Katy Trail Forum

I see that the state of Missouri is having a Katy Trail meeting Saturday in Hartsburg. What is that about? The sparse info on the other Katy website says that it will be about the future of the trail from Boonville to Portland. In my opinion, there's only one thing that could make that section better: a little paving. Start with the section between McBaine and Rocheport. There were so many riders in that section last weekend that the dust was really bad and I overheard several complaining. Plus, the state paved a good chunk of the other rail-to-trail in the state and use has increased a thousand-fold since they paved it. Ok, so that was stimulus money from the federal government, but if there's another one I'd recommend paving the Katy Trail over the Frisco Highline.

NO TO PAVING. Dust comes from being outdoors. So what. If you pave, over time it will break down and be too rough a ride for some bike tires. Leave well enough alone. If you want paved paths their are plenty around, they are called streets.

If you like to ride paved, try the High Tressel Trail or the Raccoon River Valley Trail in central Iowa. They are both about 50 miles one way.

I did notice some dust Sunday when we were east of Rocheport. I never heard anyone complaining though. There were alot of comments about how nice the day was. Our bikes always get washed and lubed after riding on chat anyway so to me dust is part of the game.

I vote no too. If there's a million dollars to be spent on trails, I'd rather spend the money be used to make them longer (and straight) instead of paving what already exists. If I want to ride paved, I'll ride in the street.

totally agree, no to paving.

While on paper, paving may sound like a good idea, but I agree with all the previous posts.

From the Missouri DNR website.
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Informational meeting planned Oct. 8 for Katy Trail State Park

Volume 39-334 (For Immediate Release)
For more information: 573-751-1010

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 30, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas about Katy Trail State Park to an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Katy Trail depot in Hartsburg. The meeting, which is from 9 a.m. to noon, will be held in conjunction with the annual Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival.

The informational meeting will address issues related to Katy Trail State Park with an emphasis on the section from Portland to the Missouri River at Boonville. Recent accomplishments and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting.

The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on facilities and services in state parks and historic sites.

People requiring special services or accommodations to attend can make arrangements by calling Jim Gast, park superintendent at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park at 573-449-7402 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.
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Guess we'll have to go see what the meeting is about. I can't imagine that paving would be a consideration. Hope not!

We were on the Katy Sunday and yes there was some dust but that IS the Katy! Wouldn't change a thing! I just let my hubby get further ahead of me and dust wasn't an issue anymore! If anything, make water more available at all trailheads.....that may be my only complaint about the Katy!

Asphalt makes a nice surface but the maintenance costs are very high, and the runners usually prefer chat. I think a great compromise would be to spray the trail with with the dust mitigator they sometimes use on rural roads. It does not change the texture, but it keeps binds up the dust and even resists water to a degree.

Send some money over from Illinois beings you probably ride the Katy free of charge and taxes and I'm sure your idea will hit the upper 10% on the list of good ideas.

I guess I'm outnumbered here and that's ok. The trail was as busy as Missouri Boulevard between Jeff and Hartsburg today and the dust from the trail wasn't bad. Maybe the problem is the heavy use between McBaine and Rocheport grinding the gravel into powder. I think I'll avoid that section in the future. Did anyone else stop by the sales tent at the Hartsburg trailhead? I didn't see any information posted, but i did get a cool Katy Trail tin sign for my cubicle at work!

Hey, Anonymous, no need to be snarky. We have plenty of Missourians using the 100 miles of paved trails in Madison County alone. They do not pay a dime for the privilege, but believe me, we do. It's share and share alike when it comes to biking.

Hey Biker Boy, you come over and ride anytime you want! Our State Parks receive funding from a small percentage of our state sales tax, so unless you are able to ride the trail and get home without buying anything you are helping to pay for the Katy Trail. I bet you know a whole lot more people that come to Missouri and buy things without visiting one of our parks than you know people that use the parks without buying anything that they are charged sales tax for.

The Hartsburg Inn is a great little B&B to stop and relax. From the gardens outside to the clean crisp sheets on the beds, it was a splendid stay. Breakfast was light, but filling and provided the fuel we needed for biking. I would definately stay here again as I can't find a thing to complain about! Thanks Cath for providing a great place to lay my head.

Bad experience...we designed a family bike ride to start at Klondike Park, ride to Augusta, and have lunch at the Brew Co. All good, except the fact that when it came time to order food, they said the kitched was backed up and they would not take orders. You couldn't even get a pretzel. We also noticed other people complaining that they were having to wait to get food. The staff was unapologetic about the situation. It was a beautiful Sunday, seems like they could have prepared for a larger than normal crowd. It would also be nice if they would have had some non prep-time items for sale. We had to ride back on empty stomachs. We eneded up driving home and stopping off at Dairy Queen, which was completely empty...apparently Dairy Queen isn't very popular on Mother's Day.

