Kickstand Katy Trail - Defiance in Defiance
Channabilly from Channahon on 06/15/2024 07:32 AM:
The Kickstand at Defiance is no more. The building owners sold and the new owners have different plans.
Bill R. from Wentzville on 06/15/2024 01:18 PM:
Augusta and Dutzow websites say those are "Temporarily Closed" also.
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Keith Thomas from Webster Groves, MO on 10/23/2021 09:40 PM:
Hi Todd,
This is Keith Thomas. I have rented a van from you for several years on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We would like to rent again this year on Friday Nov 26. Do you have a van that can handle 20+ people? Let's talk Monday, I'll give you a call at 636-987-2673. Ron Reed has been our driver several times.
Thanks,
Keith Thomas
314-814-7673
kjt75@att.net
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Anonymous on 09/28/2021 02:07 PM:
The gap from the ground to the top of the wooden bridge coming from the Katy trail to the shop is dangerous. It needs to be fixed. One of your customers could get hurt if they fail to negotiate the jump up the gap to the bridge. It could result in a law suit if someone gets hurt.
Eric from KCMO on 09/28/2021 02:50 PM:
Apparently you were there in person. Did you tell them at that time? I'm guessing not. Did you call, go to their Facebook page, etc? Seems like this forum would be an ineffective way to communicate to them.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 09/30/2021 12:18 PM:
They don't come to this group and will never see this.
MCI (KCI) TO KATY w/o shuttle – can be done
Terry Fitzgerald from Baltimore, MD on 01/18/2021 04:42 PM:
In 2016 I posted a question about getting from MCI to the Katy without spending a fortune. I was basically told that a shuttle (expensive) was the only way. That was wrong.
We took bus 129 into the city and transferred to bus 47, which goes right to Union Station. (75 cts each for senior, inc transfer). Amtrak to Warrensburg ($11.35 each). Taxi to Clinton ($40 for both of us + tip). That was $64.20 for 2 people. Admittedly it cost less because we could get senior fare on bus + train. We could have taken Amtrak to Sedalia and saved the taxi fare, then it would have been about $26.
ALSO, we had our gear, but not our bikes. We rented bikes from Katy Bike Rental. They were at our motel in Clinton when we arrived and we left them at our motel in St Charles when we finished – for a very good price. Thanks to Todd White of KATY Bike Rentals for letting us know how to make this happen.
Unfortunately, I thought I had posted this in 2016, when it happened.
Terry Fitzgerald
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
DANA from Billings on 10/10/2020 11:53 AM:
My friend and I did this trail about two weeks ago 9/27-10/3 2020
My friend was having some issues with her bike. We stopped in Defiance, to have the bike shop take a look at it. The young man (maybe high school) was not helpful at all- he didn't know anything about fixing bikes, he said their mechanic is only there 3 days a week, maybe. and even if he was there, we would have to leave the bike and they might get to it in a few days.
The only thing they could do was rent us a bike. Hopefully nothing goes wrong with one of those bikes...
I have been to this bike shop while riding parts of the trail a few years ago. my bf and I rented bikes.
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Judy on 09/26/2020 03:30 PM:
Do you rent men's and women's electric bikes?
Anonymous on 09/26/2020 04:06 PM:
Maybe contact them and not an open forum.
Doug from Bluffton on 09/26/2020 04:56 PM:
Judy this forum is just other riders like yourself posting. Sometimes businesses along the trail check it, but if you want to know what a particular business offers you need to contact them directly. They are the only ones that can tell you what services they offer.
Katy Bike Rental
Linda from Pocahontas, Il. on 07/07/2020 04:19 PM:
Do you sell ladies electric bikes?
Meriwether Cafe and Bikes from Rocheport, Missouri on 07/07/2020 05:11 PM:
Hi Linda.
We do not sell bikes. However we love Tryathletics, CycleX, and Walt’s in Columbia
Warmly,
Cee Jaye Pecorak
Cee Jaye Pecorak, Owner
contact@meriwethercafeandbikeshop.com
Meriwether Café & Bike Shop
700 First Street
Rocheport, MO 65279
573-698-1222
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Bob from southern MO on 06/15/2020 09:01 AM:
I called ahead of time to rent bikes for people in party that did want to bring bikes. Response was, “we don’t reserve bikes, it’s first come first serve.”
