New section of the trail is open
- + I rode part of the new section of the trail today from St. Charles north to mile marker 34. Some really nice areas along this stretch. Can't wait to get back out there and go farther when I have mor...
Discussion started 03/21/2011 05:47 PM by Ken - 6 replies (last reply by Jeff Collins at 04/29/2011 02:02 PM)Ken from St. Charles MO on 03/21/2011 05:47 PM
I rode part of the new section of the trail today from St. Charles north to mile marker 34. Some really nice areas along this stretch. Can't wait to get back out there and go farther when I have more time
berkebid from Fairview Heights, IL on 03/22/2011 07:35 AM
Based on your comments is the trail now open from St. Charles to Machens? Thanks!
Steve Oakes from Kansas City, MO on 04/20/2011 03:51 PM
I too was wondering if the Machens section was open. Here's the MO State Park link to a blog indicating the section officially opened on Saturday, April 2, 2011. http://mostateparks.com/blog/state-parks-stories/58724/katy-trail-opens-machens
Don from Plainfield, IL on 04/21/2011 07:05 AM
So when is the Machens section going to "uploaded" and posted on bikekatytrail.com?
Ray (webmaster) on 04/21/2011 08:15 AM
I need to get a "track log" of the new section, in order to add it to the maps here. Sometime within the next few/several weeks, I hope to have a chance to get out there with my GPS and track it. I'm very anxious to ride the new section, but this spring has been so hectic that there has not been time so far.
If someone else has already ridden St Charles to Machens and has a GPS track log, I will gladly add it to the maps here if you send me your track log (use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of this page).
I'll have Machens added to the mileage chart within the next week or two.
I understand that there are no services in Machens. Anyone who wants to ride a few extra miles beyond Machens (on the roads) can find services in Portage des Souix, but again sorry I do not have details on that yet.
Gary Near from Tebbetts on 04/21/2011 09:21 PM
Ray, when you get around to updating the mileage grid for Machens, it needs to have the view expanded so you can see Calhoun and Clinton on the right side of the grid.
Thanks
Jeff Collins from Jefferson City on 04/29/2011 02:02 PM
Is there any kind of camping between st. charles and Machens. I cant find anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
st charles to amtrak st louis may 15th.any takers?
- + ok..i usually would never ask for a guide but im overwhelmed with trying to find a route from st charles to st louis and have decided to just take a shuttle unless i can find someone with local knowle...
Discussion started 04/24/2011 09:15 AM by kurt w - 7 replies (last reply by FakeInternetName at 04/28/2011 03:26 PM)kurt w from naperville il on 04/24/2011 09:15 AM
ok..i usually would never ask for a guide but im overwhelmed with trying to find a route from st charles to st louis and have decided to just take a shuttle unless i can find someone with local knowledge who will offer to show me a route.i will make it in to st charles sometime before noon sunday may 15th..i dont really expect anyone to offer but if someone want to i could use the help...thanks
RK from St Louis on 04/25/2011 10:15 AM
If you really want to ride to St Louis Amtrak you should plan on crossing the Missouri River at the Page Extension. There is a nice bike trail that crosses the river there. Once on the St Louis County side you will want to find your way to Olive and come in over Olive. You will be on some busy streets and there are some neighborhoods you may be uncomfortable with once you get into the city. I would check Veloroutes and pick my route. I think it will be about 25 miles. You might also consider using the Amtrak station in Kirkwood, MO. That will keep you out of the city. You will still be on some pretty busy roads but its about the same distance.
kelly from NJ on 04/25/2011 10:32 AM
I just read that the trail now extends to Machens as of 4/11/2011. From Machens you can make your way to West Alton which looks like 3-4 miles with country road options and then hook into a trail again which basically leads to St. Louis. I have not biked this route, but am currently researching options as you are. If you try this route, I would recommend that you map out any transition areas. Humbly suggested ~kc
Kelly from NJ on 04/25/2011 11:33 AM
A closer check reveals that the distance from Machens to West Alton is about 9 miles.
