Transporting recumbent bicycles on Amtrak
- + Does anyone have experiance transporting a long wheelbase recumbent on Amtrak? I would like to ride the train from St. Louis to Sedalia. I called Amtrak and the ticketing agent said that she didn't th...
Discussion started 01/24/2012 07:58 PM by Wheezy Rider - 5 replies (last reply by Wheezy Rider at 01/25/2012 07:25 PM)Wheezy Rider from Milwaukee WI. on 01/24/2012 07:58 PM
Does anyone have experiance transporting a long wheelbase recumbent on Amtrak? I would like to ride the train from St. Louis to Sedalia. I called Amtrak and the ticketing agent said that she didn't think a longer bike would be permitted. But I couldn't talk to anyone local.
Any sugestions would be helpful. Thanks
Trek on 01/24/2012 08:56 PM
I don't have experience with our bikes and riding the train, but I have checked it out in the past while trying to plan a trip with our tandem. I just cut this from Amtrak's website:
No unusual bikes allowed
Bicycle racks will not accommodate tandem, recumbent or other unusual bikes. Such bikes must be transported as checked baggage, in a box.
No couplers on the tandem, so I couldn't see taking it as checked baggage. We'll take the half bikes as roll on's if we do a trip where we ride the train.
Rhona Lococo from St Charles on 01/25/2012 01:11 PM
we are a Shuttle/B&B service, Amtrak doesn't take recumbent or tandems, we know because people call us after talking to Amtrak....we shuttle our guests to chosen destination....call 636-946-0619 or check us out at lococohouse .com
Rhona Lococo from St Charles on 01/25/2012 01:11 PM
we are a Shuttle/B&B service, Amtrak doesn't take recumbent or tandems, we know because people call us after talking to Amtrak....we shuttle our guests to chosen destination....call 636-946-0619 or check us out at lococohouse .com
Rhona Lococo from St Charles on 01/25/2012 01:11 PM
we are a Shuttle/B&B service, Amtrak doesn't take recumbent or tandems, we know because people call us after talking to Amtrak....we shuttle our guests to chosen destination....call 636-946-0619 or check us out at lococohouse .com
Wheezy Rider from Milwaukee WI. on 01/25/2012 07:25 PM
Wow! checking their website, what a novel idea. Why didn't I think of that! Thanks Trek
I'll give Lococo a call.
Anyone stayed here in 2010/11?
- + Has anyone stayed here in 2010 or 11? Is it still open?
Discussion started 03/23/2011 01:23 PM by Janae - 4 replies (last reply by maggie at 01/24/2012 11:54 AM)Janae from Kansas City on 03/23/2011 01:23 PM
Has anyone stayed here in 2010 or 11? Is it still open?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/23/2011 01:25 PM
You still haven't said what campground you are asking about???
Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 03/24/2011 07:16 PM
This question was posted on the Wilton page.
bruce herdman from urbana on 09/19/2011 09:46 AM
definitely still open. I stayed there in 2010 and in 2011
maggie from wilton on 01/24/2012 11:54 AM
Yes I am still open and would be glad to see you. I have campsites but no tipi camping. Stop if you get the chance.
Lucy's Bar & Grill
- + Do not eat here. Pack a lunch. The food is very greasy, and french fries are extremely soggy. We paid $23 for a lunch here for 2 people. For that price, we got 2 burgers, 2 fries, 2 drinks, and 2 ...
Discussion started 06/25/2011 11:25 PM by What Street - 10 replies (last reply by MAH at 01/23/2012 10:23 PM)What Street from Kansas City, MO on 06/25/2011 11:25 PM
Do not eat here. Pack a lunch. The food is very greasy, and french fries are extremely soggy. We paid $23 for a lunch here for 2 people. For that price, we got 2 burgers, 2 fries, 2 drinks, and 2 chips. We had to order the chips because the fries were so bad.
