Hotel Bothwell (Sedalia)
- + Our stay at the Bothwell hotel was great. We had 4 seperate rooms and each one was different. The staff was so helpful and fun. Be sure to check your computers on your bikes after there stay in the ba...
Discussion started 12/06/2009 11:22 AM by Mary - 12 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/18/2013 02:43 PM)Mary from Wheatland Mo. on 12/06/2009 11:22 AM
Our stay at the Bothwell hotel was great. We had 4 seperate rooms and each one was different. The staff was so helpful and fun. Be sure to check your computers on your bikes after there stay in the basement :-) Would highly reccomend a night at the hotel.
Anonymous on 12/06/2009 03:43 PM
Are you saying there are ghosts in the basement that like to ride??
Mary from Wheatland Mo. on 12/07/2009 09:28 AM
Just was strange that one of our computers was really off both mileage and speed I mean really off....hummmmm makes ya wonder.
Doug from Bluffton on 12/07/2009 04:34 PM
Off by more or off by less?
Linda @Sedalia Katy Depot from Sedalia on 12/08/2009 10:46 AM
There is actually a tale of a ghost in this Hotel. The Hotel is featured under the ghosts of
Missouri.
Anonymous on 12/08/2009 12:09 PM
Under what ghosts of Missouri?
Is that a book or website or something? Where are these ghosts featured?
Mary from Wheatland Mo. on 12/09/2009 09:20 AM
I can't remember the exact mileage, but I think it said her max. speed was 166 mph it was very strange. Yes we have heard the hotel has ghosts also, but did not see any, just the bike computer thing. If the hotel is haunted I think they are fun loving, after all they seemed to have a nice bike ride ha...
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 12/09/2009 09:02 PM
Any ghost that likes to ride can't be all that bad!
jim from Overland Park, KS on 10/10/2011 06:19 PM
My computer does that if I get it too close to my iPhone for some reason - but I have a wireless computer (trek incite) and suspect it's just similar enough frequency to wireless or bluetooth or something that does it...
Cvrz on 10/10/2011 07:34 PM
Sounds like a good place to stay if your wheel breaks a "spook"...
T Slape from Little Rock AR on 10/14/2011 04:17 PM
My speedometer does that when I go 166 mph. But it's rare, I've only done it a few times under ideal conditions. :-DDD
Sedalia MO is one of the prettiest little towns I've ever seen...
GuinnessMike from Belleville IL on 09/13/2013 09:59 AM
Fantastic hotel our group stayed the night on 9/6 during a St Charles to Clinton tour. The rooms were fantastic. Staff very attentive they kept our bikes in the Grand Ballroom. The meals we had there were stellar. Customer service - They Get It!
Anonymous from STL on 09/18/2013 02:43 PM
great place to stay. We keep our bikes in our rooms with us. Hotels don't have a problem with it.
Bike Seats
- + Planning a full ride next October 2014. Use to distance rides, but my butt takes a toll. Any ideas on best seat. Looking at the no seat horn seats, but not sure. I have a Trek bike and love it, wi...
Discussion started 09/15/2013 09:20 PM by DJ - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/18/2013 02:39 PM)DJ from Aurora, CO on 09/15/2013 09:20 PM
Planning a full ride next October 2014. Use to distance rides, but my butt takes a toll. Any ideas on best seat. Looking at the no seat horn seats, but not sure. I have a Trek bike and love it, with more than 3000 miles down the trail and road.
Paulie from Knoxville on 09/16/2013 08:12 AM
A good bike shop will......ok, should have "test seats" for most of the ones they carry. Unfortunately, you never know exactly how that new seat will really feel until you share some real miles with it. Also, see if you can find a competent employee who can give you a proper bike fitting. Sometimes a small change in position can make a BIG difference in comfort. And never underestimate what a good pair of padded shorts can do for long distance comfort.
Have a good ride.
Paulie
Trek on 09/16/2013 08:54 AM
What Paulie said. The best seat that is not adjusted properly may still not be a good fit. I ride a sprung Brooks and a Terry Liberator. The Terry worked from the start. The Brooks has taken forever to break in. Had I not had one years ago, I probably would have given up on this one.
Rich Lauer from Hermann on 09/16/2013 11:02 AM
DJ;
In Mckittrick at Joey's Birdhouse we see a lot of tired butts; but one interesting seat with horn turned down and a little wider looks practical and had good reviews from a couple of seasoned riders. thecomfortseat.com.
Rich Lauer
ArkyKenny on 09/16/2013 12:35 PM
My favorite seat is the Brooks Standard Aged B17 leather saddle. About $120 on ebay. Instead of it being a pad that wedges up in your "business", your pelvis bones perch on a leather hammock. Love them!
