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.
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Tire size
- + will be riding the trail in Sept on road bikes. what tire size is recomended
Discussion started 08/10/2011 11:49 PM by J W - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 08/13/2011 06:52 PM)J W from Grand Junction Co on 08/10/2011 11:49 PM
will be riding the trail in Sept on road bikes. what tire size is recomended
Darrell from Jefferson City, MO. on 08/11/2011 04:10 AM
32's work very well. The trail is hard packed chat.
gene from Indiana on 08/11/2011 11:30 PM
Rode last September with 700C X 25's. It rode all right.
Clay from Albuquerque on 08/12/2011 11:52 PM
I rode a few weeks ago w/ 700x32 cyclocross knobbys that worked like a charm
Colorado Riders from Fruita, CO on 08/13/2011 06:18 PM
Hey, GJ! We have taken our both mountain bikes and hybrid trail bikes on the KATY and loved the ride each time. We are planning another trip for late September-early October and look forward to the colors! Enjoy your ride!
Anonymous on 08/13/2011 06:52 PM
I ride 28s on a fixed gear bike on the KATY. My buddy rides 25s on his road bike (nothing wider will fit his bike.) We don't seem to have any problems. You've got to watch loose gravel on the sides in some sections and for cracks in the trail if it has been especially dry. Enjoy! It's usually a beautiful time to be on the KATY.
Bluegrass in Hartsburg
- + This Sunday (8/14), our bluegrass band, Hickory Moon, will be performing at the gazebo in Volunteer Park starting at 2:00 PM. Stop by and join us for some great music and good times. Looks like the ...
Discussion started 08/12/2011 01:26 PM by Bud Ditzfeld, Mayor - 0 repliesBud Ditzfeld, Mayor from Hartsburg MO on 08/12/2011 01:26 PM
This Sunday (8/14), our bluegrass band, Hickory Moon, will be performing at the gazebo in Volunteer Park starting at 2:00 PM. Stop by and join us for some great music and good times. Looks like the weather will be perfect. We look forward to seeing everybody there. Thanks.
Defiance
- + Parsons House was a great place to stay. Very relaxing. Bike trail just a few blocks away. Norm, the inkeeper, is a wealth of knowledge about the local vinyards, history, and the Katy Trail.
Discussion started 08/12/2011 08:52 AM by Neuronerd - 0 repliesNeuronerd on 08/12/2011 08:52 AM
Parsons House was a great place to stay. Very relaxing. Bike trail just a few blocks away. Norm, the inkeeper, is a wealth of knowledge about the local vinyards, history, and the Katy Trail.
Clinton
- + Does anyone know a good route from Clinton to KC by bike?
Discussion started 08/01/2011 10:52 PM by Denny - 1 reply (last reply by jbbike at 08/11/2011 09:10 PM)Denny from Kansas City on 08/01/2011 10:52 PM
Does anyone know a good route from Clinton to KC by bike?
jbbike from columbia on 08/11/2011 09:10 PM
explore the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation website http://mobikefed.org/momaps.php#proposedroutes
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Night Riding
- + Plan on a ride to McKittrick-Hermann from Columbia MKT & back. Most likely on 8/19 returning the 21st. Was wanting to leave at around 3 a.m. to beat the heat, is it legal to ride during nighttime hou...
Discussion started 08/10/2011 12:46 AM by TKing - 2 replies (last reply by Jim at 08/11/2011 08:53 AM)TKing from Columbia,Mo. on 08/10/2011 12:46 AM
Plan on a ride to McKittrick-Hermann from Columbia MKT & back. Most likely on 8/19 returning the 21st. Was wanting to leave at around 3 a.m. to beat the heat, is it legal to ride during nighttime hours??
Pam from Independence on 08/10/2011 06:37 AM
State park hours are sunup to sundown. And riding at night is too safe on the trail.
Jim from St Thomas on 08/11/2011 08:53 AM
Your talking about doing a 150+ mile ride. I wouldn't want to be riding the pace you're going to have to do in the dark.
