Katy Trail Forum

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!

A while ago, I encouraged MO Parks to get google to do a street view of the KATY trail and even volunteered to do the leg work. I haven't heard back from them. If you'd like this done, please e-mail them too (moparks@dnr.mo.gov).

http://maps.google.com/help/maps/streetview/behind-the-scenes.html

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/street-view-we-can-trike-wherever-you.html

This would be an awesome thing to do! There are so many times I would like to see the view!

From looking at the links you posted, it looks like you're about 9 months too late. As for suggestions that were made, Katy didn't crack the top 5 for biking trails. It would be good for the Katy to be done, and hopefully it will. If you can find a proper suggestion link or e-mail by all means post it here so we can mail Google to suggest they do the Katy.

Why would we want a street view of the Katy Trail?

I didn't post the curent request link here because we're not the authorized manager, but I guess all of us MO State residents are the collective property owners.

https://services.google.com/fb/forms/streetviewinterestedpartner/

Hi Darrell



To answer your question - a google street view of the trail would give people an actual 360 degree view of the trail - especially helpful for those that have not been on the trail before to see what it looks like - stops along the way - business locations - etc.



I also think it would be a great resource as a link from this web site for planning trips, especially for those out of state visitors.

> Why would we want a street view of the Katy Trail?

I think it would be an awesome way to increase the visibility (no pun intended) of the trail -- with the ultimate goal of increasing trail tourism, thus boosting business for the merchants and spurring improvements and additions in the business offerings along the trail. Viva la Capitalism! :-)

Hello Gary, thanks for the info. I agree it would be an excellent resource. Points well made. Unfortunately, in light of the recent news of Google and Verizon, it may be a resource we will have to pay additional fees for in the future. Sort of interesting. Google it, Google-Verizon



Net neutrality may be the “water” we didn’t miss until the well went dry.



Brian L. has cut to the chase. I find it impossible to keep the politics out of this one. But if I'm going to carry water for someone else, it will be for the merchants along the trail, not Google.



Gee, I wonder what the trail is like today? ;)

I can see it now.



Stay at home....put the bike on a trainer in front of the computer....and Google View the trail. Of course, turn the furnace on for some pseudo trail heat and run the lawn sprinkler on ya for a bit for a good pop up thunderhead. Stop at the bedroom and pretend it's Hermann Hill....get up early and hit the trail again. Of course, have an altercation with a local merchant or two who wasn't running their business right just to spice it up a bit.



Wonder what the trail looks like? Get a trainer and get out there!

Hey Trek, you may be onto something. I have a tough time fighting boredom with indoor trainers. Maybe a KATY Course Video is what I need.

http://www.computrainer.com/rm_inc/IRCVideos.htm

Trek



I believe you misinterpreted my comment - I am not advocating it as a replacement for actually getting out there and riding the trail - only that it would be a great planning resource especially for those that have to travel great distances to get to the trail. They could see what the trail surface looks like, see if there is shade along their planned route, see what their B&B looks like and where it is located, see what the towns look like along the way, etc. all from the comfort of their home.



It's a great trail; why not show it off to the world in as many ways as possible.

Your comment (along with all the others) had nothing to do with my post. It was merely the title Google Street/Trail View on the BikeKatyTrail website. I've had the thought for days now...all on my own Gary.

I for one would be willing to ride the Google bike down the trail should they be interested. This very good idea with merit and all would benifit, those interested in the trail but haven't made the trek, the business along the Katy, and those of us who have made the ride and will again.

Looking for a nice, reasonably priced B&B for Saturday night stay in Mid-September for two couples (two rooms); any recommendations?

I stayed at birk's gasthaus or herzog mansion (i think they are doing a name change). Long story short it was a fantastic experience. I would strongly recommend checking them out.

My wife and I are planning a trip along the Katy trail with our tandem bicycle during mid-september, and I was wondering of anyone had had any experience trying to get one onto Amtrak anywhere along the route.

Traveling West from St. Louis by train would enable us to travel with sun and wind behind us and would obviate the need to double back to the start, but I am leery about Amtrak's polic(ies).



Thanks!

To my knowledge Amtrak does not allow tandems or special bikes. A bike is a half bike only, according to them. Boxing it if you have couplers would leave you with your shipping material at the start of your ride...I guess you could send that back UPS or the like.



If I didn't have couplers and didn't want to mess with shipping boxes, I'd not put myself in the situation where I might potentially be stranded or suddenly have a complete change of plans because the conductor would not roll my tandem on.



Time is often a constraint when you have to double back, but we can cruise along on our tandem around 20 mph on the Katy. And the trail most always looks different going the other direction too.

Hi, I am doing the Katy in a couple of weeks, self-supported. Flying into St. Louis & staying at a B&B (Lococo III). Is there anywhere close by in St. Charles to buy alcohol for my Trangia and/or fuel canisters for my little teeny stove? Thanks for info ~~

Hi, I would go to Bass Pro Shop.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?

storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&appID=94&storeID=26



We have a free Trolley service here in Frenchtown that runs everyday

but Monday, and it goes right past it! Have a great ride!



Jodi Devonshire

2nd Street Bike Stop Cafe

There is a Bass Pro shop on south 5th street just north of I70. My guess is you will go right by it coming from the airport to your B&B.

Thanks for the responses. I'll have to give that free trolley a try ~~ sounds like fun!

