Katy Trail Forum

Since some of the recently posted comments are floating around lost in cyberspace, I wanted to repost my comments letting people know Noreen is open for business and sells some wonderful homemade ice cream. Also check out her Surrey quadracycle she rents by the hour or day. I hope Marthasville is coming alive for the Katy.

I love the Caboose! I'm very happy that Marthasville has some other creative people beginning businesses besides me...I'm the one with the ORANGE building soon to be Coyote Bones Cafe and Enchanted Wine Garden. I applaud Noreen and her family for all the hard work, so far, that they have put into the business. Way to go girlfriend! Everyone looking for a sweet treat and even some healthy items please stop by the Caboose in marthasville.

You may have noticed a time gap in the comments here on the forum. My #%!$ web hosting company messed up the database, for the second time, and about 6 weeks of data was lost (i.e. 6 weeks of comments). I'm trying to find a way to recover the lost data, but am not optimistic.



I apologize for the inconvenience. I am planing to move BikeKatyTrail to a better web hosting company soon. If you are looking for a website hosting company, stay far away from WebHost4life. Their lack of competence or reliability have been horrible lately.

Thanks for all your efforts Ray. You do a great job on this site and provide a valuable service for all of us. In the meantime, just think of this setback as the ability to go back in time. Any chance of rolling back to the sixties?

I can relate to this frustration. I recently had a website highjacked and it is no fun. I too appreciate all Ray does for the Katy Trail. I think every business and town along the trail owes Ray a huge thank you for all he does. I believe many businesses would be lost if not for the mention they receive on this site.

Luckily I was able to recover pretty much all the forum back through mid-July, and then a smattering of others before that. And everything up through mid-June is still intact.

Thanks for the compliments, and sorry again about the forum threads that I was not able to recover.

Ditto on the kudos above, Ray -- you and your innovative web sites are real gems in the cyclying universe! Thanks also for the tip on your web host, although you probably should have avoided mentioning that until you get moved to a new one! :-)

Ray, this forum is so positive. I don't know how it ends up that way, if you monitor it closely, or what. But I find the discussions are so much more positive than other forums I look at. I love bicycling on the Katy Trail (although the heat has kept me at home a lot this year). But I constantly look at this forum and the comments because I won't have to see negative, discouraging discussions. The little bit of fussing I see is minor. Thanks for doing such a great job.

Thanks folks, I appreciate the compliments. Yes Cathy, I too am amazed at how positive this forum is. I take a "hands-off" approach as much as possible, and very rarely - maybe once a year or so - do I ever have to handle inappropriate comments or flame wars. Katy Trail people are just a good bunch of people.

I noticed the description of my rooms for rent is no longer under my name. Is there any way to get this back on? Also some people have commented on my place it appears on the comment forum but not on my description. I only mention this because they were positive comments:-)Thanks for the great job. We love meeting the people biking the trail, what a hardy bunch of folks. Thanks Maxine. "Maxine's rooms for rent".

We are traveling from Ohio by car and need to rent bikes. Any suggestions, please, if we only have time to ride 20 miles one way on Katy trail, then return back again, what is the most scenic part of the trail near a bike rental?

depending on where you are on the KATY, rocheport then east

I would agree with Rocheport heading East is the most scenic and it is very easy to reach from I-70 if you are headed on toward KC. However, in my opinion (and it appears to be that of many others) the best place to rent a bike on the trail is Katy Bike Rental in Defiance, close to the East end of the trail. Bike rentals @ $5 per hour and they are almost new bikes and the people are very friendly.

You probably already know the Trailside Cafe and Bike Shop in Rocheport rents bikes. Click Rocheport on the above map for more info. Enjoy.

When are you planning on doing your ride? If you are going to go to Rocheport and rent from the Trailside Cafe, be sure and check on when Trailside is open. I think they are closed on Wednesdays. If you are going to arrive on Thursday, then they should be open and able to take care of you. Going east from Rocheport is one of the best parts of the trail.

My husband and I are wanting to go for a ride on the Katy Trail. We are getting ready to purchase bikes, but not sure what to get. I really want to get a cruiser bike with the comfy seat and handlebars, as we will be riding around our little town with our children as well and these are more comfortable and eye appealing to me. But is a mountain bike better for the trail? Are there lots of hills or rough terrain? Plus, I am getting kinda worried about all the comments of changing tires and bike repair and such. Just wanted to go for a lovely ride on the trail as far as we could make it and then stop for a stay in a B&B for the night and probably head back the next day. Of course, we won't tackle this until we are in shape from riding locally. We owned mountain bikes in the past, but not sure what kind to get. Don't want to make a huge investment in bike riding because we have other hobbies like horseback riding and camping that takes up most of our time. Just wanted to give it a try. Any pointers or bike suggestions are highly welcomed! Thanks so much! Oh, also, is the trail good for children (on shorter rides of course)?

