Hartsburg
- + Hooray! The previous owners of the Hartsburg Grand Restaurant -- before it became an events center -- are opening a new restaurant at the old Dotty's location: 35th on Main. I am so looking forward...
Discussion started 08/29/2018 09:41 AM by Brad Scroggs - 5 replies (last reply by Jim at 08/29/2018 03:55 PM)Brad Scroggs from Jefferson City on 08/29/2018 09:41 AM
Hooray! The previous owners of the Hartsburg Grand Restaurant -- before it became an events center -- are opening a new restaurant at the old Dotty's location: 35th on Main. I am so looking forward to my rides from Jefferson City for delicious flatbreads, etc., a glass of wine or a cold beer. Check it out.
Eber Haus Inn Hartsburg from Hartsburg on 08/29/2018 10:49 AM
I believe opening day is tenative for September 8... we are counting down!
Jim from St thomas on 08/29/2018 10:58 AM
Mixed feelings on this. The Grand had great food but I much more enjoyed the small town diner vibe of Dotty’s. That said, I’m glad the new owners are providing a food option in Hartsburg. I wish them well.
Eber Haus Inn Hartsburg from Hartsburg on 08/29/2018 11:43 AM
From my visiting with them Jim, I think they will provide a nice hybrid of both.... I think the small town vibe will definitely still be there...
Anonymous on 08/29/2018 11:48 AM
How do you know the new restaurant won't have the small town diner vibe??
All I can make of it from the original post is that a new restaurant is opening. I'd have to see it before passing judgement.
Jim from St thomas on 08/29/2018 03:55 PM
I wasn’t passing judgement on the new place. I was comparing the Grand with Dotty’s and saying which I preferred. I have no idea what the new place will be like but I do know I plan on eating there.
safe?
- + Wondering if anyone has had any safety issues while riding the trail? Would love to do the whole thing, in October. Am a mid-twenties female who'd be doing it alone. Besides the typical self-defense t...
Discussion started 08/16/2018 06:33 PM by suz - 15 replies (last reply by K Brand at 08/27/2018 09:54 AM)suz from Trinidad, CA on 08/16/2018 06:33 PM
Wondering if anyone has had any safety issues while riding the trail? Would love to do the whole thing, in October. Am a mid-twenties female who'd be doing it alone. Besides the typical self-defense things, should I be concerned/worried? Also, planning on camping throughout my stay, trying to finish it in 7 days. Thank you for your input.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 08/17/2018 09:52 AM
Your biggest safety issues are likely to be the elements and your level of fitness. October in Missouri has warm, sunny days and very cool nights. You have to pack for nighttime temps down into the 30's, and daytime temps into the 80's. Layering and an insulated windbreaker are recommended.
I find cycling alone makes it a little more tiring than with a group, which has lots of dynamics to keep your mind going. Bring your earphones and music, and you will find the ride more pleasant (be sure to have downloaded songs, since there are spots on the trail with limited cell coverage). Your 7-day plan is a generous time allotment, so you are less likely to burn out.
Bring pepper spray and keep it handy in case you run into a stray dog wandering the trail. I ride it every year and have only had one dog ever follow me, and I think he was wanting to play more than anything. But you'll feel better having it handy.
Final tip: download a free app called Real Time GPS Tracker. You can set it up to let your friends/family see where you are at any point. Piece of mind for both you and them.
frank on 08/17/2018 10:55 AM
I find the trail safe. However I do not think you should do it by yourself.
Anonymous on 08/17/2018 12:53 PM
You will not have any problems. I have never seen anyone remotely troublesome along the trail or in the villages. Use the usual precautions and courtesies… Don’t get involved in locals’ arguments, agree with anyone argumentive and leave. There are several villages with taverns. Don’t broadcast the fact that you are camping alone. At closing time things sometimes get interesting. Carry pepper spray and an air horn. Works for dogs as well as people. The only trouble I have seen is on the parallel highway 94 east of Jeff City. Some locals go absolutly nuts when they see a cyclist on that road. They have tried to run several people off the road. Particularly that time of year you will probably be camping by yourself in most areas.
John Hutchins from Pacific on 08/17/2018 04:15 PM
FWIW, I think that last post goes a little bit over board. You will never do more than cross Hwy 94, a 2 lane highway, if you stay on the trail. So not much chance to get run off. I've ridden end to end 3 times and lots of shorter rides. I don't think you'll have any problems. Last May I met 2 women on the trail who had flown into St Louis, rented bikes in St Charles, had ridden west to Clinton and were on their way back to St Charles. They had a great time and didn't have any horror stories. Campsites are not near trailheads so not readily accessible by non-riders. Go for it. I think you'll have a great ride.
