Katy Trail: Bikepacking America's Longest Rail Trail

[@secretdaisy6484]

Next video: 3 guys go shopping for bike 🚲 fenders. 🙃

[@cmeeoutdoors7556]

23:36 I'm the DNR employee in the backhoe. Glad you guys had a safe trip.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for all that you do to keep the trail in good shape for all of us to enjoy!

[@nyccollin]

Do not Resuscitate?

[@cmeeoutdoors7556]

Department of Natrual Resources ​@@nyccollin

[@oscarmayer2823]

I did the Katy Trail back in 2020 with one of my closest friends. We had an absolute blast. Pending on the time of the year those big green nuts laying in the trail can be hazardous if not paying attention. The only close call we had was a skunk was on one of those old wooden bridges.

[@firstcitytraveler]

When we rode the KATY we made sure we had fenders on our bikes. This makes the wet trail sand stay off most of the working parts of the bike. I made sure my front fender had a large mud flap. Even on a dry trail, fenders keep dust down. I know fenders are hard to find but both of my TREK touring bikes have fenders which stay on year-round. Have fun but be prepared!

[@dlb562]

I was lucky enough to have found the book "just ride" when I started out. It was so crucial it avoiding a lot of the pitfalls of riding. One of the tips was buy fenders and boy o boy has that made all the difference. Another great one was using a poncho when riding in weather. Another fantastic tip that just works

[@TrailoFire]

Super awesome video. The Katy is on my list of trails I want to conquer. Trying to get my health back and get back to nature again. Thanks for sharing this peaceful video, truly serene

[@legionofsmallpotatoes9938]

wonderful

[@delkelso]

i ride the eastern end of the KATY a lot, it runs by within 3 miles of my house. did the whole trail in 2019, and planning to ride it again this fall. your video was really great, can't tell you how much i enjoyed watching it. the video really captures the essence of the trail, your narration was perfect. THANKS!!!

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos!

[@garryhatchett775]

I too have ridden sections but not the whole trail. Cool place.

[@PointofDepartureTrav]

A really cool place to stop for the night is Boonville. Boonville Luxury Lodging. Staying in an authentic 1880 Victorian Manor And French inspired Le Cottage. Relax in the gardens by the fire pit or sit in the parlor enjoying amazing cocktails and craft beers 🍺 and appetizers as part of your stay experience

[@papablueshirt]

Thanks for the video, it helps to know what to expect. Maybe this old man will get up there sometime. It is about a 6 hour drive in the car. I think I would rather ride there somehow. Maybe I will be able this spring to pry myself away and go do it.😀

[@KentuckyCycling]

It's a great resource. Hope you get to go ride it.

[@John_Ridley]

Going to do this tomorrow morning from Michigan, one last video about it before leaving!

[@scottkelley1558]

Rode the Rock Island and Katy last year starting in KC. After a summer of drought, it rained three inches on day one. Not a real problem since the trail was partially paved and only about 10 miles of limestone. day two was awful - waaaaay too soft to ride 60 miles to Windsor. Our host that night said the Katy would be better the next morning - not so. It was horrible too all the way to Sedalia. After that it firmed up significantly all the way to Boonville. We considered getting off trail and using roads but that would have been very hilly.

[@KentuckyCycling]

How did you feel the Rock Island compared to the Katy?

[@scottkelley1558]

@@KentuckyCycling we liked the Rock, but it is much softer than the Katy. Do not count on towns. The trail does not pass though them except at Lees Summit. Most of the trail is remote, so you need to bring food. We also went the last week of October and they had started closing off the water taps. The Rock also suffers from ‘cracks’ in the crushed granite that parallel the direction of travel. I hit one and was instantly catapulted end over end into the trees. Quite shocking at the speed it happened. The trail feels like it simply has too much gravel on it.

[@mendyviola]

Thanks for the review. Ive got this on my list for the next year or so to do.

[@edtechmusician]

Great video. The Katy Trail is on my to do list.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos. Make plans to ride it. You'll love it.

