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riding on chat
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Via from Tulsa, OK on 6/21/2006 11:12:53 PM:
My husband and I are thinking about a Katy trip in October, and are trying to determine the distance we can comfortably cover each day. We have never ridden on chat, only paved trails, and wonder how much more effort and time the crushed rock surface might require. He rides an Easy Rider recumbent, and I plan to take my EZ3 trike, which is heavier and slower. I find I comfortably cruise on a fairly flat, paved surface only about 7 or 8 mph, but though I am slow, I have good endurance. What percent increase would you guess? Thanks in advance. We have enjoyed the comment forum and look forward to the trail.
 
Joan Hunter from Sedalia, MO on 6/22/2006 1:32:32 PM:
Hi, I have ridden the entire trail twice. I use a touring bike and am fine. The trail is packed, not soft, unless we have had recent rains. The best way is to start in Clinton and end in St. Charles. I know the trail well and have a Bed and Breakfast in Sedalia. Should you want to chat more, email me. Put the "Katy Trail" in your subject so I know it is not spam.
 
frank from festus on 6/22/2006 6:41:38 PM:
via, in tulsa. i wouldn't think u would have a difficult time hittin 20-30 miles a day maybe more, depending on your schedule and how much you want to stop and rest and sight see. the trail is pretty much hard packed everywhere, on the order of concrete. there is the occasional soft spot, but few and far between. as far as after a rain storm, the last three yrs i have rode the katy during my g'sons state all star baseball games in columbia, usually the day after a good ole toad strangler of a rain storm and didn't have problem one. main thing is plenty of water before and during the ride. have fun and happy bikin.
 
Pat from Oklahoma City, OK on 6/23/2006 7:35:11 AM:
I recently rode on the Katy for the first time. While the surface was not difficult to ride on, I found the rolling resistance to be considerably more than a paved surface and my average speed was slower than expected.
 
TRinJboro from Jonesboro, AR on 6/23/2006 12:05:08 PM:
I agree with Pat, I found the rolling resistance of the chat surface to be 10% to 15% slower than asphalt.
 
Via from Tulsa, OK on 6/24/2006 12:09:25 AM:
Thanks, all, for your observations. Joan, I'll be in touch as we firm up dates for the trip. Frank, we like to enjoy the surroundings as we ride. The recumbents make it easier to look around without neck strain, and the trike lets me slow down and even stop without wobbling or crashing. We will be sure to take plenty of water. Pat and TR, we were pretty sure the rolling resistance would be greater, but the 10 or 15% shouldn't be a problem, and we will adjust our mileage expectations accordingly. We really appreciate the estimates. Being a old canoeist, I am a firm believer in waterproof bags, and am going to try carrying dry bags rather than panniers for this trip. I have ordered several different sizes and am looking forward to playing around with configurations and ways to attach them to my seatback and rear basket. Thanks again!
 
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