Katy Trail Forum

It is important for everyone to understand that the Lee's Summit to Pleasant Hill trail connection for the Katy Trail Rock Island Spur will require several separate projects to be approved and funded. The link below details the various projects and how many years out the funding will be, and those funding years assume that these projects get picked over other competing projects. If you want this connection to be prioritized, then you need to provide comments when these projects get submitted. This project is competing for 2021-2022 funding right now through MARC's current call for federally funded projects.

http://marc2.org/tr_CFP/UploadedFiles/865_ProjID-180323%20Greenwood%20Connector%20Map.pdf

When will the blue "Rock Island Corridor (End)" portion, that is apparently fully funded and under construction, be complete?

Phase 1 from Jefferson & Scherer in Lee's Summit to Noland and 350 in Kansas City will be ready by the end of this year including the tunnel under Bannister/Colbern. Phase 2 from Noland and 350 to the Stadium Complex won't be bid until later this year and it will take at least all of 2019 to complete that section. The section included in Phase 2 requires that the trail be built beside the rail line so the rail line can quickly be rebuilt in the future for a commuter rail line, so the 2019 work will probably go quite a bit slower.

So can the Rock Island Trail be picked up at Jefferson and Scherer and rode towards Pleasant Hill?

Jackson County is hoping to get funding in 2021-2022. Look at this link and you can see all of the separate projects that will have to get funded and organized in order to make the connection between Lee's Summit and Pleasant Hill a reality. It will take lots of support from the general public in order to get the funding over the next 3-4 years so this section of trail can get completed. As you can see in the map exhibit, right of way or easements will have to be obtained from multiple property owners. Here is the link:
http://marc2.org/tr_CFP/UploadedFiles/865_ProjID-180323%20Greenwood%20Connector%20Map.pdf

My wife and I road on the Rock Island Spur yesterday starting at the Purvis Rd. trail head. We had a very nice ride, the trail was in very good condition and we only ran across one instance of horse droppings and they were on the far edge of the trail. Afterwards we drove around Lee's Summit (were we live) and saw where the trail will be in Hartman park and also the end of the trail on Brickyard road.

I think the RIT will see a dramatic increase in ridership once Lee's Summit is linked with P Hill. If I'm not mistaken, the population of LS is around 100k. That means a fair number of cyclists. I think a lot of folks might be currently interested in riding the trail but won't hassle with packing up bikes and driving to Pleasant Hill and back...but they'd definitely hop on a bike in LS and ride out to PH. FWIW, I think the priority should have been getting LS linked with PH first, rather than trail from LS toward KC.

We are taking the Amtrak from St. Louis to Lee's Summit in a few weeks. The ability to have a cheap and reliable rail service that accommodates bikes is what appeals to bicycle tourists such as my group. This allows us to ride the entire trail one way. The same is said for the GAP-C&O trail. Less experienced cyclists might be intimidated by navigating the 12 miles between LS and PH. I think Amtrak would see an increase in cyclist riders on their trains too.

I agree. It is surprising to me that the LS to PH is not priority but who knows the politics involved. The Katy would absolutely benefit, and is kind of a no brainer to me as it would provide safe access from the Railroad to the RIT trail and further on to the Katy. By the end of next year there will be safe passage from the Amtrak station in Washington to the Katy. Its still several years before there is a dedicated trail for Kirkwood to Katy. St Louis to Katy will be here before that ever happens, its luckily on the Greenway plan. I"m happy that they are doing what they are in KC tho. I think we should talk to Southwest, imagine this perfect biking vacation : Fly in STL, ride Metro to downtown. Dip your tire in the ole Miss, then ride on over to KC and dip the tire in the Missouri, then shuttle up to KCI, or ride back on the RIT :)

Sir Randall, Amtrak goes right through Pleasant Hill. They could put a stop there if they so chose, I'd guess. From what I've heard, some folks in PH asked Amtrak about it, and they basically had zero interest in the idea. Given how few cyclists ride the train in relation to overall ridership on the Missouri Mule, probably not really a priority to them.

Like Sir Randall, we have a group planning on taking the Amtrak from St. Louis to Lee's Summit to ride the RIT/Katy back to St. Charles.

Can anyone recommend a good/safe bike route from the Lee's Summit Amtrak station to the Pleasant Hill RIT trailhead (unless it's possible to hop on the RIT sooner)? Gravel roads are fine/preferred, if available. The less traffic, the better.

