Katy Trail Forum

I think I would like to exit on the Weldon Spring trailhead; however, your map shows NO cross street with 94, so exactly where is this trailhead? Could someone please tell me...

Kim - click on Towns & Services, then Weldon Springs....the page annotates that the trailhead is not well marked off of 94 but shows a picture of the sign to look for. enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys

There is a dirt road leading off of Highway 94 to the acess point called Weldon Springs. It has no number to best of my recall because it is more or less a sort of driveway. mabe 100 yard long, slightly curving so you cannoy see the Trail and associated parking until you are upon it.. It crosses the Katy and than meanders down to the Missouri River where there is a concrete boat ramp for putting into the river. On highway 94 there is a very clearly marked sign. Brown in color because it is a State Park sign.I do believe it is labelled as the Weldon Spring boat ramp/Katy Trail access point ( something like that). It is the only such marker and the first access to the Katy Trail available as you come from Highway 40/64. From 40/64 it will be on the left side of 94.

When you arrive try pedaling down to the river, take off your shoes and socks and soak your tired tootsies in the river. Ahhh!

To add to my previous above: There are other marked pull off areas between Highway 40/64 and Weldon Spring access to Katy BUT they are parking for hiking trails only and will not take you directly to Trail. The access road I referred to above is, I estimate, roughly 2.5 miles from 40/64.

As you're headed west on 94, you will pass a water treatment plant of some sort on your right. Not far past that will be the road for the Weldon Spring access. It comes up on you quickly after a lefthand curve.

I recently talked to someone in State Parks and they stated they have ordered new signs to put up at the access road (on HWY 94) that say Katy Trail State Park Trailhead. They are just waiting for the Highway Department to produce the signs and get them up.

The new signs for this trail head are up on HWY 94. They must have just got them up, but you can't miss them.

This is the turnoff:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=38.66172,+-90.74466&ie=UTF8&ll=38.661721,-90.744667&spn=0.025401,0.055618&t=h&z=15



or:

http://tinyurl.com/53jcc6



If you get to "Highway DD" (while going West), then you've gone too far.

Thank you Jeff. This is what I was looking for.

Birk's Gasthouse in Hermann. We recently stayed there and it was great. Richard takes excellent care of his guests. The breakfast was superb. The building is a gem; and the rooms large and beautifully decorated. Take time to stay here; you will love it.

We recently returned from a wonderful trip riding the Katy trail. We spent the first 2 nights at

the HSV and it was fantastic. Great hospitality, accommodations and of course the breakfasts

and snacks were highlights of the trip. We were lucky enough to be able to partake in the

pineapple boat, homemade cinnamon roll and quiche breakfast and even had fresh

homemade strawberry-rhubarb pie for desert one evening after dinner. Thoroughly

enjoyable and highly recommended by us for any traveler in the area.

We enjoyed our stay here very much. We called at the last minute during the afternoon and

she was able to accommodate 4 of us. The muffins were wonderful at breakfast. We had

special dietary requests and she handled it with no problem. Very comfortable beds! We will

definitely stay here again.

A stay at the Globe has always been a must if we're overnighting in Hartsburg. Jeanette and her hospitality can't be beat.

Great place to stay. Food was great, he had to accommodate 3 different dietary requests in

our group of 4 and managed to do it just fine. Nice rooms, very quiet, one block off of the

main road. Suggested a fun place for dinner--good food. Loved the limo, too. We will stay

there again.

To all the wonderful guests who rode the trail and stayed at The Hotel Frederick I want you to know that Parris Johnson is no longer the manager of the Frederick. I have stayed at the hotel for the last 3 years when riding the trail and so enjoyed the hospitality that she instilled in her staff. What a loss for the town and especially for the Frederick. You notice the change as soon as you walk in the door. THe place seems like it has lost its heart. I will stay in Rocheport next time.

I agree that Boonville lost a great Hotel Manager and promoter of hospitality when Paris left the Hotel Frederick. I would recommend you look at the bed and breakfasts in Boonville before going to Rocheport. We have lovely facilities and have hosted many Katy Trail cyclists who have enjoyed themselves and come back year after year. Please stay in Boonville on your next trip we don't want to lose you.

I ride trails for a profession and visit lots of trail websites, and this one is one of the very

best and most organized. Thank you for providing this wonderful service.

I hope to ride the Katy Trail in late March 2011. I plan to stay at b&b/hotels along the way.

