- + So sorry everyone, the Peers store has closed. We will miss it greatly. It is currently for sale if anyone is interested...
Discussion started 06/07/2012 08:22 AM - 1 reply (last reply by Joey Los at 06/17/2012 09:10 AM)Anonymous on 06/07/2012 08:22 AM
So sorry everyone, the Peers store has closed. We will miss it greatly. It is currently for sale if anyone is interested...
Joey Los from McKittrick, Mo on 06/17/2012 09:10 AM
What a great opportunity if priced right. We could use some more shopping and dining options on this section of the trail and Katy Trail riders are so nice and interesting.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=5757&tonly=1
Tree on trail
- + Received this email last night (Sat 6/16):A large tree branch fell late today and is covering the trail. About one mile north of the route 63 bridge crossing the trail north of Jefferson City. I have ...
Discussion started 06/17/2012 07:34 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 06/17/2012 07:34 AM
Received this email last night (Sat 6/16):
A large tree branch fell late today and is covering the trail. About one mile north of the route 63 bridge crossing the trail north of Jefferson City.
I have notified MO DNR.
Happy trails
Straight to Kansas
- + Has anyone out there ridden directly west from Clinton? My son wants to ride across Missouri - from the Kansas border to the Illinois border. The Katy handles almost all of that, except the 50-odd mil...
Discussion started 06/14/2012 08:18 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 11 replies (last reply by Darrell at 06/17/2012 05:34 AM)Ray (webmaster) on 06/14/2012 08:18 AM
Has anyone out there ridden directly west from Clinton?
My son wants to ride across Missouri - from the Kansas border to the Illinois border. The Katy handles almost all of that, except the 50-odd miles between Kansas and Clinton. Trying to keep the distance as short as possible, I'm looking for a good route (roads w/shoulders and few cars) to get between Clinton and the KS state line. Amsterdam MO, on the state line, is 40-something miles due west of Clinton. But I don't know what the roads in between are like.
Thanks in advance for any insights!
Trek on 06/14/2012 08:26 AM
Ray.....you might search "Katy Trail" in the journals on crazyguyonabike dot com. Often times transam riders go off route to pick up the Katy and get off the road for awhile. There may be routes listed there and pictures in the journal to give him an idea of what the route is like.
SJK from Saint Louis, MO on 06/14/2012 10:27 AM
According to MoDOT "shoulder maps", there are no shoulders on the highways from Clinton to Amsterdam, MO. They also indicate daily traffic <1,000 cars per day on the roads you would take, but does not appear to be more detailed than that. Highway 7(towards Harrisonville) out of Clinton has shoulders(according to the maps) but higher traffic (>5,000 cars per day), which is as high as they go with those maps.
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 06/14/2012 11:41 AM
Ray, the direct choices are not the best because that is such a rural area. But it looks like MO Hwy 18 is his best shot. It's a two-lane road (one each way) and the hills are not bad. But there are no shoulders that I recall. I'd suggest that he ride east in the afternoon (or west in the morning) in order to be more visible to drivers. And wear a safety vest. To get a look at the road, find it in Google Maps, then use the Street View feature (the little orange guy) to get a look at the road up close. Good luck.
kevin from Jeff City on 06/14/2012 12:16 PM
Trek speaks wisely. I've seen several people route through Stillwell, KS to Harrisonville MO and on to the Katy.
chris from ILLINOIS on 06/14/2012 02:27 PM
It's a lot eaiser to come up with a route across Illinois: Get on US-50 at the Mississippi, stay on 50 untill you cross into Indiana. Road riding in MO is more sceenic, but in IL, you can see down the road farther.
Darrell from Jeff City, MO. on 06/15/2012 09:32 PM
Ray, I posted a question about getting to the Prarie Spirit Trail from Clinton on Bike Forums- Touring and recieved this posibility, maybe it will be of interest to you. I have not ridden it but would like to sometime. Anyway, you can take a look.
Darrell from Jeff City, MO. on 06/15/2012 09:36 PM
Duh, let's try this; http://ridewithgps.com/routes/367326
Bike forums post; http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/717679-Seeking-information-on-route-from-the-Katy-Trail-to-Prairie-Spirit-Trail?highlight=
Copy and paste should work.
