Helpful Folks Along the Trail
- + Sedalia - Davidson Transportation - great for shuttles
Booneville - Chuck's Bike Shop - nice man, good work
Absolute Life Saver - O'Bryan's Taxi - 660-882-6666 - picked us up out in Prairie Lick...
Discussion started 03/20/2010 06:45 PM by Kenneth Jones - 9 replies (last reply by Hobo at 04/21/2010 09:46 AM)Kenneth Jones from Houston on 03/20/2010 06:45 PM
Sedalia - Davidson Transportation - great for shuttles
Booneville - Chuck's Bike Shop - nice man, good work
Absolute Life Saver - O'Bryan's Taxi - 660-882-6666 - picked us up out in Prairie Lick, hauled to Chuck's, fetched us from Maggie's and delivered us safely to Rocheport - all with great strories,, humor, and kindness! A very good man and a good number to keep for riding around Booneville!
Rocheport - Old School House B&B - pricey and the pizza was WAY overpriced, but a really great place to stay!
Jeff City - Briar Rose B&B - Randy & Jeanette Wilkerson - such a delightful couple and a great place to stay - very reasonable for what you get - Randy was a life saver in fetching us from the mud covered sludge fest that was the Katy trail.
Anonymous on 03/21/2010 09:45 AM
Thanks.. Good information. Seems like a lot of Texas folks come up to ride the trail..
Brian L. from Wichita on 03/21/2010 11:44 AM
Sedalia - I've always found the folks at the Railroad Heritage Museum in the Trailhead Depot to be very friendly, outgoing, encouraging, and informative. Nice bunch.
Lisa Friedemann, School House B+B from Rocheport on 04/12/2010 12:31 PM
We offer a $10 Monday night pizza option as a convenience for our cyclist guests who do not have access to a car since there are no food options on Monday evening in Rocheport before April 1st and after April 1st, the Trailside Cafe's grill is only open until 5:45pm. It is a frozen pizza (serves 2) that we bake and deliver hot to your Dormitory room at the time you request or serve it in our Common Room dining area if staying in the Inn, along with complimentary sodas. We offer this only as a convenience to our guests who prefer not to have to forage for food elsewhere after a long day on the trail. Most of them think that is worth $10.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/12/2010 08:55 PM
Lisa, $10 for a frozen pizza is expensive. I can go to Pizza Hut here in St. Louis and eat like a pig at their buffet with tea or soda + refills and still walk away spending less than $10. I will come to your B&B and pay double room price if I can't eat your $10 frozen pizza and drink 3 sodas after a long day on the trail.
Doug from Bluffton on 04/12/2010 09:30 PM
So Steve, what will you pay if you CAN eat their frozen pizza? The point here is that there is NOT a Pizza Hut in Rocheport and Lisa goes to the effort of preparing one for customers and makes maybe $5 for her effort. So she's making money on the room. So what? That is a separate deal. Cooking is extra. Would you complain about a bar charging $3-4 for a beer that you can go to the store and buy for $8 a six pack? Not if you want to be with friends at the bar. If you want it cheap at home then don't go to the bar.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/13/2010 07:45 AM
Doug, I would not have any problem paying whatever room rate they charge though I would also agree with Kenneth that the rooms are pricey. The point is that Lisa is skinning her guests for a couple extra bucks for a Monday Night frozen pizza when they are already paying full price for their room. Nothing wrong with that, this is America. However, if someone has a problem with it, then just let it slide, don't come on here claiming that "Most of them think that is worth $10", because clearly it is not.
Doug from Bluffton on 04/13/2010 03:11 PM
Steve,if there is "nothing wrong with that" then why are you belaboring the point as if it is central to your argument? She has every right to state her defense that most people feel it is worth the cost. She is in a much better position to know how many of her guests feel it is worth $10 than we are. Just because you don't feel it is worth that, does not mean it "clearly is not". My friends, and guests here feel that is a reasonable price to have service at your door, as do I.
The Psychlist on 04/13/2010 04:27 PM
Heck, I'd pay $10 after a long day on the trail. Some guests might expect a special deal on this kind of stuff, and some B&Bs might even offer bonus food made to order, at cost. But like Doug said, it's not unreasonable to add a few bucks to the cost of the pizza for her time and effort.
Hobo on 04/21/2010 09:46 AM
I'd rather have a full meal than a pizza. As the name inplies, B&B's may not typically serve dinner. Some of the B&B's that are remote and cater to cyclists do offer dinner. But, come on, for the convenience, if you haven't planned ahead otherwise.....this is what these people do...they offer a service....don't begrudge them a small fair profit....especially when it is for your convenience. Now let's complain about convenience store prices.....