I have 3 questions:

1. I realize many of the businesses are seasonal, but are most of the essential businesses

such as grocery stores, lodging, & restaurants still open?

2. What is the least expensive shuttle service available. I am open to either a professional

shuttle business or someone (retiree, student, etc.) who may just want to make a few bucks

and have a good conversation/drive. I would need shuttle for myself & my bike.

3. Is the Katy Trail good for recumbent bikes and if so, are there recumbent rentals near

either of the two ends of the trail?

If you would prefer to reply privately rather than on the comment forum, I can be reached

@ either www.trailsnet.com or www.trailsnet.blogspot.com

1. The towns were there before the trail and are not there because of it. Yes, people still eat, buy groceries, and outsiders still come to town. Kind of a no brainer, but glad to help a pro!



2. This is a good website. Maybe call the different shuttles and check on their off season prices.



3. Yes, many people ride their bent on the Katy. The Trailside in Rocheport will rent a bent. They are closed in March though. Perhaps use this site to get the phone number of rental shops and talk to them about bike type and off season rental.

The trailhead restrooms and water are turned on from April-1st thru October. Also, the springtime wetness (ice/snow melt, rains etc) can make the trail soft in March at times. Yet, the Turner-KT Shelter in Tebbetts will be open then. Also, the best nature photo op’s generally occur mid-April and later.



Most of the markets, quick stops, major cafes, and gas stations are open year round. Some cafes and bar-grills close one or two days a week, e.g., on Mondays.



The bike shop in Defiance offers some shuttling; check with them at http://www.katybikerental.com



Here’s a shuttle service listed on another Katy website: Show Me MO Tours, St. Louis, 314-781-0015

Great campground! Quiet and very clean. Only $6 for a single person tent camping and $5 for a good sized stack of firewood. The owner, John, was very friendly.

Drove into Boonville from New Franklin on Saturday night (Oct 16) to see if we could get something to eat. We walked along the main street and came across the Blind Ref...great food! The fried cheese curds were the best! This tavern was a non-smoking establishment which made it even nicer for those of us that do not smoke. Will definitely go here again, especially for the cheese curds!

Stayed at Katy Roundhouse for two nights....busy little campground with lots of Boy Scouts. Great place to stay! Bathrooms and showers were great! The owner was very nice in letting us leave our stuff at our campsite on Sunday past the check out time so that we could get an early jump on the Katy Trail. I would recommend this campground to all!

I lost my prescription glasses Oct 17, 2010. Somewhere between McKittrick and Treloar. Not sure if on the trail or the trailhead. Please email if found lovmyjob2@aol.com

What a great new B&B! This cabin has a great view from the front porch, with beautiful sunsets over the hills. The place was very comfortable, with lots of space and all kinds of amenities. This is the perfect place for friends or family to get away together. Vicky came each morning and cooked wonderful breakfasts for us.

Definitely a local place, but pretty good bar food. I was very surprised to find a veggie burger on the menu. Our server was very friendly.

My friend Wes and I had dinner there a few weeks ago while biking the Katy Trail. We stayed at the Globe and she refered us to eat there. The food was great. Very nice and clean place. Excellant service. I would go back.

I have been in the Market many times and have observed these things: Now, realize that you are not the only bike rider. Imagine multiple people putting their bike on your expensive window, and *crack* goes the window when the person stumbles over the bike. Also imagine one person after the other coming in and NOT buying anything but wanting to use the bathroom (There are bathrooms at the trailhead down by the Highway), and wanting free water and ice. Repeatedly. Some biker's want to come in and be catered to without spending a dime. One guy stuffed toilet paper down their toilet and it overflowed then he made some rude comment on the way out. Another biker had diarrhea all over the place in the market, walked around and left. Another group plugged in their electonic devices to charge them. Those folks at the market have to pay for water, ice, and electricity. They are there to make a profit, and get no perks from the katy trail folks. I have seen the owners help people who were stranded or had health conditions. You treat them right, they will treat you right. If, on the other hand, you come into the Market and act like you are entitled, don't be suprised if you aren't treated with open arms.

They are there to make a profit, and get no perks from the katy trail folks........Seth Meyer's on SNL would say REALLY?....Now Really? They make NO money from anyone who rides the Katy? Really??

Thanks for the lecture UknowMe, it was a learning experience. That explains the rude behavior from the lady behind the counter. I apologize for the intrusion and inconvenience of having lunch and buying snacks for the trail there, I didn't know. It won't happen again.



