Touring - Camping and Touring, need advice.

I am planning a 3-4 day camping/bicycling trip along the Katy Trail later this summer. The Katy Trail is located in Missouri, USA and is the country's longest "rails-to-trails" project. Its a 225 mile long limestone chat trail that spans almost the entire state from east to west. More info. can be found on various websites like this: http://www.katycentral.com/.

Anyway, I'm not sure many of you would consider this true "bicycle touring", but its the first kind of bicycle trip I've ever taken. So, I would love some advice regarding what to take, how to carry it, and how far to travel in one day. I've already figured a few things out, and doesn't look like the trip will be that hard. In fact, I'm looking forward to a good cruise. I just want to make sure I'm not forgetting anything crucial. Note: the Katy trail is a dedicated biking/hiking trail that connects many small towns along the old railroad route. It is not far from restaurants, motels, and emergency services. In fact, several established Bed & Breakfast Inns, Campgrounds, and Historical sights dot the entire trail. If worse comes to worse, there are several back up plans.

Here's what I have so far:

Bike: Trek 7200 hybrid with rear rack and panniers, clipless pedals, 700c medium tread tires, spare tube, CO2 pump and patch kit.

Gear: appropriate cycling clothing and shoes, 3L Camelbak, ultralight tent, ultralight sleeping bag and mat (backpacking stuff), compact rain poncho, small flashlight, multitool (for bike), map and cell phone.

Personal items: quick assortment of travel toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (small and lightweight) Maybe a camera or folding binoculars? ID, money, etc.

Food: Energy bars, trail mix, and probably the civilian version of MREs (not sure yet). There are also a lot of places to dine and buy food along the trail.

What am I missing?


Thanks,
-Matt C.-

I used to tour only with rear panniers, however, a recent experiment using front panniers to assist with weight distribution was extremely successful. It's also good to have the extra carrying capacity just in case you need it (you never know). Just a couple of things, could you be a little more specific on what is meant by "ultralight" tent and sleeping bag? How do they cope with sudden rain storms?

Does your multitool include a chain tool? A camera is a must on any tour I've done, although binoculars may be a little redundant. I'd also advise getting a small cooler bag of somekind to go inside one of your panniers. Should you buy any fruit along the way, you want to protect it against any unseasonally hot weather you might encounter.

You will be bicycle touring in fact you are starting out the smart way planning a relatively short trip where not much can go wrong.Not many people can take off for years to travel around the world and most can only take trips of a week or more a few times a year but almost everyone can do multiple 3-4 day tours and they are great fun.I have read journals of people doing that trail and it does sound like fun.

Sounds like you are a cyclist and backpacker so you basically have the skills needed.As far as the gear list it is pretty similar to what I just took on a 3 day tour.Sounds like you don't plan to cook.I would drop the MRE's though for something lighter.Also I am not real familiar with the CO2 pump but my understanding the cartridges are a one shot deal so if you have mutiple flats you might be in trouble.A good pump is one of my most important pieces of gear.And lastly I personally don't like to carry anything on my back prefering to use water bottles and some emergency water stached away in the panniers where it is hard to access unless really needed.Also a handlebar bag is nice to stach things you will need on bike.Just evenly split everything else by weight and bulk into the panniers with the tent/bag on top of the rack unless compact enough to fit in the panniers.

I don't like to plan miles per day and only have a rough idea where I'm going everything being subject to change if the mood strikes.Of course this flexibility is easier if you are willing to remote camp at times which should be no problem along most bike trails.However if you plan to do the entire trail that pretty much determines what milage you will need to do ie looks like around 60-80 for 3-4 days.Personally on a first tour I would plan for lower end maybe 40-60 miles per day unless you are a fairly strong rider in which case 80 is certainly doable.Perhaps the best option would be to have the flexibility to just ride have far you can at what pace suits you for 3 or 4 days then get off the trail there.

Good luck and I just did a 2 1/2 day trip,have a 4 day trip planned ,my longest has been 10 days but I will be ready and have the skills to do much longer trips when the time becomes available.