Arrive the day and no bikes, the reason was “We reserved all available bikes for a wedding party.”
That was different from told over the phone.
Business then says “also rent bikes for a groups of ten or more.“
Parent of one of the parties calls 30 minutes later and was told, “will reserve bikes for groups of 7 or over.”
Parent calls and said person had heavy accent. I ask the business, no one with a heavy accent, they do have a teenager that Mumbles on the phone.
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Patti from Lankin ND on 06/14/2020 11:30 AM:
Do you have any bikes for special needs? The bike I use at home is a trailer bike with 2 tires on the back, so more like a 3 wheel bike. I would have a bike to use there at my dad's, but would need a trailer so my daughter could ride with us.
Jim from St. Thomas on 06/14/2020 12:56 PM:
You probably should contact them directly. They may monitor this forum but I doubt it.
Jim from St. Thomas on 06/15/2020 01:16 AM:
You probably should contact them directly. They may monitor this forum but I doubt it.
Shuttle service from St. Charles to Clinton
Karen from Austin, TX on 05/03/2018 10:54 AM:
After a 5 day trip on the Katy Trail, Ron was waiting for us at the gazebo as promised. He loaded our dirty bikes and gear and drove us back to Clinton. We couldn't have asked for a better driver. Great conversation and comfortable ride.
Thanks!
Anonymous on 05/03/2018 01:05 PM:
That's great!
So...who's Ron???
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Blue Tapp from St. Charles, MO on 04/30/2017 03:44 PM:
Wonderful place! We always stop by here to do a little shopping when we're biking on the Katy Trail. I've gotten a lot of great deals on jerseys there. They've got a great selection of biker friendly snacks and ice cream too!
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Will W on 07/07/2016 04:43 PM:
Can't recommend this place enough! Great bikes, great prices, and even better service. The proprietor was funny, friendly, and gave us great instructions for the bikes. You can really tell when someone has a passion for what they do. We used the bikes for a 40 mile round trip to St Charles and back. The bikes were more than adequate for the trip. Will be back many more times in the future,
Eric from Mokane on 07/07/2016 08:10 PM:
They also have a great price on their Jerseys too!!
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Micki from Overland, MO on 06/08/2016 07:18 AM:
AWESOME! I don't know what else to say. Our bikes were stolen and we are riding for charity in June, so we needed something. We drove to Defiance. I wasn't expecting the selection of bikes for us to rent. The owner and employees are very professional and know what they are talking about. I would recommend to anyone if you need a bike to rent. I will definitely use them again if the need should rise.
kc from Austin on 06/09/2016 12:35 PM:
The owner, Robin, goes above and beyond when it comes to helping you. I mailed a supply package General Delivery to the Augusta PO. Robin found out they closed early and picked it up for me, and had it waiting at the brew pub when we wheeled in from McKittrick!
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Libby & Roger from Berea, KY on 08/25/2015 07:29 PM:
Excellent shuttle service from Todd. He was prompt and also gave us much interesting info about the Trail and the area. Our rented bike worked well too. High recommendation!
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Donna from Kalamazoo, MI on 06/26/2015 01:36 PM:
We've used Katy Bike Rental twice now. I rent a hybrid and they put my road pedals on so I can clip in. Its awesome, THEY are awesome!! Thanks you Katy Bike Rental. I'll be there tomorrow if the trails aren't flooded!
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Bob from North Platte, NE on 07/18/2014 09:31 AM:
Hired them to shuttle me from St Charles to Clinton last week, great service from Todd to the driver. Highly recommend if you are looking for a shuttle service. Very nice stop on the trail as well.
JAB from Nashville on 07/21/2014 03:11 PM:
How much did it cost for the shuttle from St. Charles to Clinton? My wife and I are planning a trip in September and want to ride from Clinton to St. Charles. We would actually like to ride all the way to Machens but it looks like the logistics of getting us and the bikes from there will be difficult. We are driving from Nashville and parking our car in either St. Charles or Machens depending on shuttle/train availability. We want to end the journey at our car. Just get off the bikes and fall into the car so we will need a place near the east end to park. Can't wait, this looks like a great ride.
MidSouth from Rogersville on 07/22/2014 07:04 PM:
You really can't park at Machens, because there is no parking and the roads don't really go there. Best bet is to call a couple of the shuttle providers such as Katy Trail Bike Rental in Defiance and Lococo House in St. Charles to get a price quote.
