Prairie Lick
- + We biked through Prairie Lick twice and saw no trailhead and, more importantly, no restrooms.
Discussion started 09/11/2011 09:27 PM by John K - 6 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 04/19/2012 03:42 PM)John K from Webster Groves, MO on 09/11/2011 09:27 PM
We biked through Prairie Lick twice and saw no trailhead and, more importantly, no restrooms.
Anonymous on 10/05/2011 12:54 PM
I live right by "Prairie Lick" and there is nothing there. Not sure why it is even on here as a stop.
Maggie from Kansas on 02/25/2012 08:32 AM
never saw one myself? I was wondering maybe it has been built?
zbiker on 04/18/2012 04:02 PM
I rode it a couple weeks ago, have ridden that area for years. Never has been water there - not sure where the info came from. There is a very small parking spot where the road crosses the trail
zbiker on 04/19/2012 11:07 AM
Sorry - meant restrooms.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 04/19/2012 12:42 PM
Ray
I think they are trying to tell you to remove the restroom icon on the Prairie Lick entry in the Towns and Services link.
Ray (webmaster) on 04/19/2012 03:42 PM
Not sure whether maybe there was a johnny-on-the-spot there long ago, or if we've just always had the wrong info, but it's gone now. Thanks for passing this along!
Great towns.
- + I rolled into Herman yesterday an I couldn't believe 15 to pitch a tent. So I ended up stopping in Murphys Bar in Treloar and after a couple of pitchers of beer and fries I was able to camp in the bac...
Discussion started 04/19/2012 02:41 PM by Alphonso - 0 repliesAlphonso on 04/19/2012 02:41 PM
I rolled into Herman yesterday an I couldn't believe 15 to pitch a tent. So I ended up stopping in Murphys Bar in Treloar and after a couple of pitchers of beer and fries I was able to camp in the back. So I would highly recommend that town for the night. Just spend the money on some good food and beer.
katy bridge at boonville
- + IS THE KATY TRAIL BRIDGE AT BOONVILLE OPENING SOON IT IS SO COOL LOOKING
Discussion started 04/11/2012 12:42 PM by mw - 2 replies (last reply by zbiker at 04/18/2012 04:00 PM)mw from florissant mo on 04/11/2012 12:42 PM
IS THE KATY TRAIL BRIDGE AT BOONVILLE OPENING SOON IT IS SO COOL LOOKING
Just Sayin' from kcmo on 04/12/2012 12:29 PM
No, but there is a pleasant bike-ped crossing of the MO river using the US-40 bridge.
And you don't need to shout.
zbiker on 04/18/2012 04:00 PM
It has been a very long process trying to save the bridge from demolition. As of now, that has been accomplished. Now there is a long process to take ownership of it,and convert it so that hikers/bikers can cross it. A non-profit has been organized to accomplish that. follow this link for more information - http://savethekatybridge.org/
Machens trail
- + Will the Machens trail hook up with the river trail in Illinois??
Discussion started 04/17/2012 12:16 PM by Paul the Painter - 1 reply (last reply by BikerBoy at 04/17/2012 02:59 PM)Paul the Painter from St. Louis on 04/17/2012 12:16 PM
Will the Machens trail hook up with the river trail in Illinois??
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 04/17/2012 02:59 PM
Paul, let me first say I do not know of any plans to make the connection. The old MKT line continued from Machens southeast to St. Louis. Currently, the trail dead-ends in Machens at the BNSF line (which is still operating). I do not know if that means that BNSF now has the rights-of-way, but it looks like there is no room for a trail. Most people connect to the Riverfront trail by ending the Katy at Machens, then following MO-94 (or its side roads) to the Clark Bridge in Alton. From there they pick up the Confluence Trail, which connects to the Riverfront Trail.
Rocheport Trail Detour
- + Definitely READ DIRECTIONS AT TRAIL closure (both east and west bound), because the detour is NOT marked on the highway, involves a hill climb and 60-mph traffic, so you don't have time to puzzle it o...
Discussion started 07/15/2011 06:46 PM by Mr. G - 5 replies (last reply by Trek at 04/17/2012 01:00 PM)Mr. G from Galena, IN on 07/15/2011 06:46 PM
Definitely READ DIRECTIONS AT TRAIL closure (both east and west bound), because the detour is NOT marked on the highway, involves a hill climb and 60-mph traffic, so you don't have time to puzzle it out along the way.
leeannske from Geneva, Il on 07/24/2011 07:57 PM
We were forced onto detour at abou 81 miles into our ride on a hot, hot day. The detour is hilly and the motorists are jerks. I think it would be very helpful for there to be a sign on the road saying that the trail is closed and to be mindful of the bike traffic. I would have chosen the trail over the road any day, but the motorists need to know what is going on!