The "Aged" part of that means it is soft leather that needs minimal break in. To break it in (like a pair of boots), get the wide part of the seat wet with a soaked washcloth, beat the areas on the outer edge of the wide part of the saddle where pelvis will come in contact with the saddle with a rubber mallet, and then ride it on a short ride when the leather is still wet. The saddle comes with laces, that you want to string tight enough to allow it flex but not sag. Spend some time getting it "just right" in regard to being ever so slightly nose up on the bike, then don't worry about pain down there again.
Once you get it like you like it, you can even dye the raw leather with leather dye (not polish--about $6 a bottle). Keep it dry (plastic bags if you need to), and occasionally use a leather conditioner on it ....and it will last you forever.
Anonymous from STL on 09/18/2013 02:39 PM
I agree, Brooks saddles are the best.
I used a standard B17 for about 5000 miles, then went a B17 Imperial. No break in required. Did about 240 miles on the Katy right out of the box. And now have about 1200 miles on it. It's great.
they also come in different sized.
Do you homework on this.
http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/saddles/road+%26+mtb/B17+Narrow+Imperial/
Katy Trail Roundhouse Campground, Pilot Grove
- + We are planning a Katy Trail trip from Sedalia to St Charles starting October 15th. I cannot seem to find any recent info on the Katy Trail Roundhouse Campground in Pilot Grove, does anyone know if t...
Discussion started 09/17/2013 07:13 AM by Michele - 3 replies (last reply by MidSouth at 09/18/2013 01:31 PM)Michele from Fenton MO on 09/17/2013 07:13 AM
We are planning a Katy Trail trip from Sedalia to St Charles starting October 15th. I cannot seem to find any recent info on the Katy Trail Roundhouse Campground in Pilot Grove, does anyone know if this is still open?
Thanks!
Anonymous on 09/17/2013 07:55 AM
Look for the Roundhouse in New Franklin.
Anonymous from STL on 09/18/2013 12:59 PM
Yes it's New Franklin, but is it still open? Has anyone used it this season? - Thanks!
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 09/18/2013 01:31 PM
I've stayed there twice this season so far. What kind of info are you looking for? They have a couple phone numbers listed.
McKittrick Farmers Mercantile in McKittrick
- + I was riding this section of trail on a Monday and virtually nothing was open along the trail. Joey, who runs the McKittrick Mercantile restaurant, saw me walking around the building and offered to co...
Discussion started 09/16/2013 07:34 PM by Eric - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 09/18/2013 01:08 PM)Eric from St. Louis on 09/16/2013 07:34 PM
I was riding this section of trail on a Monday and virtually nothing was open along the trail. Joey, who runs the McKittrick Mercantile restaurant, saw me walking around the building and offered to cook me some food despite it being closed for the day. She made a great veggie pizza for a reasonable price, and was great company to boot. The Mercantile provides a much-needed service along the trail, and folks passing through McKittrick should take the short 100 yard walk to the Mercantile experience and support this great asset.
Anonymous from STL on 09/18/2013 01:08 PM
We will have to try it, sounds great.
We stop at the Loutre Market a lot for a drink or a food. They have a small deli in the back and have good food. It is just south of the trai off of HWY 19 about 1/4 of a mile.
Turner Katy Trail Shelter Hostel in Tebbetts
- + Stayed there last night. Not going to lie, my friend and I were alone and pretty frightened. It was quite unimpressive...seems like a work day or two could really spruce that place up. I am THANKFU...
Discussion started 09/15/2013 08:46 PM by kaka caliente - 2 replies (last reply by Pseudio at 09/18/2013 05:03 AM)kaka caliente from bloomington, indiana on 09/15/2013 08:46 PM
Stayed there last night. Not going to lie, my friend and I were alone and pretty frightened. It was quite unimpressive...seems like a work day or two could really spruce that place up. I am THANKFUL for the chance to stay there and find that area of the trail lacking in accommodations, so it was a relief to have a place to stay. It did take me a long time to fall asleep though as I lay there wondering what we had gotten ourselves into. More people need to use it, pay money and spruce it up. If I lived in Missouri, I'd love to help. And, if there is a work weekend, I'd try to show up. It is a awesome resource, but seems underutilized. I love the Katy! How is that place not full and thriving every weekend night?
randy & penny on 09/16/2013 06:23 PM
We stop there to cook a meal and opened it up and walked around. I don't think you'll have any problems there. We know a group that used it and they love it. Wish there was more places like it along the trail.
