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Andy C on 11/12/2015 10:17:20 PM:
I am planning a trip to the katy trail in a few weeks to ride west to east in a day, hopefully the FKT. can anyone tell me the ease of directions on the trail? is it easy to get lost or are all the trailheads/turns clearly marked? i'm really looking for all the info I can gather. have contacted the website email with no response.
i'll have a support person meeting me at certain points along the trail giving me feeds. mostly just curious about ease of navigation. thanks in advance!

 
Anonymous on 11/12/2015 11:14:04 PM:
You can't get lost. You also can't ride the whole trail from sunrise to sunset until the days get longer.

 
Anonymous on 11/13/2015 5:43:35 AM:
Andy, the record for riding end to end in a single day is around 13.5 hrs. Just as the other post said you will be riding in the dark. Park doesn't allow riding after dark. Really not safe especially if you are trying to finish and beat a record. Many animals feed at dusk in the fall. Not a good idea this time of year.

 
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 11/13/2015 8:13:56 AM:
Andy, the first time you will have 13.5 hours of daylight (including before sunrise/after sunset) will be around April 1st. And 13.5 hours is very, very fast.

 
Andy C on 11/13/2015 8:37:14 AM:
thanks guys for the information. I'm looking for 12.5 hours of daylight, not 13.5. to be clear, the record is from clinton to st charles or is it to machens?

 
Jerry Whittle from Belleville, Illinois on 11/13/2015 9:18:23 AM:
Around June 21st is the day with the most daylight. What kind of bike will you be on? Have you ever ridden on crushed limestone for any longer distance. I'm about 3 mph slower on the Katy Trail. Of course I'm using a heavier touring bike with 700x32 tires. No way would I ride the entire thing on my carbon fiber road bike with 700x25 tires.

 
mrodemeyer@socket.net from Hartsburg on 11/13/2015 12:12:01 PM:
Why would you do such a silly thing? The Katy is designed for slow biking, enjoying the scenery, and the people and their stores along the way. The Katy is not a race track. Please don't try it.

 
Andy Chasteen on 11/13/2015 12:39:33 PM:
mrodemeyer@socket.net: The Katy Trail is designed for people to get out and ride their bike in a beautiful adventurous setting without worry of getting hit from behind by a vehicle. I am an avid bikepacker and love a multi day ride that "takes it all in". I also love a good challenge. Your version of enjoying the Katy Trail will not be the same as my version, and that is the beauty of riding a bike. Don't criticize mine - I certainly won't criticize yours. I will be solo, and will choose a non-weekend day when very little traffic will be on the trail.

 
Anonymous on 11/13/2015 12:52:34 PM:
How is the Katy designed differently for enjoying people and their stores along the way compared to other trails that have not been designed with those considerations?

 
Andy Chasteen on 11/13/2015 1:27:45 PM:
Apologies for getting anyone wound up. Just humbly looking for some advice from experienced locals on trail logistics, which is typically freely and gladly given in the cycling community. If anyone has any good beta for me I'd love to hear from you, andychasteen@gmail.com. Many thanks.

 
steve k from saint louis, mo on 11/13/2015 1:52:13 PM:
There are a few "breaks" in the trail one in Sedalia and another in Boonville. I recall that there are arrows pointed on the roads/paths you are supposed to take to get back on the main trail in those areas but have not been there in awhile. You can also see these breaks on Google maps. Not significant enough for you to get totally lost but could slow you down if you miss a turn.

You will only have 10 hours daylight this time of year so probably not possible to do in one day this time of year. I believe all of the others that did it in a day used road bikes with skinny tires. I always wondered if using a racing bike might give you an advantage over others that used road bikes. I also recall that Darren(I believe) was his name that did it (Clinton to St. Charles) in under 14 hours was a top finisher in several endurance(running) races prior to the time he did the Katy in a day, so there is more to it then just having the right bike and enough daylight.

 
Andy Chasteen on 11/13/2015 2:44:34 PM:
I guess I had just assumed that the "don't ride in the dark" thing was just a suggestion, not a rule. Thanks for the clarification.

 
Andy Chasteen on 11/13/2015 2:58:19 PM:
Looks like quite a few of those who have went for the FKT rode 2+ hours in the dark. If Darin still holds the record, then the current record holder rode the first 2 hours in the dark.

 
Ray (webmaster) on 11/13/2015 4:58:12 PM:
Andy, sorry I couldn't reply to your questions sooner. I keep a web page of anyone who tells me that they have ridden the entire trail in one day: http://www.bikekatytrail.com/one-day.aspx

This is the closest thing to an "official" record that I know of, but there is no truly "official" authority for tracking or validating these claims.

