The Rock Island Trail

Packed Ag Lime Surface

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Old Fat Guy from Indianapolis on 11/14/2006 2:54:58 PM:

Hello,
My wife and I are planning a trip to MO to ride the Katy. We are mostly roadies and have only ridden paved asphalt trails in Indiana and Ohio. How is the packed AG lime surface of the Katy to ride? Are we OK using 700C X 23 tires or should go wider for better control?
Thanks for your support.

Damon from Kansas City, MO on 11/14/2006 7:51:35 PM:

Hello there, my buddy and I have ridden almost the entire Katy using our roadies and they worked out great. I however wouldn't recommend anything smaller than a 700x25 tire though. It will help reduce the # of flats. I used the 700x25 setup for 180 miles and only got 1 flat and that was because of a faulty tube. We even rode an entire day in the rain and we didn't have any problems at all with the 700x25's. I think if you step up a size or 2 over the 23's you will be set. Have fun and enjoy your ride!!

Arkie from Fort Smith on 11/15/2006 9:25:21 AM:

I don't want to discourage you from riding the trail, but don't show up expecting to be riding on ag lime. The trail is surface with what is variously referred to as crusher dust or mineral matter depending on its final use. Although the material is fine, and usually packed quite well, the particle distribution included a significant amount of material of to 1/4" in diamter, and some larger than that. It is not a silky smooth ride but careful navigation will be make it the great experience that it is.

Missouri Joe from O'Fallon, MO on 11/16/2006 7:38:17 AM:

The trail also has a variety of material depending on where you are. In wooded areas expects sticks, branches, leaves and other forms of organic material. In wet areas there can be mud or wash-out material and good sized rocks near the bluffs. For the most part, do expect a nice crushed stone surface.

Jason from Huntsville, AL on 11/17/2006 12:59:32 PM:

I agree that the surface is not all that great. I rode the 290 miles on the trail with 700x28 tires and had 10-12 times when I almost went down due to the surface. There are lots of leaves, twigs, sticks, rocks, walnuts, etc that make it tough riding in some places. I am an experienced rider and would not recommend anything smaller than a 28cc tire. I would also make sure to get a tire with a Kevlar belt and a puncture resistant tube. I have no flats only because of good tires and tubes. Good luck and have fun!

Brian from Wichita, KS on 11/17/2006 3:36:57 PM:

My experience on a 100+ mile ride a couple weeks ago was very good. I was surprised how ridable the surface was, since the first day of my ride & the prior two days were quite rainy. There were a couple places (mostly on the Columbia Spur) with some fairly deep (3"?) ruts and a little mud, but overall the surface was smooth & hard-packed & the rain actually helped keep the dust down. The comments above about "organic material" are very true - there were tons of leaves & branches on the trail, but they didn't cause too many problems. BTW, I rode on 700x28s with Kevlar tires. Great ride!

Arkie from Fort Smith on 11/19/2006 11:21:07 AM:

I pulled off the miracle of all miracles last month when I did the trail from end to end and many side trips. I finished with 298.7 miles and no flats! I owe it all to good living and modern chemistry in the form of puncture-resistant tires and tubes. The cheapest insurance you can buy and well worth the investment to keep kids along the trail from learning oilfield language while changing flats.

El Toro on 11/23/2006 8:29:48 AM:

I rode from Clinton to St. Charles (231 miles) in mid-October and found the trail to be wonderful! There are plenty of leaves, etc. on the Trail as others have noted, but had absolutely no problems (and no flats) riding a Fuji Cross with 700 x 28 Kevlar tires. A great experience that I would strongly recommend. Can't wait to do it again!

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