[@FollowThomas]

This trail is in my bucket list. I'm gonna ride it sooner or later, but better sooner. Great job with the video. 👍🙂

[@dustysadventures]

This trail is on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@gmaneis]

When I first saw the listing for your video, I thought "Oh no! 35 minutes! Another badly shot video full of wobbly shots, way too long selfie segments, etc." but wow! I sure was wrong. The pacing of your edits was perfect and so was the relaxing music. I felt like I was riding with you, feeling the cool air, smelling the trees and river, feeling sweaty and grubby, etc. Wonderful! I live a 3 hour car drive from St. Charles. The Katy has been calling my name for a while. Thanks to your video, it's shouting now!

[@auntdayskitchen6315]

I love your interspersed history of the trail and sites along it it really added to the video

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks!

[@flmike12000]

Heartily agree. Great job!

[@coast2coastauctions472]

Glad you got to see a lot of buntings (I was thinking that perhaps you would not because it rained so much on your trip). The buntings and the gold finches the trail animals my wife and I love the most.

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Great video!! Thanks!

[@blain5827]

That’s one wet trip, don’t know if I’m up for that much precipitation

[@alfredneuman7665]

I've ridden parts of the Katy trail, never the whole trail, when I got my gravel bike in fall 2016 the riding was much more pleasant. When I used my touring bike the fenders did help keep the grit out of the drive train. Don't forget to stop for dinner @ Murry's in Columbia, MO

[@Raveler1]

Thanks so much for posting this! I'm hoping to cycle the opposite direction of y'all, and about 6 months later - should be interesting to see how the foliage has changed from your trip.

[@767bob]

Great video but fenders "Mud Guards" will make your wet/dirty ride so much easier. I have ridden on the C&O canal quite a few times and on one ride it rained for a couple of days but the mud was everyday. My fenders did their job while my partner suffered one maintenance issue to another almost every other hour, yes all caused by the dirt/mud in his drive-train and he also lost one of his disc brake! He's a hard core weight weinie so totally ignored me. His mechanical problems added about 2 hours our ride everyday. I've been using fenders since the late 1960's and they do work.

[@AnnetteLG]

I just found your channel. This was lovely, well, until you showed the thing-that-shall-not-be-named in the road, but yeah! Great trip and video!! I can’t wait for summer rides!! I want to ride all the RT’s in the nation! 😊😅❤

[@KentuckyCycling]

Took me a minute to figure out what you meant. I assume you me the log like creature we came across? LOL

[@jakecolvin3167]

Great Video, i am using it as a research tool for my own trip. Thanks👊

[@fabiovicentin1978]

👋👋olá, sou do Brasil, ótimo trabalho! Adorei! 👋👋from Brazil South America..great Job! I Love It

[@LoungingMcCoy]

Thanks for the video! I'll be riding the Katy in June. I really hope the weather is better than what you had.

[@KentuckyCycling]

For your sake, I hope so too. But, I'd still do it again, even with the weather we had.

[@profesam8457]

Wonderful video. Great information. Not enough images of the cameraman. I mean this as a pure compliment - - I would love to ride with you guys sometime.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks, that’s very kind of you. Where are you located?

[@profesam8457]

@@KentuckyCycling I’m in Kansas. I’m gonna set my sights on that KATY trail for next year, perhaps!

[@billysbikesbrews7183]

What a fun bike ride.. On my short list.. hopefully in the fall.. liked the Daniel Boone info... You can’t catch a break with the Weather.. Pedal On !!

[@ReimaginedAdventures]

Can't wait to hit this trail !!!

[@LaughingSaint66]

sweet!

[@mountainsnmoore256]

Really enjoyed this video! I now I have a new addition to my dream list! Thanks!

[@robinneely7978]

Loved this video!

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks, Robin. ;-)

[@jefflong4540]

Nice Video. Thanks for sharing.

[@Biking360]

That looks like an awesome trail guys. I've pinned it as a bucket ride. Great ride :)

[@lizdg3892]

Looks like fun.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

I loved the Green Tunnels along the Katy. It's a great ride! Nice video, thanks.

[@lancecrawley9542]

Riding it again 6/18-6/20 East to West. Thx. Gorgeous video!

[@ClassImperialAgent]

Greetings from germany. The trail looks really beautiful. When the whole Corona pandemic is over, i'm thinking very hard about going on a tour through part of the USA. I thought from Chicago to Dallas. You have a really beautiful country. ❤

[@TheTWhite]

I wouldn't go to Chicago for too long, just enjoy some sites and head out of town.

