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Rocheport BBQ & Bike Rental

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.

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Planning a 2 day ride

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

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Hart Creek Bistro

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!

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shuttle

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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Early season ride

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!

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The Mercantile

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

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Temporary delays to Katy Trail traffic at MP 51.2

Dawn 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.

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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

DOUG 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

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tips for a beginner

Iron Mike Sharpe on 01/31/2013 10:49 AM

All,

I am looking for advice on how to start. I'm 40 and have just bought a house near the trail in St. Charles. I don't have a bike and would like to get one. I haven't had one since I was a teen (I'm 40 now) and have no idea about all of the changes in bikes and such.

Initially, my plan would be to ride from my house (between Page and I-70) along the trail and into Creve Couer park and back. And maybe to ride the entire trail October 2014.

How do I go about learning what I would need? What type of bike should I buy? Other equipment? I'm sure I would need to carry tools and tubes with me at all times. What do I get, best way to carry that equipment, etc?

Ideally, I'd prefer to buy a used bike off of Craigslist. I'm not looking for anything super expensive, but what like a good, sturdy, quality used bike to accomplish the above goals. Can anyone give me some pointers as to what I should look for?

I'm 40 and lost about 55 pounds last year. I'm looking to this year increase my fitness through lifting and cardio. My knees are shot so I figured weekend biking would be a good way to get more active.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Iron Mike

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 01/31/2013 12:14 PM

Depends on what you mean by "my knees are shot". Those are important parts of the body when doing any bicycling.

You might want to consider using an indoor exercise bike or trainer before getting out on the trail.

Doug from Bluffton on 01/31/2013 12:17 PM

If you would call Doug at The Rendleman Home I would be glad to try to help. I'm 65 and started when I was 30. Still remember what you are going through and all the folks that helped me. I'll be glad to answer all your questions that I can or refer you to those that know the answers I don't. Or that know LOTS more than I do about it. Just click on Bluffton on the map above for the contact info.

Iron Mike Sharpe on 01/31/2013 12:30 PM

Doug, any time/date good?

Gary, might have been a little bit of an exaggeration. Last year, for exercise I just went on 1-4 mile walks. So the knees are good for that, and I'm sure for cycling. But the knees didn't seem to like the impact of jogging anymore. There were a couple of times I could jog for more than 100 yards last summer, but most days they hurt too much.

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 01/31/2013 12:54 PM

Although deals can be had on CraigsList, do yourself and your knees a favor and visit a local bike shop or REI first to get an idea what size bike you need. After you buy your bike from the shop or from CL make sure you have bike set up for you at a shop. When you start looking for a bike I would suggest what most makers call a hybrid or fitness bike, such as the Trek FX line of bikes. Get yourself a helmet that fits and is comfortable, a couple water bottles, a spare tube, the tools, and knowledge to change a flat and you are set to go. We like to use a rear rack and bag to keep lunch, rain jacket, extra water and snacks handy. We also use a handlebar bag to use for camera, sunscreen, bug spray, wallet, keys, etc.

Don from Ellisville, MO on 01/31/2013 01:26 PM

Could not agree more with the advice of going to a bike shop. Wife bought a bike at Walmart 2 years ago that was "sized" to her by a Walmart employee. She rode it for a year, but could never go over 15 miles in a day. Took it into a local bike shop and they almost cried. It was totally wrong for her. We paid for a good one ($350 vs $125 at Walmart). The next day, she was able to ride 30 miles with no problems. And her knees did not hurt any more.

Jim from St Louis on 01/31/2013 03:47 PM

Agree with the last 2 posts. They have solid information. Being properly fitted to your bike is very important--your knees will appreciate it. You might want to get a little better bike than you initially plan--you won't regret it. I didn't and replaced it after a year. Cycling, I've found, is not nearly as aggravating to the knees as jogging or running. I had a knee replacement several years ago and it doesn't stop 30-40 mile runs.

Iron Mike Sharpe on 01/31/2013 07:00 PM

Thanks. I will check out a bike shop as I don't have a lot of experience with real bikes.

Anon on 01/31/2013 07:51 PM

You might want to consider a used hybrid or cyclocross kind of bike, rigid (no shock absorbers), one that will take 25-35-mm wide tires. Shock absorbers steal a rider's energy.
Also, this kind of riding requires butt-conditioning along with general fitness. By all means, do get into it! You won't regret it. Good luck.

Doug from Bluffton on 01/31/2013 08:57 PM

Any time MIke. If you miss me I'll call you back.

