at Katy Trail State Park
Norm Charlton, age 64, Albion, Iowa, first
ride
Bob Rush, age 54, Melbourne, Iowa, second
ride
Case Hegeman, age 53, Marshalltown, Iowa,
first ride
What made you first become interesting in participating in the Katy Trail
Ride?
Hegeman: We are all avid trail riders and finding
tails that are long and scenic is our thing.
Rush: We get
together and try to figure out places to ride and the Katy Trail kept coming up,
but for years we haven’t been able to get the logistics to work out. This year,
it just all came together and it was just "wow this is us." Last year, I came by
myself and didn’t know anyone and by the end of the first day, I was eating
dinner with five complete strangers and having a blast.
What advice would you offer first year
riders?
Charlton: Just bring you bike and ride.
Beforehand you might train on this year’s route since it’s generally a little
more of a downhill ride.
Hegeman: Be prepared to have
fun!
Rush: Don’t be afraid to make new friends!
What has been your favorite thing so far on this year’s
ride?
Charlton: The awesome food! Not just what’s been
provided at camp but also the restaurants along the trail have been really
great.
Hegeman: I’ve been on many organized rides, and this is one
of the longest and I’m very impressed with how well organized this ride has
been.
Rush: I just like the whole package. My goal on this
vacation is to ride my bike every day and have someone else make my food, so I’m
pretty happy.