Katy Trail Forum

The trail is hard to pick up from town, the depot is great. If you do have come from town to the trail beware the folks of Sedalia don't give much leeway -- this was the only town I had this problem in -- nearly run over 3 times. I wasn't looking forward to this leg of the trail, just b/c I've been through Sedalia a thousand times on the way to the lake and back and it always seemed pretty bleak, but much to my surprise the trail was beautiful with trees and creeks.

Tammi, it appears you are hiking correct? The trail through Sedalia has many road crossings but it is pretty simple to find on a bike since it has many arrows on the road. The motorists at crossings are pretty common so if you haven't hiked or biked much (I'm guessing from your numerous posts on this forum) you need to be more aware of your surroundings. Just
a word of advice.

My Girlfriend and I biked into Sedalia a couple of weeks ago. I would agree it is a little confusing. And to the person above, we were very aware of our surrounds, we had to be incase we had to dodge bullets. We live in downtown Saint Louis and were very frightened by the area that the trail tooks us through when we got to Sedalia. It did not help that while waiting for our train in the morning an officer was talking to us about how she has no idea why they make the Katy trail go through what is by far thier most high crime area.

Jeff, I respectfully disagree. Going north/east through the neighborhood that you take to get back to the rail trail from the Sedalia depot I have never felt threatened. The area might be old, but that does not make it unsafe.

I've ridden several times from the depot north/east and didn't have any trouble following the markings. The thought of being frightened or feeling like I may need to dodge bullets never entered my mind. Maybe I was too busy enjoying the ride to realize I was in danger. And you live in downtown St. Louis?

I have friends in St. Louis who get "scared" when traveling to rural areas. On the flip side, I'm a rural guy and when I go to St. Louis yes, there are times / places I don't feel comfortable, and my St. Louis friends would think I'm crazy. Fish out of water...

Sedalia is fine. Scott Joplin invented ragtime there.

Hummmmm.......high crime area in Sedalia vs. high crime area in St. Louis. Dwell on that a bit.

Some day there will be a Katy Trail spur that goes to Kansas City. If that spur goes through the Bannister Mall/Swope Park area, we can compare and contrast KC to StL, but until then, I'll take my chances in Sedalia.

Barney probably thought there was high crime in Mayberry too. Had to deal with Otis every day ya know.

I think it all comes down to what you're used to. We love riding to Cooper's Landing for some Thai food and a few beers but I've seen posts here that portray it like something right out of the movie Deliverance. That's the great thing about the Katy. There is something that for everybody's comfort level.

Wow. You guys are a bit harsh. I highly doubt Jeff was comparing Sedalia to east STL. Just making a point, and I agree with him. I have felt very uncomfortable riding through that part of Sedalia many times. And no it's not because it's old. That's just silly. It is a very sketchy area. The fact that a police officer confirmed that it has the highest crime rate I think is proof. Not only that, but I have also heard Sedalia has petitioned to make the trail go around that point in town. I'm not trying to discourage riding through Sedalia by any means. I just wish I had a heads up before the first time I rode through Sedalia.

Yes Trek I do live in downtown Saint Louis and I have no doubt that you were too far into your own world to notice any danger in Sedalia as you seem to be there for most post on here, perhaps that's why you come off as such a jerk on here. I did not literally mean I thought I was going to have to duck bullets. Though as the person above me mentioned, I little heads up would have went a long way. It is a very run down area with an extremely rough looking crowd that seemed to stare at us with a pretty serious/ intimidating look till were out of their site.

So Trek did not have the problems you did, he is capable of using the English language properly and he disagreed with you. How does that make him a jerk? Maybe Ray will pull these last few comments as they don't seem to have any benefit to others.

I agree the markings getting you through Sedalia are not the best. But, it's a trail and adventure, sure you may make a wrong turn and be a block off until getting back on track, so what, enjoy the adventure. The trail goes through a poorer section of town, so what.
I am with Trek, he is a straight shooting guy who always has a well thought out reply.

Thanks Billy...but this one is not a well thought out reply. It will only solidify that I am a jerk, but there a few loose ends here. I am not under duress and am exercising my own freewill at this moment.

There was a study done years ago that was referred to as The Harvard Study. In a nutshell, it stated that people gave you what you expected from them. Jeff has no doubt that being too far in my own world to notice danger in Sedalia is perhaps why I come off as a jerk here. Not just a jerk...but one with a matter of degree...such a jerk. Or something like that. It got kind of confusing there how my own world, danger in Sedalia, as I seem to be there for most posts on here, correlates to being a jerk of any degree. But oh well. I'm guessing later he'll say he didn't mean all that literally anyway.