Pseudio on 09/18/2013 05:03 AM
I've stopped at Tebbetts several time and looked at the place. It is definitely an isolated and spartan area without any services. If you can, making it or stopping in Jefferson City is a better location. Nice name, kaka. mucho gusto.
Amtrak Train
- + So I have read the official website as well as talked to Amtrak customer service, but I wanted to get advice from those who have rode the train. We are riding from Kirkwood to Jefferson City. We hav...
Discussion started 09/16/2013 10:56 AM by Jenn - 5 replies (last reply by Darrell at 09/18/2013 04:27 AM)Jenn on 09/16/2013 10:56 AM
So I have read the official website as well as talked to Amtrak customer service, but I wanted to get advice from those who have rode the train. We are riding from Kirkwood to Jefferson City. We have a ride to the Kirkwood station so we know about that. Any tips and suggetions that we should know prior to riding?
kaka caliente from bloomington on 09/16/2013 03:28 PM
You do know that when you make your reservation, you have to make one for your bike too, right? They only allow 4 bikes per train, so you want to reserve your spot. Jeff City just added a pedestrian walkway to their bridge , so you can now cross it on a bike. Just did it 2 days ago. There are markings on the pavement after you navigate off the bridge to get you to the katy. The markings aren't too obvious, but they are there....mostly yellow paint with an arrow or the word katy. When you come off the bridge, there is a lovely park right next to the river with a good sand bar. THe trail is a mile or two from that.
Jenn on 09/16/2013 05:55 PM
That is awesome about the bridge from Jefferson City as I was worried about that bridge. I made the reservation already and reserved for our bikes! Do you know how the bike it stored on the train? Is it like a bike rack or is it hanging? Do we have to take the panniers off?
Joe from Wildwood on 09/16/2013 09:49 PM
I left my panniers on they have you put the bike in a open area at the end of the car and lean it against the side. You might want to use and bungee cord to keep your brake applied to keep it from moving.
Anonymous on 09/17/2013 05:15 PM
My experience is the same as Joe's. Just roll it on. I did find a bungie chord helpful.
Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 09/18/2013 04:27 AM
I've never seen panniers left on a bike on the train, nor have I left them on. The bike has to be carried up the steps and onto the train, make a turn and then put into place. My panniers would be to heavy and cumbersome to do that easily or as fast as needed.
My experience has been this, you go on the train last, the fellows working on the train grab your bike before or after you go up the steps and put it in place, I go back and get the panniers and handlebar bag and the train is rolling before I get the bags in the overhead storage area and get seated. Has been about the same routine each of the several time I have used the train. Things change and it has been a couple of years since I used the train, but basically that is how it worked.
Tumblr blog on riding the trail
- + Started this last year, as much to remember where I have been as anything. In no hurry to finish the trail, but only about 70 (140r/t) miles to go.http://www.tumblr.com/blog/chunkingkatytrail
Discussion started 09/15/2013 03:10 PM by dlabq - 0 repliesdlabq from clayton, mo on 09/15/2013 03:10 PM
Started this last year, as much to remember where I have been as anything. In no hurry to finish the trail, but only about 70 (140r/t) miles to go.
http://www.tumblr.com/blog/chunkingkatytrail
How early should I book B&Bs for trip in June 2014
- + I'm starting to plan for a complete ride of the trail in June 2014. How early do B&Bs starting getting full? I know some require immediate payment, and I'd rather not pay for a room 9 months in advanc...
Discussion started 09/15/2013 06:49 AM by Sean - 1 reply (last reply by Trek at 09/15/2013 12:07 PM)Sean from Columbus, OH on 09/15/2013 06:49 AM
I'm starting to plan for a complete ride of the trail in June 2014. How early do B&Bs starting getting full? I know some require immediate payment, and I'd rather not pay for a room 9 months in advance, but I also don't want to be shut out.
Trek on 09/15/2013 12:07 PM
Probably not real early in June but it depends on what is happening locally. The DNR ride is in June which could be an issue for you. Contact the places you want to stay to find out their specific billing policy and when you need to reserve if you really want to know. That way you'll know for sure and hopefully won't be disappointed next June.
Terry & Kathy's Tavern in Defiance
- + Defiance was our planned point to take a rest and go back to other way. We were very happy to find the nice covered patio and good service. Today they had BBQ...pulled pork was great! I went inside...
Discussion started 09/14/2013 02:38 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 09/14/2013 02:38 PM
Defiance was our planned point to take a rest and go back to other way. We were very happy to find the nice covered patio and good service. Today they had BBQ...pulled pork was great! I went inside the bar to get a candy bar and they were every nice. Music was getting set up outside on the patio but we had to go. It was great so I am sure I will be back.