Sharing this from friend, Alexander Pirnie.
Take the 13.6 mile route through Greenwood Missouri. BUT stay south on Allendale Rd. Follow that road till 175th St. It will change names a few times. Turn left or East on 175th. That will take you straight to Pleasant Hill. Cross the tracks and turn right onto the trail. That will take you to Pleasant Hill and on your way East to Windsor.

I've ridden this route 100s of times. I feel it is the safest way there

Kim thanks for sharing Alexander's route - good information. Because a picture is worth a thousand words, I mapped out what I think is his suggested route.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Pleasant+Hill,+Missouri+64080/Lee's+Summit+Station,+217+SW+Main+St,+Lee's+Summit,+MO+64063/@38.8458144,-94.3957064,12.16z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m10!1m1!1s0x87c1242315365cb3:0x9ed8820ff9c01bfd!2m2!1d-94.2693911!2d38.7875094!3m4!1m2!1d-94.3357877!2d38.8004196!3s0x87c12694e1012377:0x128d50368340d14d!1m5!1m1!1s0x87c11ff319f409d7:0xc480854cfbf6021f!2m2!1d-94.3783309!2d38.9126791!3e1

I have not actually ridden this, but I used Google Maps to get Google's suggested bike routes from Lees Summit Amtrak station to Pleasant Hill. Then I adjusted that route to stay on Allendale Rd like Alexander said. This is either the route, or very close to it.

Happy trails!

We walked from Hartman Park out about 2.7 miles and back.
Very scenic and trail is in good condition. Plan to walk this trail many more times.

Looking for transport from Pleasant Hill to Lees Summitt for 3 bikes and bikers. We will be doing the Rock Hill Spur starting on a Saturday morning ending in Pleasant Hill and needing to get to Lee's Summitt for the night stay. Will need transport back to Pleasant Hill the next morning for the return trip. Do you have information on someone that does this? Thank you

We are taking the train to the Kirkwood station but then bike back to Sedalia. Can we park our car for five days here at the fairgrounds in Sedalia? Is there long term parking at the Amatrak station in Sedalia?

Contact Amtrak about long term parking in their lot perhaps.

I'd like to try and have a family retreat around Gore Missouri in 2020, If anyone could please help me with Info on who to contact about the old Oetting home stead is where I want to center it all around. I loved that home as a child, want others to know how wonderful it was as well. Thanks 985 517-0830 are P O Box 811 Amite, LA 70422

Hello all. Staying in Innsbrook MO this summer for a long girls weekend. Would love to finally ride part of the Katy. We would have a range of inexperienced and experienced bikers. Thinking about putting in at Marthasville and doing a round trip to Augusta. Stop at a winery or two and maybe Augusta Brewing. How is this section of the trail? Looks to be 23 miles round trip. Pretty flat?

Very easy ride! We just rode the first half of it from Marthasville yesterday. There is only a 10 ft difference in altitude, can't get much flatter.

You'll also pass Lake Creek Winery and Blumenhoff Winery on your way to Augusta as well.

The signs that were put at trail entrance points as the construction was finished now all say "Trail Closed". Anyone know why? There are no barriers to the entrance points and there are many riders and walkers on the trail but the sudden appearance of those signs are worrisome. Does this have anything to do with the pending legislation?

*Correction: Pending lawsuit NOT legislation!

I believe this article explains what you're referring to...
https://www.kmbc.com/article/walkers-and-bikers-use-rock-island-trail-as-delayed-project-remains-closed/26967668

I was on the RIT yesterday 5/4/19 starting at the Northern most trailhead at Brickyard Rd. The Trail Closed sign was still up. I went South two miles and didn't see any construction. The trail under the bridge was wet but that was it. I also saw several cyclists that went farther South than I did but no one reported construction. The mystery continues ...

Hello all! I am planning a trip this summer from Clinton to St. Charles with my son who turns 13 this summer. He doesn't currently have a bike that fits him so we are shopping for a new bike with the Katy Trail in mind. Any suggestions as to what features, size, tire options we should shop for would be appreciated. I am looking on craigslist, facebook marketplace etc. Currently looking at a Diamondback Cobra 24. Will a mountain bike be too heavey for him to do long days on the trail of 30-40 miles?

