Amtrak Question ???
- + I have purchased my Amtrak ticket and paid the extra 10 bucks for my bike. How is Amtrak about overbooking? Is there a chance I'll show up and they say "sorry all bike racks are taken"? I've been jerk...
Discussion started 09/28/2006 07:40 AM by Paulie - 23 replies (last reply by Billy at 07/30/2011 07:55 AM)Paulie from Knoxville TN on 09/28/2006 07:40 AM
I have purchased my Amtrak ticket and paid the extra 10 bucks for my bike. How is Amtrak about overbooking? Is there a chance I'll show up and they say "sorry all bike racks are taken"? I've been jerked around by the airlines so much over the last few years I don't know what to expect.
Thanks, Paulie
Austin from Longmont, CO on 09/28/2006 10:15 PM
You should be fine, last time I rode it, they had us put one of the bikes in the overhead bin, and I put mine on a shelf in the back of the car. Here's a picture of the setup
http://www.pbase.com/rkymthiker/image/60571040/original
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 09/29/2006 07:40 AM
Thanks Austin, I was under the impression that there are bike racks on the train but the overhead works for me. See ya'll on the Katy !
Paulie
Nails on 10/01/2006 01:29 PM
I'm not sure why Austin has his bike in the overhead bin. The standard practice for the Amtrak Ann Rutledge/Mule is that they remove a row of sheets on each of two cars. They'll sell a maximum of 4 bike tickets per train. If you've got a bike ticket, there's a place reserved for your bike.
Jim from Carter Lake, IA on 10/03/2006 11:36 PM
3 of us plan to ride from Clinton to St. Charles and then ride the train back to Sedalia. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get to Kirkwood? It looks like very congested roads.
Ray (webmaster) on 10/04/2006 04:42 PM
Damon from Kansas City, MO on 10/05/2006 04:19 PM
To Nails: The reason I have my bike up in the overhead bin is because that is where the conductor told me to put it. The removal of a row of "sheets" was not an option for us. I think you must be getting special treatment since it's probably tough for you to lift an electrically assisted bike in the overhead bins.
TRinJboro from Jonesboro, AR on 10/06/2006 08:28 AM
It's been a year and a half since I rode the Amtrack from Hermann to Sedelia. However, I simply stood at the entrance to the car, the conductor took hold of the front of my bike, told me to lift the rear and we carried it in the front of the car in which I was riding. It looked like a space where they had removed a row of seats. Very simple. There was only about 15 riders on the entire train, so they could have removed seats from an entire car if need be. Hopefully, their ridership has improved since then.
Brian from Wichita, KS on 10/06/2006 01:17 PM
I'll be riding a portion of the trail the week of 10/16 (first time!) and have a train ticket with bicycle add-on from Jeff City to Sedalia, so I'll see what the current practice is, I guess. I'll let y'all know how that goes.
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 10/06/2006 10:43 PM
I just got back from my 3 day Katy trip. Amtrak was GREAT. They were nice as could be and even helped me with my bike. I can't beleive more people don't use this service.
Paulie
Nails on 10/08/2006 09:40 PM
The only special treatment I got was that they let me sneak my tandem on (which is against "policy"). When I referred to the removal of a row of seats (of course I didn't mean sheets), I don't mean they took them out as I boarded. Rather, this row is always missing for the bike tickets they allot. Don't know where the electrically assisted bike comment is coming from.
Jim Pearson from Lincoln, Nebraska on 10/10/2006 12:03 PM
My wife and I just completed the katy trail last week, we had AmTrak tickets way in advance and had paid the $10.00 extra for each of our bikes. I was told they will not overbook the bikes so if you have tickets for your bikes you should be okay. We got on at the Kirkwood stations and went to Sedalia. The conductor at Kirkwood was very helpful, they had removed some cushions from some seats and there were a total of five bikes on the train, he even helps us get them up the steps and helped unload at Sedalia. We sat right across from our bikes.
Kathy Ware from Nashville, TN on 10/17/2006 09:00 PM
My children and I rode the first week of October and had no problem whatsoever - we paid the extra $10 also. I can't imagine there being and overbooked situation ever - we were the only three people in the entire third car of the train tht day. You'll be fine.
