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kennyd from Louisville CO on 1/11/2017 1:44:49 PM:
Four of us are planning to ride the Katy in May. We will be going west to east. Is there a good road route for the return that is not too busy with traffic and has camping and food available?

 
ArkyKenny on 1/11/2017 8:25:15 PM:
You could use Google Earth and string together a farm road/gravel route, you could use the ACA Trans Am or Route 66 routes, or you could just turn around and do Katy again.

 
Will on 1/12/2017 8:38:46 AM:
There are also various shuttle options, most of which can be found under the town services section of this site. They do cost, but are a viable means of getting from one end to another.

 
kennyd from Loiusville CO on 1/12/2017 11:11:29 AM:
I have been looking at Google Maps, There are some good looking routes but not any camping along the way. Out and back would be fine, just looking for some variety. Thanks

 
Ray (webmaster) on 1/12/2017 11:33:27 AM:
Obviously I'm biased, but I definitely recommend out and back. It looks completely different from the other direction. :-) Or at least you'll see a few things you missed the first time through.

 
kennyd from Loiusville CO on 1/12/2017 11:58:49 AM:
What is a reasonable number of days for an out and back? Assuming average cyclists.

 
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 1/12/2017 2:17:38 PM:
Plan on 5 days each way, plus an extra day or two for weather. That's averaging 47 miles a day, but one of those days each way might be 62 miles or so. 10 days is a long time in the saddle, so if you don't use the weather days, you might spend a night or two in the St. Louis area before heading back.

But, yeah, if you have the time, I would definitely recommend the out-and-back.

 
Jon from N Texas on 1/13/2017 8:24:32 AM:
The question of how long it will take for average cyclists ride the trail round trip has a lot of variables. How experienced are the riders with self-supported touring (carrying their camping gear)? How far and fast do they ride normally? On what surfaces? For how many days in a row?

For an experienced cycle tourist, 50 miles per day on the KATY is probably easily feasible,-- weather and trail conditions permitting. The trail has only moderate climbing, but the trail surface will reduce speeds relative to riding on the road. Not to mention stopping to smell the roses, taking pictures of bridges, or the river, etc.

Planning around available camping and lodging, some days may be longer or shorter. You may find that a six day itinerary makes reaching camping sites easier. And side trips to Jefferson City, Columbia, Herman, etc.. might make the round trip more interesting.

Unless your goal is to ride the trail in the shortest number of days, I think it is better to plan your trip around how many days you have and what you want to see and do. You may want to spend a few hours hiking or bird watching or visiting museums. There are shuttle services available and you can take bikes on AMTRAK to get back to a starting point or midpoint point.

Good luck and have fun!

Jon

 
kennyd from Loiusville CO on 1/13/2017 10:18:18 AM:
Thanks, we are all very experienced at self supported touring. Sounds like we should ride half of our time in one direction and then turn around. We are not in it just for the miles. Sight seeing, wine tasting, picture taking are also important.

 
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 1/13/2017 1:32:49 PM:
Kenny, if you would be limiting yourself to half the trail (and back), then I'd suggest Boonville to St. Charles and back for scenery and wineries.

 
Anonymous on 1/13/2017 10:45:35 PM:
For me - the prettiest, most interesting section of the trail is the 25 miles from Rocheport to Hartsburg.

Generally speaking, I personally find the eastern end of the trail more interesting and scenic than the western end....IF I HAD TO CHOOSE....but I love it all.