[@GaryTR35]

If going to Dallas might as well go to Austin - best city in Texas

[@coast2coastauctions472]

Unless you like riding on Highways, skip Chicago to Dallas and do the KATY, you will thank me later.

[@ronhoover5516]

Excellent!

[@audreynault-worden9870]

I love your videos! And this one is personal to me, as I live in WashMO, right across the Big Muddy/Missouri River. I've lived close to the Katy Trail for almost 20 years.. I LOVE THE KATY! I was hoping you would stop to see the McBaine Burr Oak Tree, near Columbia. It is the largest Burr Oak tree in Missouri, AND it is tied with another in Kentucky for the title of the national champion (largest) of the specie, Quercus macrocarpa. It's near mile 170, McBaine, approximately 0.2 miles from the Katy Trail, to the south, 100 yards or so from the trail. Almost 400 years old, its trunk is 287 inches in circumference, 90 ft. tall, with a 130-foot spread. It has some cool stories from over the years, and last October, it was struck by lightening... but it has made a triumphant comeback! Maybe next time... thank you for showcasing The Katy Trail.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos on the videos. We loved our experience riding the Katy and I hope to make it back someday. And the McBaine Burr Oak sounds pretty awesome!

[@alexriddles492]

I live in Columbia and do some day rides on the Katy. The first time I saw the Burr Oak I saw it from the road. As we drove up I thought "Yeah, that's a big tree". Then when we pulled up next to it, I noticed the pickup truck that had been parked broadside out of sight behind the tree.

[@ericmcgrath7554]

Truly excellent video! I’m 80 minutes by car from the middle sections of the trail and must congratulate you on capturing the trail experience MUCH better than most videographers. My favorite section is Portland (where Holzhauser’s is) and the miles to either side of it. You apparently got hit with rain and didn’t get to appreciate it - that Portland river access picture was as waterlogged as I’ve ever seen. So if you give it another go you have something to look forward to. Also, stop in at the Peers store at midday and you can talk to some of the Katy Land Trust folks. Again, thanks for a GREAT video.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos and the tip about Portland.

[@denverman6161963]

Stumbled upon this video, and it brought back great memories. My wife and I have ridden the Katy twice now, and enjoyed it both times immensely! We didn't camp, but "credit card toured" both times, and the places we stayed were almost as interesting as the trail itself. Cannot recommend it enough for anyone considering it. Likewise, the C&O/GAP trail from Pittsburgh to D.C is amazing. Nice video!

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks!

[@gravelcasualbikepacking5475]

Great vid Iv done the Katy 5 times

[@freedomwon2004]

Beautiful trail. Great video. Thank you for sharing your adventure. I just subscribed. 🚴‍♂️👍

[@bigmac3006]

Very, very good video!

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks!

[@CyCyclesCyril]

Wonderful trail. Wonderful video. Such pleasant music and narration. Can you share details of which music sources you use? It’s perfect. Thank you.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos. It’s all music from the free KZbin music library, the titles of which are all listed in the video description.

[@matthewcarlson3016]

Well done!

[@DeniseLookingOut]

Thanks! Great info! Katy Trail is one of my 2022 trips. This year is GAP/C&O and Ohio to Erie.

[@KentuckyCycling]

You're very welcome! GAP and C&O are awesome. I've done videos on each of those as well, if you haven't seen them already. Ohio to Erie is on my list for 2022 so I'll be interested in seeing your video on that!

[@DeniseLookingOut]

@@KentuckyCycling I know I’ve watched them but I’m sure I’ll watch again as I prep for Sept starting in DC. 😁 Ohio to Erie will be interesting for sure, being a bit less established and some road sections.

[@rogerhart612]

I really enjoyed the video. I think I would like to ride it myself. What was the cost of the shuttle.

[@ramblingrome]

I think the shuttle cost may vary depending on how far you are going and how many people you have. The best thing to do would be to contact the Bike Stop or another one of the outfitters to get a quote.

[@bigmac3006]

What size tires were you running? Great vid!

[@KentuckyCycling]

There were three of us: 45 mm, 47mm, and 2.1".

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Nice video. Great overview.