Thank you,

Jon from KC

Although a 13yo probably has a lot of energy, if he is not used to riding 30 - 40 miles a day he may need the energy to do that without being punished for having to ride a heavy mountain bike with poor rolling resistance. Do him a favor and find a hybrid type bike with more suitable wheels/tires and less rolling resistance.

I strongly suggest going to a bike store and have him fitted for a bike. The Katy is not a casual ride -- it is a multi-day commitment and he will be in the saddle for 20 to 24 hours. Improper size/fitting can not only cause discomfort (saddle sores), but also permanent damage (e.g. seat too low causing knee problems later). Yes, the bike will cost more than Walmart, but it's a small price to pay for comfort and security. He should also have padded bike shorts.

Hybrid bikes are great for the RIT and Katy. But he's going to need to build up stamina no matter which bike you buy. If he can't ride 25 miles on pavement, he's not going to be able to do 30-40 on the Katy, even with a longer ride time.

I am planning a trip with my 11 year grandson. We will be doing a lot of riding before we start and will do a over night test ride on the Rock island spur.
I bought me a new bike last summer and personally know that a lighter bike makes for a more enjoyable ride. So I will be looking at a new bike for him also. I really liked going to a bike shop and being helped to find a bike that fit me and my riding.

Your son has a Super Power. His Super Power he is 13 years old. He does not have in his head that he needs a fancy bike to ride.

My son, then 18 y/o, rode the entire KATY Trail on a Mountain Bike, that was in 1997, when Mt. bikes were heavier than today. Shoot. MY BIKE was heavier than most people ride today. We made it fine with no complaints about our, then, nice new bicycles.

I would recommend a 26" bike. He is 13 and will shoot up any time now (in size). (unless he is very short that is)

We just did the trail from Clinton to St Charles with our 13, 11 and 9 year old and it was great. We did it with all mountain bikes but did find the rides seemed easier for my 11 year old with the 27.5” wheel size on a mountain bike. Our other bikes had 26” wheels and were also fine. We did have a few flat tires even with the mountain bikes but that may have just been bad luck with tubes? One other thing we did at the last minute that worked out great was to rent a mountain bike tandem (from Katy bike rental in Defiance)!because the 13 yr old had a quad injury. It worked out great because then my 9 year old could trade off with her when he got tired! There was one detour before Rocheport that was on the highway for a couple miles that was a bit scary with kids but turned out fine! We do wish that we had done maximum 25-30 mile days just because they get to be long days. We had it broken up over 6 days as 35,50,38, 35, 53 and 13. Sometimes where we stayed also added a couple miles (especially Jefferson City). Have fun and bring a lot of snacks:)

A hybrid is probably the best choice. Your kids will be riding in style.

Be prepared for flats! It doesn't necessarily happen a lot but likely you will have at least one along the journey. So make sure you are prepared to easily fix a flat on whatever bike you have.

my girlfriends 8 year old daughter has a Specialized 24inch 7 speed mountainbike, it's light enough for her to keep up with us, even up pretty nice size hills. lightweight and geared is the way to go. You can also get thinner diameter tires too. We're planning on taking her to the Pedalers Jamboree. I am 100% confident she'll do just fine 40 miles out and 40 miles back. Flat ground with multiple stops.

13 year old. ... no problem

30-40 miles per day for 5 days in a row...different problem

Get him the bike you think he will be most likely to use after the Katy. This is a relatively flat railtrail. Biking it is not hard. 40-50 miles a day on a mountain bike with street tires should be no problem. The Katy is the perfect baby tour to initiate a young cyclist on. Short, minimal hills, no traffic, ample amenities--just the thing to get him hooked on an incredible mode of travel. I rode a mountain bike from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Coast and it was fine.

Take him to a reliable bike shop and test ride some proper size bikes that are fiited to him the let him ride the bike for a few miles. Let him decide..

Happy Trails 5

What and when is the peddlers jamboree

www.pedalersjamboree.com

Is he a pretty amazing biker? And overall serious endurance athlete? 35-40 miles on the trail is like 55 miles on a paved surface. I don't know many (if any) 13 year olds who would be up for that. Even on a good day it feels constantly uphill because of the drag, and if there's any rain, it gets lots tougher in a hurry. 20-25 miles per day is more likely to be enjoyable. But that's just one guy's opinion.

Just my 2 cents: my son was 13 the first time we rode the whole trail together. Our shortest day was 25 miles (and that felt too short), longest day was about 45 (and that felt way too long). Ideal length FOR US was somewhere around 30 to 35 miles. But we later went on to ride RAGBRAI with much longer daily distances - a mile on the trail really is tougher than a mile on paved surface.