RK from St Louis on 04/25/2011 03:29 PM
I didn't realize the trail was open to Machens. It would be easy enough to get to West Alton but I'm not aware of any trail that will get you across the Missouri River. You might be able to jump on 67 and cross the river on 67, work your way through Spanish Lake and then pick up the Riverfront Trail at the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Or as an alternative you could cross the Discovery Bridge into Alton(it has a bike lane), ride Route 3 to the McKinley Bridge, cross back over to Missouri and take the Riverfront Trail downtown. Just for kicks I might reverse route this on my bike in the next couple of weeks if we get a dry day. Its been nothing but rain lately.
kevin from Jefferson City on 04/26/2011 12:59 PM
When I lived in St. Louis I'd ride Hwy 94 to Hwy 67. Hwy 67 has big shoulders, but lots of traffic. It will get you across the Missouri again just fine, and you should be able to wiggle over to Riverview Av and pick up the trail from there.
Anonymous on 04/26/2011 05:40 PM
My husband and I rode bikes from the St Louis Amtrack to St Charles and really that was such a fun part of our trip. We rode through all neighborhoods and parks in St Loius..it was quite an adventure! Just have your route planned and you will enjoy yourself!
FakeInternetName from StLouis on 04/28/2011 03:26 PM
It's very important to know whether you are going to the Kirkwood Amtrak station, or the St Louis Amtrak station. You may already be aware of this distinction, but they are 2 completely different entities, located in 2 completely different types of neighborhoods.
Where to start?
- + Hello! I am wanting to plan an extended weekend trip near the beginning of june and I have no idea where to start. I'm wanting to leave Arkansas and arrive in MO via amtrack. Besides that, I'm clueles...
Discussion started 04/27/2011 10:11 PM by Aubrie - 1 reply (last reply by Jim at 04/28/2011 11:38 AM)Aubrie from Hot springs, ar on 04/27/2011 10:11 PM
Hello! I am wanting to plan an extended weekend trip near the beginning of june and I have no idea where to start. I'm wanting to leave Arkansas and arrive in MO via amtrack. Besides that, I'm clueless! Lol please help!
Jim from St Thomas on 04/28/2011 11:38 AM
If you're coming on Amtrack you may want to start in Jefferson City. It's just about in the middle of the trail and the Amtrack station is a fairly easy ride to the trailhead. From the Jeff City trailhead the ride West to Rocheport is around 35 miles and has some of the best scenery on the trail. Boonville is another 13 miles or so. Another option would be to get off Amtrak in Hermann and ride East. There are several Wineries on or close to the trail within 50 miles or so of Hermann.
Trail wet but pretty good so far; LOST CAMERA!
- + Riding from Clinton to Machens, am in Hermann tonight. Rain and some lightning a problem, trail is "mushy" in spots so our tandem can be agar hard to handle, lots of tree debris on trail in some areas...
Discussion started 04/27/2011 09:46 PM by Condor - 1 reply (last reply by MidSouth at 04/28/2011 08:44 AM)Condor from Albuquerque on 04/27/2011 09:46 PM
Riding from Clinton to Machens, am in Hermann tonight. Rain and some lightning a problem, trail is "mushy" in spots so our tandem can be agar hard to handle, lots of tree debris on trail in some areas. But doing OK and should be sunny tomorrow (but windy!). LOST OUR BLACK SONY POCKET CAMERA b/w mileposts 120 west of Portland and 112 near Bluffton. We'd love to have it back, especially the memory card. Reward if found and returned. Call 505-250-8345. Happy riding, everyone!
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/28/2011 08:44 AM
Thanks for the update Condor, I'm leaving from Clinton Saturday morning, will be on the lookout for a black camera.
first time ride
- + any suggestions for a first time ride of 1 or 2 days on the western end (Jeff City west) of the trail? one way or round trip?
Discussion started 04/27/2011 02:43 AM by JW - 1 reply (last reply by MidSouth at 04/27/2011 10:42 AM)JW from Arkansas on 04/27/2011 02:43 AM
any suggestions for a first time ride of 1 or 2 days on the western end (Jeff City west) of the trail? one way or round trip?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/27/2011 10:42 AM
A favorite weekend ride for my wife and I is Hartsburg to Boonville and back. We drive up to Hartsburg on Friday evening, stay at either the Globe Hotel or the Harstburg Inn and have dinner at the Big Muddy Tavern. On Saturday morning we ride west towards Boonville, have lunch somewhere in Rocheport. In Boonville we usually stay at the Frederick Hotel or the High Street Victorian B&B. There are many options for dinner in Boonville. Sunday we return to our car in Hartsburg. This trip is about 38 miles each way.