Laurie from Omaha on 07/13/2011 03:29 PM
Lucy's seemed like an oasis to us. The food was good (we didn't have fries, so can't comment on them) and the beverages were ice cold. We did have a piece of pie for dessert, it was very refreshing. Pie is a new menu item being introduced by the daughter-in-law on a trial bases.......go girl!! A real treat to have in the middle of a hot ride. I recommend stopping at Lucy's and supporting trailside businesses as much as possible.
Craig from Springfield on 07/13/2011 04:01 PM
Lucy's was great. Just had drinks in 100+ heat and they let me cool down. Nice folks on the trail.
Kim from Columbia, MO on 07/14/2011 10:13 PM
I've eaten at Lucy's numerous times and it has always been fantastic. Give it another try.
Aaron from New Bloonfield on 07/18/2011 10:49 PM
I ate at Lucys last Sunday and I thought the food was good and good service. I was hoping and praying that it would be open. It was very hot and humid after riding 27 miles!!! There was also live music, but we left a little early before they started.
Billy from Mokane on 07/20/2011 03:04 PM
I love Lucy's...It's always been a super place.
Anonymous from Columbia on 11/15/2011 11:38 AM
Lucy's has the best burger I ever had! Also they have changed the fries.
Bryan from Columbia on 11/19/2011 12:52 AM
What? This place is great. Yeah, no five star, but plenty good for trail food. Lots of it also.
TopShelf from Napoleon, Ohio on 01/20/2012 09:30 AM
From reading the comments about Lucy's, and pretty much every other small town restaurant and/or bar along the Katy Trail, it seems like some folks expect 5-star restaurants in every town in Missouri. I believe if you go to these small town establishments with an open mind, and reasonable expectations, you might actually meet some nice people and have a good time.
El Toro on 01/21/2012 12:00 AM
Totally agree with TopShelf's comments. When I'm riding the KATY I will take a greasy burger over the white table cloths and wine ANY TIME.
MAH on 01/23/2012 10:23 PM
We make a point to stop at Lucy's if we're riding and it's time to eat. Love the burgers, some of the best along the trail!
pics
- + Nice colors, nice compositions. My thought was "Capital in a Cornfield"
Discussion started 01/23/2012 09:17 PM by Steve - 0 repliesSteve from Mount Vernon on 01/23/2012 09:17 PM
Nice colors, nice compositions. My thought was "Capital in a Cornfield"
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
pics
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=5479&tonly=1
March Ride
- + Can anyone share with me the weather for MO in mid-March? It is early summer in my part of the world but was wondering what kind of obstacles I would encounter in MO at that time of the year
Discussion started 01/19/2012 08:24 PM by Bobby - 8 replies (last reply by Gary at 01/23/2012 01:29 PM)Bobby from Houston on 01/19/2012 08:24 PM
Can anyone share with me the weather for MO in mid-March? It is early summer in my part of the world but was wondering what kind of obstacles I would encounter in MO at that time of the year
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 01/19/2012 08:34 PM
The Trip Planner link above will give you the information you seek.
March Ride on 01/20/2012 06:19 AM
Potential rain or snow and cooler temperatures, washed out sections with tree limbs, soft trail hindering your ride. But the good part is the flora, fauna and mighty Mo river, towns and very nice people.
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 01/20/2012 09:59 AM
Bobby, if we could tell you what it's going to be like in March, we would be rich! You can have temps in the 70's, but there is still a good chance of snow (last March we got 12" one day). There is also the possibility of tornados and other severe weather. Most of the flowering and leafing is happening in April, and there is much less chance of snow/cold then. You might want to be flexible in your plans and assume a couple of bad weather days in a week. Good luck!
Cathy from Jefferson City on 01/21/2012 12:06 AM
The weather stinks around here until mid-April if we're lucky. It can get cold and miserable in March. Plus, I don't think DNR turns on the water at the trail heads until May 1. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong about that. I hope you can delay your trip until May. You will enjoy that much more. Do pay attention to weather forcasts when you are heading this way just so you know what you will be riding in. Oh, and when the weather is nice, this place is wonderful. The Katy Trail in May is so special. There's a lot of plant life starting to sprout, the new greenery is so fresh, and full of life, temperature is quite comfortable.
