Amtrak out of Hermann
- + Hi all,Looking for some feedback from anyone who has specifically caught the Amtrak out of the Hermann MO (nearby) station. Wanting to put on two passengers with our road bikes, and one collapsible t...
Discussion started 04/05/2013 09:50 AM by Tania - 7 replies (last reply by Kim at 04/18/2013 10:45 AM)Tania from Marion, IA on 04/05/2013 09:50 AM
Hi all,
Looking for some feedback from anyone who has specifically caught the Amtrak out of the Hermann MO (nearby) station. Wanting to put on two passengers with our road bikes, and one collapsible trailer. Just looking for someone to describe their process and experience. This is really the only part of our trip that I am concerned about. Amtrak is completely automated in their reservation system, and that always makes me nervous that things will work out right. Planning to catch the 5:30 train out of Hermann heading back to Sedalia (me) and Independence (my riding partner). Thanks everyone!
Trek on 04/05/2013 10:26 AM
It would be best to contact Amtrak about the trailer. To my knowledge they do not allow trailers. Collaped though as you say, it may need to go as cargo. They may have specs on how that has to go. If it needs to be boxed you'll have to then plan accordingly.
Hank from New Haven on 04/05/2013 09:22 PM
Yes, call Amtrak. Don't take anybody's word here for it. You have to book specifically for bikes and like Trek I don't know about trailers. If you have a bike booking, no problem. If you don't, you won't get on. The trailer might be a problem.
grunt9th from manchester on 04/08/2013 07:24 PM
You can get a human on the phone at AMTRAK. Call the 800-number and follow the prompts. It takes a minute or two to get through the queue, but it works. I had good luck with making my reservations.
Tania from Marion, IA on 04/10/2013 03:43 PM
Hi all, thank you for your responses. I wanted to mention that my "trailer" is a Burly Travoy. It weighs 9 pounds and folds up into a bag that is about 21" x 18" x 8". They won't even know it's a trailer. It's barely bigger than a back pack. So it will be considered a carry on. I will keep trying to get a human on the phone at Amtrak. Thanks!
El Toro on 04/10/2013 09:42 PM
In my experience, if you have a roll-on ticket for your bikes you'll have not problems whatsoever.
I hope your experience is the same.
kevin from Jeff City on 04/11/2013 12:38 PM
If you can carry on the trailer as overhead luggage, it shouldn't be a problem. Like Hank said, just make sure you have a ticket for your bicycle!
Kim from Independence, MO on 04/18/2013 10:45 AM
We booked 2 tickets and 2 bike spots from Hermann to Sedalia a few years ago. We had a Burley trailer in a carry on bag. The trailer was no problem, however our reserved bike spots had been given to some guys who got on earlier without reservations. Since there are only 4 bike allowances for each train, and they already had 5, we were told they would strap the bikes on the back outside platform. We refused to allow this and ended up having to use our own bungee cords to strap them to the handicap bathroom door. So, you need to be aware that Amtrak does not necessarily hold the reserved bike ticket spots. Complaints to Amtrak resulted in them saying they were sending us a refund of the bike tickets... what we got was a ticket voucher for $20 that expired in a year. Amtrak is not exactly great at customer service.
Katy Roundhouse and camping near New Franklin
- + Does anyone know if Katy Roundhouse is still open and in business? I've left a couple messages without luck, and cannot connect to the website their phone message refers too. Any help would be much ...
Discussion started 03/14/2013 07:31 AM by SofiAndMe - 2 replies (last reply by Patricia Cunningham, City Clerk at 04/16/2013 10:36 AM)SofiAndMe from Bettendorf, IA on 03/14/2013 07:31 AM
Does anyone know if Katy Roundhouse is still open and in business? I've left a couple messages without luck, and cannot connect to the website their phone message refers too. Any help would be much appreciated. This is in reference to a bike/camp trip 23-30 March. Thank You.
Luke from San Diego on 03/14/2013 12:59 PM
I just spoke with the Roundhouse and they currently do not have showers or bathrooms ready. They were thinking the first week of April. This is the number I used 660-537-0239.
