Katy Trail Forum

Hamburg Trail worst mark trail ever.From the KATY TRail, after about 3.5 mi trail goes straight (what looks like the trail)turns into over grown grass & fallen trees. back track to what looks like survace road. Trail joins black top road, no sings, go to the right,through tunnels till black top turns into gravel road, signs say restrigeted area no access. turn back again, through tunnel take survice road up to Hwy 94. Down

to route D. Looking to the right the Humberg Trail went through the restricted area. At 94 & Route D turn right. Trail leads down by lake # 10 (Busch Conservation Area)To 2 red cattle gates (no signs)go around gate follow gravel road to bigger gravel road, no signs,To be met by gun shots. Turn right, go by lake 36, no sings, ride on gravel road to be run off into weeds by passing trucks. I give up after 1 mi. Go back to gravel road that took me back to lake 10, no signs for Hamburg Trail, Take trail back to Route D & Hwy94 no signs. look across 94 looks like gravel parking lot for grave yard.Go through gravel parking lot to the right and you'll see Hamburg Trail sign.

This will lead through the restricted area, no sign's to say it's the bike trail. Only a 8 mi. trail, I spent more time getting lost, than I spent ridding the trail.

Here's a google map to the trailhead from 40.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=864965

I agree with Andrew. The trail is not well marked. Being somewhat familiar with the layout of the area, and having looked at the map on the web, I was able to guess well enough to follow it from the Katy to the wildlife center. Getting back to the trail was another adventure. Better pay close attention or you'll end up riding from lake to lake looking for the route back. There are no signs pointing you back to the trail.

I agree that the Hamburg Trail is not well marked. I will add that it was fun exploring the small side trails that I would have skipped past if the Hamburg itself had been better marked. Since the trail is only 8 miles long, reaching dead ends and having to back track a few times is not a big deal. If you plan on riding around Busch Wildlife once you reach the end of the Hamburg, you better bring a map of Busch. Its easy to get lost there with out the area map. I prefer to turn around once I get to Busch Wildlife and go back and ride more of the Katy Trail.

This original post deterred me from riding the Hamburg last year. This year I got brave and gave it a shot. WE HAD NO PROBLEM NAVIGATING DOWN TO THE KATY! There are a few off-shoots that quite obviously are not the main trail. THE MAIN TRAIL IS NOT OVERGROWN AND THERE ARE NO DOWN TREES. I do wish they would put more signs at the trailhead to get you going the correct way. Then again--I enjoy having the trail to myself--so no never mind!

Yes I love like the hamburg because it gives you a break from the flatness of the KT. There is

a really steep hill right in the middle of the hamburg. Starting the hamburg from the katie

trail is imperative because it's up hill from there. that way you can take it easy coming back if

your out of energy.

If you can't navigate the Hamburg from the Katy, then you probably can't find your ass with both hands. It's quite a simple process: from the Weldon Spring trail head proceed west on the Katy. In less than a mile you will see a sign that identifies the Hamburg trail. From there you will go straight on the Hamburg and follow the trail, which goes through a small tunnel under hwy 94, and continues in a straight and unconfusing manner for about 6 miles, all the way to Busch Wildlife. I've been running it for years and it has never been overgrown, but occasionally there has been a downed tree following a storm or strong winds...just like I've seen on the Katy a million times.



The stupidity of certain people simply amaze me! What part of "turn right and go straight along the trail" is so confusing!

tha intelaginz a sum folk reely git me!

"What part of "turn right and go straight along the trail" is so confusing!"



Sometimes the trail curves.........then if you keep going straight you go right in the ditch. You gotta stay sharp.

Great trail but agree with others that it is poorly marked and has nothing to do with one's "stupidity". I personally never had an issue when I first rode the trail but I knew the area to an extent. There several spots that aren't marked where going straight rather than right would make sense. Also at Hwy 94 there's a big disconnect between where the trail starts/ends again. I think the confusion is justified.

"Dazed and confused for weeks at a time, but never lost!" Have you ever noticed that the negative, hateful, antagonistic posts are almost always anonymous? It's like the person posting is already ashamed of what they are doing.

I've found the easiest way to use the Hamburg trail is to park in the cemetery parking lot at the Hwy 94 and D intersection. If you park at the west end of the parking lot, you can go straight through the gate onto a gravel path. This path will wind its way to a paved section of road. This road will take you back under Hwy 94. After passing under 94 veer to the left and follow the trail all the way to the KATY between Weldon Spring and Defiance.



If you ride from the cemetery out to Klondike park and back, it's about 26.5 miles round trip. This includes climbing the path from the KATY into Klondike, riding around the park, climbing the very steep path up to the overlook and then exiting out the front of Klondike. The climb to the overlook is not real long, but it's plenty steep.





