Katy Trail Forum

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Comparable Trails

Brian from Kansas City on 12/06/2011 03:06 PM

Last year we rode every inch of the Katy Trail. Loved it. Now we are wishing to do another long rail to trail ride. Anyone know of anything reasonable?

gene from Indiana on 12/07/2011 12:40 AM

Try the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska. (www.bikecowboytrail.com) the trail is 185 miles long but doesn't have the amenities the the Katy Trail has. While they use crushed limestone, they also use that pink, granite ballast from the CNW RR. The bridge is out several miles west of the starting point of Norfolk, NE but you can get around that.
Ride in the middle of the trail. They've got the Texas "goathead" sandburr there. You may need Kevlar in your tires. I rode two days in late September and pulled a Burley trailer. The Visitors Bureau in Norfolk is 402-371-2932 or you could write Nebraska Game and Parks Department, P O Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370
A lot of information needs to be updated for that trail. It goes from Norfolk to Valentine.

Paulie from Knoxville on 12/07/2011 07:45 AM

Hey Brian, If your looking for long trails try these-

C & O/GAP Trails- Pitts Pa. to DC 330ish miles

GA Comet/Cheif Ladiga Trials- Atlanta Ga. to Anniston Al. 100+ miles

kc from nj on 12/07/2011 09:41 AM

I LOVED the C&O and GAP trails (DC to Pittsburgh). It was by far the best vacation I EVER took including foreign destinations.

Trek on 12/07/2011 02:01 PM

There is a good network of trails in Wisconsin with the Great River State Trail, La Crosse River State Trail, Elroy-Sparta State Trail, Omaha 400, etc.

Also, the Mickelson in South Dakota is worth the trip.

Ray (webmaster) on 12/07/2011 05:29 PM

The above comments give me a good opening to plug a few other websites that I run.

Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga (GA/AL): www.bikeSilverComet.com

C&O / Great Allegheny Passage (MD/PA): www.bikeCandO.com

Cowboy Trail (NE): www.bikeCowboyTrail.com

All three offer nice long rides in the 100's of miles.

Happy trails!

gene from Indiana on 12/08/2011 12:26 AM

Subscribe to Adventure Cycling in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org). Ohio has a trail from Cincinnati to London, near Columbus but am not sure of the facilities. You might stay at Xenia
It is supposed to go to Cleveland on the old Pennsylvania Railroad. The parts i've been on were paved. I used to work for the PRR in the 60s.
Another site you might try is: www.nbtda.com (I think) for the National Bicycle Tour Directors Association for multi day organized rides. This country has some great places to ride.

Almost Retired from Ohio on 12/09/2011 07:47 AM

Rails to Trails is doing the Greenway Sojourn July 17-24 They park in Piitsburg, bus to DC & ride back on C&O+GAP Tent camping,2meals & shower truck, bus ride, for about $975 Check out Wilderness Voyageurs they are doing the logistics for them this year. I've done it once, prefer riding south(more down hill) Katy Ride should be the same week. I'm going back & doing the Katy :)

El Toro on 12/09/2011 09:56 AM

The trail in Ohio is called the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
The Prairie Spirit Trail in eastern Kansas (Ottawa to Iola) is now 54 miles long. There are facilities/supplies/housing that make this a neat down and back weekend.

Kansas has several other trails in progress that are coming together nicely. In the next 3-4 years there were be several of them linked together that will make for some great "adventures".

Almost Retired from Ohio on 12/09/2011 11:10 AM

Greenway Sojourn is in JUNE 17 - 24 OOPS !
Doing th Michigander July 15 - 20 6 Day loop ride from Mackinaw City at the tip of the hand & back. ( Getting my rides mixed up! ) It's hard getting old!

festus on 12/12/2011 08:27 PM

check out the creeper trail thats runs from abingdon, va to white top, va. 35 miles long. fantastic scenery. done half of it. would love to do the entire trail.

kc from nj on 12/13/2011 09:25 AM

One more suggestion: http://www.eriecanalway.gov/
Planning on doing this one this spring.

