I live in the St. Louis area and used to ride the Katy trail all the time when I had a mt. bike. Now
I only have bents and have only rode it a couple of times on a bent. It definitely is not the most
suitable surface for any road type bike. I recommend wider tires and fenders. The white dust from
the crushed limestone is nasty. It will chew up, chains, cogs, chainwheels, bearings, etc. If your
bike is black, it will be white after a day of riding on the Katy. If it rains that is another
story, the limestone turns into milky type liquid that cover you and your bike, it makes a total
mess and is a nightmare to ride in. The worse time to ride the trail is June through August. It is
hot and humid and dusty, with pop up thunderstorms that turn the trail into soup. I always thought
October was the best time to ride when the leaves are changing color and there is a chill in the
air. The heavy morning dew and cooler air keeps the trail from being so dusty. An old beater bike is
the best type to ride on the trail. Its just hard for me to ride a $1000+ bent on the trail knowing
the damage that is being done. I am not trying to scare you away from the trail because there are
beautiful stretches along the trail with high river bluffs and beautiful scenery. There are a lot of
neat towns and wineries along the trail and some very good places to eat. I am just trying to
forewarn you what to expect (especially on a week long ride) as for as trail conditions go, believe
me I know, I have been there.
John
"m..leuck" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've read about it but what is the road surface like?
>
> "Nathan" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
>
news:[email protected]...
> > Anyone doing this summer's Katy Trail ride? If you are, where are you
> from?
> >
> > Nate