Katy Trail Forum

CAUTION ... My bike rack was stolen off my car while parked at Cooper's Town. We needed a rack to transport our bikes back to Nebraska after finishing up in St. Charles. Fortunately, I was able to replace it at the Bike shop in Hermann. Bill was very helpful and reasonable. But I was not a happy camper and not interested in returning to Cooper's Town.

Down on the river at Cooper's Landing camp ground?

I'm sorry to hear that. The only 2 places I would leave my car overnight along the Katy are Clinton's Rec center and St. Charles. If you notify their police dept, they will keep an eye out for your car. That said, bad things do happen even in the nicest part of town.

In the past with a trunk mounted rack, I'd often take it off and put it in the trunk when I'd left the car for any length of time in a place that I was not familiar with. Simple move to keep someone from either taking the whole rack or cutting a strap, etc.



With a hitch mount now, the rack is always locked on with a pin lock and the rubber straps are always in the vehicle. It's too easy for someone to help theirself to the tie-down straps, leaving me wondering what to do at the end of a ride.



I've never had an issue with anyone bothering my vehicle, but I always leave it at a DNR Trailhead or the motel/B&B that we're staying at.

Good food and she opened earlier than posted on the door sign - a bonus for us cause we had a long day ahead of us.

Good food and she opened earlier than posted on the door sign - a bonus for us cause we had a long day ahead of us.

My favorite place to eat on the trail. Dotty is a sweet heart...

My favorite place to eat on the trail. Dotty is a sweet heart...

Has anyone crossed the US 63 bridge at Jeff City to get to/from the Katy Trail since they started working on the bridge this summer? Is bicycling across the bridge still an option?

My wife and I crossed the bridge riding our tandem on August 11th. The side going into Jeff City didn't have a bike lane or much shoulder and traffic was a 'little' scary but we made it. A couple of locals told us at the N. Jeff City trailhead that locals are used to seeing bikes on the bridge.



The side coming out of Jeff City has a blocked off walking/biking lane which we used to leave. It was being worked on or at least had signs but we didn't see any workers at the time.



Also, I'm not sure if you can get to the bike/walk lane from the South/West side of trail but it would be the safest way into the city. Good Luck.

First off, I have to admit I would not have tried biking over the Jefferson City Missouri River bridge before they started the construction. I drive over the bridge a couple of times a week and I would not recommend trying to bike over it during the construction. The bridge going out of Jefferson City is more narrow due to the construction. The other bridge going into Jefferson City has a couple of exits that sneak up on you. Hopefully this construction project will end on time, and then we'll have the attached bike/pedestrian bridge, that will be safe and offer views of the river and capitol.

We had just completed our first day of our five day journey on the Katy Trail and this was our first B&B on the trip. It was comfortable, clean and provided an abundant continental breakfast in the morning. Maxine and Pete are delightful hosts and we felt very welcome and accommodated. Thanks, also, for the surrey ride. I know you probably can't do that for everybody but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Great start to our trip!

We had just completed our first day of our five day journey on the Katy Trail and this was our first B&B on the trip. It was comfortable, clean and provided an abundant continental breakfast in the morning. Maxine and Pete are delightful hosts and we felt very welcome and accommodated. Thanks, also, for the surrey ride. I know you probably can't do that for everybody but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Great start to our trip!

The "coolest" place we stayed on the trail. I rode the trail with my husband and 2 year old toddlers. We were all thrilled to be sleeping in a "train." The room was clean and comfortable, the deck was awesome for chatting with old friends, and Bill was a great host. I won't hesitate to stay here again on any trip to central MO. Thanks Bill!

The "coolest" place we stayed on the trail. I rode the trail with my husband and 2 year old toddlers. We were all thrilled to be sleeping in a "train." The room was clean and comfortable, the deck was awesome for chatting with old friends, and Bill was a great host. I won't hesitate to stay here again on any trip to central MO. Thanks Bill!