Seriously, I don't think I was oozing excrement as I walked around gather up snacks, didn't see any sign of that, but we will just asume all trail users do that. A simple note at the trail head would take care of these problems at the market in Mokane.



Snarkily yours,

Frank Lee

I can't believe some flake named Susie Sunshine is criticizing the Claysville Store fpr having all homemade food and youngsters from Ashland school as waiters. Mark and Laura work full time and do this on the side (Saturday and Sunday, after church). Laura makes all the pies and cobblers etc and they are fantastic. The best food on the trail bar none. The kids are given a chance to earn money and learn a trade by Mark and Laura. They have always been polite and friendly. whats the beef? I think the Claysville store has the best food on the KATY Trail. Next time make a reservation. I don't believe they turned someone away who wanted water.

We had the most delightful stay recently @ Lindenhof.

Debbie is most gracious hostess we have encounted in a b/b.

Also, her "stuffed french toast" is to die for.

You won't be disappointed in the stay.

Rowena and Jim Mount, Bedford, IN

we lost a billfold on the trail somewhere between Portland and Treloar. Please call 316 258-1926 if found. Thank you. It was lost on Thursday 10-14-10 between 1and 2 pm.

Never mind. We found it.

Our bike trip on the KATY was nearly derailed (sorry for the pun!) by an incompetent shuttle service, but luckily Sam Baugh saved our trip! Even though he couldn't fix all the damage, he was able to supply my husband with a used peddle to replace a mangled one. As a result, we were able to complete our entire trip. We feel very fortunate that we located this shop in Clinton. It is the only business listed under "Bicycles" in Clinton's phone book. Sam's mom, Marilyn, was the one who answered our "distress call" about fifteen minutes before closing, and she very kindly encouraged us to bring the damaged bike by for Sam to take a look at. Both Sam and his mom were so knowledgeable about biking and so kind to us that we felt much better when we left the shop.

I had a similar experience - Sam saved my ride on a trip eight years ago. Wow, can't believe it's been that long - glad they're still in business.

The manager of the Colonial Hotel was extremely gracious and we enjoyed our large, clean, and well appointed room. It is an easy drive down Franklin Street to get to the remarkable town square, and it is just a bit further to reach the KATY trailhead.

My husband and I enjoyed a nice dinner at the Ben Franklin Coffee House on the evening before our KATY trek to St. Louis. We dined outside and enjoyed the Norman Rockwell like atmosphere of the wonderful Clinton town square.

My girlfriend and I stayed at the Hotel Bothwell during our KATY Trail ride in early September. We were there on a Sunday night on the way west and again the following Tuesday night. The hotel is located a few blocks from the KATY Depot, an easy ride on streets with little traffic. They were very accommodating to cyclists and stored our bikes/trailer in the basement of the hotel. The hotel itself is old, but the rooms have been updated and were comfortable. There is a restaurant in the hotel, but it isn't open on Sunday so we took a taxi to dinner at Patricia's Mexican (good basic Mexican food with decent margaritas). We discovered later that Coach's Tavern, near the hotel, is open on Sunday and serves typical tavern fare. On our mid-week stay we ate at the in-house Ivory Grille, which had good food and decent prices. The hotel provided a continental breakfast that was basic but adequate. The Bothwell is convenient to the AMTRAK station if you are riding the train and there is a bike shop, Pro Velo, located just across the street if you need anything for your bike (but not on Sunday or Monday).

My husband and I stayed at the Hotel Bothwell during our Clinton to St. Louis bike trek last week. We found the staff to be friendly and very accomodating. They didn't mind our loading and unloading our bikes in the beautiful lobby, stored them in the basement, and promptly returned them to the lobby when we were ready to depart. The hotel has done a nice job with its renuvation, and we enjoyed our comfortable and spacious room. We found both the food and the service at the Ivory Grille to be very good.

Just wanted to let everyone know that this Saturday, October 16th, the K.T. Caboose will be having live music from 1-3pm. We will also be having BBQ hot dogs, hamburgers, and bratwurst. And don't forget the ice cream!!

Hope everyone passing through can stop in and enjoy themselves.

We will be open normal hours and the BBQ will run from 11:00 am to 5:00pm!! The live music is 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

We didn't stay here, but it is literally right off the trail...would have been convenient and the Trailside Grill is just right down the street. We meet the woman who runs this B&B while waiting for our pick up...she seemed very nice.

