June BigBAM Katy
- + Hello! Thinking about the June BAM as a first bike tour. Any opinions +/-? I can't find much discussion of this online and want to make sure it is a fun/well run event before paying for registratio...
Discussion started 03/21/2023 10:27 AM by Bob - 4 replies (last reply by Bob at 03/25/2023 07:54 AM)Bob from Waco TX on 03/21/2023 10:27 AM
Hello! Thinking about the June BAM as a first bike tour. Any opinions +/-? I can't find much discussion of this online and want to make sure it is a fun/well run event before paying for registration... Thanks for any input.
dano from lebanon on 03/21/2023 05:25 PM
Big Bam is well run, Greg is a class act, I have done multiple rides, albeit the trucks take your gear, have showers ready, on the rides, be self sufficient. Many start off thinking they'll offer water/snacks etc, and if they do great, but don't count on it. Katy is a great shaded trail, good in summer.
Bob from Waco TX on 03/22/2023 01:12 PM
Thanks for the info Dano! Think I will dive in - I hope there are lots of other people joining in...
Any other comments/suggestions?
Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 03/23/2023 07:25 AM
I've done Big BAM on the Katy twice. Unfortunately I won't be there this year.
I highly recommend the tent service with Pork Belly Ventures. It's an extra cost but it's sure nice to pull into the campground only to have your tent already set up with an air mattress. They also take down the tent in the morning. Also includes other things such as drinks and a nice charging station.
Bob from Waco on 03/25/2023 07:54 AM
Sounds great! I'm signed up but guess I'll lug my own tent. For $70 a night (to set up and break down a tent) I'd probably look for a rooom!
Tire size
- + Please recommend a tire size and type. My bike currently has 35mm Marathon (road) tires
Discussion started 03/22/2023 08:36 PM by Wayne jenkinson - 3 replies (last reply by Jack at 03/23/2023 07:56 AM)Wayne jenkinson from Great Bend, KS on 03/22/2023 08:36 PM
Please recommend a tire size and type. My bike currently has 35mm Marathon (road) tires
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 03/22/2023 09:29 PM
You should be good as long as those have good tread, if they are bald, not so much.
Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 03/23/2023 07:18 AM
I agree with Gary. I've done the Katy end-to-end 6 times on 700x32 tires and I'm no lightweight. Tread does help if it's sloppy from rain.
I highly recommend fenders even if they are some small clip-ons.
Jack on 03/23/2023 07:56 AM
I rode it with 35 Gravel Kings with no problem even with one rainy day on the spur. My son had 32's on his road bike which maxed on clearance. On the rainy day he was miserable because the muck kept clogging up between the tires and frame. On the Katy and dry weather he had no problem.
Katy Trail to the Rock Island traim at Windsor.
- + Hello,
Is there an easy way to access the Rock Island trail from the Katy Trail at Windsor? Is there a path where the two trails intersect?
Thanks!
Discussion started 03/19/2023 01:36 PM by Billy - 2 replies (last reply by Jerry at 03/20/2023 07:02 AM)Billy from Oklahoma on 03/19/2023 01:36 PM
Hello,
Is there an easy way to access the Rock Island trail from the Katy Trail at Windsor? Is there a path where the two trails intersect?
Thanks!
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 03/20/2023 04:19 AM
Yes there's good signage and a short connector trail
Jerry from Belleville on 03/20/2023 07:02 AM
Yes. There's a very nice connector that's well marked
Maxine's Rooms for Rent in Sedalia
- + Can anyone give a price or a range for a room? Thank you
Discussion started 03/13/2023 04:21 PM by Guy - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 03/17/2023 01:53 PM)Guy on 03/13/2023 04:21 PM
Can anyone give a price or a range for a room? Thank you
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/17/2023 01:53 PM
Business owners don't typically monitor this page. Best bet would be just to contact them directly using the contact info.
shuttle
- + I already contacted the shuttle service and they are full on the day I need to start. I would be willing to pay for a shuttle for me and my bike from Machens to Clinton on June 10th. Thank you.
Discussion started 02/22/2023 10:57 AM by Lofton - 7 replies (last reply by Dave at 03/14/2023 12:54 PM)Lofton from Benton, Ky on 02/22/2023 10:57 AM
I already contacted the shuttle service and they are full on the day I need to start. I would be willing to pay for a shuttle for me and my bike from Machens to Clinton on June 10th. Thank you.
