Katy Trail Forum

I've been told that there was an ad in Jefferson City's Sunday paper saying Dotty's will be sold in an online auction in late September. Is this true?

Google confirms that it is up for auction. It makes no mention that it will be sold though.

Dotty is retiring and the business is being sold online at Atterberry Auction September 19-26:

http://www.atterberryauction.com/index.php?subp=1&sct=1560&pg=ap&pid=23326&ap_sub=det&det=1

Hope someone that knows how to cook down home meals gets it.

Love you Dotty. Enjoy what ever you are going to do. Will miss your place. hope someone buys it and runs it half as well as you do.

I agree Billy. Lets hope that someone from Mokane does not buy it.

Have to go along with you on that one, we have enough to take care of here in Mokane.

Is Dottie's already closed? We will ride through there on Wednesday September 21 and had hoped to eat there.

She was opened on Sept 9th when we called. But got there too late to eat.

We ate there on 9/10 and she was still open.

Wow. Happy for Dotty, but sad for the rest of us. Like others - hoping there is a buyer who opens for business quickly and does it any where near as well as Dotty. All best wishes Dotty.

Our first stop for food on our 172 mile 3 day trip was Lucy's. The food was great and we'll stop here again if and when we ride the Katy Trail.

I am following an old childhood friend and his companion who are biking across country following much of the Rails to Trails routes. They are currently on the Katy Trail and it looks like one of the neatest routes out there. You true bikers are my heros. God Bless You All and keep on biking.

Hey, David, does your friend have a blog or webpage about his ride? We'd love to hear about it.

Is the bridge to washington mo very unsafe for bikers? We wish to start at Dutzow, park our car and bike to Jefferson city then return to washington by amtrak.

Is the bridge to washington mo very unsafe for bikers? We wish to start at Dutzow, park our car and bike to Jefferson city then return to washington by amtrak.

No. It is very, very narrow with no shoulder. Call a cab or make arrangements with your lodging provider to give you a shuttle across.

No. It is very, very narrow with no shoulder. Call a cab or make arrangements with your lodging provider to give you a shuttle across.

My husband made the mistake of going across once for the car. Don't do it. Very

dangerous.

My husband made the mistake of going across once for the car. Don't do it. Very

dangerous.

I just read that there is a new bridge and it has a bike lane. Gotta love progress when it includes cycling.

I just read that there is a new bridge and it has a bike lane. Gotta love progress when it includes cycling.

Alaska, the original question was on crossing the Washington, MO Missouri River bridge and there is nothing on that bridge that resembles a bike lane and it is about 80 years old. Other bike lanes/crossings that are more recently built were for Hermann, MO and Jefferson City, MO.

Alaska, the original question was on crossing the Washington, MO Missouri River bridge and there is nothing on that bridge that resembles a bike lane and it is about 80 years old. Other bike lanes/crossings that are more recently built were for Hermann, MO and Jefferson City, MO.

Steve, thanks for the clarification. I must have been reading about one of the other bridges. Guess I'll just have to take the lane.

Steve, thanks for the clarification. I must have been reading about one of the other bridges. Guess I'll just have to take the lane.

Anchorage,
We are seasoned road riders, and I advise again not to cross this bridge. Taking the lane here will only get you run over. It's a very narrow, highly travelled bridge with FAST traffic. I just crossed in my car a few weeks ago and my sister squealed all the way across. Call a cab. It's not worth it.

Anchorage,
We are seasoned road riders, and I advise again not to cross this bridge. Taking the lane here will only get you run over. It's a very narrow, highly travelled bridge with FAST traffic. I just crossed in my car a few weeks ago and my sister squealed all the way across. Call a cab. It's not worth it.

Ok, thanks. Not worth the risk.

Ok, thanks. Not worth the risk.

I live in downtown Chicago. I often cross the Roosevelt Road bridge six lanes of traffic with the bike lanes between 1 and 2 then 5 and 6. I have steered around crack needles behind aggressive cabs with buses on my butt. Family logistics were such Washington Amtrak was my best departure point from the Katy Trail. I planned to bike across the Washington bridge with my single wheel trailer.
I had a ticket for the 12:31 pm Amtrak, September 10th, 2011. I got up early at Klondike camp and left the rainy soft muddy Katy trail in Augusta. I traveled Augusta Bottom Road from Augusta to RT 47. It was raining hard when I got to the Rt 47 intersection about quarter mile from the bridge. The numerous fast moving cars and trucks were kicking up a mist over the road. My cell phone was wet and acting flaky. I had been so confident about crossing I did not have any cab numbers anyway. A pickup pulled up beside me and signaled left. I stuck up my thumb and motioned to the back bed. A local father taking his son to youth football game loaded my bike and gave me a ride across the bridge. I left a couple soggy bills on the seat.
If they ever build a new bridge it will not have a bike lane named in my honor.

