Biking with kids
- + My grandson wants to bike the whole trail this coming summer. I have searched the web and there is little there on kids riding long distance. I am currently planning a day trip from Sedalia to Green...
Discussion started 12/10/2018 10:37 AM by Grammy R - 5 replies (last reply by Kim Henderson, Kim's Cabins at 12/14/2018 06:39 AM)Grammy R from Sedalia on 12/10/2018 10:37 AM
My grandson wants to bike the whole trail this coming summer. I have searched the web and there is little there on kids riding long distance. I am currently planning a day trip from Sedalia to Green Ridge, then a two day overnight trip on the Rock Island Spur to test out our packing, camping and overnight staying. Has anyone rode the trail with their children? He is 11.
Steve from Kearney mo on 12/10/2018 12:47 PM
This may help. https://youtu.be/AdmXAZOcm2A
Grammy R from Sedalia on 12/11/2018 09:50 AM
Steve-thank you. The little girl was the same age as my grandson. I think I might be underestimating him. Also gave me a couple ideas of places to stay.
Kim Henderson, Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 12/11/2018 10:35 AM
I've had more than a few guests visit riding the 47 miles of Rock Island and entire Katy with kids 10-12 range. Think all in building up to it. Chilhowee on the Rock Island section has the Corner Store, open 7 days a week and cyclists love for food and rest. Also camping in Chilhowee if want to ride RI in smaller sections. Enjoy!
Grammy R from Sedalia on 12/12/2018 02:58 AM
Thanks for the information, Kim. Your information has encouraged me that my planning is heading in the correct direction. I am planning to ride the Rock Island with him as a train up for the trip; testing out our load, equipment, and camping out. I was planning to over night in Chilhowee and check out the Corner Store while there.
Kim Henderson, Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 12/14/2018 06:39 AM
How fun - sure you all will have a great time. Let me know if I can help in any way. Enjoy!
Bluffton Barn in Bluffton
- + Doug wasn't home when we passed through. We stopped just to say hello because Doug is awesome. Hopefully next time.
Discussion started 12/06/2018 09:30 AM by Mr. Bump - 1 reply (last reply by Doug at 12/07/2018 10:57 AM)Mr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 09:30 AM
Doug wasn't home when we passed through. We stopped just to say hello because Doug is awesome. Hopefully next time.
Doug on 12/07/2018 10:57 AM
Dang it. Sorry I missed you. Company is scarce this time of year.
Main Street Diner in Boonville
- + Powered up with delicious omelette for the winter tour. At the top of the hill, great stop right on the trail. Classic diner, nice staff.
Discussion started 12/06/2018 12:46 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 12:46 PM
Powered up with delicious omelette for the winter tour. At the top of the hill, great stop right on the trail. Classic diner, nice staff.
Hermann
- + City park offers camping year-round with a heated shower/bath house for $15. Great respite on winter touring. Tin Mill brewing downtown is has good food, good beer, and really nice staff. They all sto...
Discussion started 12/06/2018 12:22 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 12:22 PM
City park offers camping year-round with a heated shower/bath house for $15. Great respite on winter touring. Tin Mill brewing downtown is has good food, good beer, and really nice staff. They all stopped to chat with us while we were hanging out and sampling brews. Now they also are producing a variety of distilled spirits. Only a mile back to camp....
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Hermann
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Bike Stop Cafe in St Charles
- + Great food! Fancy coffee. They serve beer. Expert mechanic repaired my broken spoke, trued the wheel, and had it back on my bike fast. Saved our tour. Wow, best $20 I ever spent in my life. Many thank...
Discussion started 12/06/2018 12:01 PM by Mr. Bump - 1 reply (last reply by Adam at 12/06/2018 12:16 PM)Mr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 12:01 PM
Great food! Fancy coffee. They serve beer. Expert mechanic repaired my broken spoke, trued the wheel, and had it back on my bike fast. Saved our tour. Wow, best $20 I ever spent in my life. Many thanks to these wonderful people. I highly recommend this place.
