Trail condition update
- + Rode Sedalia to Windsor yesterday after Amtraking from KC. Trail very soft. Averaged about 5 mph. No previous rain, base solid, but rock dust on top very soft. Freezes at night so does not dry, then...
Discussion started 02/07/2013 08:00 AM by Ron_S - 5 replies (last reply by Luke sponsler at 02/21/2013 11:53 AM)Ron_S from Overland Park KS on 02/07/2013 08:00 AM
Rode Sedalia to Windsor yesterday after Amtraking from KC. Trail very soft. Averaged about 5 mph. No previous rain, base solid, but rock dust on top very soft. Freezes at night so does not dry, then thaws during day. Trail in good condition other than that.
luke from San Diego on 02/13/2013 05:44 PM
When you describe the trail as soft, do you mean muddy? I am going west to east from Clinton to St. Louis March 17-21. Since it is so early in the season I am preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. I am trying to gage how wide of tires to run.
Thanks, Luke
DSD on 02/13/2013 07:44 PM
Luke, that section on both sides of Sedalia gets wet and soft easily due to the soft base and horses allowed on the trail. I rode the trail end-to-end the end of March in 2010 and unless there is rain a few days continuously the trail stays pretty solid. I would use at least 28 mm kevlar tires.
El Toro on 02/13/2013 10:51 PM
I would concur with DSD's comments...especially on the western end (Clinton-Sedalia/Boonville) of the trail...I run 28s with GREAT flat protection with good luck.
In addition to many, many day trips, have ridden Clinton-St. Charles several times (the last being in June, 2012) and have settled on 28s.
I know others like wider tires, that's just my 2 cents.
If it has been a really wet early March, I would consider non-knobby, kevlar 32s, but I can't imagine needing anything wider.
Again - that's just my 2 cents.
HAVE A GREAT TRIP!
Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 02/14/2013 01:27 AM
Have 32's on my touring bike, 38's on the hybrid and both work great. Have seen where people have run 25's with no problems, seems kind of narrow if the trail gets wet and soft though, and that can happen especially in the spring. I'm with DSD and El Toro, 28's and up you should be good to go.
Luke sponsler from San Diego on 02/21/2013 11:53 AM
Thanks for the tips guys. Much appreciated. I'm running 32s so as long as the snow melts I should be fine.
mkt.aspx the bridges on the Katy Trail
- + Hi everyone,Zoe3 here! Can anyone tell me how many bridges the old trains crossed along the way from start to finish? I am talking about EVERY BRIDGE and not just the big ones!ThanksZoe3
Discussion started 02/19/2013 09:10 PM by Zoe3 - 0 repliesZoe3 from Hays Kansas on 02/19/2013 09:10 PM
Hi everyone,Zoe3 here! Can anyone tell me how many bridges the old trains crossed along the way from start to finish? I am talking about EVERY BRIDGE and not just the big ones!
Thanks
Zoe3
shuttle or Amtrak
- + I am planning to bike the Katy Trail in either late March or early April of 2013. I will drive to the western end of the trail, catch a shuttle or train to the eastern end and bike back (east to west)...
Discussion started 02/04/2013 03:27 PM by Kevin from Trailsnet.com - 3 replies (last reply by SofiAndMe at 02/17/2013 08:35 PM)Kevin from Trailsnet.com from Colorado on 02/04/2013 03:27 PM
I am planning to bike the Katy Trail in either late March or early April of 2013. I will drive to the western end of the trail, catch a shuttle or train to the eastern end and bike back (east to west). I have been looking at all the shuttle options that are listed on the trip planner page of this website. However, none of them seems to get great reviews and most of them don't even seem to offer the service anymore.
I would also enjoy taking the Amtrak, but what I'm reading is very confusing. I would love to take the train from St. Charles to somewhere near Clinton. However the Amtrak site doesn't show it going to St. Charles. It looks like the nearest train station on the west end is Washington, MO. And on the east end, is Sedalia the best train station or is there one closer to Clinton?
Finally, are most accommodations available in March?
Any and all help/advice is greatly appreciated.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 02/04/2013 04:11 PM
The closest Amtrak station to St. Charles is Kirkwood and the closest to Clinton is Sedalia. I would contact Lococo House and see about a shuttle for the entire trail or from the Kirkwood station to St. Charles. You would still need a shuttle from Sedalia to Clinton or just ride that section twice.
Haank from New Haven, MO on 02/04/2013 08:41 PM
Late March or early April is not high season so some of the services may be hit and miss. Thought I've never used them I've heard Lococo in St. Charles is good. Also Katy Bike Rental in Defiance. Worth a call to both / either.
