Katy Trail Forum

Riding Columbia to St Charles starting June 16 averaging 35 to 40 daily. Any suggestions on eateries and photo ops? Thanks for any input>

There are alot of photo ops and points of interersts between Columbia and St Charles. But there is also one to the west of Columbia that I think is one of the most iconic ones of them all and thats the Big Burr Oak Tree (Biggest in Country, over 350 years old) and if you get off the Katy and go over the bridge to Jefferson City, you can get a nice photo of the State Capital (but if the bushes and trees have not blocked the view there are a few places on the trail for a pic of that too. And you have to stop off in Hermann, which is a few miles off the Katy Trail, but a very nice area for pics, food and drink, etc. There is also a Big Bock somewhere east of there? Someone will say where I am sure! But really all along the way are great sites and worthy of photographing.
Hope you enjoy your ride. Also, know that during the week of 15-20 the DNR Bike Ride on Katy is going on and at some point you might ride pass over 350 riders, going the opposite direction.

You will hit the 350 crowd going west on Jun 17 between Jeff City and Hermann (if you make it to Jeff City the first day). Be careful many first timers on the KT ride who may not be paying attention. It's the "ah" effect.

My son and I camped here on our bike trip from Jefferson City to Hermann. We were very happy with our stay. The owners were very nice and the place was very clean and well maintained. Highly recommended.

HEADS UP!!! 3-4" deep loose rock just before the ball diamond or at least there was memorial day weekend. This is like quicksand and will swallow a bike whole. You've been warned.

We wanted to let you know of a temporary closure on the Katy Trail in the St. Charles area. The trail will be closed for surface repairs between mile markers 34 and 35 from Monday, June 2 through Thursday, June 5. Dump trucks and other heavy equipment will be on the trail while repairs are being made, so users will need to avoid this area. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Talked to the couple that is opening the bar across from the Turner Shelter......they plan to open next week. They both still work so initially they will only be open in the evenings during the week but should be open during the day on the weekends. Should have typical bar food during the week ( burgers, pizza etc.)with specials on the weekend. Also, the Katy Trail Shoppe should be opening soon. If you're staying at the shelter and want a little more luxury, they will provide a comfort box for $10. It includes an egg-foam mattress pad, top and bottom sheets, a pillow with case, bath towel and wash cloth, bar of soap, disposable razor shampoo and a toothbrush. They can also provide food for a cost. You can call Emily for more information at (573) 295-4200 or leave a message on their answering machine at (573) 295-4850.

Good for you Tebbetts, that will get the snooties near Columbia and Rocheport to ride further east to the promise land just like Lewis and Clark.

And we all know that Lewis and Clark were very well known snooties whos adventures led them eastward.

Ha! The joke is on St. Louis, they have the Arch turned backwards!! Let's not tell them.

Thanks for the info Jim!

What are we talking about here now? That's right, this fine new establishment in Tebbets. Right OK then. I liked Lewis and Martin better.

I sure do wish Tebbets had more options for overnight accommodations.

I'll grant you that the Turner Shelter is far from luxurious but at $5 for a bed, a shower, and genuine flush toilets its hard to beat the price. :-)

Enjoyed my first trip to the Mokane Bar this past weekend, which got me thinking of my favorite Katy Trail bars. Here are my Top 10, in reverse order:

10. Treloar--A little more ambiance might move this up a notch. Still good food and friendly service and a must-stop amid the Katy Trail "desert."
9. Dutzow Deli--Love this place, especially on a weekday afternoon when it still seems to keep busy. Good food and porcelain plates and cold beer. A place to relax on the porch. Probably underrated.
8. Cooper's Landing--Tops the list for strangeness, which I mean in a good way. Love the canned beer selection. Always a must stop.
7. Hotel Frederick bar--We had some high-end green martinis here once, which I forget the name of but which were excellent. More pricy than usual but the deck is very nice. The trail literally dumps you right there.
6. Les Bourgeoise--Not really a bar and not exactly trail-side, but still, trek up the bluff and have some Riverboat Red and enjoy the views. Too bad the big bridge is there. Great wine and the view more than worth the lug up. Friendly folks serving it up. Crowded on the weekends.
5. Deon's in Pilot Grove--I loved this place the only time I was there, which was a weekday afternoon where we had fried pickles and conversed with the locals, one of them a finely dressed man drinking straight Amaretto. We had a Busch beer instead. After talking to Mr. Amaretto we decided to have two.
4. Augusta Brewery--This used to be my number one but has fallen a bit due to sometimes shaky service. No worries though. The beer is excellent (best beer on the Katy I say) and the food is good when they're not too busy. Comfortable fun place.
3. Mokane Bar--Downside: It's dark and maybe smoky. Upside: It's dark and maybe smoky. Only been there once but the food was great, the hospitality was "country" and the beer was good and cold. Lookin forward to goin back. Will be a must stop going forward.
2. Defiance.

