Katy Trail Forum

Does anyone know if any of the self-guided tours offer mechanical support (for flat tires or other issues)? I would much prefer to do a self-guided tour, but am not confident in my ability to fix a mechanical issue if it occurs.

CraftyChick, your ride will be much more enjoyable if you deal with the tube-changing apprehension now. I used to be the same way when I started cycling. But I started watching a few videos to get the knowledge and then started practicing changing my front tube. After I had done that about 3 times, I started doing the back tube, three times. I did one practice change a night for 6 nights and it stuck with me. I became so confident that I do not fear flats now.

However, I still do not welcome flats. I suggest putting on thorn-resistant tubes during one of the changes, and tire liners on another change. You can even buy puncture-resistant tires for your 3rd practice change. And if you invest in a CO2 cartridge system, even the inflation becomes easy.

If you follow this advice, your biggest problem is likely to become that you want to jump in and help others who have a flat on the side of the trail. :)

Thanks for the suggestion! I guess for me it's more a matter of hand strength than knowledge, but I will definitely check out some videos. Thank you!

I would put the puncture resistant Kevlar tires, liners and tubes first to help then if you keep getting flats, do the self support flat changing.

Douin has it right. Being proactive is the best plan. Puncture resistant tires, making certain your bike is in good operating condition, and not putting yourself in position to cause damage will serve you well. Maybe not 100% as issues may occur, but action ahead of time can help prevent a mechanical issue.

Thanks for the suggestions! I have been reading about the puncture resistant tires, and I think they would be a good investment.

I saw a post on FB that a popular bike shop was offering a class on tire changing. For $15 they provided you with a tube of you your bike size, three tire levers, and a patch kit for you to keep. Also had wheels with tires for everyone to practice on. Showed us how to change both styles of tubes. They also offered a 15% discount on any items purchased that night. I have changed many a flat in my day, but the tips were so helpful. Maybe suggest that around your area or hang out some Saturday and possible they will show you how to repair a flat if a customer brings one in. Just a few thoughts.

Just shorten this process and get Schwalbe brand Marathon or Marathon Plus tires. They have a 5mm puncture resistant liner or layer. Google them and YouTube them. I first learned of them watching Ryan Van Duzer videos on YouTube. He’s a cool dude and has an interesting and informative channel. A few years ago he and his current girlfriend rode across the entire USA, coast to coast, lots of gravel, lots of pavement (plenty of flat potential on the shoulders ya know) They were on two bikes, both with the Schwalbe tires….neither rider got any flats. Plenty of other similar stories about these tires. Before I switched I was doing tubeless tires and filling the tires with the liquid latex, but didn’t like the cost, the effort, etc. For me going with Schwalbe Marathons was the best choice to not deal with flats….they aren’t 100% flat free, but probably as close as you can get. I bought mine from bike tires direct.com but only because my local bike shop had backorder issues from their vendor. They are a little challenging to install due to a stiff wire in the sidewall but I’m a novice mechanical wise and I got it done with a few tire levers. I also recommend Facebook Rails to Trails group and Fans of Katy Trail group…lots of useful info, responses, and pictures.

I run Continental Contact Plus tires. On my 2nd set now. I put over 5,000 miles on the first set on pavement, crushed stone like the Katy and the mud, rocks and roots on the C & O Canal tow path without getting a flat.

But do learn to fix a flat. It's not hard.

Thanks Captain Jon, I will check out our local bike shops to see what’s offered. And thanks Eric & Jeff for specific tire suggestions, I will do my research!

I have one more suggestion; join a bike club close to you and benefit from others experience. This time of year most clubs have meetings and classes for members that will help you to be more comfortable on your rides as well as the possibility of new friends and riding companions.
Every club I know of LOVES new members and will be glad to help you.

That's a really great idea Doug. Thanks!

Does anyone know about camping in green ridge being allowed or not and if tebbetts allows tents or if you have to stay in the housing ?

I've had folks tell me they got ahold of City Hall ahead of time and able to camp in the city park. Have a fun trip!