Darrell from Jeff City, MO. on 06/16/2012 04:48 AM
Now that I look back on these posts, they really don't help at all. Guess a road trip is the only way to know, had planned to do that quite awhile ago, just never did. Will know a bit more in a day or two.
Anonymous on 06/16/2012 05:36 AM
If you're willing to share what you learn from your road trip, I would be very interested in what you find. Thanks!
Anon on 06/16/2012 08:31 AM
If he wants to go border to border only, you might consider starting near Drexel MO on Route-B to Creighton, and then, take Hwy-7 to Clinton, or start near Merwin on Route-18 straight east to Clinton.
The west-east TransAm riders tend to start eastward toward Clinton further south than that. But I would be tempted to get to and use Hwy-7 to Clinton since it has good wide shoulders despite its heavier traffic. It also connects to the Clinton trailhead easily.
As you already know, getting from the Machens trailhead to Alton, IL is fairly straight forward. Good luck on this most interesting challenge.
Darrell from Jeff City, MO. on 06/17/2012 05:34 AM
I'm not familiar with Rt. B from Drexel to Creighton but Hwy 7 sounds much better than what I found Hwy 18 west out of Clinton to be. Would rather ride 5,6 or 7ft. from vehicles traveling 70-mph or so on Hwy 7 than 1,2 or 3ft. from cars, trucks w/trailors and occasional big rig traveling 60-mph or more in rolling hills with NO SHOULDER. And if the vehicles don't see you in time, you won't even have 1 foot of space, the road seems more narrow than most hwys. After driving 20+ miles on Hwy 18 west of Clinton yesterday, I had seen enough to know that I wouldn't use it and will not recommend that others use it for a bicycle route from the Kansas border.
Mckittrick Landmark ; Grain Tower
- + At mile marker 100.8 there are two historical landmarks. The grain tower in the picture at Mckittrick station. Someone has killed the vine foliage that for decades has adorned this structure. If any...
Discussion started 06/12/2012 10:16 AM by rich lauer - 11 replies (last reply by rich lauer at 06/16/2012 09:38 PM)rich lauer from mckittrick on 06/12/2012 10:16 AM
At mile marker 100.8 there are two historical landmarks. The grain tower in the picture at Mckittrick station. Someone has killed the vine foliage that for decades has adorned this structure. If anyone knows who the culprit was please comment. Thanks Rich Lauer at the Merck
Jim from St. Thomas on 06/12/2012 02:25 PM
Maybe the owner?
Tommy from St Louis on 06/12/2012 02:31 PM
While I think ivy looks great, it is very destructive to buildings. That's especially true of brick-and-mortar structures. I saw an old silo collapse because the vines had destroyed it.
Anonymous on 06/12/2012 02:49 PM
Maybe after decades the vine just died. Some plants species don't endure flood/drought, etc. for ever.
rich lauer from mckittrick on 06/13/2012 04:34 PM
Observed today vine was chainsawed and a chunk removed; purposely. Having been in construction 30 plus years ; my conclusion wines can be destructive but not in this case. The surrounding shed is condemned and should be removed. Repeated attempts with dnr was dead end. Would cyclists support a petition to allow
it's removal? It would make a great campsite!
Respectfully
Rich Lauer
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 06/14/2012 03:49 PM
Rich, sounds to me like you have a dispute with the property owner which has no place in this forum. Perhaps you should work out your issues with the owner directly.
rich lauer from mckittrick on 06/14/2012 07:18 PM
I guess one must have misses the fine print DNR owned the property. I understand that a forum is a public meeting place to discuss public matters. Each of us has an interest and some an obligation to protect this unique trail. It is because of my familiarity and proximity to the trail;I will constantly try to assist in improving it.
Thank You
Rich Lauer
Mckittrick 100.8
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 06/14/2012 08:03 PM
So when you talked to DNR, what exactly did they say?
Anonymous on 06/15/2012 06:58 AM
So DNR owns the property? And you come here asking for us to help you find out for them who cut a vine down on their property? Lets all help DNR out as I take it. Oh no. Wait, lets sign a petition to let DNR know they aren't taking care of the building and it should be condemned anyway. I'm all for improving the trail, but I think for this one I'm out.
rich lauer from mckittrick on 06/16/2012 10:41 AM
Dear Annoy,
It is always nice to know there are non supporters along the trail. I have a substantial interest in this community and am trying to make it a destination by making it an historic stop instead of a water hole. The travelers that stop by are the nicest adventures; they stimulate me to make this a better place.
