Katy Trail Forum

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Katy Trail by foot

Rick from Independence, MO on 01/05/2011 10:59 PM

I know the cycling record for the entire trail is right at 14 hours. Is

there a documented record for covering it by foot? I know this is a

cycling forum but I can't seem to find any good information anywhere

else. A friend and I are planning on run/walking it east to west in 6

days in May.

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 01/06/2011 11:20 AM

38 miles a day is a bunch of walking!

Trek on 01/06/2011 11:24 AM

Agreed.....that will be quite an event, I'd think. What is the record number of consecutive marathon runs?

Skyguy9999 on 01/06/2011 12:22 PM

The verified marathon record of this nature (link not posted, but you can google it) is 50 marathons in 50 days (one per day). So I would think marathoning Katy in 6/7 days is possible for someone really in shape.

Besides, the average marathon run time for someone in shape for it is around 5 hours for men, so it wouldn't be too hard on someone in shape to cover it if they don't worry too hard about a decent finish time and just worry about covering as much distance as possible in the course of one day.

Although, I gather that someone who is a competitive marathon runner will measure the time to run the Katy in hours over x days instead of just days.

The more

Rick from Independence, MO on 01/06/2011 12:53 PM

We'll be doing about 50/50 run/walk and are planning on a couple of hours of stops per day. We're both sub-4 hour marathoners and in good enough shape that I'm not worried about the conditoning to go that long. My biggest concern is blisters.

We've already got reservations at B&B's along the way. If a record does exist, we won't kill ourselves or modify our plans to go after it. We may document our start and finish time each day, or we might not even get that detailed. I just wondered if such a record was documented.

Ray (webmaster) on 01/06/2011 01:14 PM

I don''t know of any "official" records for this sort of thing, but I have built a web page to track and acknowledge those who have covered the Katy Trail on foot, or biked the Katy Trail in one day. Definitely let me know when you finish, so I can add you to the list.

This will be an amazing experience for you, and a fantastic achievement. Good luck!

Steve on 01/07/2011 02:59 PM

Am planning on backpacking it in June but taking 16 days and doing a food drop after 7 days.

Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 01/09/2011 03:00 PM

The Katy Trail was set up for people to enjoy the outdoors, the scenery and the river. By trying to set a record you are missing alot of the above plus the good people in the towns who have bars resturants etc. Slow down and enjoy the experience.

Anonymous on 01/09/2011 04:56 PM

Walk as slow as you can from bar to bar and enjoy the trail for the true purpose that it was set up for. Good advice Michael.

Anon on 01/10/2011 12:24 PM

Sometimes the first-time users want to accomplish the entire trail as fast as they can, while the second- and third-times want to enjoy all of the trail's amenities.

Trek on 01/10/2011 01:22 PM

We all have different reasons for being on the Katy. It's amazing to me when someone tries to tell others how fast or slow they should go because they are missing out on what the trail was designed or set up for. I've yet to read any official declaration stating what the trail was set up for. If it was solely for enjoying the outdoors, the scenery, and the river as defined by some, there would surely be speed limit signs posted along the way and it would be illegal to not see every tree and wildflower.

The origanal poster is going to run/walk the trail....doubtfull they'll rocket through and miss everything in the blurr.

Rick from Independence, MO on 01/10/2011 04:26 PM

Thanks, Trek! I love running, and that’s how I want to spend my week of vacation. This is kind of my rebellion against the usual runner mentality of chip times and start/finish lines. Every time I’ve thought about breaking away from organized events, I’ve thought about hiking. I just realized that I don’t have to abandon what I love just because it’s not arranged by someone else. I’m planning on plenty of breaks along the way. I will need to consume about 5-6000 calories per day and plan on most of that coming from establishments along the trail.

Michael, we’ll be staying in Hartsburg on our second night. We’re planning on eating at Big Muddy Tavern. We’ll stop at Riverview Traders in Wilton the next morning, then grab a snack at Cooper’s Landing. We’ll run when we want to, walk when we feel like it, and just enjoy the day on the trail. We’ll stop for another snack at Lucy’s in McBaine, and then we’ll have to decide between the too many choices for lunch in Rocheport. I’m sure we’ll stop for plenty of pictures along the way. Anything else you’d recommend along that stretch?

Skyguy9999 on 01/10/2011 10:03 PM

And if anyone wants to rocket through and that's what they want, then that's fine too. Katy is great in that you can do long distance riding and training pretty readily without having to constantly worry about traffic, provisions, and route planning.

