type of bike for Katy Trail?
- + Hello. I hope this is the right forum for this question: I want to ride the Katy and Cowboy trails this summer but not sure what type of bike to get. I bought a hybrid because I thought I'd need wider...
Discussion started 04/15/2011 12:09 AM by steveisk - 8 replies (last reply by Pat at 05/17/2011 07:34 AM)steveisk from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/15/2011 12:09 AM
Hello. I hope this is the right forum for this question: I want to ride the Katy and Cowboy trails this summer but not sure what type of bike to get. I bought a hybrid because I thought I'd need wider tires, but starting to think I need more of a dropped bar position for long distance riding. But is a racer tough enough for the road surface?
To complicate matters further, I'm almost 6' 6", so need a large frame. Do I need dropped bars and semi-wide tires on a very large frame? Does such a bike exist?
Don from Plainfield, IL on 04/15/2011 12:40 AM
I'm about 6'- 6" and I have a Trek FX hybrid (bike path/street) 25" size with a 34.5" standover with the straight handlebars with gearshift. It is more upright and lighter than a urban or mountain bike but has the 32 mm kevlar hard case tires. I've ridden the Katy Trail twice end to end with it and it is perfect for the chat surface, crossroads, bridges, and any ruts.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/15/2011 11:20 AM
I've done the trail several times and use a 29" mountaing bike with no suspention and 32c touring tires. My wife uses a Scott hybrid with the same tires. You don't need anything wide, and you don't need knobbies. Drop bars would be a matter of preference. Most of the bikes I see on the trail are mainly hybrid types with flat bars. If your hybrid fits you well, I would stay with that and get some size 32c or so tires with flat protection.
stevieville from saint louis, MO on 04/17/2011 10:44 AM
On the Cowboy Trail, I would expect a much rougher ride than the Katy Trail. I am thinking of doing some out and backs on the Cowboy Trail sometime this summer just to check it out. This will be on my way up to the Mickelson Trail in SD.
Bob from St. Louis on 04/23/2011 10:47 AM
stebeisk
Best advice I can give you is to go to a good bike shop, not a big box store, and get fitted by someone who knows what they are doing. You will likely need at least a 60cm frame given your height. You have other choices to make, but if you don't start with the properly sized frame, you'll be disappointed regardless of the bars, seat, tires, weight of bike, etc. you choose. Remember also that you can easily change tire sizes. You may want to go with a 28mm tire for the KATY and perhaps something larger, 32 or 34 for the Cowboy trail. A good bike shop will help you work through the choices including respecting your budget.
kurt from naperville il on 04/24/2011 08:45 AM
ive started using a cyclo cross bike..it has road geometry for speed but has compact cranks and 700x 32 tires which i think are fast but beefy enough for packed trail like the katy...i have a aluminum fram which supports my rack and panniers...
Anonymous on 04/24/2011 09:16 AM
I agree wholeheartedly with the comment that the KATY and the Cowboy trails are ENTIRELY different trails and entirely different experiences and would make best use of very different bicycles. I have a lot of experience on the KATY and limited exposure to the Cowboy. I regularly ride the KATY with 28-32 wide tires with good results. I, personally, would not want to ride the Cowboy on tires that narrow.
I also agree that the flat/drop bar conversation is a personal preference and is all about your comfort on the bike.
All best wishes!
cunninghamair from ofallon on 05/01/2011 10:34 AM
We also ride road bikes with wider tires on the katy. My hybrid may have been more fun, with full suspension and the ability to roll over good side limbs without any effort. However, at the end of the day, much slower. It's a trade off.
Pat from Oklahoma City on 05/17/2011 07:34 AM
I rode several sections of the Cowboy Trail a few years ago and it is in much rougher shape than the Katy. You'll need fat tires for the Cowboy trail. The hybrid should work fine there. I rode a hybrid with 32mm tires on the Cowboy and would have liked wider tires. My friend had a hybrid with 38mm tires and had an easier time.
