- + You can ride it...I guess. But that is not something I would EVER DO (hear the many, varied safety concerns that are too numerous to mention in this small space--but most of which center on getting k...
Discussion started 02/21/2013 01:02 PM by ArkyKenny - 12 replies (last reply by ArkyKenny at 02/27/2013 11:23 AM)ArkyKenny on 02/21/2013 01:02 PM
You can ride it...I guess. But that is not something I would EVER DO (hear the many, varied safety concerns that are too numerous to mention in this small space--but most of which center on getting killed on the side of the road by bad drivers and bad people).
Get a shuttle, hire a taxi, take a train to Sedaila, make a freind, find a way to Columbia, do whay you will, but DO NOT RIDE TO CLINTON FROM KC!!!!!!!!!!!
Luke Sponsler from San Diego on 02/21/2013 01:45 PM
I guess the drivers in Missouri must be really bad. I have ridden from Vancouver to San Diego without trouble. I have done enough rode touring that I don't mind riding on a shoulder. That said, I will heed your advice and Amtrak to Warrensburg. It's only about a 2 hour ride from there to Clinton.
ArkyKenny on 02/21/2013 04:11 PM
Warrensbury to Clinton will be a good ride. Good roads.
The problem with KCMO is that you are likely to ride throgh some VERY HIGH CRIME AREAS. Not safe.
barf from Clinton on 02/21/2013 10:37 PM
if you can make it from vancouver to San Diego you can make to clinton o.k.
Anonymous on 02/21/2013 11:03 PM
I don't think this ride needs ruled out instantly. Arky - do you live in Kansas City?
I would not want to do it after dark, but depending on arrival time, I think it could be thoughtfully considered.
You might check ridewithgps.com or other similar sites to see if any options are proposed.
I am GUESSING that MCI to Clinton would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 120 miles. From previous experience, I know its about 80 from southern Johnson County, Kansas. The airport is WAY north of that.
Best wishes.
Anon on 02/22/2013 09:33 AM
The train to Warrensburg is your best bet.
Otherwise you'd need to ride around KC rather than through it. For example, you could taxi west of the airport to KS-7 (in Lansing - Leavenworth area), and ride south to KS-68. Then go east on KS-68/MO-2 to Harrisonville. From there take MO-7 to Clinton. The trailhead will be on your right (south-side of 7 at Route-52) on the west edge of Clinton.
Again, the train to Warrensburg is the way to go. Good luck.
ArkyKenny on 02/22/2013 08:55 PM
Anon,
I'm not bad mouthing all of KC, just the 10 miles south of the stadiums in the Swope Park/Bannister Mall and beyond corridor. That, IMO, is no place to be a tourist on a bike.
So, as I, and others have said here, get to Warrensberg, ride to Clinton, and have a ball! Might I add, that Memorial Day weekend and Pedalers Jamboree in Booneville and Hartsburg would be a great time to do that trip. Search the web for Pedalers Jamboree for more info.
Anon on 02/23/2013 06:59 AM
I understand that okay. Cities in general give distance riders problems I think, mostly traffic ones. Even tho KC is rapidly becoming bike friendly with more trails and bridge/street bike lanes, it is still a heavy traffic center. Yet, TransAm riders do stop over here occasionally.
Unless one wants to spend time in the Power-Light District, the Plaza, or one of our museums or restaurants, it's might be easiest to ride around the city and all of its traffic. Or, at least, know one's way thru it if that's the choice. Chow.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 02/25/2013 09:01 AM
IF, you must ride from KC to Clinton: Ride due east from the airport until you get to 7hwy, near Butler MO. Then ride 7 south to Clinton. It's 2 lane for a long way, then turns into 4 lane divided with a LARGE paved shoulder. This does not go through all these dangerous neighborhoods that people speak of and is safer riding than any of the interstate areas (which are of illegal for non-motorized vehicles.) This route should also offer you many gas station type quick stops for water and food.
