Katy Trail Forum

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trail surface

bentley from Texas on 03/03/2011 04:02 PM

I am planning to ride the Katy trail in late March. I have not been able to find much information on the surface of the trail. Are road bikes approprite or do I need a mountain bike? Thank you.

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 03/03/2011 07:54 PM

A lot of answers to basic questions can be found under the "Katy Trail Home" link above, then click on the FAQ link.

Skyguy9999 on 03/04/2011 01:10 AM

The Katy is a fine limestone gravel surface. Given that, most bikes work well if the conditions are good. Most I've run into tend to prefer hybrid street tread, but road bikes will work well too as long as you're careful where the trail meets the road.

The only bad thing to be aware about for mountain bike tread is that the gravel can tend to stick in between the grooves and cause problems.

Hope that helps.

Don from Plainfield, IL on 03/04/2011 12:00 PM

I rode it last year the end of March (had my wife and dog as SAG), west to east and it was unseasonanble warm, 60-70's. However most years it's cooler 40-50's, trail surface somewhat softer from the spring thaw, some flooding and branches down. Winds can be 10-20 mile gusts. Also nothing is really open along the trail, toilets and water until early April? I had a hybrid bike with 700x32 Bontager triple case tires and most surfaces were fairly hard except between Clinton and Sedalia. It won't be a problem and if it is, that's part of the fun.

zgeezer on 03/06/2011 01:21 AM

Just make sure your tires are in good condition. Some spots can be a bit rough on tires.

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First Timer

OklahomaJack from Oklahoma City on 11/21/2010 06:14 PM

This coming may I will be 60 years old.

I am bikeing short distances this fall and winter to ge ready to do the entire Katy Trail with a friend.

There will be no rush for us.We like to smell the Roses and tour towns

How many miles a day should I plan on? What is the best bike for the trails?

I have 2 diffrent style bikes, mountain bike and a Board walk with no gears and with balloon tires.

We plan to stay at B&B's

I do NOT have strong legs, but I could always bike.I had polio as a kid.

This is a Quest for me, I have a strong heart and it's on my bucket list.

Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 11/21/2010 10:29 PM

Hello Jack, the mountain bike should do well on the trail. Some people ride mountain bikes, some hybrids and some touring bikes. As for the miles per day, that just depends on how much you are used to riding. It seems that many people plan on about 40 miles a day. That is what I planned my first multi-day trip around and it worked out pretty well. The trail is flat for the most part so it is fairly easy to maintain a steady speed of 9 or 10 miles an hour, again that depends on what you are used to.

You have come to the right place to find out most of what you need to know about riding the Katy Trail. I think others will chime in on your questions. It will be fun, May is a good time to be out on the trail, enjoy yourself.

Anonymous on 11/21/2010 10:32 PM

Just turned 61, did most of trail this year. Avg miles for time to browse et al, I say plan

40-50 a day. Best bike is a hybrid with larger wheels - 700s.

Rhona Lococo from St Charles Mo on 11/22/2010 08:32 PM

if you need help with shuttle or overnight accomodations call 636-946-0619 and ask for Rhona (Lococo House III)

Anonymous on 11/23/2010 11:44 AM

I am 67, ride a Hybrid, like to start at Clinton late afternoon pedal into Sedalia that evening, Take bike into Motel. Ride from Sedalia to Hartsburg next day,stay in B&B, Hartsburg to Hermann following day and into St Charles next day. Knocking that 40 miles off the first day gives you a ride of little less than 200 for the 3 days which gives you a chance to see and enjoy the trail. Take Train back to Sedalia and bike to Car in Clinton... Never a bad experience on the trail...

Anon on 11/23/2010 11:59 AM

Together with the above advice, you'll be okay with your MB. A cyclocross, mountain bike, or hybrid with good tires works well on the trail. Carry an extra tube or two to be sure, and maybe a good boot or spare tire as well. Enjoy.

OklahomaJack from Oklahoma City on 11/26/2010 03:48 PM

Thank You all!

I am so excited.

I am planning to start my trip May 23rd 2011.I will be going west to east.

Hope I meet and greet some of you there.

Jack

John T from Palmyra, MO on 12/21/2010 05:14 PM

Try the DNR ride the third week in June. You are treated like ROYALTY. This year will be from west to east, I think. ALWAYS, a GREAT RIDE with REALLY GOOD people.