Anon from Clinton, TN on 02/24/2023 10:54 AM
You'll probably have to catch a shuttle from St Charles rather than Machens. There are multiple shuttle services. If one is full on your date, try calling another.
Lofton on 03/01/2023 10:43 AM
I initially only saw the one service posted on this website but since found more. I'm solo and not paying $300 for just myself which seems to be the going rate whether its 1-3 people. My plan is just to YOYO it now and use that $$ to spoil myself with food and beer along the way.
Anonymous on 03/01/2023 02:14 PM
Well it wouldn't have been a very fun trip without food and beer.
Jack on 03/01/2023 04:25 PM
We rented a car at the St. Louis airport, drove it to drop our car off in St. Charles and then to Lee's Summit where we dropped it at a local outlet. It may not save much but is an idea if there is a drop in Clinton.
Deby from Dallas on 03/02/2023 06:18 AM
Don't forget Amtrak. It wont do the whole half of the yoyo, but would do a good portion of it. It's really cool to ride the rails. Also very bike friendly.
Anon on 03/03/2023 01:57 PM
Did you try Katy Bike Rental? 636-987-2600
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/katybikerentalshuttle/items/?flow=883602&full-items=yes
Dave from Raleigh, NC on 03/14/2023 12:54 PM
Lofton, I have shuttle reservations (to Clinton) through Bike Stop Cafe in St. Charles. I originally made them a few months ago, and I was the only one. The initial charge was $440 when it was just me, but others have signed up and the price is now $110.
https://www.bikestopcafes.com/shuttles
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
shuttle
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=13405&tonly=1
Katy Trail Bunk House in Sedalia
- + Any one pricing info or experience at the bunk house? Thank you
Discussion started 03/13/2023 05:33 PM by Guy - 0 repliesGuy on 03/13/2023 05:33 PM
Any one pricing info or experience at the bunk house? Thank you
Jefferson City Lodging
- + Questions:
1. How easy it to get around by bike to hotels in Jefferson City?
2. Any suggestions for hotel in Jefferson City that are easily accessible to hotel and places to eat?
Discussion started 03/08/2023 10:04 AM by Chic - 6 replies (last reply by Teresa at 03/12/2023 02:27 PM)Chic from Pittsburgh on 03/08/2023 10:04 AM
Questions:
1. How easy it to get around by bike to hotels in Jefferson City?
2. Any suggestions for hotel in Jefferson City that are easily accessible to hotel and places to eat?
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/08/2023 10:59 AM
I have only ridden in Jefferson City on three different days. Each day it was a ghost town.
We stayed in the Baymont, which was cheap and decent and had some food nearby. And was also close to Central Dairy, a key consideration.
A lot of new options have opened since then, though.
Kevin from Wisconsin on 03/08/2023 05:37 PM
I'd agree with the ghost-town. We stayed there last fall and rolled in around 3-4pm. Very little traffic. Also stayed at the Baymont..nice hotel, no issues, clean, good shower.
As for eats..Arris Pizza right by the capitol building...really good! Great pizza and Greek salad.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 03/08/2023 11:25 PM
Speaking of ghost towns, perhaps a stay at the new Courtyard by Marriott would be up your ally. It’s the former St. Mary’s Hospital converted to a hotel, would be interested in hearing from tourist if they encounter the paranormal. It’s a short ride from the end of the bike/pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River and plenty of local eateries/pubs nearby.
Teresa from Holt on 03/12/2023 09:22 AM
So you say the Marriott is close to the trail in Jeff City? or the Baymont? Just blocks or we talking miles? thanks for any info
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 03/12/2023 10:43 AM
Definitely just blocks. Coming off the bridge pathway, turn east on Main towards the Capitol, turn south unto Boliver (Paddy’s Pub is on the corner of Main and Boliver) the Courtyard by Marriott sits on Boliver From there you can see the Capitol Plaza hotel and the Baymount Hotel and easy access to Big Whiskeys, Arris Pizza, Central Dairy Ice Cream any many more downtown restaurants.
Teresa from Holt on 03/12/2023 02:27 PM
Thanks for the info! Happy Trails
Parsons House B&B in Defiance
- + He had a very disappointing experience with our stay when we came through on the trail in October. The owner wasn't there for 90% of the time and his dogs were left in a kennel and they cried and peed...
