Should I bring my saddle and pedals?
- + I have only done road biking and the Katy will be my first experience with "cross over" type bike on a "rougher" surface. We are riding end to end. Is it better/more comfortable to have my own saddl...
Discussion started 04/01/2019 11:33 AM by Kim - 4 replies (last reply by Kim at 04/02/2019 09:44 AM)Kim from Henderson, NV on 04/01/2019 11:33 AM
I have only done road biking and the Katy will be my first experience with "cross over" type bike on a "rougher" surface. We are riding end to end. Is it better/more comfortable to have my own saddle or just use the saddle on the rented bike which I assume is larger and has a little more cushion? Also, I'd really like to have my clipless pedals. Anything I should be considering in that regard?
Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 04/01/2019 05:30 PM
Do your shoes have recessed cleats so that you can easily walk on them? If so, I highly recommend bringing your own pedals and shoes. If not, you still may like your own shoes and pedals better, but make sure to buy some cleat covers so that you can walk around easier. Also check the front of any establishments or buildings before going inside. Some do not want you to wear cycling shoes inside often because of the floors could get scratched up.
The saddle is a tougher call. Your road saddle might not feel right if the rental bike is more upright. I think that I'd use the bike's saddle and make sure to bring high quality cycling shorts and some lubricant like Chamois Butt'r.
Kim from Henderson, NV on 04/01/2019 09:29 PM
Thank you. That makes perfect sense and I appreciate your insights as well.
Karl Brand from Missouri City, TX on 04/02/2019 06:16 AM
I am an older cyclist, and I am primarily a road cyclist. My brother (also an older cyclist) and I ride annually, end to end, and we have done so nine times. Our travelogue appears in the Katy Trail Trip reports, The Katy Trail, The Whole Enchilada. My Rock Island – Katy Trail rides are on Strava.
I use a hybrid (TREK 7200) for the trail and use SPD’s clipless pedals; my brother rides a MTB, and uses the “road pedals” from his road bike. By all means, use the clipless pedals of your choice.
While there are rough spots on the trail, for the most part the trail is not a bone-jarring ride. My brother uses his road bike saddle on his MTB, and he quite happy. I use the firm saddle which came with my hybrid. As you know, going too soft can increase the pressure on some of your pressure points. Assuming that it works for you logistically, it couldn’t hurt to bring the saddle with which you are comfortable, and see how it works for you on the cross over. If it doesn’t switch.
Kim from Henderson, NV on 04/02/2019 09:44 AM
I think I'm going to bring my own saddle and pedals for sure. I hadn't thought about the fact that I could change out saddles if one doesn't work. Thank you
Shuttel
- + I am looking to ride the Katy trail this may and starting in CLINTON and finish at saint Charles my only problem is how do I get back to pick up my car, please help,
Thank you
Baba
Discussion started 04/01/2019 09:44 AM by Baba - 1 reply (last reply by francesty at 04/01/2019 10:35 AM)Baba from Green bay ,Wi on 04/01/2019 09:44 AM
I am looking to ride the Katy trail this may and starting in CLINTON and finish at saint Charles my only problem is how do I get back to pick up my car, please help,
Thank you
Baba
francesty from Detroit on 04/01/2019 10:35 AM
Baba, check out all the features of this website for really good info on shuttles. There appears to be one in St. Charles, Lococo House. Click on their info on the Trip Planner tab of this site, and you can see their information. Have a good trip!
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Shuttel
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=9579&tonly=1
Where to eat in Boonville
- + My wife and I are doing a little round trip ride from Rocheport to Boonville and back next month and are looking for dining suggestions in both towns. Lunch in Boonville and dinner in Rocheport. Thank...
Discussion started 03/06/2019 09:03 PM by RP - 4 replies (last reply by kc at 04/01/2019 08:49 AM)RP from Kansas City on 03/06/2019 09:03 PM
My wife and I are doing a little round trip ride from Rocheport to Boonville and back next month and are looking for dining suggestions in both towns. Lunch in Boonville and dinner in Rocheport. Thanks!