Have stayed here in the past and found it a very pleasant experience.

Would not hesitate to stay again.

The Trailside Grille puts out decent food as well.

This a grocery store with a deli. Great stop for lunch with a picnic table in front. Lots of choices and not too far from the trail. We almost missed it, but it's off the spur trail into Herman.

I stopped in there to get a Gatorade a few weeks back. No dice. They did have the low calorie G2 version, but putting 40 miles in I needed more.



That's the frustrating thing about riding the Katy (but not a deal breaker). The two essentials that are needed on a long ride (sports drink and food) aren't always available. I had a bad experience from Weldon Springs to St Charles and back when I ran out of water.



I wonder why MO doesn't put a drink vending machine at some of the trail heads? They do on the rest stops along the interstate.

Brad, I think that's a very good suggestion. However I'm not sure all of the trailheads have electricity.



I see frequent comments on this blog about the need to pay attention to how much water you have. So I do wish Missouri's DNR would look into providind vending machines at trailheads where they do the ability to do so. I realize money is probably not available for this type of thing now, but this should be added to DNR's to do list so that when money is available they can improve the Katy Trail State Park by making water and sports drinks available.

What we need is someone in Jefferson City to lobby for us. Right now the state can't see fit to invest a million dollars that would generate a realistic $30 million income. When that is a bad idea to Govenor Nixon, we'll surely pass on putting vending machines in the middle of nowhere. Although, DNR could sell water bottles and camelbaks on their website with instructions to pay attention and fill'em up at every opportunity...surely a ROI greater than the Tour of Missouri ever was.

I agree Trek, that we should have someone to lobby for this idea. And as long as Lt. Governor doesn't support it, we've got a good shot at success. Gosh, I hope Jay Nixon doesn't read this forum. If he does, I may have blown it for us to get these vending machines.

Stayed over Peers Store on Oct 8. Barb takes good care of her cyclists. I didn't want to spend

B&B rates and her accommodations and hospitality were very welcome after a long ride. I look

forward to stopping in again next time I ride to St. Charles.

We stayed at the BW Colonial during our KATY Trail ride in early September. It is located about 1.5 mi. from the KATY trailhead, which can be ridden on streets with moderate traffic (to avoid riding on Hwy. 13). The people a the hotel were very hospitable and had no issue with us taking the bikes/trailer into the room. The room was large, clean and comfortable. There are a selection of restaurants within easy walking distance (we ate at Applebee's). The hotel had a continental breakfast that was basic but adequate. They also had free internet access using their (public) computer. The hotel is convenient to the trail and clean and comfortable. The price was $70 for 2 people.

My girlfriend and I spent a night at the High Street Victorian during our KATY Trail ride in early September. The inn is located a scant 50 yards from the trail in downtown Boonville. Kriss and Gene, the owners, have created an outstanding inn and they really make the experience memorable. The inn itself is very impressive with the authentic Victorian furnishings and decor. Our room was very comfortable and all facilities were very nice. They directed us to the Palace Restaurant for dinner. It is a short walk from HSV and serves a good variety of food to what appeared to be mostly local clientele (always a good sign). Back at the HSV, Kriss served a homemade chocolate/raspberry torte for an evening dessert. The next morning we had a tremendous full-course breakfast. I strongly recommend the High Street Victorian B&B to anyone riding the KATY Trail or touring the Boonville area.

My girlfriend and I stayed at the Globe during our KATY Trail ride in early September. Jeanette made us feel at home and was a very interesting person to meet. The Hotel was very comfortable, especially since we were the only guests on the night we were there. We had a good dinner at the tavern next to the Hotel and walked around town. We didn't realize until a later conversation with Jeanette that most of the town was under water during the flood of 1993. This was a very pleasant and convenient stop, which I would recommend to anyone riding the KATY Trail.

My girlfriend and I spent a night at Concord Hill B&B in early September during our KATY Trail trip and found it to be delightful. Maggie and George were great hosts. George fixed a delicious dinner and a great breakfast. He also drove us to the Blumenhof winery where we got to taste some juice directly from the press (and some of the finished product, too). Later, George and I did some pickin' and grinnin' for a really enjoyable evening. I strongly recommend the Concord Hill B&B to anyone riding the KATY Trail or touring the area.

My wife and I are planning to ride the Katy next year,2011. Has anyone done the full trail and if so, what kind of time line would we be expecting? Also, is the full trail in good enough shape to pull a bike trailer? Thanks for any info.

