Katy Trail Forum

Restrooms are not available & you have to exit the trail for a slight detour. Appears a large tree fell during a storm & hit the restroom facilities.

K.T. Caboose is right down the road from Treloar. Located at 600 Depot St. Marthasville, MO, right next to the Katy Trail. You cant miss it!

Restrooms are available and they provide for sale anything from water, to ice cream, to hot dogs and nachos! It's a nice place to stop and rest.

If no tents are allowed, why is this a campground? Most of us have trouble pulling a travel trailer on the bike.

If no tents are allowed, why is this a campground? Most of us have trouble pulling a travel trailer on the bike.

we stayed at the fairgrounds in sedalia and had no problem pitching a tent for the night. it did cost us $10 dollars but it was well worth it. There are free showers and it's not to far off the trail.

we stayed at the fairgrounds in sedalia and had no problem pitching a tent for the night. it did cost us $10 dollars but it was well worth it. There are free showers and it's not to far off the trail.

If tent camping is not allowed then its something they have started since October which was

the last time I was there.

If tent camping is not allowed then its something they have started since October which was

the last time I was there.

thank you Alicia and Joshua for infor on camping at fairground. WHY is it marked as "camping

"if only rv's are allowed ???

thank you Alicia and Joshua for infor on camping at fairground. WHY is it marked as "camping

"if only rv's are allowed ???

I think there is some confusion on the campgrounds. Countryside RV & Campground is on the south end of 65 highway only accessible from hwy 65 and they are strictly an RV Park they do not have set up for tents. The Missouri Sate Fairgrounds are accessible from the Katy Trail and have camping for tents, campers and RV's.

Hope this helps

Linda

Katy Depot Sedalia

I think there is some confusion on the campgrounds. Countryside RV & Campground is on the south end of 65 highway only accessible from hwy 65 and they are strictly an RV Park they do not have set up for tents. The Missouri Sate Fairgrounds are accessible from the Katy Trail and have camping for tents, campers and RV's.

Hope this helps

Linda

Katy Depot Sedalia

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?

I'd like to know this too!

I posted this question on the 'Home' page too. Several people responded.

There is only a bikeable shoulder on the northbound bridge. It is completely closed for

construction of the new bike ped bridge. To cross the river now, you must ride with traffic.

Northbound is slowed to 45 mph through the work zone, but lanes are narrow. It is probably

doable during non-peak hours. The work zone is not that long and then you can use the

shoulder the rest of the way, but there is no way back. Southbound has no shoulders and

60mph. Construction will be finished next spring. You can watch a live video of the work at -

http://www.modot.mo.gov/central/real_time_traffic/index.htm

We ended up parking at the long term commuter parking lot off of

Airport Rd & bicycled over to the Jeff City trail head to start our trip on the Katy Trail instead of trying to ride over the Jeff City bridge. Jeff City is not a bicycle-friendly city. The bridge will be nice when it is finished.

Mel's comments are well taken and I would agree that biking over the bridge is a risky proposition unless the traffic is really scarce. It is not that way at most hours of the day and remember you have to return sometime. For my money, I would not do it. I do claim to be the last guy to ride across the bridge before the lane closure occurred. I had gone up expressly to ride the bridge and had to ride past some "bike lane closed" signs but made it over and back just minutes before they began putting up cones and barriers.

The new bike lane bridge addition will be a real asset to the city and protect riders and hikers. As to whether it should cost $6.7 million, it seems pretty expensive to me. Why do we need a steel ramp/tower to climb up to the bridge? Why not access the bridge from Airport Rd via a protected bike lane? Guess I'm too dense to understand this one.

Dropped by here for some ice cream on our trip last Friday. My third visit in three years; each time it has been a very positive experience. Very friendly folks!

Dropped by here for some ice cream on our trip last Friday. My third visit in three years; each time it has been a very positive experience. Very friendly folks!

The bar has just gotten a big face lift and new owners. Grand Re-

Opening is September 25, 2010. Come and see the changes.

