Katy Trail Forum

There's about a mile of section in between Machens and St Charles that is under water from the Missouri River. I rode the trail yesterday (Memorial Day). Luckily, you can back track a bit and ride on a dirt rode on top of the levee for a mile and it will connect back up with the trail. Alot of riders were doing this, but keep in mind it may not be Katy Trail property. This was somewhere around mile marker 35.

Also there was a tree down covering the entire trail in between Machens and the Black Walnut stop. You can just walk your bike around the tree, but stay observant when your riding this section of the trail for it.

Rode today from the dog park to Machens and back to the dog park. There was a span of about 30 feet that was underwater, about a foot deep. On my return trip, a barrier had been put in place to close the trail at this area. Rode around it as I had to get back to my car!

Thanks for the report, since the river was about a foot above "flood stage" today, it seems the Machens route should be avoided whenever the river gets to the flood stage or above. I could be wrong, but I don't think it is advisable to ride around this area on the dirt road as DNR surely was aware of the flooding issue when they built the trail that low. They were likely trying to avoid a conflict with the Levee District and/or landowners in that area, and I would not assume anything has really changed since that section was built.

That's disappointing to hear because I am off work Friday and was planning to ride from St. Charles to Machens (and back) for the first time. Does anyone know who one can call to get the "official" word on trail closures? SteveK mentions DNR... Is that Dept of Natural Resources, and do they manage the trail?

Www.mostatepark.com/advisories is the web site I believe.

I called State Parks this morning (Fri 6/3). After a confusing woman, was routed to a guy who works/manages that end of the katy. He said they just reopened mi34.5 this morning. As SteveK on board here alluded to, I've found several articles online indicating there were issues with Consolidated North County Levee District and several landowners which kept the state from completing the trail on top of the levee. So yes, you would be trespassing by riding on the levee to avoid the flooding (for future reference, since it's supposed to crest again on Tue).
A bit of background from Sep 2005 is here- http://www.greatrivers.info/DocumentStore/ecd7b9c422494659a1cdfac8e72728aa/PD%20On%20KATY%20Trail%20no%20quick%20fix%20for%20unfinished%20miles%2009.25.05.pdf
and info from 2000 here- http://www.riverfronttimes.com/content/printVersion/108564/

I rode the section from St. Charles to Machens and backyesterday morning. The trail was not wet or soft anywhere. You could see where the river had crept out of its banks a little bit into the trail last week. This part of the trail was hardened dirt (originally mud) that wasn't too bad to travel on. It would not take too much rain to raise the river level for this to happen again.

Tried to ride from St. Charles to Machens today, went past the orange thing blocking the road, then there was part with tree limbs that we walked our bikes through and then there was another flooded out part that looked kinda deep and may have had snakes so we went back. I think this was around mile 35.

I rode this section on Saturday. It's clean now. It looks like they re-graded it.

Yippee!!!!

Good job of getting useful information out.

I'm looking to rent a bike somewhere along the trail. I'd like a decent bike; like a nice hybrid, or a pugsley, that I can rent for 5 days to a week. It can be anywhere on the trail. Does anyone have a recommendation.

I would opt for the hybrid at either the bike shop in Rocheport or Defiance. I've rented from the shop in Rocheport, but not the one in Defiance. Although, I've patronized each and would be comfortable at either location.

I've rented from the bike shop in Defiance, and they are good. I would also consider the two shops in St. Charles, MO. I don't know much about the shops on the western half of the trail, (ie. Rocheport or Sedalia), but I would look at them also if it they are more convenient for the ride I am planning.

Thank you. I appreciate your advice. I wish I could bring my fat tire Pugsley, but I'm guessing it is way cheaper to rent than ship. Can't wait to try out your trail!

Pro-Velo in Sedalia rents bike's. It is located in downtown Sedalia near the Amtrak. Have a great trip. Maxine "Maxine's Rooms for Rent.

We are planning to ride along the Katy to Dutzow and then take the Amtrak in Washington. We recently read that it is not recommended to ride bikes across the bridge to Washington. Can you suggest transportation for 2 people and 2 bikes from to Dutzow to Washington or at least across the bridge on Hwy 47? Thanks!