If someone has different reasons and sources of enjoyment for the trail then good for them too. It means the trail has interest and is getting used.

Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 01/11/2011 06:32 PM

RICK: Good choice on picking the Big Muddy in Hartsburg for your stop on your journey thru Mid Missouri on the KATY Trail. If you call me when you arrive I will buy you a beer and tell you about the local scenery in and around Hartsburg. The Globe B and B is a great place to stay if you have time.

Chris from Jeff City on 11/05/2011 11:02 AM

Well, is there an "on foot" record?

For a Great Cause on 11/05/2011 06:16 PM

How about getting your run/walk record try event into the Komen Foundation to coincide for a Race for the Cure event like Ben Dumont did for his wife on the trail? Alzheimers has walks too. Probably would get more takers including this runner/walker/biker?

Anon on 11/05/2011 06:56 PM

Near 7/27/2009, a couple of guys finished running across MO via the Katy for charity. They pushed large-wheel baby strollers for their supplies. One of them had to drop out for a short while with injury. However, the other one completed the entire run. His time for the Katy itself was 107-hr 13-min 25-sec. That’s almost four and a half days.

For a Great Cause on 11/05/2011 07:26 PM

Anon is that a story? Then there is a record for on foot on the Katy?
You work for the state so it must be made up?

Anon on 11/06/2011 08:47 PM

I'm not sure if this time has been confirmed or is website official. But it is posted on this forum at or just past page 89. You can jump to that page. Good luck.

Anon on 11/07/2011 11:12 AM

Make that page 88 instead. Here's their photo website.

http://picasaweb.google.com/David.Stores/RunAcrossMissouri2009#

For a Great Cause on 11/08/2011 08:39 PM

Anon, excellent research. Very cool. Page 88.
So Rick may have to do some 60+ mile days to have a chance? Thanks.

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Big Muddy Tavern in Hartsburg

ZBicyclist from Glenview, IL on 06/23/2011 09:50 PM

Good spot. On Sunday evening, it's the only spot in town. Family friendly, with tasty food.

Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 07/04/2011 07:58 AM

The food was good, the beer was cold, the service was non-existent. It's the only place open in Hartsburg on a Sunday afternoon, so what else are you going to do? Next time, I'll plan on skipping Hartsburg.

MidSouth from Rogersville, Mo on 07/04/2011 03:12 PM

So, how did you get this good food and cold beer with no service? We almost always start or end our trips on the KATY at Hartsburg. Love the Big Muddy, Dottie's, and the lodging available.

Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 07/05/2011 04:17 PM

Duh, with no service how did you get the good food and cold beer?

Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 07/05/2011 05:55 PM

Relative to the smiles, warmth, conversation, and caring service, all still at a relaxed pace, I received in Pilot Grove, Boonville, Rocheport, Columbia, and Jefferson City, it's really minimal hyperbole to say that I received no service at Big Muddy's.

Anonymous from Jefferson City on 07/07/2011 06:27 AM

Jefferson City?? Are you sure?

kc from nj on 07/07/2011 11:58 AM

I thought the servers at the Big Muddy were delightful. I went there atleast 3 times this May and received attentive service each time.

Aaron from New Bloonfield on 07/18/2011 10:58 PM

I've been to Muddy Tavern and had good food and service each time. The restaurant was kept nice and cool. He also filled my bottle with ice water graciously. 5 out of 5 stars.

JAR from Memphis on 10/19/2011 10:47 PM

Great experience at Muddy's

Anonymous on 10/20/2011 11:33 AM

Our best place in Hartsburg has been sold; to a family calling itself "ROSCOES". The family is from Jefferson City and serves chicken and ham etc. Good food. The transfer takes place on Nov 1.

Anonymous on 10/21/2011 08:33 AM

So Roscoes is taking over Doty's place? Will they open yet this fall or wait for spring?

Plan to ride Boonsville to Hartsburg and back tomorrow? Any trail condition problems I should be aware of?

Thanks.

Anonymous on 11/08/2011 05:54 PM

Roscoes is taking the big muddy tavern, Dottys is still Dottys. Thanks and hope to see you soon, Dotty

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Doty's - Hartsburg

El Toro on 10/22/2011 09:07 PM

The rumors of Doty's in Hartsburg closing or being sold are incorrect, according to Doty (today - 10/22/11).
Was there and had a wonderful meal and blackberry cobbler w/ice cream! Delicious!
She said it is for sale, but it has not been sold and that she will "be there until they can find a buyer who will do it like we've done it."

kc from nj on 10/24/2011 10:45 AM

I had great rhubarb pie at Doty's. I ate 2 pieces in one sitting. Good pie.

