Katy Trail Round Trip in Six Days?
- + Hi All,
I am planning on riding The Katy round trip starting from Clinton. My goal is to ride 3 days each direction. Day one - Clinton to New Franklin (camp), Day two – New Franklin to Bluffton or...
Discussion started 02/09/2010 08:38 AM by Jim - 18 replies (last reply by Skyguy9999 at 04/26/2010 11:36 PM)Jim from Denver, Co on 02/09/2010 08:38 AM
Hi All,
I am planning on riding The Katy round trip starting from Clinton. My goal is to ride 3 days each direction. Day one - Clinton to New Franklin (camp), Day two – New Franklin to Bluffton or Rhineland (camp), Day three – Bluffton to St. Charles (hotel). Return will be – Day four – St.Charles to Hermann (hotel), Day five – Hermann to Rockeport (B&B), Day six – Rocheport to Clinton (hotel).
My goal is 75 – 85 miles a day is this realistic?
I’m planning on mid-May and I will be coming from Colorado on Friday. I will hit the trail on a Saturday morning ready to roll. I will be solo and with a BOB trailer and no more than 35lbs in the trailer.
I have done some touring and averaged 50 miles a day, but always in high altitude. That’s why I am thinking 75 – 85 miles is doable. I welcome your comments, please?
Jim
brad from st louis on 02/09/2010 10:02 AM
I once did a round trip of the katy (plus side trips) for 540 miles in 7 days, and it sounds like you are probably in better shape than I was.
The flatness of the trail is faster than a hilly road, but the gravel surface will slow you down compared to pavement.
Jim from St. Thomas on 02/09/2010 11:57 AM
We do a 4-day ride every year - 3 60-mile days and 45 miles on the last day. Your first and last legs will probably be your hardest. They will have the only inclines of the whole trip. That said, if you are in decent shape 75 - 85 mile days are very doable on the Katy. The only caveate I would throw out is to get a lot of seat-time in before you ride. If your butt is not used to sitting on a bike for 6 hours a day it can make for a pretty miserable trip.
trinjboro from jonesboro,ar on 02/09/2010 03:43 PM
I echo the saddle time. The KATY is really flat, especially compared to CO and you won't need to get out of the saddle any. You'll have to make yourself do so and this will really be hard on your backside.
maxine from sedalia on 02/10/2010 11:49 AM
If you plan on doing that many miles per day you won't have time to stop and enjoy the sights. We are not as scenic as Co. but have lots of nice things to see and do, the Katy Depot in Sedalia is a must, the winery's along the way etc. "Take time to stop and smell the roses". Enjoy your trip. Maxine-"Maxine's rooms for rent".
chris J from centralia IL on 02/10/2010 12:22 PM
Jim, if you are an early riser, and get on the trail near sun-up, you will have plenty of time to enjoy, and still finish each day by early afternoon. For some people, it's all adout the winerys, B&B's, antique shops..., for me, it's about the isolation of the trail, the river, the bluffs, nature, and being able to propell myself 400+ miles in less than a week. I did it once in 5 days and once in 4. But I did St Charles to Sedalia and back. So if you are fit enough to do 50-80 miles, you will have no problem. Enjoy!
jd from gkc on 02/12/2010 07:44 PM
Agree with the above comment. It's fairly easy to do 90-miles/day with an early start. Yet, mid-summer heat or rain could be a problem at times? Have you considered a rest day or two if needed? Otherwise; you should be okay with it. Enjoy.
Anonymous on 02/13/2010 09:17 AM
Fairly easy to to 90 miles a day on a rail trail? There are probably few who post here that would find that to be so.
jd from gkc on 02/14/2010 05:59 PM
Maybe. But I've seen distance riders do it quite a bit with time to stop and take pic's as well. Early birds also see neat game, like, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and lots of deer. Also, a rest day or a big breakfast helps a lot too, I think. :) :)
Anonymous on 02/15/2010 08:27 AM
Of course it's always easier to see someone else do it jd. wink wink wink
ChrisJ from Centralia, IL on 02/15/2010 11:04 AM
Quote: "Fairly easy to to 90 miles a day on a rail trail? There are probably few who post here that would find that to be so.
- posted 2/13/2010 9:17:54 AM"
Clairifaction: There are many levels of bike riders; those who only ride nice days 5-10 MPH and consider 10 miles a "long ride". And then there are those who ride 100+ miles per week 10 months out of the year and enjoy the occasional (with some pain) century (100 mile ride). The trail is for both, and everyone in between.
I would be willing to bet that most of those "90%" that you speak of could do 90 miles if they wanted to bad enough.
Jim from Denver, CO on 02/15/2010 01:42 PM
Thanks for all the comments everyone.
I do have rest days built in if needed and yes I'm an early riser. I will be trying to be on the trail around 6:00ish. Break camp and set off after a few hours of riding stop for some breakfast. It’s easy for me not to fix breakfast at a campsite because before you know it there goes another hour of fussing around.
Thanks again,
Jim
Trek on 02/15/2010 03:10 PM
Fitness is key. My guess is that most folks that I see on the Katy would not beleive that a Century (or 90 miles) would be fairly easy to pull off in a day.
There are those who can ride 100+ in a week. That's just 20 miles a day for 5 days or so. That is somewhat different than doing a near Century for six days straight. I'd have to reclassify a ride from "fairly easy" to something else if it involved pain.
