John R Hinds
- + Any information about John Rufus Hinds and the Katy Flyer Train wreck at Tanglewood, Texas that killed him and the fireman on May 31, 1900. His age at time of wreck, when he started to work for the Ka...
Discussion started 10/04/2011 12:26 AM by JFB - 1 reply (last reply by KG at 03/24/2012 07:33 PM)JFB from Houston, Tx on 10/04/2011 12:26 AM
Any information about John Rufus Hinds and the Katy Flyer Train wreck at Tanglewood, Texas that killed him and the fireman on May 31, 1900. His age at time of wreck, when he started to work for the Katy and any other information
KG from Houston on 03/24/2012 07:33 PM
"A History of Lee County" published in the mid 70's by the Lee County Historical Society (I think) gives a detailed story of the ill-fated train. I'm sure it is at the public library in Giddings.
CAMPING!
- + Planning a trip to Clinton and back again this summer. Can everyone posting all the clean & safe camping locations along the trail and list if showers are available? I live along the western most en...
Discussion started 03/24/2012 03:28 PM by Tess - 1 reply (last reply by Doug at 03/24/2012 04:28 PM)Tess from OFallon, MO on 03/24/2012 03:28 PM
Planning a trip to Clinton and back again this summer. Can everyone posting all the clean & safe camping locations along the trail and list if showers are available? I live along the western most end of the Katy and I can vouch that Klondike park just south of Augusta is an excellent location. It is a MO State park with full facilities. Thanks in advance!
Doug from Bluffton on 03/24/2012 04:28 PM
Tess, Klondike is actually a St.Charles County park and a very nice one as you say. Just want to give credit to the right people.
Favorite thing to do along the KATY?
- + What's your favorite thing to do along the Katy?I love to ride into Huntsville to Katfish Katy's on Sunday afternoon, grab a beer, and listen to the Blues jam. Really, amazing players here!!
Discussion started 03/23/2012 08:23 PM by jackie - 0 repliesjackie from Cambridge is my home, KC is where I live on 03/23/2012 08:23 PM
What's your favorite thing to do along the Katy?
I love to ride into Huntsville to Katfish Katy's on Sunday afternoon, grab a beer, and listen to the Blues jam. Really, amazing players here!!
50th Wedding Anniversary on the trail?
- + My husband and I would love to ride 50 miles on our 50th wedding anniversary this June (even if it takes two days). We have ridden some Rails-to-Trails, have good bikes and our max so far has been 30...
Discussion started 03/22/2012 04:43 PM by gaoakleys - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/23/2012 04:10 PM)gaoakleys from Georgia on 03/22/2012 04:43 PM
My husband and I would love to ride 50 miles on our 50th wedding anniversary this June (even if it takes two days). We have ridden some Rails-to-Trails, have good bikes and our max so far has been 30 miles. The "catch" is, we'd like to stay in a nice campground (or at least have power) in our small RV, but want a really nice restaurant near-by (maybe even a winery). Ideas for us?
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 03/22/2012 06:18 PM
How about Rocheport to Hartsburg (25 miles) and back? Beautiful scenery and then the winery in Rocheport (Les Bourgeois) is a nice reward. Camp in Hartsburg if 50 miles is too much. Good luck, sounds like fun!
Anonymous on 03/23/2012 04:10 PM
I would highly recommend that 25 mile section as well. Catfish Katy's has a campground. Have never used it but have seen plenty of RVs there and assume they have power. Catfish Katy's is right on the trail between Hartsburg and Rocheport. Have a wonderful time. Congratulations on the 50th!
Other
- + I'd like to bike from Sadalia to Galdstone. Some of the maps I've been reviewing recommend Rt 50W and possibly a section of Rt. 40W. Are these safe biking roads. thanks
Discussion started 03/22/2012 07:37 PM by Denis - 0 repliesDenis from Rockville, Maryland on 03/22/2012 07:37 PM
I'd like to bike from Sadalia to Galdstone. Some of the maps I've been reviewing recommend Rt 50W and possibly a section of Rt. 40W. Are these safe biking roads. thanks
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Trail condition/Kindness from Globe in Hartsburg
- + Rode from Boonville to Hartsburg and back yesterday. I found the trail to be in great condition...hard packed and easy to ride. For those who like to know about tire width, I rode 28mm hard case tir...
