Squeezebox

Is anyone interested in doing a Katy trip this winter? I have no experience with winter camping, although I do have the gear. I don't think it's safe to winter camp solo. At least for me right now. I'm thinking 50 mile days, 3-4 days.
Anyone interested?

Ridefreemc

I think it would be pretty cool to do a trip in early winter. As long as you can see the trail (low or no snow). You'd have peace and quiet for sure!

I'll be riding the GAP and then up to Ann Arbor MI for the UM v OSU game in late November 2017.

jonc123

Living in Missouri for 48 years, we don't get much snow through December anymore. I just checked the weather, looks like for the next week or so, highs range from 46-64*F. Lows in that same time period are from 29-47*F. This is through December 10th.

robow

Squeeze, no time this winter but next year, a couple of us want to break in the new Rock Island-Katy trail, soooo consider coming along with us. Maybe we can talk Jonc123 into coming along as well : )

jefnvk

Whats weather generally like down there that time of year? Still looking for something to waste time on during plant shutdown at the end of the year.

Hopefully that works out better than it did today...

Ridefreemc

The weather here is perfect for touring. I have been riding about 5 days a week getting ready for a tour in mid-December (10th through 15th - northern Florida) and it has been perfect. Last year I toured across the state between Christmas and New Years and it was a bit too warm. However, right now it is in the 70s and that will hold for another month.

November and December are my favorite times to ride.

jefnvk

I wish! I have a very strong edict from the fiancee, who doesn't have the week off, that I am not allowed to go anywhere warm without her!

Ridefreemc

What does she consider cold? We should get chilly (to 71 for the high) Friday.

jefnvk

Any chance of snow? I'm fairly certain that means I can't go anywhere that doesn't have a realistic chance of snow!

Ridefreemc

Looks like you'll need to suffer some cold further north

Squeezebox

Anything to say about cycling shoes in winter? I do have shoe covers.

Ridefreemc

I wear shoes that are Gortex and they have no cleats, so it is easy to put a warmer sock on. If I really must, I can add a shoe cover, which makes a significant difference in warmth, but also not so good for walking around. I have platform pedals with Power Straps. That way I can get away with one pair of shoes for an entire trip. Shoes IMHO are the hardest thing to pack, as the shape doesn't lend itself to efficient packing.

Squeezebox

I found a nice sized mesh bag that gets tied to the rear in some fashion. perfect for carrying shoes. I appreciate cycling shoes too much to leave them behind. But winter cycling boots can get pricey. I don't have a pair yet.

saddlesores

no real need for winter boots.
use your reg'lar shoes with (thermal) neoprene
windproof shoe covers/overshoes.

i usedta have these for winter commuting in germany.
always on sale at nashbar/performance.
(currently have a black friday sale 25% off)

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indyfabz

Wut? Looking for someone to keep you safe?

Squeezebox

Actually!! Yes!!
You would have to have a death wish to winter camp solo without experience. I don't have enough experience in winter camping. And I don't have a death wish. But I do know a bit about hypothermia. Unprepared a person can die from hypothermia below 50-60*. And a person often becomes disorientated and often unaware of the fact they are in serious danger. It's important to have someone watching out for you.
In the hiking community lots of people will hike solo in 3 season. I know of only 1 or 2 people with enough experience to camp solo in winter. And plenty of stories about people dying during an attempt to do so. There's plenty of winter hiking/camping being done. Just not solo.
I was okay at 40* on the Katy trail late Oct. but I won't go lower than that without someone watching my back.
I'ld like to hear from folks about their cold weather riding and camping experiences.
Be well, Be safe!!

indyfabz

Citation to authority for cases when someone is not immersed in water.

In any event, having to worry about the unprepared doesn't sound appealing to me in the least.

saddlesores

hypothermia? as long as you're not setting up in one
of these model tents, you'll be fine...

Squeezebox

Nice to know the 2 of you are also experts in winter camping.
Hypothermia can and does happen. A severe example is Antarctic expeditions do not travel solo. At some temp a person needs company to travel safe. The hiker I know of, his limit is -20*F for solo. My limit is probably around freeezing. I've proven to myself I can do 40*.
So what's the coldest you've cycled and camped in? any pointers to suggest? tent, clothes, sleeping gear, stove, food, water?

willibrord

All Katy all the time.

If I can't do the Baja Divide, I would consider the Katy.

jonc123

That's a pretty big trade, a 1,700 mile bikepacking route for a nearly 300 mile rail trail.

alan s 

All I can say is camping below 30F is not my cup of tea. Tried it last year for the first and only time. Regarding hypothermia, yeah, be prepared. Why would you consider winter camping without being prepared for cold weather?

Happy Feet

Cycling -32F
Camping overnight -42F

But we all have different tolerances for both temperature and what we want to do alone.
No need for some sort of blanket justification to not want to bike tour by oneself in winter.
Personally, I hate the heat.

indyfabz

Still waiting for some credible authority to back up your assertion re: 50-60 degrees when not immersed in water.

And, BTW, I have lost count of the number of nights I have woken up with ice on my tent fly and or poles when temps have dipped below 30.

willibrord

I wouldn't need a new bike for the Katy.