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I hope to ride the KATY Sept 17--? from Clinton to St Charles. Will be my first time. I'm 67, have a great bike, wondering how many miles per day would be feasible and how long to plan to be gone. Sounds like there are lots of other riders out there all the time, so I wouldn't be totally alone?? Should I call for reservations ? I have a guidebook. Don't want to spend a fortune. What should I take with me? Comments and suggestions appreciated. Thanks

Only you can decide what is a feasible distance per day, how far did you ride today? What is the longest you have rode in a day? For some people, 200 miles is feasible, for others 20 miles might be plenty. Yes, lots of people ride the trail, but it is a long trail, I have gone days without seeing a soul except when passing through a town. You should always make reservations if staying a B&B's. What to bring depends on if you are camping or not. You have to bring plenty of water, spare tubes and patches, the tools and ability to fix a flat tire, some emergency food, some establishments are not open everyday. Use the mileage chart and trip planner above to figure out where you may be able to stay and eat each day depending on the mileage you finally decide is doable.

Ditto to what MidSouth said.

For me, four to five hours in the saddle is enough. So how fast can you go in an hour. I would think if you're in fair bike shape you can do at least 8-10 miles per hour. So four hours riding at 9 mph average is 36 miles. That sounds reasonable to me for somewhat in decent bike shape.

Yes, you will be alone, especially on weekdays. Reservations at B&B's are good, especially in the small towns where there may only be a few rooms in the whole town, total.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. In my experience people in the Katy towns are more than happy to be of whatever assistance they can be.

Have fun!

Call Doug at Rendleman Home in Bluffton. He's run a B&B on the trail just about since it's been open, and he's ridden the entire trail and then some! His no. is 573.236.4575

I've ridden the route you are planning several times. I ride what most people people consider quite a bit (about 5000 miles/year) and would rather stay our riding that sit around a hotel or B&B. I average about 15-17 on road rides of 30-100 miles...and about 2mph closer than that on the KATY.

So...with that background....I take 3 days. Clinton to Boonville. Boonville to Rhineland. Rhineland to St. Charles. Long days in the saddle, but I'd rather be in the saddle that sitting around.

Agree with the previous comments that you should plan to be alone...especially during the week...and especially on the western half of the trail. Obviously, more people as you get closer to St. Louis area.

I DO NOT leave for a cross-the-KATY trip without reservations because I do not carry camping gear.

Hope this helps...ENJOY!!

Previous post was supposed to say 2MPH SLOWER on the KATY....not 2mph closer...

I'm encouraged that being off a bike for 40+ years, with my new bike I got on, rode about 12 miles first time out with no tired butt, and no knee problems. Last weekend I rode 15 miles in about 2 1/2 hours--with rest stops along the way. Tired, but not in pain and quick recovery. Plotting out my course I would drive to St Charles and shuttle to Clinton, then do about 17 miles to Windsor, then 45 miles to Pilot Grove, then to Rocheport with some sight seeing, then on to Columbia for an overnight visit with some friends, then to Tebbets (34 miles) then to McKittrick about 30 miles, then to Augusta 35 miles, and on to St Charles 27 miles. A couple years ago we walked from Defiance to St Charles, and that took all day. I don't want to over do on any one day, but I don't want to have too much time on my hands either. Should I plan to ride further each day or is this about right for my basic couch potato self? I'm retired, so have as much time as I want to spend. Can someone offer better suggestions for stops? Thanks for your answers so far!

Oh, I would be staying at B & B's along the way, in Columbia with a friend, and at that hostel in Tebbets. I'm pretty low key, so nothing too fancy. My biggest worry is that I might run into a bear or something like that. Would not be riding after dark. Would make reservations. Don't know squat about bike repair. Don't have a cell phone. Anyone interested in going along? Or would a better option be to take that group tour for $1600 coming up and let someone else do all the planning? Actually, I'm from Missouri and grew up around Boonville so know the area and the sites. Not really interested in playing tourist--just want to ride my bike and enjoy the countryside.