Anonymous on 03/07/2019 10:05 AM
Hotel Frederick in Boonville and Les Bourgeois Bistro in Rocheport.
Or A&W in Boonville and Mulberry Grill in Rocheport.
There are several choices depending on what you are looking for.
PTM from Stl on 03/07/2019 11:08 PM
Main Street Diner
And
Maggie’s
Are favorites of our
Main Street pies are to die for!
Jim from St. Thomas on 03/09/2019 01:08 PM
I’ll throw in a vote for Abigails in Rocheport. Great food but the service can be erratic. Desserts are always worth having. It’s a small place so make reservations.
kc from Austin on 04/01/2019 08:49 AM
Hotel Frederick, in the bar. Great food and beer, right off the trail, and you get to explore that fabulous old building.
Lee's Summit Amtrak to Pleasant Hill
- + I'm planning to take the Amtrak to Lee's Summit and jump on the Rock Island Spur at Pleasant Hill and onto the Katy. Are there shuttles that will take us to Pleasant Hill from Lee's Summit? As an alte...
Discussion started 03/29/2019 10:00 PM by DC Derailleur - 2 replies (last reply by Allen at 04/01/2019 08:16 AM)DC Derailleur from Chicago area on 03/29/2019 10:00 PM
I'm planning to take the Amtrak to Lee's Summit and jump on the Rock Island Spur at Pleasant Hill and onto the Katy. Are there shuttles that will take us to Pleasant Hill from Lee's Summit? As an alternative, what kind of a ride is it? All roads? Some trails? Thanks.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/29/2019 11:31 PM
Not sure of shuttles up there but a friend has given this as the best road route Lee's Summit to P Hill
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.
Allen from Shawnee on 04/01/2019 08:16 AM
Another route is from Amtrak station is go west to SW Ward rd (about a mile or so using city streets), then turn south to 171st (there is a MUP for about 1/3 this distance), then turn east to 291, turn south on 291 (this is a busy hiway but you only travel on it for 1/2 mile, you could even push your bike on the grass alongside), then turn east on 175th to trail going into PH.
I haven’t personally ridden this route but a man I gave it to rode it and said it was good. The total distance is about 17 miles mostly on little traveled rural roads.
Allen
Bike Security
- + Is it necessary to carry bike locks on end to end trip?
Discussion started 03/31/2019 12:05 PM - 4 replies (last reply by Doug at 04/01/2019 06:28 AM)Anonymous on 03/31/2019 12:05 PM
Is it necessary to carry bike locks on end to end trip?
Anonymous on 03/31/2019 01:18 PM
No it is not necessary....no one will tell you you have to.
But seriously, how could anyone here possibly predict that no one along the trail will be tempted to and will not in fact take your bike when you happen to pass through on any given day?
If you can’t afford a lock you probably can’t afford to ride end to end over several days. If you are worried about weight, you don’t need to be riding on chat and would be better served riding a road bike on a highway somewhere other than the Katy that has much less rolling resistance. If you ride a cheap bike and just don’t mind walking if someone takes it, do the gamble and don’t waste your time locking it up. Save your lock money and buy a Coke to celebrate your new walking program and the fact that you donated a cheap bike to someone in need. When you leave home, don’t worry about locking the front door either. Or maybe you’ve someone who has greater wisdom to ask if that’s necessary or not.
Anonymous on 03/31/2019 02:34 PM
I have ridden a bike over 250ooo miles so far in my life and I have a lock. So I don't think I need a smart a--- answer from you about bike riding. My last ride in Missouri was from Sedalia to Arrow Rock State Park and back in one day. As an old backpacker and mountain climber I know if you look after the ounces the pounds weight wise will take care of itself.
Anonymous on 03/31/2019 03:50 PM
So....you've ridden a quarter of a million miles and you haven't figured out yet if its prudent to lock your bike when you travel or not? What have all of those miles told you? Use a lock or not?