Brad P. from Pea Ridge on 12/16/2011 10:38 PM

Heard a lot about these great southern trails: the Tammany Trace and Miss. River Levee Trail in New Orleans and the Longleaf Trace in Miss. Might check them out soon as the weather is still in the 60s/70s along those trails.

Brad P. from Pea Ridge on 12/16/2011 10:45 PM

One more thing: I wanted to bike the Tammany Trace last year but chickened out because I usually bike solo. Did I mention it's near New Orleans (nuff said)? I do have some pepper spray.
One more great trail: some rich dude in Tulsa donated 12 million dollars to fix up Tulsa's RiverFront trail. I biked it last week and it's very nice. They have separate bike lanes for walkers/joggers and bikers along with no road crossings and several awesome bridges over the Arkansas River.

Greg Forrester from Glasgow, MT on 12/18/2011 08:41 AM

There are 2 scenic hard pack limestone surfaced rail trails in the Cheboygan,MI area, North Central State Trail 62 miles and Northeast State Trail 71 miles long. I rode them both in October and was treated to fantastic fall color.

walker0114 from Harrisonville, MO on 01/02/2012 12:57 PM

Check out the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota.

Anonymous on 01/15/2012 09:38 PM

It's not a trail, per say, but a week of biking from town to town 50-65 miles avg. Check out the OK Freewheel web site. One week of biking S to N. Shuttle from Tulsa to southern site provided if needed. Approx $175 for fruit stops, campground,luggage transported to next town, etc. We've ridden it since 1984. Approx 900 riders. Fantastic

SusieQ from Morristown, TN on 02/26/2012 12:32 PM

A friend and I are planning our first riding of the whole trail. Could you send me your list of accommodations/eateries and comments? skschmid@yahoo.com

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Anonymous on 02/26/2012 11:39 AM

the email address admin@BikeKadyTrail.com does not work. No detailed info. available on this June's ride.

Ray (webmaster) on 02/26/2012 11:50 AM

The MO Dept of Natural Resources should be releasing more info on the June ride later this week (on or around March 1). The email address that you were looking for should containt a "t" as in kaTy trail.

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Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia

kurt from naperville il on 02/26/2012 09:54 AM

perfect for the touring cyclist...i stayed here two nights, the first after i arrived late by train, then the second after i did the out and back to clinton. The campground was empty and I wasnt sure i was in the right place but about 10pm a guard came by and took the fee. Nice bathrooms and close to food and restaurants. Nothing fancy just peaceful.

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Newbie on 02/15/2012 08:17 PM

I like getting out there and just going. I mean going until I feel like stopping. Going 'till I get some water, eat some trail mix, strech my legs, and then get to get going again. I like going at my own pace, and not thinking about dodging cars. I like going, knowing that my only way home is to ride there on my bike--and it's a long ways home. I like going 'till I see an eagle, or a turtle, or a great place to stop. When I stop, I like eating whatever I feel like eating without guilt. I like the way beer tastes in after riding 80 miles. I like sleeping in a little tent, on a little mattress, and not waking up because I'm tired from spending the day "Going". I like waking up, and tasting the dew on a cool morning. I like knowing that as soon as I get my stuff packed from the night before, I get to get going again--all day long. I like the Katy!

Rhona Lococo from St. Charles on 02/16/2012 12:29 PM

wonderfully put.....that's what the Katy is all about

Brad P. from Pea Ridge on 02/21/2012 09:14 PM

Your post reminds me of the song "I love ..." (repeated over and over) by a folk/country singer named Tom T. Hall, although he was way before my time. Speaking of songs, how many people sing softly or hum while riding on the trail? "Rollin' on the River" is fun when you can see the Missouri :)

Anonymous on 02/21/2012 09:55 PM

It reminded me of the Energizer bunny.

EB from Greenwood, Mo on 02/21/2012 10:18 PM

I've heard it said that it helps to sing an entire Eagles album on the stretch from Boonville to Pilot Grove. Especially on really hot days!

Newbie from American on 02/25/2012 04:38 PM

.....Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light...... Oh, that's the bar in Pilot Grove.....Make it a Bud Lite.

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Trail conditions: Boonville-Hartsburg

Anonymous on 02/21/2012 08:25 AM

Hoping to get over to ride Boonville-Hartsburg in the next week or so.