Patricia Cunningham, City Clerk from New Franklin, MO on 04/16/2013 10:36 AM
yes, the camp ground is still open. the restaurant is not. leave your message on their answering machine again. I'm certain John will get back to you! The web site address was bought by someone else when it expired! They are working on a new site. Feel free to call me 660 848 2288.
mkt.aspx
- + Does anyone have any information or an old photo of the roundhouse in Stamford, Texas you can post? Thanks, Jack Kelley
Discussion started 04/14/2013 09:30 PM by Jack Kelley - 0 repliesJack Kelley from Devine, Texas on 04/14/2013 09:30 PM
Does anyone have any information or an old photo of the roundhouse in Stamford, Texas you can post? Thanks, Jack Kelley
- + Hi, Does any one know how far it is from Machens to the Brussels ferry crossing the river to Grafton, IL? Thanks
Discussion started 04/12/2013 10:37 PM by John Schwarte - 3 replies (last reply by KT Advisor at 04/13/2013 01:16 PM)John Schwarte from Salem, OR on 04/12/2013 10:37 PM
Hi,
Does any one know how far it is from Machens to the Brussels ferry crossing the river to Grafton, IL? Thanks
KT Advisor on 04/13/2013 02:25 AM
John, If you take Rt 67 over the Mississippi at Alton and go up Rt. 100 on the Illinois side to Grafton it is about 30 miles by google. Getting there from the MO side could be a challenge since the MO and Mississippi rivers cause much marsh and bottom lands for road challenges in the Machens area. You are aware the ferry crosses the IL river.
Hank from New Haven on 04/13/2013 06:08 AM
The Grafton Ferry over the Mississippi River is supposed to open in May. I too have been planning to bike from Machens to the ferry landing in Missouri. Google Earth puts it at around 10 miles. I would love to hear from anyone who has ridden this stretch, Machens to Grafton Ferry, Missouri side.
KT Advisor on 04/13/2013 01:16 PM
The Grafton Ferry is located on the Illinois side at the foot of Illinois Route 3, just upriver of the Grafton public boat ramp. On the Missouri side, it terminates just off of Grafton Ferry Road alongside the St. Charles County Airport. From there it is a short ride to highway 94 and about 10 miles to the St. Charles city line. I believe Hank, John must have meant this ferry instead of the Brussels. Thanks.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=6320&tonly=1
conditions of trails
- + for years I have enjoyed biking through st Charles to creve couer park. the trails are now under construction and hazardous with loose chat and poorly placed fencing. the fencing sits at the bottom o...
Discussion started 04/10/2013 08:33 AM by debbie rathert - 1 reply (last reply by kevin at 04/11/2013 12:51 PM)debbie rathert from st. louis on 04/10/2013 08:33 AM
for years I have enjoyed biking through st Charles to creve couer park. the trails are now under construction and hazardous with loose chat and poorly placed fencing. the fencing sits at the bottom of a small drop off on the side of the trail. the fence would be better and safer if placed level with the path. along with the hazardous path and my first time using strapped pedals I now have a broken arm. I will be prepared next time.
kevin from Jeff City on 04/11/2013 12:51 PM
Hope you get well fast and get back on the trail! Was the bad trail over by the Hwy 70 bridge?
Temporary detour at milepost 151
- + Yesterday's storms resulted in water over the Katy Trail at milepost 151, between Claysville and Hartsburg. Trail users will need to follow a short detour on Hartsburg Bottom Road, a county road adjac...
Discussion started 04/11/2013 09:54 AM by Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator - 1 reply (last reply by Hank at 04/11/2013 11:32 AM)Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator on 04/11/2013 09:54 AM
Yesterday's storms resulted in water over the Katy Trail at milepost 151, between Claysville and Hartsburg. Trail users will need to follow a short detour on Hartsburg Bottom Road, a county road adjacent to the trail. Periodically check our Katy Trail Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KatyTrailStatePark) or our Katy Trail State Park advisory web page (http://mostateparks.com/advisories?parks=53010) for updates on trail conditions.
Hank from New Haven on 04/11/2013 11:32 AM
Thanks very much, am planning to be in that area this weekend. Your posts on this website are very helpful and much appreciated!
hours
- + The hours listed on this site are incorrect, I have tried repeatedly to get them corrected but for some reason they stay the same. Anyway Dottys is open 7am til 2pm Wednesday through Sunday. Breakfast...
