Katy Trail Forum

Is there any significant advantage to riding west to east vs east to west on the Katy in October? Thanks.

I think the prevailing wind is generally west to east....and the percent slope is less going west to east.

Beer and food in Saint Charles is a whole lot better than Clinton.

Agree with the beer and food. But the WIND is the real reason to ride west to east.

Given my experiences on the Trail, I totally agree with the advise about WEST to EAST. Wind (and grade) are the reason this is the preferred direction!

Finished 3 days on Katy trail 3/23/11. Ride West to East. Last day a front was blowing in, difficult to ride into a west wind. The grade is nothing either way, e.g. 6 ft. over 40 miles the first day. For a great experience (food & drink) try Paddy's in Jefferson City, Mo. Corner of Bolivar & Main.

The start with half of our lifetime is ruined not later than our parents and the second half by our children.
Clarence Darrow

Marriage is a tedious meal with the dessert at the beginning.

Leo Kottke

Profanity provides a relief denied even unto prayer.

Mark Twain

Put in 45 miles yesterday - Rocheport past Wilton and back. Trail conditions are nice. The geese are nesting in the bluffs the first few miles downriver of Rocheport. A couple are territorial and will stand their ground hissing at you. Do not be alarmed, they will not attack. Seems like every year some idiot decides that it would be fun to kill one of these defenseless geese. DON'T DO IT!!! Talk to them gently and they will leave you be. Also, DON'T KILL THE SNAKES!!! I saw half a dozen snakes yesterday, the first of the year. None of them poisonous, all sunning themselves on the trail. Leave these creatures alone. They have more of a right to be there than you do. You will see copperheads occasionally but they are non-aggressive. Give them a wide berth and they will ignore you. The bridge over the Moniteau creek at Rocheport is being replaced right now so the DNR has the trail blocked at MM182 and is routing traffic down Hwy 40. If you don't feel like risking your life on Hwy 40 there is a way around the by-pass using conservation land. If anyone is interested in this route let me know and I will relay the information. Tmiser.

I would be interested in this route through the Conservation Area. I've looked on Google Maps and don't see a way. I took the Hwy 40 detour towing a BOB trailer last year and would rather not do it again. I plan to ride from Clinton to St. Charles and back the first week of May.

I would be interested in another way around the contruction area also. Will be riding the trail in a month or so, end to end round trip, a way through the conservation area sounds better than hwy 40.

Can the detour on conversation land be posted on this tread?

Thanks!

It it can't be posted could you email to
ackermannsacre at earthlink dot net

Is this place for real? All we saw were the sticks that we supposed they supported the tipis with. No one was in sight.

Is this place for real? All we saw were the sticks that we supposed they supported the tipis with. No one was in sight.

It's a great place! The store is on the little road behind the field with the teepee sticks in it. I

encourage you to stop by next time. There is a path from the trail up to the road.

It's a great place! The store is on the little road behind the field with the teepee sticks in it. I

encourage you to stop by next time. There is a path from the trail up to the road.

My brothers and I stayed there on our KATY ride.....totally enjoyed ourselves and the hosts. It is its own uniqueness, not to be confused with others. We didn't use the teepees but looked inside. The owners used to make teepee kits for sale hence the four or so that are available for a small fee. Yup - wonderful place!! Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

My brothers and I stayed there on our KATY ride.....totally enjoyed ourselves and the hosts. It is its own uniqueness, not to be confused with others. We didn't use the teepees but looked inside. The owners used to make teepee kits for sale hence the four or so that are available for a small fee. Yup - wonderful place!! Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

This place is for real and you missed out on meeting 2 great people. The tipi's are no longer there due to mildew and rot. The store has drinks along with hand made items. I gree with the Dalton boys, is is unique, you should have gone in. Robert and Maggie are native americans with a heart of gold.

This place is for real and you missed out on meeting 2 great people. The tipi's are no longer there due to mildew and rot. The store has drinks along with hand made items. I gree with the Dalton boys, is is unique, you should have gone in. Robert and Maggie are native americans with a heart of gold.

I am assuming that they had someone else watching the store the day we where there. My daughter, 10 at the time needed to use a restroom badly/not the type of issue where you can squat and go. We road up to the store and came in. We had decided to by some cold drinks/but the restroom was issue #1. We obeyed the sign by the campsite that stated to ask at the store before using. Well, the lady told us that the ones at the camp where locked/and no there was not one at the store she could use. She was extremly rude about it also. Needless to say, we left without buying anything/and on consecutive trips didn't even bother to stop there.

I'm glad others had better stops/but I couldn't believe the rudness, as it was the only rudness we ever where subjected to on our entire 2 day trip.