Has anyone ridden that stretch lately?

How's the trail? Wondering how hard packed it is or whether it has softened up over the winter with moisture/freeze/thaw, etc. Trying to figure out what bike/tires to use. Rode it in November with 28s and it was great but wondering if I should consider a knobbier 32 this time of year. (I prefer the narrower if possible.)

Any local information will be appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Anonymous from Ashland on 02/22/2012 09:15 PM

Rode Providence to Hindman Junction today (2/22/12), trail is dry and firm, they did spread new chat for a couple of hundred feet near Eagle Bluff Lookout. Calling for slight chance of light showers next couple of days, should not hurt too much.

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directions to Katy from Kirkwood Depot

Anonymous on 02/20/2012 04:42 PM

Can anyone give biking directions from the Katy at St Charles to the Amtrak station in Kirkwood? Thanks

SteveK from saint louis, MO on 02/20/2012 10:45 PM

If you google "Katy Trail to Kirkwood Amtrak Train Station", you will find several suggested routes there.

Anonymous on 02/21/2012 08:27 PM

Thanks, Steve.

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Ashley's Rose Restaurant & Inn in Augusta

Rocky from Saint Louis on 02/18/2012 05:54 PM

This Place has the worst steaks I have ever tasted. The canned green beens and potato were not microwaved all the way thru. The person workning even had a heads up from the inn were we stayed that we would be in for a GOOD steak. I will neve eat at this place again!

Billy from Mokane on 02/21/2012 12:45 PM

Tell us about your bike ride Rocky, what places did you enoy eating at while on the trail?

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Biking Clinton to St. Charles and bike maintenanc

Drewski from St.Louis on 02/19/2012 01:36 AM

I am planning on biking nearly the whole trail. I am not a regular biker, but I have no problems with endurance and 50 miles a day should be fine. I was wondering what type of spare parts and tools should I bring? I have a 10 year old mountain bike. It's rather cheap. I think about 75-100 dollars. I road the bike 30 miles just the other day and it seemed great. Do you think this bike will hold up to the full trail? Is there any maintenance I should perform on the bike before my trip?

Also how safe would it be to ride solo. I'm a 6,2 male. I plan to ride in mid to late march.

THANKS!!

Paulie from Knoxville on 02/19/2012 10:46 AM

As far as tools/items to carry, make sure you have spare tubes & patch kit, tire levers, pump, chain link and multitool with a chain repair feature. You can go for miles with no help on the Katy so be sure to learn to change a tire and some basic bike repair, just in case.

And without seeing your bike its hard to give an honest evalulation. I would definitely have a bike mechanic look it over before you make such a long journey. At 6'2", it would seem a large frame bike may suit you best. I suggest a proper fitting because being on a cheap bike for 200 miles that doesnt fit equals misrible trip.

The Katy trail is very safe. But beware because I hear bigfoot has seen near Bluffton.

Good Luck, Paulie

Trek on 02/19/2012 12:40 PM

I always make sure and never start a trip with anything that is questionable. Age of your bike should not matter if you've kept it in good working order. If you notice things that are in question, fix those before your venture.

I'm kind of a fanatic about chain lube. I try to clean and lube the chain daily when on a dusty trail, which the Katy can be. If the chain is in good condition and well lubed it should not be an issue. I've only pulled apart a chain once, and that was on the tandem trying to torque our way up a rather steep city hill. IMHO, if your chain is in bad enough shape that you might need a chain tool/link, you need to replace it before your trip.

Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 02/19/2012 09:22 PM

I think we will all be a little sore after the first ride from laying off for the most part over the winter, but you should get as much saddle time as possible before you start. Having no problem with endurance is great, I hope your butt agrees.

I agree with Paulie and Trek, if you know the bike is in good shape, the usual maintenace is all ya need. If you have not taken the bike to a bike shop or other competent mechanic for a check over and adjustment in a while, you should. Good luck!