BUT the key is training - lots of advance riding. It's not just about getting your legs strong; your butt also needs to get used to being in the saddle for hours at a time. Do long rides of 20 to 40 miles on weekends, and short rides during the week. If you go out there cold, with no advance training rides, it won't go well.

One way to find out if you're ready for long days, would be to ride from Pleasant Hill to Windsor on the Rock Island. Spend the night in Windsor, and then ride back the next day - that's about 45 miles each day. Or Clinton to Sedalia for 38 miles each way. Those two days will tell you a lot about how ready you are for five straight days.

The other thing I always recommend is tire liners to help prevent flats. Our first end-to-end ride, we had about 6 flats. The next time we had tire liners and zero flats. Regardless of what you have for tire protection, be sure to have a repair kit or several extra tubes and a pump or compressed air.

Good luck!

I rode the trail with a 15 year old once. He had a pretty good bike already. The biggest problem we had was boredom. We pretty short distances 25 or so a day, but at 15 he really wasn’t interested in sightseeing and meeting new people. The challenge of the whole thing was pretty soon overtaken by being bored. At about the 100 mile marker he was ready to quit (we started in Clinton). The only thing that saved the trip was we started riding with 3 other people (one was a girl about his age).
Saddle pain may be an issue after 2 days or so, even well seasoned riders usually have this because of the constant vibration and sitting all the time with no coasting or standing. I really don’t have a solution for this, at 13 you may not want to give him bicyclers cure all for pain, ibuprofen.
Good luck with your trip.

Allen

Interesting article on how all these were tied together with Eldon, MO.
http://www.newstribune.com/news/opinion/story/2019/may/05/perspective-rock-island-trail-would-benefit-rural-missouri/777402/

Fantastic stay at the Lindenhof! This is a classy B&B, delicious food, comfortable, and the most wonderful proprietors who make you feel right at home.

Superb stay. Hostess so accommodating. House very well outfitted and extremely clean. Hot tub a welcome reward at end of day. Breakfasts out of this world. Highly recommend.

The Lidenhof is amazing...wish we could have stayed there forever!! My husband and I were actually there the same time as Mary from Iowa! We stayed up late in the common room just talking and talking. The hostess, Kathy, thought of every detail. You will love the Lindenhof.

I'm planning to fly from Panama City, Panama to San Diego, California. From San Diego I will take tAmtak to LA. From LA Amtrak to St. Louis, Mo. Will start on the Katy Trail and ride back west.

Wowee! Are you coming all the way from Panama just to ride the Katy Trail? If so, that's pretty awesome & somebody ought to bring it to the attention of some local media for a great story.

To answer your question: Check out this page: https://bikekatytrail.com/kirkwood.aspx. I don't think it takes into account any trail closures, but it's a good resource.

Approximately when are you planning to ride? I'm a frequent Amtrak rider and used to ride the Katy trail a lot. I may be able to offer some suggestions since you are so far away. You can email me at jw.orr@att.net

Not sure if you NEED to go from east (Kirkwood/st louis) to west. You might want to ride Amtrak from LA to KC then to Lee's Summit (KC suburb) and ride the Rock Island Trail to the Katy, going west to east (with the wind). West to east is supposed to be slightly easier since riding with the wind.

I can tell you more about the Amtrak options to/from KC, St. Louis, Kirkwood.

Another option might be getting off the train in Washington MO, two stops before downtown St Louis. It's a short ride from there to the Dutzow trailhead with good shoulders the whole way.

Note that you will want to make your train reservations as early as possible because the Amtrak train in Missouri only accommodates a handful of bicycles, that number could be 4 but don’t quote me.

If you decide to get off in Washington, you may want to arrange a shuttle over the bridge and to Ditzler. The new bridge is open but the bike path on it is still being worked on. No completion date set yet. Also the shoulder on the highway between the bridge and Dutzow isn’t the best with vehicles traveling 55mph next to you.

For a shuttle across the bridge and to a trailhead, call Joe at Revolution Cycles.

***autocorrect struck again — Ditzler is supposed to be Dutzow ??

Hi, William! How's your planning going? If you're still seeking info on riding from the St. Louis or Kirkwood Amtrak stations, let us know. I'd be happy to give you some insights on making those routes.