I am assuming that they had someone else watching the store the day we where there. My daughter, 10 at the time needed to use a restroom badly/not the type of issue where you can squat and go. We road up to the store and came in. We had decided to by some cold drinks/but the restroom was issue #1. We obeyed the sign by the campsite that stated to ask at the store before using. Well, the lady told us that the ones at the camp where locked/and no there was not one at the store she could use. She was extremly rude about it also. Needless to say, we left without buying anything/and on consecutive trips didn't even bother to stop there.

I'm glad others had better stops/but I couldn't believe the rudness, as it was the only rudness we ever where subjected to on our entire 2 day trip.

It is funny that everyone assumes that everyone in business along the trail or elsewere should provide toilets. Especially to those who do not buy a thing. You wouldn't expect your favorite strip mall store to have a toilet for public use. Why should it be any different for those on the trail, especially when the business is their home. As for as the port a poty, if your not paying to camp then why should they open it up for you to use. It is also funny that the trail heads have toilets, some flushing, some not, and yet I have seen with my own eyes people pass them by and enter a business and ask to use there toilets. It's an expence for the shops, water, soap, towels and just buying a soda will not cover it.

Would you like it if I just stop my car infront of your home, rang the bell and asked to use your toilet because my daughter had to go badly....

It is funny that everyone assumes that everyone in business along the trail or elsewere should provide toilets. Especially to those who do not buy a thing. You wouldn't expect your favorite strip mall store to have a toilet for public use. Why should it be any different for those on the trail, especially when the business is their home. As for as the port a poty, if your not paying to camp then why should they open it up for you to use. It is also funny that the trail heads have toilets, some flushing, some not, and yet I have seen with my own eyes people pass them by and enter a business and ask to use there toilets. It's an expence for the shops, water, soap, towels and just buying a soda will not cover it.

Would you like it if I just stop my car infront of your home, rang the bell and asked to use your toilet because my daughter had to go badly....

I don't get it either. I have seen people along the trail get downright angry with businesses

along the trail when they say they have no public toilet available. DNR does a decent job of

keeping the trailhead toilets clean and stocked with supplies. Businesses along the trail are

providing a public service by just staying open...I don't see anybody getting rich from

business from the Trail. I don't think it is too much to ask that people use the trailhead

toilets.

I don't get it either. I have seen people along the trail get downright angry with businesses

along the trail when they say they have no public toilet available. DNR does a decent job of

keeping the trailhead toilets clean and stocked with supplies. Businesses along the trail are

providing a public service by just staying open...I don't see anybody getting rich from

business from the Trail. I don't think it is too much to ask that people use the trailhead

toilets.

Robert and Maggie are authentic people-not the kind that have a fake smile for everyone who comes along. They don't believe in entertaining everyone who comes along and they don't tolerate rudeness or disrespect.

Their place is one at which you get the kind of treatment you deserve-the customer isn't always right and they won't and shouldn't put up with any bs for the money they earn.

I've been treated well there when I deserved it and been treated like a nuisance when I deserved it.

These are people you can learn alot from if they like you. You would do your children a favor by giving them another visit. Robert and Maggie are wise people-truly rare.

Robert and Maggie are authentic people-not the kind that have a fake smile for everyone who comes along. They don't believe in entertaining everyone who comes along and they don't tolerate rudeness or disrespect.

Their place is one at which you get the kind of treatment you deserve-the customer isn't always right and they won't and shouldn't put up with any bs for the money they earn.

I've been treated well there when I deserved it and been treated like a nuisance when I deserved it.

These are people you can learn alot from if they like you. You would do your children a favor by giving them another visit. Robert and Maggie are wise people-truly rare.

Has anyone staid here in 2010/2011? Planning a trip for Boy Scouts and would like to confirm they are still in business and current conditions.

Has anyone staid here in 2010/2011? Planning a trip for Boy Scouts and would like to confirm they are still in business and current conditions.

I would call Maggie, 573-657-1095, to see if they can handle a large group of scouts. If not try Hartsburg just down the trail. Call Bill Abrahams about Volunteer Park or Mayor Ditzfeld at rditzfeld@socket.net.

I would call Maggie, 573-657-1095, to see if they can handle a large group of scouts. If not try Hartsburg just down the trail. Call Bill Abrahams about Volunteer Park or Mayor Ditzfeld at rditzfeld@socket.net.

I was wondering where a good section of the katy trail would be to ride for 4 days in late march? My friend and I are planning on camping and biking the trail starting close to ST Charles, so were looking for some good stopping points to camp.

Sean, click on the 'Trip Planner' link above and then select 'Camping' then select 'Build My List'. This will give you a list of most of camping opportunities along the trail and the distance from St. Charles for your planning.

Its time to party at katfish katys!!! Very cold beer!!!

You might be a little early. You could go to Marthasville which is a good ride. Another day to Portland could be scheduled, then Hartford. Some of these places have restaurants open at noon to evening. There's nothing at Portland for morning so take snacks with you.
You can camp at Marthasville at the old replica cabin but if you use the bathrooms at the ball field, they might not be open yet. The man that owns that charges $5 for bathroom use and showers. Better yet, try the bed and breakfast in various locations.

