Going east of west?
- + I intend to ride the Katy Trail end to end in a couple of days, late June early July.I'm trying to find some information on prevailing wind directions, I'd like to ride with the wind, rather then goi...
Discussion started 04/26/2012 07:31 PM by Jeroen Dorrestein - 11 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/12/2012 09:11 PM)Jeroen Dorrestein from Kansas City MO on 04/26/2012 07:31 PM
I intend to ride the Katy Trail end to end in a couple of days, late June early July.
I'm trying to find some information on prevailing wind directions, I'd like to ride with the wind, rather then going against it.
Any thoughts, suggestions? Many thanks
Jeroen
Jersey John from Jersey Shore on 04/26/2012 08:02 PM
Looks like west to east. check out this link http://www.bikekatytrail.com/weather.aspx
west to east is also more downhill
Jersey John from Jersey Shore on 04/26/2012 08:05 PM
This is the link for the trail elevations.
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/elevations.aspx
Anonymous on 04/27/2012 08:57 AM
Having ridden it both ways...I will always choose west to east in the future. More often than not, the wind during that time of year, is out of the south/southwest.
Enjoy!
Silvia from NJ on 04/29/2012 08:32 PM
Anyone have information about prevailing winds in mid-September?
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 04/30/2012 07:18 AM
You really can't call the winds in MO "prevailing" because they can change direction many times in a week. In the past 4 days, they came strong out of the North, South, Southeast, Southwest, East-Northeast, and Northwest. This is because we are in a boundary where the moisture coming from the Gulf meets cooler air coming from the West, creating lots of turbulence. Good news is that most of the Katy is tree-lined, so the wind is not as much a factor as open-road riding.
Another Anonymous on 04/30/2012 06:31 PM
KC an Jersey, If you are worried about winds and elevation on the Katy you need more training. How about Rte 94 doing 60+ mile days for a few months?
Silvia from NJ on 04/30/2012 09:00 PM
Thanks. Just asking because I have people in my group asking whether we should start in St. Charles or shuttle to Clinton and ride back because of the wind. I'm not worried .. I rode cross-country in 2000 :-)
Not Just Otro Do Mas on 04/30/2012 10:19 PM
So if I'd rather not ride into the wind, I need to train more? And it's assumed that I'm worried about it because I'd rather not do it??
Train for what? I'm hard pressed to believe that some that just want an easy peaceful ride are in need of training on the highway for over 60 miles a day for several months.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 05/01/2012 12:26 AM
A lot of people seem to think it is best going from west to east. As a previous person said the winds do change a llot in Missouri.
I hope you and your group have a great time on the Katy Trail.
Another Anonymous on 05/12/2012 08:37 PM
In response to Silvia an Mr. Espany, my comments were made to those that have minor concerns about wind and elevation on the Katy which was built on a less than 5% incline for the trains. If for those who want a easy peaceful ride encounter gusts, just stop and have a chardonnay or 2 or 3. Then the wind is of less concern. West to east is the easiest for most especially for groups and newbies.
Anonymous on 05/12/2012 09:11 PM
More often than not (there are always exceptions!!) WEST to EAST is more pleasant for anyone in my opinion, unless they love to ride into headwind. It has very little - if anything - to do with groups or experience
Peddlers Jamboree
- + For years I've attended the 5 boro bike ride in NYC and have really enjoyed it. But since the organinzers(BikeNY) have changed all the rules to their ride, I instead plan on traveling to the great sta...
Discussion started 01/28/2012 11:27 AM by Paulie - 6 replies (last reply by Cathy at 05/12/2012 12:26 AM)Paulie from Knoxville on 01/28/2012 11:27 AM
For years I've attended the 5 boro bike ride in NYC and have really enjoyed it. But since the organinzers(BikeNY) have changed all the rules to their ride, I instead plan on traveling to the great state of MO. and attending this years Peddlers Jamboree. This looks to be a fun event as my favorite band in the world, Southern Culture on the Skids is headlining the festival. Anyone else plan on attending ?