Because you failed to bring enough gum for everyone Jeff, I'll help you out.

ArkyKenny...for not noticing danger in Sedalia, here is your gum. You are a jerk. For respectfully disagreeing with Jeff, I take that back. You get no gum. You are not a jerk. Spot on Jeff...you got a good read on Arky.

Jim, St Thomas...for not noticing danger at Cooper's Landing and then lowering your guard with alcohol while you're there….unbelievable! Take the whole pack. You deserve it. You are such a jerk.

Jeff...stay away from Cooper's Landing. It is not for you. If you want some gum, hook up with Jim.

Jim, St Thomas...I did not mean that literally. My most sincere apologies to you. You are not a jerk...pretty brave though getting drunk and all hopped up on Thai food at Cooper's Landing! Sorry if you thought you were getting gum.

Jeff...I did mean what I told you. A little heads up...it's probably best to just stay away from Cooper's Landing. It is not for you. And no one really got gum.

I have been to coopers landing, am actually a fan of coopers landing. Not a clue how you think that compares to Sedalia.

If you needed a little heads up about places along the trail so you could avoid those that might make you feel uncomfortable, you would probably find more reasons to question Cooper's Landing than the short strech through Sedalia.

Thats an observation made based on years of reading this forum. Jim referenced that when he said about Cooper's Landing "but I've seen posts here that portray it like something right out of the movie Deliverance."

All the hippie chicks with multiple piercings, dreadlocks, and batons that are on fire make me a little uncomfortable at Pedaler's Jamboree on Labor Day weekend in Booneville. Beware! Some people may also need a "Heads up."

I have also found that if you stay in the middle of the crowd in front of the stage, you don't have to be that close to them.

I just thought that I'd throw that little pearl out there for anyone, who like me, is afraid of THOSE KIND OF PEOPLE......

Both Sedalia and Coopers Landing have too many 47 percenters for me.

I always find myself a little jumpy whilst rolling through Treloar.

Holy jumpin trek, you're right. I'm stupid. You're smart. I was wrong. You were right. You're the best. I'm the worst. You're very good looking. I'm not very attractive.

I like these lively posts especially by the "fathers of the trail". I have an idea for Ray. Assign an increasing amount of Barney bullets (maximum 4 bullets) depending on the danger, to each town along the trail. So what do you think? 2 or 3 bullets for Sedalia?

Trek,
Think they did shoot deliverance at Coopers landing. Pretty sure they got the cast from Deon's bar and grill. Got to love the characters hanging around both places.

You all know that Ray gets a big kick out of this type of banter, come on Ray admit it...

I like the bullet idea. I say 4 for Sedalia, 2 for Pilot Grove. It will all even out though, there are towns like Augusta and Rocheport that are around negative 2 bullets

I think the reason this thread caught fire is that I took issue with some people who spouted off about how "unsafe" an area is, when they don't know what they are talking about. I'm sure there are bad folks on the Katy, but so far, I have not crossed their path.

One of the best times I had on the trail was at a bar (that will go unnamed here) with a group of people I would not normally hang out with. The bar was full and some people at a table saw me, a weary rider, who needed a seat. At their table were 4 or 5 drunk farmers (3 of whom had pistols), an old lady with a cochlear implant, a woman with 2 small kids running around, and another guy who was either real quite, or deaf. They were taking shots of homemade pumpkin wine with PGA added to it (that they brought with them). I passed on the wine, but we had a great time!

That is not my typical crowd, but I was safer there than any number of other places. I have had numerous other similar experiences on the Katy. I've never been shown anything but gracious accommodation from lots of people, many of whom very different from me.

So it bothers me when someone assumes the worst about people because they live in a poor, older neighborhood.

It bothers me when a JERK like Trek promises someone a whole pack of gum and then backs out of the deal.

Yes absolutely, what ArkyKenny said! Been through Sedalia many times on the trail, and never had any reason to consider that someone may do me harm. I'm way more concerned with cars and trucks coming at all angles because of the way the trail goes through town. Being concerned about bullets flying,,, I think not. But hey, be safe, feel safe, what ever it takes for ya!

Did someone say something about hippie chicks with flaming batons? Oooh, not with you on that one ArkyKenny, I may have to come down off the hill next year at the Pedaler's Jamboree. A little risk probably won't hurt!