Hermann
- + There are a bunch of great little shops here -- but you The Chocolate Box and the bakery next door to it were amazing!
Discussion started 09/13/2013 09:06 PM by Tammi Gardner - 0 repliesTammi Gardner from Kansas City, MO on 09/13/2013 09:06 PM
There are a bunch of great little shops here -- but you The Chocolate Box and the bakery next door to it were amazing!
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Hermann
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=6621&tonly=1
Wine Valley Inn in Hermann
- + Stayed here, was planning to stay in McKittrick but there weren't any rooms due to it being labor day weekend so I walked across the bridge and past a bunch of BnB's that were closed or looked too exp...
Discussion started 09/13/2013 09:03 PM by Tammi Gardner - 0 repliesTammi Gardner from Kansas City, MO on 09/13/2013 09:03 PM
Stayed here, was planning to stay in McKittrick but there weren't any rooms due to it being labor day weekend so I walked across the bridge and past a bunch of BnB's that were closed or looked too expensive. I landed here it's a bit pricey but I was tired. I was not able to check in for a couple hours so I wondered around town. I came back and my room was nice; however the cable did not work, breakfast was not available until 9 am and I needed to be on the trail early due to the extra 2 miles from Herman back to it. They offered a breakfast basket that consisted of something prepackaged that I could have bought across the street at the gas station. When I told the hostess to just take it back and why she seemed shocked. The cable in my room did not work so I had to change rooms. I could go on...this was the worst, most expensive, least friendly place I stayed at on the entire trail. I think things may have been different if I was there for a wine tasting weekend. I even left a note in the comments box with of course no response. I also did not feel welcome there like I did at most other places.
Rocheport to Hartsburg or Hartsburg to Rocheport
- + My wife and I have just one day on the trail and will be staying in Rocheport that night. We want to see as much as possible of the trail and am considering shelling out for a shuttle so we don't hav...
Discussion started 09/11/2013 08:29 PM by Pato - 16 replies (last reply by Pato at 09/13/2013 08:59 PM)Pato from Kansas City on 09/11/2013 08:29 PM
My wife and I have just one day on the trail and will be staying in Rocheport that night. We want to see as much as possible of the trail and am considering shelling out for a shuttle so we don't have to backtrack. Would Rocheport to Hartsburg/Jeff City be better than the opposite?
El Toro on 09/11/2013 08:36 PM
In my opinion....YES!
Pato from Kansas City on 09/11/2013 08:41 PM
Rocheport to Hartsburg is better? Any particular reasons?
Jim from St Thomas on 09/11/2013 10:06 PM
I would look at the wind forecast for the day you're riding. If it's out of the west ride Rocheport to JC. If it's out of the east ride JC to Rocheport. The scenery is the same either way.
Hank on 09/12/2013 05:36 AM
Wind is a factor, but if I was staying in Rocheport I would strongly recommend shuttling to your starting point and then biking to Rocheport. The great appeal of the Katy to me is the peaceful self-sufficiency of traveling by bike, on your own power, without a specific time frame. So ending your day by rolling up on Rocheport and your stay for the night would be gorgeous. Contrast this to ending your day with an hour-long vehicle shuttle, likely partly in the dark, and hitting Rocheport by vehicle instead of bike? No way. No question for me. If wind is a factor then shuttle to the west instead of east.
Jim from St Thomas on 09/12/2013 07:37 PM
You make a good point Hank. I guess for me it would depend on the wind speed. 35 miles against a 10 - 12 mph headwind can sure take the fun out of a ride.
Pato from Kansas City on 09/12/2013 07:57 PM
Thanks for all the good info! Can you recommend any must sees, dos, or eats?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 09/12/2013 08:17 PM
Breakfast or lunch at Dotty's in Hartsburg.
Ice cream at Cooper's Landing in Easley.
Bur Oak tree in McBaine
Dinner at Abigail's in Rocheport.
Lots of photo ops along the river and bluffs.
Pato from Kansas City on 09/12/2013 08:56 PM
Thanks MidSouth! Any idea on which way the wind usually blows in mid-October?
Doug from Bluffton on 09/12/2013 09:33 PM
Several
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 09/12/2013 09:51 PM
The general opinion is that is usually from the west, but looking at the forecast for the next week and a half it is blowing from every direction other than west. So your guess is as good as mine.
