Katy Trail Forum

I spoke with Eddie a week prior to our bike trip from Rocheport to arrange a shuttle. We were biking east and wanted to be transported back to Rocheport at the end of the day. He quoted us a price of $1 a mile with a maximum of $35. I told him we would have 4 bikes and 4 people and he said the price would oover everyone and just to call on a cell when we needed to be picked up. When we called from the trail he wanted to know how many bikes we had and when I told him we had 4 bikes, 2 recumbents and 2 regular bikes, he said he had no way to haul recumbents. He said he would see "what he could find" and would call us back. He located a truck and a van and called us back and said that he would be there in 45 minutes. It took him an hour and a half and he piled our bikes into the back of a truck (no racks) and we rode in his van (very dirty, old and no seat belts). When we all got back to Rocheport he told us it would be $48 and I told him about the maximum $35 he had quoted. He argued with me and finally just accepted the $35. I felt this service was very unprofessional and was definitley the "low point" of our otherwise wonderful weekend.

I spoke with Eddie a week prior to our bike trip from Rocheport to arrange a shuttle. We were biking east and wanted to be transported back to Rocheport at the end of the day. He quoted us a price of $1 a mile with a maximum of $35. I told him we would have 4 bikes and 4 people and he said the price would oover everyone and just to call on a cell when we needed to be picked up. When we called from the trail he wanted to know how many bikes we had and when I told him we had 4 bikes, 2 recumbents and 2 regular bikes, he said he had no way to haul recumbents. He said he would see "what he could find" and would call us back. He located a truck and a van and called us back and said that he would be there in 45 minutes. It took him an hour and a half and he piled our bikes into the back of a truck (no racks) and we rode in his van (very dirty, old and no seat belts). When we all got back to Rocheport he told us it would be $48 and I told him about the maximum $35 he had quoted. He argued with me and finally just accepted the $35. I felt this service was very unprofessional and was definitley the "low point" of our otherwise wonderful weekend.

That sure doesn't sound like a highlight....but just reading your post, you pulled a change-up on the guy telling him after the fact that you had special or differing circumstances.



It seems that to the layman a bike is a two wheeler, upright, conventional system. Amtrak seems to have the same idea. You can haul a "bike" on the train, but not a tandem or a recumbent. When you ride a tandem or recumbent, I think the burden is on us to explain how it differs from a regular bike when we wish to transport, ship, etc. as they do have different requirements. Or at least let the carrier know ahead of time what you want hauled. I sure can't haul our tandem the same way as the half bikes.

That sure doesn't sound like a highlight....but just reading your post, you pulled a change-up on the guy telling him after the fact that you had special or differing circumstances.



It seems that to the layman a bike is a two wheeler, upright, conventional system. Amtrak seems to have the same idea. You can haul a "bike" on the train, but not a tandem or a recumbent. When you ride a tandem or recumbent, I think the burden is on us to explain how it differs from a regular bike when we wish to transport, ship, etc. as they do have different requirements. Or at least let the carrier know ahead of time what you want hauled. I sure can't haul our tandem the same way as the half bikes.

Sounds like you owe O'Bryans the $13 to me. Not fully disclosing the special requirements of you transportation needs was not proper Katy Trail etiquette.

Sounds like you owe O'Bryans the $13 to me. Not fully disclosing the special requirements of you transportation needs was not proper Katy Trail etiquette.

FWIW - I agree with the other posters

FWIW - I agree with the other posters

Sounds like Eddie lost money on you, went out of his way to help in special circumstances, and to top it off you diss him here. Hope you didn't give him your name.

Sounds like Eddie lost money on you, went out of his way to help in special circumstances, and to top it off you diss him here. Hope you didn't give him your name.

He took a truck AND a van to get you and the bikes to Rocheport? I think Eddie should have told you it would be $48 before you got into the vehicles, not after he dropped you off, but for $35 you got a pretty good deal.

He took a truck AND a van to get you and the bikes to Rocheport? I think Eddie should have told you it would be $48 before you got into the vehicles, not after he dropped you off, but for $35 you got a pretty good deal.