My suggestion on the bike itself is to try to have more of an open mind. The cruiser bikes are actually pretty uncomfortable in general (I'm told) if you take them beyond very small distances (3-5 miles), which you will likely do if you're going on the Katy. This is because of that seat, along with the style of handlebars, since you don't get very many possible positions to move in while riding. But if you plan on keeping to short distances, it might be a consideration.



Then I understand from the cruiser bikes I've seen, that the gearing options are pretty limited, and you wouldn't want that in most generic riding situations in MO (small steep rolling hills, some flats). This won't be an issue on the Katy since it is made from an old railroad bed. But I wouldn't make a bike purchase choice based simply on one possible ride you could take. I would consider something that will be useful for most purposes and will still be suitable when you grow in riding if you persist in it.



On changing tires and bike repair, we bring it up because it's a fact of life in cycling. If you ride long enough and far enough from home, you will get a flat tire while riding and will need to be able to fix it. You also might want to carry some tools for other minor maintenance like adjusting brakes. But changing tires is about 90% of the on-road maintenance and a necessity if you go anything beyond short distances.



As far as it being "good for children", it depends on how apt/willing they are. I would definitely suggest creating good incentive to make it enjoyable for them. But there's nothing that unsuitable on the Katy that a child couldn't ride it.



Hope that helps.

I would agree with the previous comment about the cruiser. Even though the grades are relatively low on the Katy, you need some gearing. I would reccomend that if you are opposed to a mountain bike that you consider a hybrid. To enjoy the Katy you need to ride in comfort. As to repairs, I have not done as many miles as others on this forum, but I have completed two end to ends and major portions on other rides without any flats or mishaps. But I always ride prepared and I know that I will eventually have a flat. It just comes with the fun. Luck.

Ok. Thanks guys. That helps. I wasn't thinking of the trail being an old railroad track bed, duh, so of course its pretty level and the grades are long and low. As far as the bike goes, I guess I'd be better off with a mountain bike with a bigger seat, (I just hate those skinny little seats that come on them LOL). My town is hilly as well and I do know it's hard to avoid hills in MO! Thanks again!

I would like to give my humble opinion here. I would only purchase a mountain bike if I intended to use it as a mountain bike. The wider tires, suspension, and added weight are not needed for the road or paved trails. It is amazing how much more work one has to do on a mountain bike compared to other types of bikes. I like the thought of a hybrid and one that is purchased from a bike store so the bike can be custom fitted to you and thus more comfortable. And, the key to a comfortable saddle is not in it being big and cushy, but the right size. A bike store can help you with that and maybe sell you some padded shorts as well.

On Mountain bikes, they're generally fine, I've found. The biggest issues with them, though, are the suspension (very hard to use, and unnecessary in most cases) and the added weight (because of durability to take it off-road).



If you consider touring beyond just a day where you need to carry things (water, food, clothes, and so on), you will want wider tires than the norm, because they will need to handle the weight you carry (your weight plus gear).



The bike store suggestion is great, they should be able to explain all the factors involved in selecting a bike and should help you be able to find something that fits well for you and will satisfy all the requirements you need.

Terry is right.. Recommend a hybrid..And spend a little money, you will get so much more in return. Would you buy a pair of cheap shoes that doesn't fit? Kind of the same. Whole point is give your self the experience of enjoying the trail. Go to a big city bike shop with a lot of choices. Listen to the guys there.

Undisputable facts about riding:



Seats: Virtually no one ends up with the seat that came on the bike. Do as others do, start with that one and adjust from there. You don't know until you have ridden it for a few hours



Flats: They happen and just as likely 10 feet from your driveway as 40 miles out on the trail. At least have spare tubes on every ride.

Another consideration is to rent a bike. I've seen rentals lately that are designed to accomodate average riders that have rear hubs like the old 3 speeds had. These bikes have 8 gear options.



Although they add weight, I use HD Slime tubes with vinyl liners b/c I hate flats. I often ditch off the trails onto dirt trails where briars easily cause flats. I DO always have a tube with me.



For newbies, ass pain is gonna happen with any seat until you build up some mashed meat muscle.That alone keeps me riding all winter. I hate to re-condition my butt. Do lunges!lol!

I totally disagree with the comment stay away from cruiser, I have a Electra townie ride the Katy quite a bit anywhere from 25-50 miles at a time and just love my cruiser as do others that I ride with. Its upright seating position and pedal forward design can't be beat as far as I'm concerned for riding and enjoying the trail.

Go to a big city bike store that has a wide selection. You will miss out on looking at many models in a small town shop. I always ride my Trek Hybrid on the trail. Get at least a middle grade bike.

My vote goes to the hybrid or comfort bike.

