Cell service
- + What is (AT&T) cellular service like along the trail? I'd like to b able to relax along the ride and see/set up lodging as we go - provided i have cell service. AT&Ts map looks acceptable, but it's a ...
Discussion started 09/14/2012 12:43 PM by Leslie - 9 replies (last reply by Faith and Joe Fuller at 09/18/2012 12:11 PM)Leslie from Edmond, Ok on 09/14/2012 12:43 PM
What is (AT&T) cellular service like along the trail? I'd like to b able to relax along the ride and see/set up lodging as we go - provided i have cell service. AT&Ts map looks acceptable, but it's a long distance map. Primarily between Rocheport and Bluffton.
Faith and Joe Fuller from Springfield, Mo. on 09/14/2012 12:48 PM
We were on the trail last week and had no trouble with cell service and we have AT&T. We rode the whole trail with no phone problems.
Leslie from Edmond on 09/14/2012 02:10 PM
Excellent! Thank you!
Faith and Joe Fuller from Springfield, Mo. on 09/14/2012 03:43 PM
Be sure to stop at Dotty 's in Hartsburg!! She is open from 8 til 2. Enjoy!!
Kevster from Ada, OK on 09/16/2012 12:08 PM
We got home Friday the 14th, and have ATT and little problem with cell service. Deff, buy the Katy trail guide by Brad Dufur, money well spent. we bought it on amazon but itis in many places along the trail. What an amazing experience!
Leslie from Edmond on 09/16/2012 09:13 PM
Thank you! I have the book and have been using it and this website to somewhat devise a plan. Preferences on east to west or west to east??
Anonymous on 09/17/2012 07:40 AM
The trail is generally downhill from the west to the east.
Leslie from Edmond on 09/17/2012 01:10 PM
Thank you. My girls will appreciate that
Anonymous on 09/18/2012 07:20 AM
Just rode from Sedalia to Rocheport and was glad I was going down Lard Hill into Boonville and not up it.
Cake and pie in Pilot Grove.
Faith and Joe Fuller from Springfield, Mo. on 09/18/2012 12:11 PM
Second the comment on pie in Pilot Grove at Becky's Burger's and Cones! Great cherry pie!!
Great trip on the Katy and thanks
- + I've been reading the comments in prep for our trip on the Katy (4 women in their 50's and 60's) We had a GREAT time. Thanks for all the info. A special thanks to Skip and BikerBoy about the parking ...
Discussion started 09/17/2012 03:05 PM by SAD - 1 reply (last reply by MidSouth at 09/17/2012 05:01 PM)SAD from Grand Rapids on 09/17/2012 03:05 PM
I've been reading the comments in prep for our trip on the Katy (4 women in their 50's and 60's) We had a GREAT time. Thanks for all the info. A special thanks to Skip and BikerBoy about the parking by the Chain of Rocks Bridge. We rode that and the Riverfront Trail-no problem. We stayed @ Cliff Manor B & B @ Jefferson City-great place & awesome food. And Marthasville Little House B & B-another great place. You have a great trail and good people Missouri!
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 09/17/2012 05:01 PM
Glad you ladies had a good time!
Water Hole
- + Mile 100.8 has water on weekends; one just has to look or ask.
Discussion started 09/17/2012 12:12 PM by Rich Lauer - 0 repliesRich Lauer from Hermann on 09/17/2012 12:12 PM
Mile 100.8 has water on weekends; one just has to look or ask.
WJ's in Boonville
- + Our bike riding group was in Boonville for the weekend to ride the Katy Trail. WJ's was our choice for dinner on Friday night! What a wonderful place this turned out to be! Our group of 18 was take...
Discussion started 09/17/2012 10:51 AM by Bike Rider - 0 repliesBike Rider from Kansas City on 09/17/2012 10:51 AM
Our bike riding group was in Boonville for the weekend to ride the Katy Trail. WJ's was our choice for dinner on Friday night! What a wonderful place this turned out to be! Our group of 18 was taken care of very well! We enjoyed the food and the service was exceptional. We will definitely make a stop back in Boonville and enjoy another dinner at WJ's. Thanks for the great food and hospitality!