I would not recommend staying here. I had a heck of a time getting the reservation in the first place, back and forth with phone calls and emails. I planned a head and reserved for our August trip in April. 3 weeks before our trip she calls and asked for my email address and proceeded with all the questions we had already discussed in email. She was so very confused. Then we show up, late, which I had warned her about - I rode the trail with my husband and 2 year old twins - and the place was empty. She didn't answer either phone number and the house was locked up! I even called her Realtor (the place is for sale) trying to get a hold of her. At that point it was after 7, I had two hungry toddlers and a hungry, disappointed husband. Finally her husband just happens to drive by (as we were preparing to ride another 11 miles to Boonville - after 64 already that day) and shows us where the key is hidden. Apparently this information was in an email ... but wait, she didn't have my email according to her phone call.

The bathroom is shared (just so you know) and it was HOT upstairs, most rooms are upstairs, even with window ACs. Breakfast was not enough. I had to eat a cliff bar at the trail head. The stairs are steep and carpeted as well. Dangerous!

I'd say skip it and arrange your trip to stay somewhere else. I'll never stay here again.

I would not recommend staying here. I had a heck of a time getting the reservation in the first place, back and forth with phone calls and emails. I planned a head and reserved for our August trip in April. 3 weeks before our trip she calls and asked for my email address and proceeded with all the questions we had already discussed in email. She was so very confused. Then we show up, late, which I had warned her about - I rode the trail with my husband and 2 year old twins - and the place was empty. She didn't answer either phone number and the house was locked up! I even called her Realtor (the place is for sale) trying to get a hold of her. At that point it was after 7, I had two hungry toddlers and a hungry, disappointed husband. Finally her husband just happens to drive by (as we were preparing to ride another 11 miles to Boonville - after 64 already that day) and shows us where the key is hidden. Apparently this information was in an email ... but wait, she didn't have my email according to her phone call.

The bathroom is shared (just so you know) and it was HOT upstairs, most rooms are upstairs, even with window ACs. Breakfast was not enough. I had to eat a cliff bar at the trail head. The stairs are steep and carpeted as well. Dangerous!

I'd say skip it and arrange your trip to stay somewhere else. I'll never stay here again.

Planning a two day ride mid September from Tebbetts to St. Charles. Anything I should watch for?

Signs of Fall.

I am interested in doing an illustrated KATY Trail book, with pen/ink and watercolor. What are your favorite spots along the trail and why?

I'll be working on this for the next year, so please keep in touch!

gg

My favorite stretch is Dutzow to Trelore! God worked overtime on this part! Make sure to stop in at the Peers store and say "hi" to Barb (owner).

We have been riding this area weekly for most of the summer and have noticed there are two individuals who also appear to ride this stretch regularly; these individuals also tend to ride at somewhat a fast pace. They overtake and pass other riders they fail to call out of their intentions to pass. This has happened to us 2 times in the last month and both of times they have caused us problems which could have been serious. They ride on,(which is probably best.) I wanted to warn others about these two (a couple) and hope that maybe they may read this(?) and understand that this kind of behavior can cause problems for others and possibly serious touble. And it is just downright rude. Please remember to call out when overtaking others on the trail and do so far enough in advance as not to startle others and possibly causing an accident which we all know can be devastating if not fatal. Thanks.

Good advice. It is equally prudent to be aware of your surrounds also. Just because you are in the middle of nowhere, don't assume that you are the only one around and that no one will meet or pass you. Keep your ears open, allow room to pass, use a mirror, and know you whats behind as well as ahead of you.



We almost wrecked a few years ago with a man and a dog and we did announce our approach well in advance. His reply was that he didn't have enough warning, to which I replied to a large degree his prior warning was his knowledge that he was on a public trail that was meant for others and not just him and his dog.

I agree that you should be aware of your surroundings and have your ears open. I have called out to others that fail to hear because they have their MP3 playing in their ears and even the wind can be a factor in being able to hear. It is still the responsibility of the person passing to announce their intentions.

I agree.....but, all the announcing in the world doesn't do much good when the oblivian in front of you moves to right and lets his dog move to the left stretching the clothes line across the trail in front of you.



Hopefully the mystery riders will learn before they cause a crash.

I'm looking for a shuttle from Warrensburg to Clinton. Any ideas?

Try this link on the home page Share a SHUTTLE RIDE.

My wife and I are planning a 3-4 day ride between Mokane and St Charles the last week of Sept but I see there is a Touring Cyclist ride planned (no interest to us) for that same week. Does this consist of a large group of riders? Will we have trouble getting B&B reservations? Anything we should know about that event? Thanks for any input.