Just before reaching Hwy 94 leaving the front of Klondike, there is a gravel path to the right that will take you back to the KATY at a point near the Klondike boat ramp.



I hope this helps.

I'd be ashamed to know that "I've been running it (the trail) for years" and then felt so inclined to call someone stupid because they simply weren't as familiar with it as I was.



Such a deal for some folks I guess.....to have the attitude that if you don't know everything that I do and don't have all of the life experience that I do, then.....well you're just inept and stupid.

Being as a Teen Thru out this region i know everything he said the part he did bad was stay on road (road leads to army reserve propety) on way to katy make a left after u go through tunnel under 94 that is where a major sign should be

Hamburg also connects to the lost valley trail...another good mountain bike trail

I see that this website had some comments hijacked and that the comments were recovered. Where would those recovered comments be located? I was looking for a thread in early June. Thanks, webmaster

Yes, actually the company that hosts the website had database problems, and some data was lost. I managed to recover much of it, but not all. Anything that is still not showing up, unfortunately, could not be recovered. Sorry about that.



Within the next couple of weeks, I will be moving the website to a new hosting company, where I feel much more secure about the reliability. Would have done it sooner, but it takes quite a bit of work to prepare for a migration, plus it's best to do during the off-season.

Ray, Just a quick thank you for all the work you put in on this site. It's a great resource for all of the folks that enjoy the Katy. If the folks at DNR had any sense at all they would put you on the payroll. :)

We four women rented the bicycle built for four from the KT Caboose in Marthasville and had

the time of our lives. Laughed all the way! Met many other bikers along the way. Would

recommend it to anyone that would enjoy a slow ride along a beautiful trail. The owner of the

Caboose was a delight! She helped to make our day very special. We enjoyed their ice cream

too.

I'm a regular walker in the Columbia to Rocheport area. I have noticed recently use of electronic collars for dogs and electric powered bicycles on the trail. Any comment whether either are legal uses?

Both are legal if used for their intended purposes; however, modifying an electric bike to go above 20 mph is not legal and is considered a threat to the powers in control of our fossil fuel dependence.



Like wise with electric dog collars - fine to curb dogs; however, generally frowned upon if used on humans to control social interactions - no matter how offensive.

There's an old saying about hearing something "Straight from the horses mouth" If you really want to know, contact the DNR and I would be willing to bet THEY can give you an accurate, correct answer as to what uses are legal on the trail.

If electronic dog collars are used to prevent negative behaviour in dogs then how can we argue with that? I could also get an electronic dog behaviour modifier in the way of a stun gun but it would be for dogs that needed stunning to prevent me from being bitten. Anyone who spends the money for an electronic dog collar should be looked on as someone who is trying to use the trail and keep the dog contained. Remember that we can counter a dog collar with a stun gun and keep ankle biters very much in their place if we wish to spend the money. I think that with the dog collar issue you are looking for trouble where none exists.



As far as these electric bicycles are concerned....another gray area that is going to have to be defined. We already have under 50CC scooters being excused from motorcycle regulations even though some of them can go up to 40MPH on the street. My opinion is that if the steed is a true bicycle with an electric helper motor on it then it should be allowed. Electric is quiet and has a very limited range with the batteries that can be carried on a true bike frame. I think that I would have no problem with electric assist motors but not fossil fuel motors of any kind. I would be more concerned with the speed of those things than the existance of them. Perhaps an electric assist only in conjuction with a handicap tag so that less fortunate people can use our trail too?

Thanks for all the comments on these two topics.

Anyone else care to weigh in?

When I started cycling for exercise and transportation, I studied the laws involving two wheel non-motorized travel for MO. Oddly enough, anything less than a 90cc engine qualifies in the category of "bicycle". So ultimately, the only direct legal requirements placed on operation of them involve some basic equipment safety inspection issues.



I should say that ANYTHING can go 40mph on the street in the right conditions. I know I've been at least that on my rides on city/state road ways. I even know of a person who picked up a speeding ticket using a bicycle on a city street. It can happen.



That said, the ultimate issue with this as regards bicycles involve the park regulations more than any operational regulations. That said, the Katy DNR page says "All motorized equipment is prohibited except official and emergency vehicles. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) as well as electrically powered-mobility devices for persons with disabilities such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed."



For the dog issue, the same page says that "all pets must be leashed.", which means the electronic dog collars are probably out.

I realize I should clarify. Any cyclist on public roadways are always subject to the moving laws in effect for the jurisdiction you are in. I was talking about operational things like inspections, licensure, and so on.

With all this snow and a cabin fever outbreak I started to ponder what else the trail could offer. Is there anyone out there who crosscountry skis the trail? I don't know how but with an rei store nearby I thought about inquring about equipment. Is there a minimum amount of snow or does it have to be a certain consistency?