Clinton ice cream
- + 1/2 Pint Custard in Clinton near the town square is the best...plus they are tops for being honest. I left my wallet on the table and they had the local police track me down to return it. B sur to sto...
Discussion started 09/15/2012 05:24 PM by Sdeikenberry - 0 repliesSdeikenberry from Fort Wayne IN on 09/15/2012 05:24 PM
1/2 Pint Custard in Clinton near the town square is the best...plus they are tops for being honest. I left my wallet on the table and they had the local police track me down to return it. B sur to stop in and get some custard.
Amtrak Train schedule change
- + Just wanted anyone who is taking the Kirkwood to Sedalia train that it is now leaving Kirkwood two hours early at 7:44 AM. We had made a reservation several months ago and just happened to check it. T...
Discussion started 09/14/2012 10:00 PM by STL Julie - 0 repliesSTL Julie from STL on 09/14/2012 10:00 PM
Just wanted anyone who is taking the Kirkwood to Sedalia train that it is now leaving Kirkwood two hours early at 7:44 AM. We had made a reservation several months ago and just happened to check it. The train was originally scheduled to leave at 9:44 AM. We were very lucky to check the website.
Winery Itineraries/hopping
- + Has anyone "winery hopped" while biking the Katy? This is probably a stupid question. LOL. I was thinking of starting in Hermann ending in St Charles in a Friday-Sunday time frame while Winery Hopping...
Discussion started 09/11/2012 03:21 PM by Jen - 2 replies (last reply by Ritzer at 09/13/2012 10:04 PM)Jen from Blue Springs Mo on 09/11/2012 03:21 PM
Has anyone "winery hopped" while biking the Katy? This is probably a stupid question. LOL. I was thinking of starting in Hermann ending in St Charles in a Friday-Sunday time frame while Winery Hopping along the way. Does anyone have a good suggestions about which Wineries to stop at and where to stay the night. Does this sound like a doable idea? I'm an avid long distance runner with a bike :) and my husbands bike has alot of dust on it. Would this be an easy ride for both of us? (Granted if we don't partake in to much wine along the way).
Wonderful Wino on 09/12/2012 02:14 PM
It is doable if you pre-select a limited amount of wineries. AM ride 2-3 bottles at 2-3 wineries between you and your hubby for 40 miles max, then a short snooze and get to the overnight winery/B&Bs in the PM. I would suggest you contact the PM wineries/B&Bs for overnight stay and transportation support. Limiting getting on and off your bike is key. Take many pictures in case you forget where you went. 3 days should get you to
6-8 wineries.
Ritzer from St. Louis on 09/13/2012 10:04 PM
My husband and I are bikers. (Make sure you wear padded pants if you aren't used to biking 30 mi at a time) The past couple years we have taken the train to Hermann on Friday morning. My husband has a pull along with our camping gear and we drop it at Herman city park, where we camp. We then ride to a couple wineries in Herman and find a place for dinner. Then we camp at Herman park. Then we ride to Marthasville where we camp at their city park. We usually hit Blumenhof winery for the afternoon. We ride the short distance back to Marthasville and then we ride all the way back to St. Louis on Sunday. We have also riden to Augusta and stayed at Klondike instead of Marthasville. It's very doable. You have to do a little leg work ahead of time to plan where you are going to eat as we aren't carrying a cooler or anything with food. It's good camping weather in Sept. and we always have a good time. You could probably do bed & breakfasts as well and there are cabins at Klondike. Good luck!
Vehicle on Trail
- + I was riding the trail near the I-40-64 bridge today. I encountered a pickup truck driving on the trail. He did not move over and stop like State vehicles do. I was pushed to the side of the trail. Af...
Discussion started 09/12/2012 08:17 PM by Steve Mo - 0 repliesSteve Mo from St Charles on 09/12/2012 08:17 PM
I was riding the trail near the
I-40-64 bridge today. I encountered a pickup truck driving on the trail. He did not move over and stop like State vehicles do. I was pushed to the side of the trail. After I stopped he backed up to me.
Long story short---he showed me a permit to drive on the trail between mile 48 and 56. He said he was working on a project by the Boone Bridge.