John Hutchins from Pacific on 08/17/2018 04:16 PM
FWIW, I think that last post goes a little bit over board. You will never do more than cross Hwy 94, a 2 lane highway, if you stay on the trail. So not much chance to get run off. I've ridden end to end 3 times and lots of shorter rides. I don't think you'll have any problems. Last May I met 2 women on the trail who had flown into St Louis, rented bikes in St Charles, had ridden west to Clinton and were on their way back to St Charles. They had a great time and didn't have any horror stories. Campsites are not near trailheads so not readily accessible by non-riders. Go for it. I think you'll have a great ride.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 08/17/2018 04:34 PM
HEY anonymous, I’m a local that lives off highway 94 and we are not out there hunting down cyclists as you implied. I personally would stay on the trail instead of riding down the highway because Hwy 94 is narrow, with no shoulders and hills with blind spots in places. But if you want to assert your right to ride Hwy 94 and go against better judgement of riding a nice safe trail, good luck with that.
Mel Zabecki from Fayetteville, AR on 08/17/2018 06:35 PM
I just completed a solo through trip of the Katy Trail last week. I'm a 43 year old female. I carried 3 cans of pepper spray and a knife and only pulled out the pepper spray once when I was setting up my tent at the campsite at the boat ramp by the Jeff City bridge at Noren Accesss - too spooky being so isolated and after a few minutes I promptly left for an Air BnB - STAY AWAY FROM THE NOREN ACCESS. Camping is tough, there are not many campsite adjacent to the trail - but Katy Roundhouse is good near New Franklin, Klondike Park near Augusta is fantastic, and Steamboat Junction near Bluffton looked good but I didn't stay. Please feel free to email me at melzharvey1975@gmail.com if you want to talk more. I really loved my trip. I have to disagree with the guy who said use earbuds and listen to music. NEVER WEAR ANYTHIGN THAT WILL STOP YOU FROM BEING ABLE TO HEAR THINGS AROUND YOU. If I don't hear from you - have a fantastic trip!!!! You'll love it!!
Mel Zabecki from Fayetteville, AR on 08/17/2018 07:28 PM
Oh and also, the Sedalia Fairgrounds is supposedly good, too, I met a guy who said it was good. I just didn't stay there bc I actually camped with a hammock (not tent like I said in last post - freudian slip or something) and there wasn't anywhere to hang it.
Anonymous on 08/17/2018 08:21 PM
Highway 94—On several occasions while riding the full length I used 94 part of the way. Fully loaded and after several days of trail I needed the relief of the pavement. When it is on the south side of the trail I rode it. When it went up into the hills I rode the trail. Had a decent shoulder and during the weekdays little traffic. However the one car we saw all morning tried to run my riding partner off the road. A year later I was on the road on a Saturday. More traffic. But on one long stretch with no other cars one tried to rum me off the road while yelling, screaming and gesturing. No reason for that. 94 is an excellent alternative for someone that is more into riding a long distance than riding the trail. Just look out for cars. I always pull over when cars are behind rather than “Claim my share of the road”. My thanks to the many courteous drivers who gave me a wide berth and smiles.
Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast from Hartsburg on 08/18/2018 07:27 AM
Hi there,
We have had numerous women riding alone stay at our bed and breakfast and not one has mentioned anything that made them afraid. If you'd like to have an assurance of at least one night without any worries consider coming to Hartsburg. We offer a camping spot in our back yard - along with pitching your tent in a nice, quiet and definitely safe space- your reserved night with us includes the use of our showers, bathrooms and all of the other amenities as our inside guests and a very nice breakfast in the morning. Give us a call at the Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Hartsburg, MO to get more information and make a reservation. (573) 657-4529. Leaia and Mark Clervi
Sir Randall from Fort Lauderdale on 08/18/2018 09:02 AM
I planned on doing the GAP-C&O trail solo last year. I casually mentioned to friends that I was going and several friends joined in. Now we are doing the Katy next week together. I can tell you from experience that solo touring is a nice escape but sharing the adventure with friends is even more rewarding. Ask around, you might be surprised by who's interested.