Haank from New Haven, MO on 01/31/2013 08:59 PM

I would say get a $600 Cannondale or some other hybrid for starters. You don't need to spend more. You can go cheaper but a cheap bike ultimately will not take you far. Go to a local bike shop and tell them your story. One that doesnt have a huge selection but is Katy trail smart is the one in Defiance, forget what it's called.

You will also need a decent pair of bike shorts. I did without for a while but it was not comfortable and ultimately unncessary. A good pair of bike shorts solves that problem.

St. Charles has some excellent bike trails nearby, many accessed off the Katy. There's really no end to the places you can go.

Don't think it will happen overnight. Start small and build from there.

One of my favorite things to do is ride the Katy 20-40-60 miles or so in the area of Augusta-Defiance-Weldon Spring-St. Chas etc. and then end my day at a brewery or winery. This my friend is living. You will love it.

Enjoy!

Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 02/01/2013 04:55 AM

Well Iron Mike, that about covers it. From a $600.00 Cannondale to a $30.00 Craigslist find, the important thing is to get out there and enjoy yourself on whatever bike you are comfortable riding. I agree with going to your LBS (local bike shop) and maybe even check into something used but well maintained, or a last years model, it could save you some money. Good luck!

Trek on 02/01/2013 08:44 AM

There are a couple of bike shops right in the trail, one in Rocheport and one in Defiance. At either you could rent a hybrid type bike and ride it on the Katy. That would give you a feel for the bike on Katy trail conditions for little cost before you decide to buy.

El Toro on 02/01/2013 11:48 AM

Fit. Fit. Fit. Your bike has to fit you or it will not be pleasant. If its not pleasant - you won't do it over time.

If you spend $600 and enjoy it for 10 years...that's 5 bucks a month (plus a few new tubes, tires and some other reasonable repairs.)

If you spend $300 and don't ride it - its a whole different cost.

Just a thought....

Iron Mike Sharpe on 02/01/2013 05:21 PM

Thanks everyone. I think I will go to a bike shop. I have a friend and he and his wife have gotten into riding over the last few years. He also lives in the St. Charles area. I'll ask him for reviews of bike shops out there and see what he has.

Then after I move next month and get my new place furnished, I'll look at the money I have left over. And see if I can buy now or need to save up. (I refuse to finance anything...other than my mortgage). But, I should have some money left over. I'm pretty sure I overbudgeted on closing costs and in my furnishings budget.

Nicole from St. Charles on 02/06/2013 10:01 AM

Check out the Bike Stop Cafe on historic Main Street in St. Charles. They offer several types of bikes for rent and are directly across the street from Frontier Park and the Katy Trail. This will let you test a few types before you commit.

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Weekend trip getaway

Roberta from Maryville on 02/03/2013 04:18 PM

Love wine,beer,hiking. Not so sure about biking?

Doug from Bluffton on 02/03/2013 06:21 PM

What's not to like? It takes DAYS to walk from one winery or brewpub to the next. You can be there in just a few hours on a bike!

DSD on 02/04/2013 03:19 PM

Get a tandem and let your friend or whomever pull you.

Haank from New Haven, MO on 02/04/2013 08:45 PM

You can start in Portland, have a beer or four, and stumble, bike-wise, into Bluffton, where Doug I've heard is a great host. From there go to Rhineland for a beer or four, then Hermann where you can drink all night. Ride back to Portland the next morning hungover. 34 miles round trip. You can do it!

Doug from Bluffton on 02/04/2013 10:01 PM

And if you do want to walk here I would be glad to pick up any supplies you might want waiting when I go to the store. It is actually a quite pleasant walk here from Portland. Very scenic with places to sit and relax along the way.

Doug from Bluffton on 02/04/2013 10:06 PM

P.S. Thanks for the kind words Hank!

Haank from New Haven, MO on 02/05/2013 06:45 AM

Doug, my wife and I ride that section often. We stopped by once last summer but you were out. We'll try again this year.

I'm not ashamed to mention that Katy riding for us is often just bar-hopping on bikes. We don't get too drunk to drive but we do get oiled up well enough to not feel the knees and hips creak.

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Pedaler's Jamboree

Figs from Olathe on 02/04/2013 03:51 PM

I SIGNED UP!!! I rode KT for the first time last October, and fell in love with this area of the trail. It just so happened that the Monster Bike Bash was going on at the time and I was impressed with the party / fun atmosphere. So, when I heard about the Jamboree, I decided I wanted to take part. Dove right in to the whole 3 day event and CAN"T WAIT!! Trying to talk as many friends into joining me as possible.

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 02/04/2013 04:14 PM

We have done the Jamboree the last three years and always have a ball. Will prolly do the 3 day this year also.

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