Just read Blues' ride notes and found them very informative. Thanks.

A lot of people have done the full trail, it's a great ride and a somewhat popular thing to do - the biggest factor will be your own physical condition and willingness to push on.



A couple of friends and I did the trail from Clinton to St Charles over a weekend. We rode from Clinton to Jeff City the first day, then Jeff to St Charles the second day. We were not in the best of shape at that point in the season (June), but met our goal. Not that it matters too much, but we are in our 40s and 50s.



In general, the trail will be in good enough shape for a trailer, but heavy rains can cause problems. There are trail condition updates available at this site to keep you abreast of the situation.



I would say that as long as you are in decent cycling condition, 3 days out and 3 days back wouldn't be a big problem. (roughly 80 miles per day).



My 2 cents,



SteveM

My husband & I have ridden the entire trail twice & many weekends out & back. Something

you might consider is riding from Clinton to St. Charles. The wind tends to be from the

southwest depending on the time of year you plan to ride.

My girlfriend and I just did the ride from St. Charles to Clinton (then back to Sedalia to catch AMTRAK back to Kirkwood) in early September. We were conservative, doing about 40 miles per day which let us get a leisurely start in the AM and finish in early-mid afternoon. It also allowed us to dodge a couple of periods of rainy weather. I pulled a trailer and had no concerns or issues with trail conditions. Of course, this is dependant on the weather and any flooding/washouts. One note about AMTRAK: you can transport your bike for a $10 fee, but they officially don't permit trailers. I had mine shipped home by Pro Velo in Sedalia for $40 (less than UPS). I think I could have fit it into the overhead carry-on rack on the train, but didn't want to get there and find out it wouldn't work.

Stayed at the Lindenhof this past week(March 18th). We had a great stay. Met another couple from Oklahoma riding the trail - even Cornhuskers and Sooners can get along when talking about the great fun of riding the KATY trail. Debbie is a great host. Breakfast was wonderful! I would highly recomend this B&B.



mike T

Stayed at the Lindenhof this past week(March 18th). We had a great stay. Met another couple from Oklahoma riding the trail - even Cornhuskers and Sooners can get along when talking about the great fun of riding the KATY trail. Debbie is a great host. Breakfast was wonderful! I would highly recomend this B&B.



mike T

We had the most delightful stay recently @ Lindenhof.

Debbie is most gracious hostess we have encounted in a b/b.

Also, her "stuffed french toast" is to die for.

You won't be disappointed in the stay.

We had the most delightful stay recently @ Lindenhof.

Debbie is most gracious hostess we have encounted in a b/b.

Also, her "stuffed french toast" is to die for.

You won't be disappointed in the stay.

What a gem we found by staying at the Cliff Manor in Jeff City. Called from the North Jefferson trailhead and Thom, the owner, arrived within 10 minutes to pick us and our bikes up and take us to Cliff Manor Inn. (That definitely beat the hour plus wait that some others at the trail head had to endure with Checker Cab) What awaited us at the Inn was the absolute best experience I have ever had at any B&B, hotel or motel. It was a Manor built in the 1800s and restored to superb condition. There were hardwood floors, antique furniture, robes and flip-flops in the rooms for your convenience, complimentary snacks, a mini-fridge, WiFi, DVDs and everything was super clean. Thom flushed our water bottles, filled them and chilled them in the refrigerator for our ride the next day. To top that off there was no charge for the shuttle (normally $5pp round trip) because the bridge was closed to bikes due to construction of the pedestrian addition. All this at a price that was comparable to the other available motels and B&Bs. Actually it beat the others because the breakfast the next morning was a gourmet feast with just the right combination of protein and carbs for our next leg on the Katy. My compliments to Thom and his wife, Liz. They cater to Katy Trail riders and truly made our ride on the Katy Trail an even better experience. We will definitely be staying there again and will recommend the Cliff Manor Inn to everyone.

They have an awesome website that everyone should check out if they might be interested. From your description I was thinking "another expensive B&B over $125", but the prices on their website were no more than the Best Western I stayed at in Jeff City!

Great value for this place. Private room with your own bathroom. The room was very comfortable, but breakfast was disappointing. You are given a few things in your room and that's it. But, I guess the advantage is you can get up and get going whenever you are ready. Didn't find the owner very friendly - she didn't ask us anything about our trip, but did make a suggestion for dinner at the Muddy Tavern, which was good.