Watch out for them---they don't watch out for you!
Vegetarian restaurants
- + We're planning our Katy Trail trip for next month and I've been looking at the menus (when they are available) of restaurants that appear on this website's trip planner. Doesn't look like there is mu...
Discussion started 09/12/2012 01:37 AM by tandemrider - 6 replies (last reply by Joey at 09/12/2012 07:49 PM)tandemrider from Tucson on 09/12/2012 01:37 AM
We're planning our Katy Trail trip for next month and I've been looking at the menus (when they are available) of restaurants that appear on this website's trip planner. Doesn't look like there is much in the way of vegetarian restaurants or even healthy food restaurants. Not even Italian restaurants that serve pasta. Am I missing something? Can a hungry vegetarian bicyclist find food to eat along the Katy trail?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 09/12/2012 08:04 AM
As long as you consider french fries vegetarian, you will do fine. Other than that you may find some options in places like Jeffeerson City and St. Charles. Other than that, this is rural America along with the occasional bar & grill.
Bike Rider from Kansas City on 09/12/2012 08:50 AM
Terry and Kathy's Tavern in Defiance has a turkey burger on their menu, its not vegetarian, but is somewhat healthy. If you are close to Washington, MO I would suggest the Old Dutch Inn. They have great food and would offer some vegetarian choices. I would also think you could find vegetarian choices at restaurants in Hermann, Jefferson City and Rocheport. In Bonneville, there is Glen's Cafe at the Frederick Hotel. Stick with your research, you will probably find what your looking for. Try to google the webpage for each of the larger towns or their chamber of commerce. I hope you have a great time on the Katy Trail!
Anonymous on 09/12/2012 12:59 PM
The larger cities (Sedalia, Boonville, Jeff City and St. Charles) will have vegetarian options, you might have to get a bit off the trail though. Columbia will have a slew of them (9 miles off Katy via the MKT connector). Abigail's in Rocheport will have excellent vegetarian dishes. If you are a foodie at all then McKittrick Mercantile is a must-stop. Dutzow Deli likely would have something. The "other bar" in Defiance (not Terry and Kathy's) had excellent food last time I was there, likely would have something vegetarian.
Some of the small towns are in fact food deserts, you might have to improvise to get good stuff. Cheese pizzas maybe. Or simple grilled cheese.
Happy Overweight Meat Eater on 09/12/2012 01:51 PM
I would suggest you pack your own food all the way back from Tuscon. We's all a bunch of overweight cheeseburger eaten folk here in Missery, love.
Doug from Bluffton on 09/12/2012 03:15 PM
Don't listen to the HOMEy. When I know in advance my guests are vegetarian I cook to accomodate them and I am not the only one that will do that. Joey does in McKittrick, I hear there are totally awesome Pizzas in Marthasville, and I don't get out much so there will be others with adventurous taste buds willing to expand and try new foods. But hey, I feel I'm doing good because the deer I had for lunch was a vegetarian. That counts doesn't it? Sorry, some people won't get my sense of humor. Tough. Others will.
Joey from McKittrick on 09/12/2012 07:49 PM
Check the menu for the McKittrick Farmers Mercantile. We are open Saturday from 10:00-8:00 and Sunday from 8:00-2:00 but if you call ahead or we're there will serve food anytime. Delicious interesting food for all. Come check it out. Thank you Doug and anonymous for mentioning me.
Tires for the Katy
- + With trepidation I spent weeks mulling over tire options for my road bike to use on the trail. I settled on the Schwalbe Marathon Plus. I was able to get a 28 mm on the back and opted for the 25 on t...
Discussion started 09/03/2012 06:18 PM by Alan - 5 replies (last reply by Jerry at 09/12/2012 04:55 PM)Alan from Gentry, Arkansas on 09/03/2012 06:18 PM
With trepidation I spent weeks mulling over tire options for my road bike to use on the trail. I settled on the Schwalbe Marathon Plus. I was able to get a 28 mm on the back and opted for the 25 on the front. I rode through the remnants of hurricane Isaac both Friday and Saturday this past weekend of my 4 day trip from St. Charles to Sedalia. Not a flat! The trail had multiple trees on the path, tree debris, plenty of water. I highly recommend this combo for anyone considering using a "10 speed" type road bike.