Discussion started 03/20/2012 08:08 AM - 1 reply (last reply by dave at 03/22/2012 04:43 PM)Anonymous on 03/20/2012 08:08 AM
Rode from Boonville to Hartsburg and back yesterday. I found the trail to be in great condition...hard packed and easy to ride. For those who like to know about tire width, I rode 28mm hard case tires and thought they were just right. As of yesterday, very little is open on the trail in terms of snacks, etc. Around noon-1pm, NOTHING was open in Hartsburg. The very kind operator of the Globe B&B offered me a class of lemonade and ice cubes for the water bottle. It was VERY kind. She wouldn't accept any payment. My thanks to her. Dodged one thunderstorm and was thankful for the shelter of the store at Cooper's Landing, there was a lot of headwind to Hartsburg, but a lot of trailwind back to Boonville. All-in-all a fabulous day on the KATY.
dave from lowry city,mo. 64763 on 03/22/2012 04:43 PM
i have two bikes, one with 700x38 and 700x35 tires and they both work great
FASTEST TIME AROUND KURTZ TRAIL? (BANGERT ISLAND,
- + I live right by Bangert Island and frequently go around Kurtz Trail there. My fastest time is just over 11 minutes (wanna say 11:10ish). What’s your fastest time? Pls describe any relevant details:...
Discussion started 03/22/2012 04:15 PM by Kurt - 0 repliesKurt from Saint Charles, MO on 03/22/2012 04:15 PM
I live right by Bangert Island and frequently go around Kurtz Trail there. My fastest time is just over 11 minutes (wanna say 11:10ish). What’s your fastest time? Pls describe any relevant details: bike, trial conditions, your age if you feel like sharing it, etc.
insect repellant
- + Should we be packing bug repellant for a Katy Trail trip in the first two weeks of April?
Discussion started 03/21/2012 11:13 AM by Ann - 4 replies (last reply by Kevin at 03/22/2012 01:44 PM)Ann from Tucson on 03/21/2012 11:13 AM
Should we be packing bug repellant for a Katy Trail trip in the first two weeks of April?
merkin4 from St. Peters MO on 03/21/2012 01:44 PM
Heck yes. The bugs probably won't bother you much while you're moving, but when you stop, they will just about carry you away.
Darrell from Jeff City, MO. on 03/22/2012 04:20 AM
Hopefully, through April it will not be that bad, although the bugs may come on sooner this year because of the warmer than normal winter. In late April, I've been doing a trip and I carry a small pump bottle of bug spray, but don't remember having to use it. June, July and August, way different story, DON'T leave home without it. Enjoy your trip!
Darrell from Jeff City, MO. on 03/22/2012 04:29 AM
Now that I think of it, ticks may be worse this year, had to take a tick off the puppy a couple of weeks ago, and have had others say they picked up ticks even this winter, so if you are going to be getting out into the bushes and weeds, "heck,yes" carry bug spray.
Kevin from Jeff City on 03/22/2012 01:44 PM
Ticks are already out in force. You may want to treat your clothes with permethrin; it will kill ticks on contact.
Hartsburg
- + It looks like the trail is right along the river west of Hartsburg. Is the Missouri visible from the trail? I'm looking for a great early spring destination for out of town guests.
Discussion started 03/21/2012 01:15 PM by btaylor - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 03/21/2012 05:01 PM)btaylor from Jefferson City on 03/21/2012 01:15 PM
It looks like the trail is right along the river west of Hartsburg. Is the Missouri visible from the trail? I'm looking for a great early spring destination for out of town guests.
Anonymous on 03/21/2012 05:01 PM
The 25 miles from Hartsburg west to Rocheport features lots of miles right along the river....not all of them....but many. Just rode it on Monday.
