Katy Trail Forum

The link in the Events search leads to the following on the DNR website about the 20th Anniversary of the Katy Trail:



20th Anniversary Event



An event will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010, in Rocheport to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the April 28, 1990, official opening of the trail. A ceremony will be held to recognize Pat Jones and other founders who helped make the trail a reality. The event will also feature a walk to the Ted Jones Memorial and a commemorative bike ride.



With just a couple of weeks away.....does anyone know where more specific details are published. Such as....What time is the ceremony...is it at the trailhead...the memorial...When is the walk and the bike ride?? How long is the bike ride? What is the fee to ride the ride???

I have it on my calendar that it goes from 2 to 6 pm.

Thanks Gary. Anyone else know more??

The kick-off event at Rocheport for the 20th anniversary celebration is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be an official ceremony at 2 p.m., after which there will be an unveiling of a special anniversary panel for the info depot, a cake cutting ceremony, a walk to the Jones Memorial and a bike ride to McBaine. The community of Rocheport is also hosting a Blues Festival and Cruising Classic Cars in conjunction with the event. The cars will be on display 12:00-4:00 p.m. along the streets of Rocheport and Central Street will be blocked off with live music beginning at 12 p.m. and going until 10:00 pm.

From Kansas City InfoZine yesterday:



The 20th anniversary of the nation's longest rail-trail conversion project will be celebrated May 8 at the Katy Trail State Park trailhead at Rocheport. The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. with the anniversary ceremony at 2 p.m.



Gov. Jay Nixon will be the keynote speaker for the event. A special honoree will be Pat Jones, who along with her late husband, Ted, gave the initial donation to make Katy Trail State Park possible. Other speakers will include Darwin Hindman, chairman of the Katy Trail Coalition; Norman Eaker, representing Edward Jones, the financial services firm that is the official sponsor of the 20th anniversary events; and Rep. Chris Kelly of Columbia. Bill Bryan, director of the Department of Natural Resources' Division of State Parks, will be the master of ceremonies.



The exhibit area opens at 1 p.m. with special displays from the communities along the 225-mile corridor of the trail from St. Charles to Clinton . Katy Trail merchandise will be on sale. A presentation on the history of Katy Trail State Park will be available in the Rocheport depot at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.



Following the ceremony at 2 p.m., participants are invited to walk to the Ted Jones Memorial on the trail. Darwin Hindman will lead a commemorative ride to Hindman Junction.



Music and refreshments will be available during the event. In conjunction with the ceremony, the community of Rocheport is planning musical entertainment and a car show.



Katy Trail State Park is built on the railbed of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, which ceased operations in 1986. The first section of Katy Trail was dedicated on April 28, 1990 at Rocheport. This summer, work will begin on extending the trail approximately 12 miles from St. Charles to Machens. Plans are also in progress to connect the Katy Trail at Windsor into Pleasant Hill using the Rock Island Railroad corridor.

Dawn and Trek, thanks for all of the info, it sounds like a fun and interesting time to be had. I hope to see some of you there, I'll be the guy on the bicycle.

The 20th celebration was quite an event! Several guys on bikes.....we figured they were all Darrell.....and his other brothers, Darrell.

Getting excited about this event as while I've been riding the Katy for the past few years I've never participated in any of their organized events! Anyone else getting on at the Columbia location???

I know Amtrak says they have space for 4 bikes. I need to get 5 bikes on. Are they flexible on that? I was thinking if they would not allow it I would buy another ticket or take a bike apart and strap pieces to the other bikes and claim they are spares. That's a spare frame just in case, that's a spare rim. Any thoughts, I spoke with Amtrak people but they are of no help and can't do anything but tell me what I already know. Has anyone put more than 4 bikes on a train? It's probably a call only the conductor could make, there is nobody manning a phone at the Sedalia station to answer this.



Thanks in advance,



Kwog

Have you considered one of the shuttle services? It might be less expensive for five people with bikes than the train depending on the distance. It will definitely be more convenient with door to door or trailhead to trailhead service. There are several of us along the trail that could take care of your needs.

When we got on in Hermann a couple of years ago with our tickets, and tickets for two bikes, there were already five bikes on the train (they had given away our spots in St. Louis). We managed by strapping the bikes to a door handle in the back of the car.



So, the story you get when you call & reserve is different than if you just get on without reservations. The price is alot more too, from what I've heard. I would imagine that if you have the 4 bike spots reserved (and they haven't given them away), you would be able to strap an extra bike to them and pay (probably alot more) for that extra bike when getting on... that being said, with Amtrak there are NO GUARANTEES, not even when you have bike tickets!

