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.
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.