Adam from Kansas City on 12/06/2018 12:16 PM
Couldn’t agree more! After some logistical oversight on our part and some bat luck with two flats and less than ideal weather, they not only picked us up, but had supplies to reprovision us, and fed us while we waited. Super friendly staff that took care of us and so much so yay we went back the next morning for another round of coffee and smiles. It’s a must to visit when on the east side!
St Charles
- + About 10 miles from the bike stop cafe to the Golden Eagle ferry, mostly on paved greenway trails. No facilities open along the way in the winter.
Discussion started 12/06/2018 12:10 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 12:10 PM
About 10 miles from the bike stop cafe to the Golden Eagle ferry, mostly on paved greenway trails. No facilities open along the way in the winter.
Weldon Spring
- + Tools and bike pump at the trailhead. Do your research on this area before you go, as it's both interesting and a little scary. Don't drink the water, and keep moving.
Discussion started 12/06/2018 11:52 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 11:52 AM
Tools and bike pump at the trailhead. Do your research on this area before you go, as it's both interesting and a little scary. Don't drink the water, and keep moving.
Defiance Roadhouse in Defiance
- + Open year-round motorcycle bar. Quirky squirrel taxidermy action scenes. Last chance (going east) for hot food before St. Charles. The barmaid was super nice and helpful, even making several phone cal...
Discussion started 12/06/2018 11:47 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 11:47 AM
Open year-round motorcycle bar. Quirky squirrel taxidermy action scenes. Last chance (going east) for hot food before St. Charles. The barmaid was super nice and helpful, even making several phone calls to find someplace we could camp. With kindness, hospitality, charm and a pretty smile, she could tame any tough guy.
Defiance
- + There was a restaurant on the east end of town, but it's currently closed. Locals say it recently sold and will reopen again in the spring. Bike repair in town, call Todd.
Discussion started 12/06/2018 11:34 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 11:34 AM
There was a restaurant on the east end of town, but it's currently closed. Locals say it recently sold and will reopen again in the spring. Bike repair in town, call Todd.
Klondike Park in Augusta
- + Shower house, water turned off in winter-- but you can pitch a tent.
Discussion started 12/06/2018 11:29 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 11:29 AM
Shower house, water turned off in winter-- but you can pitch a tent.
Augusta
- + Silly Goose owner is a saint. Calling a day ahead, the owner was apologetic that they wouldn't be open on Monday, but she offered to make us a meal and bring it to us! Wow, such kindness. After just g...
Discussion started 12/06/2018 11:25 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 11:25 AM
Silly Goose owner is a saint. Calling a day ahead, the owner was apologetic that they wouldn't be open on Monday, but she offered to make us a meal and bring it to us! Wow, such kindness. After just getting off the phone with the owner of Augusta brewing, the contrast was stunning. Turns out we blasted on through toward St. Charles, but I contacted her and thanked her for her generous offer. I'm absolutely going to stop here on my next trip to meet this wonderful lady.
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Dutzow Deli & Restaurant in Dutzow
- + Nope, not open in the winter.
Discussion started 12/06/2018 10:49 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 10:49 AM
Nope, not open in the winter.
Cori's Twin Gables in Marthasville
- + Open year round, caters to the motorcycle crowd and locals. Friendly staff, good hot food. Outlets to charge your phone below the front edge of the bar. Every customer gets their own ashtray, so deal ...
Discussion started 12/06/2018 10:44 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 10:44 AM
Open year round, caters to the motorcycle crowd and locals. Friendly staff, good hot food. Outlets to charge your phone below the front edge of the bar. Every customer gets their own ashtray, so deal with it. Camping options nearby, and also in the middle of town under a pavilion.
Treloar
- + Not open yet when we rolled through this time. But it was a good stop on our January tour.