Mike from Rocheport on 02/16/2010 06:23 PM
Jim, your plans to stay in Rocheport on the "flip-flop" should include us, www.schoolhousebb.com. Check it out and best of luck!
greg from glasgow, mt on 02/19/2010 11:04 PM
With 14+ hours of daylight, doing a Katy round trip in 6 days is very doable. I'm planning a similar trip for late April or early May. I would recommend doing a 75 to 100 mile day trip in a rural area with your loaded trailer a few weeks before your trip to make sure you and your bike are ready to handle it.
savage24 from KC MO on 03/03/2010 11:49 AM
Jim- It sounds like you will be traveling relatively light and not carrying much food. Plan your stops carefully! Do not assume services will be available in the small towns along the trail until you have confirmed it with a phone call.
Daytoncapri from Dayton OH on 04/26/2010 07:21 PM
Jim - wishing you a great trip.
Pubmeister from Sonoma, CA on 04/26/2010 09:01 PM
I agree with Maxine from Sedalia. When you return from a butt-busting 90 mpday bike
trip, what you come home with is bragging rights and a feeling of accomplishment, but
you won't come close to seeing the area and enjoying the uniqueness of the historic Katy
Trail. You can do all that mileage stuff at home. I know I won 't change your mind, I used
to do 80 mile days on tours, and I came home feeling good about it, but when I slowed
down to 45 mile days, I found out about the food, the local beers, the friendly people in
the cafes. I took more pictures and learned to sketch. I like it better now, and one of
these days when you're a geezer biker like me, you will also like it better. Meanwhile,
have a good trip, I'll be on the Trail in May, look for the old guy on the Blue Bianchi in the
slow lane. One word regarding saddle angst -- Vicodin.
Pubmeister
Skyguy9999 on 04/26/2010 11:36 PM
I can understand both sides of this one. In one respect, there are a few sights to see along the way (in some respects), and there are many folks who would appreciate it if people were to. But in the other respect, the Katy offers something that's rare when it comes to riding - the opportunity for distance without much pressure. It's flat, and has very little traffic concern compared with "back home" for most of us (rolling steep hills in MO and probably mountains in CO) and resources are generally easy to find without too much effort and planning. So it's a good intro to long-distance riding. And even if you already are versed in riding with all those stressors, it's always nice to get into nature and have a stress free time and see how your performance translates to an environment like the Katy.
Terry's Suds and Grub (Steedman)
- + Picked up some gossip about this bar, formerly known as "Steedman's Only Bar (SOBs)", at another tavern down the trail. It's had a bit of bad luck since Terry skipped town taking inventory and who kno...
Discussion started 04/23/2010 05:39 PM by Jeremy - 1 reply (last reply by The Dalton Boys at 04/26/2010 06:30 PM)Jeremy from St. Louis on 04/23/2010 05:39 PM
Picked up some gossip about this bar, formerly known as "Steedman's Only Bar (SOBs)", at another tavern down the trail. It's had a bit of bad luck since Terry skipped town taking inventory and who knows what else. Apparently, Bernie (the proprietor), is looking to get a new liquor license, and wants to open up again soon. Not sure how true any of this is, but it would be nice to have one more stop on the trail open for business.
Jeremy from St. Louis on 04/23/2010 05:39 PM
Picked up some gossip about this bar, formerly known as "Steedman's Only Bar (SOBs)", at another tavern down the trail. It's had a bit of bad luck since Terry skipped town taking inventory and who knows what else. Apparently, Bernie (the proprietor), is looking to get a new liquor license, and wants to open up again soon. Not sure how true any of this is, but it would be nice to have one more stop on the trail open for business.
The Dalton Boys from Austin, Texas on 04/26/2010 06:30 PM
Just passed through 3 days ago and the loading dock still had a huge pile of "remodeling"
garbage and was disappointed to see it...had a great time there in '02 when it was the SOB.
A lot of trail industries were still shut down (except KATY Roundhouse) including Trailside in
Rocheport. While it might have been technically open it wasn't at 10-ish in the morning.
Really need to think about water availability at all trailheads. I can do vault toilets just fine,
but water....gotta have it...rule of 3's. All in all without SOB, or TSG a real loss hope it rises
like the phoenix. Mark
The Dalton Boys from Austin, Texas on 04/26/2010 06:30 PM
Just passed through 3 days ago and the loading dock still had a huge pile of "remodeling"
garbage and was disappointed to see it...had a great time there in '02 when it was the SOB.
A lot of trail industries were still shut down (except KATY Roundhouse) including Trailside in
Rocheport. While it might have been technically open it wasn't at 10-ish in the morning.
Really need to think about water availability at all trailheads. I can do vault toilets just fine,
but water....gotta have it...rule of 3's. All in all without SOB, or TSG a real loss hope it rises
like the phoenix. Mark
Katy Trail
- + A girlfriend and me (also a female) will be biking the Katy Trail, Dutzow to Hermann, and would like a recommendation on where to stay in Hermann. A B&B is ok if there are two beds, which is very har...
Discussion started 04/25/2010 06:57 PM - 1 reply (last reply by SteveK at 04/26/2010 08:51 AM)Anonymous from St Louis on 04/25/2010 06:57 PM
A girlfriend and me (also a female) will be biking the Katy Trail, Dutzow to Hermann, and would like a recommendation on where to stay in Hermann. A B&B is ok if there are two beds, which is very hard to find. Anyone stay at the Hermann Motel?
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/26/2010 08:51 AM
The Herman Motel was acceptable as far as cleanliness, etc. when I was there last fall. It is also very easy to get to these days with the new bridge on Hwy 19. However, their so called "continental breakfast" should be renamed to something like "cheapest breakfast we could think of" cause I had to go to Casey's afterwards to avoid starving to death. I believe it has a few rooms with double beds and it may very well be your most economical option around there.
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!