Discussion started 03/09/2023 05:38 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 03/09/2023 05:38 PM
He had a very disappointing experience with our stay when we came through on the trail in October. The owner wasn't there for 90% of the time and his dogs were left in a kennel and they cried and peed all over making the house stink the whole time. No one to check us in and we had to make our own breakfast the morning we left because he had work since it was a Thursday. The house may have been great at one point, but it was run down and unkempt while we were there. The advertised hot tub wasn't running as we had hoped it would be for our aching muscles this close to the end of our trip but it wasn't mentioned when we booked or comped in the price either. Very informal and didn't feel very welcomed since owner wasn't there until well after dark (maybe 10-11) and left well before we did at 8ish.
GPS route from Lee's Summit Amtrak Sta to Pleasant Hill trailhead
- + We plan to leave our vehicle in Lee's Summit and ride the train back. I had a route from 2017 when we last rode the trail but I can't find it.
Anyone able to provide or share a link to one?
Thanks!
Discussion started 02/06/2023 04:42 PM by Bryan - 6 replies (last reply by Kevin at 03/08/2023 05:41 PM)Bryan from Austin TX on 02/06/2023 04:42 PM
We plan to leave our vehicle in Lee's Summit and ride the train back. I had a route from 2017 when we last rode the trail but I can't find it.
Anyone able to provide or share a link to one?
Thanks!
Jack on 02/06/2023 07:47 PM
I just used Google Maps when we did it. I think it took us down Smart Rd. I remember it being a stone road.
Ray (webmaster) on 02/06/2023 08:27 PM
If you would like to visualize Google's suggested route, we have it mapped out on that portion of the interactive map:
https://bikekatytrail.com/katy-trail-map.aspx?interval=1&cid=306&mmtyp=dist&userLocCenter=0&distance=5&rtid=1&siteTypes=|
Also, here are several forum discussions about the Pleasant Hill to Lees Summit route. A lot of options are discussed; hope it's not too overwhelming!
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11513&tonly=1
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=9560&tonly=1
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=12719&tonly=1
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=9477&tonly=1
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=9150&tonly=1
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=8547&tonly=1
Let us know if you come across any new insights - happy trails!
Ray (webmaster) on 02/06/2023 08:50 PM
EDIT to the above post:
I mis-read your question at first and was giving info for Pleasant Hill section of trail to Lee's Summit section of trail (rather than the train station). But you were asking about Amtrak - we do not have that on our interactive map, but of course you can go to Google and it will draw one for you.
The first three forum links in the above post ARE about getting from train station to trail; the others are about just getting between the two sections of trail.
Again, sorry to overwhelm you!
Kevin from Wisconsin on 02/12/2023 08:20 AM
We rode from Lee's Summit to the Kirkwood Amtrak station last fall(parked in Kirkwood, took train to Lee's Summit & rode the trail back to Kirkwood).
This route was good for us(riding from the Comfort Inn in Lee's Summit to Pleasant Hill and beyond). It's a combination of blacktop road, gravel road, and rail trail type trail..nice ride & scenery.
insert an h at the beginning of this link
ttps://ridewithgps.com/routes/40629921
This route is a good one from the Lee's summit train station to the Comfort Inn
again, insert an h at the beginning of the link
ttps://ridewithgps.com/routes/40459301
Billy from Yukon, OK on 03/04/2023 06:49 PM
Hello,
Is the trail between Lee Summit and Pleasant Hill completed?
I'd like to ride the Katy from Clinton to Machens then ride to the Amtrak station in Kirkwood and then take Amtrak back to Lee Summit, then ride the Rock Island trail from Lee Summit to Windsor then back to Clinton.
Thanks!
Kevin from Wisconsin on 03/08/2023 05:41 PM
No, there's no complete, dedicated bike trail from Lees Summit to Pleasant Hill. The route I listed above worked well for us.
- + We are not looking to do the entire trail. Can you give us hub towns in the most scenic areas where we can leave our car and stay in a motel or bed and breakfast for 3 nights and do out and back day r...
Discussion started 03/05/2023 08:47 AM by Pat - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/07/2023 08:12 AM)Pat from Reading PA on 03/05/2023 08:47 AM
We are not looking to do the entire trail. Can you give us hub towns in the most scenic areas where we can leave our car and stay in a motel or bed and breakfast for 3 nights and do out and back day rides in each direction from that location. We ride non-electric hybid bikes and would do 10-15 miles out and return for a total of 20-30 miles per day. We would either pack lunch or buy lunch if there were a convenient location near the trail and return to our hub for supper and sleep. Thanks for your help.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/06/2023 04:31 PM
For us, we would say...
