Katy Trail Forum

I recently rode the trail from Clinton to Hartsburg. I encountered a very unpleasant experience and would like to warn others. Between the Katy Roundhouse (which is west of New Franklin) and New Franklin, a dog ran up to me and bit my leg while I was riding my bike ON THE TRAIL. The dog lives at a house on the south side of the trail, about a couple hundred yards WEST of New Franklin. The house is a "brownish stain" color and is one story. Hopefully, this will help others to be on guard as they approach this section of the trail.

Thank you for that heads up. I was on that section of the trail 3 weeks ago and will watch for this in the future. I encountered a pack of wild dogs on the MOPAC trail (NE) last year. There was no confrontation as it turned out but I have carried pepper spray ever since. Especially recommended if one tends to ride solo.

Thanks for the heads up. I hope that you are ok and the dog didn't seriously injure you. All the same, if you haven't, you really need to report the incident to the local authorities. The only way that these people are going to learn to lock up their dogs is the hard way. Dog bits are todays big lawsuits. I am an insurance agent and we have seen a lot of money paid out to dog bite victims...most of whom deserved it. Thanks again for the heads up!

I encountered the same beast in June, and out-rode it on a road bike at 33mph. I was also accosted by two more east of Hartsburg. They had the element of total surprise. I stopped, put my bike between us, and spoke authoritatively. They decided to desist. Do what you must do to defend yourself. You have every right to terminate the animal if he's off his range.

Terminate the animal if he is off his range? Just what exactly is his "range" and how do you determine this in the heat of the moment? I think terminating the dog sounds extreme, and would be the very rare case. I know dogs that give chase are very annoying, and I too hate it, especially the surprise attacks!

I have rode past the above house numerous times, and have stayed at the Katy Roundhouse camp grounds, and have never encountered a dog. In fact, I believe the house in question is the owner of the "Roundhouse". If it was his dog, I am sure he would like to know about it. He could have been a roaming dog, as is often found in the rural areas.

Before I make all the dog haters irate, I am just trying to point out that most dogs are not out to eat every human that rides by. I have encountered roaming dogs on the trail, with no incident. These dogs are not defensive of their territory, because they are not ON their territory. The dogs you do have to watch are the ones who are laying in their yard on what appears to them as another boring day. Then, out of nowhere comes another person riding thru on that neat little path that goes thru "their" (or so they think!)yard. Well, you know every time they run after those people, they speed up and leave! In the dogs mind, what could be more fun!! It works every time!

It doesn't have to. I have schooled a couple of dogs on the rural roads I ride, with a simple blast of water from the water bottle, and yes, one of them had bit at my right foot before the education. I know this may not work with all dogs, but the ones I have done it to have stopped giving chase, and if we ALL were prepared to do the same, it would stop a lot of the chasing on the trail.

My wife is one who is frightened by every dog we encounter, so I do understand. If we all work at it, we can stop those chasers!

Does pepper spray work on dogs?

If those two dogs encountered east of Hartsburg are the same ones I'm thinking of they are pretty harmless. I've shared my lunch on several occasions with the white dog that has black spots. There's also another black dog that will run along side you for 10-15 miles around Clifton City. Not all dogs are out there to tear you up.

Here's what I carry-



http://www.tbotech.com/dog-repellent-pepper-spray.htm



I've never had to use it but have come close.



Paulie

Dogs are territorial in nature and will often give chase to escort you from their domain. Once out of what they think is their territory...the chase is over. Usually, if you play along and try to out run them.....they will continue the chase (its a game at this point for the dog who has done nothing more than take you up on your offer to play). Often times if you stop (ending the chase) so will they as they stand there with a lost look as if to wonder what to do now. If you stop and they continue toward you, get off your bike and get it between you and them. More times than not at this point a bold voice, a spray in the face from the water bottle, or other such nonterminating action will stop the aggression. I fully agree with J&K.....you are the human....school the dog instead of letting it provide the lesson. On a very basic level, the human should be smarter than the dog and should be able to win the game without termination of either species.