Camp grounds close to Hermann
- + Can anyone recommend a camp ground with hookups close to Hermann, MO? The Hermann campground is full over the weekend we are going to be there.Thanks in advance!
Discussion started 08/10/2011 10:46 AM by NF - 1 reply (last reply by SteveK at 08/10/2011 06:50 PM)NF from Fayetteville, AR on 08/10/2011 10:46 AM
Can anyone recommend a camp ground with hookups close to Hermann, MO? The Hermann campground is full over the weekend we are going to be there.
Thanks in advance!
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 08/10/2011 06:50 PM
Steamboat Junction Campground in Bluffton, MO is right on the trail about 10 miles west of Hermann and I believe they can accomodate RV's.
Flooded conditions from St. Charles to Machens
- + Does anyone know if the trail is still flooded between St. Charles and Machens? I rode about 3 weeks ago and couldn't get through.
Discussion started 08/05/2011 09:50 PM by MJM - 3 replies (last reply by Brad at 08/10/2011 01:50 PM)MJM from Crestwood, Missouri on 08/05/2011 09:50 PM
Does anyone know if the trail is still flooded between St. Charles and Machens? I rode about 3 weeks ago and couldn't get through.
Brad on 08/08/2011 11:30 AM
I just rode Weldon to Machens and back on Saturday. Trail conditions are fine all the way to Machens. St Charles to Machens is probably not a stretch I will ride in the future, however. Too many little hills and twists and turns for a recumbent (on/off levy, avoiding private property). It messes with my pace.
Al from St. Louis on 08/10/2011 10:02 AM
I'm going on the trail this aft. Is this stretch as pretty as Defiance-Augusta?
Brad from Wentzville, Mo on 08/10/2011 01:50 PM
No good views to speak of. Nothing you would be tempted to get your camera out for. Nice view of a coal burning power plant...
Farrington Park in Windsor
- + My family stayed at Farrington Park campground over the weekend. RV sites are now available in addition to the tent sites. Only $15 for elec/sewer/water site, shaded and near the shower house, which ...
Discussion started 06/13/2011 05:25 PM by Jodi - 1 reply (last reply by Jodi at 08/06/2011 05:36 PM)Jodi from Buckner on 06/13/2011 05:25 PM
My family stayed at Farrington Park campground over the weekend. RV sites are now available in addition to the tent sites. Only $15 for elec/sewer/water site, shaded and near the shower house, which was well maintained and secure. Water hookup quite a distance so bring a lengthy hose. Just a few blocks from the Katy. Park keeper very friendly and helpful. Look forward to staying there again.
Jodi from Buckner on 08/06/2011 05:36 PM
Stayed there again about 4 weeks later. New management? Not as available despite phone calls, messages, notes. Could never get someone to contact us with code to Ladies bathroom/shower. Our girls had to use Mens because luckily they hadn't changed that code since last time. Still a nice place, but management unavailable/unreachable this time. Be ready to be on your own and possibly unable to utilize shower house if you can't obtain codes.
Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel in Boonville
- + I was wondering are there any non-smoking casinos in KS and MO. I mean really no smoking at all.LlO, Me
Discussion started 08/05/2011 11:33 PM by Precious - 1 reply (last reply by Mike R at 08/06/2011 04:32 PM)Precious from Manhattan, KS on 08/05/2011 11:33 PM
I was wondering are there any non-smoking casinos in KS and MO. I mean really no smoking at all.
LlO, Me
Mike R from Saint Louis on 08/06/2011 04:32 PM
None in MO
AAA names Katy Trail "Best Bike Trail" in Midwest
- + http://www.ouraaa.com/traveler/mid/2011/07/fBest.htmlJul/Aug 2011 Issue of "AAA Traveler""If there were a report card for bicycle trails, the Katy Trail State Park would certainly be earning straight ...