I am in the process of making some modifications to a road bike that I would like to use for trail riding. I have added MTB handlebars and fitted it with new levers and cables. The problem that I am running into is that I can not find a tire with the correct height clearance. I have plenty of width. Any advice on a pair of tires that will not break the bank that have a low height? I'm looking for something in the $20-$30 range.

Do 700 X 28mm's fit on your bike as they do with most other road bikes? If so, consider Hutchinson Pythons. The tread and belts are ideal for the trails but they are heavier than pure road tires. They have these in 32's also but I'm guessing those won't fit.



Check their website. The companies don't tend to list the cross-sectional height of the tires but they may respond to an email.

Thanks MLH.

Erik I made a mistake in my post. The Hutchinson model that I meant for you is the ACROBAT 700 X 28, not the Python. Sorry about that.

Used the Acrobats on a ride from Clinton to St. Charles in May and really liked them.

I used Continental Ultra Gatorskins size 700 X 28 for entire trail without flattening and even after a severe downpour it didn't sink into the crushed limestone.

I rode the trail on 700x25 bontrager slicks once. The ony flat I got was on the paved road in Sedalia. Ironic?



Like the others mentioned, I would go with a 700x28 tire with a slight knobbie tread. The 28s should fit any road bike.

A gem on the downtown Clinton Square. It is beautifully decorated with antiques in the original Ben Franklin Five and Dime building.

The food was delicious and the service excellent.

A gem on the downtown Clinton Square. It is beautifully decorated with antiques in the original Ben Franklin Five and Dime building.

The food was delicious and the service excellent.

Tell us about your Katy trail bike ride experience!

Tell us about your Katy trail bike ride experience!

Recently had the pleasure of staying at Maxine’s Rooms for Rent, in Sedalia. Maxine’s is just a few blocks from the Katy Trail making it easy to get to at the end of the day and from on the morning start. Maxine and Pete are friendly and nice people. After arriving in Sedalia by train, I had dropped off my panniers and took a short ride on the trail. You can’t take fuel on the train so I needed to get fuel for my stove, while I was gone Pete picked up fuel for me. Greatly appreciated Pete! Had good conversation and a comfortable room, with a very good selection to choose from for breakfast. Had an enjoyable stay at Maxine‘s, that exceeded my expectations. Will stay there again if possible, when in Sedalia.

No longer a B&B

No longer a B&B

Hoping someone can suggest the best route to take (driving) to get from St. Louis (270/40) to the parking lot at Treloar Trailhead.

Appreciated.

Take 70 west to Warrenton exit, 47 south to N, turn right and go thru Holstein to Treloar. Check on MapQuest if you want to print it out

I am flying into KC soon, sending my bike to Clinton via FedEx to ride the Trail. How can I get from KC to Clinton? I'm having trouble interpreting the bus schedules on line.

The KC metro buses do not run as far as Clinton (that I know of). It is around 120 miles from KCI Airport to Clinton. I looked and Greyhound does not have a scheduled stop in Clinton, they go though Clinton though and might let you off there. When are you planning your trip?

Thanks for the info. I am coming to KC on Monday the 17th of this month, just bought the tickets. I am thinking that I will be better off to FedEx the bike to KC, put it on an Amtrak and train to Sedalia and start there. It seems simpler and I won't miss but about 35 miles of the Trail, and that part is not along the River.



Does that sound like a workable plan?

Sounds like a plan. I rode that section you would be missing last Sunday. It was spongy from recent rain and a little beat up (they allow horses on that section of the trail and there was some kind horse rally the weekend before). Still not a bad ride though.



Depending on what time you land I live within 20 minutes of KCI and might be able to help you out if you needed it.

Very generous offer. I believe I have everything covered but it's nice to know that I have a resource if I need a question answered. Stay tuned.

Family of four enjoyed a short ride(only gone an hour)from the parking lot on the west side of the Page Extension bridge but returned to a busted-out window in our vehicle and several missing items. We weren't the only car on the lot that was vandalized. Police officers said it happens all the time. If you choose to park there, lock your car and leave it completely void of anything including pocket change in the cup holder.

How do you all lock up your bikes when you are camping at the different camp grounds along the trail? I will have a bike and a BOB trailer. Thanks!

I purchased a Cable With Looped Ends 15 Feet By 3/8 Inch Diameter and lock to take care of this. I will have a bike and trailer as well.

Like this one:



www.hardwareandtools.com/Cable-With-Looped-Ends-15-Feet-By-3-8-Inch-Diameter-72DPF-by-Master-Lock-8258493.html

We are considering riding the entire Katy trail early October. We are new bikers but very active so I am not concerned about the distance but more about what we need to purchase to carry our stuff. I have read a lot on panniers but it seems that a trailer may be a better investment. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons? We plan on packing light and staying at B&B's along the way. Also, if we go with a trailer does anyone know if we can take a BOB trailer on Amtrak?? Thanks so much!!

