Watering Holes in Winter/Early Spring
- + I'm planning to ride the trail from W to E the week of March 17. Does anybody know if the water taps at the trailheads will be in service by then?
Discussion started 03/01/2013 07:58 PM by Fighting Illini - 16 replies (last reply by Fighting Illini at 03/13/2013 11:19 AM)Fighting Illini on 03/01/2013 07:58 PM
I'm planning to ride the trail from W to E the week of March 17. Does anybody know if the water taps at the trailheads will be in service by then?
Anonymous on 03/01/2013 09:01 PM
Nope.....April 1 is opening day.
Jharte from Kansas City on 03/02/2013 09:45 AM
Agreed. Most of the trailhead restrooms and water taps are closed off for winter.
Jharte
Luke from San Diego on 03/02/2013 10:32 PM
I'm glad to hear someone else is doing the trail the same week. It doesn't make me feel so insane. I was getting real nervous about all the snow but the show most go on.
I think there are enough towns on the route that water won't be an issue.
Anonymous on 03/03/2013 12:05 AM
If you are willing to venture off the trail just a little bit, I too believe you will find water and other provisions. Make good use of this site to identify those grocery stores, etc. Some of them are a bit "hidden" once you're on the trail. In my experience, the few notes I made and had in my jersey pocket, were VERY useful the first few trips on the KATY.
I hope the weather is fabulous and that have a marvelous time!
Fighting Illini on 03/03/2013 08:47 AM
Thanks for the tips.
Luke, I think we'll be a few days behind you, but hope to see you out there. I think the snow should be melted by then, but I expect we'll see wet trails.
By the way, I wouldn't gauge your sanity against our actions. If it was easy and predictable it wouldn't be much of an adventure!
DSD on 03/03/2013 10:53 AM
I would definitely take a camelbak and load up anywhere you can at that time of the year. Its gets a little dry from about Rocheport east unless as they said you know where the private places are off the trail.
Luke from San Diego on 03/03/2013 05:46 PM
Fighting illini,
My email is luke23@gmail.com. Perhaps we can swap emails or twitter. I can offer updates and tips if I'm ahead of you.
My tentative trip plan is
Day 1: train KC to warrensburg. Ride to Windsor (rmaybe Clinton) then stay in Sedalia.
Day 2: Sedalia > Rocheport or New Franklin
Day 3: Rocheport > Tebbets
Day 4: Tebbets > Augusta
Day 5: Augusta > St. Louis.
I will be doing a combination of camping and motel/BB.
Getting super excited to get back to my Midwest roots.
Anonymous on 03/04/2013 04:15 PM
Luke, I don't think anything in Tebbets is open in March
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/05/2013 10:15 AM
The shelter in Tebbetts has water, frig, and the last time I was there the coffee maker and microwave were working, so you could bring some freeze dried chow to cook up. There isn't a regular cooking stove.
Luke from San Diego on 03/05/2013 10:40 AM
Thanks for the heads up guys. I will be sure to stock up in Jeff City before arriving to Tebbets.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 03/06/2013 11:33 AM
Luke, if you have a camelback or the ability to carry water other than a frame mounted bottle, then you should be fine. All of the cafe and bike shops along the way will gladly fill your water bottles. I ate lunch in Hartsburg, at the Grand (which I highly recommend) and they asked me if I needed any water bottles filled while I was eating lunch.
Anonymous on 03/07/2013 11:20 AM
Luke, Be sure and check if you plan on using the shelter at Tebbitts. Last spring when I rode there in March, it was padlocked.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/07/2013 11:54 AM
The Katy Trail Shelter in Tebbetts is always locked. Click on Tebbetts on the map above and go to the shelter website for information about the key location.
SofiAndMe from Bettendorf, IA on 03/08/2013 01:09 PM
I'm glad to see there are some other folks willing to brave the elements for a early bike ride. I'm planning to ride it the week of March 23-30. Paarty of 6, 2 adults and 4 kids. I really hate to waste the kids' spring break by sitting around, so we are going to give it a go and see what happens. As has been posted already, nothing seems to open until April 1st. We plan on camping all the way, and utilizing the hostel in Tebbets. Just not sure what day we will arrive. My email is 2214mja@gmail if one of you earlier riders wanted to contact me or give me a heads up that would be awesome.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 03/12/2013 09:51 PM
On this comment forum go to "Use tags to filter" pick the "water" tag, hit apply tags, and then scroll down to the post by Dawn Fredrickson, 11/2/12 "Katy Trail Bathrooms Winterized" and you'll see where she listed bathrooms that remain open during the winter. I know you are concerned about water, but bathrooms are a big issue for me. Enjoy your ride.