Wish I was off on the 16th, then I would just pick you up at the airport and get you to Clinton. I have yet to ride most of the western end of the trail and could have used that as an excuse to ride. But, I am working that day :(
Bike Rider from Kansas City on 02/25/2013 02:01 PM
Well, just to let everyone know you can ride your bike in the South Kansas City, Swope Park area and not be in danger! We have ridden through Swope Park on several occasions on our way to the Country Club Plaza. There is also a great bike shop at I-470 and Blue Ridge, just south of Bannister Road called Bicycle Shack. We ride from this shop frequently and have had no problems. If you need help navigating through the City, I'd suggest calling a local bike shop (like Bicycle Shack) and asking for advice.
Figs from Olathe, KS on 02/26/2013 02:09 PM
Hey Bike Rider, I was not casting bad mojo over South KC. I live and work in Olathe, KS, but ride a trail frequently that goes through S. KC. I am still looking for a way to link it to the Trolley Trail and ride all the way from South Olathe to the Plaza area. There are parts of KC that I would suggest not riding in, but my Grandmother's neighborhood at 122nd and Holmes is safe!!
just sayin' from kcmo on 02/27/2013 12:04 AM
There's nothing to fear, but the fear mongers themselves.
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/02/26/4088802/waldo-neighbors-come-to-the-rescue.html
ArkyKenny on 02/27/2013 11:23 AM
"What big eyes you have, and what a bushy tail you have...." said Little Red Riding Hood.
"There is nothing to fear" .....whatever. You first. I'm not going.
What's next? You going to tell me to go ahead and get the cheese from off the mousetrap because it's safe? Maybe the empty parking lot of Bannister Mall would be a great place to have a bike rodeo?
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hotels with shuttle?
- + Hello everyone. Im curious if there are any hotels or B&Bs that offer shuttle picups from the trail after a day of riding. I have been reading through the forums and found of one place.... Alpenhorn...
Discussion started 02/17/2013 07:59 PM by Maceh - 7 replies (last reply by Joey Los at 02/25/2013 10:01 PM)Maceh from Norway on 02/17/2013 07:59 PM
Hello everyone. Im curious if there are any hotels or B&Bs that offer shuttle picups from the trail after a day of riding. I have been reading through the forums and found of one place.... Alpenhorn Gasthaus in Herman ...that does this, but i was wondering if there are any others. I live in Norway, so i was hoping to get some information from people with experience on the trail before I start calling. Thank you.
Brian L. from Wichita on 02/18/2013 11:05 AM
The FAQ on this website is always a good place to start ... Click "Katy Trail Home" up above, then "Read the FAQ". Look for "shuttle" on that page -- it'll lead you here: http://www.bikekatytrail.com/planner.aspx?src=faqs&tid=1&StartCityID=0&EndCityID=0&chkShuttle=on
Haank from New Haven, MO on 02/18/2013 03:52 PM
Many of them do. A few that come to mind include Lococo in St. Charles, Brick Inn in Washington, Doll House in Rhineland. I'm sure many more will do it, just ask.
Been There from Oklahoma City on 02/18/2013 04:03 PM
Many and most BandBs are within riding distance of trail
DSD on 02/18/2013 05:08 PM
If you are coming from Norway do not try and ride to find B&B's. As most have said calling ahead for reservation and pick-up and then possibly during the ride day (if you cell service) and having them meet you at a trailhead or designated point at a certain time, usually after 3PM since most do not open until then, is much better.
Anonymous on 02/19/2013 01:22 PM
It doesn't matter where you are coming from.
It is usually best to have a reservation if you want to stay at a B&B.
maceh from Norway on 02/19/2013 06:25 PM
Thanks everyone!! Just booked the Lococo! Can't wait!
Joey Los from McKittrick on 02/25/2013 10:01 PM
Joey's Birdhouse in McKittrick. Not an advertised service but we do it quite often.
Trail size
- + I plan to take the Trail in June. Will there be any problems for me pulling a trailer behind my bike?
Discussion started 01/10/2013 09:49 PM by keo210 - 7 replies (last reply by Paul K at 02/25/2013 04:54 PM)keo210 from Arkansas on 01/10/2013 09:49 PM
I plan to take the Trail in June. Will there be any problems for me pulling a trailer behind my bike?