Trailers are not allowed on Amtrak but I've heard of people getting them on. But I wouldnt plan on it.



I've been using one seatpost pack just over my rear wheel. I'm able to carry just what I need for 3 days but its tough. Last month,I picked up some panniers. I use them and the seatpost pack and now I have plenty of room. With a BOB you can carry everything including the kitchen sink. I guess it depends on how much cargo you have and how long you plan to stay on the trail.



Good Luck, Paulie

I would avoid the trailer if you can, and I think you can. The panniers give you much more flexibility and is all self contained on the bike. I have used a rear rack with a pannier on each side for months at a time. You should be able to pack adequately for the entire length of the trail with this option. If not, review the items you are bringing and downsize. I will assure you that if you have a trailer, you will fill it because you can. Good luck and foremost, have a good time.

I would avoid the trailer if you can, and I think you can. The panniers give you much more flexibility and is all self contained on the bike. I have used a rear rack with a pannier on each side for months at a time. You should be able to pack adequately for the entire length of the trail with this option. If not, review the items you are bringing and downsize. I will assure you that if you have a trailer, you will fill it because you can. Good luck and foremost, have a good time.

You can put everything you need for credit card touring in a rear bag with expandable sides that fits on a rack. Then a small handlebar bag for stuff like sunglasses etc. Check out Topeak.

We use a burley nomad trailer with a bag. We traveled with backpacks in the trailer, then took them out, packed the trailer in the bag, and carried it on to Amtrak with no problems. Where we had trouble though, was when we found out our reserved bike spots had been given to other bikes. So, the trailer/bag was not a problem and we really like the flexibility of traveling with a trailer.

This week I completed a 3 day (camping 2 nights) trip, using new panniers:



http://www.rei.com/product/780451



One held my sleeping bag and pad, the other clothes, food, stove, etc. I strapped my tent & a few other supplies to the top of the rear rack. Since you are doing B&Bs, you can fit more clothes, etc., without all of the camping materials.



If you will be doing a fairly short trip (>5 days), I believe panniers are the way to go, but longer might call for a trailer, which would hold more gear. As mentioned elsewhere, you might have trouble getting a trailer on Amtrak if you plan on taking the train.

If you are staying in B&B's you need to carry very little.. I just put a few things in a back pack and use a bungee cord to fasten on a small rack. You can make it three or four days easily this way without all the weight and nuisance. Buy what you need along the trail..

If you are staying in B&B's you need to carry very little.. I just put a few things in a back pack and use a bungee cord to fasten on a small rack. You can make it three or four days easily this way without all the weight and nuisance. Buy what you need along the trail..

We are going to ride the trail this summer and it will take us 7 days (We are going one way them back about 1/2 the way). We are camping 1/2 the time and staying at B&B the other 1/2. We got a trailer that folds up so we can take it on the trail back with us. Has anyone taken a trail on the trail how does it ride? I am know thinking if we should have just gone with the panniers but I do not know if we would have enough room?

I have done the trail twice from end to end and once from Boonville to St. Charles using panniers. If you are doing B&B and hotels you really don't need much. The panniers change the center of gravity but it is just nice to be completely self-contained when you roll in. The little trailers look neat but I would personally wind up carrying uch more than I needed.

Just my 2 cents, but - as a trailer lover - I am inclined to recommend against the trailer for your approach to this trip. I have used my trailer along with my panniers for my solo camping trips along the C&P, GAP, Le Petit Train du Nord, North Bend Rail Trail (WV), and have always loved it! I carry loads of stuff. One can adjust to the drag behind the bike and even forget it is back behind you. However, you wrote that you are packing light and using B&Bs for your lodging. I'd guess that you are also opting for restaurants over preparing your own food. If that's a good guess, than I can't think of a reasons for you to want to use a trailer. The trailer adds a non-negotiable increment of weight to your rig, adds wear and tear to your bike, another tube-tire that can go flat, and it is another lengthening encumbrance as you cross roads, hits bumps, and go round the bends. Moreover, like any extra suitcase, it invites you to pack more things than you really need. So I'd vote against taking the trailer - even if you own one. I wouldn't in your circumstances, I'd stick with the approach of light'n'easy.

Wow, thank you everyone for the info! Looks like panniers it is! Can't wait to ride!

If you go the trailer route and Amtrak doesn't allow trailers you can buy a shipping bag for the BoB trailer for about 100 bucks.

Then it's a piece of luggage.

Another belated vote for panniers...you only need one or two changes of clothes because nearly all of the B&Bs have a washer and dryer.

Dan of Centennial and daytoncapri got it down...watch the trap of filling 'cause you can and

you'll be fine. I own both panniers & trailer. Regards