Lodging along the trail
- + Three of us guys, all in our sixties, are doing a ride this August. The plan is to drive to Herman, ride on the trail past Augusta, return to August that day to spend the night, leave the next morning...
Discussion started 02/17/2012 10:03 PM by Skywarrior - 7 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/20/2012 11:59 AM)Skywarrior from Topeka on 02/17/2012 10:03 PM
Three of us guys, all in our sixties, are doing a ride this August. The plan is to drive to Herman, ride on the trail past Augusta, return to August that day to spend the night, leave the next morning and go back to Herman, spend the night there, ride the following day to Jefferson City, spend the night and return to Herman the next day and leave the trail. We are trying to find lodging for three guys who do not want to share a bed. All of the B&B's I have looked at don't seem to have that option. Don't get me wrong, I like going to B&B's with my girl but we just want three seperate beds. Anyone know of any places in those three towns that would have those ammenities? Especially Augusta.
Frequent Katy Rider on 02/21/2012 10:16 PM
Washington has several hotels across the river not too far from Augusta. Also Jeff City has several hotels downtown not too far from the trail.
EB from Greenwood, Mo on 02/21/2012 10:21 PM
The Peers Store has three beds and great breakfast sandwiches.
Katy Trail Rider from Belton on 02/22/2012 11:00 AM
You might try the Vinchester in Hermann. It might be just what you're looking for. Cheaper rooms, but comfortable. Basic motel accommodations.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 02/22/2012 04:35 PM
Check out the Weinstrasse Cabins in Augusta. They have a big cabin that holds up to eight.
Joey Los from McKittrick, Mo on 03/18/2012 09:55 PM
Check out Joey's Birdhouse in McKittrick on the trail. We do not have it advertised yet but will have two rooms available before August. themerck.com Thanks, Joey
Amanda from Rhineland on 03/20/2012 10:08 AM
We also have a room with 3 beds available. One is a queen bed, and there are two twins, so you wouldn't have to reserve 2 rooms. Check us out at www.thedollhousebandb.com
Anonymous on 03/20/2012 11:59 AM
I don't have any connection - financial or otherwise - but have stayed with Amanda at Rhineland and found everything quite nice. The easy walk across the road for supper was great. I also had some problems with a couple broken spokes and she arranged for the bike shop from Hermann to come out to the B&B and make the repairs. Fabulous! (And the price for the repairs was unbelievably fair. So fair in fact that I gave the gentleman a $20 tip.)
Trip Info
- + Wife & I are trying to plan a 3 or so day trip in late March/early April. Not "athletic" riders but do ride often. Looking at about 20 miles/day and overnight at B&Bs. How scenic is the Mokane to Defi...
Discussion started 03/10/2012 03:42 PM by Tom - 9 replies (last reply by High Street Victorian B&B at 03/19/2012 06:52 PM)Tom from Baton Rouge LA on 03/10/2012 03:42 PM
Wife & I are trying to plan a 3 or so day trip in late March/early April. Not "athletic" riders but do ride often. Looking at about 20 miles/day and overnight at B&Bs. How scenic is the Mokane to Defiance section? Mileage breakdown looked about right in that stretch but don't know about scenery (bluffs etc...). Any help appreciated.
Anonymous from St. Charles, MO on 03/10/2012 08:06 PM
Mokane to Defiance is along the northern edge of the river bottom and fairly flat. No bluffs, just tree tunnels, woods to the north and river bottom farm land to the south. Some stretches are completely open but mosty tree lined. A couple bridges and a tunnel. If you have Google Earth (free) you can see.
Newbie on 03/10/2012 08:17 PM
Not sure if this figures in your plans, but 20 miles on the Katy does not equal 20 miles on the pavement: The limestone chat slows you down regardless of your level of fitness. You may want to consider some out-and-backs instead. I highly recommend "The Little House" B&B in Marthasville. From there, you could travel east for towns/bars/civilization, and west for solitude with some river views.
