Dormitory at School House B + B in Rocheport
- + As we are planning our first ride from Sedalia to St. Charles, I just had a question. We are staying at the Dormitory. How far is the Les Bourgeouis Bistro to the schoolhouse B&B? Is there any tran...
Discussion started 07/11/2011 08:20 PM by Newbie Katy Biker - 6 replies (last reply by Lisa - School House Innkeeper at 08/21/2011 10:50 AM)Newbie Katy Biker on 07/11/2011 08:20 PM
As we are planning our first ride from Sedalia to St. Charles, I just had a question. We are staying at the Dormitory. How far is the Les Bourgeouis Bistro to the schoolhouse B&B? Is there any transportation available if we are too weary to ride our bikes there?
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 07/11/2011 11:40 PM
It is a couple of miles, and they now have a path off of the Katy just east of Rocheport directly up to the winery. It is steep so you may have to hike part of it, but it is a lot better than trying to ride on the road to up there.
Dann from Willard on 07/12/2011 05:20 AM
We took the road from trailhead to the Bistro. And after using their path to get back on the Katy we were glad we took the road.their path is very steep. You would have to be a very experienced MT. Biker to ride up or down it. When we asked the guy working in the trail side bike shop where the restaurant was he suggested we take the hwy. It's just a little more than a mile from trailhead.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 07/13/2011 09:20 PM
I have rode both the highway and the trail and I prefer the trail. It is steep, I rode down it on a hybrid and had to hike up it most of the way. However, no way I get hit by a car on that trail, which is why I prefer it.
Todd from Kansas City on 07/14/2011 11:50 AM
We stayed at the SchoolHouse B&B in June and the owners of the B&B drove us to the Bistro, then returned to pick us up after dinner. I'm not sure they always do this, but we were the only ones staying at the B&B that evening.
Trek on 07/14/2011 09:46 PM
I've never seen traffic to be an issue on the road from the winery to Rocheport. It is up hill leaving town to go to the bistro.....but it's a nice peacefull downhill on the return to town.
Lisa - School House Innkeeper from Rocheport on 08/21/2011 10:50 AM
We are usually available after 6pm to shuttle our cyclist guests to and from the Bistro for dinner on Tuesdays-Saturdays since it is an uphill climb. Just call or send us an email before your arrival to let us know you will need transportation.
Update on Japanese Cyclist on Tandem - Late July
- + If anyone recalls seeing or meeting the Japanese cyclist, Tatsuya, on the KT in late July 2011 riding from New York to Los Angeles, I have an update. He and I met in Portland, MO on July 29 and excha...
Discussion started 08/19/2011 05:47 PM by Clay - 1 reply (last reply by Cathy at 08/20/2011 09:25 AM)Clay from Albuquerque on 08/19/2011 05:47 PM
If anyone recalls seeing or meeting the Japanese cyclist, Tatsuya, on the KT in late July 2011 riding from New York to Los Angeles, I have an update. He and I met in Portland, MO on July 29 and exchanged contact information. He is in New Mexico as of 8/19/11. I was able to give him a few patch kits as he had several flats riding Interstate 25 from Denver into New Mexico and was nearly out. I met him along our Rio Grande Bosque trail in the northern part of Albuquerque, we rode south and across the Rio Grande on our federally stimulus funded Gail Ryba Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, went to a Firestone carshop where a nice mechanic with a big wrench tightened his kickstand (huge bolt). We then proceeded west, parallel to Interstate 40, on Route 66 up Central Avenue to the far western outskirts of Albuquerque. We shared a snack and bid adieu. He is on a rushed schedule to ride 80-90 miles a day and be in Los Angeles by Aug 29.
His story can be found at http://cyclering88.tumblr.com
Cathy from Jefferson City on 08/20/2011 09:25 AM
Thanks for the update Clay. I did meet him and another rider from I think S.
Carolina that were riding together for a bit. We chatted at the N Jefferson trailhead and I found their stories so interesting. I contacted the Jefferson City News Tribune and they got a reporter and photographer to Hartsburg in time to meet these two young men. There was a great story in the Jefferson City paper the next day. I'll look at the website you gave.
N. Jefferson
- + We are planning a bike trip from Jefferson City to Herman. Can you tell me how the trail is between those points-hilly or relatively flat? Thanks!