El Toro on 01/11/2013 01:47 AM
Would think so unless there had massive rain and the trail was unusually soft. Have a fabulous trip.
Jim from St Thomas on 01/11/2013 04:15 PM
I don't mean to make presumptions but I believe the esteemed El Toro meant to say "would NOT think so".
ArkyKenny on 01/11/2013 04:32 PM
For further clarification, no, there should not be any problem pulling a standard one or two wheel bicycle trailer. The Katy is, for the most part, very hard compacted limestone with some loose material on the surface. I compare it to a sidewalk with kitty litter on it, because that is what it reminds me of. There are also frequent crossings of dirt roads and asphalt roads, so although the trail is good for a trailer, the transition zones and the crossings are potential "flat maker zones." Also, as is mentioned in numerous other threads on this site, your tires need to be able to withstand the limesone "arrowheads" and the thorns. Lots of thoughts on that subject, but puncture protection and/or Kevlar belting need to be up to speed on your trailer, as well as your bike.
Jeff from Olathe, KS on 01/15/2013 08:48 AM
I saw lots of trailers on KT when I rode. As stated, the surface is fine for trailers and the the KT is plenty wide enough. Have Fun!!
El Toro on 01/16/2013 10:24 PM
Good catch Jim. Sorry for any confusion.
Shouldn't be a problem at all in my opinion.
Manhk from Plano,tax on 01/20/2013 09:50 PM
I've done it east to west with a 2 wheel trailer, and another time west to east with panniers. Each time I got one flat. Just be sure you have spare tube for the bike &the trailer. My preferance is to use panniers because you have less weight , less rolling resistence and less spares to carry.
Paul K from Florissant,MO on 02/25/2013 04:54 PM
My friend and I left Machens this past June(29th) and did an out to Clinton and back to St Charles on July 7 with daytime temps never dropping below 102. I pulled a two wheel trailer with a gear bag weighing 35lbs and she had a small gear bag on the back of her bike. I guess we were lucky because we never had any flats in the 468 mile trip. Despite the heat we had a fantastic time and would do it again at the same time of year. Hydration is the key!
Camping around Clifton City
- + i am hiking the trail as I have done twice before. Would like to find a place to camp around Clifton City. Any ideas?
Discussion started 02/25/2013 06:57 AM by Lonnie - 1 reply (last reply by Lonnie at 02/25/2013 06:59 AM)Lonnie from Kansas City on 02/25/2013 06:57 AM
i am hiking the trail as I have done twice before. Would like to find a place to camp around Clifton City. Any ideas?
Lonnie from Kansas City on 02/25/2013 06:59 AM
It would be great if it could be somewhere between Clifton and Sedalia since otherwise it is a 25 mile hiking day between the two. Can do but prefer a more leisurely pace!
River crossing?
- + I'm looking for recommendations for crossing the MO River to get from Dutzow to Washington. The Hwy 47 bridge does not seem bicycle safe.
Discussion started 02/20/2013 01:22 PM by Bill - 2 replies (last reply by D at 02/22/2013 09:02 AM)Bill from Florissant MO on 02/20/2013 01:22 PM
I'm looking for recommendations for crossing the MO River to get from Dutzow to Washington. The Hwy 47 bridge does not seem bicycle safe.
Anonymous on 02/20/2013 02:05 PM
Millennium Taxi, Inc.
314-808-2290
636-742-2000
636-239-0009
24/7 Local and long distance transportation, delivery, shuttle service and roadside assistance for you. Packages, mail, bicycles, groceries, medicine, gifts, messages, flowers, etc. Airport pickup and drop off.
D from St. Louis on 02/22/2013 09:02 AM
Crossing the bridge isn't too bad. We've done it twice going from Washington to Dutzow. Stay in the middle of the lane and let the cars stay behind you over the bridge. Don't try to stay close to the side so both you and a car can fit. The cars we encountered were patient and they wait for you to cross. The rest of HWY 47 is a different story. Quite scary riding on the shoulder. Don't be afraid to stop and let traffic go by and start again when it's clear. Good Luck.
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.