So you went to a brewery and are complaining about the food? This place has the best beer within 200 miles. Several have won awards. They have the best rootbeer we have ever had, and my grandma used to make her own. Next time, pack a lunch.

Cafe Bella a bit further north in town could've made a big difference in your lunch.

Just hate it when someone uses this forum to knock a restaurant, without saying a word about their family bike ride and bike experiences along the trail.

I went there on Mothers Day and it did take a long time to get my food, but it was CRAZY busy! When you go to seasonal businesses during peak times you kind of have to expect to wait. It is just like going to a restaurant that is full and you having to wait a while before they seat you. There are no walls @ that place so there is no capacity. I agree with the gentleman above, next time pack a lunch!

This is one of our favorite spots to eat/drink on the KATY. This has never happened to us and we've been there on many a busy day. I highly recommend eating there but they also let you bring in food which is nice. So now you know to pack a lunch or at least have some snacks with you when you ride on a holiday weekend!

On Saturday, my wife and I stopped around noon time. I was leery of stopping because of the prior comments I've read. It was very busy with a lot of bikers there. When we walked up it was a little bit confusing; no hostess or any employees around. After a few minutes, we figured out you seat yourself and order your food and drink up at the bar. When your food was ready, your buzzer went off and you picked up your own food. Both the beer and the food was good, however, there was not any service to speak of, it was pretty much self serve. Even though it was very hot Saturday to sit outside, the place was nice. I would recommend this place; you just need to have the proper expectations (I can see why a first time visitor might not come away impressed).

We agree, self serve...If they offer and advertise food and it is an eating establishment I will not "pack a lunch", no matter how good the beer is. Also, they keep irregular hours, so do not plan on them being open, they open when they feel like it.

Quit crying about food on a bike forum...

food, as a matter of fact, is quite important on a bike trip. We plan our trip around camping and food in fact! Those who come in from out of state need to be able to count on some of these places being open when they say they will be open.

A lot of people plan their day on the Katy as an event not just a bike ride. I can understand their disappointment if the stop they planned to have a meal at is unable to accommodate them.

These are trail dives,beer joints,small operator places. I am always glad to just find them open to get a cold drink and and some Cheetos. Anything else is a plus. If you are counting on food to be the high light of your event then I think you are missing what the wonderful Katy trail is all about.

Went to the Augusta Brewery on Saturday. Seems the bikers arrive in waves, but they certainly could be better staffed. They should have a "beer only" line; otherwise you might have to wait 15-20 minutes in line to order a beer. The food was very good and not overpriced.

BBoy, you should know Defiance and Augusta and all points around are biker country especially on weekends. I adjust my rides around those busy weekends stops. I have stopped a few times at ABC during the week but even it took a little wait to get service. Katy laid back is the best time to wind down. It's all fun.

What a great B&B! Maggie & Eldon are great hosts. They go out of the way to make you feel at home. The suite was very comfortable and with a private entrance, you forget you are staying in someone else's home. Maggie made us a delicious breakfast full of fuel for cyclist. I highly recommend this B&B and would stay here again in a second! Thanks Maggie & Eldon.

Stayed here on 9/18 after leaving the hotel across the street. The people were very nice and the room was clean and comfortable. the rates are very reasonable and just down the road from the trail. would recomend staying here.

I too have stayed here on a couple occasions and find it quite acceptable, reasonably priced and convenient to the trail.

I stay at the USA Inn every time I start Katy from Clinton and it is always a treat. I ride to the trail from the Inn and the SAG (wifey) checks out later and meets me on down the trail. Good people.

Husband and I spent one night. Maggie was great. She picked us up at the bottom of the hill. We so appreciated that after a day of riding the trail. Breakfast was fabulous and conversation was great with other guests and Maggie.

Nice inn with nice innkeepers. The room was comfortable and modern. We especially liked having our own private bathroom. The hot tub was a welcome site after a day of cycling on the Katy Trail. Gene was nice enough to take us to supper so we wouldn't have to ride up those big hills again! Breakfast was really good. The crumpits were delicious. I would stay here again, Thanks Jackie and Gene!

9-28-2011. Have stayed here once before. Safe campground for lone traveler. $15.00. With a shower, small store which they will open if it is closed.

9-28-2011. Located just east of the bridge. Very big sandwiches at a meat counter. They make the sandwiches for you. $2.50.

Sept 28, 2011. Chuck waited for me to arrive. At intersection by trailhead & Isle of Capri.