Discussion started 08/20/2011 06:41 AM by DK - 1 reply (last reply by Doug at 08/20/2011 07:15 AM)DK from Grand Rapids, Michigan on 08/20/2011 06:41 AM
We are planning a bike trip from Jefferson City to Herman. Can you tell me how the trail is between those points-hilly or relatively flat? Thanks!
Doug from Bluffton on 08/20/2011 07:15 AM
Flat as it gets other than the few feet from the trail to get on to Hwy 19 and then the bridge over the Missouri River. They don't amount to 100 feet of elevation combined.
just finished entire trail
- + Just finished the entire trail. Started at 6 pm in Clinton on Wed July 27 and finished Mon morning 8/1 in Machens. First 16 miles from Clinton to Windsor was in the early evening. After that, I starte...
Discussion started 08/01/2011 07:42 PM by Clay - 7 replies (last reply by Clay at 08/19/2011 05:34 PM)Clay from Albuquerque NM on 08/01/2011 07:42 PM
Just finished the entire trail. Started at 6 pm in Clinton on Wed July 27 and finished Mon morning 8/1 in Machens. First 16 miles from Clinton to Windsor was in the early evening. After that, I started by 6 am and covered 60 miles to New Franklin, 73 miles from NF to Portland, 20 miles to Hermann (very nice town), 63 miles to St Chas, then the final 10 mile in to Machens/10 mile back. Extremely hot. Manageable with early morning departures, my loving wife providing tremendous support in a rented RV, vast amounts of trail shade, available publiic water (more in the west), tons of carbs and calories, and occasional rest. Tremendous history lesson, too, with all the Lewis & Clark sites. This trail is remarkable in so many ways. If anyone is interested in more detail, contact me offline at spoon24@swcp.com. Clay
Wil on 08/02/2011 01:07 PM
Was all of the trail open? When we rode over the 4th of July holiday, sections around Rocheport were closed due to flooding.
Pam from Independence on 08/02/2011 01:52 PM
They are all open.
Darrell from Jefferson City, MO. on 08/02/2011 05:12 PM
Congrats Clay, quite the feat, especially considering the heat.
Clay from Albuquerque NM on 08/02/2011 10:09 PM
Flooding was evident in a few areas, and only a short distance of the trail (< 1/4 mile) was even damp with mud that stuck to my tires. It was near the Overton area in the bluffs (as told to me by a local, but i never saw a reference to that name) where the fed govt bought out private farm land after the 1993 flood. There was one small bridge in the Augusta area that was one way because one side of it was leaning. But safe overall. For 240 miles, I thought the trail was surprisingly smooth.
Billy from Mokane on 08/05/2011 07:29 PM
Thanks for an informative report Clay.
gotpugs from Indian Rocks Beach, Florida on 08/17/2011 01:57 PM
I will be riding between Machens and Clifton City with a tour group in October on a recumbent with narrow street tires and want to know if my bike will be able to handle the terrain of the trail. I appreciate your response.
Clay from Albuquerque on 08/19/2011 05:34 PM
Narrow street tires could work, but truthfully I found my cyclocross knobbies to work very well by providing a level of cushion to the trail. I felt very little resistance where rubber met pug and was able to comfortably average 12-13 mph. The trail is remarkably smooth throughout, but I will say that the first 10 miles from Machens to St. Charles was lumpy in long stretches. It was recently constructed. I have a zoomed in pic of the surface, as well as some wider views. Contact me offline and I'll send them. Good luck. Clay
Great Hotel
- + We stayed at the Hotel Bothwell our 1st night. We rode AMTRAK to Sedalia and the hotel was just a few blocks from there. The train was late, so the restaurant stayed open just to serve us. The fami...
Discussion started 07/14/2011 10:59 AM by Paige - 1 reply (last reply by Karen L at 08/18/2011 08:18 PM)Paige from Orlando, FL on 07/14/2011 10:59 AM
We stayed at the Hotel Bothwell our 1st night. We rode AMTRAK to Sedalia and the hotel was just a few blocks from there. The train was late, so the restaurant stayed open just to serve us. The family suite had 2 bedrooms and was very nicely appointed. Plus there is a discount for Katy trail riders which made our day! I would definitely go back.
Karen L from Sullivan MO on 08/18/2011 08:18 PM
I agree. It was a great hotel....very comfortable and unique! We too rode the Amtrak in that night and ate at the restaurant. Really enjoyed the hotel!