One other think I always carry a rear LED red blinker and front light as well as I sometimes ride earlier morning hours or early evening.I attach my front backpacking style LED to my helmet which I always wear and this serves as a backup camp light as well.

One other think I always carry a rear LED red blinker and front light as well as I sometimes ride earlier morning hours or early evening.I attach my front backpacking style LED to my helmet which I always wear and this serves as a backup camp light as well.

I have both of these. The rear light is a part of the seat, it blinks too.



You will be bicycle touring in fact you are starting out the smart way planning a relatively short trip where not much can go wrong.Not many people can take off for years to travel around the world and most can only take trips of a week or more a few times a year but almost everyone can do multiple 3-4 day tours and they are great fun.I have read journals of people doing that trail and it does sound like fun.

Yeah, I don't necessarily have weeks off at a time to take such a trip. Perhaps in the future, if I plan it well enough ahead of time, I could tour for weeks at a time. But, for now, I'm sticking with something easy for my first trip.



Sounds like you are a cyclist and backpacker so you basically have the skills needed.As far as the gear list it is pretty similar to what I just took on a 3 day tour.Sounds like you don't plan to cook.I would drop the MRE's though for something lighter.Also I am not real familiar with the CO2 pump but my understanding the cartridges are a one shot deal so if you have mutiple flats you might be in trouble.A good pump is one of my most important pieces of gear.And lastly I personally don't like to carry anything on my back prefering to use water bottles and some emergency water stached away in the panniers where it is hard to access unless really needed.Also a handlebar bag is nice to stach things you will need on bike.Just evenly split everything else by weight and bulk into the panniers with the tent/bag on top of the rack unless compact enough to fit in the panniers.

I'm a beginner cyclist and an amateur backpacker, at best. :o Thanks for the vote of confidence, though. No, I'm taking the planning very seriously so I can concentrate on having fun during the actual trip. 3-4 days is just enough time, in my experience with outdoor activities, to escape everyday life and not get too bored or uncomfortable. I should have an idea after the trip whether or not I'd like to do something like this again. The CO2 pump is for one time usage, but the CO2 cartidges are replaceable. Plus, there are plenty of bike shops along the trail to get parts and service. I'm only planning on using the MRE entree packs, not the whole MRE kit, which is way too big anyway. What other choices do I have for self sufficient meals? I already had the Camelbak before I thought of this trip. I use it all the time right now and it doesn't bother me. Although, I see way more cyclists with multiple water bottles instead of hydration packs. A handlebar bag sounds like a good idea, I might consider it.



I don't like to plan miles per day and only have a rough idea where I'm going everything being subject to change if the mood strikes.Of course this flexibility is easier if you are willing to remote camp at times which should be no problem along most bike trails.However if you plan to do the entire trail that pretty much determines what milage you will need to do ie looks like around 60-80 for 3-4 days.Personally on a first tour I would plan for lower end maybe 40-60 miles per day unless you are a fairly strong rider in which case 80 is certainly doable.Perhaps the best option would be to have the flexibility to just ride have far you can at what pace suits you for 3 or 4 days then get off the trail there.

Exactly. That's the same frame of mind I have. The Katy Trail is very well mapped and marked. I have several mileage itineraries written up, all of them with interchangable segments. It would be very easy for me to alter mileage day by day. Right now, I'm going for 60-90 miles a day. If I find that's too much, I'll drop to 50-60 miles. But, unless something goes wrong, like I don't feel well, 60-90 miles should be no problem for me. I would love to have the option of remote (primitive) camping anywhere along the trail. But, if I do that, I'll have to be sneaky and risk a trespassing fine. Unfortunately, the land bordering the trail is often private property or parks that don't allow camping. There are lots of campgrounds and businesses along the trail that do allow tent camping, though.


