Katy Trail Forum

I plan on being on the Katy trail west to east for about one week!Now instead of shiping my bike from wendover i thought that another way to ride is a 150-200 bike usd.Get it at walmart.After the katy trail ,i am picking up the great Mississippi trail! All the way to Mpls,Mn. I am vietnam vet and am on a low budget.Is this a good idea to buy a bike at walmart? Thanks

I bought a Wal-mart bike when I was out of town for a couple of months, just to keep in shape.
Had a flat tire the second day - Stripped the threads on the brake adjustment without applying hardly any pressure - Seat would not stay in one place - pedal came off. Be prepared to do daily maintenence. Donated it to local charity before I left.

daily maintance is required for any bike, I dont care if its a $200. bike or a 2Thousand dollar bike. Renting a bike seems to be a hassel,Seven days 140usd. Thats why i will take my chances on a walmart bike. By the way i have a schwinn hybird in wendover,I have had no problems.So being there is a walmart in clinton,mo it sounds perfect to buy the bike their, Yes after walmart assembles the bike, take it to the clinton bike shop for adjustments, and happy Katy trail!

Me thinks you are playing with us...

Most bike shops just love to see WalMart bikes come in for adjustments.

I wouldn't wish a Walmart bike on my worst enemy. I'd rather rent, renting would actually be cheaper, and a 99 percent chance of being hassle free.

If you weigh over 150 I wouldn't recomend the very-low-end "mountain" bike from Walmart, you will break it like Mr Anonymous advised. But they do sell a cruiser with balloon tires and even a road bike for about $200 that might last you a week on the trail. Target has a lot better selection of adult hybrid style bikes in $200 range. I doubt there is one in Clinton, but there are several in the ST louis area. I have traveled to a ride before and understand your issue. One other thought: you might find a hybrid at the bike shop for less than you think. It wouldn't hurt to stop there before going to Walmart.

If I wanted to enjoy my ride, I would NOT ride a Wal-Mart bike. I think you are simply asking for hassles. That's just 2 cents.

Never, never, never buy a bike from Walmart,Kmart etc and of course never take it to a real shop to be fixed. Go to some place that sells and repairs bikes for a living. They will fit it and prep it for you and it will be worth the added cost. In our area try the Hartsburg Cycle Depot in Jefferson City. Mark and Pam will do right by you and they are great folks besides.

Never say never :) I am proud to say that my Schwinn Pathway that I bought at Walmart has over 400 trouble-free miles on the Katy now. I did buy a new set of pedals as I put a lot of miles on. I've replaced two flats over three years, but you can't blame the bike for that, and I got a compliment on the bike from the guy in Clifton City. At $250, the Pathway was near the top of Walmart's line, but less than the $1,500 and up I've seen at the local shops. BTW, the local shops do a great service and I may spend my bonus money on a Trek or something similarly high-end one of these years.

Brad, let's be fair. A similar bike to your Schwinn can be found at many bike shops for $275-$400. The main diffrence is that bike shops have a mechanic assemble them and ususlly make free adjustments for a year. If the cheepest bike at your shop is $1500, I would shop around. The shop in my town has more bikes under $800 than over.

You don't have to spend $1,500.00 at a bike shop. The Hartsburg Cycle Depot in Jefferson City sells a good Raliegh bike for around $300 to 350 and it will last a long time. Of course if you want a handmade bike Mark can build you one from scratch that will cost alot. go see him next time you are in Jefferson city. Use the new bike bridge across the Missouri river.

We will b in MO/Hermann end of May. Couple questions...the wine trail out of Hermann, beside this, is there any other wine trail in the area of Boonville?
Also, we are getting the impression that the trail can be somewhat "wild west" if you will, this is a safe ride, right?

There a winery in Boonville that is fairly new...I don't recall the name but they have a store front on main just a few blocks south of the river bridge. There is also the winery in Rocheport that is worth a visit. They have a nice bistro on top of river bluff also.

"Also, we are getting the impression that the trail can be somewhat "wild west" if you will, this is a safe ride, right?"