The bar has just gotten a big face lift and new owners. Grand Re-

Opening is September 25, 2010. Come and see the changes.

Thanks for the information. I camped there at Portland and ate at the River's Edge. Plan to

come down with a friend the last week of September and will try to stop sept 28th (maybe).

Thanks for the information. I camped there at Portland and ate at the River's Edge. Plan to

come down with a friend the last week of September and will try to stop sept 28th (maybe).

If you stay at the Hotel Bothwell, which has very comfortable rooms, be sure to go to dinner at the Hotel in the Ivy room - wow - we were treated to a real gourmet meal, what a nice surprise. (they will also store your bikes overnight)

We highly recommend the Alpenhorn Gasthaus if you are staying in Hermann. The rooms are very comfortable and the breakfast fabulous. They are located a mile out of town but are very accommodating in picking you up on the Trail (the highway to this B&B is very busy) at no extra charge.

I've read lots of great things about the Claysville store but what are the hours?

Hours: Saturday: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Sunday: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Open February - mid-December



(As currently posted on this site.)

We are staying in Rocheport at an Inn that doesn't provide ANY breakfast on Saturday.

Does anyone know of a place in Rocheport besides the bike place to eat breakfast?

Last time we were there, the Trailside Cafe served breakfast, including the largest pancakes I've ever seen...

I don't know where you are staying, but is it perhaps just that the time the regular guest breakfast is served does not work with your schedule? Have you asked the innkeeper for a contintental breakfast option if you plan to leave early?

Every logdging establishment in Rochpeport is required to include at least a continental-type breakfast for overnight guests since 'bed and breakfasts' are the only form of lodging allowed by city ordinance. This applies both to the full service Inns and the unhosted, budget properties that cater mainly to cyclists. For example, our Dormitory rooms are stocked with breakfast items such as muffins, cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and coffee so cyclists can eat as early as needed. Our full service School House Inn serves a multi-course guest breakfast at 9 am year-round, earlier times available on weekdays during cyclist season upon request, and even a continental breakfast tray option for super-early departures.

The Trailside Cafe' opens at 9 am most days (8 am on Saturdays) so your B&B should be able to provide you an earlier option for at least a continental breakfast. We don't want to send you down the trail hungry!

Beware! For the $ 85 we spent, we expected at least a clean room! There was hair and dirt in the tub, the tub didn't drain well at all, the furniture was chipped, the bed was comfortable, but the two pillows were old, thin, and needed replacing, and the service was not adequate at all. The "continental breakfast" oatmeal was 2 years old, and the cereal looked pretty stale.

Beware! For the $ 85 we spent, we expected at least a clean room! There was hair and dirt in the tub, the tub didn't drain well at all, the furniture was chipped, the bed was comfortable, but the two pillows were old, thin, and needed replacing, and the service was not adequate at all. The "continental breakfast" oatmeal was 2 years old, and the cereal looked pretty stale.

We stayed there in the Spring and it was adequate. We did not have high expectations, just a low budget. The room was under $70 for three of us and everything just worked. After 60 miles of trail all we really needed was a shower that worked and a bed. Forget the breakfast which was served in one of the rooms, just go about 30 yards to a great little breakfast diner.



If someone is looking for the romantic experience or top quality and service, aim higher than a family owned motel I would suggest. The view from the street of the complex tells the story.

We stayed there in the Spring and it was adequate. We did not have high expectations, just a low budget. The room was under $70 for three of us and everything just worked. After 60 miles of trail all we really needed was a shower that worked and a bed. Forget the breakfast which was served in one of the rooms, just go about 30 yards to a great little breakfast diner.



If someone is looking for the romantic experience or top quality and service, aim higher than a family owned motel I would suggest. The view from the street of the complex tells the story.

Fabulous place! Comfortable beds, quiet neighborhood, right next to campus, very friendly owners, breakfast of quiche, fruit, rolls, and coffee was delicious! The place was immaculate, safe, and worth every bit of the price we paid (which was not extravagant - $ 90). You can't get a better deal in Columbia!

