Crossing Missouri - Use Katy Trial?

[Lisa]

I need to get across Missouri and had planned to take the TransAm route, but wanted to know thoughts on taking the Katy Trial.  There is a great website (bikekatytrail.com). It includes a number of comments about the trial's surface (mix reviews for road bikes/tires).  I will be using Bontrager 700x32 RaceLite/HardCase tires.  Any recommendations or experiences to share?

Thanks, Lisa

[litespeed]

The Katy Trail surface is plenty hard enough for your 700x32 tires. I recommend it highly. It is very peaceful and quite scenic where it hugs the Missouri River.
I did most of it - Clinton to Dutzow - last year on my return from Utah to my home in Florida. It was a highlight of my trip and a fine break from fighting traffic.
Make sure you get a copy of the "Katy Trail Guidebook" by Brett Dufur.

[Lisa]

Thanks,I appreciate your advice.

Happy cycling!

Lisa

This message was edited by Lisa on 6-5-07 @ 8:21 AM

[DavePM]

Lisa, I live very close to the Katy and have ridden on parts of it many times - today in fact.  I have also ridden from end to end and really think it is a great way to cross Missouri - no traffic other than turtles, rabbits, deer, and turkey.  Great views of the Missouri river and the Missouri countryside.  Great small towns and people.  I would highly rec. it to anyone.  If I can be of more help with available facilities let me know.  Have a GREAT ride.  Dave M

[FredR]

DAve, How is this route in July?   I'm a Californian with no humidity experieince, but the only time I have is July.
    Also, can I get by with 28mm tires on the rear of my recumbent, or do I need to put on a 32mm for this trail?
Thanks for your local expertise.
Fred

[DavePM]

Fred, I have 32's on Trek 520 and they are great for the KATY.  The eastern section (closer to St. Charles) is where I do most of my riding on the trail and it is by far the best of the whole trail.  BUT, that is not to say the whole trail is not grreat - some parts do not seem to be as packed as hard as the eastern part - pro'ly because there is so much use on this end.  I would not hesitate to use the 28's but I must admit I have never ridden a recumbent to know if there is a difference in the ride with differing tire widths. If the 32's are no problem to get or you already have them, then use the 32's - this will help if you run into any wet weather.  The wetter the trail, the worse the thin tires seem to perform on it.
The July weather here is usually HOT and HUMID, so early riding is the best.  I have gone end to end and other rides up to 100 miles per day on the trail and I really think west to east is the better way to travel - you end up the ride on the better surface of the trail and after a few days on the trail this seems like an added bonus.  Anyway, if I can help out with info or pickups let me know.  Dave M

[Dan_E_Boye]

I don't know about the Katy Trail but I would say that if you can avoid the Missouri portion of the Trans Am, do it.  If I do the Trans Am again I would like to find a way across the state without traffic.

[ptaylor]

I don't want to throw cold water on an otherwise up-beat thread, but I do want to point out a problem I had with the wonderful Katy Trail.

I rode about 50 miles of it when there had been a wet period. The 'screened limestone' surface stuck to my tires, and found it's way to my frame, brake pads, and chain. After my ride, I took my bike to a self-serve car wash, and power cleaned all those components, trying to keep the power spray away from the various bearings.

I'm not suggesting that you avoid the trail, but that you be aware of the shortcomings of screened limestone, that is used extensively on rail-trails throughout the US.

Paul

[vacyclist]

I rode much of the Katy Trail (west to east)in 2005, it was a wonderful break from dealing with the hustle & bustle of highway riding (not to mention some downright nasty Missouri drivers)....  I run 1.5 X 26 tires on my touring bike & pull a BOB trailer, this was no problem on the trail.  I went through there during a wet period, and it wasn't really that much of a problem with my tires & fenders.

Nick

www.nickonthebike.com

[Some Guy Ridin]

The Katy Trail is an awesome trail. I live next to it and have travelled close to 10,000 miles on it so I know a lot about it:

Any sized tire is fine. The type of tire is important though - racing tires will get used up pretty quick while cheap tires will roll forever. I've ridden with 23cc tires most of the time and recommend using a road bike if you have the choice. The trail is surprisingly flat and smooth.

Long distance on the trail is very hard due to the fact that you get no rest. Being flat, if you stop pedalling, you slow to a stop quickly. Muscles really don't get a break so be sure to limit your trip lengths.

Most of the trail is fine, even after a hard rain but there are some sections (near Columbia Mo) that flood and some sections (near Defiance Mo) that get soft. Both conditions require LOTS and LOTS of rain. All are doable 99% of the time.

Mondays are tough with regards to food and drink.

Getting off the trail can be interesting and add an element of change that is sometimes needed.

Plan to spend time in St. Charles - Main Street. Plenty of choices of food, drink and entertainment. I've counted at least 30 drinking establishments (most serve food and music).

It's well worth the trip - don't miss it.

[yumadons]

Well thanks for that timely heads up, Some Guy. We're riding cross country, headed to Clinton today, riding Clinton to Sedalia Monday. Itinerary: Clinton: M Star, Sedalia : Hotel Bothwell, Boonville: Isle of Capri, Jefferson City: Baymont. Advice / suggestions welcome and one question:

We're getting off at the 364 bridge. It looks like the 364 bridge is between Weldon Spring & St. Charles, around Harvester. Can we actually exit the KATY at the 364 bridge or do we have to get off at Weldon Spring & find our way to it?

Thanks & really looking forward to this section of our trip!

http://bicyclelife.topicwise.com/doc/yumadons1

[commuter]

The Katy Trail is a great trail to ride. It has an odd quirk to it though. A lot of the restaurants along the Katy are geared toward weekend use, the result being that they are closed on Mondays. So if you ride the Katy on a Monday be prepared.

Happy Trails        Steve