Brian from Wichita, KS on 10/23/2006 02:13 PM
I had no problem getting my bike on board at the Jefferson City station. The station volunteer helped me get it up the steps & the conductor helped get it back down upon arrival at Sedalia. On board, at the conductor's direction, I just tucked the bike into an area behind the seats in the empty adjacent car. I had the bicycle ticket - which at $10 cost me 10 cents more than the AAA rate for myself! Still, I consider the whole thing to be quite a bargain. The only issue was that none of the station volunteers had much of a clue about the process for bikes, so I had to wait around for the conductor's instructions. I guess I should be happy there were volunteers at all, since many of the stations are completely unmanned. The whole train trip was enjoyable, though, with the exception of the nearly 2-hour-late departure! The train car was clean, roomy, and rode very quietly & smoothly.
janet from lawrence kansas on 10/31/2006 02:18 PM
I rode from Hermann to Sedalia on a Sat. morning (10/28/06). This meant that I first took the connecting bus to Jeff City because of track repairs. I was the only biker (solo, 65 yr old woman). The bus driver put my bike by itself,in a compartment under the bus and unloaded it for me. At Jeff City I loaded my pack and then my bike on the train myself. The "extra room" at the end of the coach car was already filled with luggage, so the conductor told me to put the bike in what I assume was a first class car that had no passengers. None of the luggage areas had racks to hang a bike, and the space for luggage is not long enough to fit a bike, so the front wheel stuck out in the aisle.
J&K from Drexel MO on 11/03/2006 08:00 PM
Does anyone know if Amtrak will haul a short wheelbase recumbent?
Nails, on 11/11/2006 01:14 PM
I know someone that got a long wheelbase recumbent on Amtrak. Like my tandem, they gave him a bit of grief, but let him on anyway.
Jules from Lake Saint Louis on 09/14/2008 03:34 PM
I and a friend are riding the Katy from Clinton to St. Charles on 9/26-29, taking Amtrak to Sedalia and getting a shuttle to Clinton. The Amtrak reservationist told me I'd need to remove my front tire and pedals in order to stow the bike on the train rack. Anyone else had to do this?
Dick Gabriel from Marietta, GA on 09/15/2008 07:56 AM
I can give you "up to the minute" info on this. My wife and I are riding the Katy this week (in Boonville today). You can only reserve 4 bikes spots on the trains at the Amtrak website. Because we could not get bike resv., we had to change plans, so I rode train #313 yesterday. I asked the conductor if they permitted exceptions (there were 3 bikes on the train I rode==thus the reason we could not get spots for our two! His comment, "I'm a biker too, and we try to accomodate folks and allow extra bikes whenever we can, if the train is not too full". On my train there were three coach cars, with no one in the third car, except the conductor and one other railroad peronnel. The other cars were less than 1/4 full. So bottom line, I don't think you would have a problem in boarding with your bike without a resv. Email me if you want any other info.
Anonymous on 09/15/2008 03:40 PM
With Amtrak you are "probably" OK with a ticket for your bike... But they have been known to not have the reservations in the system or whatever excuse more than they should.. I would always double check them as close as possible to your boarding time.
Tripp from St Louis on 09/16/2008 08:09 PM
My boss and his wife took their bikes on the train a few years ago. They had made bike reservations but nonetheless were told they had to disassemble their bikes and place them on the overhead racks. I think it depends on the conductor as to how you're treated. There is absolutely no reason why someone who has made a bike reservation should be placing the bike in an overhead rack.
Curtis from Flagstaff, AZ on 07/29/2011 02:29 AM
does anyone have any info on bike accommodations on trains headed from out of state? My girlfriend and I will be headed from Flagstaff, AZ to Warrensburg. I am not sure if the "Southwest Chief" (name of the train) allows bikes and the woman who answered the phones this evening at amtrak could not give me a clear answer. I was told "I think like you have to like take off your handlebars and chain or something and like put it in a box ya'know?" I will call again tomorrow or stop by the station to get a concrete answer.
Cunninghamair from St louis on 07/29/2011 07:33 AM
(Be aware you've resurrected an old thread.). I found Amtrak's website most accurate. Our station was unattended, but conductor's were very aware of bicycle policy and didnt blink. If you can book a ticket with "bicycle" option, then its allowed.
Billy from Mokane on 07/30/2011 07:55 AM
You cannot check out your ticket or reservations enough on Amtrak when traveling with a bike. Make sure you have a confirmed ticket for you and each bike.
tent camping
- + is thera place to tent camp close to st. charles
Discussion started 07/26/2011 10:15 AM by dave - 2 replies (last reply by gene at 07/28/2011 11:33 PM)dave on 07/26/2011 10:15 AM
is thera place to tent camp close to st. charles
steveK from saint louis, MO on 07/26/2011 02:35 PM
Klondike Park, MM64, is right on the trail, and about 25 miles from downtown St. Charles.
gene from Indiana on 07/28/2011 11:33 PM
If you are coming from the East on I-270, there is a KOA campground at Granite City, IL. I've stayed there several times and has decent tent camping sites at $25 per night. Decent showers. Take the last exit in IL and go south a few hundred yards to the stop light, turn left and go over the rr tracks, then look for the KOA sign within 50 yards on the right. It's back in a little but a decent place.