I agree with the bad service. We stopped here to get sandwiches and the lady acted like it was a huge hassle to serve us. They do have good, cheap food though and a few tables to sit inside and eat. There was no sign on the front of the building, but it's just up the street from the bar.

LOVED IT!! This was my favorite place on my Katy Trail trip. Be warned that it is two miles from the trail, but they seem more than willing to pick you and your bikes and drive you up the hill (biking down in the morning is no big deal). We loved the property - absolutely beautiful views. The rooms are very nice as well. We used the hot tub and saw so many stars...and the place is extremely peaceful. We didn't get there in time for high tea, so Myrta gave us our treats as a desert. One thing to keep in mind, you are a bit isolated from town - we got a carry out order and took it up the hill with us when Robert picked us up. The breakfast was delicious and we really enjoyed visiting with Myrta & Robert. I highly recommend this place - and scheduling your ride so that you can take the time to relax a bit here...it's so beautiful you won't want to leave right away in the morning!

We got a to go order to eat at our B&B, so I can't comment on the service other than they were very nice over the phone. The catfish was really good and a great value.

They came to pick us up in Marthasville and took us back to the trail in the morning. The cabins are really nice, but you are completely isolated, so you have to take dinner up with you. Great place if you want privacy, we only saw Judy for about 5 minutes and that was it. She brings a delicious hot breakfast on a tray to you in your cabin.

Great stop right on the trail. We had ice cream, but they also offered some other food - pizza & sandwiches. A little on the pricy side, but the strawberry milkshake really hit the spot! Only outdoor seating. Free WiFi.

We had dinner here the night before our trip. Great patio setting with lots of firepits - loved the place, but the food was just so-so.

This brewery is right on the Katy Trail and perfect place to get a beer when finishing your ride! We sat at the bar and had good service, but we only had a drink. Didn't feel out of place at all in our bike clothes. Pretty good local beers too.

We stayed here the night before we began the Katy Trail. Rhona and Leo were very friendly. They lent us a book on the Katy Trail for our trip that was very helpful. The breakfast was really good and they were very accommodating to our schedule for breakfast and the shuttle.They shuttled us to Booneville and made sure we had their phone number in case we needed anything on our bike trip. We left our vehicle at the B&B and felt good leaving it where someone could keep an eye on it. Upon our return, Rhona had freshly baked treats for us and offered the use of the shower even though we weren't spending the night.

we want to head to the trail this week. we have seen St Charles to ditzow. Wondering where you can see the river the most & the best bluff scenery. I can't ride to far before the old knee gives out, so i hate to waste my miles without great scenerey.

Thanks fo rany suggestions.

For a 10 mile ride you could park in Bluffton and ride up to Portland and then back. For a 20 mile ride a little closer to St.Louis (but not much) you could park in McKittrick and ride down to Bernheimer and back. Both have sections with the river right next to the trail.

The section from Rocheport eastward to down to Hartsburg is good for river views. There are even a number of places that you could literlly fall off into the river. Just east of Rocheport, there are many bluffs, & also a scenic lookout point that you can walk up to that is well worth the climb up the hillside.

I just finished riding the Katy. Although I rode west to east I finished by riding east to west

from Machens to Weldon Springs. The approximate 3 miles of unfinished trail was rideable

even with my street bike with street tires.

Within this section they are cutting a path(maybe a half mile or more) alongside the actual

original rail-bed through a green belt. There were several bulldozers parked at each end

and signs about spending stimulus money to complete the trail. I rode on Saturday Oct. 9,

2010 and it looked like the dozers had been working the day before. The ground was soft

and damp with hugh roots sticking out of the freshly bulldozed section so I stayed on the

original rail bed and rode outside of the green belt.

The dozers had been using the rail bed so the grass was pulverized and wasn't a problem

however there were dozer tracks everywhere and I rode extremely slow to avoid being

jarred to death. After about 2 miles the dozer tracks ended and the grass was maybe 6 to

8 inches high and still wet at mid-morning. There were also occasional tire ruts to avoid.

Riding the 3 miles of unfinished trail was more of a little adventure rather than a problem.

However it could be a problem finding the Machens trailhead. There are no signs to direct

you to the trailhead and it is completely hidden from view from any road. I had printed out

its location using goggle satellite and thus found it pretty easily. I didn't want to take the

chance of my wife not being able to locate this trailhead and me ending up being stuck so

we first located the trailhead and then I rode east to west.