Fabulous place! Comfortable beds, quiet neighborhood, right next to campus, very friendly owners, breakfast of quiche, fruit, rolls, and coffee was delicious! The place was immaculate, safe, and worth every bit of the price we paid (which was not extravagant - $ 90). You can't get a better deal in Columbia!

What a fabulous place! Comfortable, clean, classy....and a special deal for Katy Trail cyclists! I saw "cottage for two" and thought it would be expensive, but it wasn't! We slept at least 10 hours in the quiet neighborhood and comfortable bed surrounded by pillows! Thanks, Kitty (the owner)!

What a fabulous place! Comfortable, clean, classy....and a special deal for Katy Trail cyclists! I saw "cottage for two" and thought it would be expensive, but it wasn't! We slept at least 10 hours in the quiet neighborhood and comfortable bed surrounded by pillows! Thanks, Kitty (the owner)!

What a great place! Outdoor seating, great food, and wonderful beer! My personal favorite was the Wit Beer - filtered wheat beer with a hint of lemongrass and ginger - refreshing in the heat. Great stop on the Katy Trail!

What a great place! Outdoor seating, great food, and wonderful beer! My personal favorite was the Wit Beer - filtered wheat beer with a hint of lemongrass and ginger - refreshing in the heat. Great stop on the Katy Trail!

We stayed at the Cliff Manor B&B in Jefferson City. The owner will come and pick you up so that you don't risk your life crossing the bridge. Opt for the dinner at the B&B - best dinner we have EVER had was prepared by the owner. We will definitely be back!!

Have stayed there twice and was a great experience each time. Didn't have dinner at the B&B (walked up to the courthouse square and ate at Arris's Greek Pizza~yum), but the breakfast was fantastic each time....best I've ever had at a B&B. Looking forward to staying there again!

Hey all. I’m a veteran of riding on the Katy Trail for short, intense training, but I’m going to set out on a multiday ride on September 19th to go from Lenexa, KS to St. Charles, MO. I’ll hook up with the Katy at Sedalia. My plan is to ride ~100 miles the first day Lenexa – Sedalia. Day two ride ~100 miles on the Katy to Tebbetts and get a hotel room there. Finally day three ride Tebbetts – St. Charles. I’ll be doing this on my mountain bike with knobby tires. I don’t have a trailer or bags for the bike. I’m planning on just taking a messenger bag. I’m not going to have much in my pack as I plan to just wear the cycling gear over again each day (gross, I know, but saves weight). Also, I’ll only take sports bars because I plan to go to restaurants. I’ll be doing this alone.



My question is if there’s anything you all suggest? I’m open to all suggestions such as what to take with, different stopping points, etc..



Here’s my list of things to take with so far:



ELECTRONICS: GPS + charger, ipod + charger + headphones, watch, light + battery, phone, flashlight

FOOD/WATER: water bladder, extra water bottle, protein bars (6), gummi snacks (5), creatine

TOILETRIES: toothbrush, toothpaste, ibuprofen (15), allergy med (10), antibiotic ointment, bandages

CLOTHES: sunglasses, jersey, shorts, sweatbands (2), helmet, socks (2 pair), gloves (2 pair), shoes, casual shorts, casual t-shirt

GEAR: 2 tubes (I ride tubeless 2.1” mtn bike tires w/ Stan’s No Tubes sealant), patch kit, multi tool, pump, tire lever

OTHER: bug spray, trail guide, bungee cables (2), duct tape (4’)



Please let me know if anyone with experience in long, multiday trips can see any problems with this plan.



THANKS!

Kurt, I have done St Charles - Sedalia - St Charles 3 times and can say that you are sure traveling light (and I like to travel light). The bigest concern is staying in Tebbetts and "get a hotel room". There is only the Turner Shelter, which is cheep ($5) has shower and bed but no bedding, towels... If you really want to travel this light, you should probally change your overnight to a larger town that has a B&B or motel, othwise get a trailer or paniers. Another concern is food. You will be out in the middle of nowhere most of the time, and you WILL go hungey unless you have a way to take more food than you have listed.