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
mork strling from tucson on 10/23/2013 02:57 PM:
I took a ride with Todd last year. Greatttttt!!!!
He provided top notch service the whole time.
I am planing my 2014 (in oct 2013) vacation and he is number one on the list. I want to ride KATY again.
Mark
Tucson
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
chernobylorbust from St. Louis on 06/28/2011 09:56 PM:
The guy who helped us was very nice and friendly. They didn't have any tubes in stock that would fit my bike (700cc Schwinn Varsity, pretty common). He tried to sell me new tires, which took a while to install. They didn't fit the bike and wouldn't turn past the forks. This process took about an hour. I told my riding buddies to go on, and had to sprint to catch back up.
WB from St Louis on 05/03/2012 07:31 AM:
How did you catch up without tires? I think there are parts you left out.
Anonymous on 05/03/2012 09:14 AM:
Maybe he races cyclecross. Those guys are bada**
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
MK on 09/25/2011 10:24 PM:
I would not have believed the total service this shop provided us...through all of the last minute and unexpected situations that could have ruined our trip. These business people are professional and friendly beyond our expectations. If your bike breaks down on the trail, or you want to be totally outfitted, sag supported and connected with inside information about where to stay, or like us, out of steam halfway through the trip. They will gladly help and their rates are more than affordable. Thanks!
Katy Bike Rental in Defiance
Bill Smith from Ennis, TX on 06/02/2011 07:41 AM:
We were really surprised to find such a complete bike shop in this small town. They had a great inventory. I was riding a 1983 Trek down the trail and needed a new tire. 27 inch tires are not that common today, but they had one and installed it promptly. We also updated our racks and panniers before we got back on the trail. Great bike shop!
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
BLR from Saint Louis on 09/13/2010 02:09 PM:
Dropped by here for some ice cream on our trip last Friday. My third visit in three years; each time it has been a very positive experience. Very friendly folks!
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
Laurie and Greg from Nevada City, California on 10/27/2009 09:01 PM:
BEFORE you leave your hometown to cycle the Katy Trail, get in touch with Todd and Robin at Katy Bike Rental. We brought our own bikes so we didn't think we would need much help. Hah! Todd met us at the airport, and Lynn met us the next day AGAIN because our bikes hadn't arrived with us. She drove us to Sedalia, stayed close until she was sure we had the bikes assembled, and we ended up keeping in touch by phone, "rain shuttle" and emergency shuttle through the whole trip. When we finally got to their store in Defiance, we were surprised to see their prices are competitive with big city prices. These are the people to contact if you are nervous about taking the leap and going on your first long bike trip far away from home.
Terry from Festus on 10/27/2009 10:58 PM:
Hands down they are my favorite stop on the trail.
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
Ted B from Kansas City, KS. on 07/09/2005 11:54 AM:
This is a stop you don't want to pass up.
Popcicles are a must and if you don't yet have a polar freeze water bottle this is the place to get one. They have the best price around.
The folks were a joy to talk to and were extremely knowledgable about the trail. Don't forget to get water here. The next stop is a ways. The bike shop / Ice cream shop did not have ice for our water bottles but I think that will change. Slurpies at the bike shop were great too. Thanks Ted
Read all about our Illinois to Kansas bicycle trip at:
http://www.techkc.com/TrainingTimes/July%202005/tttjuly1.htm
Vera from Kent, OH on 06/24/2006 07:30 PM:
Great stop. Ice cream, water, nice bathrooms, and very friendly.
frank from festus on 06/25/2006 03:08 PM:
the katy bike rental in defiance is a definite must stop. me and my g'son stopped there on a ride. snacks were great and the gentleman there was lots of help and very friendly.
TMS from Festus on 05/06/2007 10:22 PM:
I love this place! Great service and friendly people (understatement!). It is just a fun place to take a break and hang out. They also have a good selection of supplies and refreshments and tons of conversations and laughs.
Jeff Grigg from Manchester, MO on 05/20/2007 06:02 PM:
Great place: I stop here /every/ time I go past -- which has been one ride a week, recently.
Snacks, restrooms, water. Quite a wide variety of snack foods, including drinks.
Sometimes... a very friendly dog. Rarely... you may be able to find the cat.