Could you splain, "wild west" and I might!

Compared to this:
http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/bike_race.html
Yes, the Katy Trail is very safe.

Safe as any other state or local highway to ride on with lots of hills and curves.

I'm in my late 50s and bicycle on the Katy Trail about weekly. I do not enjoy dangerous activities, so I don't think the trail is like the wild west. The worst I have encountered are snakes, which I always see in time to stop and let them get across the trail before I get too close. Every so often (maybe one or 2 times a year) there seems to be stories about dog problems, which is not good. But I think someone (?DNR staff) deals with them and they aren't reported again. You'll see deer, turkeys, birds, and other wildlife that you'll enjoy.

I believe the original poster is asking about the Herrman Wine Trail, which is not a bike trail at all, just a highway route to the various wineries in the area.

Midsouth, I believe the rest of us were just a little confused on how anyone could get the impression the Trail, be it Katy or Wine, was anything near being “wild west”. I got the impression Nan thought all cyclist rode into the towns with their six guns a blazing.

Spent two days in Hermann on our trip last year, don't believe we saw any six guns, blazing or otherwise. There is a nice selection of antique washing machines at the laudry mat though, that was pretty wild!

Nan, the Katy Trail and its fine towns and surroundings along the Missouri River is as much a "wild west" as the Potawatomi Bingo Casino.

That's a great question! After completing the entire Katy last year, I tried the Chief Ladiga/Silver Comet between Birmingham and Atlanta while it was warm there this spring. Their newsletter was proud of the work the trail watchers and police were doing to cut down the crime making me more nervous. I have never seen any trail watchers or police on the Katy, but I think it's because it is so safe they don't need a full-time patrol. One thing that will remind you of the wild west is that most of the towns on the north side of the river between Boonville and Washington seem a little ghost town like. I don't want to offend those living there, but the same floods (especially 1993) that did in the MKT, also flooded out the towns.

It's safe but I would pack plenty of snack food and water, because my son and I went biking and about starved. It was a Saturday and alot of the little towns close the resturants early if they even open on that day, and the convenient was even closed. This was in the town of tebbetts. You will love this trail though, it's beautiful.

The pedestrian/bike bridge over the Missouri River at Jefferosn City was dedicated today. Has anyone on the forum used it? I got on the Katy Trail for the first time since November today, but did not get on the bridge. I'm looking forward to using it. I'm so excited that this project is done and people can now safely bike and walk over the Missouri River at Jefferson City.

Went over the bridge this morning, pretty nice! Rode from the Katy Trail over and then back, lots and lots of people walking and a few biking over the bridge, older, younger, parents with small children, groups of people, several joggers and many pictures being taken. It was a "happening" for sure, was glad to see it.

As for riding up the ramps, not a problem, put the bike in a low gear and went on up. Because of the amount of people, and having to go really slow, it was sort of difficult to keep your balance sometimes. Once the "new" wears off and not as many people using it at the same time it will be a much nicer ride. An excellent view of the area. The auto traffic on the bridge is sort of loud, but not a major deal.

My husband and I are planning a 4 day weekend on the Katy trail. I was told between Booneville and herman is the most scenic part of trail. What would be the best places to stay in this area? What Shuttle service would be best to take back?

My boys and I (ages 4 and 6) just finished up the exact route you are considering. Well actually we started in Rocheport. This was my first time on the trail and we were there before things get in full swing but here is my nickle tour.
The Katy Trail B&B in Rocheport is cute, clean, cozy, affordable and the kitchen is very well stocked. We camped the next night in Hartsburg at the city park. Great spot if you bring some ear plugs. Lots of dogs that like to bark at every train and plane that come by. We had supper at the Big Muddy and breakfast at Dotty's Cafe. Both within walking distance of the park.
Next night we camped in the county fair grounds in Mokane. Lots of flat ground but not much to eat if you dont like lots of fried everything.
The last 2 nights we spent camping in the city park in Herman. We had supper at The Barrel and lunch at Tin Road (?) brewery.
The shuttle service I used to get back to Rocheport was O'Bryans Taxi. They were by far the cheapest (1.50/mile vs most others that were over $2.00/mile) and showed up exactly when they said they would.
Other than Herman most of the food you will get along the way ranges from fancy bar food to bad bar food so if you are looking for some fancy schmancy pasta better pack it along.
Rocheport to Hartsburg is probably the most scenic portion of the trail that we covered and Mokane to Herman would rank a pretty close second. The parts in between aren't bad, they just have some pretty big shoes to fill.

