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Michael from Bettendorf, IA on 6/2/2013 9:19:18 AM:
Does anyone have any experience riding the trail on a recumbent? What are the uphills like?

Thanks.

 
Jason from tonganoxie ks on 6/2/2013 6:56:35 PM:
There really aren't any uphills on the trail. I think the elevation changes a bit between Clinton and Booneville somewhere, but gradually. Once you go east of boonville, it stays the same elevation and even gradually drops just a hair. There are a couple of small "humps" in front of a few creek crossings. If you get stuck on a detour, then you will reach some severe uphill climbs. The trail is an old railroad path, so it is really flat. One of the BnB owners we stayed with on Friday night said she has been seeing more and more recumbents and trikes. One disclaimer....we only rode as far east as McKittrick.

 
sharonbikes from Kansas City on 6/4/2013 4:37:34 PM:
I ride a short wheel base recumbent and have logged hundreds of miles on the Katy with no issues. I don't have any issues with climbing hills with my recumbent that are all that different from climbing hills with a diamond frame bike. The recumbent on the Katy is marvelous because you are in such a good riding position to view all the beauty that make the Katy such a great place to bike!

 
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 6/4/2013 7:38:01 PM:
I have ridden a short wheel base 'bent before. I found it hard to ride when the trail is soft since the small front wheel had a tendency to sink more since you sit directly over it. Also I it seemed to me that the steady climbs into Pilot grove takes longer on a 'bent than on a regular bike.

 
Michael from Bettendorf, IA on 6/5/2013 3:25:40 AM:
Thanks for your comments.