I believe the Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival is Oct 12-13. We usually ride to the festival from North Jefferson sometime during that weekend.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 09/12/2013 10:35 PM
Beautiful section to ride. River views, bottom land views, deeply wooded sections...a bit of everything (except no hills). Sometimes I think the wind comes in off the river and bounces against the bluffs in spots and I swear I've had a head wind and tail wind within the same few mile section. I agree with Hank, if you're going to shuttle, try for at the beginning of the day so you don't have to worry about your timing and catching your ride at the end of the day.
Trek on 09/13/2013 08:52 AM
I've experienced the same thing with the wind along the bluffs as MAH. Wind direction is pretty immaterial to me when riding east of Rocheport. West of town or out in other open areas is a different story.
I know you want to shuttle and see all you can, and thats understandable. We seem to have taken a different approach and do alot of out and backs. The trail never seems to be the same riding on the return. It's viewed from an entirely different angle in different light, so it all seems like a fresh new ride to us.
Living not much farther from the trail than you, I'd rather spend my shuttle money making a return trip to the Katy for another ride. I hope that your discovery is that you'll want to return also.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 09/13/2013 09:56 AM
I'm with Trek on the shuttles. In five years of riding the Katy several times a year we have only used a shuttle once, during the floods of 2009. We prefer to do overnight out and backs. My wife's favorite weekend ride is to start in Hartsburg and ride to Rocheport or Booneville, spend the night in one of the many B&B's and return in the morning. We see sites we swear were not there the day before!
Anonymous on 09/13/2013 02:51 PM
We have done the ride between North Jefferson City and Rocheport many times. If I were going to take a shuttle I would either start or end at North Jefferson City and ride the 35 miles. I suspect the shuttle cost would be the same. It is definitely up river going from North Jefferson City or Hartsburg to Rocheport. So a very gradual uphill that direction. A northwest wind can be a significant impediidment and if it is over 10 mph I would avoid starting at Hartsburg.
I think one of the nicer spots on the trail is about 5 miles south east of Hartsburg where the trail runs right along the river.
If you decide to ride that far the absolute best meal on the trail is the fried chicken plate at the Claysville Store on Sunday afternoon or Saturday evening.
Don from Overland Park, KS on 09/13/2013 04:03 PM
What date are you talking about, my wife and I are doing about the same ride Oct the 5th and 6th. We have a suburban and would be glad to shuttle vehicles together. May also do a late October trip.
Pato from Kansas City on 09/13/2013 08:59 PM
Hey Don, we appreciate your kind offer. We are going on Oct. 16th a Wednesday. If that works for you that'd be great!
Turner Katy Trail Shelter Hostel in Tebbetts
- + Did not stay at the hostel but stopped in to cool off. Had heard about it from folks on the trail and was skeptical, but would consider staying there if I do the trail again.
Discussion started 09/13/2013 08:48 PM by Tammi Gardner - 0 repliesTammi Gardner from Kansas City, MO on 09/13/2013 08:48 PM
Did not stay at the hostel but stopped in to cool off. Had heard about it from folks on the trail and was skeptical, but would consider staying there if I do the trail again.
Riverview Traders General Store in Wilton
- + I hiked up to this place on a hot, hot day -- the owner was very friendly and her store was filled with fun jewelry, crafts, snacks and cold drinks.
Discussion started 09/13/2013 08:44 PM by Tammi Gardner - 0 repliesTammi Gardner from Kansas City, MO on 09/13/2013 08:44 PM
I hiked up to this place on a hot, hot day -- the owner was very friendly and her store was filled with fun jewelry, crafts, snacks and cold drinks.
Comfort Inn Sedalia Station in Sedalia
- + Wonderful staff, nicest Comfort Inn I've ever stayed at. Wal Mart is close -- the trail not so close and very confusing in town.
Discussion started 09/13/2013 08:34 PM by Tammi Gardner - 0 repliesTammi Gardner from Kansas City, MO on 09/13/2013 08:34 PM
Wonderful staff, nicest Comfort Inn I've ever stayed at. Wal Mart is close -- the trail not so close and very confusing in town.
Place to eat lunch
- + Hello Katy Trail Riders, Just want to let you know We, The High Street Victorian Bed & Breakfast, will be opening a Tea Room (serving lunch and healthful loose leaf teas), Oct 1st! from 11 am - 3 pm! ...
Discussion started 09/13/2013 06:38 AM by Kriss - 0 repliesKriss from Boonville on 09/13/2013 06:38 AM
Hello Katy Trail Riders, Just want to let you know We, The High Street Victorian Bed & Breakfast, will be opening a Tea Room (serving lunch and healthful loose leaf teas), Oct 1st! from 11 am - 3 pm! Monday - Saturday. If you would like a nice place to eat, stop by.