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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or share this link to just this thread:
Sedalia
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=4507&tonly=1
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.
Trail under water on Memorial Day
- + 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 ...
Discussion started 05/31/2011 12:09 PM by Matt - 10 replies (last reply by Billy at 07/26/2011 01:46 PM)Matt from St. Peters on 05/31/2011 12:09 PM
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.
Anonymous from St Peters on 05/31/2011 08:54 PM
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!
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 05/31/2011 11:22 PM
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.
Tom from St. Charles on 06/01/2011 07:59 PM
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?
Cathy from Jefferson City on 06/01/2011 09:18 PM
Www.mostatepark.com/advisories is the web site I believe.
Sara from Saint Charles on 06/03/2011 09:52 AM
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/
Kevin from Overland Park on 06/06/2011 08:18 AM
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.
John from St. Charles on 07/06/2011 05:16 PM
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.
Anonymous from St. Charles on 07/26/2011 01:09 PM
I rode this section on Saturday. It's clean now. It looks like they re-graded it.
Pam from Independence on 07/26/2011 01:45 PM
Yippee!!!!
Billy from Mokane on 07/26/2011 01:46 PM
Good job of getting useful information out.
best bike rental?
- + 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 ha...
Discussion started 07/25/2011 06:50 PM by alaska marcia - 4 replies (last reply by maxine at 07/26/2011 10:01 AM)alaska marcia from anchorage on 07/25/2011 06:50 PM
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.
Trek on 07/25/2011 07:59 PM
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.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 07/25/2011 09:45 PM
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.
alaska marcia from anchorage on 07/25/2011 11:15 PM
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!
maxine from sedalia on 07/26/2011 10:01 AM
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.
Transportation from Dutzow to Amtrak in Washington
- + 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 tr...
Discussion started 07/25/2011 06:38 AM by wygrace - 1 reply (last reply by SteveK at 07/25/2011 12:10 PM)wygrace from Wichtia, KS on 07/25/2011 06:38 AM
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!
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 07/25/2011 12:10 PM
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.
flooding
- + 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 o...
Discussion started 07/24/2011 01:58 PM by rick raffurty - 4 replies (last reply by Jen at 07/24/2011 10:43 PM)rick raffurty from liberty mo on 07/24/2011 01:58 PM
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
Pam from Independence on 07/24/2011 02:14 PM
As per this website the trail is open. Keep checking on the front page where it say "Trail conditions and closing."
leeannske from Geneva, Il on 07/24/2011 08:06 PM
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.
Jeff from Lee's Summit on 07/24/2011 09:43 PM
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.
Jen from St. Louis on 07/24/2011 10:43 PM
We just finished the whole trail; Clinton to Machens. There was no flooding nor detours from Wednesday (7/20)-Saturday (7/23).
just finished the trail
- + 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), k...
Discussion started 07/11/2011 09:26 AM by ct - 5 replies (last reply by Jeff at 07/24/2011 09:52 PM)ct from lisle on 07/11/2011 09:26 AM
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)
Jeff from Lee's Summit on 07/18/2011 06:48 AM
I'm riding Augusta to Rocheport next week. Looks to be really hot. Any tips on best places to stop for water?
Darrell, from Jefferson City on 07/18/2011 07:38 AM
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!
Cathy from Jefferson City on 07/18/2011 08:28 AM
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?
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 07/18/2011 08:30 AM
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.
Jeff from Lee's Summit on 07/24/2011 09:52 PM
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.