The signs at Machens have also been removed and the restrooms were locked. Except for

the unfinished section the trail is in excellent condition. Although the trail around St.

Charles was very busy I met no one on my ride from Machens through the unfinished

section.

Fantastic food, great friendly new owners, clean. Would make the drive there just for the huge fish sandwich. Sooooooooooo good. Keep up with the cleanliness and friendly atmosphere and you'll go far. Loved the grand opening. Will definitely be there the next time I am in Missouri.

Fantastic food, great friendly new owners, clean. Would make the drive there just for the huge fish sandwich. Sooooooooooo good. Keep up with the cleanliness and friendly atmosphere and you'll go far. Loved the grand opening. Will definitely be there the next time I am in Missouri.

Terrific stay at the Garden Gate, we stayed here with two other couples after riding the Katy Trail. Penny was a great cook, loved the breakfast and the front porch to relax and enjoy a cold beer after a long dusty ride! Beautiful house, welcoming hostess, we will be back!

Terrific stay at the Garden Gate, we stayed here with two other couples after riding the Katy Trail. Penny was a great cook, loved the breakfast and the front porch to relax and enjoy a cold beer after a long dusty ride! Beautiful house, welcoming hostess, we will be back!

Recently ate dinner at Glenn's Cafe after riding the Katy Trail with two other couples. Our experience was disappointing to say the least.

Food was overpriced, service was not good. They have done a great job with restoring the building, but would not return to the restaurant.

Recently ate dinner at Glenn's Cafe after riding the Katy Trail with two other couples. Our experience was disappointing to say the least.

Food was overpriced, service was not good. They have done a great job with restoring the building, but would not return to the restaurant.

The setup at the Kirkwood Amtrak station worked very well for us. We found the station well staffed by volunteers. We asked for and received a free vehicle pass to use for week in the municipal lot across the street from the station. We loaded the bikes onto the train with the panniers attached. We did load them ourselves which probably kept the Amtrak from making us take the panniers off and store in overhead compartment. I know that bikes with bags were well over the 50 lb. one piece limit. Bikes rode in the passenger compartment in an open space in the car. No rack. We use Greenfield rear triangle mount kickstnnds so this was not a problem. Bikes stood secure in their place the entire trip. The Amtrak staff did assist one other person with her bike on and off the train. She did not have panniers attached to the bike so the weight was well within the 50 lb. limit.

My friend and I also used Amtrak from Kirkwood to Sedelia. It was a great experience! The volunteers were friendly and helpful. We got there early and locked up our bikes outside till minutes before the trail arrived. We got in line when the train stopped carrying our panniers and pushing our bikes. The train staff were also experienced and quickly told us which train to load our bikes and were able to sit by them. They did not help load or unload though but we did not need help. It took us each two trips, one for the bike and one for the panniers to get onboard. In Sedelia, the train staff had questions for us about where we were going, total miles, miles per day, etc. Very interested. Of course they may have thought we were crazy also. LOL.

Anyone ride the trail this week that can give me the latest on the leaves and what they'll be like come this weekend? Also, does the Thai food restaurant in Easley have hours of operation in the fall and if so what are they on the weekends? Thanks!

You'll see some color this weekend.



Call Chim's Thai Kitchen for exact hours: 509-295-3810



Also, see www.cooperslanding.net

I just did the trail this past week and the leaves will be at or about peak this next week. They were starting to fall and change from 10/1-10/8. Enjoy the cooler bike riding.

Can you park at the Kirkwood Amtrak station for a multiple days?

At a train station? Wouldn't know why not. If you took the train to California, you surely would have to leave your vehicle for several days. Some things defy logic though....better call Amtrak.

Quote from the Texas Eagle website (http://www.texaseagle.com/stations/KWD.htm) regarding parking at Kirkwood:



"Short/long term Department store parking lot, 1 blk SE of station. Free with permit, which is available from station agent. Without a permit your car will be towed at your expense. Unattended; park at own risk."



There is no station agent at Kirkwood; but I believe it is staffed by volunteers who would be the ones to hand out the permit.



For what it's worth, I frequently park long term at Amtrak stations around the Midwest. Last winter at Galesburg, IL for 2 1/2 months.

I just used the train from there to Sedilia last week. The parking lot was posted short term parking only. You can contact the LoCocoa House in St. Charles and they will shuttle you and your bike and you can leave your vehicle at their B&B. That's what I did and was very happy with Leo and Rhona's services and prices.