The closest Amtrak stop to Clinton is Sedalia or Warrensburg. You can catch a shuttle to Clinton from there, just call ahead. Don't worry about the negative reviews. If you make personal contact with people and they say they will be somewhere, they generally will.
It is not an overly difficult ride to go from St. Charles to Kirkwood. I've done it, though not all at the same time. It entails a bit of urban / suburban riding but the routes for the most part are pretty good.
FWIW I think it's generally accepted that riding west to east is preferable. The prevailing wind is generally out of the west.
Loco
SofiAndMe from Bettendorf IA on 02/17/2013 08:35 PM
I posted a similar question here about a month and received some really good feedback. The link is here: http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=6207 ... I do know St. Charles Bike Cafe offers shuttle services. There are located in St. Charles (imagine that). . I plan to ride the trail from East to West (and possibly back) on March ~23-31. Im going to pack everything and camp along the way. I've not yet contacted any campsites because my exact dates are not finalized, and I'm not really excited about having a rigid schedule. There are so many variables that the best laid plan go out the window if there happens to be poor weather, a breakdown, or anything else comes up. All the best. SofiAndme.
Treloar Missouri
- + Want everyone one to know that the Treloar Bar & Grill is open and in the middle of town ... Lisa and John have great food and drink ... I highly suggest coming and visiting ... heard the Treloar Merc...
Discussion started 02/16/2013 09:28 PM by Ed Edwards - 2 replies (last reply by Jim at 02/17/2013 09:14 AM)Ed Edwards from Ballwin on 02/16/2013 09:28 PM
Want everyone one to know that the Treloar Bar & Grill is open and in the middle of town ... Lisa and John have great food and drink ... I highly suggest coming and visiting ... heard the Treloar Mercantile Company is re-opening soon ... keep your eyes and ears open ... Ed Edwards
Jim from St Louis on 02/16/2013 09:41 PM
This is one of or favorite areas along the trail. Hope that is the case about something happening to the Treolar Mercantile and Bank building, they are standing classics in the area and it sure would be great to see them revitalized.
Jim from St Thomas on 02/17/2013 09:14 AM
What type of business is the Mecantile Co. going to be?
- + Hello everyone. Im wondering if it is possible to leave a car parked for several days near Clinton, and get a ride to Machens. Planning on riding bikes back to Clinton over several days. Going to b...
Discussion started 01/26/2013 01:47 PM by Maceh - 6 replies (last reply by maceh at 02/14/2013 04:00 PM)Maceh from Stjørdal, Norway on 01/26/2013 01:47 PM
Hello everyone. Im wondering if it is possible to leave a car parked for several days near Clinton, and get a ride to Machens. Planning on riding bikes back to Clinton over several days. Going to bring everything we need with us, so we dont need shuttle services to transport our luggage. Any suggestions? Thankyou
SteveK from Saint Louis, MO on 01/26/2013 05:06 PM
Contact the Clinton Community Center for overnight parking near the Katy TH in Clinton. There is a "Share a Shuttle" link on this site's homepage that you can utilize for transportation to St. Charles, MO(probably) from Clinton, MO, Machens is another 12 miles east but most bikers start in St. Charles.
Maceh from Stjørdal, Norway on 01/27/2013 07:55 PM
Thank you Steve. Do you think I need to call clinton community center before we arrive....or is it ok to talk with someone when we get there? Also....how far in advance is necessary to reserve a shuttle?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 01/28/2013 11:32 AM
It is no problem to show up at the Clinton Community Center the day you arrive. Provide them with vehicle and contact information and they will tell you where to park. Since there are no regularly scheduled shuttles, I would make arrangements about a month prior to your start date. Use the "Trip Planner" link above to get a list of possible shuttle services. Probably best luck with Katy Bike Rental or Lococo House.
Tim from Raymore, MO. on 02/03/2013 10:01 PM
Having ridden several legs of the trail, I would suggest parking in Clinton, shuttling to Warrensberg where you can take the AmTrak to St. Charles. It is a four hour, $29 train ride per person plus $10 per bike. Your car will be safe and the ride will be pleasurable. If you have the option, it is a much easier ride west to east than east to west. Good luck and enjoy the trip!
denise from fulton on 02/10/2013 04:37 PM
We stayed at the Hampton in Clinton the night before we started riding the trail. They let us keep our car there for a week. Kind of like a park and fly, but park and ride.
maceh on 02/14/2013 04:00 PM
Thankyou everyone for the tips!
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- + I really like your shots...they have interesting topical elements in them. Thanks for sharing!
Discussion started 02/10/2013 11:11 AM by CS - 3 replies (last reply by Frank Lee at 02/14/2013 02:01 AM)CS from COMO on 02/10/2013 11:11 AM
I really like your shots...they have interesting topical elements in them. Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous on 02/10/2013 02:54 PM
What I like beyond the superficial topical elements is the deep base for which each shot represents independently.