Anonymous on 09/04/2012 06:48 AM
Have had similar good luck with those tires (though use 28s on both front and rear).
Thanks for the update.
DSD on 09/07/2012 07:01 AM
Are the Schwalbe's harder to mount? I have Specialized Armadillos very similar and ride the trail all the time with no flats. I see McKittrick and Machens from other posts has some type of grass thorns on the trail, many flats by some.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 09/07/2012 12:37 PM
The Schwalbe Marathon Plus are a little harder to mount because the built in tire liner makes them stiffer but considering you won't have to change flats on the trail, it makes them worth the little extra initial effort.
Gphil460 from Colorado on 09/11/2012 12:30 PM
I'm also considering tire options. Is the trail such that even if it rains, the trail remains firm enough that the 700x28mm tires won't be problematic?
Jerry from Union, MO on 09/12/2012 04:55 PM
I put Schwalbe Marathon Supremes on my bike about a month ago. Very easy to put on and they are foldable. My now favorite bike tires. I got them online for about $50 w/shipping. A friend of mine has over 7,000 miles on his pair.
I ride mostly on highways with/without shoulders. Glass, nails, screws, rocks, and hundreds of wires from tires...still no flats. I have also ridden on gravel roads with big rocks and little rocks, no problem. My tire size is 700x35.
Great Service!!
- + We had a blowout in Matson, got a ride to the Katy Trail Bike Shop and Dan was so helpful!! I would go back there anytime for help and just to hang out!! Great place, great service!!
Discussion started 09/12/2012 04:44 PM by Faith and Joe Fuller - 0 repliesFaith and Joe Fuller from Springfield, Mo. on 09/12/2012 04:44 PM
We had a blowout in Matson, got a ride to the Katy Trail Bike Shop and Dan was so helpful!! I would go back there anytime for help and just to hang out!! Great place, great service!!
shuttle service
- + If you need shuttle service around the boonville area call Cotten at 6605370164.
Discussion started 09/12/2012 01:11 PM by Marvin Cotten - 0 repliesMarvin Cotten from Boonville on 09/12/2012 01:11 PM
If you need shuttle service around the boonville area call Cotten at 6605370164.
Katy Tram tour this year?
- + Last year, I took my Dad on this tour. Boone Electric provided the trams and carried people from Rocheport to Hartsburg and back. It's a great way for those who can no longer ride the trail to be able...
Discussion started 09/08/2012 09:35 AM by Don - 2 replies (last reply by Don at 09/11/2012 06:23 PM)Don from Edwardsville, IL on 09/08/2012 09:35 AM
Last year, I took my Dad on this tour. Boone Electric provided the trams and carried people from Rocheport to Hartsburg and back. It's a great way for those who can no longer ride the trail to be able to experience some of its beauty. Dawn Frederickson was our guide (she often posts here). I have not seen any notice if there is going to be a tour this year. Dawn?
Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator on 09/11/2012 10:37 AM
Yes, Missouri State Parks is indeed hosting the third annual Fall Tram Tours on the Katy, in conjunction with Boone Electric Cooperative. The tours will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 16, in Rocheport. For more information about the event, you can visit our website at www.katytrailstatepark.com. To reserve a space on one of the tours, call the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7422. Hope to see you there!
Don from Edwardsville, IL on 09/11/2012 06:23 PM
Thanks, Dawn, hopefully the weather will be beautiful. See you there.
directions
- + It would be nice to have directions on the website to the page bridge parking lot from the St Charles side. All I can find on the site is from St Louis. I've tried to map it myself but I have no disti...
Discussion started 09/11/2012 10:24 AM by KAtherine - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/11/2012 11:46 AM)KAtherine from St Charles on 09/11/2012 10:24 AM
It would be nice to have directions on the website to the page bridge parking lot from the St Charles side. All I can find on the site is from St Louis. I've tried to map it myself but I have no distinct address to type in and the maps are unable to locate the page bridge parking lot.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/11/2012 11:46 AM
You should see a map on the web page (www.bikekatytrail.com/page-bridge-parking.aspx), near the middle of the page just below the directions.