MAH on 12/22/2010 12:39 PM

I agree with checking out the DNR ride. It would be a good way to feel the trail out and then the next year go it alone! I've done both ways (alone and DNR) and each have a lot to offer.

Good thing re the DNR ride...they carry all your gear (great if you're camping), provide breakfast and supper, sag support every 10-12 miles, and if for some reason you've goofed off too long or you don't feel like the full days' ride, they'll load you and your bike up and take you into camp. It's a bit more expensive if you do the B&B/motel as you pay for your own lodging and the shuttle from the DNR camp to your lodging. We've always met many interesting people whether doing it alone or with the DNR. Here's the link from this past year's ride if you're interested http://mostateparks.com/katytrail/2010ride.htm

How ever you decide...you will have a blast. Just don't plan too many miles for each day....build in enough goof off time to make it fun.

maxine from sedalia on 12/22/2010 01:29 PM

We would love to have you stay with us in Sedalia. Happy biking. Maxine "Maxine's Rooms for Rent".

jd from gkc on 12/22/2010 01:56 PM

The suggested 40 plus-or-minus miles a day of actual riding could be about right for vacationers on the trail. Enjoy.

Terry H. from Kansas City, mo. on 03/04/2011 04:49 PM

I will be 65 in May and am also a first timer !
The DNR Ride in June 2011 is well organized and would be a good choice; sign up is next week. That is what I am planning. My bike will be a
mountain bike that I inherited from my son who
lives in Oklahoma City. It has less than 20 miles on it; he left it here when he moved to your town.
A good piece of reading material is The Katy Trail Guidebook by Brett Doufer - lots of great options.

zgeezer on 03/06/2011 01:20 AM

I am 61, rode the trail this past November, East to West (West to East is much better). Rode it in three days, which with head winds all three days made it kind of tough. Next time I will do the West to East version, and allow 4 - 5 days. Rode a hybrid bike, and it worked great. If one of your riding days will be Monday, some of the restaurants/bars will be closed, so plan accordingly. If you train by riding a few 25 - 40 mile rides ahead of time you should do fine.

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KATY LInes and Personnel

Roy Ramirez from Oklahoma City on 03/05/2011 12:01 PM

This is an excellent site. Are there others referencing the Kansas and Texas extensions? Also, can any history be researched relevant to personnel during the pre and post WWII.

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graves along trail

Anonymous on 03/02/2011 12:38 PM

what is policy regarding gravesites along trail??

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 03/02/2011 02:00 PM

Don't dig them up???

Maggie from Kansas on 03/02/2011 03:40 PM

Leave them alone???? HUMMMMM....you aren't supposed to make any new ones either, right???

Gary from near Tebbetts on 03/03/2011 12:53 PM

You must mark the gravesite by planting the riders bike (minimum depth to the front and rear axles) and placing the riders helmet (if wearing one at the time of demise) either straped to the handle bars or seat. Before leaving, sing the "Wheels on the Bike go Round and Round" (sung to the tune of the childrens song with similar title) and provide a proper departing salute.

Cvrz from St Peters on 03/03/2011 08:55 PM

"Here lies the body of our Dear Sister Sadie.
She was done in while traveling the KATY. It wasn't the ride that laid her low, it was a darned ol' flat tire that made her go!"

sharonbikes from KCMO on 03/04/2011 10:32 PM

Given that the State Park boundaries are only for the Trail, so 6-8 feet wide or so (making it the narrowest State Park in Missouri), any gravesite along the Trail would have to be on private property.

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Loutre Lane B&B in Rhineland

Kurt Schulz from St. Louis, MO on 03/02/2011 09:06 PM

Highly recommended! I have stayed at Loutre Lane once in July 2008, again in Sept 2010. The next time I bike the Katy I will stay there again. It is in a laid-back, small-town, farming-community-type setting, in a quiet, peaceful, charming little subdivision up on the bluffs overlooking Rocheport, just the right distance away from the trail. I like the fact that it’s an actual residence---makes it more genuine. The house is roomy enough and laid out in such a way that there is just the right amount of “distance” between hostess and guest. It’s also nice and clean and tastefully furnished. I feel very relaxed there. Luci is a top-notch hostess, accommodating, and pleasant. I’m a fanatic about breakfasts, and her breakfasts are great. I had eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, toast, jam, coffee---but I think she’ll make pretty much whatever you want. By the way, “Loutre” means “otter” in French!

