Tebbets bar
- + Is the little bar/grill open in Tebbets across the street from the bunk house? I haven't been there in a couple years and it always seemed to be hit or miss if it was open.
Discussion started 04/12/2012 05:50 PM by John - 3 replies (last reply by Sean Goode at 05/02/2012 08:33 PM)John from Washington,MO on 04/12/2012 05:50 PM
Is the little bar/grill open in Tebbets across the street from the bunk house? I haven't been there in a couple years and it always seemed to be hit or miss if it was open.
Anon on 04/13/2012 04:09 PM
Still is. Could be open late on Wed and weekends during season. Will have to wait and see?
John from Washington on 04/19/2012 09:33 PM
I rode to St. Charles today and met a rider who had just completed the trail. He said he made it to Tebbetts just in time to get out of the rain for a couple days. He said it was open on Friday evening and not on Thursday. Maybe they do just open on weekends and occasionally the rest of the week.
Sean Goode from Currently Mascutah Ill on 05/02/2012 08:33 PM
I stayed at the Hostel 23 Apr, the bar was not open, but later in the evening the lights came on over there. We had already eaten, so we didn't bother checking them out.
Full Service Grocery Now Open in Marthasville!!
- + K & R Market is located at 15971 State Highway 47 on the west side of Marthasville MO. Full Deli, Meat Dept., Wines & Liquors, Produce, Soft Drinks & Energy Drinks offered. 636-433-2584 Open M-F 6am...
Discussion started 05/02/2012 06:58 PM by K & R Market - a full Service Grocery Store!! - 0 repliesK & R Market - a full Service Grocery Store!! from Marthasville MO on 05/02/2012 06:58 PM
K & R Market is located at 15971 State Highway 47 on the west side of Marthasville MO. Full Deli, Meat Dept., Wines & Liquors, Produce, Soft Drinks & Energy Drinks offered. 636-433-2584 Open M-F 6am-8pm Sat.7am-6pm Sun.8am-3pm
The fish.
- + I am afraid the world is coming to an end. I heard they cut the fish in half.
Discussion started 05/01/2012 03:36 PM - 2 replies (last reply by Jim at 05/02/2012 02:02 PM)Anonymous on 05/01/2012 03:36 PM
I am afraid the world is coming to an end. I heard they cut the fish in half.
Pam O from Independence on 05/01/2012 11:37 PM
On my what are we going to do? Ride on, just ride on.
Jim from St. Thomas on 05/02/2012 02:02 PM
I heard they did the same thing to the loaves......
Road bike OK on Katy Trail?
- + I have read and been told by various people that a road bike with skinny tires is OK for Katy Trail, or must use off-road bike. So which is it? I would like to do Tour de Corn on 6/23/12 and then ride...
Discussion started 04/18/2012 09:22 PM by Pfiske - 7 replies (last reply by Brett Dufur at 05/02/2012 09:29 AM)Pfiske from Orlando/Kansas City on 04/18/2012 09:22 PM
I have read and been told by various people that a road bike with skinny tires is OK for Katy Trail, or must use off-road bike. So which is it? I would like to do Tour de Corn on 6/23/12 and then ride Katy for a day or two on my way to KC but can only bring one type of bike. As a current flatlander living in FL, what stretch of Katy would be best for me (relatively flat but scenic)?
SalsaBoy on 04/18/2012 10:19 PM
This seems to be a common question, and an area of much debate. Look down at some of the posts, and you will find a wide variety of opinions. That said, I am a roadie who has gotten to where I don't particularly like road (700c x 23) tires even on the road, so I sure don't like them on a hard gravel path. The Katy has different degrees of hardness vs. looseness depending on location, time of year, rain, etc. As a rule, the further east you go, the harder the surface gets. So, can you ride "Road" tires anywhere on it? Yes. Do you want to? Not me, esp. if it is the western part (West of Booneville). Kevlar, puncture protection, etc. anywhere on the trail is a necesssity because the limestone has little "arrowheads" that work their way through your tire and give you flats. Most people like at least 28's, and I personally wouldn't ride it without at least 32's. Others will tell you that they ride with "Road" tires and have no problems. Good for them. That is not my experience. I do not think you need knobbie mountain bike tires, but I would pick a mountain bike with 1 1/2" wide slicks over a road bike with 23's anywhere on the trail. Others will disagree.