Discussion started 08/04/2011 12:51 AM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 08/04/2011 12:51 AM
http://www.ouraaa.com/traveler/mid/2011/07/fBest.html
Jul/Aug 2011 Issue of "AAA Traveler"
"If there were a report card for bicycle trails, the Katy Trail State Park would certainly be earning straight A’s. In nearly every trail characteristic–including length, scenery, access and history–the park impresses its users, which number approximately 300,000 each year."
This site gets numerous mentions in the stories written as copy off of this. Definitely a great positive mention for what the Katy Trail is.
Augusta Brewing Co. in Augusta
- + My first time was in July, well worth the walk up the hill! The beer was cold and they had some specials, we had the rib plate which was very good. The dining area/yard was huge! (that might explain t...
Discussion started 08/03/2011 04:35 PM by Jeremy - 0 repliesJeremy from Edwardsville, Ill on 08/03/2011 04:35 PM
My first time was in July, well worth the walk up the hill! The beer was cold and they had some specials, we had the rib plate which was very good. The dining area/yard was huge! (that might explain the lack of table service.) It was HOT and the bartender warned us that they might close early due to the heat,(it was pretty slow and we were the only ones there) so I would call ahead if the weather conditions aren't optimal. Overall, wonderful experience.
Lower Street Inn in Augusta
- + Sally was a terrific host. The house and gardens are beautiful. We had a lovely time.
Discussion started 08/03/2011 09:22 AM by hollyhurl - 0 replieshollyhurl from carbondale, IL on 08/03/2011 09:22 AM
Sally was a terrific host. The house and gardens are beautiful. We had a lovely time.
B & L Shuttle in Sedalia
- + Cannot recommend B & L Shuttle. The driver showed up late and took nearly a half hour to untangle the straps on his broken down strap-on bike rack. If I had not assisted, it would have taken an hour...
Discussion started 08/02/2011 01:32 PM by Wil - 0 repliesWil on 08/02/2011 01:32 PM
Cannot recommend B & L Shuttle. The driver showed up late and took nearly a half hour to untangle the straps on his broken down strap-on bike rack. If I had not assisted, it would have taken an hour just to get the bikes loaded. The straps on the rack were all broken so he had to bungie the bikes on. For a company that promotes itself as a bike shuttle, this company does not have the equipment to do it right.
Goody's Steakburgers in Sedalia
- + We ate at Goody's on July 2, 2011. It was a great experience. The food was good, the service was friendly, and the atmosphere makes it well worth the mile or two diversion from the trail. We strong...
Discussion started 08/02/2011 01:23 PM by Wil - 0 repliesWil on 08/02/2011 01:23 PM
We ate at Goody's on July 2, 2011. It was a great experience. The food was good, the service was friendly, and the atmosphere makes it well worth the mile or two diversion from the trail. We strongly recommend it.
Carrie Lyn's Ice Cream Parlor (Boonville)
- + Ok, so I am biased because I live in Boonville, but you have to take a break from the trail and head downtown to try out Carrie Lyn's ice cream. They are sooooooooooooooooo good. Plus they do more t...
Discussion started 10/09/2010 11:51 PM by Robert - 2 replies (last reply by Pam at 08/01/2011 09:59 PM)Robert from Boonville, MO on 10/09/2010 11:51 PM
Ok, so I am biased because I live in Boonville, but you have to take a break from the trail and head downtown to try out Carrie Lyn's ice cream. They are sooooooooooooooooo good. Plus they do more than ice cream, they also have amazing sandwiches and even breakfast!
Robert from Boonville, MO on 10/09/2010 11:51 PM
Ok, so I am biased because I live in Boonville, but you have to take a break from the trail and head downtown to try out Carrie Lyn's ice cream. They are sooooooooooooooooo good. Plus they do more than ice cream, they also have amazing sandwiches and even breakfast!
Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 07/04/2011 08:03 AM
Yum. Well worth the detour from the trail. Take The Bellyache challenge if you dare.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 07/04/2011 08:03 AM
Yum. Well worth the detour from the trail. Take The Bellyache challenge if you dare.