Lindenhof Bed & Breakfast in Augusta
- + Beautiful home. Wonderful food. Outstanding B&B. Best on the trail!
Discussion started 08/16/2011 06:37 AM by Denise and Randy - 1 reply (last reply by Karen L at 08/18/2011 08:06 PM)Denise and Randy from Wentworth on 08/16/2011 06:37 AM
Beautiful home. Wonderful food. Outstanding B&B. Best on the trail!
Karen L from Sullivan MO on 08/18/2011 08:06 PM
We loved it too. We stayed there on the 7th of August! Beautifully furnished and very relaxing!
Columbia
- + What is the nearest trail entrance close to Columbia if you're heading east? I intend to overnight there and take 2 days to get to St. Charles.
Discussion started 08/16/2011 01:32 PM by careyr - 4 replies (last reply by Lisa at 08/18/2011 10:17 AM)careyr from Nashville TN on 08/16/2011 01:32 PM
What is the nearest trail entrance close to Columbia if you're heading east? I intend to overnight there and take 2 days to get to St. Charles.
Anonymous on 08/16/2011 02:46 PM
Spend the night in Columbia, hook up to the MKT Spur for a short ride to the Katy. We've done it before, leaving the car in a parking garage in The District area north of MU campus.
Gary Near from Tebbetts on 08/16/2011 11:33 PM
If you plan to start your trip around September 9th - 10th you would be able to experience the Columbia MO ROOTSnBLUESnBBQ festival.
http://www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com/
A great way to start your trip.
Lisa from Belton, MO on 08/18/2011 10:14 AM
We have started at the Flatbranch Park in Columbia on two different occasions. It is literally across the street from the Flatbranch brewery (very good place for a bite of lunch and a beer!) It is very easy to find and convenient. The MKT joins the Katy Trail after about 9 miles. If you are headed east, you could overnight in Augusta, MO in Missouri's wine country, and finish the next day in St. Charles. There is a parking garage close to the Flatbranch, but a friend paid a $25 fine when she left her bike there on a Friday and returned on Sunday. Apparently weekends are free, but Friday was not.
Lisa from Belton, MO on 08/18/2011 10:17 AM
Just re-read my post. My friend left HER CAR in Columbia, she was riding her bike! Oops!
bike themed hotel on Katy Trail?
- + I read about a bike-themed boutique hotel on the Katy Trail a few years ago. It catered to cyclists, had bike-themed decor, etc. I can't find anything online now and don't recall a name or location....
Discussion started 08/18/2011 10:07 AM - 0 repliesAnonymous from pittsburgh, pa on 08/18/2011 10:07 AM
I read about a bike-themed boutique hotel on the Katy Trail a few years ago. It catered to cyclists, had bike-themed decor, etc. I can't find anything online now and don't recall a name or location. Does this place ring a bell to anyone?
Thanks!
Clinton to Boonville
- + Myself and my brother are doing a three day trip on the trail starting in Clinton. I'm 33 and my brother is 31, we are both in pretty good shape. It is a hard trip making it all the way from Clinton ...
Discussion started 08/10/2011 09:17 PM by Lee - 5 replies (last reply by Jules at 08/17/2011 04:06 PM)Lee from Kansas City, MO on 08/10/2011 09:17 PM
Myself and my brother are doing a three day trip on the trail starting in Clinton. I'm 33 and my brother is 31, we are both in pretty good shape. It is a hard trip making it all the way from Clinton to Boonville on the first day?
Skyguy9999 on 08/10/2011 10:50 PM
It depends on whether you can handle 72 miles or not, in addition to the rest of the distance. And with the rolling resistance of the limestone, it's almost like doing more compared to a smooth surface. The question becomes is this hard to you given your fitness level?
kevin from Jefferson City on 08/11/2011 12:51 PM
70 miles on limestone is like 90 miles on pavement. If you can do 90 road miles and still want to ride the next day, go for it.
Jason from Hammond, Indiana on 08/17/2011 09:19 AM
I rode from Boonville to Clinton a few months ago. It's doable. I think I made it to my destination in the later afternoon. The main thing is to stay on the bike and keep peddling. If 7 or 8 hours of that is alright with you, I say go for it.
Kevin from Overland Park on 08/17/2011 12:10 PM
The key is saddle time. Being young and in good shape won't entirely offset the pain in the backside.