Pfiske from Orlando/Kansas City on 04/18/2012 10:28 PM
I appreciate your reply, SalsaBoy. I have been reading the posts and now know that east of Rocheport is flat and close to MO river. I just purchased an off-road bike with 1-1/2" tires and think this will be best for KT. I am thinking of using Amtrak to get to and fro. Happy riding.
Alphonso on 04/19/2012 02:09 PM
Well I'm touring thru on a touring bicycle and seen lots of road bikes out here. Nothing fast or supper but it's smooth. Except the wash outs from the rain. But something with at least 28c or bigger.
Mike from South of Clinton on 04/26/2012 09:48 PM
I will throw in my opinion. I have spent much time and money exploring this subject. In the end, I went with what I started with- Road bike with 700-23 tires. I tried going to 28's, noticed more resistance, and changed my gearing in a way that did not suit me. I have a hybrid bike with 700-35 tires, I stop every time I ride it on the trail and check to see if my brakes are dragging, they never are. I rode end to end with a aluminum frame, carbon fork and seat stay road bike with Continental Gatorskin 700-23 tires with 110 lbs of pressure. Did not have one problem. Rolls extremely easy, coasts great, can be rode fast if need be. Rode in the rain on the western end with no issue. I certainly could see signs where someone, sometime, was sinking in the trail very badly, not sure when that happens. I carried around 12 lbs of additional gear, made the trip in three days stopping fairly often to sight-see and eat at local restaurants. Really wouldn't change a thing. That said, my experience is just that, no warranty expressed or implied.
Anonymous on 04/27/2012 08:55 AM
It seems to me that there is lots of common sense in the responses here. The responses above certainly line up with my experiences on the KATY.
After lots of different experiments, I settled on 28s. They are hard case tires with great flat protection (as recommended above).
In addition, I have come to love to ride the KATY with a fixed gear bike. There is just such a rhythm about it...I love it.
Can't wait to go back. Lots of day rides planned and a 3 day Clinton to St. Charles on the books for June. Excited!
jason from wentzville on 04/28/2012 08:48 PM
Your fine, i have ridden the whole katy a couple times. used mountain bike with mountain, skinny road and slicks. some places have soft areas but most is hard packed. the only problem i have is
The dust and small rocks that ding frame.
Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 05/02/2012 09:29 AM
I've ridden the trail end to end with groups on everything from road bikes to hybrids and recumbents. You'll be OK on whatever you got - you'll just learn to take it slow if there's a washboard washout area, and you'll of course bring multiple extra tubes (no brainer). Stay away from trail edges that are softer, where skinny tires can cut in too much. Also - avoid "vines" at trail edges, which sometimes have thorns. After several days of heavy rain, skinny tires will cut into trail more deeply. But in middle of summer, with dry weather, it packs hard like cement. Have a great trip!
Rocheport's Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast Boxcar
- + Rocheport's Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast's Boxcar Guesthouse has been a big hit with bikers traveling in groups of 2-3 couples, as well as families with kids who love trains! Here's a quick youtube to c...
Discussion started 05/02/2012 09:14 AM by Brett Dufur - 0 repliesBrett Dufur from Rocheport on 05/02/2012 09:14 AM
Rocheport's Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast's Boxcar Guesthouse has been a big hit with bikers traveling in groups of 2-3 couples, as well as families with kids who love trains! Here's a quick youtube to check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eWR75-H4D4. You can see more photos of it at www.katytrailbb.com. See you on the Katy Trail in Rocheport!
- + You people are bullys. I am pretty sure this is not what this site was/is intended for. Let it be.