Paulie
MidSouth from Rogersville, Mo on 01/29/2012 09:23 PM
The wife and I will be there! We had a blast last year. Just today talked to the organizer/promoter at a Bike Show/Swap Meet in Collinsville, Il.
Kelly from Manasquan, NJ on 01/30/2012 12:20 PM
Just curious. What do you mean by "changed all the rules"?
Paulie from Knoxville on 01/31/2012 01:48 PM
Kelly, The NY 5 boro ride is now done by a lotto system instead of first come first serve. And they no longer mail you your vest, it must be picked up at an expo in Manhattan atleast a day before the ride. That can make it difficult for out of town riders who arrive late in the city. The 5 boro ride is now $75(if you get in) and another $6 non refundable just to enter the lotto. So I've decided to spend my money in MO this year.
Sorry I forgot to title this thread maybe Ray could tag it as "Peddlers Jamboree"
Bernice Marshall from Delaware, Ohio on 05/11/2012 04:03 PM
My husband and I will be riding the Katy Trail for the 1st time. We'll be driving in from Ohio. We're really excited to be part of the Peddlers Jamboree and camp out with you folks. After the Jamboree we plan to ride from Columbia to St. Charles with stops in Jefferson City, Rhineland and Augusta. Hope I made choices in places to stop. Any suggestions on dinner ideas in these cities?
Jim from St. Thomas on 05/11/2012 07:17 PM
I would suggest Paddy Malones or Arris' Pizza in Jefferson City and the Trailside Bar and Grill in Rhineland.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 05/12/2012 12:26 AM
Other places to eat in Jeff City: Madison's on Madison St., Ecco Lounge on the corner or Dunklin and I think Jefferson, O'Donohue's on east side, Munichburg Tavern (my husband loves their varieties of craft beer on tap), Prison Brews, Saphire's at the top of Doubletree Hotel (expensive but very good).
Boonville Days Inn and highway
- + My husband and I are going to ride from Jeff City to Boonville on May 26th. One of the few hotels that still had openings on that weekend was the Days Inn. After I looked at the map it appears it is q...
Discussion started 05/11/2012 01:52 PM by Rookie1123 - 0 repliesRookie1123 from St Louis on 05/11/2012 01:52 PM
My husband and I are going to ride from Jeff City to Boonville on May 26th. One of the few hotels that still had openings on that weekend was the Days Inn. After I looked at the map it appears it is quite a ways from the Katy Trail AND right next to the interstate 70. Yikes. It does look like there are side streets to get there, but when I leave Sunday morning to continue on the trail am I going to have to ride along a major highway to avoid backtracking? I am just not familiar with the Katy Trail or Boonville and am wondering what I have gotten myself into.
Dutzow Deli / Restaurant
- + Best place to stop when biking through the Dutzow area. Good home made food! A little bit for everyone.
Discussion started 05/11/2012 07:23 AM by Peter - 0 repliesPeter from Marthasville on 05/11/2012 07:23 AM
Best place to stop when biking through the Dutzow area. Good home made food! A little bit for everyone.
Mighty Mo Canoe Rental in Rocheport
- + Mighty Mo Canoe Rental in Rocheport is ready for a great 2012 guided canoe and kayak float season from Mid-May through Mid-November. Forecasts are calling for a normal or low Missouri River flow this ...
Discussion started 03/27/2012 09:28 AM by Brett Dufur - 2 replies (last reply by Trek at 05/10/2012 03:26 PM)Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 03/27/2012 09:28 AM
Mighty Mo Canoe Rental in Rocheport is ready for a great 2012 guided canoe and kayak float season from Mid-May through Mid-November. Forecasts are calling for a normal or low Missouri River flow this summer. So it should be a perfect summer for Missouri River canoe and kayak floats! Our availability calendar has been updated at www.mighty-mo.com. We typically do guided Saturday floats starting at 1 p.m. If you have a group that wants to go on another date, please let me know through the Mighty Mo Canoe Rental website. See you on the river!
Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 05/10/2012 01:45 PM
At Mighty Mo Canoe Rental in Rocheport, we're getting a lot of calls lately regarding our Saturday guided canoe and kayak tours. You can review our availability and sign up online at www.mighty-mo.com. If you're planning a multi-day float, we may also be able to help outfit you for that. Sunday floats are also available for groups of 8 or more. See you on the river!
Trek on 05/10/2012 03:26 PM
This is a bit of a diversion from this thread, but I'm going to divert anyway.
If any of you are not familiar with the Missouri Department of Conservation's magazine, The Conservationist, you have been missing out on some very good articles by Brett in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the department. Thanks for the good reading Brett.
As always, the magazine has great articles that are both timely and relevant. The photographs by Noppadol Paothong are outstanding issue after issue.
Missouri is a great state to live in and we truely have both the Department of Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources to thank for many wonderful places like the Katy Trail and the Might MO river to explore and appreciate nature.
If you live in Missouri you can get the conservation magazine in the mail for free. It can also be read online. Go sign up now, so you have something to read when you get off the trail or the river.
Total Newbie-type of bike? Mountain,Road,Comfort
- + First time biking the entire trail. I have found a mountain bike im thinking about buying but am worrying a little about the comfort level. Im 6ft4 and have some back and knee issues that pop up but a...
Discussion started 04/21/2012 06:47 PM by Will - 5 replies (last reply by Brett Dufur at 05/10/2012 01:42 PM)Will from Moberly Mo on 04/21/2012 06:47 PM
First time biking the entire trail. I have found a mountain bike im thinking about buying but am worrying a little about the comfort level. Im 6ft4 and have some back and knee issues that pop up but am determined to do this. Ive read about the tire width and using kevlar but wanting everyones opinion on what bike is the best for the trail
Almost Retired from Ohio on 04/21/2012 07:26 PM
I ride a mountain comfort bike, sitting upright & wider tire. No pressure on the shoulders, & stability on the crushed limestone. I see lots of hybrids, they seem to go faster, but I'm almost retired" Need to slow down. I just bought kevlar & still got a thorn. Not sure it was worth $20 for the strips
Tom from Baton Rouge on 04/21/2012 10:16 PM
Wife & I have Electra Coaster 7 speed. Great if you have back or shoulder issues. Due to the seat tube angle it is easier to to put both feet on the ground while still sitting on seat. Down side is that you aren't directly above pedals which diminishes your pedaling power & puts more strain on thigh muscles. They are awesome bikes but not for extremely hilly or off road rides. We rode from Rocheport to Hartsburg and back over two days - 50 mile round trip and did fine. Very comfortable but not a "performance" type bike. Saw lots of hybrid bikes which would probably deliver more performance but a little less comfort.
Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 05/02/2012 09:31 AM
Best $2 mod: water pipe insulation. That grey foam stuff with the slit down the side. Wrap some on your handlebars. Get some handlebar extensions like you'd use for mountain biking - and put some foam on those too. It is amazing how much it helps - it dampens trail vibrations and raises your head/neck by an inch. Gives you more riding position options. I swear by it on end-to-end rides now! And when you don't want to use it, just stick it on your bike frame out of the way...
Anonymous on 05/02/2012 01:03 PM
Foam pipe insulation works well to prevent scratches from bike racks while enroute to the Katy also. Slip a piece over the bike frame where it contacts the rack, or in locations when one bike may rub another. Like Brett said, it's inexpensive and works great.
Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 05/10/2012 01:42 PM
Will - Let us know how the trip goes and which bike you ended up going with. The last few times I did the trail end-to-end, I rented a recumbent bike from Trailside Cafe. It was money well spent - finished the trip with no sore neck or wrists or... well, you get the idea... Needless to say, if comfort is your number 1 goal - don't overlook the idea of possibly renting a recumbent.
