Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
The KATY is a great resource, however it can get a bit monotonous. Most of the time it's a straight, flat trail under a thick canopy of trees. Views of the river valley are obstructed for most of the trail. I enjoyed it as an alternative to pavement, particularly on hot summer days, but it's not very engaging.
I'd recommend one of the many gravel events in Missouri as an alternative. The Epic is, well, epic: http://epic150.com
It's 142 miles (and 11,000 ft of climbing) of killer gravel in the scenic Lake of the Woods region. See: https://www.strava.com/routes/12754747
Many participants consider it to be more demanding than the Dirty Kansa 200.
The Cuba Gravel Crisis is another scenic ride that is my favorite. It's less extreme than the Epic and the weather in the fall is usually ideal.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 02-23-19 at 07:36 AM.