Where do we go?
- + My wife and I are coming that way the week of October 8th. We are looking for a three night stay and a two day ride, at 20 to 30 miles a day. We enjoy wineries, breweries, and quaint old towns. Can st...
Discussion started 08/30/2012 11:25 AM by David Justice - 4 replies (last reply by jr at 08/31/2012 01:19 PM)David Justice from Lincoln Arkansas on 08/30/2012 11:25 AM
My wife and I are coming that way the week of October 8th. We are looking for a three night stay and a two day ride, at 20 to 30 miles a day. We enjoy wineries, breweries, and quaint old towns. Can stay in B&Bs, cabins, or nice hotels. I have heard there is a place that if you stay with them the last night that they will shuttle you back to you vehicle? Does anyone have any suggestions for us as to where to go?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 08/30/2012 02:14 PM
You could start your trip by spending the day in Hermann touring the wineries, all fashions of accomodations for the night. Next morning ride to Augusta for more wineries and several B&B's. Next day ride to St. Charles and stay at the Lococo House and talk to them about being shuttled back to Hermann.
Bike Rider from Kansas City on 08/30/2012 03:57 PM
Most of the B&B's in Hermann will have a 2 night minimum stay on weekends in October. I'm not sure if B&B's in other communities would as well. October along the Wine Trail is popular and the rooms will fill up! You may want to consider staying in Augusta or Dutzow. There are a few wineries there as well. The first day you could ride to Defiance, doing some wineries on the way. The second day you could ride the other direction, toward Marthasville. Or stay in Rocheport and ride east one day to Easley, and the second day ride west toward Booneville. But Rocheport will be a popular weekend spot in October as well. Wherever you decide to go, I would recommend reservations as soon as possible.
Rich Lauer from McKittrick on 08/30/2012 06:58 PM
Joey's Birdhouse in McKittrick is still available. Right on the trail, near Lost Creek Vineyard and only 2.1 miles from Hermann. No two night minimum in October though most Saturdays are already booked.
jr on 08/31/2012 01:19 PM
Wine Country Inn in Augusta - an awesome place to stay... they got the best breakfast ever...
- + I'm planning a bike trip along the Katy Trail for this fall with my mother and am putting together my emergency list... basically I'm concerned that we might find ourselves part way through a day of ...
Discussion started 07/28/2012 11:18 PM by Melissa - 9 replies (last reply by jr at 08/31/2012 01:17 PM)Melissa from Chicago on 07/28/2012 11:18 PM
I'm planning a bike trip along the Katy Trail for this fall with my mother and am putting together my emergency list... basically I'm concerned that we might find ourselves part way through a day of biking and unable to go on (be if from bad weather or bike malfunction or whatever). Looking at the shuttle services on the list they all seem grouped along the two ends of the trail... are there other local companies? Will taxi services be able to pick up the bikes? Looking at comments about shuttles under the comments area, there's a fair amount of chatter about booking shuttle services in advance but very little about unexpected pickups along the trail heads. What kind of fees might be expected for this kind of transport? Any advice and recommendations would be welcome.
Rhona Lococo from St Charles on 07/29/2012 10:57 AM
we shuttle our guests at (Lococo House II&III Bed & Breakfast) on the Katy and if you have any kind of problem , all you have to do is call us and we will rescue you.....call me at 636-9460619
Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 07/29/2012 02:45 PM
You should not start out until you have inspected the BikeKatyTrail.com mileage chart and towns and services that Ray provides with this web site. The trail can be long and scary, along the river, if you have a flat and its dark. If you use this site and make careful plans you should be ok. Some locals will drive you into town when they find you along the trail but don't count on this. And cell phones don't always work aound our location. Don't try and overdo it. PLAN,PLAN,PLAN
Anonymous on 07/29/2012 07:01 PM
The weather usually isnt that bad in October. I would recommend short out and backs and making sure that both you and your bikes are in good enough shape to be on the trail long before I worried about a shuttle to come save me. If you worry about a mechanical or just being able to make it on the trail, fix those long before you head to Missouri.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 07/29/2012 09:48 PM
How experienced are you and your mom? If you have done some riding and have some experience, you will do fine, especially if you plan carefully, which you appear to be doing by being on this forum. I live in Jefferson City and I do not know of any shuttles in the middle of the trail. I have seen people post comments that they had a bike break down and they were able to call a bike shop and they got picked up by the bike shop and taken care of. That is probably not the norm, but it would be a good idea to bring a list of the bike shops along the trail and their phone numbers just in case. You and your mom will love this trail. I bet you do this more than once.