If we all say no and you get ripped off, we're all idiots. If you are going to lock your bike anyway because you know better, it's all a mute point and anyone that told you not to is an idiot.
You've made your point. You are a well seasoned bike rider, backpacker, and mountain climber. My apologies. Your 3rd grade question led me to believe otherwise.
Doug from Bluffton on 04/01/2019 06:28 AM
Perhaps it is a moot point and I should remain mute on the subject, but by the time I was in third grade I had already learned that you cannot build yourself up by putting others down. You only end up looking hateful mean and insecure.Of course, that is why you remain anonymous.
This thread is closed to any new comments
Washington bridge
- + Riding a section of the Katy in early May. I have planned an overnight in Washington. I’m wondering about the status of the new bridge and bike lane.
Discussion started 03/07/2019 07:11 AM by Mary - 3 replies (last reply by Tyann (Katy Haus and Bank Haus) at 03/29/2019 06:00 PM)Mary from Anacortes on 03/07/2019 07:11 AM
Riding a section of the Katy in early May. I have planned an overnight in Washington. I’m wondering about the status of the new bridge and bike lane.
Allen from Shawnee on 03/07/2019 07:19 AM
According to the pictures on the MODOT camera on this bridge, it appears open.
Hank on 03/08/2019 08:09 PM
The bridge is open but the bike lane is not. You will have to ride the shoulders on the new bridge, which are 10 ft wide I think. Should not be a problem. The shoulders on 47 south from Dutzow are only 8 ft wide and this is a heavily traveled roadway. However it is pretty easily doable if you don't mind a couple miles of whooshing traffic flying by.
Tyann (Katy Haus and Bank Haus) from Marthasville on 03/29/2019 06:00 PM
If you prefer not to ride the shoulders, both Revolution Cycles and Hoeffel Haus B&B will shuttle you to/from if you give them a call.
Augusta Brewing Co. in Augusta
- + I have been here many times and always had a terrific experience. The owner also owns a very good restaurant in Washington so he obviously has a lot on his plate. Have to laugh at some who complain wh...
Discussion started 03/28/2019 06:38 PM by Rural Lover - 0 repliesRural Lover from Ofallon on 03/28/2019 06:38 PM
I have been here many times and always had a terrific experience. The owner also owns a very good restaurant in Washington so he obviously has a lot on his plate. Have to laugh at some who complain when he is closed on off-season. Really expect him to wait for the 1 customer a day? Maybe bump should reavaluate himself!
North Jefferson to Boonville
- + We plan on biking from Jefferson to Boonville tomorrow. Are there any closures or detours along the way?
Discussion started 03/26/2019 07:15 PM by Audrey - 3 replies (last reply by Allen at 03/27/2019 10:18 AM)Audrey from Ohio on 03/26/2019 07:15 PM
We plan on biking from Jefferson to Boonville tomorrow. Are there any closures or detours along the way?
Anonymous on 03/26/2019 09:44 PM
The Missouri DNR state parks info about the Katy will list any detours or closures. Give that a go.
John Hutchins from Pacific on 03/27/2019 05:34 AM
There are some closures. Read about them here
https://mostateparks.com/advisories?parks=53010
Allen from Shawnee on 03/27/2019 10:18 AM
https://mostateparks.com/advisory/80026/flooding-and-closure-advisory-–-katy-trail-state-park.
Above is a link to MO. DNR website looks like,there may be some flooding east of Rocheport and near Easley
Camping near Clifton City
- + I will be walking the trail. Is there any camping options near Clifton City?
Discussion started 03/27/2019 06:10 AM by Olive - 1 reply (last reply by Allen at 03/27/2019 10:15 AM)Olive from Sparta, IL on 03/27/2019 06:10 AM
I will be walking the trail. Is there any camping options near Clifton City?
Allen from Shawnee on 03/27/2019 10:15 AM
No camping near here I am aware of just at Pilot Grove city park and Sedalia.