Gary'
I am still waiting to spot dnr workers, as of yet they have not been around. I'll keep you informed if you are interested
Thanks Rich
Jim from St. Thomas on 06/16/2012 05:25 PM
Try emailing Dawn at DNR. If they own the property she can probably answer your questions. Here's her email.
dawn.fredrickson@dnr.mo.gov.
rich lauer from mckittrick on 06/16/2012 09:38 PM
Thanks Jim!
Rich Lauer
Katy ride
- + Self contained east to west and back. Are camping reservations needed.
Discussion started 06/14/2012 07:33 AM by G.P. - 1 reply (last reply by ArkyKenny at 06/16/2012 03:36 PM)G.P. from Lemont , il on 06/14/2012 07:33 AM
Self contained east to west and back. Are camping reservations needed.
ArkyKenny from Farmington, AR on 06/16/2012 03:36 PM
No, camping reservations are not needed. But I'd recommend you have an idea where you will be staying, and have a smart phone so you can reference this site (print it off and have a list of places to stay with you). That said, if you know your schedule, make the reservation. Or, if like me, you like to wing it, and are prepared to pay the price for your mistakes if things don't work out like you planned them (in the form of putting in some extra mileage, paying for a hotel room, or asking a farmer if you can sleep in his barn), have a great time "Wondering" on the trail.
Katy in a Day Crew
- + The guys who said they are riding the Katy in a single day next week for a potential record for the longer days are going to do it? Anyone?
Discussion started 06/14/2012 10:50 AM by Long Rider - 1 reply (last reply by Pual Toigo at 06/16/2012 01:10 PM)Long Rider on 06/14/2012 10:50 AM
The guys who said they are riding the Katy in a single day next week for a potential record for the longer days are going to do it? Anyone?
Pual Toigo from Kansas City on 06/16/2012 01:10 PM
Not sure to which guys you are referring, but I've been shipped out of the country for a year. So it'll be a while before I attempt it.
2012 DNR Katy Trail Ride
- + I'm doing this ride this year and thought I'd open it up for suggestions from anyone who's done the ride in the past, this will be my first year. I'll be camping along the way except for the night I'...
Discussion started 06/03/2012 07:48 PM by christine - 10 replies (last reply by Gary at 06/15/2012 05:24 PM)christine from Ashland on 06/03/2012 07:48 PM
I'm doing this ride this year and thought I'd open it up for suggestions from anyone who's done the ride in the past, this will be my first year. I'll be camping along the way except for the night I'll be so close to home in Hartsburg. I'm ready, I think, though a little concerned about the 50/60 miles in a row. Otherwise, I can't wait. Suggestions/tips?
ArkyKenny from Farmington, AR on 06/03/2012 09:45 PM
My advice: HAVE FUN! When your butt hurts, when you are hot, when it feels like your legs can't push the pedals, when you wonder to yourself "Why am I doing this?", the answer is "Because it is fun". And it is. It's also fun when you see all those cool things that you never get to see, and amke all those memories. Enjoy yourself. P.s. Drink a lot of water, and bring powdered Gatorade, and drink a bottle of that every 3rd or 4th bottle of water.
Anonymous on 06/03/2012 11:29 PM
Ride your bike....a lot.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 06/04/2012 12:21 PM
You'll be fine. The DNR folks run a well-organized ride, with several sag stops along the way. I volunteer each year as a sweep (a person that follows the pack to help with flats, etc.) and this year I have the Herman to Stedman section.
Colorado Riders from Fruita, CO on 06/04/2012 02:16 PM
You lucky duck! To live so close to such a gem! You're getting good advice--ride, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, and use all your senses to make those memories. I just had the joy of getting to ride out here in the desert with a new-to-riding friend and I'm hoping that she might be open to a KATY trip someday. Have fun!
Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 06/09/2012 09:13 AM
Good for you! You will have a blast! Couple thoughts - ride at your own pace. A lot of those folks wake up REAL early and bike REAL fast. A very Point A to B mentality. I am more of a lollygagger and tend to like to explore the small towns, read all the interpretive stuff, eat lunch at diners, visit with some locals, that sort of thing. Bike at your own pace. Who cares if you don't pull into camp until dinner time? The purpose is to explore! Put a little grey pipe insulation foam on your grips will also help reduce wrist/neck discomfort. And bring a few pieces to give away - trust me! I've ridden the DNR ride twice and loved it! Pace yourself and do your best to stay out of the sun when possible!