Melissa, Chicago on 08/28/2012 03:43 PM
hi all, thanks for the info - we're relatively experienced (biked RAGBRAI a couple times a couple years ago), our bieks are in good condition, and we have the experience to fix most minor stuff (flats, broken chain, etc) ourselves. And we've been conservative in our milage - we're only going about 40 miles a day. But as Michael said plan, plan, plan and with my mom being 60, I'd like to have some kind of contingency list of taxis or shuttles or what not just in case... for example I have no issues riding in rain, but if there's lots of lightning I'd rather see if we can book a ride to our next destination. I've looked at the milage list of companies, but I've also seen a lot of mixed reviews of those companies in this forum and so I'm interested in hearing if anyone has any companies that they'd like to put forward as being people that are good in a pinch.
Bike Rider from Kansas City on 08/29/2012 08:46 AM
Melissa, it sounds like you are preparing well for this trip on the Katy Trail with your mom! It sounds like alot of fun. I don't have any experience with the shuttles, but I think most of the bike shops along the way would be very helplful, and could recommend solutions to you in a bind. The bike shop in Hermann has helped us out on two occasions. I would keep their phones numbers in your phone, too. Also, if you've made reservations at B&B's along the way, the owners can sometimes help you out, or give you recommendations for shuttle service. I hope you and your mom have a great trip!
Darrell from Wrinkle City, Mo. on 08/30/2012 04:54 PM
"we're relatively experienced (biked RAGBRAI a couple times a couple years ago), our bieks are in good condition, and we have the experience to fix most minor stuff (flats, broken chain, etc) ourselves. And we've been conservative in our milage - we're only going about 40 miles a day. But as Michael said plan, plan, plan and with my mom being 60, I'd like to have some kind of contingency list of taxis or shuttles or what not just in case..."
May I suggest that you talk to your mother and try to get her to slow down to a pace that you can keep up with. Sure you can get a shuttle and meet her at the B&B or whatever, but I bet she would enjoy it more if you could ride the whole way with her.
Welcome and enjoy your tour of the Katy!
:)
Anonymous on 08/30/2012 08:04 PM
Look for people who operate businesses along the trail that are riders for help. Some of the bike rental or sales places may be able to get you or make repairs. Some of the B&B people are riders, for example Rendleman in Bluffton has helped people with parts at his B&B, or has even come to help someone on the trail.
jr on 08/31/2012 01:17 PM
Toni, the owner of a bike shop in Defiance is a great guy. He runs a shuttle service, typically an SUV w a bike rack in the back. He tooks us from Defiance to Washington to catch the train - $20/person.
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Bugs?
- + I'm riding the trail in September, and camping. What is the bug situation along the trail? Are mosquitoes a problem? Ticks? Chiggers? TX has lots of West Nile virus lately. I'm wondering about what in...
Discussion started 08/22/2012 02:23 PM by MBC - 10 replies (last reply by MJV at 08/30/2012 12:13 AM)MBC from Albuquerque, NM on 08/22/2012 02:23 PM
I'm riding the trail in September, and camping. What is the bug situation along the trail? Are mosquitoes a problem? Ticks? Chiggers? TX has lots of West Nile virus lately. I'm wondering about what insect disease vectors are a problem along Katy.
Annon. No. 6 on 08/22/2012 05:08 PM
You lightweights don't ride in rural areas near open water in NM and CA? Pack it and if you don't need after a few days dump it. Come on.
Larryray from St. Louis on 08/22/2012 06:28 PM
Missouri is famous for ticks and chiggers. Bring your bug stuff.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/22/2012 07:05 PM
My son & I did not see a single mosquito on our cross-state trip 2 weeks ago, thanks to the hot dry summer. But that was 2 weeks ago - there has been some rain and cooler weather since then, so the skeeters could possibly be making a comeback by now.
MBC from Albuquerque, NM on 08/23/2012 01:41 PM
Thanks for the info to those who actually cared to give me any. To Annon No 6, forgive me for being a "lightweight." I have only ridden my bicycle about 33,000 miles in 28 countries, so I haven't yet learned not to ask questions.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 08/23/2012 04:13 PM
MBC, there have been only three cases of West Nile for the state of MO so far this year with the drought. But could go up with early fall rains.