I think you'll be fine safety wise. The cycling community and people in general would be looking out for you.
denise wallace from fulton on 08/18/2018 07:06 PM
I think there's nothing to worry about. Ive been on the whole trail 4 times with no worries. Just an fyi, the Big Bam ( bike accross missouri) will be on the trail starting Oct. 7, so there will be a lot of people on the trail that week
Marna on 08/20/2018 01:57 PM
Safe?
It's all relative.
Do you feel safe when driving your car? If you asked the average person how safe it was to drive a car, they would say....very safe......However, if you asked a mother that just lost her child in a car wreck....or wife that lost it would be a different answer.
My husband and I live on the trail, we ride it almost every single day. In the past we rode it and hiked it and.... 1000's of miles on the KATY.....no problems.
However, we have seen everything from Bunny Rabbits to a good sized Copperhead Snake (poisonous by the way) ON the trail.
We heard about a guy that had a squirrel run out under his bike and he needed serious medical attention....and was busted up. We saw a father and daughter that were wounded, but not too serious, when she braked for a squirrel and he hit her back tire with his front.
There are areas with washout holes 'just right', or is that 'just wrong', for a bike tire to hit and throw a rider for a good ways.
Many things can and do happen to cause injuries and can happen to people.... usually they do not, but one should always be aware.
Riding alone adds extra ????? behind your question "safe?"
Dkeetz from Kansas City on 08/23/2018 02:23 PM
I’d just be aware as you go through towns, mostly Jeff city - as someone else stated I wouldn’t recommend camping at Noren access. The guy who used to watch over the place has passed on and I’ve not been impressed with the cordiality of those who have taken over - plus it seems like it would be a good spot for people to come to do nefarious things after dark.
Most of the campsites are otherwise pretty decent and safe but your biggest issue is going to be physical safety - it’s a tame trail but you could hurt yourself if you’re not careful and stay hydrated, cool and watch out for walnuts- like any outdoor activity.
Also - Missouri is a can-carry state now - for whatever that is worth to you, however you view the subject.
K Brand from Missouri City, TX on 08/27/2018 09:54 AM
My brother and I have ridden the Trail (end-to-end) 8 years running, and we have never had any problem. Our trip 9 is scheduled for the end of September. Cyclists and the local folks are in general very friendly. Fortune favors the well prepared, so if you have planned your personal safety you should be OK. I second the notion of using tracking software so that friends/relatives can follow your progress. If you're an experienced cyclist you know about Garmin, Strava, or RoadID. A 7-day trip is very doable, and will allow you to stop and smell the roses along the way. I have compiled a composite summary of our past 8 trips, and it is posted on this site. Safe travel and enjoy your trip.
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/files/kb.doc
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
safe?
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=9262&tonly=1
Katy Trail - Newbies
- + My husband and I, along with another couple will be biking the Katy Trial from St. Charles to Rhineland from 10/5-101/10. We'll be staying in 2 B & B's on the way there and back and will be seal-conta...
Discussion started 08/26/2018 01:02 PM by Trigirl262 - 5 replies (last reply by Gary B at 08/27/2018 08:28 AM)Trigirl262 from Memphis, TN on 08/26/2018 01:02 PM
My husband and I, along with another couple will be biking the Katy Trial from St. Charles to Rhineland from 10/5-101/10. We'll be staying in 2 B & B's on the way there and back and will be seal-contained. We have never done that his type of trip and are looking for info regarding:
1. Types of waterproof panniers
2. Must haves to pack that will fit in the panniers
3. Best way to wash clothes overnight & types of quick dry clothes
4. Any other tips and recommendations
Looking forward to our trip! Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Doug from Bluffton on 08/26/2018 02:43 PM
Most of the B&Bs will either do a load of laundry for you or let you do one. I do.
Anonymous on 08/26/2018 04:59 PM
Waterproof panniers can be quite costly and not cost effective for a newbie short ride. Ziplock bags of various sizes work great to waterproof and organize items in panniers.
A tire repair kit with an inflator or pump and the knowledge to use them are must haves. Most other items are luxury on short rides.
Doug has good advice on laundry. Again though, most don't worry about laundry on short out and back rides.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/27/2018 05:30 AM
I love my Timbuk2 panniers, but best advice is to visit a local bike shop or outdoors-type store and look at all the options, get their advice, and have them show you how to mount the panniers.
I always carry:
- multiple spare tubes and air canisters
- energy gel
- basic first aid (motrin, neosporin, and bandaids)
- poncho for rain
- hot weather: extra quart-sized Nalgene bottle of water
- cold weather: gloves and ear wrap
- small power-storage device for cell phone charging
- sunscreen
- bug repellant
- couple large ziplock bags and trash bag
For clothing, synthetic material - as opposed to cotton - is better to wick away your sweat, so you don't feel like you have soggy clothes hanging on you all day.
