at Katy Trail State Park
John Hilburn, age 51, Blue Springs
First Time
Katy Trail Rider
Why did you decide to participate in the Katy Trail Ride this
year?
My wife and I generally ride the Katy by ourselves. She’s ridden
it four full times and I’ve ridden it twice completely. I knew I was going to be
on vacation, wanted a place to ride that was close to home and the Katy was it.
I’m really glad we did.
What has been your favorite experience so far?
Just talking with
the people. The volunteers, the staff, the other riders, everybody’s been
fantastic.
What kind of training did you do to prepare for the
ride?
Starting in March, we began to ride the western half of the trail
to get accustomed to the trail.
What advice would you give to first time riders wanting to try the trail
next year?
Just to start out slow and ride! You have to ride an awful
lot. Maybe start by riding 10-15 miles and then build yourself up to the longest
ride scheduled.
Do you think you’ll ride again next year?
If I’m on vacation
again, yes!