Easley
- + I was therre afew years ago,and I seen a campground with Native American Teepee's on it.I thought it was neet overlooking the Mighty Mo.I just cant remember the name of the campground(atleast I'm almo...
Discussion started 07/27/2011 03:34 PM by spottedwolf - 1 reply (last reply by MidSouth at 07/28/2011 11:30 AM)spottedwolf from Floridana Beach,Florida on 07/27/2011 03:34 PM
I was therre afew years ago,and I seen a campground with Native American Teepee's on it.I thought it was neet overlooking the Mighty Mo.I just cant remember the name of the campground(atleast I'm almost certain,it was a campground).
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 07/28/2011 11:30 AM
That would be the Riverview General Trading Store in Wilton, between Easley & Hartsburg. I've never actually seen anyone camped there.
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Sedalia
- + is the ramada inn okay to bike to? if you have your choice state fair weekend bothwell or ramada? the pool is tempting at the rammada. i know bothwell will be closer. thanks for all the help on my st...
Discussion started 07/27/2011 01:37 PM by alpacaangel - 2 replies (last reply by Skyguy9999 at 07/27/2011 11:31 PM)alpacaangel from st. louis on 07/27/2011 01:37 PM
is the ramada inn okay to bike to? if you have your choice state fair weekend bothwell or ramada? the pool is tempting at the rammada. i know bothwell will be closer. thanks for all the help on my state fair adventure!
Darrell from Jefferson City, MO. on 07/27/2011 05:59 PM
Have never stayed at the Ramada or Bothwell but,,,
Last year I rode the Katy over and stayed at the Best Western south of the fair grounds, South Limit (65) at W.32nd. It is not a bad ride through a residential area to the fair. Where ever, I'm sure you are but just in case, I will say, make reservations in advance, Sedalia is a busy place during the fair.
Skyguy9999 on 07/27/2011 11:31 PM
the Ramada Inn is on the corner of 50 and Winchester. It looks like the best approach to be able to get there is a roughly 2.25 mile ride from where the Katy crosses Clarendon Road. The problem you will have in making this run is that I see no way around going on Y Highway (16th street) or Thompson Blvd for a short time. Given your description, you will have the typical fair traffic, which may or may not be your cup of tea. Other than that, I don't think the possible roads are that bad if you are generally used to road traffic in riding your bike.
The Best Western (I see no relatively majorly traveled roads that way) or Bothwell are probably the best options when it comes to the ride to get there.
But again YMMV and what you are comfortable with. Hope this helps.
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Amtrak is back on Normal Schedule
- + The local news reported last night that Amtrak is back on it's regular schedule between Kansas City and St. Louis.
Discussion started 07/27/2011 09:30 PM by Cathy - 0 repliesCathy from Jefferson City on 07/27/2011 09:30 PM
The local news reported last night that Amtrak is back on it's regular schedule between Kansas City and St. Louis.
Questions on what articles to take
- + The wife and I are planning on making the trek from N. Jefferson City to Marthasville around the end of September and were wanting to know what supplies would be good to take with us.
Discussion started 07/27/2011 06:51 PM by The Berry People - 1 reply (last reply by Cathy at 07/27/2011 09:26 PM)The Berry People from The Capitol on 07/27/2011 06:51 PM
The wife and I are planning on making the trek from N. Jefferson City to Marthasville around the end of September and were wanting to know what supplies would be good to take with us.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 07/27/2011 09:26 PM
That's about 66 miles. Are you going to do it in one day or more? Regardless, I suggest you have the Katy Trail map (there's plenty at the N.Jefferson trail head), water, (as much as you can carry) snacks, money, change (in case you are at a small town with no store/food place, but there is a soda machine you can use) a camera to record the great time you're going to have, cell phone to call for help, if you can repair your own bike tire a repair kit for that in case you have a flat, sun block, bug spray. If you're on the trail at dusk sometimes you'll run in places with gnats, mosquitoes, or such. They aren't bad while you're biking, but when you stop they can be annoying.
Trail Closure due to flooding
- + I would like to ride the Katy trail tomorrow from rocheport east. Could someone please help me determine whether there are any trail closings due to the flooding?