The Memorial Day weekend Pedalers Jamboree trip from Columbia to Boonville and back looks like it will be a lot of fun also.
Fifthe Wheel camping along the trail
- + Are there parks near the trail where you can park a fifth wheel camper?
Discussion started 04/26/2011 10:22 AM by GH - 2 replies (last reply by Linda at 04/27/2011 08:44 AM)GH from Maryville, MO on 04/26/2011 10:22 AM
Are there parks near the trail where you can park a fifth wheel camper?
Specialized from Blue Springs, MO on 04/26/2011 10:50 AM
Are you looking for a campsite along the trail? And what part are you wanting to ride on? New Franklin has the Katy Roundhouse Campground that has RV camping. Small, nice campground right on the trail.
Linda from Sedalia on 04/27/2011 08:44 AM
There is RV and tent camping in Sedalia about 1/2 block off the Trail.
Rock Island Trail State Park
- + Just wondering how close this was to being open and when the dedication ceremony would be....
Discussion started 04/26/2011 10:48 AM by Specialized - 2 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 04/26/2011 11:40 PM)Specialized from Blue Springs, MO on 04/26/2011 10:48 AM
Just wondering how close this was to being open and when the dedication ceremony would be....
Trek from St. Joseph on 04/26/2011 10:05 PM
My question for Ray is, will this site have Rock Island Trail information or will you make an entirely new site for us? If both state park trails are incorporated into this site will the name/domain change?
Ray (webmaster) on 04/26/2011 11:40 PM
Trek, I will definitely include the Rock Island info in this website. Since the trails will be connected and many people will use both trails within the same trip, it will be easier for everyone if all the information is here in one spot. This will still be BikeKatyTrail.com - I think many people will think of Rock Island as a spur of the Katy rather than an entirely separate trail.
I have not heard anything about when Rock Island will open, but am really looking forward to it. They'd better build some big parking lots because I think a LOT of KC-area people will use it.
Sedalia
- + I'm planning on riding the trail in a few weeks and recall getting lost in Sedalia last time I went. The painted arrows on the pavement in town indicating which way to go were very faded and difficul...
Discussion started 04/25/2011 07:25 PM by Steve R. - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/25/2011 09:04 PM)Steve R. from Granite City, IL on 04/25/2011 07:25 PM
I'm planning on riding the trail in a few weeks and recall getting lost in Sedalia last time I went. The painted arrows on the pavement in town indicating which way to go were very faded and difficult to find. Anybody been through Sedalia recently? Is it (hopefully) easy to make your way through town?
Paulie from Knoxville on 04/25/2011 08:36 PM
Same thing happened to me, cost me about 10 minutes, just had to backtrack, no biggie. The route could defintely be better marked.
I stopped outside what appeared to be a laundymat and ask a local for directions. I could'nt believe it when they told me they had never heard of the Katy trail.
Best advice I can give-(traveling east)soon as you pass the old train station, watch that pavement cafefully for arrows. Don't depend on the signs. As you know its not hard to miss a turn.
Good Luck, Paulie
Anonymous on 04/25/2011 09:04 PM
You might click on Sedalia above and look at the map. Simple solutions to simple problems.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Sedalia
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=3988&tonly=1
Katy Trail conditions
- + Wondering what conditions are like on the Katy Trail post-tornado/flooding. I am a little anxious as I have a trip planned starting 5/2 and I'm travelling from NJ on Amtrak.
Discussion started 04/25/2011 10:42 AM by Kelly - 4 replies (last reply by RK at 04/25/2011 03:32 PM)Kelly from NJ on 04/25/2011 10:42 AM
Wondering what conditions are like on the Katy Trail post-tornado/flooding. I am a little anxious as I have a trip planned starting 5/2 and I'm travelling from NJ on Amtrak.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/25/2011 01:47 PM
Missouri Department of Natural Resources maintains a website with current trail conditions on the trail. I would post a link but that seems to cause my posts to be blocked. RIGHT NOW, no problems with flooding, but that could easily change in a week or so. Only closure is around Rocheport due to construction, but a reroute, which really is not that bad, is avaliable using roads in that area.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/25/2011 02:20 PM
Kelly, which direction are you going? I am leaving Clinton on April 30 and plan to be in St. Charles by the evening of May 2. If you want to send your cell phone to ackermannsacre@earthlink.net I can give you an update of the conditions that I come across.