John from St. Louis on 04/17/2012 12:38 AM
I ran into this detour last year in early May, and it was a bummer. Can any recent riders speak to whether this portion of the trail is clear now, or, for that matter, if there are any current detours, obstructions? Thanks all. Planning to ride whole trail mid-May 2012.
Just Sayin' from kcmo on 04/17/2012 09:49 AM
The river receded long ago last year. Ride on.
CFM from Jefferson City on 04/17/2012 10:31 AM
I just rode the trail from Jeff City to Boonville yesterday. There are a few rough spots from recent storms but all is open. Enjoy your trip in May.
Trek on 04/17/2012 01:00 PM
From the home page here, for trail conditions and closures check out: Trail Conditions for Katy Trail State Park in Missouri
Thank you
- + Thank you for the great information on this web site. My husband & I biked from St. Charles to Clinton April 4 - 7, 2012 and I was on this site constanly to plan our trip. Everything was wonderful. ...
Discussion started 04/16/2012 01:23 PM - 1 reply (last reply by Rick Wallen at 04/17/2012 08:22 AM)Anonymous from Baldwin, Wisconsin on 04/16/2012 01:23 PM
Thank you for the great information on this web site. My husband & I biked from St. Charles to Clinton April 4 - 7, 2012 and I was on this site constanly to plan our trip. Everything was wonderful. I'm encouraging all our biking friends to experience this trail. The information signs at the trailheads and along the trail are fabulous. Beautiful trail.
Rick Wallen from Springfield, MO on 04/17/2012 08:22 AM
I would love to hear more about your story. Do you plan to do a blog about it or anything? I am doing the DNR ride in June for the first time and would love to hear about your experiences.
Thanks!
KC to Clinton
- + Need a suggestion on getting from Amtrak station in KC to Clinton. Is there a shuttle? Roads do not look bike friendly.
Discussion started 04/14/2012 07:25 PM by GM - 4 replies (last reply by Alphonso at 04/15/2012 02:31 PM)GM from Forestville CA on 04/14/2012 07:25 PM
Need a suggestion on getting from Amtrak station in KC to Clinton. Is there a shuttle? Roads do not look bike friendly.
SalsaBoy on 04/14/2012 08:40 PM
It can be done, but I (and many others) would not recommend it: Not safe for lots of reasons including traffic and crime (Southeast Kansas City, MO can be a BAD place). Think taxi/shuttle/etc. to Clinton, or just Amtrak it to Sedalia. Another option if you are In KC would be staying north of the Missouri River, and road biking it to Boonville.
SalsaBoy on 04/14/2012 08:47 PM
Adding to what I just wrote, Booneville to Sedalia is my favorite part of the trail. Lots of people like the Rocheport to Jeff City part, including me, but I love the the whole Booneville to Clinton run, and esp. Booneville to Sedalia. If you've never done it, and think you would like riding in a "Tree tunnel", make sure you include that part of the trail, and take Amtrak to Sedalia and do an out and back to Clinton.
DSD on 04/15/2012 01:28 PM
Clinton to Sedalia is not real scenic (and pretty mushy in the spring) little like Jeff City to McKittrick. You live around Clinton, Salsa?
Alphonso on 04/15/2012 02:31 PM
I followed allot of side roads and ended up following 291 to Harrisonville. Then picked up 7 to Clinton. The trail is great and I been hanging around Huntsdale( great camp ground with showers) for a couple of days because of the rain. But do the whole trail it's a great experience.
Katy Trail in July
- + I'm hoping to bike the Katy trail in July, the weather says its Brutally hot, but being from Texas where last summer we road in 106* weather, I'm thinking I'll freeze in Missouri. Is it really that ba...
Discussion started 04/13/2012 05:54 PM by KM - 4 replies (last reply by Cathy at 04/15/2012 12:23 AM)KM from Austin, tx on 04/13/2012 05:54 PM
I'm hoping to bike the Katy trail in July, the weather says its Brutally hot, but being from Texas where last summer we road in 106* weather, I'm thinking I'll freeze in Missouri. Is it really that bad? Does it rain a lot?
EWM on 04/14/2012 06:29 AM
It is the humidity,think Houston
DSD on 04/14/2012 06:43 PM
Katy is 90+/ 90+ (Temp/Humidity) in July.
Anonymous on 04/14/2012 10:51 PM
Agree it is hot and humid. Depending on your make-up, pace, etc...it may be uncomfortable, but I wouldn't call it impossible. Wind may make a huge difference in your comfort/discomfort.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 04/15/2012 12:23 AM
It does get hot here. Start early carry lots of water, don't push yourself if the heat is getting to you. You'll do fine.
But it does get hot here. It is not unusual for us to get temps over 100 with crummy humidity, giving us a heat index of 105 or higher. Being from TX you know what heat does to you. carry lots of water, ride as early as you can, listen to your body.
road bike
- + I would like to know if the trail is road bike friendly, or, which section of the trail is asphalte ?thanks !