Jules from Lake Saint Louis on 08/17/2011 04:06 PM
I did it and I'm 14 years older than you, plus I took the Defiance shuttle to Clinton and so did not get on the trail until about 1:00. Arrived in Boonville around dark, rolling into the Hotel Franklin on a flat tire. Kevin is right, pre-condition your butt and you will be fine. Just keep other options open in case of inclement weather or equipment problems.
Sports Bars
- + Will be riding from Sedalia to Hartsburg or N.Jefferson on a Saturday in the Fall, and folks riding with me would like to stop to watch a football game. The game is at 2:30 and we plan to leave Sedal...
Discussion started 08/04/2011 02:59 PM by Zachary - 5 replies (last reply by Susie at 08/16/2011 06:59 PM)Zachary from Omaha, NE on 08/04/2011 02:59 PM
Will be riding from Sedalia to Hartsburg or N.Jefferson on a Saturday in the Fall, and folks riding with me would like to stop to watch a football game. The game is at 2:30 and we plan to leave Sedalia at 7am. I know I can find a bar in Boonville, and N. Jefferson, any other places along this route? Boonville is only 37.2 miles, N Jefferson is 85.8, so something in the middle would be best.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 08/04/2011 04:20 PM
You can try the Big Muddy or the Hitching Post in Hartsburg. Not sure if the Hitching Post has TV. The Big Muddy does, but doesn't open until 3pm.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 08/04/2011 04:38 PM
or, you could take the MKT spur to Columbia. The Shiloh Bar & Grill is right off the trail at Flat Branch Park.
Zachary from Omaha, NE on 08/08/2011 10:17 AM
I thought the Shiloh would be perfect but it sounds like they don't want to add the 18 miles round trip to head there. I will have to check the Big Muddy. The game is a pretty deap cut anyways, Nebraska V Minnisota.. it has to be a pretty serious sports bar to have that one.
Chris on 08/08/2011 06:34 PM
This reminds me of Rain Man "Oh,Oh, five minutes to Wapner, five minutes to Wapner" [slap sides of head with both hands]
Susie from Hartsburg on 08/16/2011 06:59 PM
Hartsburg has 2 sports bars for watching the game. They should both be open.
Calhoun
- + Is the Whistle Stop still open?
Discussion started 08/15/2011 08:22 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 08/15/2011 08:22 PM
Is the Whistle Stop still open?
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Calhoun
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=4607&tonly=1
Treloar
- + My friends and I got stranded in Treloar due to approaching darkness and the kind folks in the Treloar bar took such good care of us! You will never meet a finer group of people.
Discussion started 08/15/2011 08:11 PM by Andrew - 0 repliesAndrew from Ofallon mo on 08/15/2011 08:11 PM
My friends and I got stranded in Treloar due to approaching darkness and the kind folks in the Treloar bar took such good care of us! You will never meet a finer group of people.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Treloar
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=4606&tonly=1
Snakes on the trail
- + While riding between Clifton City and Pilot Grove this weekend, my friend had the bad luck of running over a big copperhead. His good luck was not getting bit! :) That was a big copperhead, about 2...
Discussion started 08/15/2011 08:19 AM by Pistolero45 - 1 reply (last reply by Murf at 08/15/2011 05:37 PM)Pistolero45 from Columbia on 08/15/2011 08:19 AM
While riding between Clifton City and Pilot Grove this weekend, my friend had the bad luck of running over a big copperhead. His good luck was not getting bit! :) That was a big copperhead, about 2 foot long and thick as your wrist. This is the third time I've seen a copperhead on the trail. Be careful!
Murf from Jeff City on 08/15/2011 05:37 PM
My wife and I also rode that stretch this past Saturday, but didn't see a copperhead. A few years ago, she also ran over a large copperhead in this same area---between mm 208 and 209. We don't know if we severely injured it or just stunned it because it didn't move off the trail. This seems a popular area for snakes.
Steedman - Camping?
- + Does anyone have any information about camping in at Steedman? The symbol legends indicate camping, but I don't see any information about it.
Discussion started 08/14/2011 10:59 PM by Michael - 1 reply (last reply by SteveK at 08/15/2011 12:29 AM)Michael from Kansas on 08/14/2011 10:59 PM
Does anyone have any information about camping in at Steedman? The symbol legends indicate camping, but I don't see any information about it.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 08/15/2011 12:29 AM
The last time I was by there a few months ago the place that had camping, the bar in Steedman, was closed and looked like a junk yard. Mokane, which is about 4 miles west, does allow camping(although it is primitive) in their city park.
Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin
- + I camped here on July 19, 2011. Very friendly host and $6 for just one person. The shower facility was comfortable and clean. The campsite was well shaded too.
Discussion started 08/14/2011 09:06 AM by AKillen - 0 repliesAKillen from Kansas Ctiy on 08/14/2011 09:06 AM
I camped here on July 19, 2011. Very friendly host and $6 for just one person. The shower facility was comfortable and clean. The campsite was well shaded too.
Volunteer Park in Hartsburg
- + I stayed in the park on July 20, 2011. It was a nice rest under the gazebo and the people of Hartsburg were very friendly. Bring a flashlight (for late night needs) and you'll be able to use the res...
Discussion started 08/14/2011 09:03 AM by AKillen - 0 repliesAKillen from Kansas Ctiy on 08/14/2011 09:03 AM
I stayed in the park on July 20, 2011. It was a nice rest under the gazebo and the people of Hartsburg were very friendly. Bring a flashlight (for late night needs) and you'll be able to use the restroom at the trail head (50 yards).
City Park (Pilot Grove)
- + Camped here on June 26th, 2010 without calling ahead or anything and everything worked out fine. There is a sign at the trailhead that says to call the sherrifs office to make sure that it is okay- it...
Discussion started 08/24/2010 11:37 PM by Allie - 2 replies (last reply by AKillen at 08/14/2011 08:26 AM)Allie from Warrensburg, MO on 08/24/2010 11:37 PM
Camped here on June 26th, 2010 without calling ahead or anything and everything worked out fine. There is a sign at the trailhead that says to call the sherrifs office to make sure that it is okay- it is a small town and they just want to know who is there. They will also send someone over to unlock the bathroom, a very sweet old man and his wife who live right on the other side of the pool who will do almost anything to make sure you are comfortable- as much as offering their home to you if the weather turns bad!
Allie from Warrensburg, MO on 08/24/2010 11:37 PM
Camped here on June 26th, 2010 without calling ahead or anything and everything worked out fine. There is a sign at the trailhead that says to call the sherrifs office to make sure that it is okay- it is a small town and they just want to know who is there. They will also send someone over to unlock the bathroom, a very sweet old man and his wife who live right on the other side of the pool who will do almost anything to make sure you are comfortable- as much as offering their home to you if the weather turns bad!
Jeff Collins from Jefferson City on 04/28/2011 02:21 PM
It's good to know there are still good people aout there willing to do good deeds.
Jeff Collins from Jefferson City on 04/28/2011 02:21 PM
It's good to know there are still good people aout there willing to do good deeds.
AKillen from Kansas Ctiy on 08/14/2011 08:26 AM
The number to call about camping is the Pilot Grove PD (660) 834-4300.
AKillen from Kansas Ctiy on 08/14/2011 08:26 AM
The number to call about camping is the Pilot Grove PD (660) 834-4300.
Clinton
- + Can anyone tell me how level and how smooth the trail is between Clinton and Sedalia. I have a recumbent that probably really belongs on pavement and doesn't like hills. I've ridden the rest of the ...
Discussion started 08/08/2011 11:40 AM by Brad - 5 replies (last reply by mike and diane at 08/13/2011 07:58 PM)Brad from Wentzville, Mo on 08/08/2011 11:40 AM
Can anyone tell me how level and how smooth the trail is between Clinton and Sedalia. I have a recumbent that probably really belongs on pavement and doesn't like hills. I've ridden the rest of the trail numerous times with no issues - just not this stretch.
kevin from Jefferson City on 08/08/2011 01:16 PM
Check http://www.bikekatytrail.com/elevations.aspx for elevations. Looks like rolling hills, but not awful.
Skyguy9999 on 08/08/2011 08:49 PM
You'll have the regular issues with roads and bumping over them, but there isn't anything that qualifies as something other than "flat". It should be the same kind of surface and condition as the rest of the trail.
Brad from Wentzville, Mo on 08/09/2011 02:12 PM
Thanks guys.
Jim from St Thomas on 08/11/2011 08:57 AM
The stretch between Clifton City and Pilot Grove is a steady uphill grade.
mike and diane from merriam ks on 08/13/2011 07:58 PM
I have a short wheel bace recumbent and I have redden both ways from clinton to Sedalia and back again. I did it last year and I had no trouble. we stayed at the cabooses for the night.