This is an interactive "Google Maps" map - you can zoom in and out using the controls on the left, and use your mouse to "drag" the map. Most people prefer the maps to the written directions, but I've tried to include both on most pages.
If you cannot see the map, I'm curious to know what browser you are using.
The St Charles directions would be to take 364 to the last exit before the river, exit 14 - Upper Bottom Road / Arena Parkway. Then follow the current directions from there.
Happy trails!
Shuttle
- + How does the shuttle system work? We'd like to start at St. Charles, ride about 30 miles & get a shuttle back. Is that possible. Is the shuttle available only during certain days/hours.
Discussion started 09/08/2012 11:51 AM by MA - 1 reply (last reply by Gary at 09/10/2012 12:23 PM)MA from Mt. Vernon, Illinois on 09/08/2012 11:51 AM
How does the shuttle system work? We'd like to start at St. Charles, ride about 30 miles & get a shuttle back. Is that possible. Is the shuttle available only during certain days/hours.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 09/10/2012 12:23 PM
If you will click on St Charles on the trail map at the top of this page it will take you the the list of services with their contact information. Pick a shuttle business and call them to see if they will meet your needs.
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Shuttle
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Biking during Spring Break (end of March)
- + I am considering riding the trail during Spring Break 2013. Has anybody done that and what was it like? What kind of weather should I expect? temperatures?Thanks,Helge
Discussion started 09/09/2012 09:19 AM by Helge - 4 replies (last reply by DSD at 09/10/2012 12:13 PM)Helge from Hudson, Ohio on 09/09/2012 09:19 AM
I am considering riding the trail during Spring Break 2013. Has anybody done that and what was it like? What kind of weather should I expect? temperatures?
Thanks,
Helge
El Toro on 09/09/2012 02:30 PM
From US Climate Data for March...
Average high in °F: 54
Average low in °F: 33
Average precipitation - inch: 3.15
I had ridden the KATY on many days in March.
In my opinion, a bigger challenge than the weather will be finding places to resupply water, etc. as many of the stores are seasonal.
Anonymous on 09/09/2012 02:42 PM
No. To date no one has ridden the Katy over Spring Break 2013.
Play your cards right and you can be the first.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 09/09/2012 11:02 PM
DNR waits until 4/1 to turn the water on and unlock the bathrooms at trailheads that have water and bathrooms. If you are a hardy soul (can stand the weather, see previous post about average temps) and can plan ahead and carry the water you need, and manage without bathrooms, you'll be fine.
DSD on 09/10/2012 12:13 PM
I rode the trail from Clinton to St. Charles the last week in March 2010 and it was cool 40s-50s in the morning and the trail was rough (branches down with some washed out areas), and soggy in spots west of Sedalia. As everyone said nothing was open but I used private businesses for water as much as I could. The weather turned unseasonably warmer east of Boonville getting into the 60s-70s at midday but still pretty windy. You will need extra planning as my wife was my SAG with extra water and food in isolated areas. But it was very fun with the spring weather with very few riders on the trail the entire distance.
Numerous flats on trail around Black Walnut
- + There is a stretch right before Black Walnut(outside of St. Charles) which apparently is strewn with small thorns from some plant. Of the 14 riders I spoke to on 8/11, 13 had flats. My husband and I...
Discussion started 08/11/2012 09:03 PM by Janine - 3 replies (last reply by MidSouth at 09/10/2012 11:07 AM)Janine on 08/11/2012 09:03 PM
There is a stretch right before Black Walnut(outside of St. Charles) which apparently is strewn with small thorns from some plant. Of the 14 riders I spoke to on 8/11, 13 had flats. My husband and I had 3 flats between us. Suggest avoiding this area unless you like to change tires or walk.