Thanks for any reply

I have been out skiing the trail twice since the last snow. Conditions

are pretty good for it. When the snow isn't deep enough you can tear

up skis pretty quickly, but the depth we have now is good. Moved here

from Alaska so I already had the equipment. You can spend quite a bit

of money on new cross country ski gear. If you are on a budget you

could probably find some ok second hand gear online. As little as you

would use it here I wouldn't spend too much. Additionally, you'll

probably end up using the skis in marginal snow depth so they will get

scratched up quickly. Fit is reasonably important too, for example the

pole length depends on your height, ski length and flex will depend on

your height/weight. Waxless skis with scales are simpler to start out

with, but don't perform quite as well. With waxable skis you use

different wax depending on snow quality and temperature. It will be

harder to find second hand equipment that is just the size you need

though. Hope this helps and good luck!

If you're in a group and want to stay together, this is the place! My sisters-in law, aunt, and our daughters and go on "girls weekend trips," which is how we ended up here. We booked both dorm rooms, and it was perfect for the six of us who went on this trip. Each dorm room has bunk beds and a futon as well as a bathroom. There is also a "dorm-sized" refrigerator full of goodies for breakfast--muffins, orange juice, milk, and soft drinks. On top of the refrigerator are tea bags, coffee and a coffee-maker, and cereal. Everything was spotless, and we were very comfortable. I had stayed in one of the guest rooms at School House and had high expectations for the dorm rooms. I was not disappointed.

The Dorms have been the bright spot of several trips! I can't wait to go back!

Does anyone have a recommendation of a nice 30 mile bike ride on the trail? I would appreciate some feedback and information on which part of the trail would be nicest. Thanks!

The title of your posting says, "30 Minute" Trail Ride. That could change things a bit.....unless you're a super-fast pedaler. ;)



As far as a 30 MILE trail ride, I'd recommend anything Weldon Springs and west. That's usually a normal after-work ride for me: 15 miles out, 15 miles back. Unfortunately I live at the St. Charles end. :(

If you can do central Missouri, area between Hartsburg and Rocheport is always enjoyable - bluffs, river, farmland, some wildlife. Before leaves fall, between Boonville and Clifton City is kind of neat, with the way the trees arch over the trail in different areas.

Thank you both. Yes, I definitely meant 30 mile trail ride, thank you for catching that! Weldon Spring to Augusta turned out to be a great ride. Thanks again!

Good choice. Living right near the St. Charles end, it's easy to just hop on at Frontier Park and ride but I personally find the ride from there to Greens Bottom pretty boring.



My choice is exactly what you did: park at Weldon Springs trailhead and ride to Augusta and back. Of course it's getting a little hairy driving down highway 94 with all the construction going on near Jungermann and surrounding areas.

Try the ride from Marthasville to Treloar. The farther you get away from St Charles the more privacy you have. Is it pretty? That depends on what your definition is and the time of year. Marthasville to Treloar is a nice easy ride, very pretty all the time and fits into your specs. I do this ride a lot since I live in Washington.

Hi everyone, It's winter and we are staying open Thursday through Sunday.Hours 7:30-2:00 We are open on Fridays 7:30-7:00 pm. we start breakfast at 7:30 but if you need us earlier we will make a point to be there.we appreciate all of you and hope to see more and more people as the weather gets better. Things are slow and we are working hard to stay open,we apreciate each and everyone of our customers and hope you will drive or ride down this winter and see us.We make pan fried chicken every Sunday, if you have a group for breakfast, lunch, or dinner just call and we will be ready!!Dotty

Hello Dotty and crew, thanks for the update on the days and hours! That's what I'm missing this winter, a trip to Dotty's. See ya soon.

Dotty,



Your the best. I always make a point to stop in Hartsburg and eat at Dolly's. Dolly's and a couple good B&B's are 60 seconds from the trail.

Sorry about calling Dotty's "Dolly's. Just my bad edukation.

I stopped here for lunch during my ride last summer. The waitress who recognized me as a biker, left a pitcher of cold water on my table. I carried my cooler with me and didn't need it but appreciated the thoughtfulness.

We also have the Hitching Post and The Big Muddy Resturant/Bar for meals and in March the winery will reopen. The best food is Claysville store but its only open on Friday, ,Sat and Sunday. Also stop in and see Lloyd Berry's Oak Chest antiques as he does a really good job. You can't miss at any of these locations. come visit us.

does it cost to camp here??? what kind of stuff do they have??

Here is a link to their website: http://www.cooperslanding.net/



$10 for a tent site

I've never rode the katy trail but am very interested. I doubt I would be able to plan enough time to do the entire length so what are the most scenic sections of the trail?