Did some website checking about violent crimes in MO for 2012. Some towns along the trail show amounts based on population. Sedalia - 21k pop. - 101, St. Charles - 66k - 105, Columbia - 100k - 476, Jeff City - 43k - 261, Hermann - 2k - 2, Washington - 14k - 19, Boonville - 8k - 26, Clinton - 9k - 47. I included StL City - 350k - 5664 and StL County - 300k - 1005.

Yes, these kinds of threads sometimes push the envelope a bit. We're a friendly crowd here and usually keep things pretty civil even when disagreeing, unlike the trash-talking that you see regularly on most web forums. Obviously this topic struck a nerve with a lot of folks, and lively discussions are fun if we can all avoid taking things too seriously.

As for the east side of Sedalia, yeah I've had a few unfriendly stares from people hanging out on their front porch smoking as I rode by. But personally, I have always felt more threatened by the cars than by the people on foot. Sure there could be opportunity for crime, but I have never heard of anything like that happening to Katy Trail travelers in that area.

This forum is a highly unscientific sample, but we get a lot more "danger" stories about threatening dogs in rural areas and crazy drivers, as opposed to shady people on foot.

This would probably be a good time to thank Ray again for his skills moderating this site. It can get a little contentious from time to time but, as a rule, it's a lot more civilized than most of the interweb. Thanks again Ray for all of your time and effort.

You're right Ray. My biggest "scare" ever on the Katy was a dog. Came out of nowhere in the middle of the woods and I found out how fast I really could pedal (once in the past 10 years). Have never felt threatened by anyone of the human sort. So far the "Play nice, mind my manners and don't make waves" way of thinking has done me well.

My biggest scare on the Katy was when a running deer jumped from the brush and landed about two feet in front of me and then slid on her side across and to the other side of the trail. Came out of nowhere in the middle of nowhere. I found out how fast I too could slide with the brakes locked up.

For those of you who have been stared at, how do you know that someone is staring at you? Don't you have to be looking at them at the same time to know that they are still looking at you? Do those folks in Sedalia wonder why some bike riders stare at them while they ride past?

Trek,
I know what your talking about. Shot, I just wave and say "Howdy" figuring that their glasses prescriptions are out of date and they can't afford or have been unable to get new ones. I always feel safe on the Katy Trail.

I guess my biggest danger on the Katy trail would be almost ascidently running over a copperhead a few times near Klondike Park. Anyone else ever see them basking in the middle of the trail?

I do a 100k ride through many Chicago neighborhoods in late August early on a Sunday morning, Four Star Ride. I have that same feeling sometime but the staring is more at rest stops by the people of many colors who think I'm stupid crazy with tights on riding a bike in their towns at 6AM on a Sunday morning. It may be the same circumstances in the Sedalia neighborhoods.

MAYBE Jeff and his girlfriend are just really good looking. I have a problem with people staring at me all the time: Especially when I'm wearing my bike shorts.

OK.........Not really.

Perhaps. The gf really carried the team there though

Beautiful, comfy, classy! Great FOOD & HUGE hot tub.

We stopped for lunch during a 50 mile ride. This has a small town bar atmosphere and menu. The food was good and the beer was ice cold. The service was great and the folks were friendly and just plain fun to be around. We'll definitely be back next time we pass by.

I agree. We passed Pilot Grove on a Saturday afternoon around 2:30 initially planning on going to Becky's Burgers but it was closed. Pilot Grove seems like a ghost town but we went into Deons and it was great, everyone was super friendly and the food was good bar food.

This fall a group of us rode the St. Charles to Augusta section of the trail. We stayed at Acorn
Ridge B&B and were very impressed. It was less than a mile from the trail which they offered to shuttle us. It was beautiful,great food, excellent host and hostess! Hot tub was nice added bonus! Definitely recommend and will go back!

Brought my group of 16 today and service and food were fantastic! So many groups and all served on time and tasted great!

Huh?

You're welcome

Just reading this post and wondering where it was located?

How did you like that pie, freshly made that day.

Sounds wonderful. Too bad the rest of us still don't know what/where you're talking about....

It has to be the Hooibrink family and the Claysville Store just
east of Hartsburg. The best family and food on the Katy Trail.

I've ridden the trail end to end both in the late march and early nov and was wondering which time of the year for others is the best time? I was lucky with little rain and not too cold temps. They both have their advantages (flora and fauna) and disadvantages (one being little services open). What do you think?

Fall is best for me, mainly because of my allergies to all the spring allergens. I do like the spring and summer, but both of those have negatives, either allergies or too hot to ride. I have only rode end to end one time, but plan on doing it again, but it might have to be in the early spring before all the allergens are in the air. Rain can be a factor, but not one to stop me!

