The Rock Island Trail

Questions, and more questions ;o)

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wildflower from blue springs, MO. on 7/28/2006 3:03:20 PM:

Hi! A couple of girlfriends and I are newbies to this biking THING and are planning a ride on the Katy trail from Clinton to Sedalia in September. We all have bikes that are from discount retailers (I bought mine at Target for $75.00 and I like it fine, just put a new seat on it. Is this kind of bike going to be sufficient for this trail? Do any of you pros have any pointers or suggestions for us? Right now we are just planning to wear backpacks with what we think are the neccessities. I know that that section of the trail is about 35 miles and I am thinking we can get through it in a day, am I way off here? Thanks you very much in advance, obviously we are clueless!
Shan

TRinJboro from troyratliff@hotmail.com on 7/28/2006 3:23:20 PM:

I think you'll be fine, just about any bike will do on the KATY unless it rains hard for more than a day or two. Just make sure you have an extra tube &/or tube patching kit and a bike pump in case you have a flat. 35 miles is very doable in a day if you are in shape. Just an observation, the Clinton to Sedelia portion of the trail in my opinion is the least attractive part and it is the only area where horses are allowed on the trail. If I were you I would drive on a little further and bike from either Sedelia or Rocheport east. You're going to love the KATY.

wildflowers on 7/29/2006 3:05:02 PM:

Thank you very much. How far is your suggested portion of the trail? I am thankful you told me, I had no clue if it was scenic or not. It would be much more enjoyable if the scenery were nice! I will pack a tube and pump, I wasn't going to. When I said newbie, I meant a REAL newbie! Would you suggest starting off in Sedalia or ending there? Thanks again.

John from Salina KS on 7/30/2006 2:04:06 PM:

I have biked many times on the Katy and love it. You should be fine but the most attractive spots are up around Rochport and Columbia. There is an excellent trail leading from Colombia to the Katy. Also up around Herman MO is pretty but the cliffs as I70 crosses the river very nice.
We usually ride 20-25 miles up one way, eat and then double back to the starting point. We ride 15-17 mph so 36 miles in a day is very doable. even newbies could do 8-10 mph. Take light snacks and good water, plan on having a great meal after as celebration. You should feel great.

Ellen from Springfield on 9/18/2006 11:41:08 AM:

We have had a group do what you are doing and the newbies have always had a great time. One tip, put a rack on the back of your bike for your belongings. Carrying a back pack on your back while riding will be very hard on your neck and back. I use a river bag on my rack which keeps everything nice and dry too. Have a great time!

tammy from wright city on 9/18/2006 11:48:40 PM:

I bought a kart from Wal Mart for 77 bucks its great it holds everything in it and is light weight.My cat Tarzan rides with us all the time in it.We like it so much that we are going to get another one for our trip to Herman at the end of Sept.You will like it.

Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 9/19/2006 9:33:44 AM:

Preventive maintenance is key with any bike...have a local bike shop (LBS) mechanic make sure its good to go, and take drivetrain (chain, gear & wheel bearing) lubrication. The western end has its own different type of beauty and my point is if your goal is to do the KATY wouldn't you want to "end-to-end" it? Above all its a wonderful cruise...not a race. Enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys

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