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Razorback90 from Wichita, KS on 6/4/2014 8:29:30 PM:
What is a reasonable daily distance for the trail: above average physical abilities on cyclocross fully loaded with panniers?
 
MidSouth from Rogersville on 6/4/2014 10:37:16 PM:
Somewhere between 50-200 miles...
 
ArkyKenny on 6/5/2014 7:41:11 AM:
When fully loaded, I like to go about 60 miles if taking a leisurely ride, and about 80 miles if I am taking a less leisurely ride. To me, 80 on the Katy fully loaded is roughly equivalent to riding a century on the road.

What those who have not ridden it before don't realize is that 1) There is slightly more riding resistance of the surface (as compared to asphalt) AND 2) Because it is a railroad bed, there are no hills: That also means there are no downhills. Riding the Katy requires CONSTANT pedaling.

It's not a bad combo, it's just different, and it requires a slightly different pace and mindset. I love it--but that may be my sub-clinical autism kicking in. What many people say is that the Katy surface costs them about 1-2 mph as compared to the road, and that you have to stand up a lot more because of the monotony of the rail bed.
 
Jerry from Maine on 6/21/2014 9:46:19 PM:
I would do 40-50 miles a day. This will enable you to stop from time to time, leave/arrive at B&Bs at a reasonable hour, see your destination town while a few shops are still open, allow you to stop for rainstorm for an hour if you have to. I rode the entire trail and each day averaged between 9.9 and 10.5 mph. On asphalt I would be 10-15% quicker. Note: take side trail to Columbia (U of Missouri). Very nice trail....fun destination.
 
kevin from Jeff City on 6/23/2014 9:18:24 AM:
I agree with ArkyKenny and Jerry. It really depends on why you are riding.

If you just want to experience the trail, 40 miles will let you stop at some interesting places and see the sights. If you taking an alternate route on your TransAm journey, 60-80 miles will get you further along the road, still give you some people to meet and places to visit, and give you a nice traffic break from the roads.

And if you take the MKT trail to Columbia, you'll have no end of excellent dining and drinking opportunities downtown.
 
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