Fall ride

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Carrie J. on 5/21/2014 11:13:55 AM:

I want to ride the entire trail this fall (sep-oct) which direction is the best travel? West-East or East-West??

Anonymous on 5/21/2014 11:51:08 AM:

Best is pretty vague. Best for viewing tree color in the sunlight? Best for finding a ride from the end back to your start point? Best for tailwinds? Best for elevation gain or loss?

Broadly, neither direction is best.

Fruita Riders from Fruita, CO on 5/21/2014 3:02:05 PM:

We've had the pleasure of riding the KATY in both directions and found that it's great either way--wonderful small towns to explore, safe travel with miles of wandering thoughts, trees, turtles, gar, and friendly folks. For us the ease of planning a shuttle has made the difference. We've left a vehicle in Clinton, ridden to St Charles, and made a shuttle arrangement with a great B&B, Lococo House, to get back to our starting point. Go enjoy!

Terry from Festus on 5/21/2014 9:26:17 PM:

I have a group riding the trail in 4 days for Labor Day weekend. We are riding west to east for 4 reasons: 1. It is slight, but the east end is a lower elevation than the west. 2. The possibility of having a tailwind is greater riding this direction. 3. I do not call them hills, but for the less experienced, it puts the "harder" grades at the beginning of the ride leaving the last two-thirds flat as a pancake. 4. The ride home when finished will be much shorter.
I have rode both ways and it is great either direction. Every time I tell someone about this ride I find someone new who is interested. It continues to grow and grow.

Billy from Mokane on 5/21/2014 10:04:02 PM:

West to East. Follow the flow of the river...

Pseudio on 5/21/2014 10:15:35 PM:

Just like Billy said take the Lewis & Clark route. It is more "authentic". But didn't they go in both directions?

Lyn from Wichita on 5/25/2014 11:00:57 AM:

I've also ridden the Katy Trail several times. West to East is slightly easier and shuttling is easier from St. Charles. Warning for out of staters, there is no tent camping is St. Charles, Sundermier's don't allow tent camping.

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