Fighting Illini on 03/13/2013 11:19 AM
Cathy,
Thanks for the tip! Bathrooms will be a welcome luxury.
conditions of the path???
- + Hi all! I just bought a new bike this weekend, and I need to try it out! It's snowing here, and so I'm looking for better weather. Its a 7.5 hour drive down, so I'm just checking the conditions of t...
Discussion started 03/11/2013 11:25 AM by cj - 2 replies (last reply by Figs at 03/12/2013 03:30 PM)cj from madison, wi on 03/11/2013 11:25 AM
Hi all! I just bought a new bike this weekend, and I need to try it out! It's snowing here, and so I'm looking for better weather. Its a 7.5 hour drive down, so I'm just checking the conditions of the KATY Trail. Thinging of staying in Jefferson City area, heading towards clinton one day, heading the other way the next day. Any insight into the conditions would be helpful! thanks!
kevin from Jeff City on 03/11/2013 02:22 PM
Congratulations on the new bike.
We just got a bunch of snow melted off the trail here, but the weather is cold and wet, and the trail is going to be mushy as it thaws. You may want to wait a few weeks before coming down. If you check the other threads, it looks like DNR will turn the water back on at selected trailheads around April 1.
Figs from Olathe on 03/12/2013 03:30 PM
Congrats CJ. I know what the new bike frenzy feels like. I got my new Trek Hybrid for my BD last October, the following weekend I was riding 72 miles of the KT. I agree that we just haven't had enough warmth, sun, or wind to dry the KT out very well. I am sticking to the miles and miles of paved trails in Johnson County, KS (which actually connect to some in Kansas City). You could always drive down here, spend a night at a nice hotel and ride LOTS of miles without ever doubling back. AND, eat some KC BBQ! If you're interested, the bike trails can be found under Johnson County Parks or on mapmyride.com . Or, let me know and I can tell you where I'll be riding to and from Saturday and Sunday!
Reasonable First Time Trip?
- + My wife and I want to try a short trip on the Katy Trail in early May. We are inexperienced cyclists in our early 60's and I am wondering how many miles per day we should plan for an enjoyable ride e...
Discussion started 03/05/2013 03:31 PM by Bob - 7 replies (last reply by Bob Lambert at 03/10/2013 07:33 PM)Bob from Springdale, AR on 03/05/2013 03:31 PM
My wife and I want to try a short trip on the Katy Trail in early May. We are inexperienced cyclists in our early 60's and I am wondering how many miles per day we should plan for an enjoyable ride each day. We are in good shape for our ages, but we are not interested in winning a race. I am thinking about an overnight in Washington with a shuttle to Augusta the next day. Bike west on the trail and overnight in Marthasville or Peers and then on to McKittrick the next day with an overnight in McKittrick or Hermann. Is this challenging enough or should we increase the mileage. Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Haank from New Haven, MO on 03/05/2013 05:50 PM
Bob,
If you are in decent shape I think something like Augusta to McKittrick (35 miles) would be fine. This is just 8 mph per hour for a little over four hours. Part of the fun of riding the Katy is covering some distance. It doesn't have to be at breakneck speed, but over the course of a day you can cover some ground. I would fear if you go too short you would wish you'd bitten off more. Augusta to McKittrick is a nice ride with stops at Dutzow, Marthasville, Treloar and the Gore Winery if you wish. On the following day you could go back to Marthasville or Dutzow to pick up a shuttle ride (23 and 27 miles) back to Washington.
A slightly more ambitious trip would be to overnight in Jeff City, ride from there to McKittrick in Day 1, (47 miles) then McKittrick to Marthasville or Dutzow (23 and 27 miles) and then get a shuttle into Washington, overnight, then ride the Amtrak with your bikes back to your vehicle in Jeff City.