Discussion started 12/06/2018 10:34 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 10:34 AM
Not open yet when we rolled through this time. But it was a good stop on our January tour.
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Trailside Bar & Grill in Rhineland
- + Very nice staff. We rolled in just before 2pm closing on Sunday afternoon, and the kind waitress let us stay and thaw out. She also made perfectly cooked (medium rare) burgers and fries for us. After ...
Discussion started 12/06/2018 09:50 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 09:50 AM
Very nice staff. We rolled in just before 2pm closing on Sunday afternoon, and the kind waitress let us stay and thaw out. She also made perfectly cooked (medium rare) burgers and fries for us. After over 40 miles on heavily loaded tour bikes, this was our first hot food. Thank you for such hospitality. Find this place on the east edge of town past the grain bins.
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
- + "Closed for the season" sign on the window. This bar is after a long section of trail with no food options. So we pet a couple of friendly local dogs while eating trail mix hunkered down behind the bu...
Discussion started 12/06/2018 09:24 AM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/06/2018 09:24 AM
"Closed for the season" sign on the window. This bar is after a long section of trail with no food options. So we pet a couple of friendly local dogs while eating trail mix hunkered down behind the building to get out of the howling wind. Another "call before you go" lesson while touring in winter, as google showed it was open.
Turner Katy Trail Shelter Hostel in Tebbetts
- + Stopped in to rewarm and make coffee, but stayed for a shower and waited for the rain to pass. Volunteers have put great effort into this place. Their time and thoughtfulness is evident in so many det...
Discussion started 12/05/2018 10:25 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/05/2018 10:25 PM
Stopped in to rewarm and make coffee, but stayed for a shower and waited for the rain to pass. Volunteers have put great effort into this place. Their time and thoughtfulness is evident in so many details. Thank you! Please take care of this little treasure, and put your donation in the envelope and drop in the mailbox across the street.
Jefferson City
- + Jeff city is HILLY. Lots of good places to eat. Prison brews was good.
Discussion started 12/05/2018 10:16 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/05/2018 10:16 PM
Jeff city is HILLY. Lots of good places to eat. Prison brews was good.
Noren Access Campsite in N. Jefferson
- + We rolled in after dark and couldn't find the campsites. Cars pull in and out of the boat ramp all the time, some driving very fast. People sit in their cars texting. Something is up. Lots of traffic ...
Discussion started 12/05/2018 10:09 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/05/2018 10:09 PM
We rolled in after dark and couldn't find the campsites. Cars pull in and out of the boat ramp all the time, some driving very fast. People sit in their cars texting. Something is up. Lots of traffic noise from the bridge overhead. Bring earplugs if you plan to camp here.
Cooper's Landing in Easley
- + A warm, welcome shelter on a winter tour. I appreciate them being open year-round, where one can get food, a shower, and pitch a tent. We had warm shepherd's pie with good craft beer. Nothing fancy, ...
Discussion started 12/05/2018 09:57 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/05/2018 09:57 PM
A warm, welcome shelter on a winter tour. I appreciate them being open year-round, where one can get food, a shower, and pitch a tent. We had warm shepherd's pie with good craft beer. Nothing fancy, but nice people who take good care of their guests. I will keep coming back here, as I appreciate their kindness.
Burr Oak Tree in McBaine
- + Obligatory pics by the big oak. Why do people insist on spray painting this tree? Don't forget the big sycamore too. Lotta traffic on this road.
Discussion started 12/05/2018 09:49 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/05/2018 09:49 PM
Obligatory pics by the big oak. Why do people insist on spray painting this tree? Don't forget the big sycamore too. Lotta traffic on this road.
Rocheport
- + Just west of Rocheport is Davidsdale, with a place to pitch a tent on the north side of the trail. The General Store has craft beer, friendly staff, and good food. It's open most of the week in the of...