Why not contact The Touring Cyclist Co and ask them? Who would know more about their event than them?

we have accomodations for cyclists and we are three blocks from the trail ---- we also shuttle ----- call 636-946-0619 for more info

I don't know that their group would prevent you from finding reservations, however that is a very busy time of year and I would advise you get your rooms reserved soon or you might find some locations, if not several, unavailable.

Absolutely wonderful for riders during the week, it is the only place around that has food! Stayed here and late June, 2010 and couldn't have asked for more. There was no one there but we just called the number on the pamphlet and she was more than happy to help with all of our questions. The campsites are actually way in the back, and that is where the bugs are bad. There were only two of us though, so we set up our tent right behind the snack stand and didn't have a problem with the bugs. There is only a port-a-potty, which I didn't use, but the shower was extremely clean. If you are looking for a hot meal, the bed and breakfast (left at the road right before steamboat junction if you are heading east) has pizza's for $10.

Absolutely wonderful for riders during the week, it is the only place around that has food! Stayed here and late June, 2010 and couldn't have asked for more. There was no one there but we just called the number on the pamphlet and she was more than happy to help with all of our questions. The campsites are actually way in the back, and that is where the bugs are bad. There were only two of us though, so we set up our tent right behind the snack stand and didn't have a problem with the bugs. There is only a port-a-potty, which I didn't use, but the shower was extremely clean. If you are looking for a hot meal, the bed and breakfast (left at the road right before steamboat junction if you are heading east) has pizza's for $10.

You say "The place around the corner has pizza for $10"....your talking about the Rendleman Home B&B and Camping in Bluffton..on Hwy 94 just up from the trail when you cross Hwy 94...If you make a reservation ahead they also serve dinner and breakfast (killer hot meals) for both campers and B&B guests.

You say "The place around the corner has pizza for $10"....your talking about the Rendleman Home B&B and Camping in Bluffton..on Hwy 94 just up from the trail when you cross Hwy 94...If you make a reservation ahead they also serve dinner and breakfast (killer hot meals) for both campers and B&B guests.

Stayed here on June 27th, 2010 during a storm and had to sleep in the pavillion. There is very little grassy area to camp on because of the lack of distinction between the park and personal yards. Since it was bad weather we shared the pavillion with a group of boyscouts with 3 large tents, plus our 2-person popup. It was a tight squeeze, but nothing too bad!

Stayed here on June 27th, 2010 during a storm and had to sleep in the pavillion. There is very little grassy area to camp on because of the lack of distinction between the park and personal yards. Since it was bad weather we shared the pavillion with a group of boyscouts with 3 large tents, plus our 2-person popup. It was a tight squeeze, but nothing too bad!

Volunteer Park is our small park and it is pretty obvious where the lines are around the gazebo. We also have a Legion Ball Park south of town (2-3 blocks) where 100 people can camp. Since we don't charge for camping in Volunteer Park one should be happy with the accomodations. Please contact Mayor Doug Lammers at hartsburgdoug@yahoo.com. I also read here in the Forum that Dotty's and Gary Caldwell help travelers in need (check previous entrys). We hope you enjoyed your time in our little town.

Volunteer Park is our small park and it is pretty obvious where the lines are around the gazebo. We also have a Legion Ball Park south of town (2-3 blocks) where 100 people can camp. Since we don't charge for camping in Volunteer Park one should be happy with the accomodations. Please contact Mayor Doug Lammers at hartsburgdoug@yahoo.com. I also read here in the Forum that Dotty's and Gary Caldwell help travelers in need (check previous entrys). We hope you enjoyed your time in our little town.

It is usually pretty obvious to residents where things are, but to the outsider it is often the case that things are not so obvious. Venture outside of Hartsburg and become lost or disoriented and I'm sure a local would be more than happy to point out that you missed what was pretty obvious.

It is usually pretty obvious to residents where things are, but to the outsider it is often the case that things are not so obvious. Venture outside of Hartsburg and become lost or disoriented and I'm sure a local would be more than happy to point out that you missed what was pretty obvious.