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 01/21/2012 01:54 PM
The other thing I forgot to mention was that the freeze/thaw cycle plays havoc with any limestone surface. If it's frozen, you have to deal with the bumpy frozen tire tracks from other riders; when it is just thawing, that water is released and feels like quicksand. That makes for a very tedious ride! After a couple of days of drying, it gets much better.
Did It Last Year on 01/21/2012 03:15 PM
Bobby,
The last week of March into April last year I rode from Clinton to St. Charles in 4 days. It started out to be cooler 40 to mid 50s and windy with some sprinkles. As mentioned the freeze thaw caused hard tire tracks and horse hoof ruts around Sedalia. Riding was slow that first day. After Boonville the limestone was dryer and more compact and the weather started to get unseasonably warmer 60s and sunny but still headwinds 20-30 mph. There were small limbs and small washed out areas from the spring rain gushers on the trail. None of the trailhead bathrooms were opened. I was lucky since my wife was my SAG support meeting me along the way at trailheads everyday. By Hermann it was getting into the low 70s by mid-day. So I was lucky most the of the way that week. I think the following week it got cold again. April or May would probably be a better bet for your ride. DILY
Ray (webmaster) on 01/22/2012 12:10 AM
The old saying is true: March comes in like a lion and goes out ike a lamb. But in between, you never know what you're going to get.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 01/23/2012 01:29 PM
Ray, that's awfully close to Forest Gump's box of chocolates quote. :-)
Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia
- + We have tried to camp there but gave up when we could not get anyone to contact or return requests for information. It would be helpful if SOMEONE would please update this site at least to let people...
Discussion started 01/16/2012 08:29 AM by Maggie - 10 replies (last reply by maxine at 01/22/2012 01:52 AM)Maggie from Kansas on 01/16/2012 08:29 AM
We have tried to camp there but gave up when we could not get anyone to contact or return requests for information. It would be helpful if SOMEONE would please update this site at least to let people know that the camping here is questionable at best. There are not too many choices on this end of the trail and I am getting too old for stealth camping.
Trek on 01/16/2012 12:21 PM
SOMEONE does a great job of updating this site. We can all help by reporting info that has gone awol.
I googled the Missouri State Fair and found camping info. I didn't verify that the phone number there was correct, but it differs from the one here. The recording for the number listed here says that it has been disconnected.
Not knowing how full any camp ground may be, or if a hotel or B&B is booked at any given moment, it could be said about most any place along the trail that your ability to stay there may be questionable. Just because it is listed here or in the phone book, doen't mean that they'll have a spot open when you want to be there. SOMEONE will have a hard time fixing that one for you.
Maggie from Kansas on 01/16/2012 01:12 PM
Wow! pull your horns back, Trek! I have been crusing this site, trip planning, and there are a few misrepresentations by the vendors or the information is out of date or inaccurate according to the vendors. One example I found have been the Hartsburg Inn this morning - it is marked for camping, but after getting an email from the vendor, Cath, she indicates no camping only if there is an overflow from the Inn and that there are no outside facilities for camping. SO that little camping icon needs to come off the page. Just sayin! You are so right about not knowing until you get there about anything. My bad - I was wrong and humbly beg for your forgiveness on the SOMEONE - (it must be you) I really should have said SOMEONE ANSWER THE PHONE at that number for the FAIRGROUNDS! (This ain't my first rodeo or KATY ride)Peace out - Mag
Trek on 01/16/2012 02:04 PM
Nope....I'm not the SOMEONE who updates this site. That is up to the webmaster. This isn't your first rodeo, so you know to contact him with your list of updates so this is all a mute point.
It just seems rude to make a comment such as yours.....that it would be helpful if SOMEONE would update this site. It makes it sound as you've emailed Ray too many times to count and he won't do it and now you're asking for ANYONE to help you out. Just sayin!
Maggie from Kansas on 01/16/2012 04:28 PM
NOPE - you are the identified self rightous/self appointed person that prides himself in jumping on anything that someone may post and judge their posts as rude. Thanks. God bless you.
Maggie from Kansas on 01/16/2012 04:29 PM
oh and trek - it's moot (lol) not mute. or maybe it should be mute.