On a ride last Sunday, while stopped in Hartsburg, my back tire looked low. I was fully loaded (gear, not alcohol) but it looked lower than it should, checked it, and it was. On those last few good pumps to top it off, the sounds of a snapping presta valve and a whoosh of air reminded me that I had forgotten to pick up an extra inner tube. I was headed to Sedalia and stuck.



People from Columbia Mo. are nice. One fellow gave up a leaky spare tube to try, that was too small but I had to do something even if to push it someplace. Patched it. But another couple pulled up to the trail head and one of them had a patched spare that was the right size and was willing to give it to me. Great people, I tells ya. Hope they had another spare. A big Thank You, to them. Honestly, there are nice people all up and down the trail.



So anyway, I told you that to tell you this. After a couple of stops for a little pump action I limped into Rocheport and the Trailside Café and Bike Shop. After reading that comment stream from last week, I put on my armor, grabbed my sword and went inside. And found a collection of accommodating and nice people (in a commercial sort of way). But that was why I was there. Had an ice COLD water and soft drink, chatted a little with a couple of the staff, picked up a couple of tubes and was good to go. In truth, I’ve been there before, as other places and thought they could be more friendly, but hey, I have friends. I paid for what I got and they didn’t owe me anything else. This time and most other times they were friendly and accommodating. So, I guess this is the other side of the coin.



Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with the Trailside Café or it’s ownership, and don’t know these people from Jack, or “the man in the moon“.

Ran outta room!



In case someone cares;

The rest of the trip was excellent too. Camped at Katy Round House Campground Sunday night, then on to Sedalia Monday morning. Left Sedalia about 7:30 Tuesday morning, rolled into No. Jefferson City at 7:50 p.m.. It was a good and fun trip, got back all limbs attached, butt a little sore.



180.69 miles, round trip

-Top speed 22 mph.

-Average 9.7 mph.

That's a good ride. I've done that one in the other direction going to the H S state track meet a few years back. And was lucky enough to see the Stealth bomber north of Pilot Grove.



It did a fly over at the state fair on Sunday afternoon and was still in the air Sunday evening west of Warrensburg. Maybe you got to see it too.

Trek, Sunday late afternoon and evening I was setting up camp in New Franklin. Wish I would have seen it though, that would be pretty cool.

I was wondering what the average time is to ride the trail end to end is? How many days does it take usually, casually riding?

Guess it depends on your fitness level, I'd say a casual rider should be able to ride at least 50-60 miles a day and the trail is roughly 225 miles long

I would chime in that fifty for a casual rider may be the upper limit. For sure you will have a tender backside.

I think four or five days for the average rider to do the whole trail. Two of us rode the entire trail in June when the weather was so beastly hot. Our ages are 49 and 69. We did it in five days, but thought four days would have been a little bit better. Much depends on your transportation to and from each end of the trail, along with where you plan to stop each night. Get yourself a copy of the Katy Trail Guidebook as it is a wealth of information concerning services at each small town.

The answer really depends on how much you can "normally" ride on the road. Two friends and I rode the whole trail in 2 days at the end of June. There have been several folks who have ridden the entire trail in one day.



The effort to ride on the KATY is slightly higher than if you were riding on pavement. If you can ride 60-70 miles in a day on pavement, maybe step back to 50 or so on the KATY.

just moved to the area and would like to take a ride to Machens , I noticed a parking lot north of the 370 bridge , would this be the spot to park for this section of the trail ? and how far does it go northeast of there ? the maps I see online only show the trail running to I-70 .

I can't give you a definitive answer because I haven't actually tried it, but I'm pretty sure the sanctioned Katy Trail ends at the historic St Charles riverfront.



Another ride you could try, though, is a two-ferries ride. Head for the Golden Eagle Ferry, which crosses the Mississippi River into Calhoun County, IL. Then put together some country roads to either the Grafton Ferry or the Brussels Ferry across the Illinois River. Calhoun County will throw some hills at you -- much more than you'd get on the Katy, of course -- but it's a really nice peaceful ride. And Grafton has some good restaurants if you need a meal stop before heading back. (There's also a restaurant at the Illinois side of the Golden Eagle Ferry, frequented mostly by boaters, but good for a simple meal.)



I haven't done this ride in years (literally), so you might want to get more current info from an area bike shop.

I know the parking lot of which you speak and this would be fine but the trail is not finished here yet. It is past due to be completed and I have asked a couple of times if anyone can give a progress update but no-one has answered yet.I beliveve the last update was something I read this past winter about it being done by this summer. It is not, but, you can actually go to Machens and ride back toward Saint Charles I just don't know how far.

The trail ends at Blanchette Landing ---- it is abou

ooppppp ----- hit the wrong key ----- let me try again ---the Katy Trail goes to Blanchette Landing ----about 2 miles from Frontier Park ------- there is a parking lot there and rest rooms ----- the Trail then goes to DuSable Park about a mile from there then to Machens is completed in spots but not totally complete ---- there is river flooding problems along that stretch ----the corp of engineering is working on it

We frequent the parking lot at the Dutzow trailhead.There are several large pot holes, some at least 12" deep and have been there for years. Is DNR responsible for the upkeep of that lot? It is hard on vehicles as well as bikes and looks horrible as the holes are usually full of water.

I agree on the Dutzow parking lot, and I would assume that maintenance is DNR's responsibility. On the other hand, I rode from Weldon Springs to Hermann and back the other day on a 90 mile round trip and the trail itself was in as good of shape as I have seen it in years.