2. Defiance. Not Terry and Kathy's but the other one, the Roadhouse. Probably my favorite but for sentimental reasons. Excellent food, good beer selection, but the crowd is what does it. Bikers, bicyclists, and half and whole drunk winery stragglers. Usually a bachelorette party or two. Did I mention the good food and drink? And the fact that the Katy is just right across the street? Maybe the best stop going.
1. Portland--I think Portland will always be my number one, been going there for years. It's always open, or at least seems to be. Many many Katy stops come and go, but the Portland bar just keeps chugging along. Stag beer is a must. Excellent jukebox. The food is excellent what you'd expect to find beside Stag and a country jukebox. Yes, the look at you funny, even though they've seen bikers there for years. Drink a Stag or three and then head east on the trail and enjoy some of the prettiest three miles the Katy has to offer. Love love love the Portland bar.

Love Stag Beer. Been drinking it since I was two and that was a long long time ago. In Saint Charles my Dad would drink Griesedieck beer in a bar every Sunday after church, then head back home to Cottleville for Mom's cooking and a nap.

I would like to bike ride the entire Katy Trail one-way. I have been debating the decision to reserve motel rooms in advance or just play it by ear. I would love to hear what others have done.

If you chose "play it by ear" Put the chamber of commerce phone numbers of the bigger cities, Boonville, Jeff city, Hermann, St Charles in your phone, they will find you a room or give you good advice if rooms are scarce.

It depends on how adventurous you are. I like having my hammock and tarp with me, then deciding whether or not I use them. But I'm ok with "winging it": In fact, I think that improvising on the trail is part of the fun. The fact that I have ridden Katy a few times also makes it easier for me to improvise. Sometimes, it has worked out really well, and sometimes I didn't sleep so well and got up and around earlier than I would have if I stayed in a warm bed...and I'll leave it at that. Most of the time when I end up camping, I knock on a door, ask the occupant if I can "Rent" a couple of trees and place to hang my hammock for the night, give them $10, and everyone is happy.

Stealth camping on the Katy is not cool: Don't do it.

Improvising would not work if my wife was with me. You will have to balance convenience and comfort with adventure and flexibility.

If you don't have a smart phone, I'd print off the lodging and camping options, then do what your comfort level allows.

A lot depends on when you're riding. Lodging on sections of the Katy can fill up quickly if some special event (like Octoberfest in Hermann) is happening when you ride. Like Arky says though, if you don't mind camping as an option you can play it by ear.

Thanks everyone!!!!

MU football games can fill up the motels, hotels, and B&B's from Columbia to Boonville too. We always opt for having a reservation and knowing where we're going to stop for the night. Why wonder and not know all day if or when you can stop for the night? That can be adventurous and stressful too when it's nearing dark and you've nowhere to go.

You can do as you like. Personally, I like to travel light and don't carry a tent or other sleeping arrangements so I ALWAYS have reservations. That way - I always know the goal for the day - don't have to worry about hurrying along to get to an overnight stop before "other folks" who might take a room before I get there. All I do is ride my bike...and when I get there, I get there. But that's just my preference.

Depending on where you want to overnight, some locations have VERY FEW options...and even in towns with more options...if there are ball games or festivals of any kind...the rooms are gone in a hurry.

Enjoy!

Are some area of the Katy asphalt or concrete? If so, where?