Discussion started 07/27/2011 09:20 PM by Mike T - 0 repliesMike T from Kansas City, MO on 07/27/2011 09:20 PM
I would like to ride the Katy trail tomorrow from rocheport east. Could someone please help me determine whether there are any trail closings due to the flooding?
Dotty's Cafe in Hartsburg
- + Dotty's is wonderful. She took great care of us. Amazing omelets. Plenty of cold water. A great diner on the trail. http://trozzolopassinglane.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/without-a-goal-there’s-no-arriva...
Discussion started 07/27/2011 08:09 PM by Jeff - 0 repliesJeff from Lee's Summit on 07/27/2011 08:09 PM
Dotty's is wonderful. She took great care of us. Amazing omelets. Plenty of cold water. A great diner on the trail.
http://trozzolopassinglane.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/without-a-goal-there’s-no-arrival/
favorite bike for the trail?
- + I'm wondering what the preferred bike is for riding the trail and carrying some moderate camping gear. It looks like standard rentals are a Fuji Crosstown 2.0, a Jamis Explorer 1, and the Trek 7.1fx....
Discussion started 07/27/2011 02:10 PM by marcia - 0 repliesmarcia from anchorage on 07/27/2011 02:10 PM
I'm wondering what the preferred bike is for riding the trail and carrying some moderate camping gear. It looks like standard rentals are a Fuji Crosstown 2.0, a Jamis Explorer 1, and the Trek 7.1fx. Any advice?
Sedalia
- + how far is the state fair from the katy trail? can it be biked to?
Discussion started 07/26/2011 08:46 PM by alpacaangel - 3 replies (last reply by Pam at 07/27/2011 01:46 PM)alpacaangel on 07/26/2011 08:46 PM
how far is the state fair from the katy trail? can it be biked to?
Gary Near from Tebbetts on 07/26/2011 10:12 PM
The trail goes right next to the state fair grounds. Click on Sedalia on the above trail route. The state fair grounds is the large area just west of Hwy 65.
Skyguy9999 on 07/26/2011 10:45 PM
Yes, it's actually within a very short walking distance of the trail. The Katy actually goes along the Fairground property and you can see a good view of the other side of the race track (opposite the grandstand - I got a picture of it when I rode).
If you look at the Sedalia map as posted on this site, start by looking for Clarendon Road, and then follow the marked trail out to 65 highway. This section runs near the fairgrounds.
Pam from Independence on 07/27/2011 01:46 PM
This trailhead is the western start of the equestrian portion of the trail. The TH is right at the state fairgrounds.
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The Pilot Grove Bed and Breakfast in Pilot Grove
- + Delores was delightful and shared some good stories about when this was originally a parsonage (guy raised chickens in the dresser drawers upstairs!). Delicious breakfast and good company, and husband...
Discussion started 07/15/2011 06:37 PM by Mr. G - 2 replies (last reply by Pam at 07/26/2011 08:17 PM)Mr. G from Galena, IN on 07/15/2011 06:37 PM
Delores was delightful and shared some good stories about when this was originally a parsonage (guy raised chickens in the dresser drawers upstairs!). Delicious breakfast and good company, and husband Virgil stopped by. Their lives are in transition away from working a 1,000-acre farm and, probably, the B&B. Hope someone buys it and keeps it a success.
Lisa from Kansas City on 07/26/2011 05:23 PM
I would like to echo what was already said. Dolores was a fabulous hostess! We spoke with her about 25 miles out from Pilot Grove when we realized it would dark when we arrived. She offered to come get us at any time if we needed her to and was waiting for us at the trailhead when we arrived in Pilot Grove. She makes a great breakfast and we enjoyed talking to her and her husband, Virgil.
Pam from Independence on 07/26/2011 08:17 PM
Delores is a gem!!!
Vinchester Inn in Hermann
- + I would highly recommend staying at the Vinchester Inn (now that it is under new management). The rates are very reasonable and the rooms are comfortable and clean. There is bike storage available a...
Discussion started 07/26/2011 05:31 PM by Lisa - 0 repliesLisa from Kansas City on 07/26/2011 05:31 PM
I would highly recommend staying at the Vinchester Inn (now that it is under new management). The rates are very reasonable and the rooms are comfortable and clean. There is bike storage available and continental breakfast (juice, coffee, and packaged breakfast items). They recommended eating at the Concert Hall/Barrel Bar, where we sampled local wine, had excellent customer service, and good food!
Pro-Velo in Sedalia
- + Nice to see their bike rack in front on Ohio St. in heart of downtown. Friendly, helpful, glad to see you. We christened the beginning of our trip with a visit because it is good karma to support the...