I think your mileage from Columbia to Tebbetts is low. It should be around 47 miles.

Rosanne, I am a little concerned about your plans. Since you are new (again) to riding, your body has not acclimated to long days in the saddle. On your 15-mile ride, you averaged 6 mph. Even if you were counting stops, the Katy's surface will make you slow down from that. Let's say your actual riding speed averages 6 mph (higher in the morning, and lower in the afternoon). It would take you about 40 hours of riding time to do the whole trail. That is quite a jump from what you are accustomed. You really can't tell how your knees, back and the rest of your body will react to long days. I think you would be better off spending the next month getting much more time on the bike and longer times between breaks. The weather will be cooler then as well. I would just hate for you to be disappointed early on, when it is quite achievable once you are in shape.

Have spent the day pouring over possible stops, etc. Plan to depart Clinton on 9/19 and ride to Sedalia. (35 miles) Overnight at the Bothwell Hotel then on to Boonville (32.2 miles) Enjoy leisurely day in Boonville (staying at the Fredrick Hotel) then and easy 15.9 miles to Rocheport on Sunday. Stay at a B&B then do 35 miles to Jeff City (Cliff Manor?) and leave on Monday for Bluffton (32.2 miles) From Bluffton to Marthasville (33.2) and overnight at a B&B. The to Parsons House in Defiance (18.6 miles) and from Defiance to St Charles (20 miles) That should be an easy ride all around and I've checked for stops/rests/food in between. If worse comes to worse, I have family in Jamestown, friends in Columbia, old work associates in Marthasville, and more family in St Charles, so SOMEBODY could come rescue me. Anyone interested in going along? I really would love some company. Mid-September ought to be a bit cooler, and yes, I do know about hydration. Been taking potassium pills to avoid charley horse. The suggestion to contact Doug at Rendelman Home in Bluffton is something I plan to do. His website and philosophy just looks like fun! Again, all feedback and comments appreciated. Been trying to check out others' ride journals to see what to expect/avoid etc. Thanks again.

Have a fabulous trip.

At the risking of nosing into other "stuff"...Can't image why you'd need potassium pills for a ride like this unless your doctor suggested them. A banana or two along the way, along with some good, healthy, balanced meals should be fine for most. Just a thought. Again - there may be special circumstances.

ENJOY YOUR RIDE.

Sounds like a fine plan.My only concern is you need to know how to fix a flat tire. It's very simple but you will need a spare innertube (preferably two) and a tire pump. Go to your bike shop and they should have what you need and should show you how to do it. Being alone with a flat tire and no way to fix it is not a good place to be.

Hank raises a very good point about flats. To expand on that - when my son and I rode the trail last summer, we had about 5 or 6 flats between us over the whole trail. This summer, we bought some tire liners from our local bike shop, and did not have a single flat on our Katy trip. There might be fewer thorns out there this year, but from this experience I now swear by tire liners for flat prevention. A great investment at the price of $15-20 per bike. Of course flats can still happen, even with liners or "slime" or kevlar tires, so you still need to be prepared like Hank said.

I NEVER ride the KATY without really good flat-resistant ("hardcase") tires.

Totally agree with being prepared for a flat (or two), it's just the nature of the trail. If you don't know how, check with your local bike shop to see if they could show you. That's what I did before my first end to end ride and they showed me, and I bought a couple of spare tubes and repair supplies. Don't forget your camera, sunscreen, extra snacks, and your guide book so if you have questions or want the mile marker of any interesting sites along the way you have it. Again with the water, always carry extra and know which trailheads have water avail at the trailhead itself...on the eastern end not every trailhead has water. Your mileage sounds doable. I've never seen any bears, only prob has been a dog or two that wanted to chase (only 2 in the past 13 years). I used to carry pepper spray, but that would be hard to aim and worry about wind direction. I heard a mini air horn also works. The loud noise is suppose to surprise the dog enough that they stop for a bit, giving you a chance to get down the trail (havn't tried it out though). One final tip I've used is the night before each day, I take a piece of duct tape (which is good to carry for many things), write my next days town mile markers on it so as I'm riding I know exactly how far each stop is, and where any interesting sites are, then just tape it on my front pack. Have fun!