Discussion started 05/02/2012 07:03 AM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 05/02/2012 07:03 AM
You people are bullys. I am pretty sure this is not what this site was/is intended for. Let it be.
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Camping
- + I'm bicycling back across the US to Maryland. I'm connecting with the Katy Trail tomorrow and I'm wondering if there's any free camping for cyclist? I am used to the Alligany Passege that has free hik...
Discussion started 04/10/2012 10:30 AM by Alphonso - 11 replies (last reply by RonS at 05/01/2012 08:58 PM)Alphonso from Waldorf, MD on 04/10/2012 10:30 AM
I'm bicycling back across the US to Maryland. I'm connecting with the Katy Trail tomorrow and I'm wondering if there's any free camping for cyclist? I am used to the Alligany Passege that has free hiker/biker campgrounds. I see there's camping along but it looks like it's all privately owned. So if anyone can give me a little more info that would help me out. Or I might have to use the warmshower website to camp. For the fact I only have enough money to get me back into southern Maryland. So my money is for groceries only.
Alphonso on 04/10/2012 07:02 PM
I guess there are no hiker biker campsites. I guess I'll be stealth camping along the trail when it's time to sleep. I will be riding from Kansas City tomorrow to Clinton to start the trail. I should be in St Louis Sunday night. Thanks for the info.
Anonymous on 04/10/2012 09:02 PM
City Park in Pilot Grove, Volunteer Park in Hartsburg, it is the gazebo by the trail head. Also about 2 miles before you get to Hartsburg and approx the same distance after Wilton, there is the Hart Creek Conservation area, nothing but a fire ring but it is free camping. There is a sign and gate on the left of the trail. There is a pretty nice hostel in Tebbets that is five dollars to stay there, that is about 21 or 22 miles on past Hartsburg. That's all I know of, hope this helps. Good luck on your trip.
Gene from Indiana on 04/10/2012 11:04 PM
Free camping in Clinton near the trailhead at the Clinton Commuity Center. Go on the north side straight back, turn left for 100 +/- feet, then turn right to enter the county fairgrounds. Once inside, look to your right. That's the area I camped two years ago. There's a gate where you can go to the Center and use the showers. Tell them you're on the Katy Trail.
stevek from saint louis, MO on 04/10/2012 11:45 PM
In addition to the above, Davisdale Conservation Area just west of Rocheport(MM 178) allows primitive camping similar to Hart Creek Conservation Area west of Hartsburg(MM 154). In Hartsburg, the better option is to stay in town at the city park mentioned above. The Hostel in Tebetts(MM 132) does cost $5/night but it is unmanned and noone is going to care if you stop there to get cleaned up as long as you don't make a mess yourself. It is normally locked, but the key is located on a utility pole on the east side of the building.
Another hiker that was on here a few years ago camped at the city park in Rhineland(MM 105). It has water, restrooms, and picnic tables and is located just north of the trail west of the ballpark. Marthasville(MM 78) allows camping at the city park. It is located south of the Katy and you camp on the other side of the street near the ballpark. I think they charge if you want to use the showers but other than that it is free.
Doug from Bluffton on 04/11/2012 04:49 PM
Steve, I think the people that own and operate the bunkhouse might care quite a bit about someone staying there without paying. Their charge is minimal at best and they DO have bills associated with it. To advise others to stay without paying is both inconsiderate and irresponsible. Sure would hate to have the owners close it down due to such actions.
Trek on 04/12/2012 07:43 AM
There was a thread here not too long ago about businesses that have closed along the Katy and how we should all support them.
It's a good read.
Alphonso on 04/12/2012 04:39 PM
Thank you all. This is a great trail and I did camp behind the community center in Clinton last night. I'm in Sedalia now and I'm going for the next town.
