Katy Trail Forum

Could you let me know the type of trail surface and type of tires you would recommend, also 'generally speaking' is there a prevailing wind.

Jess, the trail surface is crushed limestone. My wife and I rode fifty miles today, from Defiance to Treloar and back using Panaracer T-serv 700-25c Hybrid tires. These tires have decent puncture protection and we had no troubles with them or the trail surface today. There were some spots where the trail had more of a gravel surface; seemed to be in areas where the floods may have washed out the finer crushed stone, we just navigated carefully in these areas. We had a tailwind going west today, and a slight headwind coming back eastbound. I think the winds can be tricky along the river, however; someone whom rides the KATY more than myself might have a greater knowledge than me on that. On the tires, we ran 100 P.S.I.; and had a decent pace the whole way. Hope this is helpful.

I usually ride with 700x28 cyclocross tires on my road bike. Never had any problems with them. But I only have riden the western half of the trail. I haven't made it to the eastern half yet. I am assuming it's the same.

I usually ride a hybrid with 700x38 tires and those are sufficient. My wife rides a recumbent with really wide tires and that does help when the trail is soft or washed out. I rode a few miles east of Jeff City today and the trail is washed pretty bad in a few areas. If one isn't careful, it could be bad. Just look carefully, especially where driveways or gravel roads intersect the trail.

Forgot to mention. The wind is usually out of the west. Most of the time, I ride an out and back and start out going west so I have the wind to my back on my return when I am getting tired. But today the wind was reversed so we rode east and then back west.

I use Kenda Kross Plus 26 x 1.75 on the road and on the Katy's crushed gravel. I have a commuter bike so I ride it 90% of the time (road bike 10%). Don't max out your tire pressure on the Katy trail, about 50lbs will do it. I doubled tube my tires to give it extra puncture resistance. You could buy tires with Kevlar (or some other material) in the tread or put Kevlar strips between the tube and tires and really make it puncture resistant. Double tubing seems to help me resist punctures plus it's an inexpensive way. Slime is not that good, save your money and time.

On my mountain bike, I ride Kenda Klimax Lite 26x1.95" tires (although, they're more like 1.7"). Very little tread and extremely light.



I've ridden at least a couple hundred miles on my road bike, with 25c slicks at 80psi, too, and they get the job done just fine. A typical rider will probably prefer something like a 28-38C tire on a road or cyclo-cross bike, just to help smooth out the rocks.

Just paid a visit to the Bar in Portland. The new owners are working away and anxious/ready to open as soon as they get their liquor license. Might be as early as two weeks. She mentioned that they will have the same menu as Judy to start with the addition of hard liquor. If she gets enough requests she will try to keep some dark specialty beers on hand. Perhaps starting with some Sam Adams and going from there. All that were there working were very friendly and seemed truly happy to be serving the cyclists on the Katy Trail.

Glad to hear that Doug! Lookin' forward to stopping by for a burger and a brew or soda. I always enjoy stopping there.

This will be my first ride on the Katy Trail. We are riding on Sunday, Sept 5th, starting at St. Charles heading to Defiance. What interesting things should be look for or expect to see?

I did that ride Sunday. There are a lot of pretty cliffs and views of

the river. Some neat bridges. In between the highway 40 bridge and

Weldon Springs there is a area that used to be flooded by a beaver

dam. You can usually see a lot of wildlife there. Be aware that

there is no water between St. Charles and Defiance, be sure to bring

enough. You can fill up in Defiance at the bike shop or either of the

two bars. The bar by the road is mostly for motorcycles, the one

across the street more for cyclists. There is a area right before

Defiance were they are working on the trail. Watch out for the piece

of metal sticking out of the ground. There is a short side trail to a

water treatment plant around before Weldon Springs that is

surprisingly pleasant.