Pam from Independence on 08/01/2011 09:59 PM
We saw the bellyache challenge. No way. Their ice cream was well worth the stop.
Pam from Independence on 08/01/2011 09:59 PM
We saw the bellyache challenge. No way. Their ice cream was well worth the stop.
Murph's in Treloar
- + 7/31/11A friend and I rode from Weldon Springs across to Murph's in Treloar to try their food after reading about them on this site. Our families drove over and met us for lunch at Murph's. The 1/2 l...
Discussion started 08/01/2011 06:43 PM by Biker57 - 0 repliesBiker57 from St. Peters, MO on 08/01/2011 06:43 PM
7/31/11
A friend and I rode from Weldon Springs across to Murph's in Treloar to try their food after reading about them on this site. Our families drove over and met us for lunch at Murph's. The 1/2 lb Murph burger as well as the 1/4 lb cheese burger and pork chop sandwiches hit the spot with our two families. Service was great and friendly in keeping our drink glasses full for us to re-hydrate after the almost +28 mile ride. We plan to make the trip again in one of our future trail rides.
Boonville Trailhead on North bank in Boonville
- + This trail Head is in the the original town of Franklin in Howard county not cooper
Discussion started 08/01/2011 03:37 PM by Jack Chipley - 0 repliesJack Chipley from New Franklin on 08/01/2011 03:37 PM
This trail Head is in the the original town of Franklin in Howard county not cooper
Beef Eaters Pub & Grill in St Charles
- + Very disappointed in both service and food.
Discussion started 08/01/2011 03:29 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 08/01/2011 03:29 PM
Very disappointed in both service and food.
Hartsburg - Summit Lake Winery
- + It appears that the Summit Lake Winery location in Hartsburg is now closed! We drove by the storefront after a Hartsburg-North Jefferson ride today, 30JUL2011, and noted "For Sale" signs and no lights...
Discussion started 07/30/2011 09:05 PM by Bill - 1 reply (last reply by Bud Ditzfeld, Mayor at 08/01/2011 12:45 PM)Bill from NearKC on 07/30/2011 09:05 PM
It appears that the Summit Lake Winery location in Hartsburg is now closed! We drove by the storefront after a Hartsburg-North Jefferson ride today, 30JUL2011, and noted "For Sale" signs and no lights. It was great to stop for a glass of wine after an outing...
Bud Ditzfeld, Mayor from Hartsburg, MO on 08/01/2011 12:45 PM
Indeed, the Hartsburg location did not open this year. I'd certainly love to see someone get in there and make a go of it. It's a great location and a fantastic facility. Who among you is looking for your dream business along the Katy Trail?
Davis Conservation
- + How is the trail around the Davis Conservation now that the waters have receded?
Discussion started 07/29/2011 02:37 PM by Pam - 3 replies (last reply by Pam at 07/31/2011 06:24 PM)Pam from Independence on 07/29/2011 02:37 PM
How is the trail around the Davis Conservation now that the waters have receded?
Pam from Independence on 07/30/2011 08:06 PM
Road it today. Answered my own question!! The water is right up next to the trail.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 07/31/2011 06:11 PM
So, how was the trail as the water has been over it for at least a little while during the last few months? As long as the Boonville Gauge stays in the 26' range, the water will be right on the edge of that trail. I don't think people really realize that we have narrowly avoided a real disaster for the trail this summer, so far, (and for that matter, farms and levees along the Missouri River) because if we would have received heavy rains combined with these high releases that the Corps says they had to do to protect the upstream integrity of the reservoirs, then we could easily have had record flooding that could have been higher than 1993.
Pam from Independence on 07/31/2011 06:24 PM
We were able to ride on the trail. It was wet dirt, not muddy, with some ruts, but we were so much in awe with the bluffs and waters in the two conservation areas west of Rocheport we didn't care. We were held up in Rocheport for 3 hours of rain before we headed back. The trail in those areas were really wet with a lot of puddles. I agree, we have dodged another catastrophic flood. I have watching the gauged all summer because we have two Katy Trail trips later this year.