Discussion started 12/05/2018 09:35 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/05/2018 09:35 PM
Just west of Rocheport is Davidsdale, with a place to pitch a tent on the north side of the trail.
The General Store has craft beer, friendly staff, and good food. It's open most of the week in the off season. The bartender was friendly, and shared much of the town's history. I will definitely stop here again, since they welcome cyclists in the winter.
Diana Bend Conservation Area in Rocheport
- + Flat area at end of gravel road you can pitch a tent, but no wind protection.
Discussion started 12/05/2018 09:20 PM by Mr. Bump - 0 repliesMr. Bump from Hannibal on 12/05/2018 09:20 PM
Flat area at end of gravel road you can pitch a tent, but no wind protection.
katy-trail-map.aspx
- + Is east end of KATY trail safe? Looks close to so-so parts of St. Louis.
Discussion started 12/04/2018 10:10 AM by David Menges - 6 replies (last reply by Brian L. at 12/05/2018 10:57 AM)David Menges from Denver on 12/04/2018 10:10 AM
Is east end of KATY trail safe? Looks close to so-so parts of St. Louis.
Ray (webmaster) on 12/04/2018 10:22 AM
It's very safe. St Charles is very much suburbia and new development, with a little bit of old small town flavor still remaining. And the remainder of the trail east of St Charles is farmland.
You'd have to go across the river and several miles to find a "sketchy" part of town.
As an aside, one of my favorite non-Katy rides is the St Louis Riverfront Trail, which definitely goes through some sketchy parts of town but I've never felt unsafe there. I ride it in the morning, there are other cyclists around, no big deal.
Happy trails!
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 12/04/2018 04:02 PM
Like Ray said, the Katy Trail is far from the bad areas of St. Louis. In fact the only part of the Katy Trail that might be sketchy at all is a short section in Sedalia.
I also ride on the St. Louis Riverfront Trail occasionally but usually in a group.
Unfortunately it's not safe to park a car at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge for any length of time. Break-ins happen all to often.
Anonymous on 12/04/2018 04:39 PM
And there's that little section that goes past the casino in Boonville. We all know what type of characters frequent casinos. Right in the middle, the tunnel is Rocheport has to be so-so too. And all of those tree covered sections along the bluffs. Used to be a thing for Indians ya know. Hide up on the bluffs and ambush the unsuspecting on the trail below.
All that aside. Seriously David Menges, Denver?? If you did know where the scary "so-so parts of St. Louis" were, wouldn't you know that Katy wasn't even near them?
What does that even mean anyway? So-so parts?
Marna from Boonville on 12/05/2018 09:19 AM
Kidding! He's Kidding!
Boonville and Rochport Tunnel have been safe!
I ride them all the time!
Could something happen on the Katy Trail.....sure....just like anywhere else on Earth. All In All Katy Trail is a very safe place to ride or walk or.....
Marna from Boonville on 12/05/2018 09:19 AM
Kidding! He's Kidding!
Boonville and Rochport Tunnel have been safe!
I ride them all the time!
Could something happen on the Katy Trail.....sure....just like anywhere else on Earth. All In All Katy Trail is a very safe place to ride or walk or.....
Brian L. from Austin, Texas on 12/05/2018 10:57 AM
Thanks for your respectful & informative answers, Ray & Jerry. David, as an out-of-stater, your question is legitimate and you're perfectly right to include safety concerns in planning your bike tour.
Equine
- + Its time to make the entire trail accessible to horses.
Discussion started 10/31/2018 02:28 PM by Brett Favre - 7 replies (last reply by He's not Brett Farve! at 12/01/2018 03:49 PM)Brett Favre from Warrenton, MO on 10/31/2018 02:28 PM
Its time to make the entire trail accessible to horses.
Green Machine from Lawrence, Ks on 10/31/2018 03:06 PM
Is it?
Shayne from Wentzville on 11/15/2018 08:18 PM
No it isn't.
m rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 11/16/2018 03:01 PM
No it isn't. Horses would ruin the trail. Go somewhere else; ride in the woods or along gravel country roads.