Riding away quickly has never worked for me because I'm a hiker. A shot of pepper spray usually sends the message. I used a small bottle of lightly diluted lemon juice once, it was very effective. I now opt for the lemon juice because I am a dog lover. Please don't be too "quick on the draw" with these dogs. You can usually tell if they mean business or are just curious. I met a dog outside of Tebbetts one day that was running a toll booth. This grayish/white mutt was laying in the middle of the trail. He would actually sit up and beg for a handout. He moved to the side and let me past once I paid the toll of a corner of a PB&J.

Good comment Doug. I have also used a dilute solution of BoPeep ammonia cleaner; usually the smell is enough to send them off. Interesting comment about the dog, I ran into a "communal" dog in September. I went out to Colorado and snowshoed a couple of 14'ers. I had a mutt trail me up Quandary Peak one Saturday. He tagged along and I shared lunch with him, 3000'+ up and then back down. Nice company.

I know the dog and the owner, the dog is owned by John James the owner and operator of the Katy Round house Cafe. He is also A city Council Member and there is a leash law in the city of New Franklin Some how he don't abide by the law

I own heavily insured dogs, Brittany Spaniels ie: face lickers. Kenneled. Dateline 9/29/07 late season, top form, the local mongrels can finally keep pace (their learned behavior is huzwah layzwah) on the quick 25 mile sprint they happened to be on the road (public)in front of me, as I correctly passed on the left they (3) moved left! CRASH!!! over the top & into the ditch, face first. The Z-87 safety glasses saved my right eye & orbit structure, but nosepiece caused 30 jagged stitches and nasal passages of mush (radiologist quote)Lucky me could be 1-blind....2-quadraplegic....3-DEAD!!!! $63,487.00 later (additional nasal reconstruction surgery -refracture 4 places) I still see the same dogs 3-4 times a week!! I know it is all my fault. Lawsuit pending. I dont blame the dogs.....can't get blood out of a turnip, right bubba!

9/29/07??? David....You might want to slow down a little. Aparently you were going so fast that you traveled forward in time. At least you should be able to avoid the crash when it comes around again this September. :)

-06...typo, gotta go, riding the whole thing 6-22-07!!!

May the trail be hard and the wind at your back.

The dog in question the owners keep a watchful eye on it at all times

My wife and I try to discourage or confuse the chasing dogs to keep us safe and them out of the paths of cars and cyclists. It is no fun to have a dog run over by a car while chasing you on a bike. When time permits we use whistles first, kind words second, and BEAR spray third. The BEAR spray usually trains them to not chase a bicycle again...ever. You can order it online from Alaskan hiking supply companies. It comes out as a fog and not a stream so be careful if there are cyclists behind you. I have had to use it three times so far on my regular cycling routes.....those dogs no longer chase me or any other cyclist.

Please note this thread is originally from 2006.

Pepper spray definitely does work on dogs. Even better, and with a much longer range, is

Ultra-Kill (wasp and hornet killer with a 20' range). I've pepper sprayed about a dozen dogs

over the years. It always works if you are close enough and accurate enough. I haven't had to

use the Ultra-Kill yet but I'm assured it is much better than the conventional pepper spray. Of

course, it's the dog owners who really need to be sprayed. If they would take a few minutes

to train their dog there would be no problem. Most (90%) dog owners are extremely

inconsiderate and selfish, and it's no good talking to them. As an ex-runner (11,700 miles)

and now hiker (15,250 miles) for over 40 years I could fill a book with dog incidents!

I must first say I to love dogs, but to those who feed the dogs. You are not helping the issue. It is like feeding the bears at Yellow Stone Park. You are enforcing this behavior in the dogs. As for pepper spray, yes it does work.

I spent the night of September 16, 2010 at Doug’s while backpacking the Katy Trail. Both dinner and breakfast were great and Doug could not have been nicer. When I left my hat at his place, he bicycled 12 miles one-way to return it to me! That says it all.

I spent the night of September 16, 2010 at Doug’s while backpacking the Katy Trail. Both dinner and breakfast were great and Doug could not have been nicer. When I left my hat at his place, he bicycled 12 miles one-way to return it to me! That says it all.

The very best thing about Rendleman b+b was Honey the dog. Unfortunately the house was unclean; dirty shower,kitchen very unappetizing. Bedroom was most acceptable room in the house,with a window A.C. For one of the highest prices of the B+B's we were sorely disappointed at the paltry breakfast offered. Not only were there no choices but two pieces of french toast were placed on a plate for each and after one cup of coffee,with no offer of more toast or coffee, well, it was clearly time to leave. Won't go back!!