It is covered in crushed limestone, which packs hard and is suitable for running, hiking, or any kind of bike (though mountain bikes and hybrids might be more comfortable than road bikes). For runners, the surface absorbs impact well, and is much easier on runners' legs than cement or asphalt. The crushed limestone can be dusty; you and your bike will get dusty. For multi-day bike rides, you may want to bring along something to clean your chain.

Through town in Boonville part of the trail is cement. Through town in Sedalia part of the trail is on the city street which is asphalt.

Great advise above. Well said.

Mike & Natasha are wonderful hosts. The house is very comfortable. The Bedroom & Bathroom are larger than most B & B's we have stayed.

I highly recommend Acorn Ridge

Beware of a rut across the trail between Easley and Wilton, 17.3 miles west of Jeff City, where an adjoining driveway has washed out across the trail.

This has been fixed now

Was very impressed with the accommodations. Room was clean and everything was provided for our every need, including food and drink. Would make a great place to stay for 1-3 people.

Does anyone know if the ride for Jun 16-20 has filled up and registration is closed yet? I believe it is maximum 300 riders?

Ride is closed There is a waiting list. Cancelations etc. 350 riders now, no day riders.

If I live near the trail and during that week, I wanted to ride on the trail it isn't closed for people who didn't sign up? It just may be a little crowded around those towns, right?

You are correct. The trail will still be open to everyone. It may not seem too crowded if you are riding the same direction. Going against the flow will be a different story.

I have been on the trail the same week as the DNR ride. Going in the opposite direction their was a couple strings of riders for about 15 minutes, then we had the trial to ourselves again. A non-problem.

My teenage son is registered for the ride, but has broken his wrist and cannot participate. The organizers will not refund his fee, which surprises me if there is a waiting list of riders. Do people ever sell their registration to other riders under circumstances like these?

JM, I believe they should just like RAGBRAI but you probably should get permission first due to liability before selling it. I did it last year for the RAGBRAI 2 weeks before the ride. It's a good idea.

On September 5, 2014 in early afternoon after Amtrak arrives, looking for options of getting two riders with bicycles from Kirkwood Amtrak Station to St. Charles trailhead without having to bicycle there. Any suggestions?

Best bet would be to click on Trip Planner tab above and the select Shuttle. Call around to the shuttle services in the St. Charles/St. Louis area. Check with the Lococo House B&B in St. Charles.

Never having explored the Katy Trail before we decided to split into two parts. We spent two nights in St Charles and loved the historic downtown area. Bradden's is a WONDERFUL restaurant with a beautiful setting, very friendly staff, and EXCELLENT food. We rode the trail to Weldon Spring - beautiful scenery in that area. Visited Augusta on our way to Rocheport. In Rocheport we stayed at the Schoolhouse B&B. Highly recommend anyone stay at this B&B. Accommodations were outstanding and Mike and Lisa, the owners, were very hospitable. Completely beautiful inside and out. Every comfort has been carefully thought through and has been provided. We can't say enough good about this B&B and recommend it to anyone. The breakfast is first rate! We had nothing but a great experience in our two days in Rocheport. Road the trail to Booneville one day then toward McBaine the next. Beautiful scenery, especially toward McBaine. Whitehorse Gifts, Behind the Times, Stockton Mercantile, Richard Saunders, Inc...........great places with unique items. Very much worth stopping in. Enjoyed some live music at The General Store on Saturday night. Very nice service there; friendly staff. Make reservations at Abigail's - this is a hidden gem in this town. The food was fantastic! Enjoyed our first small experience with the trail!

Hi all. I just signed up for the Katy group ride in June (one month from now) and am so excited. I haven't ridden much in the last year and am green enough that a 16 mile ride to day pooped me out and made my butt sore.

I talked to some folks at the local bike shop and they said that I would be fine as long as I trained almost every day from now until the ride.

Has anyone on this forum had the experience from going from a slow 12 MPH rider to completing the trail in 5 days? Can you provide any tips on training in the next month to get me up to speed?

Thank you for your time!

If you're riding 12MPH average for 16 miles on flat roads, you will have no trouble getting ready for the Katy. It rides a little slower because of the crushed limestone, but it is very flat. The most important thing is time in the saddle. At 12MPH, your 16-mile ride would take 1 hour and 20 minutes. On the Katy you might average 10MPH, so you will need to work up to 5-6 hours a day on your seat.