I've stayed at the Globe B & B in Hartsburg a couple of times and really loved it. I agree with the previous poster about the Rocheport B & B, it's right on the trail and provides a continental breakfast. The rooms are quite comfortable. If you have extra cash to splurge, the School House B & B in Rocheport is excellent and you get served a great breakfast. I've stayed there, and had a flat tire. The owner fixed my tire for me and went out of his way to help. I think there's more than one place to eat in Rocheport. We had a great time at the General Store. And the bike and pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River at Jefferson City is now open. The dedication was today. So if you had the time, stopping in Jefferson City is now easier (you can safely bike over the bridge). I've seen great reviews of the Cliff House B & B and the Briar Roas B & B in Jefferson City on this forum. By the way, the Briar Rose has a for sale sign in front. So if anyone is interested in running a B & B, look into it.

I'm headed down to Columbia tomorrow for a meeting at 4. I'm planning on getting in my Friday 10-mile run on a portion of the Katy Trail (probably a total of ten miles so a 5 mile spot). From what I'm reading, it would be easiest and the most scenic to stop in Rocheport and run that next five miles. Is that the best thing to do? Thanks!

The spur from Columbia south to the Katy would also be a good spot.....Martin Luther King park southward.

Awful food, awful service and the cigarette smoke just takes away what little taste there is to the food. Way overpriced and good luck getting someone to wait on you. Try Maggie's across the street instead -- you won't be dissapointed.

Awful food, awful service and the cigarette smoke just takes away what little taste there is to the food. Way overpriced and good luck getting someone to wait on you. Try Maggie's across the street instead -- you won't be dissapointed.

We ate there 2 years ago and had a great meal. Another bonus is that last year we stayed at the Comfort Inn in Boonville and the Stein House had delivery (which was great after a long day).

We ate there 2 years ago and had a great meal. Another bonus is that last year we stayed at the Comfort Inn in Boonville and the Stein House had delivery (which was great after a long day).

I couldn't agree more. It used to be an OK place to eat, but their service is shoddy at best and the staff there is just plain rude. Last time we ate there about 6 months ago the spaghetti tasted like it was straight out of a can.

I couldn't agree more. It used to be an OK place to eat, but their service is shoddy at best and the staff there is just plain rude. Last time we ate there about 6 months ago the spaghetti tasted like it was straight out of a can.

I agree with the poster who is recommending Maggie's. The food is absolutely amazing and the fact it is a smoke-free establishment is really nice. On the weekends (and I think Friday night as well) they have smoked chicken and ribs complete with side items for less than $10 -- you just can't beat that deal!

I agree with the poster who is recommending Maggie's. The food is absolutely amazing and the fact it is a smoke-free establishment is really nice. On the weekends (and I think Friday night as well) they have smoked chicken and ribs complete with side items for less than $10 -- you just can't beat that deal!

Check out the Blind Ref Tavern just down from the Stein House. Smoke free and open on Sundays!

Check out the Blind Ref Tavern just down from the Stein House. Smoke free and open on Sundays!

The Stein House features lunch specials Monday through Friday that are a

great deal--TWO lunches for $6.99 (not $6.99 each) if you buy two

drinks. Thursday is fried chicken day--very good fried chicken. The new

server, Deb, is delightful--give Stein House another try! By the way,

Maggie's is another good choice!