In my opinion, the ride is rather mundane until you get to Greens Bottom. After that you start to sense you're leaving the "Sprawling Urbia" behind bit by bit. As you get closer to Weldon Spring, the trees become more and more of a delightful canopy giving ample shade. The scenery becomes more pastoral as well. The Missouri river comes up to be a closer companion to the trail. The bluffs on the right will be getting higher and higher. They can be quite majestic. Keep a look out for a couple small "caves" in the rock faces right along the trail. They are refreshingly cool to rest in for a short spell if you are willing to climb in. You will also pass a paved trail near Weldom Springs. This Greenway is worth the diversion to ride down for the scenery. It is not that long, but I believe has a great deal of splendor for the eye. Defiance offers a couple nice places for your dining pleasure, and an excellent bike shop with an antique/craft store adjoining it. All in all I find that ride "food for the soul" It is quite enjoyable.

My wife and I are considering doing a portion of this ride tomorrow, we'll be towing my 2 year old in a bike trailer, from Missouri Research Pk/Weldon Spring is there a massive hill that we'd have to conquer coming back from Defiance?

You won't have any hills to worry about in that section.

I rode on the Katy Trail last year, getting on in St. Charles, MO and found it unpleasant to ride b/c so much of the trail was not smooth but was gravel-type biketrails, which is much more tiring to ride on. Where should I get on and off for nice smooth biking and good scenery? I am planning a ride next Saturday and need some direction!

None of the Katy trail is paved other than the short in town sections of Boonville and Sedalia. It is all "smooth" gravel. My favorite area for scenery would be Hartsburg to Rocheport.

Cathy,



The Katy is not paved. It's crushed limestone all the way except a few miles on street in Sedalia. Your other alternative is the Creve Coeur Park connector/extension which is paved but no shade. The link to it is on this website here (top page) http://www.bikekatytrail.com/SideTrails.asp



You can park at the public parking at page extension here

http://www.bikekatytrail.com/site.aspx?sid=486



The trail is at the end of the parking lot. Left turn will take you down to the Katy, but right turn will take you to the CC PAVED trail. Crossing the MO rive is pleasant and safe. The trail is less than 4 miles long and will take you to CC lake which is very nice. There is a Round About at the end of the trail. Either left or right will take you to the lake (I would go left then right to cross over a rusted bridge). Follow the path around the lake (3.2 miles) and you will end up at the Round About (passing the rusted bridge on your left). If you get lost in the park, ask a biker. Many joggers do not know of the CC connector existence

Here’s the deal on the bridge across the Missouri River at Jefferson City; The bike/ped lane across the bridge is closed. You can cross the bridge in the traffic lane, of coarse to the far right. From the Katy Trail use the south bound side coming into Jeff City and the north bound side going out of Jeff City. Modot estimates it to be late spring 2011 before the new bike/ped lane will be finished and open.



My last question was, “can you at least push your bike or walk across where the old bike lane is”. Answer; no, you can not.



My thoughts; using the cojones factor, I wouldn’t cross in the traffic lane UNLESS it was a time of very low traffic, and I would be wearing all the neon clothing I could find plus a blinky or two. And certainly not coming into Jeff City during time to go to work and going out of Jeff City during time to go home. Check with your B&B or hotel to arrange to be picked up or call a cab.



I did speak to one fellow that was doing a cross county, Oregon to Virginia and he crossed into JC in the traffic lane. He said it was quite the experience, and Jefferson City streets were not very bike friendly, go figure! Took a cab back to the trail that next morning.



Some additional info; http://mobikefed.org/content/jefferson-city-missouri-river-bridge-bikeped-addition-contract-awarded



Input and information from others welcome.

You just have to want it, Bear:

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2007/01/10-ford-airstream-concept/1930-Airstream.jpg

You just have to want it, Bear:

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2007/01/10-ford-airstream-concept/1930-Airstream.jpg

We are planning to take Amtrak to Jefferson City and ride back to St. Charles. Does anyone know if the bridge to the trail is safe to cross on a bike or should we seek some sort of shuttle service.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

We biked the trail several years ago, and you do need a shuttle to go across the bridge. We

did not go into Jeff City; stopped at that point. We started in Booneville and rode west to

Sedailia one day, and east to Rocheport the next. Then drove to Hartsburg and went west one

day, and east the next to Jeff City. After 4 days on that bike, I put my foot down! So that

Friday, we toured Hermann sans bikes! Have Fun! take sun screen, bug spray and extra tire

tubes!