You might plan your trip such that you can stay at Brick Inn B&B in Washington, MO as they will shuttle you around. There may be others, but at least, they advertise this service.

me and my two kids are planning a ride the second week of august from boonville to martsville can any body tell me if the trail is open all that way or is it flooded is the detour still at rocheport or is the bridge done thank you

As per this website the trail is open. Keep checking on the front page where it say "Trail conditions and closing."

In my case, the trail was closed during our ride. Checking the website was impossible. They need to do a better job of alerting of trail closures. The detour with kids would be terrifying! Most of the traffic was OK, but we were nearly taken out by a white van and there are no shoulders to go to. DNR should have temp marquees alerting motorists to the trail closing.

just rode Augusta to Rocheport. Guys at a diner in Rocheport said the water is up to the trail just west of Rocheporte but it is open. Watch as a couple of the towns didn't have any services or water. Take plenty of breaks if it's hot.

We just finished the whole trail; Clinton to Machens. There was no flooding nor detours from Wednesday (7/20)-Saturday (7/23).

My sister and I just finished biking the Katy from July 6-10. this was our second year and we had a great time. there is always something new. If you purchase Brett Defur's book,(which I recommend), know that services have changed and some that are listed may not be in business while other business's are not in the book. Always be prepared with water and some kind of snack for the road. There is more water on West half than on the East. Between Tebbetts and Augusta there is little water. We took the train as far as Sedalia. When we got off train/bus (they bussed everyone due to flooding) We asked for directions. One man was from Windsor and is opening a B&B. That should be open by next summer if not before. ( to be continued)

I'm riding Augusta to Rocheport next week. Looks to be really hot. Any tips on best places to stop for water?

Jeff, carry an extra bottle of two, and replenish every chance you get.

A few notes; Treloar, there is a bar you can see from trailhead. McKittrick; you can see Loutre Market south of the trail, there is a trail just west of the overpass that goes there. From Buffton to Mokane it's dry, Bluffton right on the trail is Steam Boat Junction, it is an honor system. North of the trail at Mokane a market and a bar, the bar is friendly. Coopers Landing is just west of Easley. Remember, some businesses are not open on Monday and Tuesday. Good luck!

Regarding Tebbetts, does anyone know if it is ok to let yourself into the Katy Trail Shelter there and refill your water bottle? Or is there some place in Tebbetts where free water is available?

To add to what Darrel said, Dutzow(MM 73), Marthaville(MM 78) have water at the TH, Marthasville also has a cold water fountain at ballpark on south side of trail, Peers Store(MM 81) almost always open, Rhineland Park(MM 105) have soda machines that work, not sure about water around there.

We did it. Augusta to Rocheport in 2.5 days. It was hot, especially 2-4 pm. A few towns didn't have services but we made do. Had a great trip. Thanks for all the tips.

Rocheport is high and dry. Everyone is still open for business! Come visit! Please help us pass the word!

From the Columbia Tribune 6/9/11:

Columbia is preparing the McBaine water plant for the possibility of being isolated by floodwater, and in Rocheport, plans are under way to use the Katy Trail as a temporary levee to protect homes and the town’s water supply.

Any word on when they will begin this?

Hope you stay high and dry!

Sharon

Where can I get current info about whether parts of the trail has flooded between columbia and rocheport? Thanks.

Jon, go to the home page of this website, you'll see where you can click on trail conditions, go there and there is a lot of helpful information about what parts of the trail are affected by flooding. You can also get to information about the river level at different points (Boonville, Jefferson City, St. Charles) and other helpful information. At the moment (Thurs., 6/30, 10:26 PM) the river is predicted to be around 27.8 ft at Jefferson City in a day or so. But they did just report on the news a levy breach in Nebraska, which means some Missouri River water will go through that levy breach and not get here. So if there is not unexpected rain the Jefferson City gage may not register over 28 ft in the next few days.

Was in Rocheport a week ago. Everything was fine, the water had not made it to the trail. My guess is that if not by now, it won't.