Rich Lauer from Hermann on 08/23/2012 04:59 PM
no bugs around mile marker 100
Cathy from Jefferson City on 08/23/2012 08:47 PM
Bring bug spray.
merkin4 from St. Peters MO on 08/29/2012 03:26 PM
With the dry summer, bugs weren't that big of a problem. Mosquitos aren't too bad as long as you keep moving. After dusk, if you are standing still you'll swear the things are trying to carry you back to the nest. As it cools and Hurricane Issac brings some rain to the area later this week, I'd expect the flying critters to multiply. I keep a small bottle of the 100% DEET stuff in my pack.
Ticks haven't been much of a problem for me, but I rarely leave the gravel or cement areas of the trail. If you'll be doing side excursions into the grass, count on ticks. A friend of mine doing geocaching claims that it's the worst year for deer ticks she's ever seen.
My primary ride area is Defiance to the east. You have have a different experience farther west, but for that area, daylight hours have been rather bite-free for me.
Tom from Jefferson City,MO on 08/29/2012 11:54 PM
I ride Columbia Spur to North Jeff all a couple times a week it's been a very bug free year, even at night. You can run into swarms of knats at night. They are harmless if you have eye protection and keep your mouth closed.
MJV from Corvallis, OR on 08/30/2012 12:13 AM
Use NATRAPEL if you can find it there (you can order it on line from REI.COM). This is a non-deet alternative - I am an avid backpacker and chigger magnet - this stuff works!
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Labor Day Weekend Businesses
- + Will most of the businesses be open from Thurs-Mon. Labor day weekend from Boonville to St. Charles? On the 4th of July weekend many were not open.
Discussion started 08/25/2012 03:18 PM by Annon. No. 6 - 10 replies (last reply by Tom at 08/29/2012 11:49 PM)Annon. No. 6 on 08/25/2012 03:18 PM
Will most of the businesses be open from Thurs-Mon. Labor day weekend from Boonville to St. Charles? On the 4th of July weekend many were not open.
Anonymous on 08/25/2012 10:13 PM
You lightweights can't pack something to eat or drink? Come on!!
That was good enough response for someone else with a legitimate question!
Cathy from Jefferson City on 08/25/2012 10:47 PM
Hopefully some of the business owners who are not Mr Grumpy Buttttts like anonymous will post about their hours that weekend. But on a holidAy weekend you would be better off taking Mr. GB's advice and packing snacks and plenty of water.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 08/25/2012 10:51 PM
Also, I just noticed unfer the subject water water...where that Buddy from Jeff City posted about the Railwood Golf Club near the North Jefferson Trailhead having a grill. He said they are open 7 days a week except Christmas.
Annon. No. 6 on 08/27/2012 11:04 AM
Mr Grumpy Butttts. Since us annons know each other well, I was asking the question for those who don't know the trail as well. Leading question, come on!!
Anonymous on 08/27/2012 11:44 AM
Hey 6. You are such the humanitarian. Like your response to someone from out of state asking about west nile in Missouri.
You lightweights don't ride in rural areas near open water in NM and CA? Pack it and if you don't need after a few days dump it. Come on.
posted Aug 22 2012 5:08PM - Annon. No. 6
We're all alike. Can't you see? Leading answer, come on!!
Annon. No. 6 on 08/28/2012 04:25 PM
Jesus loves us annons all the same. All questions are legitimate but some are more legitimate than others. But the original question won't matter now will it with Isaac dumping his remnants on MO, Labor Day weekend. Finally do you happen to know how many people sign anonn on this forum? Since you track me you must know. Your not Ray are you?
Ray (webmaster) on 08/28/2012 11:35 PM
Nope, that’s not me, I always put my name on all my posts. But I can tell you there are indeed a lot of anonymous posts, because Name is optional. The website does not require you to register before posting, so it’s easy to post anonymously.
Occasionally people have used anonymity to say mean or unfair things on the forum, but the vast majority of people have been civil and respectful and not abused the forum. Thus, we’ve been able to avoid all that username/password stuff that you have to go through on so many other forums. Usernames/passwords serve a purpose on some websites, but as long as we all play nice together, we can get by without forcing you to register and making you remember yet another set of usernames and passwords. I hate it when websites make me needlessly register and remember more passwords, and I don’t plan to inflict that on the fine folks here as long as we can all stay fairly civil.
Annon. No. 6 on 08/29/2012 06:34 PM
Ray I knew it wasn't you. I was just inquiring about Mr. Annon interest in my posts. He seems to be the forum morality police. Thanks for your help though.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/29/2012 09:46 PM
No problem, I couldn't pass the chance to get on my soapbox about websites that force you to register and remember more passwords (and why we've managed to avoid that here).