[@mschrum]

Enjoyed the video. Going to do the Pedaler's Jamboree at the end of May 2022. Starts in Columbia and ends in Booneville for the night then back to Columbia the next day. Will be a nice sample of the Katy trail. Would like to know what kind of tents you guys used and were there plenty of places to stop and eat or did you have to pack food also?

[@KentuckyCycling]

For this trip, two of us had Kelty Late Start 2 tents. The other had a rain fly, but just slept on a bad as we ended up spending each night under a shelter. The only food we back was bars for snacks and a breakfast, but you definitely need to plan out your food stops and verify that places will be open as there can be come gaps between services.

[@allenschmitz9644]

A scenic tour of Kudzu.

[@gravelsasquatch6430]

Despite the rain, it looks like fun was had by all. Thanks for sharing another adventure with us. Hope the shoulder is healing up nicely. Lets ride again sometime soon!

[@dsonyay]

Looks like a road bike on 28mm tires woud be fine? Or maybe the next size up?

[@KentuckyCycling]

I wouldn’t recommend any narrower than 35mm.

[@mikecardwell8722]

I have been wanting to do some bike packing , I have been puzzled because most bike packers that I have seen doing videos don’t have fenders why not?

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Fenders on a bike off-road can be dangerous. Sticks can pop up in between the front fender and tire, I've seen that happen. Also mud builds up under the fenders in wet conditions. Fenders rattle and can loosen up off road. Happy trails!

[@1LeggedAdventures]

Great video. question - do they have water at the trail heads?

[@KentuckyCycling]

There is a mix. Based on our experience, I would say that the majority do have water, but some do not.

[@manisteeriver7704]

What brand is your water bottle handle bar unit?

[@KentuckyCycling]

I assume that you mean the feedbags. I have both a Revelate and a Moosetreks. But, they are very similar in both design and quality and the Moosetreks is $20 cheaper so that's the one I routinely recommend to others. Here's the link: amzn.to/3ms3oHK.

[@richardgrena3186]

thanks for the great video, what size tires did you use and or recommend ?

[@KentuckyCycling]

I wouldn't recommend any narrower than like a 35 mm, but I think 40 mm+ would be best. The three of us at 45 mm, 47 mm, and 2.1" tires and we were all happy to have a little wider tires, especially as we had some rain. Hope that helps!

[@salmonella508]

What was the shuttle charge?

[@KentuckyCycling]

You'd have to contact the Bike Stop (bikestopcafes.com/) or another shuttle service provider to get an updated price.

[@icfbuild1]

Another awesome video Nathan.I really enjoy the history lesson you put in all of your videos. I just recently purchased a gravel bike (Cannondale TopStone 1). I would love to do this ride. I was wanting to see the clean up job you had to do on the bikes afterwards. lol.

[@felicetanka]

There's a southern state where the motorcycle rides without a helmet, and bicycle WITH helmet. This makes me feel normal.

[@richardcavin981]

Great video! What time of year? Any links to strava for your ride. I plan on doing this.

[@KentuckyCycling]

We rode it in the spring, which explains the rain. Most of these trails are probably best-ridden in September when it's not too hot or cold and there's less chance of rain. I could go back and dig up Strava links. But, honestly, the best resource to use in planning is the Katy Trail site: bikekatytrail.com/

[@kennyness8881]

Good video. As a Kentucky guy, you should know that SOME say Daniel Boone is still in Missouri: Those same folks say that the Kentucky folks were given bad info (on purpose) when they came to take he and his wife home to Kentucky.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks. And yes, I've read all about those claims. Who knows? Either way, Boone is an interesting figure in the history of both Kentucky and Missouri, though it's sometimes hard to separate the man and actual history from the myth.

[@Demy1970]

Can you camp along the trail?

[@KentuckyCycling]

If you are asking if you can just put a tent down anywhere along the trail, to the best of my knowledge the answer is no. And there some, but not very many designated campgrounds on the trail. But, overall, there are a number of camping options to be had and, as shown in the video, several small towns allow you to camp in local parks. See the Katy Trail website (link in the KZbin video description) for a nice inventory of camping options by locality.

[@markcouch4235]

It's against the rules but I'd kinda recommend it if you're solo or duo, in a more remote section of the trail near sundown, and be respectful and leave no trace and leave early. I feel like the rule is to prevent the trail from being an overcrowded and littered campground and whatnot.