The very best thing about Rendleman b+b was Honey the dog. Unfortunately the house was unclean; dirty shower,kitchen very unappetizing. Bedroom was most acceptable room in the house,with a window A.C. For one of the highest prices of the B+B's we were sorely disappointed at the paltry breakfast offered. Not only were there no choices but two pieces of french toast were placed on a plate for each and after one cup of coffee,with no offer of more toast or coffee, well, it was clearly time to leave. Won't go back!!

Does anyone know the time the riders leave Defiance on New Year's Day to bike the trail? I understand anyone is welcomed. Thanks and wishing all a happy and blessed holiday.

They never leave as they are frozen in place. ;-)

Great stay, breakfast was wonderful, the place was clean and has nice furnishings, the stay was even better than it was few years ago when we stayed there. We brought our bikes since it is right across the street from the Katy trail. There are a couple of bars a couple blocks away that have food and drink and a bike shop where you can get air & parts if needed. It is also located in the middle of wine country and there are 3 wineries within a couple of miles, one of them a couple blocks away next to the bars. The B&B has a hot tub and a pool in the summer. I highly recomend it. I have riden a few different sections on the Katy Trail and in some places, food and places to stay are scarce, this is a nice ride from St. Charles.

Please show your support of the Missouri Bike Federations effort to secure your ability to obtain a Missouri personal license plate. They are requesting letter support to legislators in Jefferson City by November 30.



More information and a form to fill out and send at: http://mobikefed dot org.

Great! They are up to 321 letters of support with one day to go to reach the goal of 500.

662 and counting! Thanks Trek for the heads up on this. The 30th of November has passed, but people are still sending in comments in support of the "Same Roads Same Rights" license plate. Pretty cool!

When we first did the Katy trail in 2005, I was terrified to stop here. It looked like a scene from "Deliverance."



BUT- - - after visiting it just a week ago, I can confirm it has done a complete 180 under new management!!! It was a fabulous place!!

When we first did the Katy trail in 2005, I was terrified to stop here. It looked like a scene from "Deliverance."



BUT- - - after visiting it just a week ago, I can confirm it has done a complete 180 under new management!!! It was a fabulous place!!

Terrified?? Granted the majority of folks found at Cooper's are not wearing spandex and bike helments but I hardly find them terrifying. As far as I can tell Cooper's is the same great place to stop it's always been.

Terrified?? Granted the majority of folks found at Cooper's are not wearing spandex and bike helments but I hardly find them terrifying. As far as I can tell Cooper's is the same great place to stop it's always been.

I remember my first experience with Mcbaine. My brother and I rounded the bend and smelled BBQ. Then I heard a guitar playing(deliverance!) and someone singing a John Prine song. "Sam Stone" I think it was. What a place! Perfect timing too. We had Perrier and gatorade at the one of the many picnic tables. Chatted it up with a couple from Columbia, had a snack and got back to it. It was real nice to sit by the river, take a break, and listen to the lone guitarist play some tunes. I pedalled off with the perfect mindset to get to Hartsburg.

Thanks, Mcbaine.

I remember my first experience with Mcbaine. My brother and I rounded the bend and smelled BBQ. Then I heard a guitar playing(deliverance!) and someone singing a John Prine song. "Sam Stone" I think it was. What a place! Perfect timing too. We had Perrier and gatorade at the one of the many picnic tables. Chatted it up with a couple from Columbia, had a snack and got back to it. It was real nice to sit by the river, take a break, and listen to the lone guitarist play some tunes. I pedalled off with the perfect mindset to get to Hartsburg.

Thanks, Mcbaine.

To correct my last post-I was referring to Coopers Landing. Sorry!

To correct my last post-I was referring to Coopers Landing. Sorry!

Real classy, Jim St. Thomas

Real classy, Jim St. Thomas

See its website for more information... http://cooperslanding.net/

See its website for more information... http://cooperslanding.net/

Wow, it took you two years to come up with that scathing remark?

Wow, it took you two years to come up with that scathing remark?

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.

