Katy Trail Forum

Riding the trail from end to end in June. Here is the problem, we want to stay in Herman on a Sat night. All the BB's talk about is romance. Ya, no, did I mention I'm ridding this w/ my two sisters and niece. Really looking for soothing that has a few twin beds and close to the center of town Any ideas?

The Herman motel is nuthin' fancy but might work for you. It clean, friendly and best of all.....inexpensive.



Paulie

Call the Hermann vistors bureau. The ladies there will set you up with just what you need. Call as early as possible a lot of the places go pretty quick in the summer.

Hi: Check out the Harbour Haus, right at the Bridge, close to downtown, clean and

reasonable and run by super people. Am sure they could help you. Stayed there last fall.

Check out the Vinchester Inn - mixed reviews, BUT they have double rooms like you are seeking. also right in heart of town. Good luck,

Check out the Vinchester Inn - mixed reviews, BUT they have double rooms like you are seeking. also right in heart of town. Good luck,

Has anyone done the Katy in mid-March? How cold and wet was it?

Mostly early April..which was okay. March can be very chilly at night and early morning. The wetness depends on the amount of snow melting and the rain taking place. Otherwise, it's probably not bad for cool weather riding. However, most of the facilites at the trailheads are still closed then I think?

We are riding the TransAM route from Portland, Oregon and want to ride the KATY Trail. What is the best route to get to Clinton via Girard or Farlington,KS ??? Thanks

The important part of this would be if it is by car or by bike. By car, Google Maps shows it to be 110 miles, 3 hours (approx). For a bike, all I can suggest is to study the maps and see what would be comfortable for you (and where you can find lodging if you don't camp).

Todd, you may want to check crazyguyonabike.com by searching Katy Trail. There are several TransAM riders who have ridden the Katy that have CGOB journals ....and by chance they may have taken a route that fits in with your plans.

From what I know, several cross-country riders have gone out of their northern/southern routes to do the Katy. I’ve seen and met them, and read their posts. To them, the trail is a very good change of pace from either direction, east or west. But they don’t say exactly how they get there.



Yet, because Clinton has several creeks and spread-out lakes directly south of it, it might be best to head north from Girard (if on a bike), and then cut east over to Clinton at your discretion, possibly near Butler or Adrian, MO, or before.



Also, to save time and distance, you might consider starting north before getting to Girard, like, at Wichita or Chanute etc, or even before getting to KS, but that choice probably depends on the the known conditions of available roads, distances between the towns, and your group. Most of the KS secondary highways are fairly good.

Searching "Girard" and "Katy Trail" on crazyguyonabike.com the following is one of several links that appears. The link will take you to a map on bikely.com of the route taken by TransAM rider.



Katy Trail to ACA TransAm Route

Topic: Bicycle Touring

Website: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Katy-Trail-to-TransAm-Connector-WB

Features: Route: Hilly terrain, Long distance, Maps (online), Route planning, Rural

Locales: North America > United States > Missouri > Clinton

North America > United States > Kansas > Crawford > Girard - map

Notes: This is a 133 miles route connecting the Katy Trail in Clinton, MO to the ACA TransAm Route in Girard, KS. Please contact the me at john at nettlesfamily period com to update services along the route.

Great suggestion: reading 'crazyguyonabike.' Certain reports indicate that several transAM riders crossover from CO into KS via the mid-KS hwy. Then, at Newton, those wanting to do the Katy will head NE toward Iola and Garnett,KS, and then over to Clinton, MO from there.

From Girad Ks. You can east to 69 hwy to Ft. Scott then to Neveda Mo. on 54 to 71 hwy noth to Harrisonville Mo. east on 7 hwy to Clinton Mo.

Having read reports of problems getting bikes on the train, even with reservations,in the past, I'm wondering how reliable it is today. Are there still problems, or has it become a non-issue and we can count on using the train to get our bikes and us back to our starting point? Thanks,

Steve

Contact Amtrak with information about your bikes, luggage, trip, etc. and get the word from them if you can board with your specific type of bike and at the location required. It may be best to hear it straight from them if they can accommodate you or not.

WE just made reservations for three of us going from Kirkwood to Sedalia in May. The only guidance was that the pedals have to be removed and the handlebars loosened to turn parallel to the frame when stored. There is a limit of four bikes per trip, so book soon if you are considering.

I took the train from STL to KC last July. The only issue we had was that they rush you to board if you are not at one of the main stations (Downtown STL or KC). My buddy and I started loading our bikes, and one of the train employees threw our painners on the train behind us. We were a little upset with the lack of care, but in the end, nothing was damaged. I would recommend getting on at one of the main hubs, or you will be rushed. We were not asked to breakdown our bikes at all.