Anonymous on 03/10/2012 08:21 PM
I really like the 25 mile section from Rocheport to Hartsburg. Places to stay and places to eat on both ends. (Lots of other folks like this section as well, so I would make reservations early.)
Enjoy the KATY!
Doug from Bluffton on 03/10/2012 09:37 PM
There are several sections with bluffs between Mokane and Defiance. There are some only a few miles east of Mokane and some of the most photographed are just west of Rhineland close to the aptly named town of Bluffton. There are more just a few miles east of McKittrick as well. All are quite scenic but some are right on the river and give more perspective on the rivers effect to the land.
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 03/11/2012 05:17 PM
Something to consider is that if you are accustomed to riding 20 miles, you may actually be able to do quite a bit more on the Katy. Not that it is an easier ride (probably isn't), but you will have all day to do it, which you rarely get at home. You might even find yourself doing a leisurely 20mi in the morning, having lunch, then another 20 in the afternoon.
Tom from Baton Rouge LA on 03/11/2012 10:08 PM
Just want to thank everyone for the great information. Got a 3 piece pannier for my bike and rigged up an old XBox carrying case as a handlebar bag for Sue's bike. Our latest bicycles are Electra Coasters - you know - old people bikes. We replaced the already large seats with truly GIGANTIC ones. They're very comfortable but I think they may almost qualify as furniture. Did a 15 mile - 3 hour (asphalt) ride a couple of weeks ago on the Tammany Trace Rails to Trails offering here in Louisiana with no problem. Anyway, we'll be making reservations soon and we're getting more excited daily. Thanks again!
Pistolero45 from Columbia on 03/12/2012 12:13 PM
I agree with Bikerboy. 20 miles for an entire day is rather light. Most people average between 8 and 11 miles per hour, which figures in stops to rest, take photos, etc.
Joey Los from McKittrick, Mo on 03/18/2012 09:43 PM
Stay in McKittrick at Joey's Birdhouse travel east 1/2 day beautiful ride, lunch at Treolar, back to McKittrick. Also nice easy ride to Portland to the west 16 miles either way. Hope to see you in McKittrick.
High Street Victorian B&B from Boonville on 03/19/2012 06:52 PM
If you're looking for a B&B in Boonville, The High Street Victorian, is a wonderful place close to the trail. We will take great care of you!
"No New Forum Posts" Nature Abhors A Vacuum!
- + Curious about how others use and enjoy the Katy Trail? I am. What do you enjoy most about the trail, biking, hiking, birding, fishing or whatever?Me first, I usually carry the bike to the trail, so an...
Discussion started 02/15/2012 06:01 PM by Darrell, the uncommonly friendly one. - 5 replies (last reply by Joey Los at 03/18/2012 10:00 PM)Darrell, the uncommonly friendly one. from Jeff City, Mo. or there abouts. on 02/15/2012 06:01 PM
Curious about how others use and enjoy the Katy Trail? I am. What do you enjoy most about the trail, biking, hiking, birding, fishing or whatever?
Me first, I usually carry the bike to the trail, so anything less than two or three hours is not worth it, IMO. Mostly my day trips are three to four hours of just peddling along at a comfortable pace, smiling and waving to people I pass. I'm a nuisance to some, but they are few and who cares.
What is most enjoyable is to do mini-tours, a days ride and camp overnight then ride back home or to my car. Even better is spending 4 or 5 days out there just piddling, pedaling and visiting with others.
How about you? What do you enjoy most about the Katy Trail.
Doug from Bluffton on 02/15/2012 07:21 PM
I love having the trail to use as a highway to the market and post office and bank or just to ride out and stop to eat lunch before heading home. Some won't even nod hello but there are more than enough that stop to talk or ask for information that a day ride can take awhile.
