The Rock Island Trail

riding the katy in the rain

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howard hughes blues from kc on 5/3/2007 5:19:15 AM:

anybody ever ride the whole thing in the rain? I was thinking about riding the trail next week but right now the forecast is for "isolated t-storms" or "scattered t-storms" all week. I have one of those capes that clip on your handlebars----might be a good time to try it out.

Jason from Huntsville, AL on 5/3/2007 9:59:44 AM:

Anytime you spend more than a day on the trail, you run the risk of getting wet. There are several things you have to think about. You need to keep yourself and your gear dry, or you will be miserable. The best way to keep yourself dry is with a good, high quality breathable rain jacket. You may also elect to get rain pants as I did. For the gear, I had all my stuff in waterproof bags (OR makes great ones) and my panniers had waterproof covers also. If you are camping, that makes things even more difficult as you will need a waterproof tent. Riding in the rain is miserable, expecially on the KATY trail surface. It can be done though, you just have to plan ahead and honestly, spend some money on good gear. Have fun!

Dave B. from Columbia, SC on 5/3/2007 11:24:49 AM:

I basically agree with the previous comment and have ridden many miles in the rain over the years on the Katy. The one thing not mentioned above is a need for a second pair of riding shoes for a rainy day. Once your shoes are drenched and covered with the trail the next day is pretty miserable with wet gritty shoes. I always take an old pair of shoes just in case it does rain. So just come prepared and enjoy the ride.

My next scheduled ride on the Katy will be the Katy Trail State Ride in June hope to see some of you then.

ET from Columbia on 5/3/2007 12:16:36 PM:

I would just add--expect decreased mileage if it is raining or has just rained a lot, as the surface gets soft, and harder going.

Arkie from Fort Smith on 5/4/2007 8:14:06 AM:

I rode the whole thing from Clinton to Machens in October and it rained every day but the last, and that day was very windy. Although I wouldn't say it was the best trip in the world it was enjoyable. Expect decreased mileage and that you will get filthy. A second pair of shoes to wear it night is a must and I found Goretex trail running shoes to have been a good selection to ride in.

biking beginner on 5/4/2007 1:26:22 PM:

Egad. I was afraid of this.

These capes: Do they cover both rider and bike? Am invisioning something out of a jousting scene, where a cape covers the horse's flanks.

I'm only slightly kidding. Is that what this cape does?

Nails on 5/4/2007 10:13:56 PM:

Ixnay the apecay. If you're concerned about riding in the rain, ride a bike with fenders and pack a rain suit. The poncho/cape limits your flexibility, the ability to see the ground under your feet, and can get caught in the wheels. If it were me, I'd even skip the rain pants.

sharonbikes from Kansas City on 5/4/2007 10:36:24 PM:

Nails is right on. You are going to get wet. Even with the cape, you will get wet. My
guess is that you have been wet before. Just be wet... the temps should be warm enough
these days that you won't get cold so long as you keep riding. Capes and ponchos and the
like are usually made of plastic or nylon which means you will just get hot and sweaty and
wet. Riding the trail in the rain means you will be wet and dirty (but you will wash and
hopefully will have packed a fresh set of clothes and protected your stuff from the water)
and it will be slow going...when the trail gets saturated it is like riding through plaster of
paris that is not quite set up. It is different than riding in just plain mud. And, your bike
will be filthy . . . be sure to clean it up paying attention to those moving parts--the chain,
the pedals and the like. Carry some lube so your chain doesn't rust and you can ride the
next day moving smoothly! And, rain or shine, have fun!

Arkie on 5/5/2007 9:53:54 AM:

Ixnay the cape and get a light weight hiking jacket like the Marmot Precip. The sleeves open for ventilation and it is hooded. Also performs quite well as a windbreaker. Everyone makes them. The ultra-lightweight biking jackets just don't cut it in my experience. They look nice, they are light, but they don't shed water.

howard hughes blues from kc on 5/7/2007 5:27:23 AM:

thanks for comments. yeah I guess I'll just wait till we get some nice weather.

Susan from Manhattan, KS on 5/7/2007 11:39:36 AM:

My husband and I will be on the trail Friday through Sunday riding from Jeff City to Sedalia. I am hoping that the forecast changes (call me Polyanna!) We will definitely be ready for the winery in Rocheport where we are spending our first night. I don't seem to be very good at planning these trips. Last year we rode during the hottest weekend of the year (in August) and it looks like I've chosen one of the wettest weekends for this years trip. Someone else is picking the time for the next one!

Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 5/7/2007 11:50:29 AM:

Way to go Polyanna! : )

J&K from Drexel MO on 5/9/2007 8:45:30 PM:

I always carry a rain jacket with me on extended rides. Adding fenders to my recumbent was the very best improvment for those wet days on the trail. You still get wet, but not near as dirty/sandy. Riding a bent puts your head closer to the rear tire, and ALL that sand slings on the back of your neck and head. I actually enjoy some of those lighter showers now!

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