Prettiest part of the trail for a round trip ride
- + I am planning to bike part of the trail over three to five days round trip. I don't want to deal with the transportation challenges of an end to end trip. Which part of the trail has the best scenery ...
Discussion started 05/14/2011 12:45 PM by Pearl McElfish - 3 replies (last reply by SJ at 05/16/2011 08:35 PM)Pearl McElfish from Fayetteville, AR on 05/14/2011 12:45 PM
I am planning to bike part of the trail over three to five days round trip. I don't want to deal with the transportation challenges of an end to end trip. Which part of the trail has the best scenery and the least urban traffic challenges?
Ranger Doug from Fort Smith on 05/14/2011 08:37 PM
You can't go wrong by doing the section from Rocheport to Augusta. If you don't have enought ime do the Rocheport to Hermann section. Go Hogs.
The Ol' Geezer Scout from Jeff City, Mo. on 05/15/2011 07:10 AM
Pearl, the "best scenery" question gets asked a lot, valid question, but it is tough to answer. My answer, "I have no favorite child, I love them all for who and what they are!"
All of the trail is nice, for more varied scenery, Sedalia to Jefferson City. Don't know if it is the "best" scenery though. Usually the best scenery is on the part that I am riding.
Truthfully, I would bet that any section of the trail you choose, you will enjoy.
SJ from St. Charles on 05/16/2011 08:35 PM
To me, the best section is McKittrick (Herman) to Augusta/Defiance...flat, scenic, lots of wineries and B&B's. St. Charles has a lot too if you keep going in that direction. From Rocheport to Herman there just isn't much. West of Rocheport is full of hills.
Hotel Frederick in Boonville
- + Have stayed here twice. Once riding the trail and once passing through town. Fantastic experience both times. Glen's Cafe, the hotel restaurant, is wonderful. The continental breakfast is nicely appoi...
Discussion started 05/16/2011 03:55 PM by LTB - 0 repliesLTB from KC on 05/16/2011 03:55 PM
Have stayed here twice. Once riding the trail and once passing through town. Fantastic experience both times. Glen's Cafe, the hotel restaurant, is wonderful. The continental breakfast is nicely appointed for fueling your ride as well. They even left it up for us so we could eat on return from a run on the trail. Hotel lounge is nice for a post ride drink as well. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better option for lodging on the trail. If you spoil yourself once on the trail, do it here!
Machens Address?
- + Is there an offical address for the Machens Trailhead to plug into a GPS?
Discussion started 05/15/2011 11:48 PM by Geogre - 1 reply (last reply by gene at 05/16/2011 01:32 AM)Geogre from Lebanon, Il on 05/15/2011 11:48 PM
Is there an offical address for the Machens Trailhead to plug into a GPS?
gene from Indiana on 05/16/2011 01:32 AM
Machens is a railroad junction point where the MKT RR went on the Chicago Burlington & Quincy RR for trackage rights access to St Louis. Any RR buildings have been torn down decades ago
Backpacking the Katy
- + Leaving Clinton on May 31st and plan on arriving in St> Charles 15 days later, yes walking.If anybody can give out words of wisedom or good advice I will listen. We are both experienced backpackers a...
Discussion started 05/13/2011 01:07 PM by Steve - 2 replies (last reply by SteveK at 05/15/2011 01:39 PM)Steve from Lenexa, KS on 05/13/2011 01:07 PM
Leaving Clinton on May 31st and plan on arriving in St> Charles 15 days later, yes walking.
If anybody can give out words of wisedom or good advice I will listen. We are both experienced backpackers and have don Herman to Columbia before.
Rhona+Lococo from St Charles mo on 05/15/2011 01:04 PM
check out walkingeast.com ....these folks have walked from LA Ca.....to Jerualam
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 05/15/2011 01:39 PM
Steve, there are at least two hiking blogs posted on this site under ride/bike/hike reports that discuss what you are attempting. I would post a link, but I get blocked when I try that.
Doll House B&B in Rhineland
- + We stayed here Mother's Day weekend, and had such a wonderful time! I just can't say enough nice things about it! There were five of us in all, and every single one of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves....