Anonymous on 03/03/2011 08:03 AM

I guess on a clear day, you can see forever.

Jim from St Thomas on 03/03/2011 01:58 PM

Kurt, I think Mr. Anonymous is alluding to the fact that Rocheport is around 75 miles from Rhineland. I'm assuming you meant to say it overlooks Rhineland or maybe Hermann on a clear day.

Kurt from St Louis, MO on 03/03/2011 09:07 PM

Dang! Yes, I meant to say Rhineland, not Rocheport. That's not the first time I've done that. For some reason, I confuse those names. I do the same with "Tebbetts" and "Treloar".

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Website

Daniel Helton from Jefferson City, MO on 03/03/2011 02:55 PM

Ray, would you mind sending me an e-mail? I work at the Jefferson Ctiy Convention & Visitors Bureau and we are trying to become more involved with the Katy Trail now that there will be access to Jefferson City from the trail.

Thanks,
Daniel Helton

Trek on 03/03/2011 03:22 PM

Although I really do understand the nature of this, wanting to become more involved in the Katy Trail for your group....over the past several years many of us have made our own access to Jefferson City from the trail by riding the bridge as it was on our bikes. Many, many others have accessed Jefferson City via their private vehicle, motel, and bed and breakfast shuttle.

Your involvement and the ability to very safely cross the river will surely be of greater benefit to Katy travelers as well as the local merchants in Jeff City.

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mdnr Katy trail ride

Anonymous from saint peters on 02/28/2011 08:58 AM

I would like to hear from those who have recently participated on this ride. Answers will not affect wether I go or not(time is my limiting factor) I am just curious.
In your opinion:
-What is the makeup of people like? Mostly couples, mostly men, are they typically retired/semiretired, are there many kids etc. etc. any thing you observed about the group.
-Did most people camp or did most b and b etc.
-Was their a percentage of people who traveled with their gear on their bikes or did most put their stuff in the bus.
- Finally what bikes did you notice being used and your estimate as to the percentage. e.g. touring, comfort, mountain etc.

Like I said this is not info I need just curious about the crowd makeup.

Trek on 02/28/2011 12:46 PM

I've never participated in the DNR ride, but on the DNR website there has typically been rider info about past rides.... age group, gender, etc.

Terry from Festus on 02/28/2011 11:03 PM

I have completed 3 of the last 4 DNR rides. It is very well organized. The DNR just changed their site today. Before you could read very extensive surveys from previous rides to see the demographics of the participants. I would say probably over 80% camp and almost everyone loads their bags on the truck for transport. You will see a wide variety of bikes used including tandems and recumbants. Hybrids are most common, but you will also find road bikes and mtn. bikes. I ride a cyclocross bike and I think it is the perfect ride on the Katy. The ages vary, and there is a good mix of male to female and also many couples, but also many traveling alone or with same gender friends.

Anonymous from saint peters on 03/01/2011 06:23 AM

Thanks for the info Terry. When I ride the Katy I some times use a cyclocross type bike (Surly Cross Check) or an old Trek 720 touring bike.
If I can make the schedule work I am going to try this.

David from Kansas City on 03/01/2011 10:54 AM

I did the ride last year and it was a great experience. I would say most people camp. The people I talked to that did the hotel option weren't that impressed with it wish they wouldn't of done the hotel option. A good mix of all ages. Youngest was I believe was 6 and oldest 70+. I did the ride on a mountain bike.
DNR staff does a wonderful job of loading and unloading gear inbetween the different stops. Breakfast and Dinner was amazing at all locations except the first breakfast, not much to it. SAG stops were perfectly spread out through the ride. Great expereince highly recommend and will be doing again

JOHN from PALMYRA on 03/02/2011 03:44 PM

I have done the DNR ride twice before. It is absolutely fantastic. All ages (on my two rides) from 7 to about 80. Most professional people (bankers, teachers, air traffic controllers, farmers, boy scouts, really all walks of life) Also, several countries and states represented. I can hardly wait for registration to begin on the 8th of March. It is like having a Katy Trail Reunion ride as many participants return year after year. Excellent ride and participants of all ages. Staff and volunteers are absolutely tops.