DSD on 02/13/2013 01:48 PM
Must be the home page photos as your subject CS, right?
Frank Lee from Beautiful down town Byrds Corner, MO. on 02/14/2013 02:01 AM
These comments are about and at the Scot A. McNealy photos. If your wondering.
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Rocheport BBQ & Bike Rental
- + Awesome - we had lunch here over Labor Day Weekend while camping and biking with friends on the Katy. Pulled Pork and Brisket were both voted great, and they made sure we had everything we needed. We ...
Discussion started 09/04/2012 07:22 AM by Kim - 3 replies (last reply by Bill P at 02/12/2013 06:09 PM)Kim from Independence, MO on 09/04/2012 07:22 AM
Awesome - we had lunch here over Labor Day Weekend while camping and biking with friends on the Katy. Pulled Pork and Brisket were both voted great, and they made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely be back!
Anonymous on 02/10/2013 06:06 PM
Hi Kim,
We're glad you enjoyed it. We're getting ready to open around March 1, depending on the weather. Please come see us again!
Figs from Olathe, KS on 02/11/2013 05:50 PM
Good, I am riding with the Pedaler's Jamboree Memorial Day weekend, Saturday of that ride, we should be passing through Rocheport just about lunch time!!!
Bill P from Ottawa, KS on 02/12/2013 06:09 PM
Cosign to the OP's comments. My buddy and I stopped in here on our 4-day end-to-end trail ride in October. Good stuff.
Planning a 2 day ride
- + My friends and I are planning a two day ride from Defiance to Rocheport. None of us have ever done this before but have always wanted to. Most of us do not own bikes, so we are going to rent from th...
Discussion started 02/07/2013 08:16 AM by Chris - 4 replies (last reply by Doug at 02/11/2013 09:18 PM)Chris from St. Louis on 02/07/2013 08:16 AM
My friends and I are planning a two day ride from Defiance to Rocheport. None of us have ever done this before but have always wanted to. Most of us do not own bikes, so we are going to rent from the shop in Defiance. My questions are, can we rent and drop our bikes in Rocheport? If not, how do we get ourselves and bikes back to Defiance?
Thanks!
Anonymous on 02/07/2013 09:47 AM
Looks like a great question to ask the bike shop in Defiance that you rent from.
Jim from St Thomas on 02/07/2013 11:54 AM
Do you and your friends ride much now? You're talking about back to back 60 mile days. Its not that hard physically if you take your time but you might have a pretty good case of bike butt by the end. I think the bike shop will pick you up in Rocheport for a fee.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 02/11/2013 06:02 PM
If you have a way to drive to Rocheport and rent your bikes, and maybe leave a car, then transport your rented bikes to Defiance and do your ride.. Then at Rocheport, turn in your rentals and drive back to your other car at Defiance... But, a shuttle from Rocheport's Bike Shop might be easier. Good folks, give 'em a call and ask. Good luck on 2 60 mile days without "training" or "building butt endurance". KT is awesome, and there is very little elevation change, but it is ALL GRAVEL. There is no coasting, gravel offers more rolling resistance than paved, and so you'll be pedalling the WHOLE way. Still very much worth the effort.
Doug from Bluffton on 02/11/2013 09:18 PM
If you spent your overnight at my B&B in Bluffton I MIGHT be able to shuttle your car for you by riding in opposite direction, driving to my house and the following day drive your car to end and then riding home. Exchanging you car keys along the trail. Benefit is your don't have to carry your gear on bikes. You can call me to discuss this. Doug
Hart Creek Bistro
- + Latest news is that the Bistro is permanently closed. Where will we get good food and fun?
Discussion started 01/01/2013 12:36 PM - 2 replies (last reply by Figs at 02/11/2013 05:48 PM)Anonymous on 01/01/2013 12:36 PM
Latest news is that the Bistro is permanently closed. Where will we get good food and fun?
Brad Scroggs from Jefferson City on 02/11/2013 01:08 PM
That would be a shame ... such a perfect distance form Jefferson City. Perhaps the new Hartsburg Grand restaurant will be a nice place for a meal and a drink during a daytime Trail ride.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 02/11/2013 05:48 PM
I ate at the Hartsburg Grand this past October and it was REALLY good. I hate to hear about businesses closing along KT, but Hartsburg can still be a great ride destination for eats! If they have it when you visit, try the homemade Chicken and Mushroom soup...OMG it's good!
shuttle
- + Suggestions for a shuttle from Pilot Grove to Boonville (two bikes)????
