I just need to know what to bring....
- + I plan on doing the entire Katy from west to east this September. I have been making a list of things to bring on the trip.
Can you help me out. What are some of the essentials to bring that ...
Discussion started 03/09/2010 01:41 PM by Kevin - 17 replies (last reply by Kevin at 04/23/2010 02:53 PM)Kevin from Kansas City on 03/09/2010 01:41 PM
I plan on doing the entire Katy from west to east this September. I have been making a list of things to bring on the trip.
Can you help me out. What are some of the essentials to bring that maybe I would not think about.
Thanks
Anonymous on 03/09/2010 02:53 PM
A guessing game, eh? What have you already thought of?
Anonymous on 03/09/2010 06:02 PM
Bug Spray
Pepper Spray
Food / Water
Extra tube and repair kit
Important telephone numbers in case of an emergency
Money
Credit Cards
Cell Phone
Clothes
Sun screen
Hat
Helmet
Water purification tablets
Extra cell phone battery
air pump
small flashlight
Amtrak tickets to get back
Insurance cards
Sports flavoring drink mixes
Case of beer (kidding)
Anonymous on 03/09/2010 07:33 PM
The bike
Cvrz from St Peters on 03/09/2010 07:50 PM
Something I always have along in my pack is a spare chain link and chain tool. Especially on a lengthy trip! A roll of toilet paper is nice also. Just in case! I've gone into privys and found them either out of paper, or the paper ruined by some numbskull. You mention a repair kit. Does that include a couple wrenches? Yeah I know, before long you're taking everything but the kitchen sink!
Trek on 03/09/2010 08:07 PM
Search on crazyguyonabike.com for "equipment list" and your some rather lengthy lists.....some good ideas, others maybe overkill for a 4-5 day ride. Less is more.
Doug from Bluffton on 03/09/2010 08:38 PM
This is to four posts back. A case of beer would be too much. There are bars along the way and it would get hot. A six pack should be plenty. One change of clothes and a tool kit and you're set. Unless you're camping and then all bets are off. One truism here, Trek is right. Less is more. After years of touring I now take a collapsible trunk rack and STILL find I take things I don't use. Just remember "If you're not having fun, lower your standards"
Paulie from knoxville on 03/09/2010 09:44 PM
Baby wipes, trust me on this one.
Paulie
Two wheels now from Centennial, Colorado on 03/10/2010 07:50 AM
Extra wheel spokes – store them in your seat tube on the frame
Plastic bags adequate for everything, plus one for your seat to keep dry in case of rain
Water repellant on your panniers/backpack
Liquid Hand Soap
Two Tubes and repair kit. (Few people know how to use repair kit)
Rag/Latex gloves (for when you have to touch your chain for rear flat)
Extra chain link - w/o your drive train is down
Extra water container/bottle for pack
brad wilson from st louis on 03/10/2010 09:19 AM
Spare tire - not just tubes - but a tire. And also some way of booting a damaged tire.
On one Katy trip the front tire blew out straight through the tread and it couldn't be fixed with a boot. Fortunately it was a group ride and there was another rider with a spare, but even that tire was close to total failure after 30 miles!
In the past I carried a spare tire but thought I'd be safe on this trip.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 03/10/2010 01:55 PM
A camera is a must! In addition to all mentioned above....Duct tape can come in handy (I make a small 'roll' of my own of about 20 ft.), Benadryl for those nights when strange sounds/enviroment keep you from sleeping well (just don't take after midnight or you'll risk being tired in the morning), Small first aid kit with bandaids/ointment/large pad/ace wrap/advil etc, a bandana (has multiple uses), small notepad and pen, hat for off bike wear if you're camping.
Have fun!
Anonymous on 03/10/2010 03:21 PM
Yes, a camera. Good to document all the stuff you sent home from the UPS store in Sedalia.
The Old Geezer Scout from Jeff City Mo on 03/10/2010 06:08 PM
Lots of good advice here. Also, you may want to read what you can on ultralite hiking and camping, even if you are staying at B&B's it will help with what your personal needs may be during the ride. It worked out very well for me the first time and still does. I'm looking forward to a late April end to end, yaw come join me.