I have to agree with the folks advocating a hybrid or comfort bike --

the less weight the better. I've ridden parts of the Katy on a trial

bike (heavy) with fat tires and a cushy seat and on a true road bike

with 700x23C tires. The road bike with its racing saddle was far more

comfortable. But my dream bike for the Katy would be a hybrid with

700x28 tires to handle the crushed stone a bit better. Don't get one of

those huge seats. They look comfy, but aren't. Get a good saddle from

good shop, a pair of padded shorts and some chamois butter.

I've done the entire trail twice, once with a comfort bike, and once with a cross/hybrid without the high handlebars, wide padded seat and shocks.



The comfort bike trip was the LEAST comfortable. The high handlebars left my shoulders aching and the padded wide seat chafed horribly.



The narrow seat and lower handlebars on the cross/hybrid gave a MUCH more comfortable ride and was much easier on my back in the long run.



For my money, the comfort bike is NOT comfortable for more than short rides.

Does anyone know a route from St Charles to the Amtrak station in Kirkwood Missouri?

This topic has been discussed here on this website. Here is the link http://www.bikekatytrail.com/kirkwood.asp



Just so you know, St.Louis is not exactly a bike friendly city.

Lococo House III, Bed & Breakfast offers shuttles to Kirkwood station, call 636-946-0619 for info. The route by bike isnt very safe

I found the ride to be very doable. The only time I felt it wasn't safe was Marine Road when leaving Creve Coeur Park. It's a long steep uphill without a spot to, even, stop, let alone pull over to the side. There's too great a drop off.



Fortunately, there's an alternative that you can see on the above link. I didn't know about it at the time -- wish I had.



There are times you will have to be on the road with traffic, but I didn't find it too bad, but some may not feel comfortable.



John

I was very surprised to see Peers on this site considering it was so small but I loved it so much. I had a terrible time in Treloar (my Camelbak was empty, and I was thirsty) and I thought the next drinking fountain would be in Marthasville. I stopped by the Peers Grocery Store and was greeted by a very nice woman. She filled up my camelbak for free and I bought a gatorade. I am so impressed by the hospitality in this town that I'll be doing my next sportsdrink/snack stop on the Katy at Peer's Grocery store again!

Was very disappointed that after a very hot day they did not have drinking fountains. The bar and grill everyone is talking about is closed (It says under new management please come back soon.) The place was a ghost town beside one older woman. I asked a lady outside if she could break my $5 so I could get some water at the vending machine and she held her purse tight and ran away. Very disappointed by the hospitably and services.

Sad to see the Treloar B&G has closed. (7/11/2010) They had awesome cheeseburgers, fries and cold beer. When I was in there earlier this year the owner, Bill, said the place hadn't been doing very well since the 2008 recession hit.

I am sorry to hear the Treloar B & G is closed. We discovered it last year when biking the Katy and planned to stop there on our end of July 2010 trip.

DEFINITELY HATE to hear this.....any time I was even close to the area, I made it a point to stop & have at least one of their FABULOUS cheeseburgers & "ice cold" beer!!!

We regularly leave from the Treloar trailhead and enjoyed the activity of the place on weekends. Sad to see it closed. Another little bit of Americana is lost.

TRELOAR BAR&GRILL WILL REOPEN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST

My husband and I, and our two boys, 7 and 8, cycled part of the Katy Trail (Jefferson City-

Sedalia) as a first family tour in June this year. It was a wonderful experience for all of us, and

this bed and breakfast was the best place we stayed the whole week. Dolores offered a lot of

nice touches like ice cream, cookies and lemonade there for us when we got to the place.

After riding in the heat all day with the boys, we were so pleased to find such a welcoming

B&B. We were able to do laundry here and just get some rest. And the boys enjoyed it too--

-she had games there for them to play. Breakfast was great and just what we needed to start

the day. This was a very kid-friendly place. I would definitely stay here again!

My husband and I, and our two boys, 7 and 8, cycled part of the Katy Trail (Jefferson City-

Sedalia) as a first family tour in June this year. It was a wonderful experience for all of us, and

this bed and breakfast was the best place we stayed the whole week. Dolores offered a lot of

nice touches like ice cream, cookies and lemonade there for us when we got to the place.

After riding in the heat all day with the boys, we were so pleased to find such a welcoming

B&B. We were able to do laundry here and just get some rest. And the boys enjoyed it too--

-she had games there for them to play. Breakfast was great and just what we needed to start

the day. This was a very kid-friendly place. I would definitely stay here again!

Callaway county law enforcement are searching for a man last seen near the Tebbetts post office on Saturday and he ran off into the woods. He is considered possibly armed and dangerous. His name is Shaun McGee, 31, white male, last seen wearing a light t-shirt and blue jeans, has tatoos - a dragon and the word destiny.



If seen, do not approach - call 911 to report his location.



