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.
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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Easley
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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.