Ray (webmaster) on 04/25/2011 02:27 PM
Here's the DNR link that SteveK mentioned: http://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park
SteveK you're right, any posts that contain a link have to be reviewed before they go on the forum - it's unbelieveable how much spam I filter out on a daily basis.
We check the DNR's page for changes a couple times a day, and post any trail advisories on the home page, but it's advisable to keep an eye on the DNR webpage if you're getting close to your trail trip.
Also watch this forum; people are really good about posting flood alerts here when it does happen.
Good luck, stay dry.
RK from St Louis on 04/25/2011 03:32 PM
I was on the KATY yesterday between Dutzow and Klondike and it was clear. No debris - No flooding
New building in Marthasville
- + Anyone know what that new building that is currently being built in Marthasville is for? It is the one replacing the pavilion just west of the Katy Trail parking lot trailhead. I always assumed that...
Discussion started 04/24/2011 06:33 PM by SteveK - 1 reply (last reply by Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator at 04/25/2011 09:36 AM)SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/24/2011 06:33 PM
Anyone know what that new building that is currently being built in Marthasville is for? It is the one replacing the pavilion just west of the Katy Trail parking lot trailhead. I always assumed that this was park or city property, but I guess it isn't.
Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator on 04/25/2011 09:36 AM
The community of Marthasville received a grant to restore the historic MKT depot, which is being relocated to the trailhead at Marthasville. The original location of the depot was just west of the trailhead near the grain elevators. The trailhead is managed by Missouri State Parks, and the depot is managed by Marthasville.
Trail Terrain
- + I am a fairly new biker and I am recovering from foot surgery. I would like to ride part of trail but need to ride on flatter ground, gently rolling hills are ok too. What is the terrain like, espec...
Discussion started 04/24/2011 08:34 PM by icpjv - 1 reply (last reply by Skyguy9999 at 04/25/2011 12:56 AM)icpjv on 04/24/2011 08:34 PM
I am a fairly new biker and I am recovering from foot surgery. I would like to ride part of trail but need to ride on flatter ground, gently rolling hills are ok too. What is the terrain like, especially around the Hermann area? Thanks.
Skyguy9999 on 04/25/2011 12:56 AM
The Katy is an old railroad bed, so you won't find any sudden hills or the like. Basically all flat. If your foot is a concern, I'd be careful around where the trail crosses the roads/highways, but other than that you should be good.
April-May whacky weather?
- + Just wondering with the neverending string of storms if April 29-May 2 might be a bad time to camp/ride. I've been in IA a few years now so I'm getting used to tornadoes but where do you find shelter...
Discussion started 04/24/2011 07:21 AM by CJ5w4WD - 2 replies (last reply by SteveK at 04/24/2011 10:43 PM)CJ5w4WD from Wandering the Midwest on 04/24/2011 07:21 AM
Just wondering with the neverending string of storms if April 29-May 2 might be a bad time to camp/ride. I've been in IA a few years now so I'm getting used to tornadoes but where do you find shelter on the Katy? Earthquakes are so much easier to plan for ;)
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/24/2011 04:43 PM
If I was camping any time of the year, I would make sure I had the number of the various shuttle services along the trail if you need to get out of the weather for the night. There is a shelter(hostel) in Tebbetts, and some of the city parks have pavilions you can utilize. On the east end of the trail, Klondike Park(MM64), Marthasville, Hermann, Rhineland, Mokane all have pavilions that you can temporarily use. I would not count on being able to camp under them though.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/24/2011 10:43 PM
You also should probably check the Missouri River levels before you leave for your trip as it looks like parts of the trail could be flooded soon if we get the rain that is predicted in the next few days.
Places to stay in October
- + Any suggestions for reasonably priced B and B's or small hotels in Sedalia, New Franklin, Portland , Marhtasville or St. Charles? We will be riding in the middle of October 2011. Thanks!
Discussion started 04/17/2011 12:19 PM by Mary - 10 replies (last reply by Anon at 04/24/2011 06:28 PM)Mary from Langley, wa on 04/17/2011 12:19 PM
Any suggestions for reasonably priced B and B's or small hotels in Sedalia, New Franklin, Portland , Marhtasville or St. Charles? We will be riding in the middle of October 2011. Thanks!