Discussion started 07/15/2011 06:55 PM by Mr. G - 1 reply (last reply by Lisa at 07/26/2011 05:11 PM)Mr. G from Galena, IN on 07/15/2011 06:55 PM
Nice to see their bike rack in front on Ohio St. in heart of downtown. Friendly, helpful, glad to see you. We christened the beginning of our trip with a visit because it is good karma to support the local bike shop when traveling on two wheels.
Lisa from Kansas City on 07/26/2011 05:11 PM
Three friends and I began our journey in Clinton and about 3 miles east of Sedalia, a stick did some MAJOR damage to my bike. The rear derailleur snapped off and was bent at a 90 degree angle. Needless to say, I was in need of a bike shop! After calling Pro-Velo several times with no answer, two of us decided to bike back into town. After having someone pick up my bike from the trail and bring it to the shop, Ebby stayed past closing time to fix my bike and get us on our way! Don't be discouraged when no one answers the phone, it just means they are busy with a customer. We experienced great customer service and friendly people at Pro-Velo!
Pleasant Green
- + Has anyone been through here? I read about an old church in Brett Dufur's book and was wondering if it's easy to find. I'm a history teacher, old building intrigue me.
Discussion started 04/26/2007 03:36 PM by DougK - 7 replies (last reply by Loren Albrecht at 07/26/2011 03:46 PM)DougK from Troy on 04/26/2007 03:36 PM
Has anyone been through here? I read about an old church in Brett Dufur's book and was wondering if it's easy to find. I'm a history teacher, old building intrigue me.
Steve K from Saint Louis on 04/29/2007 10:05 AM
Unless Google Earth has lied to me, the historic building your referring to is in the same area as the Pleasant Green Plantation House, which is listed under Pilot Grove at this website. Google has it mapped as a school though, and it is about 1/4 mile from the trail(south side) out along Hwy 135 in the area that is generally referred to as Pleasant Green. After this building, Hwy 135 crosses over to the north side of the Katy Trail, and about a mile from this crossing you get to the Plantation House. Pleasant Green itself is considerably west of Pilot Grove, but I am not sure if you will know you are there(by sign, anyway) unless you pay attention to where the Katy crosses Hwy 135 in that area.
Anonymous from Jeff City on 04/29/2007 09:35 PM
Last September, we were in the area and tried to find it, but were unsuccessful while we were on our bikes. It can't be seen from the trail. We drove around after we finished riding and found it then. There was the octagonal barn just down the road, but it has fallen in and unless you know what it is, it is unrecognizable. I think it may be on Mt. Moriah Road. Sorry I can't remember how to get there from the trail.
Steve K from Saint Louis on 04/30/2007 06:08 AM
My 2003 map booklet that I received from DNR, which I forgot that I still had, says take a left(coming from Sedalia) at the 210.9 road crossing on the Katy Trail and go 1/3 mile to Hwy 135. The Methodist Church is on the right, and on the left is a cementary. They also mention the hexagonal barn, and the Pleasant Green Plantation House, but no specific location, they just say nearby. However, this does seem to agree with where Google Earth is saying where the Plantation House is. This booklet makes no mention of the Historic school building on the south side of the trail that Google Earth thinks is there though.
DougK from Troy on 04/30/2007 11:00 AM
What would I do without you guys??
Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 05/13/2007 12:38 AM
Hi guys! The bummer is that the hexagonal barn gave up the ghost last year. What a shame! Something about all of those corners really appeals to the non-conformist in me. Probably something really practical about that shape or else I'm sure they wouldn't have built it. I'm working on an updated 9th edition of the Katy Trail Guidebook and I hate to take it out, but alas, I guess I need to. The cemetery is still worth a relaxing stop. It is impeccably maintained and really connects you to ages past. A great place to take pictures... See you on the trail. ~Brett
Loren Albrecht from Eugene, Or on 07/25/2011 10:37 PM
Pleasant Green Plantation is an ancestral home of my family. The Grave yard you mention is full of my ancestors, Reads, Ewings, Walkers. The woman who lives at the house Winky Fredrichs is a distant cousinn of mine. I met her for the first time this year. I will be visiting her again next year, What I found to be a little strange was that although the plantation owners were slaveholders most of them fought for the Union. One of them General Ewing was notorious for enforcing Order No 11 which forced people from their homes in western Missouri because they were thought to be southern sympathziers.
Loren Albrecht from Eugene, Or on 07/26/2011 03:46 PM
Winky told me that she tried and tried to get someone to come and repair the barn but no one seemed interested in taking it on. I think it was something to do with the way it was constructed.