When friends of mine start talking about taking a bike tour, I always recommend doing an overnight or two before investing a lot of time into a week long or month long trip. I would suggest doing a weekend trip first such as Columbia to Boonville, spend the night and return to Columbia. Take everything you would likely need for a week long trip, which is about the same as a weekend trip. This will give you practice in attaching things to your bike, and a shake down of the gear you plan to take.

I think MidSouth's suggestion above, taking a short weekend "practice" trip so to speak, is also excellent advice, especially for a relative newbie.

Regarding flats, don't be afraid of them. I've heard people talk about flats as if the simple possibility of having one is reason enough not to ride. My wife and daughter rode the entire trail this summer on regular unfancy tires (Kendas) and didn't have a flat. A higher grade of tire is well worth the investment in my opinion but is not critical. What *is* critical when touring is having the necessary equipment and ability to fix a flat tire.

Thank you all for your wonderful advice! Love the idea of the duct tape memos.
Potassium is because I get leg cramps at night sometimes so am just getting prepared. Love bananas, but pills are easier to carry. Plan on visiting the bike shop today or tomorrow and do have pretty good/new tires on the bike but do need to learn how to change a flat. (Hopefully won't have to). Plan to do a preliminary 15 out and back ride with my daughter between Pana and Taylorville, Illinois trail in the next week and also would like to do a trial ride from St Charles to Machens and back before I go the distance--just to be sure. My next question is, just how much do I need in the way of clothes? Plan to order bike shorts and maybe commuter 'knickers' , a summer weight jersey (to match my helmet) and probably a commuter type roll up sleeve specialty shirt., since I no longer have a girlish figure. Also have a a couple of exercise type tee's and tank top. So, how much do I need? Pants on and one in the bag; shirt on and 2 in the bag? Mid September weather can be weird in Mo. Should I get mitts, and is 3 pairs of sox enough? Don't really want to do laundry, but maybe a little rinse out. Want to travel as light as possible. Would my bike basket be ok to hold food/water in addition to frame mounted water holder. Also have a small handlebars bag, and plan to get a rear rack and panniers. Suggestions there? OK, and the tire pump, patch kit, and spare tubes. Since I don't plan to ride at night, do I really need to get headlights yet? I know the tree overhang in places can get sort of dark. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Your comments really make me feel like I can do this!!!

Rosanne, congratulations on getting on the bike and having adventures!

Just to reiterate what some folks have recommended, I'd do two things prior to beginning your ride: Do a bike overnight where you would ride the sort of distance you expect to cover, then come back the next day. Stay in a B&B or hotel. See how you feel after doing 40 miles for two days.

There is no coasting on the KATY, so you will be pedaling all the time you are on the bike. Since it's flat, it is easy, but it still takes effort. Know when you need to rest to make it the rest of the way.

Headlights will double as flashlights (and vice-versa).

You will need to know how to change a flat. Your bike shop should be able to show you.

Your packing list is reasonable, especially if you are not camping.

Have a great trip!

Roseanne, the Taylorville-Pana trail (Lincoln Prairie Trail) is different from the Katy. First, it is asphalt, so at times you will be able to coast (rarely happens on Katy) and the rolling resistance is less. On the Katy you will be pedaling 95% of the time. This of course can lead to the leg cramps you experience. The warm weather will help a bit, but your muscles must be ready to pedal constantly. I don't know where you live, but you might consider a crushed limestone trail on which to practice, instead of that wonderful asphalt. You will always ride faster on asphalt. The other difference in the trails is shade. If I remember, the Lincoln Prairie has a lot of exposed areas. The Katy is covered most of the way, so that will help.
Regarding potassium, keep in mind that sports drinks (e.g. Gatorade), use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride to keep you hydrated. So if you are drinking Gatorade-like drinks, you should be getting enough potassium. If you can give us a rough idea of where you live, we can suggest some practice trails similar to Katy.

