Katy Trail Ride - Advice? Insight?

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Michael J. from Columbia, MO on 5/11/2013 7:00:14 AM:

I'll be participating in the 2013 ride next month and I'm looking for personal insights from people who have taken part in this five-day journey. I've done a fair amount of road-biking over the past year, but very little time spent on the Katy. I would very much like to hear from folks with thoughts or suggestions that apply to trail-riding.

ArkyKenny on 5/11/2013 7:38:00 AM:

My thoughts: 1) Eat when you are not hungry, drink when you are not thirsty. Trail mix, water, and powdered Gatorade are my friends. Bonking in the middle of a ride is not fun. 2) Have good tires. There are lots of threads on this website discussing that subject. Changing tires in the middle of a ride is no fun, so don't set yourself up to fail. 3) Be comfortable on your bike. That takes time, and numerous adjustments. The bike shop can get you close, but you will need to get it perfect. I still make 1/8 of an inch adjustments on bikes I've put thousands of miles on. 4) Have fun. Who are you racing? Read, take a picture, stretch your legs. It's also Ok to have fast/intense days, but nobody cares how fast (or slow) you are, so enjoy your time.

Anonymous on 5/11/2013 9:03:34 AM:

Solid advice from Arky above. Not much (if anything to add)...I plan on 2-4 mph slower on the KATY than on the roads just because of the surface...but sometimes even slower...just because I can.

The one other note regarding the difference between the roads and the KATY for me....

Good news: The KATY is flat there are no HILLS to climb.

Bad news: There are LONG grades on the KATY that can feel grinding to me at time. There are no hills to coast down to recover. If you're moving forward...you're pedaling.

ENJOY!!

denise wallace from fulton on 5/11/2013 7:20:32 PM:

Completely doable in 5 days. We rode it in October and just this last week. The longest day we had was 8 hours. Do bring water and some food to get you through. We love it and will do it again.

Pseudio on 5/12/2013 7:28:52 AM:

As I posted, the ride this year is in your backyard. Cool. I did it a few times and it is a good time with a great deal of camaraderie especially if you camp out. I believe the average age is about 48 so its like going back (way back) to summer camp on a bike. If you can ride 3-4 hours nonstop without too many aches or pain and not get dehydrated (most ride temp days are in the 90's) it will be real fun. The key word is chamois butter.

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 5/12/2013 7:22:31 PM:

Michael, if you are talking about the DNR ride in.June, they provide SAG support each day - fruit, water, Gatorade etc at several stops. They also provide portable showers - the huge tractor trailer kind. So you pretty much just ride and the DNR people take care of the rest. Enjoy your ride.

Anonymous on 5/12/2013 7:39:22 PM:

They don't allow folding chairs so what do you do for seating at night at the campground? Haven't figured this one out yet.

dave from lowry city, mo on 5/13/2013 5:50:16 AM:

you can take folding chairs with you as long as they will fit into one of ur bags, see you there. it will be fun.

MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 5/13/2013 3:15:43 PM:

The DNR ride is great. With the way folding chairs are now days, easy to get one and fit it in your duffel bag. Also handy is a hanging mesh bag to carry all your shower things in. The shower stalls are not big and it's helpful to just hang everything over a faucet handle. A definite must is also sunscreen, and a hat of sorts for the afternoon and evening hrs off your bike. Label your phone/camera chargers brightly and well so it's easy to pick yours out of the dozens that will be charging. Earplugs if you're a light sleeper.....but we've always been so tired by the time we hit the pillow nothing bothers us. The DNR does a great job with the ride and it's always a good time! See you there!

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