Since posting my questions about dogs, I was able to talk with the owner of Jim's Bar & Grill in Tebbetts. He said (1) the dogs were hauled off by Rangers some months ago. If anyone has a problem dogs, report it and they will be taken care of. So apparently dogs are no longer a problem; (2) He lives close to his Bar & Grill and is usually around. If he's not in the Bar & Grill, give him a call at 573-295-6100 and he will come over and fix something for you to eat. If you call in advance, he'll make a note of the day you are supposed to be there and put it on his calendar. However, you still may need to call him when you arrive.

We went through Tebbetts on July 4th weekend and did encounter a very aggressive dog just on the west side of town. As long as we kept riding....he kept coming at us like he was going to tear us apart. Perhaps he has since been taken care of.

Are dogs still a problem west of Tebbetts? I will be hiking through that area on 9/15/10.

What's the best way to get to Holts Summit from the N Jeff trailhead? Isn't there a spur now from the trail? Anyone ridden it, know how far it is, terrain, etc?

Thanks!

Unless you have a rich aunt who is going to leave you some money why fight the hugh hill to get to Holt Summit? Nothing there. Stay in Hartsburg or Jeff City.

The spur is just east of the North Jefferson trailhead right after you pass under Highway 54. It's a short segment that connects you to South Summit Drive that goes over Highway 54 up the hill and on into Holts Summit. You can see the hill from the trail head. The bike path accross the Missouri River bridge may be closed due to the work being done on the new bike path extension to the bridge so if you go that route you may want to call for a ride into Jefferson City or stay in Hartsburg which is only 10 miles west of North Jefferson.

Quote- "Why fight the huge hill...?"



Well if for one thing, it is fun riding back down the next morning. The last time we stayed at a motel in Holts Summit, I averaged 47 MPH untill I got to the trail.



How we got there from the trail? We just climbed up the concrete bank under the overpass with the loaded biked (one a recumbent), and lifted them over the gaurd rail. Then road up on the wide shoulder.

Camped here at the end of June this year. It was a week night, and there were 5 or 6 ball games that night with kids running around everywhere but the concessions were very convenient. We camped on the actual ball field, you can camp across the street at the park with the small log cabin but there are no facilities over there. There were only 2 of us, and we camped for free. The man turned off the lights for us immediately following the games. But we were then woken up by sprinklers at 5am, after we were encouraged to sleep on the field (the area outside of the fence is pretty rocky). You may want to ask about that before setting up camp here!

Camped here at the end of June this year. It was a week night, and there were 5 or 6 ball games that night with kids running around everywhere but the concessions were very convenient. We camped on the actual ball field, you can camp across the street at the park with the small log cabin but there are no facilities over there. There were only 2 of us, and we camped for free. The man turned off the lights for us immediately following the games. But we were then woken up by sprinklers at 5am, after we were encouraged to sleep on the field (the area outside of the fence is pretty rocky). You may want to ask about that before setting up camp here!

My wife believes that she dropped her sunglasses case on the trail somewhere between Claysville and Hartsburg. It is a Serfas Brand case, black in color and has her regular glasses inside. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

My wife informed me that a maintenance worker found her glasses case while mowing along the trail. Thank you very much...

My friend and I stayed here for our "girl's getaway". Very nice and great location to walk to the local town and shops. Very centrally located. Clean and had everything we needed. We plan on coming back (in a little cooler weather) with several friends and rent out the adjoining room. Thanks Schoolhouse B & B!

My friend and I stayed here for our "girl's getaway". Very nice and great location to walk to the local town and shops. Very centrally located. Clean and had everything we needed. We plan on coming back (in a little cooler weather) with several friends and rent out the adjoining room. Thanks Schoolhouse B & B!

My friend and I spent a weekend in Rocheport for a "girls getaway". We heard great reviews for Abigails. We were afraid we weren't going to be able to get in because everyone stressed reservations. We called ahead and were able to get in w/in an hour. It was so worth it. Our food was excellent and the service was too. Most of the water tastes terrible in Rocheport but the water they served was refreshing! The only downfall is Abigails sets the bar so high you will probably be disappointed when eating at the "other" restauraunt in town. I know we were! :) Thanks Abigails for making our Girls Getaway that much more enjoyable!