Wow, guess I stirred up a storm. My purpose in telling my experience is so that anyone else who may be needing a shuttle will understand what they need to do perhaps and avoid possibly being stranded on the trail as I thought we were. It is difficult to explain without writing a "book" all the conversation that took place with this shuttle experience. Suffice it to say that I DID tell him or one of his employees before the trip what kind of bicycles we would be riding. After he picked us up, he said that the bikes we had would have been no problem with his regular van, he thought we had "tandems" or one of "those really long bikes" in his words. After riding 20 miles and being on the trail for 6 hours, our first conversation with him through the cell call seemed to us would result in us having to pedal all the way back to Rocheport and not get there before dark. I just think that a business that advertises a bike shuttle service would be more prepared, professional, and timely.

Wow, guess I stirred up a storm. My purpose in telling my experience is so that anyone else who may be needing a shuttle will understand what they need to do perhaps and avoid possibly being stranded on the trail as I thought we were. It is difficult to explain without writing a "book" all the conversation that took place with this shuttle experience. Suffice it to say that I DID tell him or one of his employees before the trip what kind of bicycles we would be riding. After he picked us up, he said that the bikes we had would have been no problem with his regular van, he thought we had "tandems" or one of "those really long bikes" in his words. After riding 20 miles and being on the trail for 6 hours, our first conversation with him through the cell call seemed to us would result in us having to pedal all the way back to Rocheport and not get there before dark. I just think that a business that advertises a bike shuttle service would be more prepared, professional, and timely.

Your "purpose in telling" your "experience is so that anyone else who may be needing a shuttle will understand what they need to do perhaps and avoid possibly being stranded on the trail as I thought we were."



For real now? That was your purpose, but yet you did not provide any sage advice to help anyone understand what they needed to do. I offered advice, not you. You thought you were stranded, but you weren't? I thought I had hit a deer north of Pilot Grove a couple of years ago and visions of me all skinned up, bloody, with a bike I couldn't ride flashed through my head. But actually, I jammed on the brakes and missed hitting her hind quarter by inches. Darn...good story gone bad there.



And all in all, each person in your group paid $8.75 to be shuttled 20 miles with their bike. Maybe they could be more prepaired, more professional, or faster on the draw....but it only cost you the price of a burger and some greasy fries!

Your "purpose in telling" your "experience is so that anyone else who may be needing a shuttle will understand what they need to do perhaps and avoid possibly being stranded on the trail as I thought we were."



For real now? That was your purpose, but yet you did not provide any sage advice to help anyone understand what they needed to do. I offered advice, not you. You thought you were stranded, but you weren't? I thought I had hit a deer north of Pilot Grove a couple of years ago and visions of me all skinned up, bloody, with a bike I couldn't ride flashed through my head. But actually, I jammed on the brakes and missed hitting her hind quarter by inches. Darn...good story gone bad there.



And all in all, each person in your group paid $8.75 to be shuttled 20 miles with their bike. Maybe they could be more prepaired, more professional, or faster on the draw....but it only cost you the price of a burger and some greasy fries!

Hey Trek! Have you noticed he never has used a name or hometown? Must not be TOO proud of his "advice" of which I didn't see any, just whining. Or maybe he DID give Eddie his name and doesn't want it spread around. Or maybe he'll Man Up and call Eddie to apologize and pay his due.

Hey Trek! Have you noticed he never has used a name or hometown? Must not be TOO proud of his "advice" of which I didn't see any, just whining. Or maybe he DID give Eddie his name and doesn't want it spread around. Or maybe he'll Man Up and call Eddie to apologize and pay his due.

I guess I just don't understand some people. It cost less than 9 bucks a person with their bike and there has to be something wrong?



Someone wasn't as professional, as fast, or as prepaired as they should have been for only 9 bucks?



How do folks afford to ride a bent who quibble over pocket change? What on earth do people expect for only 9 bucks?

I guess I just don't understand some people. It cost less than 9 bucks a person with their bike and there has to be something wrong?