Discussion started 05/14/2011 10:47 AM by lilbritches295 - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 05/14/2011 10:11 PM)lilbritches295 from Imperial, MO on 05/14/2011 10:47 AM
We stayed here Mother's Day weekend, and had such a wonderful time! I just can't say enough nice things about it! There were five of us in all, and every single one of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The rooms we very clean and comfortable, breakfast was simply delicious, and the owners were so sweet and accomodating, that we stayed quite a while after breakfast talking to them before we started our ride back. They even gave us the phone number of a bike shop that delivers tires when we called to tell them that we had a blowout on the way to the B&B. It worked out perfectly, and we're looking forward to staying there again in the near future. My husband and I have stayed at many B&B's over the years, but this was by far one of the best experiences we have ever had at one. I highly recommend it!
Anonymous on 05/14/2011 10:11 PM
I have had a similar positive experience with both the Doll House and the bike shop out of Hermann. They came out and replaced a broken spoke for me on a previous ride. Fantastic service all the way around.
Memorial Day 2011
- + We are coming in from Memphis to bike the trail from St. Charles to Hermann. We would like to spend Saturday night in either Augusta or Marthasville. Looking for suggestions for lodging in either of t...
Discussion started 05/07/2011 08:22 PM by Dulcy - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/14/2011 10:39 AM)Dulcy from Memphis, TN on 05/07/2011 08:22 PM
We are coming in from Memphis to bike the trail from St. Charles to Hermann. We would like to spend Saturday night in either Augusta or Marthasville. Looking for suggestions for lodging in either of those towns. We have looked at most of the B&B's websites. Is there lodging besides the B&B's? Thanks!
Trek on 05/08/2011 09:49 AM
Use the trip planner above to find lodging. It's a good resource. Also, perhaps search for lodging on Google Maps. We've stayed at the Apple Gate Inn in Augusta and would recommend it. Augusta is kind of hilly, but the Apple Gate is just about a block north of the Katy. Augusta Winery is within short walking distance....good Ice Wine as well as other wines.
JPM from Hazelwood, MO on 05/08/2011 08:26 PM
Klondike Park, near Augusta, has campsites and cabins.
Dulcy from Memphis on 05/09/2011 04:00 PM
Thank-you!
JPM from Hazelwood, MO on 05/09/2011 09:10 PM
If you're planning on staying at Klondike, I would book in advance, especially for Memorial Day. Google St. Charles County Parks for more info.
Anonymous from Imperial, MO on 05/14/2011 10:39 AM
We stayed at the Little House B&B in Marthasville last fall, and really enjoyed it. You get the use of the whole entire two bedroom house for the same price that it costs to rent just a room in most other B&Bs. It's located right across a feild from the trail, so it's easy to get to by bike. It's relaxing too. It has two rocking chairs on the front porch where you can sit and watch other bikers pass by on the trail. The owners were so sweet and accomodating. They also have a locking shed to store your bikes during your stay. We enjoyed it so much that we have already booked a return trip there later in the year.
weather updates
- + I'm planning on riding the trail from St. Louis to Clinton starting around the end of May, camping along the way, but I'm a little nervous about lightning and heavy winds and rain. How will I be able ...
Discussion started 05/11/2011 10:44 PM by Steveisk - 4 replies (last reply by CJ5w4WD at 05/13/2011 09:16 PM)Steveisk from Pittsburgh, PA on 05/11/2011 10:44 PM
I'm planning on riding the trail from St. Louis to Clinton starting around the end of May, camping along the way, but I'm a little nervous about lightning and heavy winds and rain. How will I be able to keep updated on weather reports once I'm on the trail?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 05/12/2011 10:39 AM
Smartphone?
cac from Xenia, Ohio on 05/12/2011 11:23 AM
We have done several trail vacations and it's easy to get information from people you meet along the way and in the towns. Pretty much we follow our instinct as to the weather, have been really lucky. Don't pitch your tent under trees in case of high winds. Good luck.