ArkyKenny from Farmington, AR on 02/20/2012 09:33 AM

Agree with above--I NEVER start with anything that is not adjusted. My criteria for that is 2-3 training rides in a row where I don't have to fix or adjust anything after the ride. Also, the 10 year old bike is not a problem, but if it has 10 year old rubber, that is ia problem waiting to happen. Tearing out a rotten sidewall is a bad deal! I recommend you get some new 1.5" semi-slicks for the Katy, like Specialized Nimbus tires.

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Lazy Brush Ranch B&B in Steedman

Anonymous on 02/19/2012 02:09 PM

Hi my awesome Katy Trail Customers. As the season is coming upon us I want to let you know that Lazy Brush Ranch is for sale. If you make a reservation no more than 3 weeks ahead of time you can be sure that your reservation will be fulfilled. You can make a reservation earlier than that, in which case I will call and confirm it 3 weeks ahead. If you are interested in buying LBR or know of anyone who might be interested Please see my listing at http://www.forsalebyowner.com/listing/03473 . I really hope that someone will buy it that has a heart for the Katy Trail and would want to keep it as a B&B.

Sincerely,
Ravena

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Lazy Brush Ranch B&B in Steedman

VJ from Ks on 10/09/2011 10:24 AM

I have agonized over reviewing this B&B. Ravena is a nice, personable and wants to please her guests; however, this B&B just falls short. Ravena picked us up at the trail so we didn't have to ride our bikes up the hills on the curving narrow highway, Thanks Ravena. She also had freshly baked banana bread for us on arrival, it was yummy. But when we were showed to our rooms, the room that was occupied the night before had not been cleaned and made up by mid-afternoon. There was nail clippings in and around the guest bathroom sink and the trash was full. There was dog feces on the floor on one our rooms near the bed. There was a can of flea spray on the shelving in the hallway. It all just gave an uneasy feeling. The couch smelled so bad I had to move to the loveseat so I could watch the movie on Netflix. Supper was good, but breakfast could have been better. Imitation blueberry pancakes just don't cut the mustard. All in all, this place is not worth the money (it was the most expensive B&B we stayed at in 6 nights on the trail). I cannot reccommend it and will not stay here again.

Clayton, Denise, Frank, Mickie from Archie on 12/15/2011 12:22 PM

I personally would like the list of places you stayed @ and how much you paid. My email address is: claytonandenise@hotmail.com After a lot of research, outside of the hostel in Tebbetts or Peers store you will be dropping about what you paid @ the Lazy Brush or more. The fact that you had a bad experience is a shame. If I had the same experience I would most certainly have addressed it as well. I look forward to your lodging list as it is time once again to plan another cross MO. bike trip. Thank you for taking me serious on my requests.
R,
Clayton

Ravena from Steedman on 02/19/2012 10:42 AM

I'm sorry if your experience was that bad! Most people show up after 4PM. This one came at 1PM. I had been quite busy and did not changed the sheets on the bed yet. Is that really a big deal? The people that stayed in that room previously did have a little dog, but I saw no Feces or flea spray! I do have dogs but they DO not have fleas and are mostly outside. Sometimes they sit on the love seat, but never the couch. So I don't know what that was about. This in not a "fluffy" B&B. It is more for bike riders that want a fun and casual place to clean up, eat well and continue their passion of riding and enjoying God's country. I have really loved providing this service. I know it might seem expensive but not compared to the "fluffy" B&Bs. In fact it is not as I hoped in the way of income for me. I now have Lazy Brush Ranch for sale and I REALLY hope someone who cares about the trail riders buys it and keeps it open because there are not any other B&Bs within several miles!

Blessings,
Your Host Ravena

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Polly's B&B in Pilot Grove

Polly on 02/02/2012 09:40 PM

Hi Everyone, Wanted you to know I've set up a website. You can now reach me at:
www.pollys-bedbreakfast.com
Thanks, Polly

Polly on 02/18/2012 06:35 PM

also at facebook.com/pollys.bedbreakfast

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average speed

obie Watts from addis, La. on 02/16/2012 07:48 PM

We normally casually ride arouond 12-14 mph on paved road. Considering we will traveling on limestone, what would our projected mph be, about the same or slower....?????We will be on the Katy at Sedaila, stopping overnite at Boonville, then on to Jefferson City and last day stoppong at Mokane getting a return shuttle to Sedalia to pick up our cars. There will be five of us guys ages 45-65. Any advice?????
Trip is for early June.....2012....