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/17/2011 05:39 PM
Mary, I would start your planning by using the links above. Mileage Chart, Towns & Services, and Trip Planner. Many of the small towns along the KATY do not have hotels or B&B's. You will have to adjust your daily mileage accordingly.
Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg, Missouri on 04/17/2011 06:35 PM
We have two B & Bs in Hartsburg that are reasonable, staffed by 2 great ladies, Jeanette and Catherine. Click on Hartsburg and it will give you the facts and numbers for both.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/17/2011 08:41 PM
I've stayed at:
Hotel Bothwell-Sedalia
Frederick Hotel-Boonville
High Street Victorian B&B-Boonville
KATY Trail Bed & Bikefest-Rocheport
Hartsburg Inn-Hartsburg
Globe Hotel-Hartsburg
Turner KATY Trail Shelter-Tebbetts
Cambell Haus B&B-Hermann
Enjoyed a fine experience at each of them.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 04/17/2011 10:46 PM
In Marthasville, I stayed at the Little House B & B. There were 3 of us, myself, husband and 25 year old daughter and it was perfect for us. She provided what you needed for a very nice continental breakfast, as well as some homemade coffee cake. I'd go back there in a nano second. Enjoy your ride!
maxine from sedalia on 04/18/2011 04:28 PM
I have rooms for rent in my home. We are located near the trail in Sedalia. We provide clean rooms at an affordable rate. Call for more information. Thank you. Maxine's rooms for rent. 660 826 9351
Will from St. Peters on 04/21/2011 08:51 AM
I have stayed at the Hostel in Tebbetts - just make sure you have food, there were no establishments open. If you have a guide book, I suggest calling ahead - businesses kind of come and go along the trail, and with the current economic climate it may be worse.
For $5 it was a deal, hot shower, etc. The town just East I believe Mokane, has a local store that made a great breakfast.
gene from Indiana on 04/22/2011 11:52 PM
Portland has a sign for a population of 86. The campground is just above the trailhead. No B&B that I know of. The restaurant is under new management and fairly good. I would be taking snacks with you to eat in the morning as some places don't have restaurants that open early. Staying at B&B is a good idea.
Rhona+Lococo from St Charles mo on 04/23/2011 01:55 PM
check out Lococo House II&III, Bed & Breakfast, 3 blocks from the trail, hot tub for tired parts, fresh baked goods , full breakfast and a reasonable price of 85.00 plus tax (for two)
Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg, Missouri on 04/24/2011 04:19 PM
The second weekend in October, in Hartsburg, you will encounter 55,000 people attending our 20th annual Pumpkin Festival. Stop in and have a good time.
Anon on 04/24/2011 06:28 PM
October is a busy time on the Katy. Many come for the festivals, wineries, and fall colors. Might want to book ahead.
Informal End to 2011 KTY Ride at Portage des Sioux
- + I know St. Charles is the place to be and the traditional end to a long hot week of riding, with all the fantastic businesses, eateries, hotels and historic sites. But for those of you who will not ha...
Discussion started 04/22/2011 05:22 AM by Don - 0 repliesDon from Plainfield, IL on 04/22/2011 05:22 AM
I know St. Charles is the place to be and the traditional end to a long hot week of riding, with all the fantastic businesses, eateries, hotels and historic sites. But for those of you who will not have enough even to Machens why not push a little further to Portage (assuming it doesn't have any flooding alerts). It has a great deal of river history too. Kind of like RAGBRAI with at least one river for a front tire dip. It would be approximately 16 miles more (total 231 miles). You could take a long break in St. Charles and push a little bit more since it is a shorter last day distance. Any takers and we always welcome the "anonymous" people too?
St Louis bike Club
- + I read in the St Louis paper yesterday that a bike club is being formed in downtown St Louis. It read like you could stay there, or get a shower or a meal etc. And next door they hope to have a bike s...
Discussion started 04/21/2011 07:00 PM by Michael Rodemeyer - 1 reply (last reply by Terry at 04/21/2011 10:16 PM)Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg, Missouri on 04/21/2011 07:00 PM
I read in the St Louis paper yesterday that a bike club is being formed in downtown St Louis. It read like you could stay there, or get a shower or a meal etc. And next door they hope to have a bike shop. Evidently they would charge a small fee or more if you choose to join for the year. Does anyone know more about this?
Terry from Festus on 04/21/2011 10:16 PM
Check with trailnet.org.