Rocheport
Augusta
Jeff City
Sedalia
In that order of preference.
Anonymous on 03/07/2023 08:12 AM
Rocheport
Hermann
Jefferson City
Augusta
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=13410&tonly=1
All Katy Trail shuttle companies listed!?
- + Calling all shuttle companies!
Please post your business name/phone/website here or double check what I have listed... I want to make sure we have an updated list for the 2023 season. Thanks!!
Bike ...
Discussion started 03/05/2023 09:44 PM by Brett Dufur - 1 reply (last reply by Joey Los at 03/06/2023 06:02 AM)Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 03/05/2023 09:44 PM
Calling all shuttle companies!
Please post your business name/phone/website here or double check what I have listed... I want to make sure we have an updated list for the 2023 season. Thanks!!
Bike Stop Cafe - www.2ndstreetbikestopcafe.com (636) 724-9900
Crossroads Bike Tour - (314) 656-6229 - https://www.crossroadsbiketours.com/katy-shuttle-only
Katy Bike Shuttle - Todd White - Website? - (314) 578-7300
Katy Trail Shuttle Services - (660) 287-1684
Katy Trail Tours & Shuttles - www.katytrailbiketours.com - (417) 372-9220
Revolution Cycles - www.rev-cycles.com (636) 390-9999
Independent Tourist - www.independenttourist.com (866) 269-9913
Show Me MO Tours and Shuttles - www.showmemotours.com (314) 781-0015
Who are we missing from this list? Thx & Happy Cycling!
Joey Los from McKittrick on 03/06/2023 06:02 AM
Thank you Brett for posting this list! Very Helpful. See you on the Trail.
Calhoun Trailhead in Calhoun
- + When are the facilities…water and bathrooms open at this trailhead for the year?
Discussion started 03/05/2023 04:48 PM by Deborah - 0 repliesDeborah from Lees Summit on 03/05/2023 04:48 PM
When are the facilities…water and bathrooms open at this trailhead for the year?
- + We are not looking to do the entire trail. Can you give us hub towns in the most scenic areas where we can leave our car and stay in a motel or bed and breakfast for 3 nights and do out and back day r...
Discussion started 03/05/2023 08:46 AM by Pat - 0 repliesPat from Reading PA on 03/05/2023 08:46 AM
We are not looking to do the entire trail. Can you give us hub towns in the most scenic areas where we can leave our car and stay in a motel or bed and breakfast for 3 nights and do out and back day rides in each direction from that location. We ride non-electric hybid bikes and would do 10-15 miles out and return for a total of 20-30 miles per day. We would either pack lunch or buy lunch if there were a convenient location near the trail and return to our hub for supper and sleep. Thanks for your help.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=13409&tonly=1
Hammock camping along the Katy Trail
- + Hi, I am hoping to some if not all of the Katy trail this summer or fall. I will be riding with 2 friends. All of us are hammock campers. As I've looked at YouTube videos, I have seen plenty of peo...
Discussion started 02/19/2023 02:03 PM by Grammyof5 - 4 replies (last reply by Grammyof5 at 02/28/2023 12:00 PM)Grammyof5 from Parkesburg, PA on 02/19/2023 02:03 PM
Hi, I am hoping to some if not all of the Katy trail this summer or fall. I will be riding with 2 friends. All of us are hammock campers. As I've looked at YouTube videos, I have seen plenty of people tent camping at the city parks. But I have not seem many hammock campers. Has anyone hammock camped the Katy trail? Where did you find the places with trees to hang from? The city parks look very nice and open..... but trees to hang from? Not so much. What about the campgrounds along the way, are they hammock friendly? Thank you for any and all advice!
Bruce Laubach from Williamsburg, Virginia on 02/19/2023 07:25 PM
Some of the towns have shelters and Gazebos You may be able to find a way to suspend your hammocks. But I found that where some of these are located, they are closer to the road, and you might have to contend with traffic at all times. Since the Katy trail easement is so narrow you might find yourself camping on private property.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 02/20/2023 07:54 AM
Nice hammock stands at Katy-Rock Junction in Windsor right across from the trail parking
Sam from New Melle, MO on 02/20/2023 09:11 AM
My daughter and I rode the whole trail and camped legally (not on private property or on the easement) in our hammocks the whole way in 2021. We stayed in the following places:
Marthasville (hung hammocks from small dugout Gazebo in ball field)
Tebbetts (staying in the hostel there and had it to ourselves)
Pilot Grove (hung hammocks from gazebo in park)
There are several other parks along the trail that can accommodate hammocks. Have a great ride! You will love it.