Alphonso on 04/12/2012 04:51 PM
I have no problem supporting local businesses and paying to camp but I went from Florida to Cali. Down in Mexico, and riding back to Maryland. So my funds are at 0. I have just enough for food, so I'm racing as fast as I can back home to work for a couple of months for some cash. I even stopped in Las Cruses, NM at the day labor to make a few $. So it's not that I'm cheap, I'm just broke as I can be. But tanks again for the info. Hope to see some people out there.
Trek on 04/13/2012 03:15 PM
Do you have a journal of your ride anywhere like crazyguy?
Alphonso on 04/13/2012 04:01 PM
You can look me up on Facebook. Alphonso Eusantos, also I'm fonsontheroad.webs. But it's a free site and I'm out of space so just look me up on Facebook.
RonS from Harrisonville on 05/01/2012 08:58 PM
I read stevek's comment about the Tebbitts Hostel differently. He suggested it as an overnight stay for $5 or a good place to stop and "take a break" after a few miles on the trail. I have used it for both needs, such as a bathroom break AND also for overnight shelter. Either way, I always leave a donation before I take off down the trail.
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Camping
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East to West starting 4-28
- + Hello! Just got new Surly Disk Trucker and I'm extremely pumped to put some miles on it. I'll be starting in St. Charles heading for Clinton with a side trip up to Columbia to see some old friends. I ...
Discussion started 04/27/2012 08:04 PM by Matt - 2 replies (last reply by Matt at 05/01/2012 07:50 PM)Matt from Camdenton, MO on 04/27/2012 08:04 PM
Hello! Just got new Surly Disk Trucker and I'm extremely pumped to put some miles on it. I'll be starting in St. Charles heading for Clinton with a side trip up to Columbia to see some old friends. I hope the rain holds off and I see some of you out there. I'll let you know how it was in about a week.
Darrell from Jeff City, MO. on 04/27/2012 08:37 PM
Congrats on the new bike, those are pretty slick, good luck on your trip!
Matt from Camdenton, MO on 05/01/2012 07:50 PM
Blah.. It rained for 3 days and the trail is a mess. I started at the Arch in STL and rode the Riverfront trail up to the MRT heading west to St. Charles. It's not marked anywhere along Chambers road, and it's not exactly a scenic part of STL, but I made it. Along the Katy from St.Charles to Augusta where the wind and rain finally made me get off the trail, there were no water spigots at any of the trail heads at all. That was confusing. Where do you get water?
Augusta brewery has a nice lawn and great brews. I bailed on the trip and got a ride because the trail was soft and sloppy. I'll head West to East from KC in a few weeks when it dries out and warms up. Cheers!
Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest in Rocheport
- + This was beyond any doubt the cleanest place I have ever stayed at. My group agrees. It was a real show room. We had the main house to our selves and enjoyed the privacy. It was our first shot at bein...
Discussion started 05/23/2011 09:14 PM by Clayton, Denise, Frank, Mickie - 1 reply (last reply by Brett Dufur at 05/01/2012 03:03 PM)Clayton, Denise, Frank, Mickie from Archie on 05/23/2011 09:14 PM
This was beyond any doubt the cleanest place I have ever stayed at. My group agrees. It was a real show room. We had the main house to our selves and enjoyed the privacy. It was our first shot at being @ a non-hosted B&B. The pizza was very good and convenient (in the fridg) and breakfast was no issue. All @ arms reach. Denise and I thoroughly enjoyed the Attic room. I did not know a hot bath could feel that good. We would not hesitate to stay again.
Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 05/01/2012 03:03 PM
Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay at Rocheport's Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast! A lot of our guests like the low-key, comfortable set up of our place and enjoy being able to eat, come and go as they please. You should check out the Katy Trail Boxcar Guesthouse on your next trip - I think it would be just right for your sized group! See you on the Katy Trail!