I don't think I am alone in suggesting that one of the prettiest sections of the KATY Trail is the 25 miles from Rocheport east to Hartsburg. I love all of the KATY, but that 25 miles is my favorite.

I'm looking at riding the KATY this coming June. How busy is the trail at this time? I know the 2011 KATY Trail Ride is later that month. I plan on doing the entire trail.

It will probably depend on the weather. If it's raining....not so busy. If it's sunny and 70....there may be some riders out. Trailheads my be congested at times, but it's not a deal breaker. Unless you're bring a group of several hundred, there'll be room.

We rode the trail last June, the same week as the DNR ride, but in the opposite direction. Between Clinton and Sadalia I think we only saw 2 other riders. Between Sedalia and Boonville only 3 or 4 others. There were a dozen or so in the Rocheport area. We passed the DNR riders at Mokane, but we were on the trail before most of them, so only saw about a dozen of them also. There were a dozen or so on the trail between Weldon Spring and St. Charles, that was it for the entire week. It was very hot and humid that week and the flooding forced some off trail detours, so that may have made a difference in the traffic.

If you're riding during the week you won't see much traffic. On the weekends you will probably see fairly heavy traffic around Rocheport and the stretch from Green's Bottom into St Charles. It's a nice time to ride - just watch out for families and slow down when you approach kids. Kids (being kids) will generally find something more interesting to watch than oncoming bikers.

St.Charles area on the weekend would be what your traffic area on the weekend. I like to ride the trail during the week and there has been times that I might see 10 bikers on the entire trip, excluding the Metro area.

Was wondering if the towns chosen had been done before? It looks like several shorter distance days and then longer days at the end? Since the heat has been a concern the last few years I would assume doing the longer days first would be better. Any thoughts?

I didn't know they had already posted the route...thanks!

We've done the ride the past 4 years and have spent the night in each of the towns choosen for this year.

In 2010 was the first we stayed in Marthasville at the community center...was nice, food excellent, limited shade for tents though.

Jeff City in 2009 and was in a city park...lots of shade and was very nice.

Boonville in 2008 on grounds of Kemper (I think), some shade, some open.

Sedalia in 07, 08, and 10. Liberty Park is very nice, lots of shade.

http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail/2010ride.htm

The link above will take you to a synopsis of all rides since 2001 (scroll all the way to the bottom for links).

We plan on doing it again this year. Hope to see you there!

Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to participate in the ride this year. All of the towns are usual stopping points. I think these are some of the best places to stop. There are good arrangements and are in towns where there is more to do the rest of the day than just hang out at camp. I would prefer to get the long milage days out of the way early in the week just for the thought of knowing after the first couple of days it is all downhill from there.

3 ft of snow outside! Doing spin classes 3X a week

I'm ready for that ride from Jeff to Marthasville!!

C U on the trail in June! Theron

Theron, if you are doing spin classes 3x week now for 2 months then another 150-200 mi./week when the weather breaks, the Jeff City to Marthasville leg will be no problem at all. Even at 110 heat index. Come on, it's only 66 miles. The Katy will then be a tune up for the RAGBRAI? Right?

I am seeking to ride the Katy Trail this upcoming Spring (2011) in late March or April. I have

not been able to find organized rides for this time period, does anyone know of an organized

ride? I would prefer to ride from West to East. If your looking to do the same, drop me a line,

maybe we can organize a small group.



Respectfully,

Brian

eaglewing@charter.net

I think the first organized trip starts May 22, http://www.touringcyclist.com/calendar/ev425.html. There are several the second half of June to pick from.

Keep in mind that all (I think) trailhead water/restrooms are closed through approximately April 1st.

Do a solo trip, you will meet people on the trail and sometimes will ride a ways with them. If you do the B&B/hotel you can go with minimal gear.

Jim

I rode it last year the last week in Mar. It was unseasonably warm in the 60-70s from west to east. You may have potential problems from the soft sections (Clinton to Booneville) from the thaw in the spring. Nothing is really open. I had my better half do the SAG duties and we stayed in hotels. Nice time.

you might contact (2nd Street Bike Stop in St Charles) thay have smaller organized rides

Thanks for the info. Still planning.

I'm considering riding the whole trail in 4-5 days but couldn't seem to find any information on which direction is better to ride. East to West or West to East. I have ridden various parts of the trail but this would be my first ride of this magnitude. Thanks for your help.

There is an elevation chart, which shows west to east is more downhill if you want to call it "downhill".

http://www.bikekatytrail.com/elevations.aspx?

From my experience and the experience of several friends....go WEST to

east.

Would agree that it does not make much difference except for places you are going to stay (hotel, b&b, tent camping)and possible wind direction. In theory wind is west to east but after riding west to east across US and south to north across US one never knows.