Amtrack
- + I want to bike the entire trail this summer. I've biked the GAP and C&O here in MD and PA we took the Amtrak. I can take Amtrak to St Louis then how do you get back. Is there Amtrak service at the e...
Discussion started 03/26/2019 10:52 AM by Chris - 2 replies (last reply by Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor at 03/26/2019 03:22 PM)Chris from Frederick MD on 03/26/2019 10:52 AM
I want to bike the entire trail this summer. I've biked the GAP and C&O here in MD and PA we took the Amtrak. I can take Amtrak to St Louis then how do you get back. Is there Amtrak service at the end?
Anonymous on 03/26/2019 01:06 PM
The last stop on the Katy is in Sedalia. Or Lee's Summit if you choose to ride on past the end of the Rock Island Trail.
You could just terminate in Sedalia, or ride to Clinton and then ride or shuttle back to Sedalia to hop the train.
Shuttle info/Amtrak link, etc. on the home page.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/26/2019 03:22 PM
At the West end there is Amtrak at Lee's Summit or Warrensburg. I'm at Windsor and happy to help you get to one of those if that helps 660-351-0905
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Amtrack
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The Touring Cyclist Shuttle in St Charles
- + Hi,
I am planning a bike trip to do the entire Katy Trail in September. There will be one, potentially 2 vehicles, 4-6 people. We are looking for someone who can move our vehicles to our destination...
Discussion started 03/25/2019 11:59 AM by JAY KRAEMER - 1 reply (last reply by Russell Williams at 03/25/2019 11:39 PM)JAY KRAEMER from MADISON, WI on 03/25/2019 11:59 AM
Hi,
I am planning a bike trip to do the entire Katy Trail in September. There will be one, potentially 2 vehicles, 4-6 people. We are looking for someone who can move our vehicles to our destinations as we make the trip. We plan on riding roughly 60 miles per day. Is there a service available that will move our vehicle(s) for us? Or is it best to take a shuttle back to the starting point to pick up our vehicles. You can email me at jayLkraemer@gmail.com with the answer if that is preferred.
Thanks,
Jay
Russell Williams from Colorado Springs on 03/25/2019 11:39 PM
Hey, I would like to read the answer so make it public! Helpful to all of us.
Connection to Rock Island?
- + Wondering if you know when the connection to the Rock Island line will be complete to Raytown? We are anxious to get on the Katy/Rock Island from our neck of the woods!
Discussion started 03/25/2019 09:31 AM by Christine - 1 reply (last reply by KatyFan at 03/25/2019 08:32 PM)Christine from Independence on 03/25/2019 09:31 AM
Wondering if you know when the connection to the Rock Island line will be complete to Raytown? We are anxious to get on the Katy/Rock Island from our neck of the woods!
KatyFan from Lees Summit on 03/25/2019 08:32 PM
Jackson County SHOULD be starting construction on that part of the spur this summer(2019). They have already completed 7.5 miles from Jefferson to Brickyard Road in Knobtown in Summer 2018. In 2019 they are scheduled to finish that stretch through Raytown to the stadiums. Fingers crossed that there are no delays!
Rock Island trail info on this site
- + I'm having a hard time using the Trip Planner function for the Rock Island Trail using this site. It keeps defaulting back to the Katy Trail when I click refresh Trip planner. Trying to find info from...
Discussion started 03/21/2019 09:36 PM by francesty - 4 replies (last reply by francesty at 03/25/2019 09:08 AM)francesty from Detroit on 03/21/2019 09:36 PM
I'm having a hard time using the Trip Planner function for the Rock Island Trail using this site. It keeps defaulting back to the Katy Trail when I click refresh Trip planner. Trying to find info from Windsor to Lee's Summit gives you all the Katy Trail info from Sedalia going east to St. Charles. Is this being worked on? Thanks
Ray (webmaster) on 03/21/2019 10:46 PM
Thank you for pointing that out. It's definitely not working right when any part of the Rock Island is included.
