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theslowpony from little rock, ar on 6/21/2017 2:32:08 PM:

Are there any riders who have ridden this solo? I am planning a ride this year towards late summer/early fall and am planning on riding it from clinton to St. Charles solo. I'm just looking to see how others have done it.

BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 6/21/2017 3:34:49 PM:

Yes, I have done it. A solo ride can be very enjoyable; lots of time to think. Less time having to worry about coordinating schedules, meals, etc. I'd suggest that you consider camping on a solo ride for the ultimate in getting back to nature and away from the world. I did it in October and that's a quieter time on the Katy. Very cool nights and mostly moderate daytime temps.

Anonymous on 6/21/2017 3:38:03 PM:

I've done it also and have seen many solo riders on the trail. Although I enjoy riding with others, I do enjoy the solitude. Being on your own schedule, with time to do whatever and whenever is a good escape from the daily grind.

Michael Fuller from Charlotte, MI on 6/21/2017 9:02:46 PM:

I'm doing a solo ride Clinton to St. Charles next week! I'll try to let you know how it went.

theslowpony from little rock, ar on 6/22/2017 7:55:35 AM:

thanks for the comments everyone. So one or two other questions? I have never really camped before so I have to do that but what do you carry in your panniers? And, is it hard to camp.

BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 6/22/2017 9:01:20 AM:

For camping, I went to Walmart and picked up a 1-person tent for $25 (their Ozark Trail brand, Walmart #557010352). I also got a sleeping bag that compresses into a small bag (don't remember the brand) and a roll-up camping pad (weighs 1 pound, $15, #551235221). The reason I got these at Walmart was the ability to pick them up and feel the real weight. You want to focus on keeping the weight down. I think I was 6-7 pounds, all in. The sleeping bag attached to my front bars and the others strapped to my panniers on the back. I also bought a cheap plastic LED flashlight that I used a lot, and I brought a USB battery backup. I "primitive" camped at designated sites. Incredibly fun and different. But you should start by camping in your own back yard for a night to understand what you will need to bring/do.

Michael from Charlotte, MI on 6/22/2017 11:30:45 AM:

From theslowpony: "what do you carry in your panniers?"

I have a spreadsheet I've developed for bike rides, touring, backpacking, day hikes, etc. that lists the things I bring depending on the type of adventure. Email me at michaelbfuller@gmail.com and I can send a copy. It might take a week or two since I'll be away from home.

"is it hard to camp?" The ground is the hardest thing about camping. You might want a pad/mattress of some type. :)

Solitude Seeking Solo Rider (aka Juice) on 6/23/2017 8:55:52 AM:

It is fun. I have great periods of free time to ponder the complexities of this highly technical and very stressful world, Really??? It's a bike trail.

Mark L. Peters from Belleville, Illinois on 6/24/2017 4:59:09 PM:

I've done four solo rides of the Katy Trail. The first was a start to finish, and the last three were to visit my son at Mizzou. I've enjoyed every one of them - especially meeting riders and re-learning the history at each trail head. For camping, I have found it helpful to take a mosquito hammock that I ordered on Amazon. It travels light and is very comfortable. I have also stayed at the bunkhouse at the Tebbetts Trailhead. No reservation is needed for a one-night stay. For a mere $5 donation, there is a shower, refrigerator, and bike maintenance room. It was very comfortable and a wonderful bar and grill is next door. Try the BLT!

Ludwghfn from Leawood on 6/25/2017 8:22:28 PM:

Yep, I think it was probably the best 4 days of my life!

Vita from Paris, IL on 7/4/2017 8:12:55 PM:

I'm a 54-yr-old woman and I rode solo from Clinton to Machens last September-and I'm still proud of myself! My only issue was with a drunk guy exposing himself to me near Booneville-and let me tell you he had nothing to be proud of! :)

I had about 30# in my panniers and trunk bag which included a tent, sleeping bag, and a Klymat air-up sleeping pad. Make sure your panniers are waterproof and will lift off your rack easily; I had to navigate several downed trees blocking the trail. It's a good idea to get your gear in advance and ride all summer with the weight on so you'll be accustomed to it on the trail.
Enjoy!!

Anonymous on 7/7/2017 12:02:39 PM:

Yes. More than once. I like to keep moving and travel light. Don't like carrying all that camping stuff. I stay in hotels. I carry a spare tire, a few tubes and tools and a change of clothes to wear in the evenings to a restaurant. I wash out my biking clothes each night and they are ready to go in the morning. Also carry a toothbrush, cell phone/charger and a credit card. That's all I need.

Wife takes me to Clinton. Ride to Boonville night one. Day 2 to Rhineland and stay with Amanda and family at the Dollhouse B&B. Day 3 to St. Charles. Morning of Day 4 - ride back to Hermann in the morning. Catch Amtrak in the afternoon. Reserve early for roll-on service for the bike. Gets me back into Union Station in KC. Wife picks me up...and we go home.

LOVE IT!!

Did the same thing last summer on the C&O Towpath/Great Allegheny Passage from Washington, DC to Pittsburgh, PA. Drove to Pittsburgh. Took Amtrak to DC. Rode back to my car over 5 days.

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