Show Me MO Tours Shuttle (St Charles)
- + A friend and I plan to bike the Katy trail this summer. We would like to be shuttled from St. Charles where we plan to leave our car to Clinton where we will start our ride. Can Show Me MO Tours pro...
Discussion started 04/15/2010 03:49 PM by Steve - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/21/2010 09:34 AM)Steve on 04/15/2010 03:49 PM
A friend and I plan to bike the Katy trail this summer. We would like to be shuttled from St. Charles where we plan to leave our car to Clinton where we will start our ride. Can Show Me MO Tours provide this service and how much will it cost?
Steve on 04/15/2010 03:49 PM
A friend and I plan to bike the Katy trail this summer. We would like to be shuttled from St. Charles where we plan to leave our car to Clinton where we will start our ride. Can Show Me MO Tours provide this service and how much will it cost?
Ray (webmaster) on 04/16/2010 08:16 AM
They might not see your question here - I suggest that you call them directly at 314-781-0015
Ray (webmaster) on 04/16/2010 08:16 AM
They might not see your question here - I suggest that you call them directly at 314-781-0015
Rhona Lococo from St Charles on 04/16/2010 05:50 PM
we at Lococo House III shuttle to Clinton please call at 636-946-0619 for details and prices
Rhona Lococo from St Charles on 04/16/2010 05:50 PM
we at Lococo House III shuttle to Clinton please call at 636-946-0619 for details and prices
Anonymous on 04/21/2010 09:34 AM
You could also try Rendleman Home in Bluffton, MO, They offer long distance shuttle for up to 6 people and bikes, including trikes and recumbs. Get their info on this site.
Anonymous on 04/21/2010 09:34 AM
You could also try Rendleman Home in Bluffton, MO, They offer long distance shuttle for up to 6 people and bikes, including trikes and recumbs. Get their info on this site.
Clinton Trailhead (Clinton)
- + I plan on riding the Katy Trail next fall. Where is the best place to leave my car? I plan on making a round trip.
Discussion started 11/30/2006 05:31 PM by Rick - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/20/2010 06:04 PM)Rick from Sparta, MO on 11/30/2006 05:31 PM
I plan on riding the Katy Trail next fall. Where is the best place to leave my car? I plan on making a round trip.
Rick from Sparta, MO on 11/30/2006 05:31 PM
I plan on riding the Katy Trail next fall. Where is the best place to leave my car? I plan on making a round trip.
Arkie from Fort Smith on 12/01/2006 06:35 AM
The TH is Clinton is a well exposed public site and I was quite comfortable leaving a vehicle there.
Arkie from Fort Smith on 12/01/2006 06:35 AM
The TH is Clinton is a well exposed public site and I was quite comfortable leaving a vehicle there.
Rafo from Panama Canal Zone, Panama on 04/10/2010 11:15 AM
Nice - I agree. I will be starting a ride from Clinton today. Day is amazingly beautiful -
Rafo from Panama Canal Zone, Panama on 04/10/2010 11:15 AM
Nice - I agree. I will be starting a ride from Clinton today. Day is amazingly beautiful -
jd from GKC on 04/11/2010 01:34 PM
You can also park at the Clinton Community Center about 2-blocks away from the trailhead, which is open very early and late. That lot is lit and patrolled locally. You'll need to park on the north side of the lot, and leave your info at/on the desk..i.e., your name, vehicle type, tag#, home address/phone, how long you estimate being gone or leaving it there etc. To make sure, give them a call first. Happy trails.
jd from GKC on 04/11/2010 01:34 PM
You can also park at the Clinton Community Center about 2-blocks away from the trailhead, which is open very early and late. That lot is lit and patrolled locally. You'll need to park on the north side of the lot, and leave your info at/on the desk..i.e., your name, vehicle type, tag#, home address/phone, how long you estimate being gone or leaving it there etc. To make sure, give them a call first. Happy trails.
TT from Kansas City on 04/19/2010 08:12 PM
Just completed a 3-day trip from Clinton to Hermann. I parked at the Community Center a block or so from the trail head. Clean, safe, friendly staff. They even let me use the spacious and modern changing rooms to get into my bike gear. They wished me well and said they'd look after my vehicle. It made for a great start to the trip. The TH looked safe too but on balance I think the community center is the way to go.