It's all self-reported - I trust that anyone who goes to the effort of reporting their time, has the integrity to report it honestly.

The earlier rides occurred before the trail was extended to Machens, when St Charles was the eastern end. Now that the trail goes to Machens, I think most riders try to do the whole thing. Just be aware that the Machens trailhead may be hard for your support car to find, and you probably won't feel like backtracking after finishing a double-century.

I wish success to you and anyone who attempts this impressive feat. Let me know if you complete the ride, whether it's a new FKT or not, and I'll list you on that web page.

While I appreciate Mike's opinion that the trail is best enjoyed more slowly, I also understand the desire to set and accomplish "extreme" goals. Hopefully after you do your single-day ride, you can come back and truly enjoy the trail at a more leisurely pace.

Good luck!

 
KC from Austin on 11/15/2015 8:58:34 AM:
I believe there is a video posted somewhere on this web site of a young man who did this. Much of his ride was at night. My arms and glutes hurt just thinking about this.

 
Anonoh on 11/15/2015 2:07:04 PM:
best way road bike with on head light with stops maybe every 3 hrs of 10 min or less. Better starting earlier to get less cross trail traffic. Have some verifiable record. Good luck.

 
frank on 11/17/2015 4:29:15 PM:
andy have fun on that ride. cant imagine doing it in one day, but kick butt doing it. ill be rooting for ya.

 
Andy Chasteen from oklahoma city on 11/24/2015 10:18:02 AM:
All, I set a new FKT yesterday. Dr Dixon's former record was 13:51 moving time and 14:47 elapsed time. For FKT purposes, elapsed time is always the one used (the theory goes you could stop and rest as long as you want if you are going by moving time). My time yesterday was 13:08 moving and 13:32 elapsed. All solo. Had two support guys meeting me every 40ish miles with food/drink/pics. Garmin link below.
A guy Paul had informed me that the trail conditions weren't very good and he was right. There are quite a few downed trees from Clinton to Boonville, and branches to dodge all the way to Machens. But the wet trail was the worst, mushy in a lot of places, very slow and tough to power through.
Thanks to everyone who gave me some good advice on the trail. It was my first to ever ride the Katy and I definitely plan to come back and do it slower with camping gear.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/965138906

 
A Cyclist from Lee's Summit on 11/24/2015 2:52:22 PM:
Well done, sir. That's bad-ass.

 
rob from southcentral mo on 11/24/2015 7:34:07 PM:
So you set a new "record" by ignoring the park regulations. I'm sure the people opposing the possible new additions to the Katy appreciate your efforts

 
Anonymous on 11/24/2015 8:14:10 PM:
I set a record driving from St. Louis to LA on a weekday before noon, but I left the weekend before I actually started on Monday. I've got gas receipts to prove the route. For FInterstate records that's how it's done. Now that's badass!!

 
Andy Chasteen from oklahoma city on 11/24/2015 9:11:06 PM:
Rob, yes I left that morning at about 5 am in the dark and came across two other cyclists and three runners who were doing the same thing before dawn. I'm assuming locals who were getting in an early morning workout. Ok for them but not for me?
Also, I came across 2 hunters in camo and orange who were walking down the trail with their guns.

 
Andy Chasteen from oklahoma city on 11/24/2015 9:22:44 PM:
Also Rob, we went back into St Charles after I finished and ate at the brewery in town right off the trail. The amount of people using the Katy Trail in and around St Charles in the dark was quite high. I'd guess that I saw 15-20 or more people running or riding on the trail in and around the city. Ok for them but not for me?

 
Anonymous on 11/24/2015 9:43:08 PM:
Congratulations. Just ignore the "trolls" and self appointed police. Seriously...

 
Anonymous on 11/24/2015 10:29:20 PM:
I doubt the morning walkers out for exercise were claiming a record for a day that is governed by park rules. Probably just out for some exercise or walking to their hunting spot without any illusion of grandeur. But you claim a record for a day that surpasses the ruled length of a day? A failed attempt at best. Do it in June when you have a day long enough to do it in and you'll have a bit more credibility claiming a record.

 
ArkyKenny on 11/25/2015 8:35:12 AM:
Congrats Andy! I too applaud the effort. That is quite an accomplishment. I'm glad to see attention being brought to the trail because people are doing on it what it was designed for--RIDING IT. I wish you would have done it during daylight hours, but in my opinion, it's a lot easier to forgive someone for riding after hours than it is to forgive/ignore/ encourage them if they stealth camp.