Clifton Mo
- + Is there anywhere cheap to stay in Clifton Mo? That is t5he area I need to sleep one night and all I can find are B&B
Discussion started 04/29/2012 05:07 PM by Merlin Coffee - 2 replies (last reply by MidSouth at 05/01/2012 02:01 PM)Merlin Coffee from Springfield Mo. on 04/29/2012 05:07 PM
Is there anywhere cheap to stay in Clifton Mo? That is t5he area I need to sleep one night and all I can find are B&B
ken from st.peters on 05/01/2012 12:03 PM
there are a couple camping parks klondike i know is one but clifton not sure
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 05/01/2012 02:01 PM
I think you will have to go to Sedalia or Pilot Grove for camping.
Directions
- + Are there signs that give directions as you are riding from the Amtrak Station in Jefferson City to the trail? If not, can anyone tell me how to get there? I am thinking of parking either at the Amtr...
Discussion started 04/30/2012 11:35 AM by Newbie 1123 - 2 replies (last reply by kevin at 05/01/2012 01:34 PM)Newbie 1123 from St. Louis on 04/30/2012 11:35 AM
Are there signs that give directions as you are riding from the Amtrak Station in Jefferson City to the trail? If not, can anyone tell me how to get there? I am thinking of parking either at the Amtrak Station (long term parking) or if that is full, I may try the parking at the bike bridge. I have never done this before, and I don't want to get lost trying to get from my car to the trail. lol
kevin from Jeff City on 04/30/2012 12:24 PM
From the train station, go up the street to E. Capitol and turn right. Go around the capitol, down the hill and back up to get to the MO River bridge.
Go across the bridge and follow the signs to the trailhead. It's a few miles to get there, but once you are over the bridge it is all flat.
kevin from Jeff City on 05/01/2012 01:34 PM
And here's a rough map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/88369317
extension of Katy to Riverfront Trail
- + Has there been any work on trail? What is timeline?
Discussion started 05/01/2012 10:06 AM by Walden - 0 repliesWalden from Kansas City, MO on 05/01/2012 10:06 AM
Has there been any work on trail? What is timeline?
Mokane Bar & Grill
- + I have been around here for many years and I ventured down to the bar this weekend and had a wonderful time. I was meet by Mel (I think that is his name) and I ordered my dinner, it was quickly made ,...
Discussion started 05/01/2012 07:14 AM by Dee - 0 repliesDee from mokane on 05/01/2012 07:14 AM
I have been around here for many years and I ventured down to the bar this weekend and had a wonderful time. I was meet by Mel (I think that is his name) and I ordered my dinner, it was quickly made ,hot and fresh. it was very delicious and the portions was very large in fact i had to take the rest home.What I really enjoyed is that I wasnt charged for my two glasses of ice water, when I told him he didnt charge me he told me that there is no charge for ice water. My total bill for dinner was 3.75...impressed
Complete KT in a day!
- + I want to make an attempt at doing it. Can anyone who has succeeded, advise me as to tire selection, bike set up etc?
Discussion started 03/17/2012 10:03 AM by Walter.Dreyer - 10 replies (last reply by Katy in a Day at 04/30/2012 06:19 PM)Walter.Dreyer from Ofallon Mo. on 03/17/2012 10:03 AM
I want to make an attempt at doing it. Can anyone who has succeeded, advise me as to tire selection, bike set up etc?
Trip Planner on 03/17/2012 02:45 PM
There is a section on journals and trip reports on this website of others who have done it.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 03/17/2012 08:24 PM
Walter, there was a guy on here a few months ago, Paul Toigo, from KC that has done it previously. He was planning to do it again this spring/summer and was asking people to contact him on facebook if they wanted to ride with him. I would like to do try it in two days but don't think I could do it in one.
SalsaBoy from Farmington, AR on 03/18/2012 12:14 PM
I haven't done it all in one day, but I have done 150 of it in one day. Vibration killed me on a rigid steel bike with drop bars running Continental Tour Ride 700c x 32's with 70 lb. pressure. It worked OK, but I'd pick 37's if I did it again--ruts, loose stuff, and transition from trail to driveway crossings are snakebites waiting to happen. I'd recommend gel insoles, gel gloves, gel seat, gel bar pads. Since it's flat, weight is not a problem. Check the weather for prevailing winds: You would probably prefer to go west to east. Other than that, trail mix, CamelBack, powdered Gatorade, eat before you're hungry, and drink before you're thirsty. Good luck.