I have to agree that they rush you but I'm sure it's to stay on there schedule. Last spring over Memorial weekend I parked my car at Sedalia and rode the trail 3 days to Hermann and rode the Amtrak back to Sedalia to my car. I was mostly disappointed in the fact that I paid my $8.00 extra in advance to reserve a bike rack. The bike racks were already full so they just threw my bike and pack up on a luggage shelf laying on it's side. Not the way I wanted my bike to ride on it's side for the trip otherwise it was a nice train ride back to car.

I have to agree that they rush you but I'm sure it's to stay on there schedule. Last spring over Memorial weekend I parked my car at Sedalia and rode the trail 3 days to Hermann and rode the Amtrak back to Sedalia to my car. I was mostly disappointed in the fact that I paid my $8.00 extra in advance to reserve a bike rack. The bike racks were already full so they just threw my bike and pack up on a luggage shelf laying on it's side. Not the way I wanted my bike to ride on it's side for the trip otherwise it was a nice train ride back to car.

We got on in Washington, and you had to be QUICK but Amtrak personnel were there to

help. They leaned our bikes against the bulkhead in the front of the car--no disassembly

required. We reserved ahead of time.

Bring a bungee cord and move quickly and everything will work out.

We also had bike reservations, but the bike spots were full anyway (what's the point of reserving if they give them away to someone else). We had to use our own bungess to attach our bikes to the handicap bathroom door in the back. The Amtrak guy offered to attach them outside the back of the train. Needless to say, no one could use the handicap bathroom from Hermann to Sedalia.

There is a large beautiful, original pen/ink drawing of this wonderful tree at Art & Antiques in Rocheport on the Katy Trail...prints are available,too.

There is a large beautiful, original pen/ink drawing of this wonderful tree at Art & Antiques in Rocheport on the Katy Trail...prints are available,too.

Governor Nixon was in Boonville today to announce that the state of Missouri and the Union Pacific Railroad have come to an agreement and the bridge will remain in Boonville. Because of President Obama's stimulus package, money that Missouri received will be used to build a new bridge over the Osage River. Please help support the ongoing effort in Boonville to reopen this landmark bridge by pledging money to the Save the Katy Bridge Organization

That's a winner all around, now a different kind of support kicks in, it's a good day!

This is a sweet and long-awaited victory. Now just imagine being able to bike or walk across this amazing bridge. The organization that Parris mentioned, the Save the Katy Bridge Coalition, hopes to make that happen.

Awesome news. Can't wait to hike across!!!

Great news! Does anyone know of the timing or details regarding converting this into a pedestrian bridge? Ramps on both sides of the elevated portion and additional fencing no doubt.



Specifically, if and when this is opened, I hope it is announced in advance. It would nice to get a bunch of the regulars from this forum (and everyone else) together for a marginally lawful grand opening party.

Being out of state, I am confused. Can someone explain the basic significance of this bridge discussion? Is the Katy bridge currently inactive? How do you cross the river now? Can bikers cross on bike lanes now or with the traffic? Will this bridge be saved just so people can ride their bikes across but no vehicles?



thanks for any clarification on this,

PM, to answer your questions albeit not in order: The bridge is not in use for the Katy trail. As one can see in Ray's pic above, the center section is locked in the up position for barges etc. to pass, hence my questions in the post above. The trail is diverted past the casino and over to a dedicated cement wall protected bike lane on the Highway 40/Main St bridge, than back to the trail on the north side.



Since motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail, any modifications to it for trail use would be for pedestrian and bike use only one assumes.



As far as the significance of the bridge, besides its historical value, it has been the subject of an ongoing legal battle for several years. Others can probably explain this better than me and it's likely you and everybody else in this forum has followed this so forgive me but in a nutshell:



The Union Pacific planned to dismantle the bridge for its valuable steel such that they could use that to (finally) double track their main line over the Osage River mentioned above. This is a crucial bottleneck for this line. Had the stimulus money not come through and the Booneville bridge dismantled, the status of the Katy trail as "railbanked" (meaning, held in reserve for possible future reactivation as a railroad) would have likely been nulled due to this physical interruption in the right-of-way.



Based on documents from the 19th century, landowners that own the land on which the MKT built the railroad claim that the agreement was for the land to be returned to them if the railbank was broken. To summarize, if the bridge was taken down, it's possible the entire Katy Trial could have been lost. Understandably, there are strong feelings on both sides.



Others may chime in if my facts are bent somewhat but that's how I recall things.

Thanks for the explanation, MLH -- this topic had always confused me. :-S Now it makes more sense.