MidSouth from Rogersville, Mo on 02/15/2012 08:03 PM
Wish we lived closer! We love looking around all the small towns and talking with all the other sweaty people resting at the trailheads. Most of our trips are overnight. We will park at a trailhead, pedal 30-40 miles, spend the night at a B&B, and then pedal back the next day. We did spend a week doing the entire trail two years and it was one of our most memorable vacations.
dave from lowry city,mo. 64763 on 02/17/2012 07:51 AM
I live about thirty miles from the Cilnton trail and do mostly day rides. I enjoy all aspects of the trail. I meet people on horses in that area and they are very nice. Most of them are locals. I have meet people from all over the United States. The spring time is a great time to be on the trail.
Trek on 02/19/2012 12:57 PM
I really envy Doug. To live that close, and to be able to use the Katy as you do would be fantastic!
We though live a couple of hours to the closest trailhead which is Boonville. Because of that most of our rides are done similar to MidSouth. Our trips as a rule have involved Boonville, Rocheport, Columbia, Jefferson City area.
We've also ridden out and back, either to or from Hermann several times. The only parts we haven't ridden are Clinton to Sedalia and St. Chuck to Machens.
For us its all about the peace and quiet....time with each other. We've discovered the best places to find mushrooms, green snakes, bittersweet, wild flowers, indigo buntings, skinks, pawpaw, and the list goes on.
People along the way are interesting. We've talked to those riding coast to coast that have detoured because of the Katy. Some folks fly past us as if there's a fire and offer not a word. Others can't wait to ask questions or chat along the way.
Joey Los from McKittrick, Mo on 03/18/2012 10:00 PM
We see lot's of people fishing in the Loutre River near McKittrick. Stay at Joey's Birdhouse, walk to the grocery store, ride leisurly into Hermann, visit the mercantile maybe attend a dance... themerck.com Hope to see you there. Doug is right, it's great to live on the trail.
Camping on trail
- + We are planning on hiking the trail with our children. We were wondering if there was places on the trail to camp? Some of the distances between town seems a little long to try to work before taking ...
Discussion started 02/26/2012 03:04 PM by ad - 7 replies (last reply by Joey Los at 03/18/2012 09:49 PM)ad on 02/26/2012 03:04 PM
We are planning on hiking the trail with our children. We were wondering if there was places on the trail to camp? Some of the distances between town seems a little long to try to work before taking a break.
Anonymous on 02/26/2012 08:52 PM
Try the trip planner for camping spots.
ad on 02/29/2012 11:06 PM
Thanks for your advice. I was looking for more on the trail camping not in the towns. thank you so much.
Anonymous on 03/01/2012 07:42 AM
Spots to came along the trail will be listed there. Stealth camping is not allowed on the trail.
Jim from St. Thomas on 03/01/2012 02:42 PM
Go to trip planner and check camping. Along with the cities that have camping it will also list the conservation areas along the trail.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 03/01/2012 07:20 PM
Ad, before you go camping along the trail, ask yourself how you would feel if someone road up to your property, set up a tent and built a campfire in you yard without you permission. The trail is a narrow strip of land running through private property. Please respect the rights of those property owners.
Anon on 03/02/2012 03:14 PM
Good point about respecting private property.
Here’s a short list of probable camping areas near or along the trail.
Clinton – ball park; behind community center w/permission
Sedalia – RV park; fairgrounds
Boonville – RV park; campground w/restaurant
New Franklin – full campgrounds
Huntsdale – campgrounds Katy’s
Easly – campgrounds Cooper’s
Wilton – campgrounds
Tebbetts – $5 hostel
Steedman – campgrounds (maybe)
Portland – campgrounds
Bluffton - full campgrounds; camping at B&B there
Peers Store – inexpensive B&B w/breakfast sandwich
Augusta – full campgrounds
St Charles – RV park
Some of these are primitive w/o fire; others are complete; most have a nominal fee.
Also, some of the village parks are very nice, secure, and free.
Joey Los from McKittrick, Mo on 03/18/2012 09:49 PM
We have a lovely grassy field right on the trail in McKittrick and can pull together a nice BBQ for your family inexpensively. Check out Joey's Birdhouse at themerck.com