Thanks for the feedback & suggestions! :D

-Matt C.-

If your talking about just taking the contents w/o the bulky container that is what I have heard backpackers recommend.I have never used them but have heard they are fairly expensive for what you get.Otherwise you can use things like dried fruits,dried vegies,nuts,seeds,cheese,dried meat,tortillas,peanut butter,honey,bagels,tuna or chicken in pouches then picking up more fresh and bulky items as you near camp.But it sounds like you pretty much have everything under control just get out and do it lol.

The Katy Trail is very well mapped and marked. I have several mileage itineraries written up, all of them with interchangable segments. It would be very easy for me to alter mileage day by day. Right now, I'm going for 60-90 miles a day. If I find that's too much, I'll drop to 50-60 miles. But, unless something goes wrong, like I don't feel well, 60-90 miles should be no problem for me.

That sounds about right to me. I'm hoping someday to do a complete out and back of the Katy Trail, starting from my house in St. Louis. I've done two solo centuries on the Trail, and several shorter rides. It is perfectly flat and great for long cruises. The only problems I've encountered are dust and closed stores during the weekday. All of that crushed gravel puts out a lot of dust on hot, dry days. It can be a real drag on a long ride. Plus last year on a 100-miler on a 95 degree weekday I found fewer stores open along the way. Of couse I didn't travel off of the trail, so you could probably have better luck if you went into town.

The Katy Trail seems like the perfect tour. Less interaction with cars. Remote, rural setting. Could use some hills, though :->

I used to tour only with rear panniers, however, a recent experiment using front panniers to assist with weight distribution was extremely successful. It's also good to have the extra carrying capacity just in case you need it (you never know). Just a couple of things, could you be a little more specific on what is meant by "ultralight" tent and sleeping bag? How do they cope with sudden rain storms?

Does your multitool include a chain tool? A camera is a must on any tour I've done, although binoculars may be a little redundant. I'd also advise getting a small cooler bag of somekind to go inside one of your panniers. Should you buy any fruit along the way, you want to protect it against any unseasonally hot weather you might encounter.

So far, I've had no problems using just rear panniers. However, if I get everything loaded up for this trip and I have problems with balance, I'll definitely consider front panniers. They do look more balanced. My tent is a Eureka! Backcountry Solo. I've only used it once on a weekend camping trip. Its plenty waterproof. I say its ultralight, but it weighs 1.76 kg. I know its not the lightest tent out there, but compared to my other tents, its "ultralight". It takes about 2 minutes to set up quickly. Sudden rainstorms suck no matter what. My sleeping bag is one of those that wads up into a little bag, nothing I'd sleep under unless it was perfect weather.

My multitool does not include a chain tool. Are you refering to a link extractor? If so, I have very little mechanical know-how with bikes and have no desire to mess with disassembling the chain. If the chain breaks on the trail, I'm walking. :( I'm still very much a novice cyclist. Perhaps with time, I'll become more comfortable working on my bike to such a degree. The multitool I have is good for making minor adjustments like cable tension and seat position, as well as changing a flat tire. Do I really need a chain tool?

The camera is probably going. Should I use a disposable, 54mm, or digital?

A little cooler? Do you mean like one of those insulated, collapsible lunch bags?


Thanks for your advice!

-Matt C.-

That sounds about right to me. I'm hoping someday to do a complete out and back of the Katy Trail, starting from my house in St. Louis. I've done two solo centuries on the Trail, and several shorter rides. It is perfectly flat and great for long cruises. The only problems I've encountered are dust and closed stores during the weekday. All of that crushed gravel puts out a lot of dust on hot, dry days. It can be a real drag on a long ride. Plus last year on a 100-miler on a 95 degree weekday I found fewer stores open along the way. Of couse I didn't travel off of the trail, so you could probably have better luck if you went into town.

The Katy Trail seems like the perfect tour. Less interaction with cars. Remote, rural setting. Could use some hills, though :->


I've ridden the trail back and forth from St. Charles to Defiance (40 miles roundtrip) and it was rather pleasant afternoon ride. Of course, the weather here in St. Louis for the last couple months has been mostly fantastic. I'm dreading the the 95+ degree/ 110% humidity days to come. There was a guy that rode the entire 225 mile trail in 14 hrs. That was with an average speed of something like 14 mph. I don't plan on going that fast.