Updates on the manhunt can be found on www.abc17news.com

The folks at Peers Store are so nice; they treated us like old friends. I took a spill and scraped my leg pretty bad while my wife and I were biking on the Katy Trail yesterday. They gave me band-aids and disinfectant. We stopped for a rest and really enjoyed hearing some local stories. I recommend to anyone to stop there for water or other refreshment while using the Katy Trail.

Peers store has excellent sandwiches, especially the chicken salad ones! Amy was great and even filled up our water bottles from her kitchen sink!

Recap from lost comment: Their breakfast sandwiches are fairly big as well. Unlike some of the bar-grills along the trail, this store and several other near-the-trail convenience stops and gas stations open early in the morning. For the early birds, that's good to have!

My wife and I rode the whole Katy Trail both direction in Aug/Sep 2009. We stayed with Deloris and Virgil on our way west to Clinton and again on our way back. You can't go wrong staying here. Great food, great accomodations and great company. They are truly good people who want to take care of you and help you have a good time. (I am a procrastinator. I waited nearly a year to write this, but I'm sure it is all still true here in Aug 2010.)

My wife and I rode the whole Katy Trail both direction in Aug/Sep 2009. We stayed with Deloris and Virgil on our way west to Clinton and again on our way back. You can't go wrong staying here. Great food, great accomodations and great company. They are truly good people who want to take care of you and help you have a good time. (I am a procrastinator. I waited nearly a year to write this, but I'm sure it is all still true here in Aug 2010.)

I recently posted on my stay with Bill this week and unfortunately the thread was lost and unfortunately it was the only place I know on the site that contained his contact information. His number is (573) 289-6782. We really enjoyed our stay and Bill is a friendly host.

just rode the entire trail west to east and wanted to share the info:

heres the report:



Friday: rode 111 miles from Clinton and camped in Hartsburg. Plenty of water at trailheads

and plenty of quick shops if you need a snack along the way. Hartsburg is the best town

on the trail. 104 people, 2 bars, a winery, and a diner. They even let me pitch my tent

inside the gazebo in the tiny park. this town rocks. Have a few drinks at the Big Muddy bar

and breakfast at Dotties.



Saturday 90 miles to klondike- easy riding from Hartsburg to Agusta just mind your water

as it becomes sparse in the middle. I gave about 10 bucks to a VFW hall for several bottles

when things started getting dangerous. Keeping 4 bottled topped up is not overkill is this

section. Again, the trail condition was great.



Sunday rode the last 20 or so into St Charles and went to the end of the trail for fun. Had

a nice lunch at the Trailhead brewery.



General info: I pulled a overloaded BOB trailer complete with all my food, tent, etc and the

trail was a bit soggy in places. This translated to a very casual 11 MPH average (including

water and lunch breaks of course) total ride time. It seems when I was going faster than

14 or 15 mph all I was seeing was the trail and I was missing the scenery. IMHO, the trail

rides great at this speed and it allows for full days of riding with perfect camping spots at

110 and 200 mile marks. You could do it faster but why.



Bike selection: I rode my CAAD 9 with 32 tires. The trail is in perfect shape and I would

have been fine on 25's. It was nice to have a little more tire to smooth the trail and it also

helped me float when it got squishy in spots.



Hope this helps anyone planning on riding the whole trail. I intend to do so again soon

Great update. I love me some Hartsburg. Cause.. In less than a 100 yards you can get great food, couple B&B's and be on the trail in the morning in about 30 seconds after leaving your room...

I called today Parks & Rec in Columbia today and they said the spur off Katy Trail to Columbia is open.

If you are planning on a bike trip in September, make sure that your plans include a stop in Boonville at The Historic Hotel Frederick. Located at High and Main Street across from the Trail where it crosses the Missouri River. There will be events in September that will make your trip memorable. September 11 will be the first annual KATY Bridge Wine Stroll featuring Missouri Wines. September 18 brings 3 time Grammy nominee Karrin Allyson and her quartet performing wonderful music. Want to see the world famous Clydesdales at their new home, Warm Springs Ranch? Check out the Frederick on line and see the associated specials. Find us on the web at HotelFrederick.com

The Clydesdales are fantastic but make arrangements BEFORE you get to Boonville as its my understanding that only tour busses can tour the place. It costs about $10 each and is well worth it. You get to see the horses, the babies and their stalls etc AND the Tractor trailer trucks and the beer wagon. Its a real coup for our state.

I am planning two day bike trip in Sept. Looking for camping options on or near trail from Washington up to Boonville. Thanks

Easiest way to plan for your trip is to use the "Plan a ride" button above. You can click on each town along the way to see what services are available and adjust your daily mileage accordingly.

First real food stop on the trail after leaving Hartsburg. The double cheeseburger and service was excellent.

A great stop on the Katy Trail with excellent food and service.