I will investigate the problem and get it fixed. Thanks again for the heads up.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/23/2019 09:46 AM
The Trip Planner is now working correctly. Having the intersecting trails presented some challenges, but it's all good now.
Side note: I had to take Lee's Summit out of the list of towns because it's not yet connected to the Rock Island Trail. You need to use roads to get from Lee's Summit to the Rock Island Trail, but the Trip Planner is totally trail-based, so you'll have to use Pleasant Hill ast the starting town.
Thanks again for letting me know about the earlier problem!
Happy trails!
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/23/2019 11:37 AM
Thanks for always keeping this site so user friendly Ray!
francesty from Detroit on 03/25/2019 09:08 AM
Thanks so much, it makes it so easy to plan a rip!
Floods of 2019
- + We are planning a spring ride across the K. Trail. BUT can someone tell us about the situation with the snow melt and floods in the area? How will it mpact the Missouri River? Thanks so much.
Discussion started 03/22/2019 09:09 PM by Russell Williams - 1 reply (last reply by Hank at 03/23/2019 07:41 PM)Russell Williams from Colorado Springs on 03/22/2019 09:09 PM
We are planning a spring ride across the K. Trail. BUT can someone tell us about the situation with the snow melt and floods in the area? How will it mpact the Missouri River? Thanks so much.
Hank on 03/23/2019 07:41 PM
This will be your best source of info for the spring flooding: https://mostateparks.com/advisories?parks=53010
Unfortunately it does look like the Katy will be impacted by flooding this spring.
Book: Cycling the Katy Trail by Neil Hanson
- + I just finished it and it's a good read. The first part is the standard how to get from point A to point B on the Katy. The second part is more about the towns and B&Bs he said at and reflections of t...
Discussion started 01/19/2019 09:12 PM by Jerry Whittle - 5 replies (last reply by Annette Barnes at 03/23/2019 11:13 AM)Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 01/19/2019 09:12 PM
I just finished it and it's a good read. The first part is the standard how to get from point A to point B on the Katy. The second part is more about the towns and B&Bs he said at and reflections of things he observed on the Katy.
It mentions this web site often so he must have used it frequently.
Phil from SC on 03/20/2019 01:02 PM
How current is information? I was excited to get a katy trail book by another author but after reading half of it I discovered it was written 12 years ago.
Jerry Whittle from Belleville IL on 03/21/2019 12:08 PM
I was published in July 2018 so really current.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/21/2019 12:20 PM
FYI, I looked around Amazon and pulled together all the books I could find related to the Katy Trail, plus other related topics that might be of interest. You can see the books at
guide-books.aspx
If you click through and view the book info in Amazon, it will have publication date, edition number, etc - so you can see how current the book is, plus read reviews, etc.
Full disclosure: Amazon will pay me a commission if you buy stuff from them after clicking through links on the
guide-books.aspx web page.
Rebecca from Ames on 03/21/2019 05:03 PM
I have Neil's book. The data are from their trip in 2016. With all the floods going down the Missouri from Iowa and Nebraska, hoping there are no washouts. There is a festival the week following our journey, so I hope the stores, cafes,etc. will be open. I plan to call a week or two in advance, since we prefer to eat from the establishments along the route, rather than take our own. Any information is appreciated. Thanks.
Annette Barnes from Clinton on 03/23/2019 11:13 AM
I have the book Pilgrim Ways signed by Neil Hanson which was published in 2016. He came and stayed with us in October 2013 and we are mentioned in the book. I don't know if we are mentioned in his new book. I own the www.HayslerHouse.com in Clinton. However, a friend ran into him in Washington, DC in 2018 and he mentioned to her that he had stayed with us and enjoyed his stay.
CURRENT CONDITION OF THE TRAIL 03/19
- + I have a trip planned for early June along the Katy Trail. I understand that there may have been some damage due to the terrible storms and flooding MO just experienced. Does anyone know if the trail ...