We went to Augusta in February and were pleasantly surprised to find that the Augusta Brewing Co. had live music. There was a festival going on (Shiver Fest I think?). We have been here before, and like this day, the atmosphere was relaxed, and we had a good time. Food was good, beer was great, staff was friendly. They also have their patio newly enclosed and heated, which was really nice because it was a little cool! We will definately return.

We went to Augusta in February and were pleasantly surprised to find that the Augusta Brewing Co. had live music. There was a festival going on (Shiver Fest I think?). We have been here before, and like this day, the atmosphere was relaxed, and we had a good time. Food was good, beer was great, staff was friendly. They also have their patio newly enclosed and heated, which was really nice because it was a little cool! We will definately return.

I see on the Modot web site that construction will start Feb 22 to remove the Highway 5 overpass that crosses the Katy Trail at New Franklin. Once the project is finish, trail users will have to deal with an at-grade crossing of Highway 5.

Thanks, good info to be aware of. Wonder if they will somehow detour the trail around the construction? Here's a link to the MODot info: http://www.modot.mo.gov/northcentral/news_and_information/District2News.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=49040

According to DNR: "Due to a project on Hwy. 5, the trail is temporarily closed at MM 188.3 (near New Franklin). Detour signs are posted at this location." Don't know how long the detour actually is, but at least they say one is marked.

The best food in Boone County. The owners are so gracious and hospitable. Every time we have company in from out of town we take them there and they absolutely love it.



Be sure and save room for desert, the pies and cheesecake are to die for.

How's your bike ride vicki?

I highly recomend this hospitable diner. They have great fried chicken and home made rolls. Everything was fresh prepared and was hot when they served you. Just great.

Mark and Laura Hooibrink started the Claysville Store, along with their three children, as a family project. It started as the kids selling Lemonade along the MKT Trail to make money and its grown from there. It is the best food in Boone County, and the best people running it. They are church going people who really live their beliefs. They train a new group of kids each year to help serve and to learn life. They do so well that Mark was chosen to speak at Graduation last year. Laura makes all the pies and cobbler (they don't go to Sams for it) and the great green beans. The best part is that Mark leaves the kitchen often to greet his customers which is rarely done by other places. You cannot go wrong at the Claysville Store. We love the store and the Hooibrinks. If you make a reservation look under Hooibrink, the store is not listed.

We stopped there last year for lunch when they stayed open for the day when the DNR Katy Trail ride went through. We had never had a chance before as it seemed our rides didn't coincide with when they were open. We were VERY happy we stopped. Excellent food, Mark had freshly grilled meats, and great conversation. I can see us now planning a ride to coincide with their hours so we can stop again.

Who would have thought that a 70-year-old boxcar would ever be the recipient of a "green" renovation! As we restore the Katy Boxcar into the Katy Boxcar Guesthouse at the Katy Trail B&B, we're making it as eco-friendly as possible. One day we're working with blow in cellulose insulation and paperless sheet rock, the next we're uncovering the original 2 inch thick walnut flooring and working with locally sourced materials. Last week I was dismantling a 65-year-old greenhouse in St. Louis in 35 degree weather to reuse the cypress tongue and groove decking, which will become the new, weather-tight exterior walls on the boxcar... What a journey... It's not every day you get to bring a boxcar back to life! Going green makes sense, and it will also ensure that your stay is as comfortable as can be. So if you pass by the Katy Trail B&B in Rocheport, and you see a few tarps flapping on the Katy Boxcar, please help spread the word that we're making sure it's around for another 70 years! When it's done later this season, it will have 3 spacious beds, its own bathroom with tub/shower combo, and a small kitchenette, and plenty of comfortable space to relax after a BBQ or hot tubing. So whether you are a railroad buff, have a Thomas-the-Tank-Engine-crazy kid (like me!), or just love the Katy Trail, check it out! It's going to be a great place to enjoy Rocheport. All renovations will be complete in time for your summer adventures. See you on the trail!

Who would have thought that a 70-year-old boxcar would ever be the recipient of a "green" renovation! As we restore the Katy Boxcar into the Katy Boxcar Guesthouse at the Katy Trail B&B, we're making it as eco-friendly as possible. One day we're working with blow in cellulose insulation and paperless sheet rock, the next we're uncovering the original 2 inch thick walnut flooring and working with locally sourced materials. Last week I was dismantling a 65-year-old greenhouse in St. Louis in 35 degree weather to reuse the cypress tongue and groove decking, which will become the new, weather-tight exterior walls on the boxcar... What a journey... It's not every day you get to bring a boxcar back to life! Going green makes sense, and it will also ensure that your stay is as comfortable as can be. So if you pass by the Katy Trail B&B in Rocheport, and you see a few tarps flapping on the Katy Boxcar, please help spread the word that we're making sure it's around for another 70 years! When it's done later this season, it will have 3 spacious beds, its own bathroom with tub/shower combo, and a small kitchenette, and plenty of comfortable space to relax after a BBQ or hot tubing. So whether you are a railroad buff, have a Thomas-the-Tank-Engine-crazy kid (like me!), or just love the Katy Trail, check it out! It's going to be a great place to enjoy Rocheport. All renovations will be complete in time for your summer adventures. See you on the trail!

