First Annual Katy Trail Experience was a Complete Success

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Travis sent me an e-mail about the First Annual Katy Trail Experience and I thought I would pass it along. I wish I could have gone. I’m also glad to here Steve is riding, it would have been good see him.

the First Annual Katy Trail Experience was a great success. Dan, Milene and myself finished the distance with relative ease and feeling strong. We were joined on the weekend by Jim Stewart and on Sunday by Norman Butler. Here are some highlights.

Saturday 9-15-07
  Dan, Jimmy and I left Clinton at 8 am at 41 chilly degrees and a great attitude. Jimmy experienced the first flat as we came into Windsor. There was a threat of rain all the way to Sedalia but the sun came through just after lunch. Milene will tell you that it’s because she showed up. She started the ride Friday due to scheduling conflicts and joined us at the 5th St. Brew Pub after lunch. We finished in Pilot Grove at about 2:30 with the toughest part of the trail behind us. This is also the most traveled part of the trail for the group and as a result the most non eventful. Day one was 61 miles and we were happy to have had a smooth day with little interruption. Only 170 miles to go.

Sunday 9-16-07
  Norm joined us today and the trip started with everyone in great spirits. Weather was again overcast and chilly. The first leg was from Pilot Grove to Boonville and likely one of the prettiest sections on the whole trail - also the last of the long steep grades. Crossing the river at Boonville seemed to mark a changing of the experience. Just seeing the river let’s you know that this is for real and that the experience is just starting. We entered the busiest section of the trail through the tunnel at Rocheport. Many riders and walkers use this area and it was nice to have people to say hi to as we traveled. The river is prominent here and visible often as you ride. McBaine came and went and we found ourselves in Hartsburg by 2pm. We had a great lunch at the winery and settled in for the night. Another 48 miles under the bike.

Monday 9-17-07
  The soreness is setting in but the ride must continue. The weather is looking better with sunny sky’s and the possibility of a tail wind today. Milene has the first of 3 flats today. We put on 54 miles today and saw some great sights. There is the river of course and the bluffs are steep and tall. Little river home’s and farms come and go. At one point goat’s and a horse was grazing right next to the trail. Our first real tail wind caught us at N. Jeff and the miles rolled out. Portland was a nice spot and they have a place to stay overnight for a gift of $5. We met a couple of women that were on their way to Clinton. The trail here is pretty sparse here and water and ice are hard to come by but the scenery is great. We rolled into McKittrick at around 3pm and loaded the bikes to cross the river into Hermann for the night. We all ate Schnitzel at Stone Hill Winery and turned in for a good night sleep at the Harbour Haus before the final leg tomorrow.

Tuesday 9-18-07
  We’re tired and sore but excited to get on the trail. Only 63 mile to St Charles. Weather is looking hot this afternoon so we opt to get out early and beat the heat. The town’s along this section all have their bit of history to share and given more time would be worth investigating. Louis and Clark surely traveled some of the same territory we are riding. We are also in the heart of Missouri wine country. We stop at Augusta for lunch at a brew pub - the Tour of Missouri was through here just a few day’s ago. The final push is on and the excitement builds. The last 18 miles seemed to fly by with Dan picking up steam with every pedal stroke. We think he’s been sand bagging and only now taunting us with his strength. Coming into St. Charles is a bit industrial but soon the last trail head appears and we finish 3 wide and arms in the air. Time for a beer.

Notes:
  As you can guess the trail end to end is not easy and the 3 riders that completed that distance put a summer’s worth of training to good use. The KTE is an exercise in physical and mental fortitude - and I can’t wait to do it again. There will be another KTE next year and I’m looking forward to the training, planning and soreness that comes with the completion of mileage.
  The SAG man was awesome and I can not thank Steve DeMoss enough for the time and effort he put into his job. He took plenty of photos and video and is working on a DVD of the event. Unfortunately he will not be SAG man next year - he’s already in training for his own KTE and I’m looking forward to every pedal stroke of that trip with him.
  It was also a great pleasure to ride with Dan and Milene. Good friends were made on this trip and I would travel with them again in a heartbeat. Thanks for the ride.

Travis