With that said, you can still do it your way, but take my advice and keep your expectations low: You will get hungry (for real food), maybe thirsty, uncomfortable and cold. But you will live through it and will be a good experience to look back on. If you decide to do it as you plan, I would take some light, but warm cloths and sone more food, like tuna packs, crakers, dried fruit...light stuff

Sounds exhausting. At Tebbets there is only the Turner Katy Trail Hostel. To stay at a hotel or motel you would need to stop in Hartsburg (80 miles) or Jefferson City at 90 miles. Not sure if the bridge can be crossed safely, they are working on the pedestrian/ bike lane at JC. Also, Sept. 20 & 21 are Monday and Tuesday, open eating establishments will be scarce. I would get at least another pair of bike shorts, not cheap ones, and wash a pair at the end of the day. I recently wore a pair of cheap ones for a forty mile day which caused a chafed crotch for the next days 90 miles in good ones, won't wear those again. Thats all I've got for ya. Good luck!

I agree with Chris and Darrell. 100 miles per day on the Katy with your mountain bike is doable (but not for most riders), and it will be very tiring. I personally would bring a lot more stuff and foods to reenergize myself every 10-15 miles. Add apples, bananas, chips, and gatorade mix. How about that rain gear? You travel way too light for century ride x 3.

If you can find your way to Sedalia without the GPS I'd ditch all the weight of the electronics, you sure won't need it to follow the Katy, take a change of bike shorts and jersey instead of the casual clothes and try to find some way to carry what you have on the bike frame instead of a messenger bag. That weight high and moving around will tire you out. The Ipod is no weight tho and for that much time alone probably worth it. Food is sparse along the trail but available. Just don't pass up any opportunities to get some. Tebbetts with no bedding is a whole 'nother deal. It's inside at least, and you might be able to sleep in your warm change of clothing. Chris is right. You'll live, go and have fun.

Just looking at your list:

1. I'd concur on the GPS suggestion. There's no need for it and the weight it involves. You should be able to follow the Katy from Sedalia extremely easy. As for your trip from Lenexa, just write out a cue sheet and be done with it. It'll be much lighter, and you'll have more reason to be confident of the route's reliability. There are several good websites that can aid in this matter for you.



2. To that sheet, I'd add information about how to reach different services (water, food, shelter, emergency services) along the Katy or along the route from Lenexa. Nothing worse than panicking because you need something and don't know where to find it.



3. The others covered most of the rest. If you want an actual motel/hotel room, Tebbets is not where you want to go, and the eating establishment comments kind of fall in line with #2. In that sense, you need to make sure what you plan on being available is available (on my last ride, I didn't plan on the trail head water fountains and toilets being shut down but they were. Didn't know until I was on the trail, I know better next time).

A handheld type GPS can store a good deal of the information on the cue sheet...how to get to food, shelter, hospital, etc. Mine has a clock on it, so I usually ditch my watch when riding (your phone probably has a clock on it too). Mounted on the handlebar, it also is the speedometer, odometer, and lets me know other ride data like elevation, ride time, moving average, fastest speed, sun rise/set, etc. It can instantly let me know how far it is to the next watering hole from anywhere on the trail...no higher math required! On the bike, mine is used more for information and data and not so much for point to point direction like the one in the car.



I don't think mine weighs too much. Weight may be an issue at times, but on a honk'n mountain bike with knobby tires the basic premise doesn't appear to be low weight, less friction, better rolling resistance. Stap on the GPS, weightwise you'll never know its there.

Off topic: Trek, what band of GPS do you carry? Sounds like the perfect one, especially for the Katy.

Off Topic: Sorry 'bout the spelling. What BRAND of GPS do you use.

We rode from St. Charles to Clinton then to Archie the first week of Oct. last year. That time of year can be the most pleasant or horrid depending on how much rain and how cold. We rode 3 days in the rain and it was COLD! Take a wind breaker, arm and leg warmers, and gloves (full). They were life savers!! As you know wind breakers are light and compact. Please post how it was. 100 miles on Katy is very aggressive especially on a mountain bike. I am not that tough. Happy riding!