Someone wasn't as professional, as fast, or as prepaired as they should have been for only 9 bucks?



How do folks afford to ride a bent who quibble over pocket change? What on earth do people expect for only 9 bucks?

Geez, these people jump through hoops for you and all you have to do is complain and stiff them? Sounds like next time they just need to leave you on the trail and tell you to find your own transport.



You don't ride the trail and expect a butler and chauffer waiting for you at every waypoint.

Geez, these people jump through hoops for you and all you have to do is complain and stiff them? Sounds like next time they just need to leave you on the trail and tell you to find your own transport.



You don't ride the trail and expect a butler and chauffer waiting for you at every waypoint.

I stranded myself on the trail last year- exhausted. I called the guy out of Rocheport (I don't think he is still there). He came and got me took me back to Rocheport, helped me find a room, and checked on me later to see if I was okay. He couldn't have been nicer but his service was expensive. But, he was well worth every dollar. He went thru a lot of difficulty getting me back to safty. I think you owe more than $13. Next time make sure your daddy knows where you are.

I stranded myself on the trail last year- exhausted. I called the guy out of Rocheport (I don't think he is still there). He came and got me took me back to Rocheport, helped me find a room, and checked on me later to see if I was okay. He couldn't have been nicer but his service was expensive. But, he was well worth every dollar. He went thru a lot of difficulty getting me back to safty. I think you owe more than $13. Next time make sure your daddy knows where you are.

Being in the transportation business myself, i realized all to well how hard it is to be equipped for every situation. I rely on my customers to fully apprise me of their transportation needs. I also will say that 1 dollar per mile is cheap as most companies who carry bikes charge 1.50 to 2.00 plus hauling fees for bicycles. Any taxicab may be found dirty at given points in time (they are public transportation), however state inspections dictate that the seat belts are installed in these vehicles. I have used O'Bryan's Taxi service on several occasions when visiting Boonville and have always found them to be courteous and helpful.

Being in the transportation business myself, i realized all to well how hard it is to be equipped for every situation. I rely on my customers to fully apprise me of their transportation needs. I also will say that 1 dollar per mile is cheap as most companies who carry bikes charge 1.50 to 2.00 plus hauling fees for bicycles. Any taxicab may be found dirty at given points in time (they are public transportation), however state inspections dictate that the seat belts are installed in these vehicles. I have used O'Bryan's Taxi service on several occasions when visiting Boonville and have always found them to be courteous and helpful.

I am very grateful to the transportation offered me and my four freinds and our bikes (regular) from Rocheport to Boonville. It wasn't O'Bryans, but Brett from Mighty Mo Canoe Rental picked us up at the General Store and packed our bikes for us and was very nice and accomadating. I don't think shuttling is his business necessarily. But we were very glad he was willing to help. My friend had hurt her knee and couldn't ride back the 13 miles to Boonville, beside the fact it had gotten quite cool by 4:30. I think the lesson here is make sure you tell the service what you have before you ask for a price. And as far as the dirty van...if it was late in the day at all....dirty bikes and bikers can do that.Kudos to the owner of the General Store and Brett at Mighty MO for all their help!!! Four Stranded Cyclists

I am very grateful to the transportation offered me and my four freinds and our bikes (regular) from Rocheport to Boonville. It wasn't O'Bryans, but Brett from Mighty Mo Canoe Rental picked us up at the General Store and packed our bikes for us and was very nice and accomadating. I don't think shuttling is his business necessarily. But we were very glad he was willing to help. My friend had hurt her knee and couldn't ride back the 13 miles to Boonville, beside the fact it had gotten quite cool by 4:30. I think the lesson here is make sure you tell the service what you have before you ask for a price. And as far as the dirty van...if it was late in the day at all....dirty bikes and bikers can do that.Kudos to the owner of the General Store and Brett at Mighty MO for all their help!!! Four Stranded Cyclists

Bed and Breakfast is off the beaten path and away from town. You have to drive through an asphalt plant to get there. The mansion is beautiful, but in need of repairs and upkeep, but the rooms were fine.