Don from Plainfield, IL on 03/03/2011 08:58 AM

I've ridden the trail solo last year and also did the organized ride too. It is as many say very well organized with most people camping. I chose the hotel and enjoyed the AC,hot showers and the back relief. The morning and night activities are great. Bikes are mostly hybrids and mountain with some road, recumbents and tandems. I believe average age is late 40's with many couples, families and the KC kids group. You should do it just for the fun of it. You will make many new friends.

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June 2011 ride

SW from Fayetteville Arkansas on 03/02/2011 07:29 PM

Any females from NW Arkansas planning on doing the Katy Trail bike ride June 20-24th?

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Where to rent bikes?

Morgan from Warrenton on 02/18/2011 01:49 PM

Where can you rent bikes and baby carriers? Thanks!

Lyn@anthoney.com from St Louis,Mo on 03/01/2011 04:29 PM

I was in Defiance,MO and they have both carriers and bikes for rent. If you look at eht milage chart you will see that it will list towns that have bike rentals, then over to the right the town info if you click on that, then when the page pops up the shop name will come up. I would suggest calling to get the details, on any given weekend you could be disapointed to find out...all gone.

Robin White on 03/02/2011 09:22 AM

Hi Morgan. My husband Todd & I own Katy Bike Rental. We have bikes, child carriers, tag-a-longs (for older children), youth bikes, battery operated bikes and tandems. If we can be of further assistance with equipment and/or helping you plan a nice day on the trail, please feel free to call us directly 636.987.2673 or 314.578.7300 We look forward to hearing from you!

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RT Weilers in St Charles

Anonymous on 03/02/2011 08:09 AM

Great food and beer selection. Great place to take the whole crew

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Trail east of St. Charles

bernard shakey from St. Louis, County on 02/28/2011 09:25 AM

I see that the trail has been upgraded east of St. Charles. How far does
the improvements extend? All the way to Matson? Thanks.

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HUGE icons on the mileage chart

Clayton from Archie on 02/25/2011 11:26 AM

What happened? The mileage chart is nearly unuseable with the icons being so big. Is it the system I am using or was this done on purpose? I use this chart for planning and reminiscing. Please advise. Thank you.

Ray (webmaster) on 02/25/2011 12:07 PM

Clayton, thanks for pointing this out. I'm not sure why you're seeing large icons - they still look normal size to me. Is anyone else seeing oversized icons on the mileage chart?

The icons in the "Symbol Legend" area of the left margin are slightly smaller than the ones next to the town names. But the icons by the town names, in the chart, should be limited to 30 pixels. This means that they should be about as tall as the "KT" oval in the map at the top of the page.

One thing I would like to do in the future, is give you the option to display either icons OR words (so for example you would see the word "Lodging" instead of the bed icon). This would probably get around your problem, but I'd still like to get to the root of what you're seeing, if I can.

Trek on 02/25/2011 12:39 PM

Yes.....they are huge here too.

Gary Near from Tebbetts on 02/25/2011 12:42 PM

It's the icons in the chart under the services column, I had to adjust the page zoom down to 75% and increase the page font to "larger" to make it readable on my screen.

Ray (webmaster) on 02/25/2011 01:19 PM

I just made a change - is it better now?

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 02/25/2011 01:51 PM

The look fine to me now.

Ray (webmaster) on 02/25/2011 07:43 PM

Great, I will consider this issue resolved, unless anyone says otherwise. Thanks again for pointing it out, and please don't hesitate to speak up if you see anything else that looks weird.

Clayton from Archie on 02/28/2011 09:20 AM

Only the first 3 are BIG not nearly as humongus as they were. Thanks. The rest is readable. (-:
(I had Navy this weekend and this is the first time I have been able to look @ the site since posting my concern. At least it wasn't just me this time.

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information error

Rhona Lococo from St. Charles on 02/27/2011 11:34 AM

The phone number for Doug Creason is incorrect on the services page

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hi,I am www.bikekatytrail.com member now,Grate !

Butsloomsp on 02/26/2011 08:29 PM

Hello.
The interesting name of a site - www.bikekatytrail.com, interesting this here is very good.
I spent 4 hours searching in the network, until find your forum!

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dogwoods

Ray (webmaster) on 02/24/2011 05:52 AM

Apologies to whoever tried to post a comment about dogwoods. There was a glitch in the website - which is now fixed - that prevented your comment from getting in. If you are still out there, please feel free to post again. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

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