Jim and Theo from Defiance on 10/05/2008 07:41 AM:
Great customer service and very friendly, something you don't see very often.
Anonymous on 06/19/2009 05:26 PM:
Fabulous place! Very friendly! Great prices on their bikes to buy.
Anonymous on 06/19/2009 09:00 PM:
Agree with everything said above BUT, PLEASE get OFF the trail to enjoy
this business. People and their children standing in the middle of the
trail have made this a VERY dangerous location. Recently we had to walk through a mob of adults and at least 10 children then when I clipped in to continue, a mother with a child on a trail a bike pulled in front of me and stopped, blocking the trail!!!
cunninghamair from O''''Fallon, MO on 06/20/2009 06:17 PM:
We love to stop for ice cream--sometimes both ways! We also like to visit the dog and cats
that live here. But we forewarned--the cats like to share your ice cream :-)
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
JODIE from ST LOUIS on 09/01/2008 11:09 PM:
this is a great place!! they have really cool bikes to rent. it's fun to hang out outside or look around the shop. lots of good snacks and nice bathrooms!!
Matt from St. Charles, MO on 09/01/2008 11:14 PM:
How much to rent a bike for a day?
Anonymous on 09/02/2008 08:46 AM:
I agree.. Best place on the entire trail. Owner is always friendly, just a fun place to look around. Wished the Bike Shop in Rocheport could find the revenue to duplicate this place, since it is centrally located..
Ray (webmaster) on 09/02/2008 10:09 AM:
Matt, rates are listed on their website. Happy trails!
cunninghamair from O''''''''Fallon, MO on 09/03/2008 09:31 PM:
Best selection of jerseys in the St. Louis area. Also, family members have found gloves and
touring bags at a lower price than I paid for mine. (It's also an ice cream stop!)
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
JD from Joplin on 07/04/2008 10:48 AM:
Still one of my favorite stops. The Chilly Willie slushy alwasy hits the stop on a warm day.
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
Julia from Foristell, MO on 06/23/2008 03:46 PM:
This is a great place to rent bikes for a really great price. They have a lot to choose from and a variety of bikes and bike trailers for your little ones. Very nice people and helpful too. The owner's sister has a really cute little shop next door with unique gifts. We will definately be back! ;)
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
JD from Joplin on 09/26/2007 02:46 PM:
Wide selection of bike accessories and parts along with ice cream and snacks. Friendly workers willing to assist. Bought a book and left it at the store...they mailed it to me with no extra charge..top notch customer service. Plan for this to be a regular stop.
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
scott from house springs on 05/22/2007 08:57 AM:
Beware!!!!! When the owner is gone and his father in law is running the place. THIS old man is mean!!! DANGER! DO NOT GO IN this STORE IF he is THERE, he is not all with it.
missouri resident on 05/22/2007 01:31 PM:
sorry to hear bout your experience. my g'son and i stopped in there last year. there was an older gentleman there. by that i mean older than me. i'm 55. this gentleman was as courteous, friendly, and helpful as any one could ask for. i am guessing he is the owners dad.
sorry you had a bad experience.
TMS from Festus on 05/22/2007 09:24 PM:
He must have changed over the winter months. He has always been very pleasant to visit with and deal with in the past.
scott from house springs on 05/24/2007 08:57 AM:
I needed to buy some bike stuff, and have a little work done to my MTB bike so I drive to defiance because the owner was always real nice. The owner was in NY and his father-in-law was there. He started bagging my bike because it didn’t have a kick stand then he got mad because I had presta valves and didn’t have the adapter. I just said I didn’t think I needed to bring it to a bike shop. He went crazy said he didn’t like my attitude and kick me out. I never be treated like this before, this man is crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ric from Steeleville Ill. on 05/28/2007 10:28 AM:
My wife and I have been to this store on several occasions and have never been treated badly. In fact when we are in the area we make it a point to stop. My wife loves the gift store that is attached to the bike shop. I believe it is run by his daughter. Last time we were there her store was not open yet so man I believe you are referring to open the gift store for us and told us if we needed any help he would be next door. The people there and again I may be wrong but I believe it is father and daughter who operate the two stores have never been anything but polite. Sorry about your experience, doesn’t sound like the same gentleman to me.