I thought I might try and throw something a bit different on here and tell a story of a ride that I recently took that went a bit amiss. It was a hot but beautiful morning when I lit out from Greens Bottom with the intent of riding to Dutzow and back, and the ride was uneventful and pleasant as I pedaled my way out there and reached the Dutzow Deli. The KATY trail is food for my soul, but my body likes another type of food so I leaned my bicycle against the deck and went inside and noshed on an excellent meal. After finishing, I went outside and was preparing to make the sojourn back. As I stood by my bike putting my brain bucket on, a gentleman and his son, about six years old, were getting out of their truck right in front of me to go have lunch as well. Suddenly!, what sounded very much like the business end of a .38 special revolver, rang out and something hit me on the ankle! I froze, with a wild-eyed look at the gentleman in front of me, and found he and his young son gazing back at me with eyes as big as saucers as well! I finally broke the ice with the poor fellow and said; "Wow mister, I thought you were shooting at me!" As I was fearing perhaps this fellow had it in for KATY trail people. He replied with a chuckle of relief; "Well, I thought you were shooting at ME!" We both had a laugh as they went in to the restaurant. The poor kid still looking like he'd just seen a really scary movie. I fear the lad may be marked for life against bicyclists! As I then studied my bike for the source of the conundrum, I quickly noticed my front tire sorely depleted of its air supply. Being the ever intrepid and prepared cyclist, I opened my tool kit figuring to dispatch the vulcanized monster trying to ruin my day. I quickly snatched the tire off the rim and to my horror found a large abraided area big enough to put both thumbs in, with a couple fingers for good measure to boot! That is what hit my ankle. Nothing like shrapnel on a bike ride, right?!I considered gluing a

I considered gluing a piece of inner tube in there and crossing my fingers, but the long, sunny miles on a hot day between Dutzow and Augusta alone made me snap to my senses and decide; "It's time for plan B" and I pulled out my cell phone and called the wife.

Me: Dear, I've had a really bad flat tire, would you mind driving about 50 miles out to Dutzow and picking me up?

Wife: WHAT! OhRickdammityouandthatbicyclethat'sallyoudoisgetflattiresIhadthingstodoandnowI'vegottodriveallthewayouthereandthisisallyourfaultyoudidthisonpurposewhyyou...

Me: But dear, I'm getting exercise and losing weight like you wanted me to.

Wife: !@!#&%(#&!#$!&*$#$^#

Me: But dear, you know there's antique shops out here!

Wife: .....Oh, yeah, there is isn't there! Great! I'll be right there!

So, I knew I was on the hook for a few trinkets but that's OK. We had a nice afternoon and I did get two new Armadillo tires out of the deal. I also learned a good lesson fella's. "If you're going to have a KATY catastrophe, for cryin' out loud have it near a shopping district!

This story is just absolutely perfect. Just what this forum needed. No negativity. Just a hardy chuckle. Thanks CVRS

Thanks Pam! I hope folks can find the two parts of the story.

I have a group planning to ride from St. Charles to Clinton in late summer and then we would like to return to St. Charles by Amtrak. Can anyone suggest transportation for 4 to 6 people and their bikes from Clinton to an Amtrak station (Sedalia, Lees Summit or Independence)?

you can ride back to sedalia or contact eugene & regi cornell in clinton to shuttle you to sedalia or warrensburg.

A few years ago, going the opposite way, we took the train from STL to Warrensburg and then biked MO 13 to Clinton to get started.

Like any bike trail forum, some will say don't even think about it; others say it's a piece of cake. I didn't see a problem.

Meyer Hill Top Farm is great. It is on top of a hill and after 55 miles a tough climb to the top, but they will drive down and pick you up. They are good people and shuttled us back and forth to Hermann. I arrived with two flat tires, happened just a mile away, they helped get us back on the road and the food was wonderful. Room are very good. The ride to Herman was easy from their place.
Eldon and Maggie, are great with people. We would stay again.

We always plan our trips on the Katy trail so we can spend 1 or 2 nights at Hartsburg Inn. Always wonderful! Cath is open to requests for what we would like to have in the frig and always helpful and friendly. Will stay again and again. Last time was Apr. 2011.

After riding from columbia most of the morning, the market was the 1st place open. It was a mistake on my part, the owner/person in charge was very unfriendly. It seems the trail is such a good thing for Missouri that to have unfriendly places where they act like they are doing you a favor by taking your money, next time I pack more supplies and skip Mokanr

You could have road over to Jefferson City. There are lots of places open for business that would be glad to take your money.