Rick Wallen from Springfield, MO on 06/11/2012 08:41 PM
Christine,
I am doing the DNR ride for the first time myself although I have done small bits and pieces of the Katy. I wish you a fun trip.
Paul K from Florissant on 06/13/2012 09:49 PM
I chose not to do the DNR ride and will be riding the entire Katy Trail for the first time from Machens to Clinton and back - 475+ miles from June 29 through July 7. I was going to ride one direction and decided what the heck... why not turn around and ride back. I guess I had a Forest Gump moment. Anyway, I like the advice ArkyKenny gave. I ride about 3000 miles a year on my road bike and like going fast. I plan on taking my time and enjoying what the Katy has to offer... enjoy every town and the people I meet and thank them for being there for us crazy cyclists.
Katy DNR Rider on 06/14/2012 10:56 AM
Gary, Does your responsibility as a sweep also include going into bars and getting the stragglers and making sure they can make it to the overnight city too? What do you look like. I will hide when I see you.
Jim from St. Thomas on 06/14/2012 12:27 PM
Katy, Gary is a man of many disguises. Last year he dressed as a cocktail waitress to catch folks like you and herd you into camp
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 06/15/2012 05:24 PM
Katy pay no attention to the man behind the curtain (Jim) he knows not of what he speaks.
If we happen to find a DNR biker in a bar along the way, we may have to just stop and join them until they are ready to move along. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. ;-)
Tebbetts
- + Had a great ride on the Katy Trail today between Jefferson City and Tebbetts. Even though the temperature was in the upper 80s the trail was quite enjoyable. I did notice that the place in Tebbe4tts t...
Discussion started 06/14/2012 09:57 PM by Cathy - 0 repliesCathy from Jefferson City on 06/14/2012 09:57 PM
Had a great ride on the Katy Trail today between Jefferson City and Tebbetts. Even though the temperature was in the upper 80s the trail was quite enjoyable. I did notice that the place in Tebbe4tts that says "Bank" appears to be undergoing some renovations. Jim used to have a bar and serve some food there. Once in a while someone on here mentions that they got something to eat from him. Does anyone know what is happneing to the old Bank building? Does Jim still own it? Is someone going to open something there? Thanks.
Biking to Warm Springs Ranch
- + Does anyone have suggestions on how to get to Warm Springs Ranch from the trail? We're riding the trail in June (east to west) and it doesn't look very convenient, other than riding out (and back) fro...
Discussion started 01/31/2012 11:52 PM by b3amos - 2 replies (last reply by b3amos at 06/14/2012 07:21 PM)b3amos from Manchester, MO on 01/31/2012 11:52 PM
Does anyone have suggestions on how to get to Warm Springs Ranch from the trail? We're riding the trail in June (east to west) and it doesn't look very convenient, other than riding out (and back) from Boonville. There will be 6 in our group. We're overnighting in Boonville.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 02/01/2012 01:26 PM
Since it is basically across the river from Rocheport, you might check to see if a shuttle service would take you there and back from Rocheport.
b3amos from Manchester, MO on 06/14/2012 07:21 PM
I discovered an interesting solution in my quest to bike to Warm Springs Ranch from the trail. Drew's Guide Service, based in Rocheport (http://www.missouriboatworks.com/bio.htm). He picked up our team of 6 under the Rocheport bridge and ferried us, bikes, and panniers across the MO River to Taylor Landing (near the I-70 bridge). We split the group into half and Drew made two trips, but this was very convenient and added another adventure to our ride. From there it is a short bike ride up the hill to the Warm Springs Ranch. We later rode on into Boonville, via public road, to re-join the KATY.
Dormitory at School House B + B in Rocheport
- + I brought a party of 6 to overnight at the Dormitory last week during our annual bike ride. We are repeat customers and Mike and Lisa took great care of us - as always! I highly recommend the Dormitor...
Discussion started 06/14/2012 06:56 PM by Bill Amos - 0 repliesBill Amos from Manchester, MO on 06/14/2012 06:56 PM
I brought a party of 6 to overnight at the Dormitory last week during our annual bike ride. We are repeat customers and Mike and Lisa took great care of us - as always! I highly recommend the Dormitory for bikers.