We want to get on the trail at Rocheport and ride for about one hour and return. What direction should we go and what kind of condition is the trail in after this recent rain?

West through the tunnel and then back east along the bluffs. As long as it is not raining the trail is usually in good condition.

I agree. Ride the short distance west to see the tunnel...then head east for as far as you like. The river on one side, the tall bluffs on the other. Love it!

Thank you

There is a tree down between Calhoun and Windsor blocking the trail at around mile marker 251. You can get around but need to push your bike.

Does anyone know when the restrooms close on the trail?

November 1 to April 1

Because of the pleasant weather this weekend, the restrooms will be kept open until Monday, Nov. 4. After Monday, the water will be turned off and flush restrooms closed for the winter.

Stayed here last Saturday while in town for a wedding. Natasha and Mike were extremely hospitable and graciously checked us in earlier than normal. Their B&B was very nice and enjoyed a great breakfast while talking to a couple that was riding the entire trail on their way to Clinton. Would definitely recommend this to both Katy Trail riders and weekenders visiting the wineries.

Our family of four is planning to bike the whole trail this summer. We have 10 days. Can anyone recommend stops on the trail that are most worth an extra overnight? We love stuff like hiking, fishing (if there are rentals), or other outdoor family activities.

Eagle Bluff Overlook just west of Coopers Landing (Easley) is a nice steep hike up the bluff with a great view of the trail and river bottoms below.

Klondike Park near Augusta. Excellent developed park with a fishing lake, hiking trails, full camping facilities, etc. Immediately adjacent to the trail.

Also, Creve Couer Lake park near St. Charles. Very large lake with non-motorized boating, (sailboating, wakeboarding, canoeing etc. with rentals available). I don't think they allow camping / overnight uses but excellent day trip spot. About 2.5 miles from the Katy via separate bike lane on Page Avenue bridge.

Enjoy.

We stayed at the Brick Inn B&B on the night of October 20, 2013. Art picked us up on the other side of the river as the bridge is not safe for bike travel. He was waiting for us with cold water and a banana when we arrived at the Dutzow trail head. He gave us a tour of the town before arriving at the B&B and recommended several good restaurants. The room was very comfortable and it was also very quiet--made for a good night's sleep after our final day on the Katy Trail. The breakfast was spectacular--very attractively served and delicious. We were taking the AMTRAK back to our starting point of Sedalia and Art offered to transport our bikes the short distance to the train station, but we decided to ride since it was a short down-hill ride to the station. We would highly recommend this B&B to anyone riding the Katy Trail.

We had breakfast here after our night's stay at the Frederick Hotel right across the street. The breakfast was really great and the service was excellent. It is right on the trail at the base of the bridge so is very convenient. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone riding the Katy Trail at Boonville.

We stayed at the Hotel Frederick the evening of October 16, 2013. This classic hotel has been extremely well restored and was a pleasurable place to stay the first night of our Katy Trail ride. The room was very comfortable. The hotel is conveniently located to the trail and they had a secure place in the basement to lock up our bikes overnight. We would definitely recommend this hotel as a place to stay for anyone riding on the Katy Trail.

We stayed at the Hartsburg Inn the night of October 17, 2013. The Inn is just off the Katy Trail and was a welcome sight after our ride from Boonville. Cath was very friendly and suggested dinner at the Hartsburg Grand which was great. The room was very comfortable with a nice bathroom and very quiet. We would recommend this as an overnight stay for anyone riding the Katy Trail.

We ate dinner at this restaurant after our bike ride from Boonville on the Katy Trail. This restaurant was recommended to us by Cath at the Hartsburg Inn where we stayed overnight. The service was excellent and the food was attractively served and tasted great. Food was much like what we would expect to find in the San Francisco Bay area. We would highly recommend this restaurant to Katy Trail riders or anyone in the area.

We stayed at Maxine's Rooms for rent on October 15, 2013. This was a real treat. Maxine and Pete were very friendly and helpful with all our questions about the Sedalia area and how to get to the trail from their place. Pete took us for a ride in the horse pulled wagon which we really enjoyed. They allowed us to leave our truck at their place for the 5 days we were on the trail to Washington and back to Sedalia on AMTRAK. Breakfast was also very satisfactory. For any Katy Trail riders wanting an overnight stay in the Sedalia area we would definitely recommend Maxine's Rooms for Rent.

Is this a safe place to park?

yes

Icing on the cake. This was the last place we stayed. Rooms were awesome! Service was awesome and made us feel very welcome. Large hot tub to relax in. This was the best place we stayed. I highly recommend the King Suite!!!!