Thanks for the warnings!

-Matt C.-

Sounds like a great trip. I wish you cool breezes, clear weather and strong knees!!

It sounds like you have things covered. The only things I can offer from my past road vs. trail tours is that my daily mileage tends to drop a little on trails due to the constant pedaling and no down hill breaks, especially if it is hot. A small walkman type radio may be a nice diversion and would give you severe weather updates.
May the wind be at your back and have a great tour. I hope you post your opinions on the trail because I would like to do it some day.

Great start on a gear list. Almost all essentials and little extraneous stuff. I like it.

I would replace the poncho with a lightweight rain jacket. It's harder to ride in the rain with a poncho than a jacket.

I didn't see any off-bike clothing. I'd suggest two bike jerseys and either a couple baggy bike shorts or two pair of lycra bike shorts and a lightweight nylon pair of shorts. It's considerate not to wear lycra shorts in restaurants, stores, etc. Having two sets of clothes lets you wash one set each evening. Don't forget to take some Woolite!

I would go easy on packing food. Since there are planty of places to resupply along the way, you really should only need on-bike snacks for the first day (if that). Skip things like MREs and plan your riding and meals around towns along the way. After dinner, grab some snacks at a store before heading off to camp.

I'd also leave the CO2 behind. If you flat, just use the pump and stop at the next available opportunity to top off the tire from a regular pump.

Definitely take the camera and plenty of film/memory. Cut back on the planned mileage so you aren't too rushed to stop and take photos.

One other thing you might consider is a small portable walkman type radio for entertainment in camp and getting weather reports.

Great start on a gear list. Almost all essentials and little extraneous stuff. I like it.

I would replace the poncho with a lightweight rain jacket. It's harder to ride in the rain with a poncho than a jacket.

I didn't see any off-bike clothing. I'd suggest two bike jerseys and either a couple baggy bike shorts or two pair of lycra bike shorts and a lightweight nylon pair of shorts. It's considerate not to wear lycra shorts in restaurants, stores, etc. Having two sets of clothes lets you wash one set each evening. Don't forget to take some Woolite!

I would go easy on packing food. Since there are planty of places to resupply along the way, you really should only need on-bike snacks for the first day (if that). Skip things like MREs and plan your riding and meals around towns along the way. After dinner, grab some snacks at a store before heading off to camp.

I'd also leave the CO2 behind. If you flat, just use the pump and stop at the next available opportunity to top off the tire from a regular pump.

Definitely take the camera and plenty of film/memory. Cut back on the planned mileage so you aren't too rushed to stop and take photos.

One other thing you might consider is a small portable walkman type radio for entertainment in camp and getting weather reports.


Walkman, huh? This is a good suggestion, especially since I'll be riding close to several metropolitan areas with decent radio stations. I have this Sony headset walkman that would be perfect. Its the "street-style" headset so the headband doesn't interfere with helmets, hats, etc. Thanks for the idea!

I'll be wearing mountain bike shorts with the lycra/padded liner. I'll probably pack an extra outfit just in case I get really wet or dirty.

I'll look into getting one of those pull over rain coats with sleeves. I've seen some that come stuffed in their own little sack, perfect for tight stowage.

I'll consider ditching the MREs if I can find a suitable substitute. However, I'm hearing that many of the stores along the trail that sell food are way off the trail, or closed on the weekdays. A lot of these little rural towns have limited business hours. I want to carry at least 2 days worth of food with me in case I can't get to the stores in time. I hate riding hungry, and energy bars never fill me up. Plus, MRE entrees and side dishes are cheap ($2-3 a piece), and each entree ( not the entire meal) is anywhere from 200-350 calories. They can be eaten cold or heated with a chemical heater that costs about $1 each. Purchased in bulk, MRE entrees are even cheaper than what I've listed. For example, you can get a case of 24 bean burritos for $54. They're 200 calories a piece and about the size of a fat TV remote control, packaged. They won't spoil in the heat, their self contained, and pack easy. Why do you think the military uses them? Here's the website for them: http://www.longlifefood.com/ I wouldn't want to eat them the entire trip, but they'd make a decent substitute for a freshly cooked meal. I've tried a couple of the entrees, they're actually quite tastey, and a couple of entrees and a side dish make a good meal. Better than an energy bar. I will admit though, they are a bit pricey for what they are.