Billy from Mokane on 10/25/2011 06:01 PM

Glad to hear that. Need to pay a visit to Doty's for some of that good eats. She's great and I know she can use the business, especially this time of the year.

Anonymous on 11/08/2011 05:50 PM

thank you so much!! we appreciate each and everyone of you :)

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Dormitory at School House B + B in Rocheport

Anonymous from St Louis, MO on 11/08/2011 11:35 AM

We have stayed twice at the Dormitory at School House B&B and will go again. It is perfect for Katy Trail riding and very comfortable and CLEAN. It is well-located and an excellent place to stay in Rocheport.

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Pilot Grove Bed & Breakfast

Mark Ackelson from Pleasant Hill, IA on 11/06/2011 11:17 PM

Absolutely great hospitality. Dolores and Virgil, ("Director of Public Relations" and husband),were just the greatest. Wonderful breakfast. Quiet, clean, comfortable, restful accomodations. AND the apple crisp and ice cream were an extra special treat!

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From Amtrak Station to Machens

Denny from Kansas City on 08/01/2011 10:47 PM

We are coming in from Kansas City by train and riding the Katy trail back to KC. We want to ride as much of the trail as possible. Has anyone started from the Amtrak station in Alton, Il? It looks like its about 15 miles from the station to the Machens trailhead. Anyone know a good bike route in that area?

gene from Indiana on 08/02/2011 12:08 AM

You have a good idea and it shows you're thinking. If there's a through train that would let you off at Alton, you could take Hwy 67 west across the river, then turn right on Missouri Hwy 94. You might be within 15 to 20 miles. You must remember that Machens is a railroad junction point. There's a trailhead but no houses. It is south of Hwy 94 and south of the BNSF RR tracks. I know there's one or two houses on Hwy 94 when the road goes south. There's no camping on the trail and none in St Charles if you're planning on camping. Gee, I wish the city would let trail riders camp at the city park.

Clay from Albuquerque NM on 08/02/2011 08:05 AM

The Machens trailhead is hard to find. No KT signage exists on 94 to point you in the right direction. Gene is right - there are two houses (a nice blue one and a two-story older brick house) at the corner of Machens Rd. and 94. Head south on that road, cross the tracks, veer left on the dirt road, and you'll come to the Machens trailhead. You could probably camp there after riding in from Alton across the Miss River.

Anon on 08/02/2011 09:15 AM

I've sudied this route myself. The below info about the two houses helps. Yet, depending on when you arrive-in/leave Alton, you'll probably be able to make it to St Charles or beyond. If I recall it right, the last leg of the train ride to Alton is on an Amtrak bus. Enjoy!

Bustoff on 08/02/2011 09:06 PM

Riding in Alton, from the train station to the bridge shouldn't be too bad. Looks like you would go west on College Ave to Washington, left on Washington and follow it till you see the bridge. There is moderate traffic but lots of people ride in Alton.
The bridge has a bike lane but traffic is brisk.
Then I guess you would follow 67 to 94 to Machens. There are some trails on the Missouri side, after you cross the bridge. I've been on them but can't recall exactly their condition.
It's a doable ride. You will have some traffic to deal with but if you're experienced it should be OK. I would recommend flat-resistent tires though. Some of those shoulders can have debris on them.

JPM from Hazelwood, MO on 08/03/2011 01:49 PM

You can pick up the West Alton Bike Trail at the Mo. end of the Clark Bridge. It's not well marked but begins at the end of the big parking lot for the boat ramp. The trail ends at St. Charles St. If you make a right turn onto St. Charles St., it will take you to 94.

Paul Toigo from Kansas City Mo on 08/03/2011 05:50 PM

While I wonder if the same physical train is used for the 314/304, the 304 does not allow bikes on board. 314: depart Kansas City 8:15AM, arrive St. Louis 1:55PM. 304: depart St. Louis 3:00PM, arrive Alton 3:45.

Personally, I'll take the MetroLink to the airport, hold my breath crossing the Missouri River on MO-370, and go out-and-back to Machens before heading points West.

Bruce from O'Fallon IL on 08/31/2011 01:49 PM

2 route comments:
1) Getting from Alton to the Machens trailhead is easy as JPM stated. Bike lane across bridge, then trail and 94 isn't heavily travelled. Or one could ride the non-94 back roads almost to the Machen trailhead.