Stayed in the Scarlett O'Hara suite, which is overpriced, but the room and jacuzzi tub were a nice retreat after a day of riding.



Staff was friendly and attentive.

Bed and Breakfast is off the beaten path and away from town. You have to drive through an asphalt plant to get there. The mansion is beautiful, but in need of repairs and upkeep, but the rooms were fine.



Stayed in the Scarlett O'Hara suite, which is overpriced, but the room and jacuzzi tub were a nice retreat after a day of riding.



Staff was friendly and attentive.

We almost left before ordering, because it took so long just to get water. But, we are glad we stayed, our lunch was Turkey on Pretzel Roll with Avacado and Quesidillas were both excellent.



Will definitely return.

We almost left before ordering, because it took so long just to get water. But, we are glad we stayed, our lunch was Turkey on Pretzel Roll with Avacado and Quesidillas were both excellent.



Will definitely return.

For you that live along the trail.....Doug.....whats the fall color like this week? We cancelled a trip to the Racoon River Trail in Iowa for the weekend because of snow and cold on Sunday in the forcast and are thinking of the Katy instead. I'm guessing it may be a bit early yet but at least the weather looks good for the weekend.

It's starting to really look nice. Awful wet right now but the colors are getting strong already. If it isn't too wet this weekend should be fantastic.

It seems like right now the fall color is mostly Rocheport east and somewhat spotty. Jefferson City east was pretty over the weekend....with the Portland to Rhineland area and Augusta to Weldon Springs very pretty.

This is from the Missouri Department of Conservation web site today:



Central Region, including Columbia, Jefferson City and Lake of the Ozarks:

Central Missouri is finally experiencing some dramatic fall color changes. A look across the canopy reveals reds, oranges, yellows, purples and browns. Sugar maple, red oak, sassafras, persimmon and dogwood account for most of the red and orange hues, while hickory, green ash and silver maple are turning yellow. Much of the forest is still green, but color shifts seem to be noticeable almost daily. The next few days will produce some heavy rains and cool temperatures. This will knock many leaves off of the trees and stimulate the remainder to cease chlorophyll production, revealing other colorful leaf pigments. Central Missouri's fall color peak appears to be right on schedule: October 15. Next week should be the best week of the month for viewing fall color. Explore Painted Rock Conservation Area in Osage County or Hart Creek Conservation Area in Boone County for an afternoon hike through oak-hickory forest, woodland and glade habitats. Also, consider a drive along Highway 94 between Jefferson City and Hermann to see the changing color on the river bluffs.

Finally made it to the Katy Trail on the 10th of October...road from Boonville to the Burr Oak Tree and back to Rocheport. Thanks to all who post here. All the comments were so helpfull in planning our trip. The day was brisk but sunny and beautiful..the trail was beautiful with just the beginning of fall colors showing. Three freinds and I loved the trip and plan to return next spring. We missed getting to eat at Abigails by 10 minutes...but the General Store was great! They had good food at a good price and the service was great too. There was an art festival going on and we actually got to try Malaysian Banana Fritters. Thanks to Brett for the transport back to Boonville after one of our company hurt her knee and couldn't peddle the 13 miles back to Boonville. Rocheport is a great little spot.

Charla,



That is my favorite sectiono of the trail to ride as well and want to do it again possibly on the 18th before the leaves fall. I was afraid that the peak foliage would be over by this Sunday but by your comments it sounds like it may really be spectacular by this weekend. Anyone else have any update on the fall foliage and what it will be like this weekend?



Thanks!

I biked the KATY east to west from St Charles to Clinton and am currently sitting at the Main St Cafe in Clinton enjoying their free wireless.



Highlights:

My fabulous warmshowers hosts in Ferguson, MO who fed me, took me around town, and gave me directions to the trail.



Augusta Brewhouse - great beer, brats, MUSTARD, and they let me camp just below the restaurant on the grass.