Construction
- + Does anyone know why trees are being cleared between the trail and Missouri River at approx, 49 mile marker, about two miles east of 40/61 bridge? Company sign says only WF no tresspassing.
Discussion started 01/24/2012 10:58 AM by Bob - 17 replies (last reply by MidSouth at 05/10/2012 01:15 PM)Bob from St. Charles on 01/24/2012 10:58 AM
Does anyone know why trees are being cleared between the trail and Missouri River at approx, 49 mile marker, about two miles east of 40/61 bridge? Company sign says only WF no tresspassing.
Bill Tayon from St. Charles, MO on 03/09/2012 10:45 PM
I saw that for the first time today. It's really shocking how they've scoured off the trees. That was one of my favorite green tunnel sections!
Bob from St. Charles on 03/13/2012 12:16 PM
YOU'RE THE FIRST TO REPLY, THOUGHT WOULD BE MORE UPSET ENVIRONMENTALISTS OUT THERE. I HAVEN'T BEEN DOWN THERE IN ABOUT A MONTH, CAN YOU TELL WHAT THEY ARE DOING?
Jim from St Louis on 03/14/2012 09:26 AM
Shocking indeed! We noticed it when we rode by there a couple of days ago. The trees are being cleared for about 3/4 of a mile. It would be an unlikely area for anything but cropland in that low area. Surprised that we haven't heard any clue.
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 03/14/2012 02:50 PM
You say it is 2 miles east of the bridge? I know they are going to replace the bridge itself, but 2 miles is too far away for that.
Jim from St Louis on 03/14/2012 04:09 PM
Possibly a staging area for new bridge construction?
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 03/15/2012 09:45 AM
Could be a staging area, but the fact that the contract has not even been awarded yet makes me wonder why they would assume the winner wants to stage there? Or maybe the contractor does not have a choice.
Bill Tayon from St. Charles on 03/15/2012 03:52 PM
I doubt they would go to that much expense to create a long, narrow strip of cropland. And it's really too far from the proposed new bridge. I wonder if a developer is going to build clubhouses and/or a private boat ramp.
Bob from St. Charles on 03/30/2012 03:12 PM
DOES ANYONE ELSE KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS TREE CLEARING?
Jim from St. Thomas on 03/30/2012 04:50 PM
DOES IT REALLY MATTER!
Jim from St. Louis on 03/31/2012 09:55 AM
Kind of does, whenever the landscape changes this much.
Anonymous on 03/31/2012 03:53 PM
Bob seems the most emphatic about it. Looks like he lives close. Maybe he should go find out whats up and post it here. Take the bull by the horns Bob. You'll feel better in the long run and we will too.
Larry from St. Peters, MO on 04/02/2012 03:46 PM
I just talked to Quinn Killner, Natural Resources Mgr. who manages the eastern portion of the Katy Trail. He stated the land is private property. The owner owns the land on the bluff above the trail and the section being cleared. He said the owner is selling the wood and may eventually grow crops in that area.
TEW from STL on 04/23/2012 10:29 PM
I was down that section of the Katy Trail and couldnt believe my eyes. I thought the Katy Trail was about conservation and preserving our forests. I'd love to march up that road and start a protest.
Mary from St. Charles on 05/08/2012 11:18 PM
I thought it was strange that the sign was not very informative, seemed purposely. The have destroyed the area. All the natural environment has been torn apart and trashed. I am shocked that the owner would destroy such beauty with total disregard toward the public use of the trail. Some days the smoke is very heavy from the burning trees!
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 05/10/2012 12:23 PM
People, the Katy Trail is a very narrow strip of land running through both public and private lands. I suspect those private land owners did not buy their land with the sole intent of providing us with scenery as we travel along the trail. If a farmer wants to covert his wooded area to productive farmland, that is his right.
Anonymous on 05/10/2012 12:43 PM
Halt the march and protest! The Katy Trail is about conservation and preserving our forests.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 05/10/2012 01:15 PM
I'm sure if you go and offer the land owner enough money could just buy it and preserve it for the rest of us, just sayin'