Good luck Kevin, enjoy the trip.
DougK from Troy on 03/16/2010 09:27 PM
Don't forget Brett Dufur's book.
cunninghamair from O''Fallon, MO on 03/29/2010 08:08 PM
Bag of quarters. Some small towns and restaurants may be "closed" but there is always a
soda machine! My husband laughed, but we used them. I also second the tire--zip tie to
your frame--my husband doesn't just have flats, he has blowouts.
Trek on 03/30/2010 08:13 AM
Thats a good one. A few dollars in quarters will buy lunch for two in a pinch.
EB from Greenwood on 03/31/2010 02:39 AM
If you plan on staying in hotels or B&Bs then bring minimal clothing, you can wash your clothes and they will be dry the next morning. Instead of beer pack whiskey, it's lighter and temperature tolerent.
Kevin on 04/23/2010 02:53 PM
Many thanks for the help.
no bikes on amtrak
- + I just called Amtrak today to speak with some customer service person. When she was done interrupting me multiple times she told me "you can't bring bikes on the train". This was my plan for getting...
Discussion started 04/21/2010 02:39 PM by kwog - 8 replies (last reply by Doug at 04/23/2010 11:23 AM)kwog from Fort Madison IA on 04/21/2010 02:39 PM
I just called Amtrak today to speak with some customer service person. When she was done interrupting me multiple times she told me "you can't bring bikes on the train". This was my plan for getting to St Louis. I have seen ride reports here that talked about riding on the train with bikes, what is the story? Were these trips just across St Louis on a metro? I am now talking to the rental car place but they charge a $90.00 one-way fee plus the actual rental. Thats about $200.00 buck just to get me back and forth? Can someone confirm the no bikes thing and is there a cheap solution I am not seeing?
On the positive side this website is inspiring and helpful, I am looking forward to my memorial day weekend on the Katy.
Thanks in advance,
Kwog
Trek on 04/21/2010 03:21 PM
Bikes are allowed on the Missouri River Runner, which runs across the state paralleling the Katy. Search "bikes" on amtrak dot com for details.
Not all routes allow roll on bikes though, which may prevent you from taking your bike unless its taken as luggage from Fort Madison to St. Louis.
Two wheels now on 04/21/2010 06:04 PM
Go onto the amtrak website and try to buy a ticket on the Missouri line for a give date etc. On there will be an option if you want to include a bike for $10 freight fee. This will tell you whether bikes are allowed on a given route or not.
I can't believe you are overreacting like this calling rental car companies etc. If you don't know how to use the internet, then find a young person and they will do it for you.
kwog on 04/21/2010 06:36 PM
I know how to use the internet. I was looking for advice from someone
who has been in my situation before since my customer service
experience was less than satisfactory. The customer service
representative did not even know what town I was talking about.
I would like a response from someone is not a rude jackass who assumes
I'm an old and can't use the internet. I would like to spit more
venom at two wheels but I thought this was a helpful and friendly
place so I will stop now.
Arkie on 04/21/2010 08:36 PM
Sorry Kwog. Don't know about your characterization of your "helper" but you got the last three letters of the name correct. Don't let a moron run you away from an excellent source of information and access to a lot of people who wish you and others to have a safe and fun adventure on the Katy.
Ray (webmaster) on 04/22/2010 10:52 AM
Kwog, sorry you were treated badly here and from Amtrak. As Trek indicated, you most definitely can take your bike on the Amtrak line that crosses Missouri. But most of their other lines do not allow bikes, so if you were trying to first take Amtrak from Iowa to MO, and then across the state, then you're out of luck on that first leg of your trip. You probably just got a clueless customer service rep, and need to try calling Amtrak again and hope the phone bank randomly assigns you to someone who actually knows what they're talking about. If the whole train deal does not work for you, I would suggest a shuttle service rather than a rental car. Good luck, and enjoy your visit to MO!
Trek on 04/22/2010 10:52 AM
I'm with Arkie. Give us a chance here as there are many who offer advice based on the experience of many, many trips on the Katy.
And as always.....there are a few that, for some reason, would rather assume, pitch a fit, complain, or try to make others look ignorant.