Dan from Wentzville on 05/29/2007 03:09 PM:
The ole' fart was nice to us!
Cliff from Edwardsville Kansas on 05/29/2007 03:34 PM:
My wife and I rode through Defiance last Thursday and went back through on Friday. We stopped in the Bike shop both times and the older fellow could'nt have been nicer. He told us where the restrooms were and to be sure and fill up our water bottles because ther was no water between Defiance and St Charles. We talked about bikes, the trail, and his rental business. He made recommendations about where to eat in Augusta and was pleasnt as could be. On our way back to St Charles he warned us about a couple of places were trees were down over the trail and that the Conservation Dept. was working at removing them. Our stop there was great. I guess everybody is entitled to have a bad day.
Jan from Villa Grove, Illinois on 06/09/2007 08:28 AM:
We stopped at the bike shop and were greeted by an older man (we are 58 and 65 and he was older than us). He was charming and helpful. There must be 2 different people involved here.
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
Mike and Diana from Clemson, SC on 10/20/2006 05:47 PM:
Great people, service, prices, and selection here. Best place we found anywhere along the trail.
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 05:01 PM:
Very nice place. The people were extremely friendly and the store was nice. They had ice cream too, which was great!
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:21 PM:
Very nice shop! One of the only bike shops that I found open between Jeff City & St. Charles. Prices on tubes was high ($5 each...typically $2.50 or $3 for my bike), but I was willing to pay price. Located right next to trail.
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
Fitz from St Louis on 09/06/2006 11:42 PM:
Just an awesome place. Very knowledgable, good prices and selection. Very good experience
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
Phil & Cheryl Collins from Swansea, IL on 04/15/2006 08:13 PM:
Top notch service. We had the pleasure of meeting George on our westward leg and Todd
the next day on our way back east. A great Father-Son team. Friendliness must run in their
genes. This is a must stop. There is no hard sell here ... they don't have to, you will want to
give them your business. The service is great, the prices are the best going, and the smiles
are free.
Clint Thompson from Moberly on 04/20/2006 03:05 PM:
I have to agree. These are some of the most friendly people that you will meet. They truly care about people. It is an ingredient that you need to have to be in that kind of busniness. I am from Moberly MO and did a ride on 2 different occasions. One being with my Mom and all my brothers and sisters. We all agreed that George and Todd are the greatest! Keep up the good work!
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
Vickie from Kansas City Mo on 09/30/2005 08:45 AM:
We stopped in here on Fri. Sept.23. The owner made sure we filled our water bottles before leaving. Doing some upgrades with a deck and new restrooms. If you need something he probably has it, including snacks, drinks, ice cream. Very helpful place and nice to talk with. Can't miss it, a bridge leads right to the back door directly from the trail...Don't pass this one.
Rhona Lococo-- Lococo House Bed &Breakfast from St. Charles on 10/23/2005 11:54 PM:
Had guests at our B&B on Saturday the 22nd of October, and they had nothing but good things to say about Katy Bike Rental, the service and attention was great, they were not experienced riders so all the help was appreciated ----- just wanted to pass the info along ----- Rhona Lococo --- Lococo House ll,Bed & Breakfast --- just three blocks from the Katy Trail
Katy Bike Rentals (Defiance)
docwasch from Mulberry Grove IL on 08/06/2004 12:08 AM:
My girlfriend and I took an out and back from St. Charles to Defiance. The first 8 miles were great then the sky spilt! The farther we went the worse it got. When we pulled into Defiance, the first shop we saw was KATY bike rentals. Todd(I think that was his name) took us in and saved us with knowing grins and HOT coffee. (thanks again) He even let my girl use a trash bag for a rain jacket. He could have made a killing on them that day. Even with the weather it was a great ride. Remember to stop in if you find your self in Defiance.
heidi from St. Louis on 09/02/2004 03:12 PM:
I agree with your assessment of this wonderful store/rental spot. George was able to help me out when I called from Augusta in need of a trailer inner tube. When we arrived George had set aside the inner tube for us to ensure it wasn't sold in the interlude! He has a great smile, a helpful demeanor and sells Ted Drewes frozen custard! What more could a bike traveller ask for?
John from Ashland, OH on 04/03/2005 09:54 PM:
George at the bike shop is a bonafide "Good Guy". Stop by and support him when you are going through Defiance.