2) One could get off the Amtrak in St Louis, catch the Metrolink to LaClede's Landing (next to the St Louis Arch), then ride the bike trail north 11 miles to Chain of Rocks bridge, cross the river to IL, turn north and follow the trail about 3 miles to the Lewis and Clark Memorial (this last park is dirt on a levee, but I have seen street bikes ride it slowly), then continue on the trail (paved from Lewis and Clark) to Alton, cross the bridge, etc. Easy, no traffic, all the way from downtown St Louis. I've ridden it many times.

Anonymous on 09/01/2011 06:50 AM

This is a very useful thread. Thank you all very much. I too live in the Kansas City area and am trying to figure out when I can make the trip. Although - I am thinking I will ride Clinton to St. Louis and bring the train back. I haven't checked the train schedule yet however. Thanks again for this useful information.

Paul Toigo from Kansas City, MO on 09/01/2011 03:15 PM

First, the conductor on the 314 advised me that the 314/304 is not the same physical train. Rather, the 314 turns around to become the 313 to run back across Missouri.

Second, on Saturday 8/27/11, we took the MetroLink to the airport. Then rode Natural Bridge Road, Bonfils, Woodford Way, Gallatin, Gist, Tausing, Ferguson, MO Bottom, and the wide shoulder of M-370 to the KATY trail and on to Machens. M-370 over the Missouri is marked as part of the MRT and there are signs advising motorists for the presence of cyclists.

Ron S. from Overland Park KS on 09/03/2011 05:12 PM

I am doing the reverse next week: riding to Clinton, KT to Machens, then going north to take the ferry to Grafton IL, then back down the IL side, crossing on the bidge below 270, and on into STL Amtrak. Camping entire route. Excellent paved bikeway for 20 miles on IL side from Grafton.

Anonymous on 09/04/2011 09:58 PM

Ron S. Sounds like you have a fantastic plan. Please keep us updated and provide a bit of a trip report when you return. I hope you have a fabulous trip!

BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 09/19/2011 04:50 PM

I scoped out this route the other day. You have to be really careful on Hwy 94 as it does not have good shoulders. It is not heavily traveled, but it's local traffic and they are very comfortable driving fast on it. I would be slightly intimidated, honestly. As for the Machens point, it is very well hidden! Go across the BNSF tracks and immediately turn left (you will be going alongside the tracks). Turn right on the dirt path after about 150 feet. I actually drove past the trailhead, it was that hidden.

Anonymous on 09/19/2011 07:26 PM

All of the these ride ideas sound doable and fun.

Also, after checking with Amtrak (both by internet and by phone)the 322 from St Louis to Alton, IL is the only train not allowing bicycles on it. All of the others do with reservations!

mobilemail from Carrollton IL on 09/24/2011 03:51 PM

+1 to route around whatever parts you can, even more so as you approach rush hour times. While the volume of vehicles isn't bad, they are often large, and always fast. Traffic volume also picks up as you get closer to 5pm and the Illinoisans are returning home, and they have usually forgotten what the "other" pedal is for. And not all of the local community is happy about sharing the roads with cyclists, there has been recent political activity in that regard. Take the side roads when possible.

Bruce from O'Fallon, IL on 11/06/2011 08:07 PM

In response to Bikerboy, I'd say: Yes, Hwy 94 from West Alton to Machens has some traffic and would be intimidating to someone not used to riding along highways. But for veteran bike riders it is quite mild.

If you are unaccustomed to riding highways with cars and/or have children with you, take the quiet route: Starting from West Alton, go north on Hwy 94 about 1/4 mile to Saale Rd and turn left. This is a very, very quiet country road. Follow that to Dwiggins Rd. This also is a quiet country road. Dwiggins will dead end at Hwy 94 just before Machens. You'll only have to ride 94 about 1/2 mile from there. Hope this helps.

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Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast Closing

Penny from Boonville on 11/01/2011 03:08 PM

I would like to say Thank You to all of you who stayed at my bed and breakfast over the last 7 years. I enjoyed each and every one of you and will miss my Katy Trail riders. I closed the bed and breakfast mid-October and have moved to the Chicago area to start a new phase of my life. My house is still on the market but I am sure someone will come along and love it as much as I have and as much as you all have! Again, thanks for the great memories. Penny Garibaldi, Owner, Garden Gate B&B

Lisa from Belton, MO on 11/03/2011 08:36 AM

Penny, sorry to see your B&B close in Booneville. We had an enjoyable stay in October 2010 while riding the Katy Trail. We really enjoyed relaxing on your front porch!Best Wishes and good luck in the future!

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