I have stayed at the Turner Shelter in Tebbetts several times. On a couple of those visits, a few people were camping just to the West of the building. I don't know if it's allowed, but no one sent them away. Maybe Jim from St. Thomas can weigh in on the subject?

Re Green Ridge, I don't remember any camping there, but Windsor to the West and Sedalia to the East have plenty of camping sites and amenities.

Sorry I didn't clarify I meant Green Ridge. Also since you're in Warrensburg maybe you know but you can camp at both Chilhowee and Leeton on the Rock Island and of course 2 places in Windsor.

How about Pilot Grove? Has anybody camped there lately that can give a report about conditions? Probably talking about a summer trip, but want to get some information ahead of time.

There is really no room to camp at the Turner Shelter in Tebbetts. We only own four feet or so out from the building on the west and north sides. This means you will have to trespass on our neighbors property to camp and he is not the shelter’s biggest fan. I know people sometimes camp there because we usually hear about it but it’s something we discourage. If you plan to camp I would suggest that you either do it at the city park in Mokane (6 miles East) or at the Noren river access in Jefferson City (13 or so miles west).

Looking to do full KT ride this spring and double back to Sedalia to catch the train back. Anyone done this recently? Or would it be better to train to Sedalia then hit Clinton and turn around?

If I lived in St Charles, I'd train to Sedalia. I'd want the train aspect to be at the very beginning of my trip, closest to home. That way, if there were cancellations or delays or ornery conductors, I'd be at home instead of Sedalia.

I'm thinking the winds blow from west to east and in the spring you might get some strong storms and headwinds out of the west. It might be easier to bike east to west as you can. Train is a nice option, vs. the shuttles, which can be expensive if you don't have a full load of people to share the cost.

Winds along the Katy are predominantly from the south. Then they hit the bluffs and go every which way. I don't plan my rides based on the wind, because it will do everything to frustrate you. Just plan for an extra day in your ride for the weather (springtime rains are a bigger factor). If you don't end up needing the extra day, you can sightsee in your favorite towns.

Thanks Bill and Eddie and BikerBoy, I got the same advice from a friend. Good to not have to be hitting a schedule for the train and worrying about making it. As far as the winds go I hear no matter what way your going it always seems that the wind is always against you! lol.

Moderator,
Could you please remove this lodging listing? Thanks!

We'd like to take a side trip up to Columbia on the MKT. Any suggestions for hotels at the end of the MKT trail? Tried several, but they're booked. Thanks

I stayed at the AirBnB listed below. It was a basement apartment with private entrance around back. It had everything I needed and that included a washer and dryer. The owner lives upstairs and was quiet as a church mouse. It was not far from the MKT trail, but involved a short hill. I stayed in other AirBnBs in my cross Missouri and Katy ride and would stay in one again. There are plenty in COMO.
https://abnb.me/e/YWbhRaWTqxb

I may have missed this discussion somewhere in the comments, so please be kind when replying-What is the highway like going from the trail over to Jefferson City? on the map it looks like a multilane bridge. Safety? Thank you

We rode it last fall. If memory serves it's 2-3 miles from the Katy to downtown Jefferson City. The trail spur to JC is just off the parking lot/rest area for JC on the Katy trail. Follow the signs..they'll take you into town via a few jogs in the route. There is a ridable ramp up to the bridge that takes you over the river into town. There is a traffic-isolated bike/pedestrian walkway along the east side of the bridge. Easy to get into and out of town. There's an excellent pizza and Greek salad place across the street from the capital building. We ordered a large and ate half. The other half was lunch the next day..great lunch along the river..

If you zoom in on google earth or online maps you will see a square structure on the east side of the bridge. That is a bike/pedestrian ramp that takes you up to a separate bike/pedestrian bridge that will take you to the other side. Look to the west side of the bridge there is a pathway from the parking lot that connects to the bridge ramp. You can see the route from the North Jefferson trail head that will take you to the bike/pedestrian ramp.

My husband and I are looking to ride from Kansas City to St Louis early next spring. We camp, will ride out on Amtrak, and are generally self supporting and experienced. My question, is it too early? Thanks!