Discussion started 04/04/2012 07:26 AM by Genevieve - 8 replies (last reply by Paul Toigo at 04/12/2012 12:34 PM)Genevieve from kansas CIty on 04/04/2012 07:26 AM
I would like to know if the trail is road bike friendly, or, which section of the trail is asphalte ?
thanks !
SalsaBoy from Farmington, AR on 04/04/2012 11:48 AM
None of it is asphalt. As for being road bike friendly, there is a huge difference of opinion on that matter: I don't think it is--and I'm a roadie. Others think it is. Ride the Katy for yourself, and jump in on the conversation.
Bike Choice on 04/04/2012 08:17 PM
It is if you have good "kevlar" tires.
Anonymous on 04/04/2012 09:18 PM
I agree that generally speaking a road bike is fine, but totally agree that you want good "flat protection (i.e. kevlar belted)" tires of some sort.
My experience is that the further east you go the better road tires work.
I find the stretch from Clinton to Sedalia generally "softer" and less well-packed and therefore a bit harder to ride on road tires than say the section from Boonville to Jeff City or Rhineland for example.
As noted - lots of different opinions.
That's mine...
Adam on 04/05/2012 08:43 PM
This is a Chevy vs. Ford discussion. I have found the katy to be almost like a newly resurfaced chip and seal road at times, and like a sandy dirt road at others. My buddy has a touring bike with "Good Kevlar tires" that are 700c x 28. He occasionally gets flats. I use cheap 2 inch wide mountain bike slicks that have a smooth strip in the middle, and have never had a flat with them. I gladly give up 1-2 mph for comfort, stabillity, and no flats. I also cross onto the pavement with worries. The 60# of air pressure makes for a much better ride too. I don't understand why someone would ride skinny tires with 100#+ air pressure on the Katy. I also like Chevy's. :)
Tom from Baton Rouge LA on 04/06/2012 10:28 AM
We just rode from Rocheport to Hartsburg, and most of the bikes were road bikes or at least had road bike tires. Didn't see anyone with a flat. Didn't see any of the infamous "sticker vines" either. The aggregate was embedded in the dirt on most of the trail, and even the newly laid stuff was very thin. We had cruiser bikes and I put Tuffy Tire Liners in them for an extra measure of protection and didn't have any problems.
RoadiJeff from Wildwood, MO on 04/09/2012 09:40 AM
I just did 143 miles on the Katy Sunday, from the Page Ave extension west and back. I have a road bike with 700x25C tires. No problems with flats and the surface was packed pretty well along 99% of the trail where I was at.
Old Roadie on 04/09/2012 10:45 AM
Go further to the West over by Pilot Grove and you may change your mind about road tires (even those with Kevlar). Maybe I've just gotten old, but I've gotten so I'm not that fired up about riding road tires on the road, so I sure don't want to ride them on a dirt trail.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City, MO on 04/12/2012 12:34 PM
I've ridden extensively on road bike (700x25 single, 700x28 tandem) tires. Last weekend, we rode from Columbia to Jefferson City on the tandem. Owing to trail repair, we found it difficult in several spots.
Defiance
- + Defiance is a great stop, Terry & Kathy's serve great burgers and there is a bike shop with ice cream and other snacks. Thumbs up!
Discussion started 04/10/2012 04:15 PM by Mark - 1 reply (last reply by Gene at 04/10/2012 11:06 PM)Mark from Hillsboro on 04/10/2012 04:15 PM
Defiance is a great stop, Terry & Kathy's serve great burgers and there is a bike shop with ice cream and other snacks. Thumbs up!
Gene from Indiana on 04/10/2012 11:06 PM
It is the ideal biker bar. Bicyclists during the day, motorcyclists at night. Great food.
Joey's Bird House B&B in McKittrick
- + Loved Joey's Bird House! Stayed there 03/22/12. It was spotless, ultra cute, off the beaten track, and ever peaceful. Joey is quite the woman. She went above and beyond with our dinner request for a...
Discussion started 04/10/2012 10:45 PM by Sedivy - 0 repliesSedivy from Fayetteville, AR on 04/10/2012 10:45 PM
Loved Joey's Bird House! Stayed there 03/22/12. It was spotless, ultra cute, off the beaten track, and ever peaceful. Joey is quite the woman. She went above and beyond with our dinner request for a vegetarian meal. Population is 63 in McKittrick so it's just a sleepy little community. A grocery store is a 3min drive away and Hermann and its restaurants and bars are just over the bridge 10minutes away. The best part of Joey's Bird House, the Katy Trail is a stone's throw away. Would love to go back any time.
Camping and hiking along trail
- + A friend and I are considering biking the Katy trail at the end of April. We are from out of state, so would not have a "support crew" with us.We would also like to camp. Is it reasonable to ride and ...