We enjoyed our stay. Plenty warm. Roomier that we thought they would be. Service was good.

Our room was wonderful with an awesome bathtub. Hotel was very nice. Service at the desk was great! Food in restaurant was good. Service in restaurant was very slow. Had a good visit though.

This hotel was very neat and well restored. Great jetted bath tub in the Queen Suite, nice breakfast, great common areas, good restaurant. We only had one hiccup. One of the service staff (Lynn at front desk) handled guest needs poorly. We asked to get our bikes out of a locked storage in basement. She acted like we were putting her out. She grabbed the keys, sighed, and waited impatiently while we got our bikes. It wasn't like she was busy at that time, it just appeared to be a huge bother for her to help us. Then another person in our party bought several items from gift shop area. When the guest asked for a bag to put her items in, Lynn refused saying "I don't have a bag. Then the guest asked for something to wrap her 5 items. Lynn gave her one piece of paper to wrap them in, the guest asked "Can I have more wrapping paper, Lynn said no. The guest said "I don't want to purchase the items then". Then Lynn gave her additional wrapping paper. Once again, Lynn wasn't busy, she just didn't seem to want to be helpful at all.

Jeanette provided a wonderful place to stay. The B&B was a step right out of the late 1800's. She provided our large group with breakfast, laundry facilities, conversation and a welcome feeling. Great place to stay.

Our 30 person group stepped into Doug's life this October. Doug had never had a group that large but that didn't stop him. We arrived to a cheerful welcome, warm place to sleep, a dinner for all of us with multiple meats, vegetables, starches, hot coffee etc. He then tantalized us with casseroles, and quiches the next morning. The conversation was wonderful as well. I would recommend this to any cyclist looking for a stay!

This place was perfect. Sleeps 6, laundry facilities, etc. There was a baked pastry for breakfast, fruit, milk, juice. It was just like stepping back into your Grandma's house!

We enjoyed our stay at Boone's Lick Inn. Private parking was nice. Rooms were well appointed. Breakfast was good and the service was great! Trailshead Brewery across the street. Good place to eat.

This is a great place to stay while visiting Rocheport. Breakfast is also a treat! This is the best B&B we have had the pleasure to experience.

My two friends and I loved the dormitory. We were in town for Mizzou Homecoming, and found the accommodations very comfortable, clean and economical. We also enjoyed the free food and drink in the refrigerator!

Hello all...late start on cross country ride and finally landing here in Windsor to start the KT. Not sure about the rain predictions...any advice? Would also love to have some friends to ride with. Try me on amkaner@gmail.com Best way.

About a week ago, I had the great pleasure of staying at the b&b in Bluffton known as Rendleman Home. I showed up without a reservation but was quickly greeted and, fortunately, given an available accommodation in a mobile home on the property. Doug, the host, made sure heaters were working properly and enough bedding was provided for a cozy place to sleep. Soon, 4 cyclists from Minnesota arrived (having booked in advance) and we were all given a very hearty meal, starting witg homemade chicken and rice soup and several courses followed. Doug gathered all the laundry worn by us cyclists as well as towels used after showers and had it all clean and ready to go in the morning. Conversation carried on late into the evening as we all felt at ease in one another's company in this most welcoming of homes with our hospitable host. I recommend this B&B most highly. You won't be disappointed.

Stayed in Hartsburg Thursday night and had dinner at the Grand. The food was truly amazing and the sweetest family runs the restaurant. Please support this business, you will not be disappointed!

What I find so appealing about Hartsburg is you can find good food, lodging and be back on the trail in less than a minute. If your goal is to put in the miles and sight seeing is secondary the town can't be beat for a nights stay.

Stayed at the caboose Thursday night, had a great time visiting Hartsbur. Bill is a wonderful host. Had dinner at the Hartsburg Grand, which was amazing, then had a fun evening with the locals at the Hitchin Post. Friday morning had breakfast at Dotty's. Thanks for a great trip, can't wait to visit again.

Make sure and enjoy one or more of Joey's meals. Best food in the area! Cyclist this is a destination B&B, the highlight of the trip.

How are the colors on the trail? Looking to ride before winter sets in. Thanks.

Was along I-70 this past week and saw some pretty color in the woods along the highway. Havn't been on the Katy though...hoping for this weekend and to also see some pretty colors.

Just finished boonville to hartsburg today. It was beautiful!

Anyone know if the Thai Kitchen will be open at Coopers this Sunday, the 27th. Looked at Cooper's site and it said she was reopening June 22nd, but not sure if that mean's she is still open now that October is here. Thanks!