The Stein House features lunch specials Monday through Friday that are a

great deal--TWO lunches for $6.99 (not $6.99 each) if you buy two

drinks. Thursday is fried chicken day--very good fried chicken. The new

server, Deb, is delightful--give Stein House another try! By the way,

Maggie's is another good choice!

We ate at the Stein House this weekend and was one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had. We ordered a couple of cheeseburgers, an hour later (and after those who had arrived and ordered after us, received and finished their meal) the "chef" comes to our table and advised us he forgot to take our burgers off the grill and were now hockey pucks. No problem, it happens. Half hour later the burgers and fries come out completely soaked in grease and un-edible. The chef again apologized, rather sarcastically, and explained the burgers were not greasy, but that was a soy sauce based marinade they were trying out. Stay away from this place

We ate at the Stein House this weekend and was one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had. We ordered a couple of cheeseburgers, an hour later (and after those who had arrived and ordered after us, received and finished their meal) the "chef" comes to our table and advised us he forgot to take our burgers off the grill and were now hockey pucks. No problem, it happens. Half hour later the burgers and fries come out completely soaked in grease and un-edible. The chef again apologized, rather sarcastically, and explained the burgers were not greasy, but that was a soy sauce based marinade they were trying out. Stay away from this place

Funny how most of the negitave comments are posted about the time Maggies bar opened. The Stein House is a nice restaurant, not a sports bar. Maybe the posters felt out of place because they weren't in a hamburger joint. I enjoy their steak selections and my wife likes stopping there because they cater to her vegitarian diet without making her feel singled out. We stop in Boonville about every two months as we pass through and always eat at the Stein House.

Funny how most of the negitave comments are posted about the time Maggies bar opened. The Stein House is a nice restaurant, not a sports bar. Maybe the posters felt out of place because they weren't in a hamburger joint. I enjoy their steak selections and my wife likes stopping there because they cater to her vegitarian diet without making her feel singled out. We stop in Boonville about every two months as we pass through and always eat at the Stein House.

I would not let my dog eat at this resturant. The food is nasty and the staff is rude. If you want to waste your time and money this is the place for you. However, I strongly recommend finding another resturant.

I would not let my dog eat at this resturant. The food is nasty and the staff is rude. If you want to waste your time and money this is the place for you. However, I strongly recommend finding another resturant.

They were very very nice. The waiter tried hard and was very polite. Food was okay.

Chicken was good. not my favorite place but I may go back if I am in town. I am a non

smoker and I sat in the back. Smoke did not bother me. One bad thing is that it is very

cold in there. We wore our coats as well as everyone eaten there. Too cold. It makes it

uncomfortable.

They were very very nice. The waiter tried hard and was very polite. Food was okay.

Chicken was good. not my favorite place but I may go back if I am in town. I am a non

smoker and I sat in the back. Smoke did not bother me. One bad thing is that it is very

cold in there. We wore our coats as well as everyone eaten there. Too cold. It makes it

uncomfortable.

Poor form to associate Maggies with negative comments. Not true! This place just burned down, so it is now irrelevant

Poor form to associate Maggies with negative comments. Not true! This place just burned down, so it is now irrelevant

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils will be the headlining band for this years Pedaler's Jamboree May 28-29. You can click on 'Events' above to get more information.

Has anyone stayed here before? We're thinking of camping here, but the information is sparse...

There are two places to camp in Hartsburg. One is the American Legion/Lions Ballpark and one is the Volunteer Park next to the red caboose. For small groups and to be close to food and wine the Volunteer Park is best. Larger groups can set up in the baseball field. Either place should be first approved by Bill Abrahams first to see if there are any events scheduled) his # is 573-657-2317.

There is a gazebo in the park. My friend and I just rolled our sleeping bags out and had a roof over our heads.

My 9 year old son and I are planning a ride on the Katy Trail over Easter Weekend. We typically stay in Rocheport, but are considering a new destination this time around. Are the restaurants in Hartsburg good... and kid friendly? Can we easily ride to Rocheport from Hartsburg? Thanks for your thoughts/suggestions.