Grammyof5 from Parkesburg, PA on 02/28/2023 12:00 PM
Thanks for the input. Esp from Sam with the locations. That was so thoughtful.
I'll keep checking back to see other input as well, so keep the comments coming. I appreciate them!
STL to Kansas City - Labor Day Weekend.
- + Looking for 2-4 riders to ride from STL to Kansas City. Avg around 60 miles per day, about 5 days of riding. Lodging will be camping along the trail, food will be from restaurants/delis depending on a...
Discussion started 02/27/2023 12:18 PM by Robert - 0 repliesRobert from Roswell on 02/27/2023 12:18 PM
Looking for 2-4 riders to ride from STL to Kansas City. Avg around 60 miles per day, about 5 days of riding. Lodging will be camping along the trail, food will be from restaurants/delis depending on availability and quality, otherwise cook on camp stove. Then take Amtrak from Kansas City back to St. Louis. If you are new to touring, I am very accommodating and would be happy to bring you up to speed on what it takes to do overnight tours.
Found electric battery
- + Hello. I recently found a Himaway electric battery on the trail around Wilton Missouri. If it’s yours please contact me at 5738184309.
Discussion started 02/24/2023 12:06 PM by Tim travers - 0 repliesTim travers from Hartsburg on 02/24/2023 12:06 PM
Hello. I recently found a Himaway electric battery on the trail around Wilton Missouri. If it’s yours please contact me at 5738184309.
Best Western Plus The Charles Hotel
- + Has anyone stayed at the Best Western in St. Charles? Are they bike friendly? Can you bring your bike into your room, or do they have a storage room for bikes?
Discussion started 02/19/2023 08:18 AM by Jana - 2 replies (last reply by Jana at 02/24/2023 07:44 AM)Jana from Clinton, TN on 02/19/2023 08:18 AM
Has anyone stayed at the Best Western in St. Charles? Are they bike friendly? Can you bring your bike into your room, or do they have a storage room for bikes?
Deron Kazmaier from rural Boonville MO on 02/19/2023 09:59 AM
Yes! My wife and I biked to Saint Charles, spent the night in the Best Western, and left the next morning. We kept the bikes in the room. Nice place as I recall and not too hard to get to. I would say about 3 years ago.
Jana from Clinton, TN on 02/24/2023 07:44 AM
Thank you! I've made a reservation there.
Bluff House B&B in Rocheport
- + Looking for 1-2 nights lodging for 3 women, two will be cycling and one will be shuttling us along the trail.
Prices for a week night, probably in June. Just beginning the planning.
Thank you
Annbig...
Discussion started 02/11/2023 06:44 PM by Ann - 2 replies (last reply by k at 02/21/2023 07:28 PM)Ann from Woodburn on 02/11/2023 06:44 PM
Looking for 1-2 nights lodging for 3 women, two will be cycling and one will be shuttling us along the trail.
Prices for a week night, probably in June. Just beginning the planning.
Thank you
Annbigger2@gmail.com
Bill in Houston from Houston on 02/13/2023 04:35 PM
Most vendors do not monitor this site. You should just call them.
k on 02/21/2023 07:28 PM
I’d also suggest you protect your privacy by keeping your itinerary off this public website.
Augusta White House Restaurant in Augusta
- + Restaurant has reopened as of January 2023. Open Thursday thru Sunday 7am to 8 pm.
Discussion started 02/05/2023 04:40 AM - 2 replies (last reply by John at 02/20/2023 06:29 PM)Anonymous from Augusta Missouri on 02/05/2023 04:40 AM
Restaurant has reopened as of January 2023. Open Thursday thru Sunday 7am to 8 pm.
Ray (webmaster) on 02/07/2023 07:48 PM
Thanks for the heads-up; I've added that back into the Augusta listings
John from St. Louis on 02/20/2023 06:29 PM
My wife and I enjoyed the Lindenhof Bed and Breakfast in Augusta this winter. Nice host, cozy and full service, $175.