Anonymous on 08/15/2012 09:07 PM
Ditto to this comment. I was told that the "thorns" are actually a part of the walnut husk that holds the walnut within. everything else rots or is carried away leaving the small spike looking thorn that easily punctures your tube. I found about half a dozen in my front tire after I got home. Thankfully I had self sealing tubes and made it all the way back to St. Charles (10 mi)
Anonymous on 09/10/2012 10:00 AM
Same here, ended up with 2 flat tires.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 09/10/2012 11:07 AM
We plan to ride the St. Charles to Machens section this Saturday. Have new tires with 'puncture protection', spare tubes, patches, CO2 inflater, and a pump. Wish us luck!
Riding the whole trail
- + Some friends and I are thinking of riding the whole trail from Clinton to St. Charles. Does anyone know of any camping restrictions along the trail or have any suggestions of places to camp? Any other...
Discussion started 09/10/2012 09:54 AM - 1 reply (last reply by MidSouth at 09/10/2012 10:22 AM)Anonymous from St. Louis on 09/10/2012 09:54 AM
Some friends and I are thinking of riding the whole trail from Clinton to St. Charles. Does anyone know of any camping restrictions along the trail or have any suggestions of places to camp? Any other feedback on the ride would be greatly appreciated.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 09/10/2012 10:22 AM
Camping is not allowed along the trail itself. Click on 'Trip Planner' above and select 'Camping' to get a list of the camping opitions next to the trail.
This Forum
- + So glad I found this forum! Bought a bike for my birthday in January and have been riding almost every day. Being new at this I've had to ask a lot of questions. Some of the best advice I've received ...
Discussion started 09/09/2012 12:59 PM by Bill's Friend - 0 repliesBill's Friend from St. Louis on 09/09/2012 12:59 PM
So glad I found this forum! Bought a bike for my birthday in January and have been riding almost every day. Being new at this I've had to ask a lot of questions. Some of the best advice I've received has been from other bikers on the trails, roads, and forums like this one. What a great resource. Thanks for all the info and to the Webmaster for taking the time to post all of it. You never know how many people you might be helping out. Bills Friend
How do I get my event posted?
- + I have been trying to post my event on this website, but I'm having trouble getting it done. I sent it to the admin e-mail address twice but the information has not made it to the event calendar. Any ...
Discussion started 09/07/2012 11:06 AM by Erik - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/09/2012 11:11 AM)Erik on 09/07/2012 11:06 AM
I have been trying to post my event on this website, but I'm having trouble getting it done. I sent it to the admin e-mail address twice but the information has not made it to the event calendar. Any help would be appreciated.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/09/2012 11:11 AM
I apologize for the delay Erik, but your event is now listed. Raising funds for a very good cause by the way: http://www.bikekatytrail.com/2012-ride-for-the-fallen.aspx
gps.aspx
- + Please add Greens Bottom Trailhead to the GPS page. I appreciate the effort used to produce this page, but this addition would be very helpful. Thanks!
Discussion started 09/09/2012 09:41 AM by Steve - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/09/2012 10:49 AM)Steve from Des Peres on 09/09/2012 09:41 AM
Please add Greens Bottom Trailhead to the GPS page. I appreciate the effort used to produce this page, but this addition would be very helpful. Thanks!
Ray (webmaster) on 09/09/2012 10:49 AM
Thank you for the suggestion, I have added Greens Bottom. Plus a special bonus of Page Ave Bridge and Mo Research Park too!
- + Wish I was closer and could spend the afternoon cruising up and down the KATY.That is all...
Discussion started 09/09/2012 08:36 AM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 09/09/2012 08:36 AM
Wish I was closer and could spend the afternoon cruising up and down the KATY.
That is all...
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resturant
- + where is a good place to eat for dinner in augusta, we are arrive thursday and seems like most winery are closed and the review for ashley rose sounds terrible. any suggestions!!
Discussion started 09/08/2012 02:43 PM by sr - 2 replies (last reply by Anon at 09/09/2012 08:15 AM)sr from wichita on 09/08/2012 02:43 PM
where is a good place to eat for dinner in augusta, we are arrive thursday and seems like most winery are closed and the review for ashley rose sounds terrible. any suggestions!!
Pam O from Independence on 09/08/2012 07:18 PM
We ate at ashley rose knowing what we have read on this forum and it was the best meal we had all week. My advice, try it.