Thanks for your suggestions and advice!

-Matt C.-

I envy you, as I've had my New York eye on that Katy Trail for quite some time. One of these days! And now, some opinions:

I agree with others here: get a real pump. If you're carrying MREs because the towns are often too far off the trail, then so, too, will be the CO2 cartriges and bike shops. Being able to top off your tires every morning is important, especially when you're riding on somewhat-soft surfaces. On-the-road puncture repair is a good skill to develop, and every such skill you add will increase the range of possibilities for future trips.

Ditto, the chain tool. Chains do break, and it's really not a big deal to remove a link. Faster than puncture repair, in fact. The tool is small, and doesn't weigh all that much. If you can get flat fixing, chain link removal, brake and derallieur cable replacement and bike lubrication in your arsenal of skills, you'll have most of what it takes to stay in repair on a cross-country ride.

Take a radio if you like, but resist turning it on. Instead, soak up the spaces you pass through. Strive to be apart from your "normal" life and let yourself feel a bit at risk, exposed, porous. Stop often; take photos; talk to strangers; don't hurry; look, listen and feel. Visit the towns along the way; have a restaurant meal with the locals--breakfast especially, when the townspeople linger over coffee, gossip, trade stories. Let your daily "progress" be measured not only in miles and time, but in encounters and awakenings. Take it from a 65 y/o touring veteran: the things you'll remember about your time on the road will be not the miles covered, but the extent to which you connected with what's out there. Sacrifice riding the entire trail, if need be, for the quality of the time you spend.

If you use a digital camera, don't forget an extra set of rechargable batteries. NiMH charges dissipate faster in hot weather, so do have both sets fully charged right before you set out. And don't take brand new batteries; they need to be run through from 3 to 5 charge cycles before they're "fully fledged" to take their maximum charge capacity.

Other additions you didn't mention: first aid kit; tire pressure gauge; flashlight; insect repellant.

Your cargo list looks sensible; you haven't overdone it. It's good you're taking a tent and sleeping bag. Camping is fun, but even if you never camp you'll have carried a realistic load so you'll know what it's like. Have a great time!

Lew

So far, I've had no problems using just rear panniers. However, if I get everything loaded up for this trip and I have problems with balance, I'll definitely consider front panniers. They do look more balanced. My tent is a Eureka! Backcountry Solo. I've only used it once on a weekend camping trip. Its plenty waterproof. I say its ultralight, but it weighs 1.76 kg. I know its not the lightest tent out there, but compared to my other tents, its "ultralight". It takes about 2 minutes to set up quickly. Sudden rainstorms suck no matter what. My sleeping bag is one of those that wads up into a little bag, nothing I'd sleep under unless it was perfect weather.-

Sudden rain storms are OK if you're properly prepared (and a lot of fun if they break up a hot day). I was using a cheap Coleman tent for the last few years that I bought when I was an impoverished university student, I'm looking to replace it, and you may have just given me an idea. It was excellent in the wet, but weighted 2.6kg. As far as sleeping bags go, I favour synthetic materials simply becuase if they do get wet, they perform better.



My multitool does not include a chain tool. Are you refering to a link extractor? If so, I have very little mechanical know-how with bikes and have no desire to mess with disassembling the chain. If the chain breaks on the trail, I'm walking. :( I'm still very much a novice cyclist. Perhaps with time, I'll become more comfortable working on my bike to such a degree. The multitool I have is good for making minor adjustments like cable tension and seat position, as well as changing a flat tire. Do I really need a chain tool?-

I broke my chain three times in a month in Tasmania, I'd advise taking it. If you can find an old chain to practice using it on, that's the best way to learn how to use one.


