Learning on Two Wheels: A Cycling Instructor’s Perspective on the Katy Trail
Stretching across the state of Missouri lies the Katy Trail, America’s longest “rails-to-trails” project, stretching 240 miles. Cycling instructor Todd White has been traversing this trail with Road Scholars on two wheels since 2012, and his passion for the area is just as fresh and inspiring as ever.
“The Katy has a lot of history,” says Todd. The trail was originally a railroad corridor and refueling stations along the route turned into farms and towns, which still stand as small centers for heritage and history now that the train tracks are no more. This was one of the things that Todd said made the Katy Trail such a great place to both cycle and learn. “It’s not like you’re going to ride 50 miles without a place to stop.”
Road Scholar’s cycling program along the trail covers 188 miles through this protected state park while also covering the history of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad, the Missouri River and the journey of Lewis and Clark. Todd appreciates hearing about some of this history from lecturers as he helps to lead Road Scholars to their next stop on the trail. “The educational piece helps round out the time,” he said, describing lectures on the area’s cattle drives, German heritage and local wine industry.
Because the Katy Trail follows the previous railroad path, it generally offers a flat ride. However, to cover 188 miles in just over a week, getting in the miles daily is important. Todd recommends that those preparing for a learning adventure like this one “work up to where you’re able to do 35 miles a day.” But if it becomes too much, Todd explained that he and his fellow instructors are very accommodating. “You ride the pace you want,” says Todd, while noting the option of a shuttle that participants could hop on if they decided they were done for the day. Todd also noted the popularity of ebikes on the trail. “If you have an ebike, a lot is possible.”
It is this easy-going attitude that Todd also appreciates in Road Scholars. “They’re a pleasure to host,” he said, explaining that Road Scholars are often there because they have passion for cycling and an appreciation for learning about the Katy Trail. “They get to meet the people and see the towns and eat at the restaurants, which gives them a fuller experience of the trail.”
For those who might be interested in getting into cycling for the first time, Todd was very encouraging. “With cycling, it’s never too late to start. And since it’s a low-impact sport, you can enjoy riding when other activities might become too physically taxing,” he said. “You can also do it fairly inexpensively compared to other sports. You can rent a bike and do day trips.”
Road Scholar cycling programs, such as the one on the Katy Trail, can also be flexible, Todd explained. “You don’t have to do every single mile on a Road Scholar program,” Todd said. “It’s not just about cycling but experiencing the area around you as well.”
Join Todd on a cycling adventure on A Cycling Journey: The Katy Trail Across Missouri, or explore bike trails across the U.S. and the world on our many other cycling adventures.