I am not new to bike riding but am new to the camping aspects. I saw that one could rent tents from Padre for a fee. Can anyone tell me if they have experience with them? If not, what type of tents, air matresses, etc do folks recommend? I'll need to purchase or rent before the ride I already sent my registration in and am very excited to hear back.

Most riders bring their own tents (including me). Whatever tent you plan to bring, make sure it has lots of ventilation because it is usually hot at night. REI tents are among the best, but they are pricey. If you decide to go with an REI tent, be sure to get the footprint also. Footprint is the extra ground cover piece that goes on the ground before you set up your tent on it. Lots of folks bring air mattresses or thermarest (sleeping pad). So subtract the tent and footprint if you decide to rent. Otherwise you will need tent, footprint, air mettress/thermarest, air pillow, and light sleeping bag. There is an REI store in St.Louis at Brentwood and I-64.
If you can’t sleep in the heat, then you might want to consider the hotel option which is also mentioned by the DNR. The best part about hotel option is that you will be well rested for the next day ride and the amenities are there. Modern conveniences are not as readily available or ideal with camping option. The good facilities (restrooms) for camping option along the route are in Clinton and Sedalia. The rest is just so so

Dont get a 25usd tent! You will be sorry! I would suggest a Coleman tent,its 5 pounds and a quality tent for 80usd!

You've got some good advice. Here's more. Don't go to a discount store to get a tent. Low priced tents don't make it if you're in a bad storm. I have a North Face Rock 22 tent that has pulled me through wind, rain and hail (in Nebraska) and kept me dry. Go to an outfitter store/camping store in the St Louis area and ask questions. And yes, get the footprint tarp.
Also, get a Thermorest pad. It mostly inflates by itself but is great for camping. If you get a small hole, you can use a tire patch on it. Remember, after your trip, you have to store your Thermorest pad unrolled.

Im not new to riding in traffic. But is it generally safe to ride from the St Charles trail exit to the Airport metrolink station?? Or is there a better station to go to?? I will have a BOB trailer in tow. Also, there is room for bikes on the train, right?

It is not safe to try to get to the Airport Metrolink from St.Charles exit. There is an indirect but safer route someone pointed out a while back, but that may require some back tracking from St. Charles. Where are you heading? St.Charles to the airport is less than 10 miles so you might want to consider a taxi.

Ending in Belleville Il. But was looking forward to a train ride. I'm NOT riding through E St Louis!! Also If I do decide to take the metro, can I get a bike with BOB trailer thru airport to train station??

Here is the link to the bi-state transit. All its buses are equipped with bike rack so I would assume bikes are fine on Metrolink. I don’t know about your BoB trailer. You would probably have to disconnect your bob trailer before getting on the bus and metrolink.

http://www.metrostlouis.org/Default.aspx

From St. Charles you would pedal back (heading west on Katy trail) to hwy 364 (or Page extension bridge)
Take the ramp up to the Page Extension Bridge and cross over the MO river—this is Creve Coeur lake connector which is 3.8 miles paved trail. There is a roundabout at the end of this trail, and you have some options here.

Option 1: If you wish to ride all the way to the airport using this site direction then turn left at the roundabout then right to get on the rusted iron bridge (you can’t miss it). About ½ mile later you will see Marine Dr running parallel to the trail on your right. Turn right on Marine Dr as soon as you see it and you will see the hill.

Here is the “official” direction to get to the Katy from the airport http://www.bikekatytrail.com/airport-katy-trail.aspx You would have to do it in reverse. That means you would have to climb a big hill on Marine Dr from the lake with many vehicles (probably) line up behind you honking. There is no shoulder for you to pull over. If you successfully navigate to the airport, it would still be pretty tough to find your way to Metrolink station at the airport. People would probably think you are insane.

Option 2: if you wish to take buses to the airport Metrolink then go straight at the roundabout. You will pass a nice bar on your right before turning right. The trail will end in a few hundred yards and dump you to Creve Coeur Mills Rd. Take Creve Coeur Mill Rd to Olive Blvd where you need to catch a bus with possibly a transfer ticket to MetroLink. Below is the link from metrostlouis.org with keyword filled out with A = Olive blvd, near C

Below is the link from metrostlouis.org with keyword filled out with A = Olive blvd, near Creve Coeur Mill Rd and B = Lambert Main TRML Metrolink Station.

http://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&f=d&ttype=dep&saddr=Olive blvd, 63141+near+63102&time=04:00pm&daddr=airport&date=03/21/2011&dirflg=r

Option 3: If you wish to take a tour around the lake, you can either turn right or left. The trail is hugging the lake and will take you back to this same location.

Fixed my problem, Gonna have wife pick me up. Thanks for all the answers.