Discussion started 03/22/2019 10:21 AM by Tracy K. - 1 reply (last reply by Jerry Whittle at 03/22/2019 03:02 PM)Tracy K. from Allentown on 03/22/2019 10:21 AM
I have a trip planned for early June along the Katy Trail. I understand that there may have been some damage due to the terrible storms and flooding MO just experienced. Does anyone know if the trail was impacted? If so, what degree of damage is there and your thoughts on whether it will be usable by June?
Jerry Whittle from Belleville IL on 03/22/2019 03:02 PM
There is some flooding now plus some storm damage. However the Missouri Parks employees do an outstanding job of fixing the trail. Short of some more flooding or severe storms closer to June, I bet you will be OK. I sure hope so as I'll be riding from Clinton to St. Charles in mid-June.
If the trail is soggy, your best defense are the fattest tires your bike can handle and maybe some fenders.
Weather and conditions
- + How is the condition of the trail, and weather for biking in early April? Can hotels be booked last minute that time of year?
Discussion started 03/16/2019 06:49 AM by EAE - 4 replies (last reply by Rex McCall at 03/20/2019 11:34 AM)EAE from Wyoming on 03/16/2019 06:49 AM
How is the condition of the trail, and weather for biking in early April? Can hotels be booked last minute that time of year?
Rex McCall from Springfield,MO on 03/16/2019 10:56 AM
The temperature is not bad, especially towards the end of the month. The average high on April 1 is in the lower 60s, but by the last week of the month, it is in the lower 70s. The biggest problem will be rain, since it is one of our wettest months. That can lead to wash-outs along the trail and, occasionally, flooding. The Park is pretty good about repairing the trail in the warmer months.
As for hotels, it all depends on the town and day of the week. The ones in the St. Charles Historic District and in Hermann tend to fill up on the weekends, quickly. Still, you should be able to find one in St. Charles, although it might be a mile or two from the trail. I've not been to Hermann in April, but my guess is it probably doesn't get too busy until after school lets out in May. Sunday through Thursday is usually not a problem for any town. I think you will have no trouble getting a room in Clinton, Sedalia, Boonville, Jeff City, or Washington.
Phil from SC on 03/20/2019 07:41 AM
Does anyone know if any parts of the trail have been affected by the recent flooding?
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/20/2019 09:08 AM
I believe this is kept up to date
https://mostateparks.com/page/57948/trail-conditions
Rex McCall from Springfield,MO on 03/20/2019 11:34 AM
This is from the state park web site (mostateparks.com):
Katy Trail State Park is temporarily closed at the following locations due to flooding:
-- The trail will be closed due to anticipated flooding at 2:30 p.m. on Fri., Mar. 22 west of the Rocheport tunnel (approximately MM 178.6). Trail users should follow the detour that will be posted. (effective Mar. 22)
-- MM 34 - 35, east of St. Charles. (effective Mar. 20)
In addition, Easley River Road/Smith Hatchery Road near MM 162 is under water. While the road is under water, the trail between Route N (MM 162.5) and Little Bonne Femme Creek bridge (MM 163.6) will be opened to local vehicular traffic in this area so users need to exercise caution and expect to encounter vehicles on the trail.
For information on potential flood impacts to the trail, please visit the Potential Flood Locations page.
shuttle service?
- + We plan to ride east to west at this point, and might take amtrak to st. louis area but how do we get to st. charles then to begin our ride? can we ride our bikes there safely or are there any shuttle...
Discussion started 03/20/2019 07:51 AM by Phil - 0 repliesPhil from SC on 03/20/2019 07:51 AM
We plan to ride east to west at this point, and might take amtrak to st. louis area but how do we get to st. charles then to begin our ride? can we ride our bikes there safely or are there any shuttle services?
Tyler's Market in Pilot Grove
- + This business has been closed for several,years.
Discussion started 03/20/2019 07:19 AM by Allen - 0 repliesAllen from Shawnee on 03/20/2019 07:19 AM
This business has been closed for several,years.