Darrell, the uncommonly friendly one. from Jeff City, Mo. or there abouts. on 02/16/2012 08:35 PM

Obie, I guess it is about impossible for someone else to translate your 12 to 14 mph to an equivalent mph on the Katy. I can say this, I am near the top of that age bracket and can ride all day at 10 or 11 mph, with trunk and handlebar bag, on the crushed limestone. The weight of your load will make a difference, but you should be able to count on about 10 mph with no problem if you are use to riding. Slower if it is wet, of course.

I think most people on a casual ride probably ride 8,9,10 mph. Good luck and enjoy your ride.

merkin4 from St. Peters MO on 02/17/2012 11:15 AM

For what it's worth (very little), I typically do 13.5-15.0 mph on the Katy. At that speed, I might get passed 1 or 2 times over the course of a 20 mile ride. That would indicate to me that a typical speed for most riders would be 9 to 11 mph.

Arnold from Tulsa, OK on 02/17/2012 11:00 PM

I'm 58 and rode the KATY for the first time last fall. On a smooth tire mountain bike it was easy to average 10-12 MPH without too much effort. The trail will knock off about 2-3 MPH from your paved road speed.

dave from lowry city,mo. 64763 on 02/18/2012 07:50 AM

slow down and enjoy the trail, it not a race

Cunninghamair from St Louis on 02/18/2012 11:41 AM

I find the Katy slows me down about 2mph on average. I ride 14 on paved roads and about 12 on the Katy, depending on my load and the wind.

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Pedaler's Jamboree

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 02/16/2012 10:54 AM

Looks like a great lineup and good time on the KATY Trail for this years Pedaler's Jamboree over Memorial Day weekend! We had a blast last year.

http://www.offtrackevents.com/jamboree/

Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 02/16/2012 08:46 PM

I agree MidSouth, wanted to do it last year but didn't, going to this year for sure. Looks like lots of fun.

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Parking along Greens Bottom Road

Anonymous on 03/07/2006 08:50 AM

I usually ride out from St. Charles and I have noticed a lot of people parking along the trail on Greens Bottom Road. Why don't peole use the parking area at Greens Bottom Trail Head? It seems that the continuos parking along the trail is causing some erosion problems that are dangerous and are probably a headache for the maintenance staff to keep up with. It's also dangerous when people park cars so that the bumbers are sticking out into the trail. I was passing a group of riders in that section and a car bumber almost caused a huge wreck. Is it even legal to park there? It seems as if they are probably driving in an unauthorized area.

Ben on 08/06/2006 11:10 AM

You need to take some spelling and grammar lessons.

xavier from sunset hills on 08/06/2006 01:36 PM

Your point Ben? You still did not help him with his question.

Anonymous on 07/05/2011 06:44 PM

Is the parking area labeled clearly? I am planning a trip there soon, and I'm hoping I can find the trailhead easily. Ben, I hope I spelled correctly for you as I'm sure annonymous just made a typo which I'm sure you've never made. Be nice.

Anonymous on 07/05/2011 06:51 PM

They were all over it nearly 5 years ago it looks like.

Anonymous on 07/14/2011 01:41 PM

The lot is very easy to spot (East side of the road). Nice place to start/stop your KATY visit.

ObiWan on 07/23/2011 07:23 AM

With a flame war, it's never over until Godwin's law is observed. Five years and counting- a new world record?

Matt on 02/08/2012 01:30 PM

people have always parked along greens bottom...some of those spots are from people parking to walk over to the caves right across the katy

Max from stl on 02/09/2012 12:58 PM

Those parking spots are closer to the nice,shaded parts of the trail. The trailhead is on the exposed part of the trail, away from the scenic parts.

merkin4 from St. Peters MO on 02/16/2012 04:07 PM

There are caves there? Serious? That sounds pretty cool. Might have to drag the child out there. Wouldn't happen to be through that wide orange gate, would it? I've seen some teenagers in that area, but never knew what they were doing.

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