Good luck whatever you do.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 03/05/2013 08:23 PM
Bob, define inexperienced cyclist for us. How often and how far have rode in the past? No matter what your overall shape is, if you have not ridden any distance before you will not enjoy your trip if you dread getting back in the saddle.
Anonymous on 03/05/2013 09:25 PM
We did an urban bike ride in Dublin last summer for about 10 miles. It was fairly flat and we stopped several times to sightsee. The trip didn't tax us at all. I am concerned about not covering enough ground and not feeling like we have gotten our "money's worth" for the trip. Jefferson City to Marthasville sounds good but 47 miles the first day may be a little much. Thanks for your comments!
kevin from Jeff City on 03/06/2013 01:45 PM
Augusta to Marthasville is 11.3 miles. Marthasville to McKittrick is 23 miles, and another 2.5 miles to Hermann.
There's nothing in Peers since the general store closed. There are reports that there is a restaurant in Treloar again, but I've not seen it.
If you are comfortable doing those distances, then that sounds like a pleasant ride.
RD on 03/08/2013 12:38 PM
Last year I was like you, mid 60's, hadn't ridden a bike since I was kid, but in reasonble health. So I bought a comfort hybrid bike and started riding the Katy. I was not interested in setting any records, didn't want to spend weeks getting "in shape", just wanted to enjoy myself. I found that including breaks, observation stops, visiting with other riders, etc. an average pace of 5-6 miles was comfortable. I know many will say that's too slow but like I said, just out to enjoy, plenty of things to stop and observe along the way. Then I found that 6 hours on the trail was about the max without being too sore or tired to go again the next day. Plus 6 hours was about all my rear end could take. Plan your stops at places like Sedalia, Rocheport, Jeff City, Hermann, Augusta, St Charles, etc and you'll have plenty of things to see and do after your ride. Plus the smaller towns along the way are interesting breaks. Enjoy yourself and you'll be hooked like me. After riding all the Katy, both ways, a segment at a time, I went to Mississppi and rode the Long Leaf Trace last fall. Going to South Dakota this summer to ride the Mickleson Trail. Happy Biking
Trek on 03/08/2013 01:30 PM
RD....we rode the Mickelson a few years back. It's not as flat as the Katy. There are several grades that are several miles long. Great going down, but you can sure tell they are there when going uphill. It was a wonderfull ride that was well worth the trip from MO.
We stayed in Hill City in town and at Emerald Pines B&B just outside of town. Great couple who owns it. The Alpine Inn is a hot spot to eat. Lots of variety on the menu there....filet mignon, large or small. Plenty to do in the area, Spearfish Canyon, train from Hill City to Keystone, etc.
Bob Lambert from Springdale, AR on 03/10/2013 07:33 PM
It looks like 25 to 30 miles to day will be our pace. Thanks for all of the advice!
Change of rates at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg
- + The rates have been changed, effective 2013,$65.00 single and $100.00 double, additional charge stayed the same.
Discussion started 03/10/2013 06:20 AM by Hartsburg Business Association/Cycle Depot - 0 repliesHartsburg Business Association/Cycle Depot on 03/10/2013 06:20 AM
The rates have been changed, effective 2013,
$65.00 single and $100.00 double, additional charge stayed the same.
Need a Route from Katy Trail to St. Louis (
- + This will be my first time on the trail and wanted to see if anyone had any good route suggestions on how to get from the Katy Trail to Forest Park area in St. Louis. I saw the suggested routes to the...
Discussion started 03/07/2013 08:57 AM by JC - 1 reply (last reply by Luke at 03/09/2013 12:03 AM)JC from Mission on 03/07/2013 08:57 AM
This will be my first time on the trail and wanted to see if anyone had any good route suggestions on how to get from the Katy Trail to Forest Park area in St. Louis. I saw the suggested routes to the downtown, but not sure if that's the best way to go since the place I'm staying at is further west on Washington Place and between the cross streets of Union Blvd and Kingshighway Blvd. Thanks!
Luke from Luke Sponsler on 03/09/2013 12:03 AM
Wow what a strange coincidence. I'm riding to my 15th college reunion to the forest park area from KC staring a week from Sunday. When I was a senior at Wash U I lived on Washington Place, 5151 to be exact, between Union and Kingshighway. I can't help but think you are one of my buddies putting me on. Too strange.
