Katy Trail Home  The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail Rock Island Trail Home
Katy Trail Home Clinton Windsor Calhoun Green Ridge Sedalia Clifton City Boonville New Franklin Rocheport McBaine Hartsburg N Jefferson Tebbetts Mokane Portland Bluffton Rhineland McKittrick Treloar Marthasville Matson Defiance Weldon Spring St Charles Machens Easley Pilot Grove Hermann Huntsdale Columbia Jefferson City Dutzow Washington Augusta KT sticker Rock Island Spur Map Katy Trail Katy Trail Merchandise
switch to Rock Island map

Riding Solo - Your Experience?


Go to Forum
Gary from Springfield on 6/9/2014 8:41:57 PM:
For the past year or so I've developed a strong desire to bike the entire KATY solo. I enjoy riding but typically only take short day rides with a couple of longer "group" rides mixed in. I've never biked long distances on consecutive days let along solo and I'm just curious to hear what others might have to say about the experience. Did boredom ever become a factor?...if not the first day or two what about later on? Ever feel security was an issue? Positives of the experience? Negatives? Appreciate any and all input.
 
John from Springfield on 6/9/2014 11:20:25 PM:
Ride! I could not talk anyone to go with me so, I went on my own. Plan your trip well and you will do just fine.
 
MidSouth from Rogersville on 6/10/2014 12:02:37 AM:
I have been going for a week in May every year for about 5 years now on my own and love it. I usually camp and ride from Sedalia to Augusta and back. I pretty well know all the resupply points and their hours. I do take an Ipod and a ear phone for singe ear. I tend to take more pictures and look around a bit more when on my own. I say go for it, if you don't like it, turn around and bring someone with you next time.
 
ArkyKenny on 6/10/2014 7:40:32 AM:
I actually prefer to ride alone. Go fast, slow, stop, go, whatever. Riding alone is my "Me" time. Like MidSouth, sometimes I use an iPod (but I use both ears because I don't have to dodge cars on Katy), or sometimes it's just me and my thoughts. I like the thought of not asking for permission to stop and take a picture of a butterfly on a flower, or take a leak. I like not waiting on someone, or trying to play catch up. I also like going solo because I am more inclined to meet people and do things that the group may not want to do. Sitting at a table with strangers for lunch is fun: You are not likely to do that if you are in a group of people.

Safety is not an issue. Riding solo does mean that there is no one else to carry the chain tool, etc. So what? Pack what you need and ride.

Try a weekend out and back ride overnight camping trip sometime and see if you agree.
 
ABraz0715 from Bridgeton, MO on 6/10/2014 7:56:09 AM:
I just completed a ride from Overland Park, KS to Alton, IL using the Katy for most of it. I did it solo and had a blast! Do it. There is nobody to keep up with or hold you back, and you will meet some great people along the way! Here is a link to details of my ride.
https://www.facebook.com/acrossMO
 
Gary from Springfield on 6/10/2014 8:32:47 AM:
Great stuff guys, thanks so much! Actually the thought of being on my own schedule is a huge part of the appeal. I'm kind of a nature nerd too so I enjoy taking my time and taking it all in. Just wasn't sure how I'd feel 3 or 4 days into it after the initial adrenaline rush had worn off. Thanks for the encouragement!
 
Vegan biker from East Central MO on 6/10/2014 9:21:17 PM:
I am going to ride from North Jefferson to Clinton this week to finish my ride across the Katy. I love riding by myself, but usually meet and ride and talk with others along the way. Go for it. It is the only way to know for sure. When I get to Clinton I am going to ride to Thruman Lake then figure out how to get back home. Either by train, hitch hike, or ride back along Hwy 50 east to Franklin County. I'll probably ride back home because I don't really get bored.I love my own company and I am addicted to riding my bicycle. Good luck and I hope to see you along the trail sometime.
 
FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!
More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us
 
By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2026 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.