The camera is probably going. Should I use a disposable, 54mm, or digital?-

I'd go with the digital here. The quality of pictures you take is improved because of the opportunity to stop and review them. Another plus is that you don't have to worry about what to do with rolls of film. I took a spare battery to Tasmania with me, but never used it (despite taking well over 300 photos in a month). You can often find places along the way to recharge it (Laundromats are particularly good for this).


A little cooler? Do you mean like one of those insulated, collapsible lunch bags?-

Yes, that is what I use. As I said, it's preferable to carrying rotting fruit -- although I wouldn't advise attempting to store dairy foods in there.

So far, I've had no problems using just rear panniers. However, if I get everything loaded up for this trip and I have problems with balance, I'll definitely consider front panniers. They do look more balanced. My tent is a Eureka! Backcountry Solo. I've only used it once on a weekend camping trip. Its plenty waterproof. I say its ultralight, but it weighs 1.76 kg. I know its not the lightest tent out there, but compared to my other tents, its "ultralight". It takes about 2 minutes to set up quickly. Sudden rainstorms suck no matter what. My sleeping bag is one of those that wads up into a little bag, nothing I'd sleep under unless it was perfect weather.

My multitool does not include a chain tool. Are you refering to a link extractor? If so, I have very little mechanical know-how with bikes and have no desire to mess with disassembling the chain. If the chain breaks on the trail, I'm walking. :( I'm still very much a novice cyclist. Perhaps with time, I'll become more comfortable working on my bike to such a degree. The multitool I have is good for making minor adjustments like cable tension and seat position, as well as changing a flat tire. Do I really need a chain tool?

The camera is probably going. Should I use a disposable, 54mm, or digital?

A little cooler? Do you mean like one of those insulated, collapsible lunch bags?


Thanks for your advice!

-Matt C.-


Matt you will love that Eureka tent. I got that model for our trek down the Oregon coast 9 days. There are more exspensive tents. But I liked the roominess and ease of setting it up. When I chose it I spent a lot of time looking and this just works well. Have a great time and 3 or 4 days will be a good intro, however I will tell you at the end of my 9 day trip I just didn't want it to end. Granted my son who really enjoys outdoor cooking did a great job keeping us well feed. We are leaving in a week to head down the coast starting in Victoria BC and have blocked out 3 weeks. I am so excited to go.

MBD

I used disposable cams first trip worked well and walmart put it on cd. This trip I am taking a cheap digital cam and will use disposable as well.

I just returned from doing the Katy Trail all the way from St. Charles to Clinton Missouri. It was a lot of fun and I did it in five days. There is much to see along the trail as it is a historical trail and has a lot of small and interesting towns and villages on its path. I average 50 miles a day and with this pace I did not get to spend as much time sight seeing as I would have like to done. I thought it was a extremely beautiful and easy to ride trail which I am planning on doing it again next year.
Your list looks it has most of all the equipment you would need but I might add to be sure you carry enough water to get you from stop to stop. There are plenty of trailheads along the way with restrooms and you should also be able to get water there. I did not see a lot of campgrounds along the way so be sure you have planned your stays where you know you can camp. My trip was sponsor by the Missouri State park foundation and they did all the planning including where we camped. We did not camp in any formal organized campgrounds. The Missouri State parks foundation sponsor a Katy trail ride once a year a limit it to about 300 particapants. You can find more information on the Katy by searching on the internet for information on the Katy Trail State Park. By the way if you do any bicycling on side trips your total mileage can be much higher than 225 miles
I hope you enyoy your ride on the Katy as much as I did. I sure fell in love with this trail.
Douglas


QUOTE=tarmac]I am planning a 3-4 day camping/bicycling trip along the Katy Trail later this summer. The Katy Trail is located in Missouri, USA and is the country's longest "rails-to-trails" project. Its a 225 mile long limestone chat trail that spans almost the entire state from east to west. More info. can be found on various websites like this: http://www.katycentral.com/.

