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.