.)

For what it's worth...that's my 2 cents.

Best wishes with your ride.

Figs from Olathe, KS on 2/27/2013 8:53:01 AM:

in 3 weeks, it could be 90 degrees and back to draught conditions.... this is Central MO we are talking about! I'd keep planning... hope for the best. I hope to be riding over there myself in the next 2 or 3 weeks... IF

Ray (webmaster) on 2/27/2013 9:16:29 AM:

There was one day, a week or two ago, when the Weather Channel reported a pollen alert and a winter storm warning both on the same day for Eastern MO. Missouri weather can be very variable.

Late winter and spring, temperatures can also vary a lot during the day. Most of last week, it was in the 30's in the mornings and up into the 50's in the afternoons. Just be prepared for a wide range.

Good luck, if the weather cooperates you will have a fantastic and memorable adventure.

Luke from San Diego on 2/28/2013 11:54:01 AM:

Thanks for teh encouragemnet. I was just about to cancel but y'all have given me hope. I will wait a few more days to decide. I understand spring will have not fully sprung with green on trees. However I already have the time off and flights booked. And I don't know when I will next be in the Midwest. I think I should just charge it.

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