Have a good trip - happy trails!
Allen from Shawnee on 08/27/2018 06:35 AM
I agree with Doug good waterproof panniers are expensive, one of the most popular are Ortleibs. A pretty good bargain pannier are Bike Nashbar waterproof panniers they can often be found on sale. Ray had good advice on fundamentals to carry. Usually people who are doing B & B’s just use two rear panniers. If you are involved in the biking community perhaps someone you know has a set of panniers to loan you, this and waterproofing items inside works well as has been mentioned. I did this for years before buying waterproofs.
One item I find useful are handiwipes.
Have a good trip
Allen
Gary B from Blue Springs, MO on 08/27/2018 08:28 AM
My wife and I road the Rock Island from Pleasant Hill to Windsor,then the Katy to/from Clinton one day and Sedalia another day in June this year. I bought us these paniers from Amazon and they were very roomy and worked out great.
Panniers: http://a.co/d/f2Dfqbz
Rack: http://a.co/d/8C4j0qs
--GaryB
Advice on travel to Columbia from Pleasant Hill
- + I am new to bike riding and have been doing this for 6 mos I am interested in riding my Giant 3 Escape to Columbia in 1 day leaving early in the AM. Whats you guys thoughts on that
Discussion started 08/22/2018 04:54 PM by Marko - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 08/26/2018 04:16 PM)Marko from Independence on 08/22/2018 04:54 PM
I am new to bike riding and have been doing this for 6 mos I am interested in riding my Giant 3 Escape to Columbia in 1 day leaving early in the AM. Whats you guys thoughts on that
Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 08/22/2018 06:51 PM
That's about 90 miles of trails plus any miles that you need to reach your destination inside of Columbia. That will be quite an effort especially if you've only been riding 6 month. 90+ miles on the Katy trail takes more effort than a 100 mile ride on relatively flat roads.
I suggest that you build up to that distance by doing longer and longer rides. What's your longest ride so far?
Jim from St thomas on 08/23/2018 12:16 PM
I say go for it. You’re probably going to feel like crap at the end but that fades and is replaced by the “that wasn’t so bad” memory. After a couple of weeks and several adult beverages you’ll be planning your “whole trail in 2 days” ride.
Good luck on your adventure!
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 08/23/2018 06:48 PM
One should always have a plan B just in case un-foreseen problems occur.
Anonymous on 08/26/2018 04:16 PM
I agree with Jerry, build up to it. I always figure on a ride, I can usually double what is my normal local riding.
Labor Day weekend
- + Anyone riding the RIT from Pleasant Hill to Windsor over Labor Day weekend? I tried to reserve one of Kims Cabins but she was booked for Saturday, guessing other riders beat me to it. My daughter and ...
Discussion started 08/09/2018 04:21 PM by Josh - 2 replies (last reply by MB at 08/26/2018 01:19 AM)Josh from Raymore on 08/09/2018 04:21 PM
Anyone riding the RIT from Pleasant Hill to Windsor over Labor Day weekend? I tried to reserve one of Kims Cabins but she was booked for Saturday, guessing other riders beat me to it. My daughter and I will be on the trail Saturday and staying in Windsor. Hope to see some others on the trail along the way!!
MB from Lees Summit on 08/26/2018 01:17 AM
You probably already know this, but there is no water along the RIT from P Hill to Chilhowee, roughly 28 miles or so. Plan accordingly. There is a little store in Chilhowee where you can get something to drink. After that, Leeton and Windsor, so no problem with hydration from Chilhowee to Windsor, but that leg from Chil to P Hill is a desert.
You might inquire what the Chilhowee Corner Store's hours are on the holiday weekend, just so you know ahead of time.
By the way, I was in Leeton the other day and the restrooms were open, but the water fountains were taped off and unavailable due to a boil order in Leeton. Not sure what the status is currently with water out there, but that was only a few days ago that I rode through.
MB from Lees Summit on 08/26/2018 01:19 AM
Forgot to mention, the bathroom is open at Medford, but no water. Nice pit toilet facility, though.
Plants along the trail
- + Any idea what type of plants grow along the trail that look similar to short bamboo? They are anywhere from one to three feet tall, have no leaves from what I can see, are dark green, and have segment...
