Katy Trail Forum

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.

I was low on water during one of the hottest days of the year when I came upon the campground. It was a Thursday (July 22) and the campground was not open, but I decided to see if there was someplace to find water. They have a refrigerator with drinks, snacks, and sandwiches in the shed near the trail. It is on the honor system and was a welcome stop. Bought water and a soda by slipping my money into the slot. I sat and enjoyed the view for a few minutes while hydrating and resting my legs.

I was low on water during one of the hottest days of the year when I came upon the campground. It was a Thursday (July 22) and the campground was not open, but I decided to see if there was someplace to find water. They have a refrigerator with drinks, snacks, and sandwiches in the shed near the trail. It is on the honor system and was a welcome stop. Bought water and a soda by slipping my money into the slot. I sat and enjoyed the view for a few minutes while hydrating and resting my legs.

Where was it?

Where was it?

Yes! Honor system drinks, sandwiches, etc. in a beautiful setting. We came through during the heat wave and the Yohoo's gave us the fuel to go on. Like the Tebbets Shelter Hostel, this rest stop (we didn't experience the camping) expresses the best of the spirit of the Katy Trail.

Yes! Honor system drinks, sandwiches, etc. in a beautiful setting. We came through during the heat wave and the Yohoo's gave us the fuel to go on. Like the Tebbets Shelter Hostel, this rest stop (we didn't experience the camping) expresses the best of the spirit of the Katy Trail.

Must be Steamboat Junction at Bluffton. :)

Must be Steamboat Junction at Bluffton. :)

One of the great pluses of a bike trek is the people you meet, and Maxine and Pete are treasures. They enjoy your company, roll out the hospitality and offer good lodging (we got the twin-bed, 'Cowboy Corral' room), breakfast, and maybe a horse-drawn surrey ride during which the fireflies rise up in the dusk. There are a lot of places you can stay, but this one is priceless.

Visit this beautifully restored architectural gem if you can fit it in (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) This was the region's commercial and social center, the "mall" of the 1890's. Great trail memorabilia, historic books and displays and helpful staff to get the seasoning of the MKT. If you want a souvenir, this (or their website) is the best stop.

Great store and only three blocks from the depot. Good produce, cheeses, meat department, etc. We got fresh rolls, smoked salmon and some good cheeses for a lunch while heading eastbound. Also picked up some produce and ham steaks to turn beans and rice into a special dinner. Important since grocery in Pilot Grove has closed.