Trek on 05/12/2011 08:05 PM
We have a portable Midland weather radio that we take when we think weather may be an issue. It's small and fits easily in a front handlebar bag.
CJ5w4WD from wandering the Midwest on 05/13/2011 09:16 PM
For severe weather alerts all you need is an MP3 w/ radio tuned in to a local channel--NOAA and NWS is good about getting the word out if something ugly is comming. It helps to be familiar with the area county names and towns or bring a good area map. I carry my smartphone and do a shortcut for the region on weatherunderground/mobile. And as someone else on the forum advised, make sure you have the # of the shuttle services with you....just in case.
Safety
- + I have ridden a small part of the Katy Trail, but would like to ride the complete trail. My question is how safe is it to ride the trail alone being a woman. I have ridden 4 centuries so I am not worr...
Discussion started 05/06/2011 12:42 PM by CML - 5 replies (last reply by CML at 05/12/2011 09:10 AM)CML from Joplin on 05/06/2011 12:42 PM
I have ridden a small part of the Katy Trail, but would like to ride the complete trail. My question is how safe is it to ride the trail alone being a woman. I have ridden 4 centuries so I am not worried about the distance just if there are any personal safety concerns. I will probably stay in B&B's at night, so as not to worry about camping. Any input from veteran riders would be greatly appreciated.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 05/06/2011 10:11 PM
I am a 59 year old woman and I ride the Katy Trail by myself every chance a I get. The only safety issue is that one or two times in the last few years there have been a couple of problems with dogs. But it seems to get taken care of pretty quickly. But I've never worried about being hurt by people. Oh wait, one Sat. a few years ago there were a bunch of cub scouts riding the trail. That was scary. You'll love the trail, and you'll meet friendly people on the trail and at the B & Bs where you stay and towns along the way.
MAH on 05/08/2011 03:17 PM
I've (57 y/o woman) ridden alone many times and as previous poster stated, only problems have been an occasional dog (twice in past 7 yrs). Also hubby almost collided with a deer once that jumped in front of him. I have ridden end to end sole staying in B&Bs and have had no trouble. Just be prepared for possible flats, know where your water stops are and as always, be aware of your surroundings and the weather. You'll enjoy it!
mo from Allentown nj on 05/08/2011 09:32 PM
I just finished a complete ride of the trail in 3 and 1/2 days late March. Saw one copper head sunning itself on the trail. Just gave it it's space. Met very nice people, no problems. Good stop at Dutzow right on the trail. Give yourself extra time if the wind is blowing.
M. Richard Troeh from Independence, MO on 05/08/2011 10:16 PM
I am a 76 yr old man who just finished riding the entire trail (Machens to Clinton) with my son & another guy. We stayed in B&Bs about every 40 miles (made reservations in advance), met several women going alone & in pairs on the trail, & felt the trail was populated enough that safety would be a minimal concern. I wish I could say it would be of zero concern, but I know of nowhere you can go that is ABSOLUTELY safe.
CML from Joplin on 05/12/2011 09:10 AM
Thanks so much for all the comments and great information. I feel much better with making solo plans. I see a road/trail trip in my future real soon. Thanks again everyone. Keep riding!!!
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Safety
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=4034&tonly=1
Honeymoon
- + I am planning a honeymoon for this weekend and came across Katy Trail. We will get in town late Friday and return home Sunday night. We don't own bikes, so it's been a long time since we've rode. D...
Discussion started 05/11/2011 02:26 PM by Elizabeth - 1 reply (last reply by Anon at 05/12/2011 08:52 AM)Elizabeth from Fayetteville on 05/11/2011 02:26 PM
I am planning a honeymoon for this weekend and came across Katy Trail. We will get in town late Friday and return home Sunday night. We don't own bikes, so it's been a long time since we've rode. Does anyone know what sections would be good to have a fun and romantic trip... Fun bing a key word (we would like to make stops in little fun towns)
Anon on 05/12/2011 08:52 AM
Not sure which town you're coming into. But you might consider Rocheport, just west of Columbia on Hwy-70. It has bike rental, B&B's, shops, cafes (winery-cafe close to the hwy), and romantic scenery on the trail south of it.
long trem parking
- + I was planning to ride the entire trail which would take me about eight days. I would need to park my car in or near St Charles for this time. Can someone tell me if there is a parking that I can use....