Discussion started 08/23/2018 09:57 PM by John B - 5 replies (last reply by Jerry Whittle at 08/25/2018 09:54 AM)John B from Saint Louis on 08/23/2018 09:57 PM
Any idea what type of plants grow along the trail that look similar to short bamboo? They are anywhere from one to three feet tall, have no leaves from what I can see, are dark green, and have segments on the stalks similar to bamboo.
Jim from St thomas on 08/23/2018 10:55 PM
Horsetail Rush
OCtandem from OC, CA on 08/23/2018 11:00 PM
While riding the trail the first week of June we found ripe mulberries growing on trees all along the trail. We were glad someone pointed them out to us since we'd never seen them before. Very tasty!
John B from Saint Louis on 08/24/2018 07:06 AM
Thanks Jim, St Thomas !
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 08/24/2018 07:51 AM
As Jim said, they are Horsetail, or Scour Rush. They were supposedly named scour rush by the Native Americans because their tough fibers were helpful in cleaning pottery (according to a Mo Dept Nat'l Resources during a tram tour).
Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 08/25/2018 09:54 AM
Great question and answers. I'd been wondering about it myself.
The Augusta Brew Haus right off the trail does have some bamboo growing in the patio area. Much larger.
Kirkwood Amtrak to Katy Trail Directions
- + From reading the posts and the comments, I have come up with two routes. Anybody care to chime in on pluses/minuses of either -
Route 1
Route 2
Perhaps a combination of the two? Thanks in advan...
Discussion started 08/25/2009 02:02 PM by John - 3 replies (last reply by shaune Campbell at 08/23/2018 08:18 PM)John from Prarie Village, Ks on 08/25/2009 02:02 PM
From reading the posts and the comments, I have come up with two routes. Anybody care to chime in on pluses/minuses of either -
Route 1
Route 2
Perhaps a combination of the two? Thanks in advance! Will be arriving Thursday.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/31/2009 03:13 PM
Webmaster note: The long URLs in this comment were causing scrolling problems, so I replaced the URLs with links (thanks clguess)
kim from independence, mo on 08/31/2009 09:30 PM
Thanks Ray, I couldn't figure out why they were so stinking wide. I thought it was my browser.
shaune Campbell from Parker on 08/23/2018 08:18 PM
Try this from Page extension bike lot to the Hampton inn in Kirkwood MO its 1.5 bike ride from hotel to kirkwood depot 08/2018
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Page+Extension+Bike+lot,+Creve+Coeur+Park+Connector,+St+Charles,+MO+63303/1580+South+Kirkwood+Road,+St.+Louis,+MO/@38.6486409,-90.5354586,12z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m19!4m18!1m10!1m1!1s0x87df2eab634387b3:0x2152ff7210a414b2!2m2!1d-90.524066!2d38.7406109!3m4!1m2!1d-90.4945165!2d38.694817!3s0x87df2c576d13ab6d:0x66e658982fbdd354!1m5!1m1!1s0x87d8ce8f0d6692e5:0xf31bfebb3b918e6!2m2!1d-90.4062597!2d38.5564448!3e1!5m1!1e3?hl=en
The Station House at Katfish Katy's in Huntsdale
- + I have not had the chance to stop there yet, but will do so in a couple of weeks. A timely article on Station House:https://www.columbiamissourian.com/special_section/welcome_back/try-catfish-burgers-...
Discussion started 08/23/2018 09:02 AM by BikerBoy - 0 repliesBikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 08/23/2018 09:02 AM
I have not had the chance to stop there yet, but will do so in a couple of weeks. A timely article on Station House:
https://www.columbiamissourian.com/special_section/welcome_back/try-catfish-burgers-and-live-music-at-the-station-house/article_2ccb3d24-99e6-11e8-adff-bff9c6084a9d.html
Champion Bicycles in Sedalia
- + My husband ended up with a flat about 2.75 miles outside of Sedalia. We turned back around and stopped in for help. The guys working that day could not have been nicer and more helpful. It's so awesom...
Discussion started 08/22/2018 05:45 PM by Nicole & Dave - 0 repliesNicole & Dave from Dardenne Prairie, MO on 08/22/2018 05:45 PM
My husband ended up with a flat about 2.75 miles outside of Sedalia. We turned back around and stopped in for help. The guys working that day could not have been nicer and more helpful. It's so awesome to meet other folks that love biking and the Katy as much as we do. We bought a new tube, picked up some extra water bottles and headed back out. We were traveling through as part of our full Katy Trip (Aug. 18, 2018).