Anon on 09/09/2012 08:15 AM
Cafe Bella is reported good.
Oktoberfest - Amtrak
- + We won't be around for Oktoberfest as we had planned some time ago. So I just cancelled our train tickets that included all 4 bike "seats". This included the:Eastbound 316 (PM) train on Wednesday, Oct...
Discussion started 09/09/2012 12:00 AM by Paul Toigo - 0 repliesPaul Toigo from Kansas City on 09/09/2012 12:00 AM
We won't be around for Oktoberfest as we had planned some time ago. So I just cancelled our train tickets that included all 4 bike "seats". This included the:
Eastbound 316 (PM) train on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Westbound 313 (PM) train on Sunday, October 14, 2012
So if you were looking to use Amtrak to portage your bikes on either of these trains and found it sold out, act now.
Cargo trailer
- + Does anyone have an opinion/ suggestions on a cargo trailer to transport a tent/sleepimg bags on the trail. My teenage girls and I will b riding the Katy for the first time this October. My questions ...
Discussion started 09/07/2012 03:43 PM by Leslie - 6 replies (last reply by Leslie at 09/08/2012 10:39 PM)Leslie from Edmond, Ok on 09/07/2012 03:43 PM
Does anyone have an opinion/ suggestions on a cargo trailer to transport a tent/sleepimg bags on the trail. My teenage girls and I will b riding the Katy for the first time this October. My questions - cargo vs child trailer, does one tip/ not tip?
ArkyKenny on 09/07/2012 04:43 PM
Some trailers have 1 wheel and some have 2. Less wheels = less resistance, but more instability. Since the Katy is an old railroad bed, hills aren't much of a problem, but rolling resistance can be a problem: A wider 2 wheeled trailer will find the soft edges of the path and give you more rolling resistance, it will not trail the bike in the hard packed middle of the trail. It will also be more inclined to get a flat. But one wheeled trailers can be pretty expensive. That is a big expense if you don't plan to use it a lot.
I don't like either of them. If you don't have panniers, I'd suggest you consider going to Eddie Bauer and getting some duffle bags. Line the inside of the duffle with large trash bags and put your stuff in the duffle, and viola--waterproof cheap lightweight baggage you can strap to your bike. Get some cheap racks, and some parachute cord, and you should be able to carry as much stuff as you need to carry without having to worry about another set of tires and tubes that can go flat.
ArkyKenny on 09/07/2012 07:20 PM
I read my response and realized it didn't make sense. I don't like trailers because I don't like the feel of having what amounts to an anchor dragging behing me. I'd rather carry the weight, than drag it. Others will differ.
My 2 cents says buy or borrow some racks, and use racks to carry your stuff....or listen to someone else and get a trailer, pack it with things you don't need, and drag away.
Backpacks are also an option, but are tough on you. I would not recommend them.
good luck
Nanaterry from Lawson on 09/07/2012 07:36 PM
My husband and I rode the Katy in May. My husband pulled an instep two child trailer. (Made with two wheels.) It worked great for us. Just make sure you don't over pack it. You can fill the inside up pretty quick with stuff you don't need. My husband did say when going uphill he could feel the weight, but there are not many hills on the Katy.
Trek on 09/08/2012 09:55 AM
I think the center of gravity on either type trailer would be rather low when loaded with camping gear. Cross wind would be a bigger issue because of the height of a child trailer compared to a cargo trailer.
We have a Burly cargo trailer that I've pulled on the Katy. When loaded with camping gear for two (sleeping/cooking/etc.) my experience has been that other than the first few pedal strokes from a complete stop, pulling it has not been an issue. I do have to be mindful that it is a bit wider than the bike itself, but it pulls rather smooth and nice. The bike is not off balance as it can easily be with panniers.
B.O.B. from Springfield on 09/08/2012 11:20 AM
I use a BOB trailer (IBEX) which has a single wheel. Easy to pull, holds more than enough gear and follows right behind the bike. Katy Trail, farmers market, doesn't matter the BOB works very well for me.
Leslie from Edmond on 09/08/2012 10:39 PM
Awesome input! Thank you all for the comments! I haven't made a decision, but I very much appreciate the helpful input!!