TT from Kansas City on 04/19/2010 08:12 PM
Just completed a 3-day trip from Clinton to Hermann. I parked at the Community Center a block or so from the trail head. Clean, safe, friendly staff. They even let me use the spacious and modern changing rooms to get into my bike gear. They wished me well and said they'd look after my vehicle. It made for a great start to the trip. The TH looked safe too but on balance I think the community center is the way to go.
Anonymous on 04/20/2010 06:04 PM
Ditto here. Community center is the only way to go..... Very safe..
Anonymous on 04/20/2010 06:04 PM
Ditto here. Community center is the only way to go..... Very safe..
best route to take
- + My husband and I were planning 2-3 day bike trip on the katy trail, but didn't know what the best route we should take with a 3 year old.
Discussion started 04/17/2010 08:30 AM by biking with a toddler - 4 replies (last reply by michael rodemeyer at 04/20/2010 05:51 PM)biking with a toddler from west plains on 04/17/2010 08:30 AM
My husband and I were planning 2-3 day bike trip on the katy trail, but didn't know what the best route we should take with a 3 year old.
festus on 04/17/2010 01:45 PM
depending on where you want to go, i personally thin rocheport then east is prettiest. i have ridden clinton to sedialia, plain but nice. augusta to hartsburg is also nice, but only a couple hour ride.
be safe, have fun.
Anonymous on 04/17/2010 05:23 PM
Augusta to Hartsburg in 2 hours? A piddley 43.5 mph average????
Anonymous on 04/18/2010 12:05 AM
sorry, supposed to be defiance to augusta. had my mind else where. sorry.
michael rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 04/20/2010 05:51 PM
I can see how Hartsburg just automatically comes to mind. Please try and come to our little town anyway. If you have questions you can call our new mayor Gary caldwell at 573-657-7302 or email him at GECALDWELL@centurytel.net
No shuttle to Holts Summit
- + America's Best Value Inn in Holts Summit no longer offers shuttle service from the N. Jefferson trailhead. This matters, because it's a long haul by bicycle, either up a long steep road with no bike l...
Discussion started 04/19/2010 08:36 AM by edge - 8 replies (last reply by jd at 04/20/2010 04:39 PM)edge from backus, mn on 04/19/2010 08:36 AM
America's Best Value Inn in Holts Summit no longer offers shuttle service from the N. Jefferson trailhead. This matters, because it's a long haul by bicycle, either up a long steep road with no bike lane and some traffic, or a more gradually sloped eight miles on busy highway US 54 (which does have a good wide paved shoulder, but lots of fast traffic). No fun at the end of the day if you're expecting a ride.
Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 04/19/2010 05:25 PM
There is a new sign at the North Jefferson trail head (under the overpass) that says HOLTS SUMMIT SPUR. Does anyone know how far or where it goes in Holts Summit? Maybe there is a better way now.
Skyguy9999 on 04/19/2010 05:56 PM
It would seem that there is indeed a Holts Summit fork to the Katy Trail. The MO DNR site indicates that there will be a trail dedication ceremony on May 15.
Since such a thing exists, it would render any shuttle services out of Holt Summit useless.
Gary near Tebbetts from Tebbetts, MO on 04/19/2010 09:51 PM
The Holts Summit spur is really a short section that now connects up with route AC (Summit Drive) the two lane blacktop just east of the trail that leads into Holts Summit.
jd from gkc on 04/20/2010 08:45 AM
Regarding the shuttling serices here, both the DeVille and the Truman in Jeff-City could still be shuttling bikers from the trailhead. They are located about 2-miles sse of this N-Jeff trailhead. One of both might be also be giving Katy-user discounts as well?
Anonymous on 04/20/2010 09:52 AM
The DeVille will shuttle you to Holts Summit?
jd from gkc on 04/20/2010 11:37 AM
Ha ha. You can ask them that. :) :) Personally, I'd ride into Jeff-City for lodging. It's much closer and the bridge crossing isn't that bad?
For example, to get to the Hotel DeVille, take the Katy Spur southward from the westside of the trailhead to 4th St (this spur goes under Hwy-63), and then bear right to Cedar City Drive (also called Airport Road). Then ride east a short distance to the north-south Hwy-54/63. Take the southbound ramp (it goes with the traffic on westside) over the bridge.
This side of the bridge has no shoulder or bike pathway like on its east side. But it has at least 3-lanes. Then, on the south side of the bridge, take the first exit on the right (Main); go east about 6-blocks toward the Capitol Bldg to Broadway, and then go south 3-4 blocks to Hwy-63/old-50 (which goes east-west sort of, askew) to the DeVille.