Clayton

It's a Garmin that I bought on Ebay a few years ago to use while hiking. I later bought the handlebar mount and started using it on the bikes when my bike computer quit working. I couldn't see spending money on another bike computer with less functions and ability. Also, there are no wires or sensors to mess with. Whether hiking or biking, if you come across something of interest you can strike a waypoint, name it, and return to that location.

In buying food along the trail, the following Internet article gives a few tips on it: "Bicycling - How and Where to Chow Down Along the Missouri Katy Trail."



The bar-grills generally do not open early, while the groceries, markets, convenience/general stores, and gas stations do. The bar-grill in Portland is out-of-business. The one in Trealor was supposed to re-open in mid-August? Good luck. You'll survive okay!

The best place to eat, period, in mid Missouri is the Claysville Store (plus the Hoibrinks are the best people on the trail) but they are only open on Saturday and Sunday. If you only do sports bars the Big Muddy in Hartsburg is good food but only opens in the afternoon.

Are you serious about riding knobbies????????? 1.5 inch street tread is prefect for a mountain bike, Cross and road bikes ride skinnier tires.

The little bit of advice I can offer: I rode 80 miles of the trail over the weekend, I have a 26" Mountain bike that I put 1.25" road slicks on, it really lightened and smoothed out the ride, especially since your ride is partly on the road, and it is a fairly inexpensive conversion.. Here is a link to the tire I got at Nashbar http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175439_-1_201492_10000_200518

Jeff City is not the best place to be bicycling especially over the bridge.



We stayed at Meyer's Farm & B&B in McKittrick. Great place to stay. Maggie fixes an awesome breakfast for cyclists (especially the oatmeal pancakes).



I would not recommend the Harbour Haus Inn in Hermann. Hwy is very close so you can't get much sleep (unless you like highway noise).



Country Inn & Suites in St Charles is very close to the Katy & it is nice.

Jefferson City may not be another Copenhagen but it is a good city to ride a bicycle in. Cyclist all over Jefferson City think it is fine, evidenced by their numbers. I have to question your conviction on your entire comment, because you remain anonymous.



Yes, the bridge is problematic at this time, but not the whole city. If you or anyone wants to tout their chosen B&B fine, I am and probably most people are happy to hear about it, but come on, be fair. All the communities along the trail would appreciate that consideration.

Jefferson City is a lovely city. We do have a few hills, but not enough to intimidate a serious cyclist. If you want to spend the night in Jefferson City, and don't want to bicycle over the bridge during construction (my advice is do not bicycle over the bridge) you could check with the Cliff House B & B and the Briar Rose B & B, the Capitol Plaza, the Truman Motel and the Hotel DeVille. I've heard they each provide a shuttle over the bridge, probably free if you are staying in their place. I've heard that Briar Rose (573-338-0284) and Cliff House (573-635-4208) treat Katy Trail bicyclers really great.

Do not recommend staying in #8. It is next to the highway/street & therefore very noisy. King bed was not the best either. Breakfast starts at 8am which does not work well for cyclists who want to start early. No remodeling has been done to this room for years. There isn't even a plug-in in the bathroom. A grocery store is very close along with a nice ice cream store.

Do not recommend staying in #8. It is next to the highway/street & therefore very noisy. King bed was not the best either. Breakfast starts at 8am which does not work well for cyclists who want to start early. No remodeling has been done to this room for years. There isn't even a plug-in in the bathroom. A grocery store is very close along with a nice ice cream store.

Maggie & Eldon have a great B&B (Meyer's Farm/B&B). Great hospitality & an awesome breakfast for cyclists (especially the oatmeal pancakes). We highly recommend staying at this B&B.

Any update on the St. Charles to Machens completed link? The trail head at Machens is complete (as is the Black Walnut TH - NOT on the map).



The web says Fall 2010 for completion. There's only 1.5 miles to be finished on the levee.