Adam on 03/18/2012 09:05 PM
I've thought about trying it in late June and starting in Clinton before daybreak about 3:00 in the morning. Who would stop you? That would give you about 17 or 18 hours of (mostly) light do 240 miles. Since I average about 13 or 14 mph, I think it's doable. I would want a bail out plan though.
Adam on 03/19/2012 09:42 AM
After thinking about it a little more, some of the fun of doing the entire Katy in one day would be to try and do it legally: Meaning, during daylight hours. If u left at 5:30 and quit at 8:30, that would mean you had to average 16 mph. Very few people could do that on that surface by themselves. But I think it could be done with a pace line. Just a thought.
Walter.Dreyer from Ofallon Mo. on 04/28/2012 10:08 PM
I've been training in St. Charles on the KT, I've been averaging 17-18 MPH round trip. I'm planning a 2 day reconnaissance trip Hopefully May 4-5. I would welcome any company. My wife is going to run support. We're gonna stay overnight in Hartsburg. If I can avg. 16 mph, I'm going to try the KT in a day in mid June
Adam on 04/29/2012 12:01 AM
The hardpack of the east is not the loose surface of the west but reports from the trail so far this year is that it is hard everywhere. 16 mph avg is good! Does that take into account breaks? How long have you been able to hold that pace? What kind of bike/tires? How often do you stop? If you can seriously hold and average 15 or 16 mph with minimal stops, and if you go on a day when there is a friendly wind, you can do it. Keep us posted. When do you plan to ride?
Katy in a Day on 04/29/2012 08:36 AM
Adam,
If a guy, pretty fit (there's a short video) riding in the rain most of the end of the day on a road bike can do it in 2006 for breast cancer and his wife in 18-19 hrs, you can do it. You definitely need SAG, keeping the energy with snacks and camelback, an average about 15-16 mph with stops if you want to be near the record. Go for it in late June (but watch out for the DNR trip riders that week going east to west) and don't look back.
walter.dreyer from ofallon on 04/29/2012 01:34 PM
My longest training ride so far has been 66 miles in 4:02, no stops. That was round trip. I started early to avoid some of the headwinds. Trek 5000 carbon fiber, Profile design aerobars. aero wheels, 700X23s. With all the rain last night and predicted for the next few days, I may hold off until after May 18 for the 2 day ride. I talked to Sam Baugh who gave me tips on nutrition etc. His suggestion was to ride straight through. Thats what I've been training for.
Katy in a Day on 04/30/2012 06:19 PM
The recommendation from the guys who have done it is to do as many 150 mile rides as you can.
Katy 50
- + Does anyone know if they are running the 50 mile run this Sept? Can't seem to find any info on it.
Discussion started 04/30/2012 06:58 AM by medic161 - 2 replies (last reply by MidSouth at 04/30/2012 04:14 PM)medic161 from Alton on 04/30/2012 06:58 AM
Does anyone know if they are running the 50 mile run this Sept? Can't seem to find any info on it.
stevek from saint louis, MO on 04/30/2012 01:42 PM
I have not heard anything on the status of this race. OMRR did a race this past weekend on the Frisco Highline Rail Trail starting in Willard, MO. They had a 50 mile option plus lesser distances. Not many runners up for the 50 but over 100 for the marathon and around 250 for the half. All races were out and back on the trail. They have been doing it for four years in the spring. I would like to see something similar on the Katy.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/30/2012 04:14 PM
I did an out and back of the whole Frisco trail this last Saturday, I know bad planning on my part, trying to manuever around the hundreds of runners. But, must say I was really impressed in the ones running the 50 miler. I slowed on my way back to talk to a few and give any encouragement I could. Some of them weren't even breathing hard yet, after 45 miles and still going at a pretty good clip! I was huffing and puffing after about 60 on my bike