[@jacksondelay2154]

What device did you use for the video recordings?

[@wbuttry1]

The Katy C&O the gap and a few other rail trails are the best rides a bike packer or even a backpacker could ever do I would say the C&O and Katy are the top two I would suggest. The most lonely is the trans America route adventure cycling put out on their list. I have never done that ride but friends of mine has if you love solitude it's for you if you are a people person maybe not so much. I want to some day do the great divide trail mtn bike gravel and single track and pavement the whole way.

[@mountainsnmoore256]

I have a Trek Marlin 7 with wider tires, and a gravel bike with 40cc tires...which would you take? It will probably be a July trip, so a little drier than you guys experienced.

[@KentuckyCycling]

In drier conditions, I'd probably go with the 40mm tires.

[@mountainsnmoore256]

@@KentuckyCycling Thanks. That is what I’m thinking as well. We are looking at the possibility of a trip out there next summer…in the dead middle of the heat of summer… but that will really be the best chance of us pulling the trip off, in the next couple of years anyway.

[@CyCyclesCyril]

July will be huuuu-middd but prolly dry. I have ridden this beautiful trail twice-both in October and both dry. 25c and 35c width tires. Anything will work well on dry trail but I’d want 38c or wider on wet trails. Enjoy!

[@flmike12000]

You do a wonderful job of videoing and narrating. I want to do the Katy. What is your video/audio setup? What software do you use for editing?

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos. I have Mac and use Final Cut Pro (though I started out just using iMovie). For voice-overs, I typically just use the built-in mic on my MacBook Pro, which is pretty good (though I also have a USB mic, which I sometimes use), with QuickTime Player

[@flmike12000]

@@KentuckyCycling Are you using a GoPro? If so, which model?

[@KentuckyCycling]

@@flmike12000 Sorry, yes. My current GoPro is the Hero 8 Black.

[@KentuckyCycling]

I also take pics and shoot video on my iPhone 12 Pro.

[@brucefeinberg2576]

Great video. Thinking about tacking this trail sometime soon. From west to east, any estimate on average miles per hour? Is the trail such that you can push, or do you need to take it slow due to trail conditions, walkers or wildlife? Thanks

[@KentuckyCycling]

Avg miles per hour will likely depend on you and riding conditions. A wet trail will be slower.

[@jakeq6713]

Dose anyone know the address to the biggining of this trail???

[@KentuckyCycling]

Depends on which end you are calling the beginning. If you click on this link and then click on "Clinton", it'll show you where we started on the western end. bikekatytrail.com/katy-trail-map.aspx

[@spaceghost8995]

DO you have favorite phone mount for handlebar?

[@KentuckyCycling]

I do! I've been using Quad Lock cases and phone mounts for years. And my favorite of the Quad Lock mounts is the Out Front mount. See amzn.to/37Yc8er.

[@spaceghost8995]

@@KentuckyCycling Cool thanks. I will get one.

[@unknown-qq1sz]

Man your seat is way high. Its about a foot above your frame.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Long legs. LOL

[@alanjohnson8396]

Please stop posting these videos Nathan as they might well cost me money. :). This video makes me want to buy or build a bike that is set up for this type of trail riding. Another great one Sir and in truth thanks so much and my compliments for your efforts in creating and showcasing these excellent adventures.

[@KentuckyCycling]

LOL. You know what the perfect number of bikes is, right? N+1! (The number you have + 1 more.)

[@smitttty]

nothing personal, but there's nothing I hate more than when people don't say at least what kind of bike they are using.

[@KentuckyCycling]

The focus of this video is on how we approached our ride in the trail. If you’re interested in the bike I road on that trip, here is a review of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWqwd6qor7CAqZIsi=kMb0FWEFe8kvQkea

[@kevinbraden9445]

Trail looks Boring

[@KentuckyCycling]

IMO, the ability to make your way across most of a state on a trail that is apart from motor vehicle traffic is anything but boring. But, to each his own.

[@Sr89hot]

The last part of the trail food and water can be scarce to come by on Sunday. So be sure to pack lots of high energy food and drink to get through.

[@KenFernbach]

Yo! Really good, very well put together and loved the background music choices as well, many thanks for sharing ✌️🚴🏿‍♀️🎸🙏