We are getting used to it Coast2coastpaul, it is a marketing approach! Albeit unorthodox, it must work for 'em. Not so much for us though.

Not sure I am buying your story Paul. This is all you can report on a beautiful trail that you think is a good thing.

Chillax Anon

You must have missed a TON of friendly places along the trail. So whomever at Mokane was shortchanged on the friendlys; was there no one else during your whole trip that more than made up for it? The negative would have more weight if you mentioned the good you found elsewhere as well. Never forget that the person or persons with the negative frame of mind is the burdoned party. So "Excuse me while I kiss the sky"

The OP of this post did post a positive post on the Hotel Frederick, 3 minutes after this one. So maybe he thought the same about the negativity, only sooner.

Oh Good! Glad you pointed out the other post was his also. I love it when people work and play well together.

I want to warn everyone about the stretch of trail just north of Easley.I realize the River Rd. is under water and there are signs that say share the trail with motar vehicles but my daughter and I were forced off the trail by two aggressive drivers who apparently did not want to share. We saw them drive into that little campground at the end of the road, the one with the junky trailers.

What a surprise, easily my favorite place on the trail. I would stay there for the weekend if I could have *****

Looking to ride JC to St. Charles in a day. Anyone have an average time to do this from experience? I am figuring 8-9 hours of riding time not counting breaks.

I usually average 12 mph on my mountain bike. Take the total mile distance and divide by your mph. Hope that helps!!! :-)

My husband and I just returned from 4 days on the trail from Sedalia to around Bernheimer. As this was our first cycling trip, I just wanted to encourage other novices to go for it even in mid-July! The shade on the trail and early morning starts helped a lot. Our plan had been to leave the car in Sedalia, ride as far as Washington, MO and catch the Amtrak back to our vehicle. Well, mid-trip we got a call that Amtrak could not serve the Washington station or accommodate our bikes. We began cancelling B&B reservations thinking we would just have to turn around and head back toward the car when Doug of the Rendelmann Home B&B offered to shuttle us back! Doug is as friendly as they come and cooks a fine meal too. If your needing a place near Bluffton, I think you'll enjoy Doug's easy going style and helpfulness. Thank's Doug!

The Hartsburg Inn has been our stop-over spot twice during our Katy Trail rides. Cath keeps the rooms so, so clean. The decor is tasteful and comfortable, and the towels are thick and thirsty. I love this charming little place. The website is 100% accurate. The Inn breakfast fit the needs of a cyclist very well. Enjoy!!

My husband and I just returned from 4 days on the trail from Sedalia to around Bernheimer. As this was our first cycling trip, I just wanted to encourage other novices to go for it even in mid-July! The shade on the trail and early morning starts helped a lot. Our plan had been to leave the car in Sedalia, ride as far as Washington, MO and catch the Amtrak back to our vehicle. Well, mid-trip we got a call that Amtrak could not serve the Washington station or accommodate our bikes. We began cancelling B&B reservations thinking we would just have to turn around and head back toward the car when Doug of the Rendelmann Home B&B offered to shuttle us back! Doug is as friendly as they come and cooks a fine meal too. If your needing a place near Bluffton, I think you'll enjoy Doug's easy going style and helpfulness. Thank's Doug!

Are there any updates to closed portions of the trail? I've been watching the trail closings portion on this site and they haven't changed in quite a while so I wasn't sure how often they are updated. I've been also trying to follow the comment section for recent trail riders....no mention of detours. Were you able to stay on or did you take any detours? Anyone else?

The Turner Shelter Hostel one could hope would multiply for cyclists all across Missouri and America. My daughter and I were on a five-day trek (her first tour) and in Tebbetts we shared tools, food and stories with two transAmerica riders and three young, local men making their way to Cape Giradeau. True cyclist camaraderie. Jim Phillips was a gentleman and host, agreeing to open to make delicious and fairly-priced dinners for four of us, sharing humor and stories. He even rustled up some coffee filters for morning brew in the shelter. Thanks, Jim. I do hope someone keeps the bar going.

You are so right, Mr. G, I'd love to see more places like the Turner Shelter in places where there aren't B & Bs and other services. And Jim is so good. Does he still have that "electric chair" in his place? Don't sit in it! No matter what he tells you. Enjoy the rest of your trip.