Whoops, I see from your first post that you are from Samuel Clemens' area! So I would suggest that you skip the Pana-Taylorville ride and instead test your legs on the Katy from St. Charles to about Weldon Springs and back. Why? First of all, it's the real deal. Second, it's closer than Pana. Third, there is no place to park at Machens so St. Charles is the next best place. Fourth, if you get into trouble, this is the most heavily traveled section, especially on weekends. So you don't have to worry about finding help.

This is how I "broke in" several friends; I told them they have to make it to Augusta and back before they could ride the Katy with me (57 miles). Turns out that was a perfect prep for our trips.

For clothes, the breathable bike shorts and tops are great because they can be rinsed out at night and dry out the next day. Two pairs of each will do. Probably will not need gloves until mid-October.

There's a bike club in Quincy, and a new one being formed in Hannibal that I am trying to get hooked up with. Around town is about 12 miles with some hills but I enjoy the coasting down (not so much "the walk of shame" back home) Thinking that the Pana-Taylorville ride would just be fun to do and my daughter is willing to go with me. Also plan to do the St Charles to Machens and back ride for practice. I've walked from St Charles to Green Bottoms and back and from Defiance into St Charles another time so am familiar with the trail in that area. But I could give the Agusta run a try. I would prefer to do the whole trail at once, but breaking it into stages might also work, and maybe I could persuade someone to go with. Being retired, I have all the time I want, but others not so much. Would you recommend short sleeved jerseys, or one short and one long?

I think it is so great that you are getting out there and doing this and that all of the people on this board are so helpful! I just have a word of caution for you though, it may not be wise to post your exact dates and plans on the internet anywhere, even here, as there could be other people looking at this information who are not so noble. As a woman who also rides alone I always tell my family where I will be and when but never anyone else, nor do I post it where others can see it. Well at least not until after the ride so I can brag about what I've done. Ha ha!! Be safe, get out there, and ENJOY!!

Valerie, thanks for your sound advice. Guess I am just way too trusting. Got my clothes ordered, and bought bike rack/panniers/misc stuff today. Picking up the rest of my stuff Friday, and asked James at Coolbykes here in Hannibal (plug) if he would show me how to change a flat. Plans are subject to change of course, so now am thinking that the idea of doing some out and back rides might be a better decision rather than an end to end jaunt. So many of these towns have such neat things to see and do and it would be fun to have company so a month of "expeditionary excursions" might be a better option and then a full ride later.
On a secondary note, just how much water should I carry/plan on consuming--on average--per day? I've got two polar water bottles, a 20 oz and a 12 oz. and plan to have an emergency gatorade in my bag. Is that enough to get from stop to stop? Love hearing from all you who have already experienced this ride. Maybe one day I will also be more than a "Sunday driver" that someone was complaining about elsewhere. Hey, my taxes help pay for this trail too.

Roseanne, as you would expect, everyone's water needs are different. I like mine COLD, so I freeze a couple of bottles overnight before the next day's ride so that I have cold water in the afternoon. Today it was 97 and I was working hard outside from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. I drank over a gallon of water and 3 Gatorades so that is 188 oz over 10 hours, or about 20 oz per hour. And then I drank close to 64 oz since I quit working. For your ride in October, you can plan on significantly less, but you should always be drinking when you are riding.

Rosanne, I am interested in what kind of "new" bike you got. AND how was the trip? I've been off my bike for six years following knee surgery...afraid of losing balance.