Hermann -(thanks for the ride judy!) Stonehill Winery was great! Just $2.50 for the tour and all the wine samples you can drink (thanks Sheila!). Also check out the Tin Mill Brewery for tasty local beer. Time for Pie had good coffee and brats. Camping in the city park was fun and the showers were hot!



Hartsburg - Sleeping in the RED CABOOSE. Go to Dottie's Cafe and ask for Bill, he rents it by the night. You can also camp next to the gazebo. Thanks, Dottie, for spotting me breakfast (no ATM in town) - cash is in the mail.



Tebbetts - didn't stay in the hostel (lunch stop) but the place looked great and the bike room had most tools you'd need.



Boonville - the Hotel Frederick was a nice break from weeks of camping. They store bikes indoors and have lovely rooms. Ask for room 6 for a hot tub to soak the aches.



Sedalia - Great information at the depot. Many thanks to Linda for helping sort routes out of Missouri and for directions to the fairgrounds. $10 per person for a tent spot and a decent shower. No tables. Close to a grocery store and laundromat.



Clinton - Desty and the civic center staff. Thanks for the route help. Free camping and showers right off the trail!



This website! I couldn't have asked for a better resource in planning the trip. Thanks for the hard work in putting the site together and maintaining it.



Thank you to all the lovely people I met who made it a very memorable experience. I'll be talking about the KATY for years to come.

Thanks for the wonderful comments! We are proud of the Katy here in Missouri and we think Ray and this website is the best!

We enjoyed our stay at the Globe Hotel. Jeannette greeted us with lemonade and provided a deluxe continental breakfast for us (fresh muffins, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, warm cinnamon buns). There are three well-behaved resident cats in the house (they are not allowed in the guests rooms) so if you are allergic you might not want to stay here.

We don't recommend traveling the Katy Trail on Monday or Tuesday though, as the services were very limited and most of the restaurants closed.

Could you explain more about services and restaurants that were closed? We are planning a Monday, Tuesday Wednesday ride (Rocheport, Hartsburg, Augusta) in August.

Not good, Michele. Most businesses in Rocheport and Hartsburg are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Click on the towns on the map at the top of this page for information. Also, were you planning to ride Hartsburg to Augusta in one day? It's 87 miles. I'm not saying you can't do it, but I would not want to without plenty of food.

One option - although it might not fit your riding plans - is to ride into Columbia, where you'll be able to find anything you need any day of the week. The MKT trail, which leads into the heart of Columbia, connects with the Katy Trail at mile 169.9, just west of McBaine. The downside is that it's 9 miles into Columbia, so this will add 18 miles round-trip to your total mileage.

We are doing Rocheport, Hartsburg, Bluffton, Augusta, Monday - Wednesday. I have called a few places between Rocheport and Hartsburg, (Trailside Cafe-Rocheport, Katfish Katy's-Huntsdale, Lucy's-McBain, Coopers Landing, yesterday Monday and today (Tuesday) and talked to live people who said they were open on Mondays, so I'm not too worried, but I will take some emergency food along! Do you think things have changed from a few weeks ago?

We stayed at the Globe and found it a good value. Jeanette is a great hostess. Breakfast was good for biking, and Jeanette got up early so we could get a good early start and beat the heat. The Globe is not fancy, but the rooms and bathrooms are spotless. The winery or Dotties were not open because we arrived on a Monday, but we ate an early dinner/late lunch at the Hitching Post at 4pm. We arrived in town at 10:00 am, took a walk, a nap, and ate energy bars until the bar opened. Hartsburg is definitely a sleepy little town!

Our group of 9 stayed at the Globe Hotel September 23 and were very pleased. Jeanette was delightful and very gracious . . . greeting us with homemade lemonade. The rooms were clean and comfy, breakfast was delicous as described above. All rooms are up a steep stairway, so if stairs are difficult to navigate, one would not want to stay here. We were very fortunate to learn a brand new bar had opened next door the week before, as Dottie's has closed and there would not have been any place for us to eat dinner the night of our stay. The food at the bar was delicious and the manager very attentive to us on arrival.