Tom from Jefferson City,MO on 08/29/2012 11:49 PM
You can always ride into Jeff City - about a two mile detour - cross the river, left on main st., right on bolivar rd, & just past mo blvd is the greenway which takes you to mc donalds on about any other restraunt you'd like.
The problems gonna be rain Fri & Sat.
Katy's Little Lodge
- + We are looking for a BB or Hotel to stay around Huntsdale or McBaine area....any postive comments on Katy's Little Lodge...I've heard a few negative....I understand there is Columbia...but we'd like t...
Discussion started 08/29/2012 11:10 AM by New Rider - 1 reply (last reply by zbiker at 08/29/2012 10:17 PM)New Rider from Fulton on 08/29/2012 11:10 AM
We are looking for a BB or Hotel to stay around Huntsdale or McBaine area....any postive comments on Katy's Little Lodge...I've heard a few negative....I understand there is Columbia...but we'd like to stay more on the trail --Columbia 9 miles off right??
zbiker on 08/29/2012 10:17 PM
I am not familiar with B&B's in Huntsdale/McBaine. You may want to consider staying in Rocheport, about 8 miles west of McBaine. Several B&B's there, all good that I know of.
Lodging
- + Cross roads motel is very nice, it has had a lot of new upgrades. The rooms are extra clean and the staff was very helpful.
Discussion started 08/29/2012 07:17 PM by cd smith - 0 repliescd smith from greenfield mo on 08/29/2012 07:17 PM
Cross roads motel is very nice, it has had a lot of new upgrades. The rooms are extra clean and the staff was very helpful.
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Reasonable expectations?
- + My husband and I are looking to plan a trip. He is very fit, but I am not. I've done a lot of the trails in our hometown and on average I can do about 14 miles in about three hours (he can do it in ...
Discussion started 08/27/2012 11:34 AM - 5 replies (last reply by jr at 08/28/2012 09:47 AM)Anonymous on 08/27/2012 11:34 AM
My husband and I are looking to plan a trip. He is very fit, but I am not. I've done a lot of the trails in our hometown and on average I can do about 14 miles in about three hours (he can do it in about an hour) Our trails are somewhat hilly, where my understanding is the Katy is not... so what would be a reasonable expectation for a weekend trip? He is proposing 35 miles per day but I have serious doubts. We are looking at the Clinton to Boonville section with an overnight stop in Sedalia. Thoughts?
Pistolero45 from Columbia, MO on 08/27/2012 11:43 AM
I think you can do it. Clinton to Sedalia is extremely flat. The section between Sedalia and Booneville winds through the Osage Hills, and in my opinion, is the prettiest section of the trail. There are no steep hills, just long grades. And the last several miles into Booneville is downhill.
Bike Rider from Kansas City on 08/27/2012 01:55 PM
Just remember that on the flats you are always peddling....no downhills to get a good coast off of. Take breaks as needed. 35 miles on the Katy Trail is alot to those not used to high miles. Take your time and you should be fine. The section you are thinking of riding doesn't have a lot of tree cover, and Saturday's in Octoer have the potential to be kind of warm with alot of sun. Be prepared with extra water.
Haank from New Haven MO on 08/27/2012 07:59 PM
I don't mean to burst your bubble but if it takes you three hours to go 14 miles then Clinton to Boonville will be a stretch for you. Yes the Katy is flat but still you are talking about minimum five hours on the bike per day which you may be able to handle for a day, however the second may really hurt. I am just being realistic. I would not want to discourage you, that section is gorgeous, but you must be prepared. I would have a "lifeline" available just in case.
Trek on 08/28/2012 09:46 AM
You could let your husband leave from Clinton and then you drive to Sedalia or some point north and ride toward him as he rode north. He'd get to ride the entire route and you could ride with him from when you met, back to Sedalia. You could both ride, but it wouldn't be a 7 hour ride at 5mph for you. Then do the same thing the next day between Sedalia and Pilot Grove. I'd opt out of riding up Lard Hill in Boonville to meet him.
Or just opt out and do some more simple out and backs together until you both can reasonably ride 35 to 40 miles together.
jr from Wylie, TX on 08/28/2012 09:47 AM
I just rode last week from Sedalia to St Charles - I kept looking for this downhill that so many people have mentioned.... Never saw it... it's constantly going uphill... a few miles are flat, but more going uphill then downhill...
The ride from Sedalia to Jefferson is very nice. After that is boring and nothing interesting to see until you hit Augusta.