My friend and I spent a weekend in Rocheport for a "girls getaway". We heard great reviews for Abigails. We were afraid we weren't going to be able to get in because everyone stressed reservations. We called ahead and were able to get in w/in an hour. It was so worth it. Our food was excellent and the service was too. Most of the water tastes terrible in Rocheport but the water they served was refreshing! The only downfall is Abigails sets the bar so high you will probably be disappointed when eating at the "other" restauraunt in town. I know we were! :) Thanks Abigails for making our Girls Getaway that much more enjoyable!

My wife, a friend and I arrived Tuesday afternoon in Tebbetts and planned to stay in the Shelter that evening. We couldn't find the key and called the help number listed on the trail info sheet. While waiting for a call back from the help line, we went to the soda vending machine across the street when a man came outside and offered to open the shelter. After unlocking the door, the man (Jim) said that he had cold beer, pizza and karaoke tonight. We got cleaned up and went Jim's Bar and had a great time. The shelter was a little rustic but was the right place at the right time for the right price. I would stay there again - anytime.



Jim's Bar is open (according to his sign) 5 days - closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Last Sept. when my daughter and I bike the trail we stayed at the Katy Hostel Shelter. It was great - if you stay there remember to clean up after yourself for the next people - anyway, we went over to Jim's that afternoon and evening. He fixed us some supper and then invited us to stay and "jam" with the locals. It was so much fun. He has a Karaoke machine and has any song you could ever want. We sang, played his washtub bass, etc. and just generally had a great time. He is a hoot! I hope he is still open when we go through this Sept. as we will definitely stop.

Last Sept. my daughter and I stayed at Klondike Park on a bike trip from St. Charles to Columbia. It was an awesome park - nice tent sites and clean bathrooms - reasonable prices. From the park we were able to bike about 1 or 2 miles to Augusta to eat dinner at a restaurant in an old blue house not too far from the trail. The meal was wonderful and we enjoyed the ride. One note, we turned off for the park at the first sign for it. If you stay on the trail and go a little farther, you will find a very steep path up to the park. It is still easier to walk your bike up the path than to take the long, long way around like we did to begin with.

Oh, yea, the restaurant was Cafe Bella. It was a pretty steep climb up to the restaurant, but well worth it. The food was great and reasonably priced.

June 22, 2010- On our way to Hartsburg from Rhineland, we stopped in at Tebbetts Turner Katy Trail Shelter Hostel for a rest. We found they had water and a freezer with ice to fill your water bottles. That was a welcome surprise as the heat of the day pretty well melted all of our frozen water bottles. We had a nice chat with a gentleman who was part of the Katy Trail 10th annual organized ride. He needed a break from the heat and elected to stay in a Hotel in Jefferson City instead of camping with the group at MoKane. He was quite interesting to talk to as he told us of all his overseas bicycling adventures.

June 22, 2010- On our way to Hartsburg from Rhineland, we stopped in at Tebbetts Turner Katy Trail Shelter Hostel for a rest. We found they had water and a freezer with ice to fill your water bottles. That was a welcome surprise as the heat of the day pretty well melted all of our frozen water bottles. We had a nice chat with a gentleman who was part of the Katy Trail 10th annual organized ride. He needed a break from the heat and elected to stay in a Hotel in Jefferson City instead of camping with the group at MoKane. He was quite interesting to talk to as he told us of all his overseas bicycling adventures.

Hi,



Got a new recumbent trike that I would like to take on a ride this weekend - will my recumbent work well on the trail ? Probably going from Clinton to Sedalia. Is any of the trail paved ?

The trail is not paved but that should not be a problem as long as you stay in the tracks and don't stray close to the edge where it is softer. There will be a lot of others on recumbents with you as it is a popular type of bike on the trail.

I hope your recumbent trike will handle the trail just fine because I

plan to ride my recumbent trike fully loaded from St. Charles to

Clinton and back over 10 days starting August 24. Mine trike is a 2010

LoGo.

Dean:



My wife and I just got back from riding the Katy Trail on our fully loaded tandem trike and didn't have too much trouble. We did notice that we didn't travel very fast - we averaged about 8 to 9mph which is a little slower than our average on a paved trail. You'll been pedaling almost the whole time so take breaks and explore the trail and enjoy the scenery. Good luck with your trip.