Still, this new spur to Holts Summit does offer no bridge crossings even tho it's further away. Happy lodging.
Anonymous on 04/20/2010 12:57 PM
Blah, blah, blah. Subject: No shuttle to Holts Summit
jd from gkc on 04/20/2010 04:39 PM
Subject point well taken!
Initial discussion was also about being tired and expecting a shuttle ride.
Cell phone?
- + Something you don't think about when you're traveling by car, but if my cell phone dies on the trail are there any electrical outlets at the trailheads to plug my charger in?
It would only use ...
Discussion started 04/15/2010 09:20 PM by Brad - 2 replies (last reply by TT at 04/19/2010 08:05 PM)Brad from Pea Ridge on 04/15/2010 09:20 PM
Something you don't think about when you're traveling by car, but if my cell phone dies on the trail are there any electrical outlets at the trailheads to plug my charger in?
It would only use like two cents of electricity to do so, but finding an outlet might be a problem.
Any comments?
Thanks,
Brad
michael rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 04/16/2010 05:29 PM
Come to Hartsburg and we'll see that you get recharged.
TT from Kansas City on 04/19/2010 08:05 PM
I hit the same issue and a very kind Subway manager in Sedalia let me plug my phone in to recharge while I was eating lunch. No-one will throw you out for asking and I'm sure most store owners will accomodate if they can. To answer your question more specifically - I didn't see outlets at any trail heads.
Camping question
- + Ive got kind of an odd question but i prefer to sleep in a jungle hammock instead of a tent. Do most of the campsites have trees? Mainly im curious about Sedalia and Boonville that area. I would like ...
Discussion started 04/12/2010 04:48 PM by gabe - 3 replies (last reply by Gene at 04/17/2010 11:46 PM)gabe from springfield on 04/12/2010 04:48 PM
Ive got kind of an odd question but i prefer to sleep in a jungle hammock instead of a tent. Do most of the campsites have trees? Mainly im curious about Sedalia and Boonville that area. I would like to do a 2-3 day trip next weekend. If anyone can help i appreciate it.
Nancydb from Skiatook, OK on 04/14/2010 03:45 AM
There are plenty of trees at the Katy Roundhouse campgrounds which is a little past Booneville.
michael rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 04/16/2010 05:38 PM
We have trees in Hartsburg.
Gene on 04/17/2010 11:46 PM
The Katy Roundhouse is correct as there are three campsites. It is near the small town of
Franklin (south of New Franklin). You'll see the old rusting turntable. There are trees there at
the campsites. An easy ride into Boonville or New Franklin for supplies. You might also
check the campground at Portland. It is near a woods.
Hartsburg Inn (Hartsburg)
- + We stayed here during the week with Cath and had a great time. The Hartsburg Inn is well set up for kids, as we put them in one room with twins and we took the other. Breakfast is a little light-on (b...
Discussion started 04/16/2010 08:03 AM by Paul & Fiona - 1 reply (last reply by michael rodemeyer at 04/16/2010 05:36 PM)Paul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 08:03 AM
We stayed here during the week with Cath and had a great time. The Hartsburg Inn is well set up for kids, as we put them in one room with twins and we took the other. Breakfast is a little light-on (but only because of our experience at The Doll House I expect), but adequate. Both The Hitching Post and The Big Muddy were open for business.
Paul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 08:03 AM
We stayed here during the week with Cath and had a great time. The Hartsburg Inn is well set up for kids, as we put them in one room with twins and we took the other. Breakfast is a little light-on (but only because of our experience at The Doll House I expect), but adequate. Both The Hitching Post and The Big Muddy were open for business.
michael rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 04/16/2010 05:36 PM
We're glad you stayed in our little town. Catherine does a great job as hostess as well as Jeanette at the Globe B & B. Glad the Hitching Post and Big Muddy were open. Their hours are later in the day but they may open sooner in the day if there is enough need. Please let them know.
michael rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 04/16/2010 05:36 PM
We're glad you stayed in our little town. Catherine does a great job as hostess as well as Jeanette at the Globe B & B. Glad the Hitching Post and Big Muddy were open. Their hours are later in the day but they may open sooner in the day if there is enough need. Please let them know.
Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel (Boonville)
- + Stayed here during the week and had a good experience. Secure bike parking and a cheap gambler-subsidized room rate, including dinner, made it very economical. Book direct online and follow the 'Play ...