Trek on 01/16/2012 05:26 PM
There is just nothing that can be said about that.
(If you all don't see us here for awhile, Maggie, Kansas and I'll be out "crusing this site.")
Jim from St Thomas on 01/16/2012 08:08 PM
You two behave or I'll turn this forum around and we'll all go back home.
Ray (webmaster) on 01/17/2012 12:11 AM
All right folks, let's not get too worked up. I pulled up the State Fairgrounds info on the web and they did indeed have a new number listed, as Trek indicated. So I have updated this piece of information on the site (660-827-8104). I also applied the camping correction that Maggie mentioned.
Information on trail businesses is constantly changing, and no doubt there's some bad data here at any given time. Many of the merchants are great about updating me with changes, but I also rely heavily on those of you who come across errors while using the site. Please let me know, whether through the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the page or even by posting here on the forum. THANK YOU in advance for passing along this information.
gene from Indiana on 01/22/2012 01:09 AM
Ray--Did you ever correct information on the Cowboy Trail I wrote you about? Some of that information was years out of date.
I stayed at the Sedalia State Fair campground last September. After I set my tent up, a man came around and collected $10 for camping. The bathrooms are down the hill in the red and white buildings. I would think they were closed in October or November. If the campground isn't open, go to the Best Western nearby.
maxine from sedalia on 01/22/2012 01:52 AM
I have room's for rent at areasonable rate. I am located near the trail near the east trail head. You can find me on this site at Maxine's Rooms for Rent. The ad only list my landline, you can reach me at 660 287 0971 , 660 826 9351 or pete49@earthlink.net. Thanks.
Jefferson City
- + Friend and I will be doing 3 days on the Katy next week. What's the best bet for a hotel in Jefferson City? One within easy riding distance of the trail, or any that offer a shuttle to pick you up?
Discussion started 11/09/2011 09:59 PM by Larry - 2 replies (last reply by TopShelf at 01/20/2012 09:22 AM)Larry from Oakgrove, AR on 11/09/2011 09:59 PM
Friend and I will be doing 3 days on the Katy next week. What's the best bet for a hotel in Jefferson City? One within easy riding distance of the trail, or any that offer a shuttle to pick you up?
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 11/09/2011 10:47 PM
Click on Jefferson City on the Trail Map above and select the lodging search box. Cliff Manor B&B is the closest and always gets good reviews here. Hotel Deville and Capitol Plaza Hotel (not in the list) are the next closest. All within easy riding distance from the North Jefferson trailhead via the Jefferson Greenway accross the new bridge bike/pedestrian path.
TopShelf on 01/20/2012 09:22 AM
Baymont is also not far from the bridge.
Amtrak?
- + Could some of you please comment on the "How to" of using Amtrak on the Katy. I would like to get on the Katy in Clinton, ride to the nearest Amtrak station, and hitch a ride East to near St. Louis, ...
Discussion started 01/19/2012 09:53 AM by Newbie - 2 replies (last reply by Paul Toigo at 01/19/2012 05:10 PM)Newbie on 01/19/2012 09:53 AM
Could some of you please comment on the "How to" of using Amtrak on the Katy. I would like to get on the Katy in Clinton, ride to the nearest Amtrak station, and hitch a ride East to near St. Louis, then ride West for a couple days. Where can I find train schedules? Are the times listed correct? Where do I get tickets? Any such information on how to practially do this in as easy a fashion as possible would be greatly appreciated.
Trek on 01/19/2012 10:22 AM
From the home page here, scroll down to "Riding Amtrak along the Katy Trail" Lots of good info there.
Google Amtrak for their website to find schedules, buy tickets, etc.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City, MO on 01/19/2012 05:10 PM
Try:
www.amtrak.com/servlet/BlobServer?blobcol=urldata&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobkey=id&blobwhere=1249233475096&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobheadername1=Content-disposition&blobheadervalue1=attachment;filename=Amtrak_W21.pdf
Or:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Route_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241245664594
And click on "Effective November 7, 2011" under Schedule