Glad to hear your trip went well. I start on Tuesday from St. Charles,

and have all my stops planned. Nothing can go wrong, right? Slow

progress is expected, but not a problem as long as I don't miss any

meals. Thanks for your report.

June 26, 2010 – We made it to Clinton-the end of the line on our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton! We joined the 10th anniversary Katy Trail ride, but weren’t part of the actual organized ride. Desty at the Clinton Parks and Recreation center was so kind to let us take showers and rest inside while we waited for our ride back home. We really appreciated your hospitality Desty!

June 26, 2010 – We made it to Clinton-the end of the line on our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton! We joined the 10th anniversary Katy Trail ride, but weren’t part of the actual organized ride. Desty at the Clinton Parks and Recreation center was so kind to let us take showers and rest inside while we waited for our ride back home. We really appreciated your hospitality Desty!

June 25, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, we left Sedalia early enough so we could enjoy breakfast at the famous “Burf’s Green Ridge Grill”. While enjoying a great big breakfast for a small price, we were kept entertained with all of the funny signs, décor and friendly waitresses. Burf’s is worth the trip, just a couple of blocks from the Katy Trail.

June 25, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, we left Sedalia early enough so we could enjoy breakfast at the famous “Burf’s Green Ridge Grill”. While enjoying a great big breakfast for a small price, we were kept entertained with all of the funny signs, décor and friendly waitresses. Burf’s is worth the trip, just a couple of blocks from the Katy Trail.

June 24, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, we were greeted by several smiling faces and welcoming handshakes as we crossed the Trailhead line. We joined the 10th anniversary Katy Trail ride and Sedalia was the only town with a BIG welcoming committee; Lots of cheers, food and drink for all to enjoy! It quite a treat and really made you feel like you accomplished something. All of the hotels were booked and a Sheep convention was in town so we had to stay south of town, which required riding our bikes on the highway (not too safe). The sweetest lady working at the Trail-head Depot and Chamber of Commerce, I think named Katie, was so kind to drive us in her pickup to the hotel because she was concerned about the traffic. We can’t thank her enough!

June 24, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, we were greeted by several smiling faces and welcoming handshakes as we crossed the Trailhead line. We joined the 10th anniversary Katy Trail ride and Sedalia was the only town with a BIG welcoming committee; Lots of cheers, food and drink for all to enjoy! It quite a treat and really made you feel like you accomplished something. All of the hotels were booked and a Sheep convention was in town so we had to stay south of town, which required riding our bikes on the highway (not too safe). The sweetest lady working at the Trail-head Depot and Chamber of Commerce, I think named Katie, was so kind to drive us in her pickup to the hotel because she was concerned about the traffic. We can’t thank her enough!

June 23, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, we spent the night at the Comfort Inn. It was a safe, short journey from the Katy by bicycle. The room was very comfortable and clean and we brought our bikes up into the room. It was a long hot day of riding so the pool was a welcome, refreshing way to end the day. The complimentary breakfast was good, and the staff very friendly. We will definitely stay here again.

June 23, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, we spent the night at the Comfort Inn. It was a safe, short journey from the Katy by bicycle. The room was very comfortable and clean and we brought our bikes up into the room. It was a long hot day of riding so the pool was a welcome, refreshing way to end the day. The complimentary breakfast was good, and the staff very friendly. We will definitely stay here again.

June 23, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, we had a great breakfast at DOTTY’S Café. The Katy Trail was partially flooded from Hartsburg to McBain so we needed transportation to get around. Dotty and her sister went out of their way to help us figure out a way to get a ride out of town. Gary Caldwell, a very sweet gentleman volunteering a Dotty’s café that morning, offered to take us around the flood, which was about an hour’s drive by car. We were so grateful, what a blessing! We really enjoyed Gary’s company on the trip up and around to McBain. Thank you again GARY and Dotty for loaning him to help us out! We will be back to DOTTY’s Café again!