I think that using the old boxcar is awsome! My daughter just loves the

Gertrude Chandler Warner books "The Boxcar Children". That will be a

fun surprise for her to someday stay in a rel boxcar!

I think that using the old boxcar is awsome! My daughter just loves the

Gertrude Chandler Warner books "The Boxcar Children". That will be a

fun surprise for her to someday stay in a rel boxcar!

The Katy Boxcar came out nicer than we expected. It is a cozy space, and everyone says it feels a lot larger on the inside than they expected (for example, a Boxcar has about double the space of a caboose...). We were able to refinish the old Boxcar floors while also including enough comfort and convenience with a top notch shower / restroom that it is definitely part history and part "just what you would hope for." The lofts seem to have a timeless draw for both kids (of course) and older generations too - there's something about being in a unique space like this, similar to cabins, where you just can't help but be in a good mood. We have added quite a few creature comforts to make this a great perch from which to enjoy Rocheport and the Katy Trail. Be sure to peek your head in and check it out next time you're in town, we're proud to show it off!

The Katy Boxcar came out nicer than we expected. It is a cozy space, and everyone says it feels a lot larger on the inside than they expected (for example, a Boxcar has about double the space of a caboose...). We were able to refinish the old Boxcar floors while also including enough comfort and convenience with a top notch shower / restroom that it is definitely part history and part "just what you would hope for." The lofts seem to have a timeless draw for both kids (of course) and older generations too - there's something about being in a unique space like this, similar to cabins, where you just can't help but be in a good mood. We have added quite a few creature comforts to make this a great perch from which to enjoy Rocheport and the Katy Trail. Be sure to peek your head in and check it out next time you're in town, we're proud to show it off!

School House B+B Inn welcomes you on Wednesday, June 23 when the ride stops in Rocheport. We're offering special pricing for DNR KT riders that night and can take you to Les Bourgeois for dinner and back to the Inn for a private shower in your room and a great night's rest! Special early time for full hot breakfast and you're off to Sedalia - check it out at www.schoolhousebb.com - looking forward to seeing you in a few months!

Help! We are planning a Katry trail ride June 2010 and trying to decide on how much mileage to do daily with 3 teenage girls. Should we ride most of the day because there isn't much for teenagers to do at the stops or should we cut our riding short (30miles/day?) so we can take our time along the way? We have ridden "Freewheel" in Oklahoma (50-70 miles/day) but are usually exhausted when we get to camp. Don't want bored teenagers, but don't want to miss stuff along the way! Any time estimates would be helpful.

Try maybe doing between 30-50 miles, that way your not overly exhausted by days end & will also avoid having alot of extra free time & getting too bored. This amt. should give plenty of time for photos, picnic lunch & other stopping opportunities.

I agree with Chris on the mileage. Make sure to stop in Rocheport and try to stay at the dorms at School House and you should really eat at Abigails. Good luck!

You'll probably find more than 30 miles is better. I rode Freewheel in 2007 (great ride) and

the rolling terrain in OK is not the same on the trail. It is flat with slight grades and you can

make good time. You can look at 40-60+ miles and still have time to do things. Have a

good trip.

Having ridden the trail several times w/ pre-teen boys (after having trained extensively

beforehand), we have found that 30-50 miles/day is realistic. To try to exceed 50 miles/day

would be difficult if you plan to stop along the way for lunch, snacks, pictures, etc. While the

trail is mostly flat, there are some areas where you will encounter gradual inclines ----

particularly the stretch between Clifton City-Boonville. In addition to the gradual inclines,

you could also encounter winds which could also slow you down. Be conservative and plan

ahead (e.g., lodging, food, snacks, water) since many stores & restaurants are closed during

the week.

I need to rent a car at the Kansas City Airport and return it in Clinton, MO. Is this possible?



ejzerby@yahoo.com

I'm going to go way out for this one and suggest calling one or more of the many car rental companies at the K.C airport to see if any of them do.

Hmm. Could be difficult to drop off a rentalin Clinton. Many small towns away from the city and airports here do not have national rentals. And if they do, one-ways are much more expensive than round-trips. If necessary, you might try finding a taxi and/or shuttle service? Good luck.