John from Pacific on 11/16/2018 04:47 PM
I've noticed that there is water available at every trail head on the sections open to horses. On other sections there are many trail heads with no water. So, I assume that opening more of the trail to horses would require infrastructure work to provide water. I'd rather see that money spent developing the Rock Island trail.
John Hamilton from Pleasant Hill on 11/18/2018 10:40 AM
It would be great if everyone would be courteous when it comes to leaving the trail alone when it needs time to dry. This is especially true for horse owners. Horse traffic has made the trail pretty rough following the recent thaw. Let's all work together to keep this awesome resource intact.
Mr. Bump from Hannibal on 11/30/2018 05:35 PM
Horses ruin the trail, especially when its wet. Please ride on the MANY other gravel roads in this region.
He's not Brett Farve! from Warrenton, OM on 12/01/2018 03:49 PM
Only if you pick up after your animal like you would your dog!
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Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin
- + I see it's closed until April, I'm taking a couple kiddos and would sure love if you were open during spring break
Discussion started 01/28/2018 08:41 PM by JMB - 1 reply (last reply by Schuda at 11/29/2018 01:48 PM)JMB from open during spring break? on 01/28/2018 08:41 PM
I see it's closed until April, I'm taking a couple kiddos and would sure love if you were open during spring break
Schuda from Willard on 11/29/2018 01:48 PM
Yes open in March would be nice, trying to plan a three day ride with our Scout Troop and spring break would be a great option .
End to end 2019
- + We met someone who rode in an end to end ride in June 2018. He said they do it every year, just switch the start and finish locations. He said it was put on by Katy Trail State Park. Does anyone know ...
Discussion started 11/19/2018 01:20 PM by Tami - 3 replies (last reply by Jerry Whittle at 11/19/2018 08:06 PM)Tami from St. Charles on 11/19/2018 01:20 PM
We met someone who rode in an end to end ride in June 2018. He said they do it every year, just switch the start and finish locations. He said it was put on by Katy Trail State Park. Does anyone know when this is in 2019?
Jerry Whittle from BELLEVILLE on 11/19/2018 04:47 PM
It's usually the day after Father's Day so that would be June 17th. However you'll probably want to catch the bus to Clinton from St. Charles. That leaves on Sunday the 16th most likely.
Here's the web site from 2017. It should be similar to 2019. I suggest signing up on March 1st as it often fills up fast.
https://mostateparks.com/2017ktride
Hopefully see you there.
Anonymous on 11/19/2018 07:43 PM
Are you riding it next year Jerry or volunteering?
Jerry Whittle from BELLEVILLE on 11/19/2018 08:06 PM
I plan on riding. It will by my 9th year with that group.
St Charles
- + Is there a place to park a car at the Kirkwood Amtrak station for a week instead of using a shuttle from St Charles?
Discussion started 10/20/2018 09:18 PM by Duke - 2 replies (last reply by Kathleen at 11/15/2018 07:12 PM)Duke on 10/20/2018 09:18 PM
Is there a place to park a car at the Kirkwood Amtrak station for a week instead of using a shuttle from St Charles?
Bob from Kirkwood on 10/25/2018 05:42 PM
There is an outdoors shop called the Alpine Shop about 4 blocks away. They have plenty of parking and you could walk to the station. nice place for last minute purchases as well.
Kathleen from Oolitic, IN on 11/15/2018 07:12 PM
There is long term pay parking at the Kirkwood station. Just remember to allow plenty of time to park and pre-pay at the entrance of the lot. The lot is actually on the other side of the tracks near Bar Louie so you want to allow plenty of time to get back to the station before the train gets there. Otherwise you will be stuck :( My dad and I road Clinton to St. Charles in June. This is where I parked for the week. No problems at all. Again, allow PLENTY of time.