I was there a couple of months ago and there is a bike lane on the

bridge but it is very narrow and scary. I very badly wanted to go to

Jefferson City but declined to go across the bridge. I would suggest a

shuttle somehow unless you are much braver than me.

What a fun night we had in Tebbetts! The accommodations at the Shelter were crude but what could you expect for $5.00 apiece. We wondered what we would encounter and we were pleasantly surprised. Not real clean but it beats camping. The johns and showers worked great and we even got to play a little ping pong. The highlight of our stay in Tebbetts was going next door to Jim's Bar. Jim will cook you up a pizza or burger. We chose the pizza and it hit the spot along with an icy cold beer. The Karaoke started up shortly after we arrived and the place came to life. Jim is full of surprises and helped create a night we won't soon forget. All of the towns folk that we met were friendly. Thanks Jim and friends!

What a fun night we had in Tebbetts! The accommodations at the Shelter were crude but what could you expect for $5.00 apiece. We wondered what we would encounter and we were pleasantly surprised. Not real clean but it beats camping. The johns and showers worked great and we even got to play a little ping pong. The highlight of our stay in Tebbetts was going next door to Jim's Bar. Jim will cook you up a pizza or burger. We chose the pizza and it hit the spot along with an icy cold beer. The Karaoke started up shortly after we arrived and the place came to life. Jim is full of surprises and helped create a night we won't soon forget. All of the towns folk that we met were friendly. Thanks Jim and friends!

Jim's Bar is awesome!!! It was one of the highlights of our trip 3 weeks ago.

Jim's Bar is awesome!!! It was one of the highlights of our trip 3 weeks ago.

We will be in the St Charles - Jefferson City area and would like to take a day or two on the Katy trail. What area of the trail would you suggest that has the most interesting sites/good food/lodging? Thank You!

Based on previous threads (see 20 miles on the trail) many people like the Rocheport to Jefferson City section. The bluffs along the river are beautiful, and there's a couple of spots where you have wonderful views of the river. Cooper's Landing is also very interesting. Also check out comments about Marthasville, and Dutzow and Augusta, re: places to eat. I think if you go on this web site to a particular town you'll be able to see the comments about that area.

I agree. I have ridden the Katy quite a bit, and the area from Jeff City to Rocheport is one of my favorites. Make sure you stop in Hartsburg, hopefully when Dotty's Cafe is open.

I agree! We are just starting to see more of the trail. Jefferson City

to Rochport is nice. We just rode from Herman to Jefferson City. The

scenery is okay. I did like Herman to Defiance!

The afore mentioned area is probably the most scenic section of the trail, but you might also consider the Sedalia to Booneville leg. This part of the trail goes through the Osage Hills (William Quantrill's favorite haunt, and later that of Jesse and Frank James).

The trail and the bluffs from Rocheport to Hartsburg is my favorite part of the trail. Its closeest to the river and the bluffs are fantastic. We also have three spots to stop and eat and drink; The Big Muddy, The Hitching Post and Dottys. Please give us a try. We have two spots mentioned by Lewis and Clark which are great tourist spots.

"We also have three spots to stop and eat and drink; The Big Muddy, The Hitching Post and Dottys."



Michael, which two of these three spots were there when Lewis and Clark came through? Or am I cornfused?

Didn't someone named Dot travel with Lewis and Clark?

It was DOG not dot. The two spots were: BULLS ROCK, south of town, easy to see from the river but not the trail. You can see them from a boat or by going to Native Stone Winery on Hwy 179. We also have the location where YORK was documented to have swam ashore to gather watercress for the explorers supper. The state sign is across the river and downstream from the Hartsburg Access. Bulls Rock had a native American symbol painted on the rock, a manitou, or devil, to warn enemies away. At any rate Hartsburg has many spots to visit or paint.

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.