Anyway I am planning on entering St Louis around Creve Coeur. Just following suggested routes on google bike maps. I will make my best effort to update this thread after I ride it. Also I will tweet it at at TravelswithLuke
Out of all places in St. Louis. Too funny.,,
KATY TRAIL TO KANSAS CITY, MO
- + I AM LOOKING FOR THE SAFEST RIDE FROM THE KATY TRAIL TO KANSAS CITY. DOES ANYONE HAVE A GOOD ROUTE. I HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE IN MICHIGAN THAT I WENT FROM ST.LOUIS TO KANSAS CITY. I WOULD PREFER TO STA...
Discussion started 12/04/2011 12:31 PM by JEFF WRIGHT - 12 replies (last reply by Paul Toigo at 03/08/2013 11:13 PM)JEFF WRIGHT from LANSING, MI on 12/04/2011 12:31 PM
I AM LOOKING FOR THE SAFEST RIDE FROM THE KATY TRAIL TO KANSAS CITY. DOES ANYONE HAVE A GOOD ROUTE. I HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE IN MICHIGAN THAT I WENT FROM ST.LOUIS TO KANSAS CITY. I WOULD PREFER TO STAY OFF MAIN ROADS IF POSSIBLE.
jbbike from Columbia, MO on 12/05/2011 09:49 PM
Similar questions have appeared here. I would like to suggest you view the MoDOT- Other transportation website map for the Kansas City region showing traffic volume on various Missouri highways. This map shows departure roads from the Clinton, Calhoun, and Windsor trail heads. The GREEN roads are usually safest. http://modot.org/othertransportation/bike_ped/Bike-PedProgram--RoadandRouteInfo.htm
Darrell from Jefferson City, MO. on 12/06/2011 10:04 PM
You may find the information you need at mobikefed.org.
Skyguy9999 on 12/08/2011 02:37 AM
A lot of this depends on how much of the Katy Trail you are looking to ride and where in Kansas City you want to end up.
kc from nj on 12/14/2011 09:54 AM
You might try "google maps, directions." They have a biking option. I would use this as a general guideline. Local knowledge, of course, is best.
Billy from Mokane on 12/21/2011 12:23 AM
Jeff,
I wouldn't ride my bike from Clinton in to KC with a police escort. Those roads are to scary for me and downright dangerous.
DEH from Wildwood on 03/07/2013 03:46 PM
I agree with Billy. I rode the entire KATY trail and wanted to complete my trip across Missouri on bike. I tried going the last 40 miles on HWY 18 out of Clinton west to Kansas. It was very difficult and dangerous, no shoulder, high grass that stopped you cold and cars flying over the hills. I also tried some of the other back roads and was chased by some of the meanest dogs I ever saw.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/07/2013 06:14 PM
DEH, I had a similar problem when my son & I did our cross-state ride. He wanted to ride ALL the way across the state - border to border, not just the Katy. My wife drove us to Clinton, and then up Hwy 7 to Garden City (~30 miles), and then due west from there to State Line Road, around 309th Street or so (another 30 miles). From there we hopped on our bikes and took that route back to Clinton. It's 20 miles longer than going directly west from Clinton, but worked out well. The back roads from State Line to Garden City were very quiet, and Hwy 7 had a nice wide shoulder, even if the traffic was a little unsettling. I'd recommend it for anyone who feels like they HAVE TO start at the Kansas state line.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 03/07/2013 10:57 PM
Here's my stab at a route from KCI to Clinton.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=206447626207924780981.0004d755079cabc6cae6a
Forgive me, but this is my very first google map. Let me know if there are any problems with the mapping or the riding.
Disclaimers: I've only ridden the roads on this route between Barry Rd in Kansas City and Warrensburg. Some may be unnerved by the high-speed traffic passing by while riding on the shoulder of US-50. (I prefer it to rolling 2-lanes without shoulders and "low-speed" traffic.)
Skyguy9999 on 03/08/2013 01:10 AM
2 comes out of Harrisonville and 58 out of Pleasant Hill (both I've ridden sometime in the past and would consider over 50). Then I'd consider working over to 7 (haven't been on that one). Bound to be better than 13, which couples the high speed traffic of 50 with little to non-existent shoulders.