Discussion started 02/09/2013 10:36 AM by Kriss - 2 replies (last reply by cotten at 02/10/2013 06:48 AM)Kriss from Boonville on 02/09/2013 10:36 AM
Suggestions for a shuttle from Pilot Grove to Boonville (two bikes)????
Anonymous on 02/09/2013 02:55 PM
I think I'd just ride back.....it's not that far.
cotten from boonville on 02/10/2013 06:48 AM
give cotten a call at katy trail shuttle 660-537-0164
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shuttle
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Early season ride
- + We are planning a first time ride on the trail, April 12 - 16. I know that is early season. So want to know if we are going to have trouble with camping places not being open. We are carrying most ...
Discussion started 02/09/2013 12:58 PM by Tania - 1 reply (last reply by Darrell at 02/09/2013 03:01 PM)Tania from Marion, IA on 02/09/2013 12:58 PM
We are planning a first time ride on the trail, April 12 - 16. I know that is early season. So want to know if we are going to have trouble with camping places not being open. We are carrying most of our supplies, so not as concerned with other services, but we do need to be able to camp. Thank you!
Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 02/09/2013 03:01 PM
Most of the services, campgrounds and trail heads will open back up around the first of April. You can check on the title (Towns and Services)above for phone #'s and info for where you may want to camp. Other questions? People here will be happy to help.
Good luck and enjoy your tour of the Katy!
The Mercantile
- + My wife and I stayed a February weekend in Hermann, but the Farmer's Mercantile was recommended for dinner. We were the only people there, but had a fantastic meal, and great company. Recommend!
Discussion started 02/08/2013 09:21 AM by Tony - 1 reply (last reply by Joey Los at 02/08/2013 06:05 PM)Tony from St. Louis on 02/08/2013 09:21 AM
My wife and I stayed a February weekend in Hermann, but the Farmer's Mercantile was recommended for dinner. We were the only people there, but had a fantastic meal, and great company. Recommend!
Joey Los from McKittrick on 02/08/2013 06:05 PM
That is the McKittrick Farmers Mercantile right at the Katy Trail head in McKittrick for all you cyclists out there. Yes, we are now open every Saturday and Sunday year round. Thank you Tony for your recommendation. Joey
Temporary delays to Katy Trail traffic at MP 51.2
- + Beginning Monday, February 18, construction crews working on the new I-64 Daniel Boone Bridge over the Missouri River will have once-a-day closures of the bridge for rock blasting. The blasting will ...
Discussion started 02/08/2013 12:38 PM by Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator - 0 repliesDawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator on 02/08/2013 12:38 PM
Beginning Monday, February 18, construction crews working on the new I-64 Daniel Boone Bridge over the Missouri River will have once-a-day closures of the bridge for rock blasting. The blasting will occur adjacent to the eastbound lanes of I-64 at the St Charles County end of the bridge. The Daniel Boone Bridge crosses over the Katy Trail at milepost 51.2, about five miles east of the Weldon Spring Trailhead. Blasting is scheduled to occur at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. on weekdays for approximately one month. Flaggers will be on the trail to temporarily stop trail users during the blasting. The temporary delays may last up to ten minutes at a time.
- + The events page is short on organized rides. Does anyone know of other orgazined rides on the Katy Trail for 2013?
Discussion started 02/07/2013 09:13 AM by MJB - 2 replies (last reply by DSD at 02/08/2013 07:40 AM)MJB on 02/07/2013 09:13 AM
The events page is short on organized rides. Does anyone know of other orgazined rides on the Katy Trail for 2013?
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 02/07/2013 12:28 PM
There is always the huge DNR ride in June. You can check out last years ride info here:
http://mostateparks.com/2012-katy-trail-ride
DSD on 02/08/2013 07:40 AM
There is the Katy Trail Tour group on this website for self-guided rides if you want to pay a group.
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mkt.aspx
- + WOULD LIKE ANY INFO ON SMALL STEAMPASSENGER KNOWN AS THE DOODLE BUG.A LOCAL NAME I'M SURE. HAD ENGINE ONE PASSENGER CAR AND CABOOSE. CAME THRU HICO IN 40'S-1951. TRAVELED EAST AND WEST.ANY INFO IS GRE...
Discussion started 02/06/2013 08:59 PM by DOUG - 0 repliesDOUG from HICO TX on 02/06/2013 08:59 PM
WOULD LIKE ANY INFO ON SMALL STEAMPASSENGER KNOWN AS THE DOODLE BUG.A LOCAL NAME I'M SURE. HAD ENGINE ONE PASSENGER CAR AND CABOOSE. CAME THRU HICO IN 40'S-1951. TRAVELED EAST AND WEST.
ANY INFO IS GREATLY APPRECIATED