I live in downtown Chicago. I often cross the Roosevelt Road bridge six lanes of traffic with the bike lanes between 1 and 2 then 5 and 6. I have steered around crack needles behind aggressive cabs with buses on my butt. Family logistics were such Washington Amtrak was my best departure point from the Katy Trail. I planned to bike across the Washington bridge with my single wheel trailer.
I had a ticket for the 12:31 pm Amtrak, September 10th, 2011. I got up early at Klondike camp and left the rainy soft muddy Katy trail in Augusta. I traveled Augusta Bottom Road from Augusta to RT 47. It was raining hard when I got to the Rt 47 intersection about quarter mile from the bridge. The numerous fast moving cars and trucks were kicking up a mist over the road. My cell phone was wet and acting flaky. I had been so confident about crossing I did not have any cab numbers anyway. A pickup pulled up beside me and signaled left. I stuck up my thumb and motioned to the back bed. A local father taking his son to youth football game loaded my bike and gave me a ride across the bridge. I left a couple soggy bills on the seat.
If they ever build a new bridge it will not have a bike lane named in my honor.

I was going to suggest hitching across. I've had lots of good luck with friendly pick-up truck drivers willing to help me get me and my bike through tight spots. A local in Washington, MO, suggested that if you do bike across this bridge that you use the whole lane and make cars wait behind you. Of course, the cars behind you might not like this strategy.

I was going to suggest hitching across. I've had lots of good luck with friendly pick-up truck drivers willing to help me get me and my bike through tight spots. A local in Washington, MO, suggested that if you do bike across this bridge that you use the whole lane and make cars wait behind you. Of course, the cars behind you might not like this strategy.

I know it is labeled a Bed and Breakfast, but if you want a faux Victorian teddy bear with lacey tutu on your bed, stay on your pampered seat and pedal past Bluffton. Consider the location, Bluffton is about as far as you can git between political Jeff City and ah cultural St Louis. Bluffton is rural Missouri and Doug Rendleman has been a resident for twenty plus years.
I called a week before to clarify camping. Doug called back and left a courteous informative message on our machine.
Other than the answering machine exchange, I arrived unannounced one afternoon requesting camping and desire to purchase a supper. Doug and a friend were adjusting sights on a squirrel rifle on the back porch. He showed me the outbuilding for camper showers. It has his washing machine in front and the shower in back. Then he showed me another out building with the manual shift flush toilet. We discussed solutions to world problems as another dozen rounds went through the rifle. Doug said supper normally was by reservation with a room, but he had leftovers. He quoted a price that would not buy a Happy Meal and we had a deal. Other reviews fail to stress he is an accomplished cook. I had steamed potatoes and corned beef. The generous slab of corned beef was served with his curry tasting mustard sauce that enhanced the flavor of the beef rather than smothering it. The salad had shredded fresh vegetables and chopped accruements. The chicken and rice soup was more chicken with rice than soup. The rice had an almost nutty or Basmati flavor. Great Food!
Doug also is a cyclist, I was a Katy newbie so he gave me good pointers. We talked Hilly Hundred adventures and he alluded to a voluminous RAGBRAI tales. I told him I had a previous engagement and could not attend Hilly Hundred 2011. Somehow it did not seem appropriate to disclose we had opera tickets for that weekend.
If you are thinking of staying at Rendleman B&B ,

This is not really a general store but more of a bar, restaurant and gathering place although you can get carryout beverages. Great food, very reasonable prices and friendly staff. We happened in on burrito/taco night; all you could eat for $7!

We stopped for lunch last Friday and had a fabulous lunch. Food was exceptional and service was great.

I enjoyed camping at the Katy Roundhouse last May 14th and 15th, 2011 as part of the Kansas City Bicycle Club ride. As others have already commented, the campground is litter-free and the hot showers are very pleasant. The owners are down-home kind of people. The campground is spacious with a lot of grass. Each campsite has a fire-ring. The spacious campground is easily able to accommodate large groups.

Does anyone have a suggestion for cheap and clean housing in Hermann? I don't want to pay B and B prices since my wife isn't riding with me. I just need a bed and a shower.

I would suggest the Vinchester Inn (573)486-4440, www.vinchesterinn.com. It is basic, clean and comfortable. Enjoy your trip!

We are beginning our ride on Tuesday 9/13. Can we expect hot and humid weather or rain from the east coast? Is there cover along the trail? Also, at the end we are going to bike into St Louis. Two routes are suggested - which is better to get down to Lafayette Square and how many miles from St. Charles?

The 10 day forecast on weather.com says the high will be in the low 80s, with lows in the 60s. That's probably pretty perfect biking weather. However, it's as reliable as any weather forecast.

As for whether there's cover along the trail, I'm not sure if you mean shelter in the towns. About every 10 miles or so there is usually a small town. But they do not all have a place you could dodge into to get out of the rain. I haven't biked much in the rain. Perhaps others who encountered rain storms on the trail can tell you how they handeled it.

There is tree coverage on much of the trail that may keep minor drizzles from bothering you.

I hope the weather is great for you. Enjoy your ride!