Anyway, I'm not sure many of you would consider this true "bicycle touring", but its the first kind of bicycle trip I've ever taken. So, I would love some advice regarding what to take, how to carry it, and how far to travel in one day. I've already figured a few things out, and doesn't look like the trip will be that hard. In fact, I'm looking forward to a good cruise. I just want to make sure I'm not forgetting anything crucial. Note: the Katy trail is a dedicated biking/hiking trail that connects many small towns along the old railroad route. It is not far from restaurants, motels, and emergency services. In fact, several established Bed & Breakfast Inns, Campgrounds, and Historical sights dot the entire trail. If worse comes to worse, there are several back up plans.

Here's what I have so far:

Bike: Trek 7200 hybrid with rear rack and panniers, clipless pedals, 700c medium tread tires, spare tube, CO2 pump and patch kit.

Gear: appropriate cycling clothing and shoes, 3L Camelbak, ultralight tent, ultralight sleeping bag and mat (backpacking stuff), compact rain poncho, small flashlight, multitool (for bike), map and cell phone.

Personal items: quick assortment of travel toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (small and lightweight) Maybe a camera or folding binoculars? ID, money, etc.

Food: Energy bars, trail mix, and probably the civilian version of MREs (not sure yet). There are also a lot of places to dine and buy food along the trail.

What am I missing?


Thanks,
-Matt C.-[/QUOTE]

Tarmac,
Your list looks fairly complete, except for one important thing. I didn't see DEET listed. I'm not sure but I think a lot of the Katy trail parallels the Missouri River.
I've spent a lot of time camping on the islands on the Mississippi and the mosquitos have always considered me an all nite diner. They won't bother you while you're riding, but as soon as you set up camp and relax, they'll come calling.
Another thing is the heat. The bottoms get to be quite sweltering in late summer. You'll wish your tent had AC. Maybe consider taking along one of those lightweight nylon mesh hammocks. I use the one with the support sticks in each end.
OR, I was thinking about getting one of these:http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&catalogId=40000008000&storeId=8000&partNumber=684942&memberId=-2000&link=1&prgm=SEO&lnk=TRLEAD
I have a similar one called the Mosquito Traveler but it doesn't come with a lightweight tarp, so for the money, get the Hennessey (if you're hammock inclined).
But since you already have the tent, just get the little $10 camping hammock at wallyworld. I'd sleep in the hammock, but set the tent up for my equipment and in case it rains.
Also, do a search on ultralight hiking. You're gonna find and learn all kinds of cool stuff. Sgt Rock's is a great site: http://www.hikinghq.net/
OH, and I don't know if they allow fires on the Katy trail, but if they do, take along an extra tote bag for when you spot some fire wood. Should be plenty of driftwood everywhere though. It may be hot, but it's still fun to have a campfire to sit around.
And maybe hang your food from a tree. I once got into a tug of war with a racoon over my backpack. And one more thing. Earplugs. Sometimes the locusts sing so loud you have to yell for the person next to you to be able to hear you. And they sing ALL NIGHT LONG.

Tarmac,

My girlfriend and I did a B&B trip from Jefferson City to Sedalia. We also did the trip by using the train to take us from our car in Sedalia to Jeff City and the rode back to Sedalia over 3 days. You can park you car in the Sedalia Police Dept. parking lot...

You might want to check out this site
http://katytrail.showmestate.com/
and buy the book buy this book http://www.pebblepublishing.com/complete_katy_trail_guidebook.htm.

The book has a fold out map and coupon section.

Hope you enjoy your trip...we did

Kevin

COOL!

I'm there are others doing what I'm planning on doing. For future reference, I will try to find one of those group rides to join. I'd love to have company on a trip like this.

I have the Katy Trail Guide by Pebble Publishing. Its a great resource for the Katy Trail, I highly recommend it, too.

Thanks for the help, everybody. I'll post a synopsis of my trip when I get back.


-Matt C.-