Discussion started 04/16/2010 08:14 AM by Paul & Fiona - 0 repliesPaul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 08:14 AM
Stayed here during the week and had a good experience. Secure bike parking and a cheap gambler-subsidized room rate, including dinner, made it very economical. Book direct online and follow the 'Play & Stay' option. The buffet was OK, definately not gourmet, but good for the price (free!). The casino itself is a disaster and we would advise all to stay away. Visualize people shuffling from machine to machine, oxygen tank in one hand, cigarette in the other - you have to see it to believe it. We left at 8am the following morning, just in time to see several serious "players" waking up in their cars in the car park to get back in for opening time (the casino closes between 5 and 8am). If you can shield your kids from this aspect, its a bargain place to stay at.
Paul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 08:14 AM
Stayed here during the week and had a good experience. Secure bike parking and a cheap gambler-subsidized room rate, including dinner, made it very economical. Book direct online and follow the 'Play & Stay' option. The buffet was OK, definately not gourmet, but good for the price (free!). The casino itself is a disaster and we would advise all to stay away. Visualize people shuffling from machine to machine, oxygen tank in one hand, cigarette in the other - you have to see it to believe it. We left at 8am the following morning, just in time to see several serious "players" waking up in their cars in the car park to get back in for opening time (the casino closes between 5 and 8am). If you can shield your kids from this aspect, its a bargain place to stay at.
Jefferson City - Capitol Plaza Hotel
- + Nice hotel with a big pool and spa to relax in after a hard ride. We got a great rate and they were happy to store our bikes for us. Perhaps the closest hotel to the bridge and only a few blocks to do...
Discussion started 04/16/2010 07:59 AM by Paul & Fiona - 0 repliesPaul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 07:59 AM
Nice hotel with a big pool and spa to relax in after a hard ride. We got a great rate and they were happy to store our bikes for us. Perhaps the closest hotel to the bridge and only a few blocks to downtown restaurants. During check-in I saw a guy with his own pillow strapped to his suitcase and I thought "what a pussy." Unfortunately, I was the fool though as he had obviously stayed here before! The rooms are great and the beds comfortable, but our pillows felt like old sheets or rags rolled up and stuffed into pillowcases! If you can't sleep without a decent pillow, stay away!
Doll House B&B (Rhineland)
- + Our stay at the Doll House was fantastic, as expected from all of the prior comments. Amanda was a great hostess, and her extensixe breakfast was welcome before hitting the trail for a big day's ridin...
Discussion started 04/16/2010 07:44 AM by Paul & Fiona - 0 repliesPaul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 07:44 AM
Our stay at the Doll House was fantastic, as expected from all of the prior comments. Amanda was a great hostess, and her extensixe breakfast was welcome before hitting the trail for a big day's riding. The rooms are immaculate and the beds very comfortable. The balcony is a must for dusk sundowners and dawn coffee - the photos don't do the place justice. Highly recommended.
Paul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 07:44 AM
Our stay at the Doll House was fantastic, as expected from all of the prior comments. Amanda was a great hostess, and her extensixe breakfast was welcome before hitting the trail for a big day's riding. The rooms are immaculate and the beds very comfortable. The balcony is a must for dusk sundowners and dawn coffee - the photos don't do the place justice. Highly recommended.
Washington
- + We just rode the bridge last weekend (with kids in trailers) and indeed it wasn't pleasant, but far from impossible. In this part of the world, most people are pretty friendly and were happy to slow d...
Discussion started 04/16/2010 07:36 AM by Paul & Fiona - 0 repliesPaul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 07:36 AM
We just rode the bridge last weekend (with kids in trailers) and indeed it wasn't pleasant, but far from impossible. In this part of the world, most people are pretty friendly and were happy to slow down a little for the two minutes it took us to get across. Just plan to go off-peak if you are going to give it a go. Not for the faint-hearted!
Sleep Inn, Inn and Suites (Washington)
- + Nice hotel, well priced. The heated pool and spa were welcome after a hard day in the saddle. Breakfast was fine. Just note that it is a few miles beyond the bridge, at the top of a decent hill!
Discussion started 04/16/2010 07:31 AM by Paul & Fiona - 0 repliesPaul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 07:31 AM
Nice hotel, well priced. The heated pool and spa were welcome after a hard day in the saddle. Breakfast was fine. Just note that it is a few miles beyond the bridge, at the top of a decent hill!
Paul & Fiona from Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2010 07:31 AM
Nice hotel, well priced. The heated pool and spa were welcome after a hard day in the saddle. Breakfast was fine. Just note that it is a few miles beyond the bridge, at the top of a decent hill!