Discussion started 03/30/2013 07:20 PM by Dottys cafe - 3 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 04/09/2013 08:27 PM)Dottys cafe from Hartsburg on 03/30/2013 07:20 PM
The hours listed on this site are incorrect, I have tried repeatedly to get them corrected but for some reason they stay the same. Anyway Dottys is open 7am til 2pm Wednesday through Sunday. Breakfast and lunch. Thanks, hope to see you all soon! Dotty
Mike from Baxter Springs, KS on 04/01/2013 01:39 PM
Dotty, will you be open on May 26 (Memorial Weekend)?
Dottys cafe from Hartsburg on 04/09/2013 07:55 PM
Thanks fo correcting my hours. I had tried but couldnt figure out how to get there:)
Ray (webmaster) on 04/09/2013 08:27 PM
No problem, just drop me an email (http://www.bikekatytrail.com/contact.aspx) or post something here, any time you have changes.
Looking forward to some pie on our next time through Hartsburg!
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
hours
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=6296&tonly=1
trail experience
- + we pushed our trip plans up because the long range weather was not pleasing. We stayed at HI Express, Boonville and headed out on Thur. (4/4)for our first ever ride on the Katy. Destination Rocheport ...
Discussion started 04/09/2013 09:25 AM by Michigan Riders - 0 repliesMichigan Riders from South Haven, MI on 04/09/2013 09:25 AM
we pushed our trip plans up because the long range weather was not pleasing. We stayed at HI Express, Boonville and headed out on Thur. (4/4)for our first ever ride on the Katy. Destination Rocheport and the bistro. Found the trail to be a little soft in areas and the open fields a little boring. We stopped at the conservation area to view the sights. Very nice! On into Rocheport and pushed the bikes up trail to the Bistro (no locks). Enjoyed the view, drinks and changed an exploded tube before the ride back. Overall an enjoyable day. Sat. we drove to Rocheport and started their. Had a nice chat with their city manager before heading out. Great ride along the river as far as Easely before turning back. Found the trail much more firm in this section. As it was Sat. and nice, there were more people out which is always nice to see! Overall our first ride on the Katy was great and we would certainly would consider coming back to do some other sections!
New to biking and the KT
- + Hello all. My family just got ourselves new bikes today and wanted to know about the Katy Trail. Mainly is it ok for kids? My son (9 years old) knows how to ride a bike but has never been on a trail a...
Discussion started 04/07/2013 12:51 PM by J.A. - 4 replies (last reply by kevin at 04/08/2013 03:17 PM)J.A. from Jefferson City on 04/07/2013 12:51 PM
Hello all. My family just got ourselves new bikes today and wanted to know about the Katy Trail. Mainly is it ok for kids? My son (9 years old) knows how to ride a bike but has never been on a trail and was just wondering if he will be able to handle it. I don't know the terrain of the trail (paved, bumpy, hilly, etc.) and want to make sure it's something he can handle and not get discouraged by. We don't plan on going long distance to start but still want him to enjoy it. Another embarrassing question is where would be the best place for us to access the trail, right by the bridge I am guessing? Thanks to all for any help, tips and advice you can give me to make this a good riding spot for my family.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 04/07/2013 03:02 PM
Congrats on the new bikes! KT is very flat and generally very wide. It is a crushed rock surface. So, a child, who can manage a bicycle and maintain a lane of travel, becuase there is often traffic either passing from ahead or overtaking from behind, should be able to enjoy riding on KT.
It's important to consider how well your child can handle riding with distractions. People, wildlife, and lots of beautiful scenery. Mainly, lots of people. Also, the trail has some locations that drop off to either side of the trail. They would be plenty safe if they stayed on the trail, but could get an exciting ride into the trees or swamps off the side at certain parts of the trail. I think all the bridges have side rails....
Ray (webmaster) on 04/07/2013 07:03 PM
Congrats on your new bikes. I think you'll love the Katy Trail. Good advice above from Figs, the only thing I'll add is that it is very flat - no hills to worry about. And another great thing - no cars.
