Katy Trail 2018
 

The Katy Trail is on many seniors' bucket lists; I know it's been on mine for years. We finished a trip from west to east last month (May, 2018). We planned it ourselves, and our wives graciously cooperated by being our support crew. Along the way, I learned that the oldest person to have ridden it was 93 years old, a former bike racer who finished it in three days (we took five). Perhaps the most inspiring, however, were the people we met, including an older lady who was celebrating her 80th birthday by riding the trail for the second time. The first was when she was 75!

I've written a blog about our trip, which might be of value to anyone else who is interested in this magnificent trip, including many photos and even music. Please leave comments and ask me question using the comment form at the end. Here's the link: Here's the link to the introduction.

Steve

Great write up on the Katy! I'll be keeping the link for future reference since I'm hoping to ride it next year.

Hondo, sounds like you did the organized ride? I did the organized ride in 2015, the year the last day was cut off due to rain.

Thank you. Most of the trail is not far from an intersecting county road, but there are long stretches without parallel roads, and a few where it's easy to imagine that you are in an Amazon rainforest miles from civilization.

If I'd taken my good bike lock, I probably would have stopped at the casino in Boonville. I'm glad I didn't! Did any of the slot machine zombies even notice your bike jersey and/or shorts? Bet not.

Most of the people who ride the trail (like you) live in the midwest, so you have a pretty good idea of the scenery. I live in western Colorado, and I was frankly amazed at the tranquil beauty of the farmland, the prairie, and wooded jungle near the river. I was also pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the people we met. More than once the scenery reminded me of "Deliverance," but the experience was totally different. When I tell my non-biking friends that we spent a weeks' vacation in rural Missouri not visiting Branson or family, and how beautiful it was, they give me a "you must be nuts" stare.

I'm glad that the benefactors, trail volunteers and taxpayers of Missouri had the foresight to create and maintain this magnificent resource. Thank you.

Then we drove back on I-70. Ugh. :troll:

Do it!

One thing I've learned over the years is that experiences often don't live up to their advance billing. The Katy Trail was everything we hoped for and more.

Did any of you have rain during your days on the Katy Trail? If so, how did it affect riding? We were fortunate to have clear skies for our entire journey earlier this month.

Two years ago I rode part of the Katy during heavy rains. To make matters worse, the trail had been dry for the previous 3 weeks and was dusty. My bike, body, and clothing were a horrible mess. After that I put fenders on my touring bike. Last week I again rode in the rain on the Katy and the fenders were great. Many other riders hand rooster tails up their backs but not me.

I've been riding on 700x32 tires and they are usually good even during rains; however, this year I ran into a few spongy parts. I may see if 700x35s will fit so that I can ride somewhat lower pressures.

Went the first week in May. Beautiful weather, not too hot, no rain.