Sept 27,2011. Great place to camp.$7.00 one person,in tent. Pay at caretaker's house on site. Keypad lock on shower/restroom door. Amish horse carts pass by here often. Sonic just down the road by camp. Also a short cut back to the trail on County Line road.

We are a group of 10 who will be riding the trail in early October. Any recommendations of places for dinner in Clinton, Sedalia, Rocheport, Jefferson City, or Hermann. (We realize not all restaurants are open every day.) Thanks!

Jefferson City part I:

We have plenty to offer. I'll only discuss places that may be able to handle a party of 10.

Paddy Malone's, on W. Main (close to south end of new bike/pedestrian bridge over MO. River) has burgers, and other food. It's an Irish pub which is why we go there. Across High St. from the Capitol is Arris Pizza, a Jeff City landmark.

Madison's Restaurant, on Madison St., is another Jeff City landmark, excellent food. Across the street is one of my favorite bars, Gumbo Bottoms. No food, but nice place for a drink.

To be continued....

Jefferson City part II:

J Pfenney's Sports Grill & Pub is 217 E. High. This is a new place in an old building (used to be Mike's Corner Pocket). Check out their facebook page. They don't take reservations, but you might enjoy having you dinner and watching a game there.

In the same vicinity you'll find Mortimer Kegley's and Bones. I don't know for sure if Mortimer's can handle 10, but I think Bones can. You enter Bones off an alley (we actually call our alleys "Ways" here in the great capital of the great state of Missouri).

Ok, the best of Jefferson City dining is yet to come in part III....

Jefferson City Part III:

Ok, so let's get to the East side of Jefferosn City. Oh, wait, I forgot Sapphire's, on Monroe St. at the top of the Double Tree Hotel. Very very nice restaurant. Prices are kind of high, but the food and the view are excellent. We love going there.

Ok, now on to the East side: at 900 E. High you'll find O'Donohue's. Again, one of my favorites. Great food. Call ahead so they'll be ready for you. It's not a big restaurant, but they can handle a party of 10. We love the food. It's in a building over 100 years old, an old general store, beautifully restored, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Around the corner on Ash St. you'll find Prison Brews. It's a micro brewery, they serve very good food, their pizza is my favorite.

At the corner of E. High and Ash you'll find the Mission. It's a bar that focuses on having local bands. There's no food, but it's a great place to end the evening.

Oh my, I'll have to continue this in part IV, what am I to do? I can't help it, there's just too many wonderful restaurants in Jefferosn City.

Jefferson City Part IV:

Ok, I'm doing Part IV, then I'm going to bed, maybe:

Now, on the Southside of Jefferson City, what we call Old Munichburg (on other side of Whitton Expressway) you'll find the Ecoo Lounge at the corner of Dunklin and Jefferson. This is the place my husband and I go the most because the food is great and so are the prices. Call ahead so they'll be ready for your party of 10. They renovated the place a couple of years ago, upgraded the menue, and it's a wonderful place.

And of course, the most important place you must go to in Jefferson City is Central Dairy, for ice cream. It's on the southside. I'm not going to give you the address. Just ask anyone in Jefferson City where it is and they'll tell you how to get there.

Ok, ok, so I'm going to do a Part V. I can't help it.

Jefferson City Part V:

Come on! What are you talking about, "dinner in Jefferson City." Give me a break. You need to spend a couple of days here.

Talk among yourselves. I'll give you a topic: What to do in Jefferson:

1. Tour the Capitol. One of the most beautiful capitols in the country. They spent over $1 million on the art in the early 1900s. They do tours I think every hour, 7 days a week.

2. Schedule a tour of the Missouri State Pennitentiary. Contact our Convention and Visitors Bureau to schedule. Really, if you do anything in Jefferson City, this should be it.

3. Go to Lincoln University and see the Soldiers Memorial Plaza. It is moving, it is inspiring, it is very very special.

4. Take a leisurely walk in our downtown, check out our gift shops, coffee shops, bars, or just sit on the benches and enjoy the day.

5. See the new federal courthouse over by the old prison. We're very proud of this.

6. Go dancing at The Mission.

7. Play Bocce Ball at Prison Brews.

Ok, I'm done.

Thanks Cathy. If anyone has suggestions for other towns we'd welcome them too.

Abigails is a top contender as well as the bistro at the winery in Rocheport. Madisons and Aris in Jeff City are both close to ride too from the trail. In Hermann, the restaurant at Stone Hill winery is good as well as Simons on the riverfront downtown.