Kwog on 04/23/2010 09:38 AM
Amtrak got back to me by email today. They made it sound like it would have been ok if there wasn't a bus connection on my route between stations. I have decided to bite the bullet and drive my truck the whole way.
Thanks for your input everyone, and don't think that one rude person has changed my impression of the people on this site or the site itself.
Doug from Bluffton on 04/23/2010 11:23 AM
Glad to hear that Kwog. Remember, "You can't build yourself up by putting other people down." And as you can tell from the other responses everyone else can tell ignorance too. Hope you enjoy your visit to The Katy Trail.
Katy Trail store
- + The state parks just opened a store with Katy Trail logo gear. I sw a press release on it; all profits go to the parks.
It's at katytrailstore.mostateparks.com.
Discussion started 04/22/2010 03:12 PM by DGridley - 0 repliesDGridley from Auxvasse on 04/22/2010 03:12 PM
The state parks just opened a store with Katy Trail logo gear. I sw a press release on it; all profits go to the parks.
It's at katytrailstore.mostateparks.com.
Jefferson City Bridge
- + Just rode the bridge across into Jeff City, and for anyone who has ridden in a city before, the bridge is not too scary. We did it with our kids in trailers and it was OK. We used lights, including wh...
Discussion started 04/16/2010 07:49 AM by Paul & Fiona - 2 replies (last reply by Trek at 04/21/2010 05:03 PM)Paul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 07:49 AM
Just rode the bridge across into Jeff City, and for anyone who has ridden in a city before, the bridge is not too scary. We did it with our kids in trailers and it was OK. We used lights, including white strobe headlights for safety. Just make sure not to stop if you get a flat tire! We got a flat in one trailer wheel and forged on to get to a safe place before stopping.
michael rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 04/20/2010 05:55 PM
The State of Missouri has begun the work on a new bicycle bridge that will be UNDER the highway bridge across the Missouri River in Jefferson City. It will somehow hang suspended from the eastern bridge and then will spiral down to hook into a city trail leading into town. No more dodging cars etc to enter our capital city.
Trek on 04/21/2010 05:03 PM
According to MO Bike Fed the contract for this project was awarded yesterday 4-20-10.
From MODOT's website it looks like the "attachment" is along the side of the east bridge and not underneath the highway bridge.....the artists drawings at the Tour of MO a few years ago showed the bike/pedestrian lane on the east side of the bridge also. The lane is to have a couple of pullouts for stopping/viewing, etc.
Rendleman Home B&B (Bluffton)
- + Plan your trip around staying a night (or two like we did) with Doug. Do so and you will have a new friend for life as well as an amazing spot to rest and recoup after a day on the trail.
My friend...
Discussion started 04/21/2010 12:20 PM by Matt H - 0 repliesMatt H from Kansas City on 04/21/2010 12:20 PM
Plan your trip around staying a night (or two like we did) with Doug. Do so and you will have a new friend for life as well as an amazing spot to rest and recoup after a day on the trail.
My friend and I dropped in unannounced, and were in the middle of setting up our tent (we weren't technically B&B stayers) when Doug came out and informed us that there was plenty of extras and to join them.
We also enjoyed the hot showers, and the wash house with room to stash our food, hang out, and even use a stove!
Doug is awesome! He gas great knowledge of the trail, is a heck of a chef, and is and incredibly generous/great host. His other guests were awesome too. Can't recommend staying with him enough! I will definitely be back!
Matt H from Kansas City on 04/21/2010 12:20 PM
Plan your trip around staying a night (or two like we did) with Doug. Do so and you will have a new friend for life as well as an amazing spot to rest and recoup after a day on the trail.
My friend and I dropped in unannounced, and were in the middle of setting up our tent (we weren't technically B&B stayers) when Doug came out and informed us that there was plenty of extras and to join them.
We also enjoyed the hot showers, and the wash house with room to stash our food, hang out, and even use a stove!
Doug is awesome! He gas great knowledge of the trail, is a heck of a chef, and is and incredibly generous/great host. His other guests were awesome too. Can't recommend staying with him enough! I will definitely be back!