Also I continue to believe there is a great opportunity to have a "Katy in a Day" event the legal way. Doing so would bring much positive interest in the Katy, and a type of riding on it that really hasn't been promoted. Like it or not, we live in a society that likes races, so if a race brings people out, I'm for it. If someone were to organize such a ride on or about June 21, with an starter gun going off 1/2 an hour before sunrise, some support, and some transportation options, I'd give it a go.

 
Anonoh on 11/25/2015 9:40:09 AM:
Arky I would go for it but DNR probably would not sanction it due to its perceived unsafe environment. It would need to be a bandit race with signed releases like all rides and races. The organized DNR ride is also held that summer week too. I have a race organizer friend I will inquire. Sometime in June 2016 OK?

 
ArkyKenny on 11/25/2015 9:53:13 AM:
If there is an organized "Katy in a Day" event, with (at least a little) mid-ride support, transportation options, and a few beers at the finish line, I WILL BE THERE! Don't expect 13 hours out of me.

 
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 11/25/2015 10:45:00 AM:
13 hours...that would put my finish line beer at about Harstburg! I would be done...LOL

 
Anonoh on 11/26/2015 8:52:11 AM:
16 mph would take about 15 hrs. But the stop time would push you into the dark.
It's doable with 2 or 3 endurance rides per week of 70-80 miles for several weeks in Mar thru May. Who's up for it?

 
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 11/26/2015 9:48:54 AM:
Andy, congratulations. Wished I would have known when you were riding, and I would have met you at the end for a high-five. I am curious as to what was your longest single-day ride up to this point? And with this accomplishment, maybe you should consider a round-trip KT ride? :)

 
Andy Chasteen from oklahoma city on 11/28/2015 10:31:24 AM:
BikerBoy,
Two weeks before the Katy, I did a 380 mile ride on the road with 10 other guys. About 19 hours of riding. Quite honestly, I don't think I was fully recovered from that ride by the time Katy came around. And in my opinion the Katy Trail ride was much harder for a myriad of reasons. Anyway, if you are interested in reading about the 380 mile ride, my full story is here: http://www.dnaracing.bike/stories/okbeermuda

 
JerryW on 11/29/2015 7:06:17 AM:
WOW! That's quite an accomplishment. Are you also on Strava? I'd like to give you some Kudos there.

 
JerryW on 11/29/2015 7:11:02 AM:
Answered my own question on Strava.

 
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 11/29/2015 10:16:39 AM:
380 miles in a day, my goodness. That's what I love about cycling. You and I use the same two-wheeled mode of adventure, but we are in completely different categories and would have nearly nothing in common to discuss. It would probably be as hard for you to go at my lolly-gag pace looking around and stopping every few miles to take pictures as it would be for me to ride at your pace and distance!

 
Andy Chasteen from oklahoma city on 11/29/2015 10:20:00 AM:
Not true BikerBoy. I enjoy all types of riding in all kinds of environments. One of my favorite is bikepacking for multiday trips, which is why I'm excited to get back to the Katy for a multiday trip!

 
Andy Chasteen from oklahoma city on 11/29/2015 11:14:56 AM:
In depth story of the day, if anyone is interested.
http://www.dnaracing.bike/stories/2015/11/28/katytrail

 
Ray (webmaster) on 11/29/2015 9:22:13 PM:
Truly epic - congratulations.

Andy I have added your FKT to the list of single-day riders at http://www.bikekatytrail.com/one-day.aspx

 
Billy from Mokane on 11/30/2015 3:03:18 PM:
Data looks real to me. Congratulations.

 
dc from Jefferson City on 12/1/2015 7:49:32 AM:
I love the write up about your ride. Let us know when you come back to have your "enjoyable" ride over a few days.

 
Andy Chasteen from Oklahoma City on 10/13/2018 12:07:28 PM:
I have returned a few times since the FKT, to the Katy to do some bikepacking and I have to say that these are much better experiences!
https://andrewchasteen.com/stories/katytrail

https://andrewchasteen.com/stories/pleaseslowdown

 
Andy Chasteen from Oklahoma City on 10/13/2018 12:07:36 PM:
I have returned a few times since the FKT, to the Katy to do some bikepacking and I have to say that these are much better experiences!
https://andrewchasteen.com/stories/katytrail

https://andrewchasteen.com/stories/pleaseslowdown