Our group of 12 rode from Columbia to Hermann in June. Our first overnight was in Jeff City. We had a fun night at Paddy Malone's downtown. It was a beautiful night and we sat outside on the patio. We had the best waiter EVER! And he kept us supplied with our favorite beverages all night. In Hermann, we enjoyed the Barrel Inn. Good food and drink and friendly people. On our return trip to Jeff City we had dinner at Arris Pizza. Superb! Delicious greek style pizza and great beverages and wonderful service. Both restaurats are easy to get to from the Bike Trail Head and the pedestrian / bike bridge across the river is amazing and fun to ride across! I highly recommend riding into the city just so you can see the river and cross the bridge! Enjoy your trip!

Sounds like you know whereyou'll be staying at night.
Other eating possibilities include the Thai Kitchen (outdoors) at Cooper's Landing near Easley
Dotty's Cafe in Hartsburg
Trailside Cafe in Rhineland (4-miles west of Hermann)and
several places in Hermann itself where the Oktoberfest will be going on that month. You might or might not want to miss that depending on your objectives.
Personally, I like the countrified food at the Trailside (Rhineland) or the down-to-earth Deutche food at the Rivertown on 1st Street in Hermann (first street after crossing the bridge). But the wineries there, like the Stone Hill, will offer upscale Deutche dinners. Enjoy.

Did I mention you could get a tattoo in Jefferson City? They changed our ordinance a couple of years ago and we now have tattoo palors all over the place. Oh and the person asking about how to get across the river at Jefferson City, see my comments earlier in this thread about things (other than getting tattoos) to do places to stay and where to eat in the great capital of the great state of Missouri.

Can you get a kitchen sink in Jefferson City? With a group of 10 they may need one and you failed to make mention of anything like that.

Looks like Jefferson City has a LOT to offer. We plan to stop there for lunch/breakfast a couple times. Are there secure places to park bicycles at Prison Brews, Arris Pizza, etc? The Penitentiary tour sounds great if we can secure our bikes somewhere.

Just bring a cable lock and lock them to a street sign. I won't say there is no crime in Jeff City but all in all it's a pretty safe place.

Most of the free/inexpensive stuff is near or around the Captiol grounds, except for the big ice-cream shop at 6th & Madison street. :)

>Just bring a cable lock and lock them to a street sign. I won't say there is no crime in Jeff City but all in all it's a pretty safe place.

You might be careful to find out the local laws regarding this. It can be easy to run afoul of such things - I'm thinking this because I did read a couple of stories about bicycles being "detained" over chaining a bike to a street sign. Obstructing a public right-of-way or something like that.

Just be careful and be sure to cable lock to something solid and out of the way and you should be fine.

Lunch & breakfast. Hmm. You might try Ricks in the airport terminal. Fabulous buffet reported there several times; can easily handle 10. It's on the east-west road just north of the MO-River bridge and pedestrian pathway, just east of that 54/63-Hwy. Fried chicken and ham!

Don't know what your plans are Beth, or for anyone else, but if you are in or near Pilot Grove at breakfast, lunch or dinner I suggest you visit Becky's Burgers & Cones. They are just off the trail, half block from the trail head, look to the right you can see the back of their yellow building. They have excellent food at a very reasonable price, and plenty of room for 10 to dine inside or out. Not just burgers and cones.

I give directions because I had ridden to or through Pilot Grove numerous times but didn't know where Becky's was, so did not go there. Have always heard they had really good food, so this past week I decided to find it, I had been riding past it but didn't see the sign.

Ok, we're half-way through our six day ride and here are some places we've enjoyed so far. Kehde's Barbeque in Sedalia (which seemed to be the only place in town open on Sunday night) was great--good food and great service, very accommodating for our large group. Becky's Burgers & Cones in Pilot Grove was a good stop for lunch. And we enjoyed both Paddy Malone's (good cold beer after our day's ride) and Arris Pizza (good salads, Greek food & pizza). It's really nice when a place is willing to do separate checks for a group. As our waitress at Arris put it "with technology it's easy to do that" but some places still don't want to go there.

you have had some great weather! thanks for coming to ride on the Katy!!! We were out there on this past Sunday and it was beautiful!!!!

A friend and I spent two days on the trail a few weeks ago. One of the highlights, aside from the wonderful scenery, was a night's stay at McKittrick's Mercantile (Joey Los, proprietor). We stayed in "Joey's Birdhouse" which was renovated from the town's old post office. Great appointments, comfortable bed, food in the fridge for breakfast/snacks and right on the trail!! The folks at McKittrick will even drive you into Hermann and back if you want to explore the dining and drinking establishments. Incredibly hospitable and a great value...again, right on the trail!