June 23, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, we had a great breakfast at DOTTY’S Café. The Katy Trail was partially flooded from Hartsburg to McBain so we needed transportation to get around. Dotty and her sister went out of their way to help us figure out a way to get a ride out of town. Gary Caldwell, a very sweet gentleman volunteering a Dotty’s café that morning, offered to take us around the flood, which was about an hour’s drive by car. We were so grateful, what a blessing! We really enjoyed Gary’s company on the trip up and around to McBain. Thank you again GARY and Dotty for loaning him to help us out! We will be back to DOTTY’s Café again!

June 22, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, the Katyrest Caboose was the most interesting stop. The converted caboose was really original and done up really cute. Accommodations were comfortable and clean and the price was right. We had a great breakfast at DOTTY’S Café across the street. Bill was very accommodating; we called when we were within 10 miles of the caboose and he cranked up the air conditioner so it was good and cold (I think it was about 100 degrees that day!). Bill also took care of freezing our water for us overnight and had it ready for us in the morning for continued journey. The Katyrest Caboose is worth the stop.

June 22, 2010- On our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton, the Katyrest Caboose was the most interesting stop. The converted caboose was really original and done up really cute. Accommodations were comfortable and clean and the price was right. We had a great breakfast at DOTTY’S Café across the street. Bill was very accommodating; we called when we were within 10 miles of the caboose and he cranked up the air conditioner so it was good and cold (I think it was about 100 degrees that day!). Bill also took care of freezing our water for us overnight and had it ready for us in the morning for continued journey. The Katyrest Caboose is worth the stop.

June 21, 2010- Loutre Lane B&B is a darling place to stay with full accommodations and amenities like your own home. The room accommodations were very comfortable and spotless. Herman is about 5 miles from Loutre Lane B&B and the local restaurant in Rhineland was closed for dinner, so Lucy offered to drive us to and from Herman for dinner. We took her up on the offer since it was so HOT and we were tired from our long Katy Trail bicycling trip. Lucy recommended a fantastic Chinese restaurant. Lucy is quite the interior decorator as well, seeing her home designs and furnishings is worth the trip alone. And talk about a great breakfast the next morning with fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, and muffins. We really enjoyed visiting with Lucy and look forward to staying at Loutre Lane B&B again. Lucy is a great hostess, a fantastic cook and interior decorator!

June 21, 2010- Loutre Lane B&B is a darling place to stay with full accommodations and amenities like your own home. The room accommodations were very comfortable and spotless. Herman is about 5 miles from Loutre Lane B&B and the local restaurant in Rhineland was closed for dinner, so Lucy offered to drive us to and from Herman for dinner. We took her up on the offer since it was so HOT and we were tired from our long Katy Trail bicycling trip. Lucy recommended a fantastic Chinese restaurant. Lucy is quite the interior decorator as well, seeing her home designs and furnishings is worth the trip alone. And talk about a great breakfast the next morning with fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, and muffins. We really enjoyed visiting with Lucy and look forward to staying at Loutre Lane B&B again. Lucy is a great hostess, a fantastic cook and interior decorator!

June 20, 2010- Peers Store was our first stop on our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton. Barb was the sweetest hostess and treated you like family! Accommodations were above the historical store that has been in the family throughout a few generations. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Since we were traveling light, we needed to hand-wash our biking clothes each night; Barb had the perfect setup to line dry your clothes overnight and to my surprise they were dry the next morning. Barb told us to make ourselves at home; this was a great help as we were able to use her freezers to freeze our 9 water bottles for the next day’s ride. The next morning Barb made some fabulous breakfast sandwiches which we enjoyed while visiting with Barb and the regular customers. We highly recommend PEERS STORE and will most definitely spend the night again. THANKS BARB!

June 20, 2010- Peers Store was our first stop on our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton. Barb was the sweetest hostess and treated you like family! Accommodations were above the historical store that has been in the family throughout a few generations. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Since we were traveling light, we needed to hand-wash our biking clothes each night; Barb had the perfect setup to line dry your clothes overnight and to my surprise they were dry the next morning. Barb told us to make ourselves at home; this was a great help as we were able to use her freezers to freeze our 9 water bottles for the next day’s ride. The next morning Barb made some fabulous breakfast sandwiches which we enjoyed while visiting with Barb and the regular customers. We highly recommend PEERS STORE and will most definitely spend the night again. THANKS BARB!