Definitely Bike friendly despite being in UN FRIENDLY ST. CHARLES COUNTY. Seemed very concerned after the damage done by Defiance Joe's bike ban. The cyclocross last weekend was definitely hard, enjoyable and nice to have a glass of vino afterwards. Bicyclists need to support their efforts!!! Without a doubt, the best venue on the cyclocross tour.

I don't understand why people continue to patronize Mt. Pleasant Winery. My experiences there have been decidedly UN-pleasant. I went there with friends on Columbus Day in 2008. In order to sit on the patio, we paid *double the retail price* for each bottle of wine. Drink it inside, it's $10; drink it outside, it's $20. Ridiculous! Went back on a Sunday afternoon with a different group and had to pay a fee just to enter the grounds. The place was so packed, there were no tables or chairs available for us. A member of the security team took pity on us and let us have a "reserved" table that hadn't been claimed. The food choices were quite limited: cheese cubes, sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers and deli sandwiches...except the "market" had run out of lunchmeat, so sandwiches were no longer an option. A friend and I were hungry (we had cycled to the winery), so we went back down the hill and ate at the Augustry Brewery near the trailhead, which was less crowded and offered a better selection of food. Other wineries and restaurants along the Katy also are more appealing and hospitable than Mt. Pleasant; I suggest trying one of them...unless you like paying a 100% upcharge for the view and trying to fill up on cheese or pairing your wine with hot dogs.

I don't understand why people continue to patronize Mt. Pleasant Winery. My experiences there have been decidedly UN-pleasant. I went there with friends on Columbus Day in 2008. In order to sit on the patio, we paid *double the retail price* for each bottle of wine. Drink it inside, it's $10; drink it outside, it's $20. Ridiculous! Went back on a Sunday afternoon with a different group and had to pay a fee just to enter the grounds. The place was so packed, there were no tables or chairs available for us. A member of the security team took pity on us and let us have a "reserved" table that hadn't been claimed. The food choices were quite limited: cheese cubes, sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers and deli sandwiches...except the "market" had run out of lunchmeat, so sandwiches were no longer an option. A friend and I were hungry (we had cycled to the winery), so we went back down the hill and ate at the Augustry Brewery near the trailhead, which was less crowded and offered a better selection of food. Other wineries and restaurants along the Katy also are more appealing and hospitable than Mt. Pleasant; I suggest trying one of them...unless you like paying a 100% upcharge for the view and trying to fill up on cheese or pairing your wine with hot dogs.

Ugh. Another restaurant critique, how was your bike ride?

Ugh. Another restaurant critique, how was your bike ride?

I hear ya about Mt Pleasant. We went there to get a cheap bottle of wine and a quick sandwich. Yea, they told us we could just buy our wine at the market with our lunch. When we got there the wine prices were outrageous!! But, the lady working there told us we could get our lunch and go back to the "take home" area, buy our wine and take it to the park across the street. Much cheaper and we could still hear the band very well. Even though they had only been open for an hour they were already sold out of a few wines. I have seen much better service elsewhere.

I hear ya about Mt Pleasant. We went there to get a cheap bottle of wine and a quick sandwich. Yea, they told us we could just buy our wine at the market with our lunch. When we got there the wine prices were outrageous!! But, the lady working there told us we could get our lunch and go back to the "take home" area, buy our wine and take it to the park across the street. Much cheaper and we could still hear the band very well. Even though they had only been open for an hour they were already sold out of a few wines. I have seen much better service elsewhere.

Went to the Cyclocross there. Definitely bike friendly despite being in un friendly St. Charles County. People brought dogs, kids and generally had a great time. They seemed very concerned to undo the damage done by Brasell and company. Wine was really good, the biking was hard. Make an easier course! Bicyclists need to patronize this place!!!

Went to the Cyclocross there. Definitely bike friendly despite being in un friendly St. Charles County. People brought dogs, kids and generally had a great time. They seemed very concerned to undo the damage done by Brasell and company. Wine was really good, the biking was hard. Make an easier course! Bicyclists need to patronize this place!!!

My husband and I were wanting to ride trail over thanksgiving break. What are the difficulties we might encounter as to lodging and shuttle issues because of holiday? How many miles is recommended per day for a physically fit person but has not conditioned on the bike? Does the small rock cause problems with a hybrid bike?