Wi-Fi on the Katy?
- + My wife and I are planning to ride the Katy in June from Clinton to St. Charles. Right now we are planning to make reservations and stops along the way. We've got a small laptop and it would be nice...
Discussion started 03/01/2010 07:42 PM by Ray - 13 replies (last reply by Hobo at 04/21/2010 09:48 AM)Ray from Overland Park on 03/01/2010 07:42 PM
My wife and I are planning to ride the Katy in June from Clinton to St. Charles. Right now we are planning to make reservations and stops along the way. We've got a small laptop and it would be nice to keep in touch with the kids / facebook at various stops along the way.
Any one have any feedback on places along the way that offer WiFi service? Our stops along the way (as of now) are:
- Clinton (maybe Night 1 just to get a fresh start)
- Sedalia
- Rocheport
- N. Jefferson
- McKittrick
- Augusta
Then finish at St. Charles where family will pick us up.
Thanks for any feedback.
Ray.
Doug from Bluffton on 03/02/2010 06:14 AM
The Rendleman Home at mile mark 110.8 (Bluffton) has Wifi
Trek on 03/02/2010 08:22 AM
Try http://www.wififreespot.com. Make a pdf file and save it on your netbook so you can find a free spot when you can't link up.
It doesn't list every spot, because Doug isn't on there, but the baseline today seems to be most major motel/hotels, McDonalds, Panera, etc.
Steve K from saint louis, MO on 03/02/2010 11:16 AM
Yeah, boy I know I absolutely can't go a couple of days without looking at facebook.
Anonymous on 03/03/2010 08:37 AM
Chill Steve. They said it would be nice to keep in touch with their kids. Kids know texting, facebook, twitter, etc. If others use that media and you don't, why not just be nice and welcome them to our state?
School House Bed and Breakfast from Rocheport on 03/03/2010 11:39 AM
Sure, Ray, here at the School House B + B Inn and Dormitory we have free wi-fi available with your overnight stay. www.schoolhousebb.com, best of luck in your trip planning, and we'll see you on the trail!
maxine wheeler from sedalia on 03/07/2010 01:00 PM
I have wireless internet at my place. Maxine's Rooms for Rent. Sedalia
Parris Johnson from Boonville on 03/25/2010 01:28 PM
If you would reconsider your itinerary, The Hotel Frederick is a perfect place for a luxury stay after a day on the trail. Free Wi-Fi, Continental Breakfast, rooms with air jetted tubs, great bar and restaurant. Great place for a relaxing evening. Discount for trailriders and free bike storage. Check out their web-site at hotelfrederick.com.
Blumenhof Winery from Dutzow on 03/27/2010 08:50 AM
Ray,
You can get free Wifi at Blumenhof Winery in Dutzow. Hope you have a
fun trip!
greg from glasgow, mt on 03/27/2010 06:15 PM
I have had good success using wifi at Best Western Motel in Clinton, Super 8 Motel and Mc Donalds Restaurant in Sedalia, Days Inn and Super 8 Motels in Boonville.
Jtw from Palmyra, MO on 04/01/2010 02:29 PM
The DNR ride is the third week in June. Only it is going, I think, from St. Charles to Clinton this year. It is a great, great, ride full SAG support by MO DNR. Cannot do any better. I have ridden the last two years on the DNR ride. Going to miss it this year due to a family wedding back east. DARN, Double Darn.
Copies Etc from Boonville on 04/01/2010 05:01 PM
Copies Etc offers free wi-fi to anyone. We are located one block south of the missouri river bridge on the east side of the road. During the colder times of the year we offer free hot apple cider to the bikers. There is a park bench outside the door or you can come in and cool off in the air conditioning. WELCOME TO BOONVILLE, have a safe biking season!
Penny Garibaldi from Boonville, Mo on 04/13/2010 05:34 AM
If you change your overnight locations we at the Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast in Boonville have free Wi-Fi. Take a look at this Arts and Crafts B&B at gardengatebedandbreakfast.com. Would love to have you!
Hobo on 04/21/2010 09:48 AM
See Doug at the Rendleman Home in Bluffton.