The best thing you can do is just ride as long and as far as you can. Don't worry about speed, worry about endurance.
The KATY is flat, so you will be pedalling the entire way. No coasting! As long as you are ready for that, you'll be fine. Try commuting to work or taking evening rides, with some longer rides on the weekends. If you can do some back-to-back 30 mile days, you'll be fine for the KATY.

But- you also need to rest some. You don't want to get to your ride exhausted and blisters on your butt.

If you did 12 mph for 16 miles for your first ride you deserve to be pooped. Seat time is the most important thing. You can stop anytime you get tired during the ride and your legs etc. will recover. Unfortunately your butt keeps track of every minute you're in the saddle and it knows if you haven't put in the pre-ride time.

Once upon a time, when I first started doing longer rides, I was told that a person can ride about 3x as far as they train if they go a little slower than than they train, drink before they are thirsty, and eat before they are hungry. I have found those words of advice to be right on the money. If you can ride 20 miles, eat, and drink, I'd bet you are good to go.

As Jim and others have said, you need saddle time. Butt pain not muscle, is what stops most people. Try at least once a mile to stand up for a peddle stroke or two. It takes the pressure off your sit bones and gives the blood a chance to circulate.

Arky, I believe that is what Forrest said when he was runin?

Pseudio, I'd like another Dr. Pepper.....a chocolate..... Have a Nice Day. Boiled shrimp for dinner please.

Thank you all for the advice and encouragement! I feel much better about it now. I keep thinking that it might be a good idea to get a Brooks saddle and see if I can break it in in time. Some sites say that if you soak them, 200 miles will break them in. That may elevate the butt pain:)

I have 3 brooks b17 aged saddles. They are the same as the standard (I have one of those too, but I took a really long time to break in) but they come with raw softer leather. I like them a lot. About $100 on eBay. I broke mine in by wetting the tail section with water, then pounding the part where my sit bones come I contact with the seat with a rubber mallett to make a dimple. Got it wet again, then rode about 15 miles. After I rode it a few times, I sealed it with leather dye (not polish). Realize that a brooks is not a pad, it is a perch, or a hammock to sit on. Don't make it too taught with the nose nut, and repeatedly adjust the tilt of the saddle until it feels right (mine are all very close to level). Keep it dry, treat it with a leather coniditioner a couple times a year, and enjoy. I doubt I'll ever use anything else.

I rode Clinton to St Charles a couple of weeks ago on a Walmart Bell seat with a total of 10.6 training miles. Is that a glowing endorsement of cheap seats from Walmart? No, but it might be anecdotal evidence that you really don't need to have expensive equipment to ride the Katy.

Austin, here's a good bit of advice.. don't spend too much time at the bars during the ride or the sweepers will give you trouble.

'but it might be anecdotal evidence that you really don't need to have expensive equipment to ride the Katy.'

Right on to that, Jim. But I'm wondering if your success with the seat on your tour of the Katy may have had more to do with a conditioned posterior than the saddle it was on. I mean that is a long ride, congrats by the way, but if you had not already made the investment in saddle time it would have been pretty rough on any saddle at any price.

I don't ride as much as I use to, but a couple of years ago I could ride all day on the Katy if I wanted to, or most of the day for several continuous days. I was in reasonably good condition for riding. Here's my point with that, I could do that on my touring bike, saddle is a Brooks Flyer, but at the same time with my most comfortable saddle, a Cloud Nine that is on my hybrid 3.5 or 4 hours and I was done. I know from past experience, if I rode today it wouldn't matter what saddle or bike was used, my butt would be spent in 2.5 or 3 hours. Could spread it out over several more hours with beer breaks and fits of walking, but the max would probably be about 30 miles.

Sadly Darrel I wouldn't call my ride a success butt-wise. I did have only 10 miles in the saddle before the ride and I was a sore puppy the first two days. But I would have been in the same shape with a $100.00 saddle. I'm not knocking good equipment......it almost always pays to buy good stuff......but like you implied a high dollar saddle isn't going to make up for seat time.