As for how to get there, click on "N Jefferson" (not Jefferson City) in the map at the top of this page. Then page down a little, and you'll see an interactive google map of the North Jefferson trailhead where you can park. You can zoom in and out on the map, and click-and-hold to "drag" the map to one direction.
I'd suggest just riding a couple miles one way, then head back. If everyone still feels good by the time you get back, keep going in that other direction. You'll get a pretty good feel for how well the trail is working out and how far everyone feels like going.
Have fun!
El Toro on 04/07/2013 08:08 PM
It is very flat. Good news-no hills to climb. Bad news-no hills to coast down and recover. If you're moving forward - you're pedaling.
Enjoy!!
kevin from Jeff City on 04/08/2013 03:17 PM
JA, if you are driving to the trail from Jefferson City, just cross the bridge, take the first exit and follow the signs. You can park across from MFA in the little park and take the spur, or drive around to the trailhead.
St. Charles to Clinton
- + Myself and 2 friends are going to do a one-way trip from St Charles to Clinton in 3.5 days of riding this Fall. Does 70ish miles/day seem crazy? We all 3 ride a lot (>3,000 miles/yr). Thoughts?
Discussion started 04/01/2013 01:07 PM by Dogg - 9 replies (last reply by Jim at 04/07/2013 06:51 PM)Dogg on 04/01/2013 01:07 PM
Myself and 2 friends are going to do a one-way trip from St Charles to Clinton in 3.5 days of riding this Fall. Does 70ish miles/day seem crazy? We all 3 ride a lot (>3,000 miles/yr). Thoughts?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/01/2013 01:28 PM
Crazy? Sure it is, but lots of us do it anyway! I did the trip at about 70mpd last May, but this May I'm going to slow it down a bit and take more pictures and eat more fried food.
Jim from St Thomas on 04/01/2013 06:30 PM
If you ride 3000+ miles a year you shouldn't have any problems doing 70 mile days on the Katy. That being said I think doing 70 miles on the KATY is close to doing 80+ on hard surface.
ArkyKenny on 04/01/2013 10:18 PM
70 a day is easy for someone in shape. All other things being equal, I think 70 on the Katy is easier than a hilly century ride--even loaded with stuff for camping. I ride 12-14mph, so nothing crazy.
May I also suggest you consider "long" and "easy" days instead of 70 mile days. Ride like crazy one day; then eat, drink, take pictures, take side trips, lay in a hammock, or do what makes you happy; then hammer down again. I once did Clinton to St Charles and back in 5 days that way, and it was fun (2 hard days, 1 easy, 1 hard, and 1 easy and home). You could also let Amtrak take you part of the way home for additional adventure.
Dogg on 04/02/2013 11:50 AM
Thanks for the responses! I really like the idea of riding hard 1 day and taking it easy the next.
Paul K from Florissant,MO on 04/02/2013 02:53 PM
A friend and I rode the Katy out and back from Machens last summer. We did five days out and four days back averaging 50 miles per day and 11 mph. We had a relaxing trip enjoying all the Katy has to offer. Our longest day was 68 miles and we still stopped to smell the roses. Enjoy!
zbiker from Boonville on 04/03/2013 04:27 AM
When planning your ride, be aware that places to eat are not plentiful along the trail. East side out to Augusta will be fine, after that, not so many. Also, if riding after November 1 most, if not all, trailheads have water turned off. So, plan ahead, carry plenty water and snacks/food.
Dave from Overland Park, KS on 04/06/2013 11:04 AM
My daughter and I did Clinton to Machens in 3 days and the thought of the task was much tougher than the task itself. It is so flat. We decided to do our longer ride on day one and shortest on day three given the cumulative wear you might feel everyday. It also allowed us to sleep a little later each day maximizing recuperation time. It was a great ride!
KT Advisor on 04/07/2013 07:34 AM
Dogg, as most say push hard the first two days, Hermann (or further), then Boonville, then coast the last days. But have plenty of water, snacks and good beds (no sleeping on the ground for me). Use kevlar or other tire protection. But I would go west to east instead. Have fun.
Jim from St Thomas on 04/07/2013 06:51 PM
The problem with doing east to west is you're saving the hardest part of your ride (elevation wise) for the end.