Hello! The spring can be a lovely time to ride. Rain is always a possibility, but if your prepared for it, you'll be glad you went.

We rode it in mid-April and had a nice time. Some of the early spring trail work was not yet complete, but we made do.

April is not too early for me. I love seeing the fresh greenery popping. Rain is what it is. Bring rain gear, warm clothes, big tires (I use 40’s anyway), consider fenders, and enjoy what the trail gives you. 2) Trail specific services may still be a little limited: That’s OK. C-stores, restaurants in town, and other normal services will all be open.

I rode the Katy trail in mid-April of 2019, but would not ride it again that early in the year. I rode it westward, and faced headwinds most of the way. I stayed one night in the hostel in Tebbets, and the forecast called for rain during the night and the next day. However, the next day we were greeted with snow, not rain. It was just a bit unpleasant for me to be riding in that much cold weather, but depending on your tolerance of changing weather, it might be OK.

Thanks, it looks like it's a go! We are really looking forward to it!

Ark has it right. April is a good time, but bring the rain gear. Trail could be soft in western end so bigger tires are advisable. Trailheads are just opening for water and toilets. You’ll have a good time.

This is an amazing campground with lots of resources. Great and easy access to water, trash cans, picnic tables, shade trees, fire pits, showers and bath rooms. You really wont find any better facilities for the price. I highly recommend them if you're looking to overnight camp in the area.

Hello, Can anyone recommend budget friendly options for lodgings in Jefferson City, Hermann and Augusta? We are thinking of perhaps bypassing Augusta and pushing on to Defiance, as the lodgings are out of our budget range. Thank you all.

That's pretty vague...."our budget range."

Something no more than $300 per night?

Something no more than $59 per night?

There is also Marthasville, before you get to Augusta:

- On the higher end is our Bank Haus and Katy Haus (both now with a hot tub each)
- Mid range would be the suites at the newly renovated hardware store
- Next down is the Happy Apples Bunkhouse
- Lastly camping at the KT Caboose and the baseball fields

Got the whole range of budget in Marthasville! And a new cafe opening in February from what I understand besides the best pizza in the county at Philly’s Pizza and then Corrie’s Twin Gables for a bar and grill.

Joey’s Birdhouse in McKittrick. Right on the trail. $115/ night Includes great breakfast. Grocery store close by.

"budget", as a polite way of saying, cheaper options than what is listed in the really nice, but swanky website options in Augusta, meaning under $115 a night, which is stretching for us. Seniors, retired, but still pedaling on a budget and wanting "simple", not fancy.
Thanks so much.

You might try the Hermann Motel in Hermann.

Check out White Wolf Inn in Rhineland, Mo.
Www.whitewolfinnllc.com 636-359-0852
1 bedroom apartment or 3 bedroom house available
1 mile north of Katy trail on highway P

See what shows up on AirBnB and VRBO in those places. You might find something more reasonable.

Augusta was a little swanky for us as well. When we rolled through Defiance it looked to be a little more our speed, so I think it would be worth investigating.

It’s called Hoffman hotel price creep in Augusta

I had a conversation years ago with a lodging owner in Hermann about changing their bookings to 2 night stays only. I wanted to book one night as I had in the past and she said it was a two night stay only. I commented that by doing so, they were cutting a lot of potential patrons out. Her reply was that was not true as there were plenty of people from the St. Louis area that would fill her rooms anyway. So, I was rendered inconsequential.

Price creep in this area of the trail precedes what is happening in Augusta today. The Hoffmann folks may follow suit, but they certainly didn't start it.

You can't go wrong with Joey's Birdhouse in Mckittrick. It's an experience and an adventure. We love it.

Although not for riding the trail, we have stayed in Hermann at a place called the Vinchester. Nothing to write home about, but clean, centrally located and they have bike storage. Not sure why they don't show up in the trip planner, but they sound very KT biker friendly. Planning our trip for this year and they are on the plan.

The Vinchester
129 East 3rd Street
Hermann, Mo
573-486-4440