Discussion started 05/10/2011 09:42 AM by Wayne Sirek - 2 replies (last reply by Rhona+Lococo at 05/11/2011 10:57 AM)Wayne Sirek from Ottawa,Illinois on 05/10/2011 09:42 AM
I was planning to ride the entire trail which would take me about eight days. I would need to park my car in or near St Charles for this time. Can someone tell me if there is a parking that I can use.
Thank You
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 05/10/2011 10:00 AM
Wayne, what I do is park in Frontier Park in the City of St. Charles. However, you have to call the City of St. Charles police department to give them your automobile info, dates you will be there, etc. I usually tell them that I am parking on the parking lot right behind Country Inn & Suites Hotel in St. Charles as that borders on the trail. That lot could flood during a very severe flood from the Missouri River, so that is something else you may want to keep in mind.
Rhona+Lococo from St Charles mo on 05/11/2011 10:57 AM
you can park your car with us ---- we have space at our B&B and it is off the street----- call 636-946-0619
paved trail
- + is any portion of the katy trail paved
Discussion started 05/11/2011 08:21 AM by ron potts - 1 reply (last reply by Paulie at 05/11/2011 10:40 AM)ron potts from tulsa on 05/11/2011 08:21 AM
is any portion of the katy trail paved
Paulie from Knoxville on 05/11/2011 10:40 AM
Only the streets in Sedalia and Boonville.
Any word on how the flooding has affected the trai
- + Just wondering if anyone knows of closures on Katy, given all the rain lately? Ridding from Clinton-St Charles in early June and would love to know what to expect. Thanks.
Discussion started 05/10/2011 12:39 PM by Brian - 0 repliesBrian from St Louis on 05/10/2011 12:39 PM
Just wondering if anyone knows of closures on Katy, given all the rain lately? Ridding from Clinton-St Charles in early June and would love to know what to expect. Thanks.
Blumenhof Vineyards in Dutzow
- + As of 5/7/11 the access trail/path to Blumenhof from the Katy is in poor condition. I just thought I'd pass this info along in case anyone was planning a visit here from the Katy.
Discussion started 05/09/2011 12:13 PM by RCS - 1 reply (last reply by Jim at 05/10/2011 09:36 AM)RCS from St. Peters on 05/09/2011 12:13 PM
As of 5/7/11 the access trail/path to Blumenhof from the Katy is in poor condition. I just thought I'd pass this info along in case anyone was planning a visit here from the Katy.
Jim from St Thomas on 05/10/2011 09:36 AM
We usually ride the blacktop to Blumenhof. It can be a little busy but it's a pretty short ride.
st louis riverfront trail
- + does anyone know if this trail is done? the trail link website says proposed but lists it as a trail that has seen alot of work recently.will it get me from the old chain of rocks bridge to downtown?
Discussion started 04/29/2011 06:59 AM by kurt w. - 8 replies (last reply by JPM at 05/09/2011 09:18 PM)kurt w. from naperville il on 04/29/2011 06:59 AM
does anyone know if this trail is done? the trail link website says proposed but lists it as a trail that has seen alot of work recently.will it get me from the old chain of rocks bridge to downtown?
cunninghamair from ofallon on 05/01/2011 10:28 AM
Wow. I'm not sure which website your looking at but this has been open for several years. Yes, it heads south from Chain of Rocks and goes all the way downtown. Last time we attempted it, there was still a section of the trail washed out. There is supposed to be a detour (walk your bike over the railroad tracks?) We've come the other way during a century, but took the road for a section.
JPM from Hazelwood, MO on 05/03/2011 09:41 PM
As of today, 5/3, the floodgates were closed. The parts of the trail that lie on the river side of the floodwall can't be accessed.