Discussion started 04/10/2012 02:09 PM by Adventureracer99 - 1 reply (last reply by SalsaBoy at 04/10/2012 03:21 PM)Adventureracer99 from Ruston, LA on 04/10/2012 02:09 PM
A friend and I are considering biking the Katy trail at the end of April. We are from out of state, so would not have a "support crew" with us.We would also like to camp. Is it reasonable to ride and use campgrounds along the Katy without having a vehicle for trips to town, etc? Also, are there hiking trails that can be easily reached from the Katy?
thanks :)
SalsaBoy on 04/10/2012 03:21 PM
YES! You can absolutely "Bikepack" unsupported without reservations or specific plans. It's the best way to enjoy the Katy (in my opinion). In additon to extra bike tubes, a chain tool, and all the things that go with patching your ride up in case of a problem, I suggest a few things: Water and/or the ability to carry quite a bit of it, emergency (or just plain)food to eat in case you don't find the cafe you hope to find, a smart phone (and a solar charger), and some spending money. You can do it anytime, but I would recommend waiting until May to make sure things are open and allow you plenty of options (since you don't know the tricks yet). Get all that stuff, get a buddy, put 80 miles a day on your bike, and find a good place to drink a few beers at the end of the day. Good luck.
Lodging close to the trail in St. Charles?
- + Just wondering if any of you could recommend a good place to stay that is close to the trail. We will be just three guys so don't need foo-foo B&B etc. Just something fairly cheap where we can have th...
Discussion started 04/07/2012 09:23 AM by Skywarrior - 2 replies (last reply by Rhona Lococo at 04/09/2012 12:28 AM)Skywarrior on 04/07/2012 09:23 AM
Just wondering if any of you could recommend a good place to stay that is close to the trail. We will be just three guys so don't need foo-foo B&B etc. Just something fairly cheap where we can have three single beds. Any help would be appreciated
Anonymous on 04/07/2012 09:52 AM
Might check Comfort Suites up the hill from the Casino. Easy ride to the trail. Not sure about 3 beds, but might be worth the call.
Rhona Lococo from St Charles on 04/09/2012 12:28 AM
we have a Bicycle friendly Bed & Breakfast just three blocks from the trail,we have ajoining rooms that would work for you, rate are very reasonable, call us at 636-946-0619 for details, we also do shuttle service if you need it
Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia
- + I'm coming out later in May to ride the trail west-to-east.My first night will be camping @ Fairgrounds (after shuttle) but I can't seem to connect with above ph# (constant busy signal).Any help???
Discussion started 04/06/2012 10:50 AM by Harry - 1 reply (last reply by Gene at 04/09/2012 12:10 AM)Harry from Crofton MD on 04/06/2012 10:50 AM
I'm coming out later in May to ride the trail west-to-east.
My first night will be camping @ Fairgrounds (after shuttle) but I can't seem to connect with above ph# (constant busy signal).
Any help???
Gene from Indiana on 04/09/2012 12:10 AM
The campgrounds should be open by May. Put your tent up and someone will collect $10 for camping. The red and white buildings down the hill are the bathrooms and showers. The National Guard Armory next door usually has personnel working there and staying in trailers at the campground. The campground is about several hundred yards from the Sedalia West Trail Exit.
Cullom postings and other historical info
- + I was pleased to come across some of the comments about Gore. My great-grandfather was Gustave Groeber and we have lineage tying into the Culloms. I would be interested in exchanging info and invi...
Discussion started 01/15/2012 01:34 AM by Terri Hulsey - 1 reply (last reply by Betty Cullom Harrison at 04/08/2012 07:46 PM)Terri Hulsey from Port Isabel, TX (now Wentzville, MO) on 01/15/2012 01:34 AM
I was pleased to come across some of the comments about Gore. My great-grandfather was Gustave Groeber and we have lineage tying into the Culloms. I would be interested in exchanging info and inviting Cullom family to our family reunion that takes place in September usually. Contact via email terhulsey@yahoo.com
Thanks! Terri (Strunk) Hulsey
Betty Cullom Harrison from Overland Park, Kansas on 04/08/2012 07:46 PM
My Cullom family history is Tilman Cullom, Granville Cullom, James Cullom and my father,
Ace Cullom. I do have all of the Cullom history.
Venturing on my own
- + Heading to the Katy Trail at Rocheport to relax. Breaking the mode that I need someone to be wit me. Maybe I will even make new friends
Discussion started 04/07/2012 06:26 PM by NR - 1 reply (last reply by NR at 04/07/2012 06:27 PM)NR on 04/07/2012 06:26 PM
Heading to the Katy Trail at Rocheport to relax. Breaking the mode that I need someone to be wit me. Maybe I will even make new friends
NR on 04/07/2012 06:27 PM
Easter on the trail.