If you plan on biking from St. Charles to Lafayette Square, I would cross the Mo. River using the Creve Coeur Park connector trail. After you get to Creve Coeur Park, however, your choices become a less definitive. Your choices basically are the following: Bike along local arteries, most of which are not bike friendly, arrange a shuttle, or use local routes to connect to Metro transit (both the buses and light rail will allow bikes). I would recommend these websites: Metrostlouis.org (for transit schedules), Bike St. Louis. (Bike St. Louis is a collection of on street bike routes),or this website for available shuttles. St. Charles to Lafayette Square is easily 25 miles.

Denise...If you scroll down to the bottom of the page link on "getting from St Louis to the Katy Trail," you'll find user comments on the routes mentioned. I recently posted regarding a route that I found very doable and enjoyable. Just take some time to map it out and I think that you will enjoy the ride too. I biked the whole trail and consider the ride from St Louis to St Charles (and the reverse) my favorite day of biking.

I think the weather is going to be just about perfect for your trip. A light windbreaker or rain jacket should be good. You probably won't need it.

You should have good weather there but we're getting rain and clouds in northern Indiana from Hurricane Lee. We had 68 for a high today. It is supposed to be moving in a southwesterly direction but it might break up before it gets to Missouri. I'll be back down in late September.

want to ride mcbain to clinton for 1st try is west to east the way to go and how long should that take

95 miles, for me that is two days. If you can average 10mph non-stop, then it would only take 9.5 hours.

I am planning a ride from Sedalia to Hermann in a few weeks and will be taking the train back. Does anyone have any suggestions of the best place to leave my car in Sedalia. At the train station or somewhere else? Anyone I should notify?

We've left our car at the trailhead just east of downtown several times. I alway leave my car info and cell number at the desk in the depot. I always park on the east side of the lot near the homes there. The woman in the depot told me that the residents there watch the lot pretty close.

You are welcome to park at my home. We have lot's of room for parking
. we are located near the east end of the trail. Maxine's Rooms for Rent.

My husband and I are wanting to bike the Katy trail the first part of Oct. I there any B&B's on the western end of the trail. Also is the trail open along the river?

Yes there are B&B's on the western end of the trail. Click on the town that you want to check about in the map above to find lodging, etc. in that town. The trail is open along the river.

My wife and I are planning to ride the trail in May or June. We would like to leave our car in St. Charles and somehow get to Clinton and ride back. Is there a train that goes to Clinton from St. Charles? Thanks for any info.

Sedalia is as far west you can go on the train. You could just start back from there or arrange a shuttle to take you to Clinton.

You should reserve the train especially with bikes. We have arranged a car service to take us to Clinton from Sedalia. It is called Davidson Car Service and their number is 660-596-1426. It is costing us $65 total but I couldn't find any other options. They will pick you up at the train station

need phone num. for shuttle service from warrenburg to clinton

Me and my dad stayed there and it was so much better then we thought it would be! Doug was so nice and hospitable. We had an amazing homecooked meal that was increadably fresh and tasty. Breakfast was the same! We had a lovly room and comfortable beds. We had nice warm showers that felt great after a hard day of biking. Doug made us feel at home! In a nutshell; nothing you'ed expect, exactly what you need!

Abby, you should think about a career in marketing. But as for Rendleman's B & B, you are so right. It's a great place. And Doug's cooking (note you get an evening meal and breakfast) is outstanding. I stayed there a couple of years ago with my husband and daughter and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Doug is definitley colorful and cool. His food spread is better than you'll find at your own house. However, there isn't a soft comfortable chair to be found for your road weary backside.

where is the flatest place to ride on the katy Trail, and where is the highest point?

Check out the elevation chart beneath the Milage Chart to help you see the highs and lows.

I road the Katy Trail for the first time last weekend, it was great, as i read some of the blogs some of the people on here take week long trips and ride 70 plus miles a day, how fast would you have to be going to ride that many miles and how long does it take them?

We have done the whole trail 3 times with tent and bags and food. We find that 67 miles pretty much and we are done. We do Sedalia to Easley, Easley to Hermann, Hermann to St Charles. Those are 61-67 mile days. We use hybrids not road bikes. We use slicks.

We do get passed by those on road bikes and they average about 12mph were as we usually average 9. That counts stops and eating and resturants.

Most of this just depends on how in-shape you are, how much you are willing to ride vs. sight-see, and how much saddle time you are willing to accept per day.

To take me for example, I left at sunup from Clinton and got to Sedalia at noon. About 36 miles on a November day. Granted, I'm not in great shape and was sightseeing as much as riding, but on a regular spring-summer day, 70 miles wouldn't have been out of the question.

It just depends more on what you're willing to do.

thanks for the info so it really all depeands on what you are will to do, i dont feel so bad now, we are planing on riding from Cliton to Winsor in the Morning we will see how that goes.

The KATY gives you all kinds of options. That's just one of the things that makes it such a special place. 25-30 stretches with chances to photos and sightseeing are fun. But I also find long, challenging days to be fun as well. Longest day I've done on the KATY is Clinton to Hartsburg.

Well wife and I did the ride from Cliton to Winsor man it was way to hot for me, I almost didnt make it back, anyway it was fun, I think we will do that again in october when the weather gets cooler, maybe a different leg, if any one has any suggestions let me know.