New to the Katy

I am a 60 year old Grandma and I cannot find any friends or family interested in riding the entire Katy trail with me so I have signed up for the 2005 DNR ride (#129).

However, I am HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS. 50 and 60 + miles a day seems like a lot of distance to cover (I normally ride 10-15 miles per day on a paved surface). I have also read (since I signed! - my guidebook did not discuss this) that the trail is difficult riding in places. I don't mind difficult but can't do that many miles a day if much of it is difficult. My main concern, however, is that meandering along and enjoying the trip and stopping at sights and communities along the route is, for me, a major reason to ride the trail. I know that 'ain't gonna happen' covering 60 + miles per day.

Does anyone know of a small group (or is there a like-minded 60ish Grandma out there) with a more meandering itinerary (or NO itinerary), that I could throw in with instead? I'm willing to camp or stay in lodgings, start at either end of the trail, take whatever time is required, etc.

I saw the Sierra Club and TC Tours rides, which both have more relaxed ternaries, but don't think I would be in the league with that type of rider and do not know if non-members can join anyway.

I would appreciate any suggestions and would like to hear from others interested in the type of ride I have in mind.

Only two days have long rides and you can be hauled in if the length is too long. I am one of the Katy Trail volunteers and will be riding most of the ride; I did the entire ride two years ago. I would encourage doing the ride. Average age is >47!

Lena, I also would encourage you to do the DNR ride! While there may be a few short stretches where you tires will tend to sink in (this is usually an area that has been repaired after a rain storm has washed out part of the trail), I have never experienced difficult riding conditions for an extended distance on the trail. There will be several sixty-something riders to lend moral support and the staff and trail volunteers do a great job and they will help you if needed. Consider this a "scouting mission"! You will get to see the entire trail, so you can decide which towns/areas you would like to spend more time in when you come back. It may also be a great oppurtunity to make some contacts with people who would like to get together for a liesurely ride! Hope to see you there!

As long as you train some, you should have an enjoyable time. This will be my third year on this ride. I am (only)49, but there are many 50-70> riders who ride. (119)