Whatever you do, be safe, and good luck! (and how I wish Rock Island would be done, all these questions would become moot then)
Skyguy9999 on 03/08/2013 01:14 AM
Also, F on the route is a real torture test even without equipment, and 58 from 50 to where it turns west gets hot traffic-wise, too. Just FYI.
Jharte from Kansas City on 03/08/2013 06:51 AM
Jeff, as stated a few times, most routes from Clinton to Kansas City are narrow with high speed traffic. If you don't mind jumping off the Katy you can pick up 50 hywy W from Sedalia to Kansas City. Nice wide shoulder. This is the route I take from Kansas City to Sedalia to pick up the Katy when I don't want to drive to Clinton. I've ridden 50 hywy E many times to Sedalia, then on to St. Charles on the Katy. You do lose the stretch from Sedalia to Clinton.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 03/08/2013 11:13 PM
I predict that if I was touring, I'd continue on US-50 to Sedalia. If that means going out-and-back from Sedalia to Clinton to avoid some of those shoulder-free roads, so be it.
Katy Trail vs other Rails to Trails
- + Hello, this is a great website. Last year I rode the C and O/Great Allegheny Passage and loved it. Im looking into another ride of approx one week. Would you say the Katy Trail should be next on my li...
Discussion started 03/07/2013 06:42 PM by mtncanyon - 1 reply (last reply by Schosser at 03/08/2013 08:12 AM)mtncanyon from Colorado on 03/07/2013 06:42 PM
Hello, this is a great website. Last year I rode the C and O/Great Allegheny Passage and loved it. Im looking into another ride of approx one week. Would you say the Katy Trail should be next on my list or is there another rails to trails route which you pefer? This looks great. Scenery, some history and quiet are important for me. Id prob do it in the fall and camp at least a few days. Is the guide book up to date and reccomended? thx..
Schosser from Memphis on 03/08/2013 08:12 AM
The Silver Comet /Cheif Lagonda trail in GA/ALA is nice, but parts of it are close to a major highway so there is some noise. Other parts are very secluded. Unlike the Katy there are some significant elevation changes.
The sections of the Katy I have been on are very flat, peaceful and not too crowded on weekdays.
Considering where you live you should make the effort to experience the Hiawatha Trail in Idaho and then enjoy the Trails of the Cour'de Lene area..just make sure it's no sooner then July or later than September.
TEAM BACKSTOPPERS - RAGBRAI 2013
- + The Katy Trail is a great trail that travels through communities with professional law enforcement, firefighters, and ems. The Backstoppers supports the families of these professionals.TEAM BACKSTOPP...
Discussion started 01/13/2013 09:13 AM by TEAM BACKSTOPPERS - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/07/2013 10:44 PM)TEAM BACKSTOPPERS from STL on 01/13/2013 09:13 AM
The Katy Trail is a great trail that travels through communities with professional law enforcement, firefighters, and ems. The Backstoppers supports the families of these professionals.
TEAM BACKSTOPPERS has been formed for the upcoming 2013 RAGBRAI. Join/Support the team as they aim to support "The Backstoppers". Find out more at:
www.facebook.com/teambackstoppers
Thank You ahead of time for your continued support.
TEAM BACKSTOPPERS from STL on 02/19/2013 09:00 AM
We are still looking for riders to join us for RAGBRAI.
If you can't make it, you can still support The Backstoppers while getting a great deal on custom cycling apparel representing the organization.
Check out our store:
www.peak1bikestore.com/backstoppers/
Thanks!
TEAM BACKSTOPPERS from STL on 03/07/2013 09:02 PM
We are currently at 23 registered riders and growing. For those of you still on the fence, we are one week away from the deadline to join (03/15/13). We have room for you to and lots to offer.
Anonymous on 03/07/2013 10:44 PM
What are you doing or what have you done to support the police, fire fighters, or EMS families in Sedalia and Clinton?
SPRING RIDE
- + Two twenty-something guys looking to ride the Katy for the first time west to east toward the end of May. Anyone else going to be on the trail?! We are looking forward to it!
Discussion started 03/07/2013 06:59 PM by Chris - 0 repliesChris from Detroit on 03/07/2013 06:59 PM
Two twenty-something guys looking to ride the Katy for the first time west to east toward the end of May. Anyone else going to be on the trail?! We are looking forward to it!