I just finished a ride Nov 6-7-8, clocked 233 miles over the three days. Biggest inconvenience I noticed was water being turned off at all trail heads (except restrooms at Rocheport. If you plan properly ahead of time my guess is the B&B's will be open, restaurants should be on the weekend. I packed a sandwich each day in case there was not a restaurant open - paid off on Monday.



If your tires are in good condition you will not have a problem. Most of my riding has been on regular hybrids, but did switch over to cyclocross for my ride only because of condition of my tires. Trail surface varies along the ride, can be packed dirt, loose fine gravel, or in a few place larger gravel packed into the base. In my opinion the trail west of Sedalia to Clinton is the best groomed section - well packed fine gravel.



Be sure you ride West to East - otherwise you will be going up grade most of time between Clifton City and Calhoun. If you get get a southerly or westerly breeze against you going east to west, it will really slow you down. Going West to East there is some uphill grade between Clifton City and Pilot Grove, but then generally downhill into Boonville. East of Boonville is mostly level.



Physical condition - depends on legs. I had ridden quite a bit this fall in preparation, but my quads were sore after the third day (89 mile day battling headwind half the day).



Hopefully you have ridden some in cooler weather - it does seem to me to make a difference.



Good luck.

I will be home over the holiday's if you want to spend the night in Sedalia. Have a great trip. Maxine's Rooms for Rent.

Well our trip was great! The weather held out for us. Got on the Katy Saturday morning after a long shuttle ride, by our new friends at Monette's cabin,at 11:30 temp about 52. The wind was blowing in our face all day, really wore us out, ended up at 61 degrees. Stayed in B&B in Rhineland Saturday night (Loutre Lane also a great place) then got back to the Katy at 9:30 Sunday starting temp 51 degrees. Wind was at our back for the first part of the day and temp was 69. It seemed like summer again. Picturesque views the entire trip. The bluffs and river most of the section we road. Can't wait to ride it again. The Katy is great and wish we had a nice riding trail like this in Indiana.

we are open 365 days a year for accomodations or shuttle service call 636-946-0619 ---- ask for Rhona ( Lococo House III, B&B )

We stayed here on a Friday night and Sunday night(beginning and end) of our cycling trip. They shuttled us to Tebbetts (for $$) then we road to Rhineland then on to Marthasville.

This place is a great stop and the view from the front porch is unbelievable. Very unique B & B (log cabin). Breakfast was great and nice welcoming hospitality. Very accommodating and would not have been able to do the trip without them shuttling us. Craig and Vicki keep up the good work, your the best!

Wow, thought it was going to be the usual B&B when we saw the place. Boy it was much more than we expected. Fantastic room, great breakfast, and Lucy even drove us to Hermann for dinner and picked us up afterward. She and I even shared some of our Floral Design life experiences. Each of us had been in the business many years ago. If back in the area definitely would go here and recommend this place to our friends. Lucy's home decoration expertise is suburb, she was getting ready for Christmas sorry we missed seeing all her Christmas trees. Thanks Lucy, you are a great hostess!

Awesome! We went in October, which obvioiusly is REALLY busy, but we found the food, beer, and atmosphere great. I love the laid back atmosphere and chill staff. There was a line for lunch to get a beer but it's to be expected during peak times. We stayed for dinner and were really impressed. We will definately come back!

Very nice establishment. Food was great, but the locals gave me a few odd looks...must have been my shoes. Good Food and nice selection!

Very nice establishment. Food was great, but the locals gave me a few odd looks...must have been my shoes. Good Food and nice selection!

My boyfriend and I were coming from Lake of the Ozarks home to Leadington, Mo and stopped to have a bite. He had the grilled ham and cheese and fries and I had fried chicken gizzards and tater tots. The food was so delicious that we got second orders of the same foods! The service was excellent and the prices very fair. Keep up the great work!

My boyfriend and I were coming from Lake of the Ozarks home to Leadington, Mo and stopped to have a bite. He had the grilled ham and cheese and fries and I had fried chicken gizzards and tater tots. The food was so delicious that we got second orders of the same foods! The service was excellent and the prices very fair. Keep up the great work!

What time are the masses?

Looks like mass is celebrated Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.