Nan from Milwaukee on 05/04/2011 02:23 PM
thanku for the accurate answers. We are planning a week long trip starting may 23rd to ride the trail and we need to know how bad the flooding truly is to make decisions whether to come or not. Yes we are monitoring other sources, but u people are there....If JPM could elaborate regarding the floodgates, it would really help. Thanks!
Ray (webmaster) on 05/04/2011 02:58 PM
Nan and others - just to be clear, the floodgates are along teh Riverfront Trail, which runs alongside the Mississippi River from downtown St Louis heading north for 11 miles. This trail does not connect to the Katy trail, and that section of the Mississippi River is a few miles downstream from where the Missouri flows into it.
At this point there does not appear to be any flooding on the Missouri River that would affect the Katy Trail. It hasn't rained for a few days, so we're probably in the clear.
If/when floodwaters ever do reach the trail, people usually post something on this forum pretty quickly. Keep an eye on this forum and the DNR's website advisories (top right corner of http://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park) and you'll find out very quickly if/when a flooding situation does happen.
Nan from Milwaukee on 05/05/2011 04:08 PM
thank u Ray"webmaster". We will proceed ahead and enjoy the area.
JPM from Hazelwood, MO on 05/05/2011 07:57 PM
Nan,
If you're coming on the 23rd, I'd say using the Riverfront Trail is iffy. An alternate idea: Use the McKinley Bridge Bikeway to connect to the Confluence Trail. From Downtown you can connect to the McKinley by using Bike St. Louis routes or via city streets. The Confluence Trail is located on a levee for most of its route (except for an on-street connector). You can take this all of the way to Alton, IL and cross the Mississippi (again) on the Clark Bridge, which has dedicated bike lanes. Once back in Mo. take the West Alton Bike Trail, which follow US 67, to the trail's end in W. Alton. From there go right on St. Charles St. to right on Mo. 94. Take 94 to the Katy. Rte. 94 is a 2-lane road with no shoulders (moderate to light traffic). Google these websites for more info: Great Rivers Greenway, Madison County Transit trails, and Bike St. Louis. FYI: the area north of downtown is an older residential and industrial area. It's considered by many to be a rough and tumble area, although some areas are currently under revitalization. All that being said, I hope you enjoy your trip.
Nan from Milwaukee on 05/06/2011 01:27 PM
Thanks!!! JPM. Great info!!
JPM from Hazelwood, MO on 05/09/2011 09:18 PM
Update 5/9. The floodgate was open by the Riverfront Trailhead. One of the gates on Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd. was still closed, so to get from the Arch to the trail head, you'll have to go through Laclede's Landing, which is no big deal.
Machens Section of Katy Trail
- + Began my bike ride at 370 and 94. Enjoyed beautiful scenery with panoramic view of the Missouri River. The trail runs along the river and offers many views of the river. Originally the trail ended app...
Discussion started 05/09/2011 05:04 PM by John Cannon - 1 reply (last reply by JPM at 05/09/2011 09:07 PM)John Cannon from Lake Saint Louis, Mo on 05/09/2011 05:04 PM
Began my bike ride at 370 and 94. Enjoyed beautiful scenery with panoramic view of the Missouri River. The trail runs along the river and offers many views of the river. Originally the trail ended approximately 1 mile north of Hwy 370. But the new section travels for many miles beyond that with the river on the east side and beautiful rolling hills of farmland on the west side. As you ride north you can also view the bluffs of Illinois along the Mississippi river in the far distance. It would be a fantastic place for a "Winery" but, alas, the access to the area would be limited to only bike riders and hikers/joggers, since there are no roads, that I am aware, that access the trail as you near Machens. This section of the trail has become my favorite section of the Katy, and in my opinion, offers more beauty than the Augusta section.
JPM from Hazelwood, MO on 05/09/2011 09:07 PM
I rode that section for the first time a few weeks ago. It's very nice and peaceful. Definitely the trail less traveled.