Katy Trail Forum

I have subscribed to this forum for about a year now and have enjoyed reading all of the comments daily. We just started biking last spring and were planning a trip on the KT this year. After a few months of biking, we were up to 10 miles on a daily basis and 20 miles on a Saturday or Sunday. We were talking about a short 2 day trip at first with a stop at a local B&B. Yesterday, a friend of ours asked us to attend the Peddler's Jamboree with them in May. I do not recall anyone talking about this last year. I saw a little information from last year's ride on a website, but I was not sure how easy it was to get a room at a B&B in Boonville during this time. We also saw that there is a Comfort Inn, but it is 1 mile away from the trail. Has anyone here participated in this? Any advice for a first-timer?

Last year was the first year for the ride. I did not participate but from what I have gathered it is designed as a bike and camp event with SAG support provided at a reasonable price. If you decide camping is not for you, you could check B&B/hotel availability near the Boonville park area once the dates are known for this years event. Camping looks like it would provide the best experience though since you would be camping where the music event happens in the evening.

This web site will give you a lot of information on the Pedaler's Jamboree http://offtrackevents.com/peddlersjamboree.php including accomodations in Boonville.

Try the Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel. We are right on the trail and were sponsors of the Jamboree last year. Most of the activities are located in the downtown area. near the Casino. Let us know if we can help with your accommodaations.

I have a bed and breakfast in Boonville called the Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast. I am 5 blocks from the trail head. My website is gardengatebedandbreakfastmo.com if you would like to take a look. Enjoy your ride! Penny Garibaldi, Boonville

You can stay at the Hotel Frederick, which is one of the sponsors for this ride. Located at the south end of the Boonslick Bridge it is a beautifully restored historic hotel. Walking distance to any of the events that are planned for the Peddler's. Check out the web-site at hotelfrederick.com.

I'd like to ride the trail this summer. Is it mostly gravel, paved, a mix? Also, it seems you're never too far from a repair shop? Is this true? Also, are the other towns & cities as close by as they seem?

I know there are lotsa restaurants, but are there any GREAT restaurants along the way. :-)



Thanks!

I've ridden the entire Katy Trail 7 times, and will probably ride the entire trail again this June. If you're seriously condsidering a great organized ride, consider the Missouri Dept of Natural Resources' Katy Trail Ride. It's a week long ride, camping, breakfast, dinner and SAG support provided. Go to www.katytrailstatepark.com for details.



The trail is made from pug, a loose gravel material. I would recommend a cycle-cross or hybrid for the ride. I ride my road bike that has 27mm tires and have only had two flats in those seven rides. Not bad odds.



The towns are about 10 miles apart, but are very small towns, some are only a few hundred people. There are very few bike shops along the way. Make sure to carry a flat kit, tube, pump, etc. You might also consider taking granola bars, fruit and plenty of water. I always take my Camel Bak with me. Some of the towns have well water and it's rather rusty.



You might also check out "The Katy Trail Guide Book." It's a great reference if you've never been on the trail. The Rocheport area is my favorite portion of the entire 225 mile trail.



Have fun!

Yes there are towns that are close, but not right on the trail. Jefferson City is across the river.....call a cab if you're not road worthy and used to semi's within a few feet of you. Hermann is across the river, but the new bridge has a bike lane making the trip worth the short ride. Washington is across the river....call a cab and don't ride the bridge as it is very narrow with no shoulder.



What makes a restaurant great is up to individual preference. Having said that....Glenn's Cafe in the Hotel Frederick in Boonville, Abigails and the Bistro at Les Bourgeois at Rocheport, Madisons in Jefferson City, Stone Hill in Hermann, and The Vine in St. Charles are worth checking out to get around eating burgers and fries.

I did ride a few days last year during the annual ride in June and it was fun but pretty warm. I also lived near Jeff City in 2005 and rode the trail from August through early December. The trail got soft in the early winter of that year. I plan to be back in early April this year for a west ride hopefully the full distance. The temps are 40's-50's hopefully then? And is the trail fairly dry and firm at this time of the year? Thanks for any comments.



Don

It's hard to tell what MO weather will be. Especially in that time of the year. It may be 60 and sunny for a while, it may be 20 with a foot of snow on the ground. There's no sure answer.



(Although if it does get warmer, it will probably be the rainy/stormy season and you'll have that to deal with, along with the mud)



There's no sure answer, you have to pick the day and hope for the best.

I've ridden parts of the Katy several times during early spring. Maybe I've been lucky on my choice of days, but the trail has always been hard and easy to ride then, even after an overight rain. The dual-tracks aren't well embedded then, but they don't need to be.



Many riders recommend the spring for the foliage and young wildlife.

I'm planning on riding the first week in April. The plan is to start at Clinton on Friday, April 3rd. So far everything I've read is to expect anything that time of year.



John

I believe that is Easter weekend so more businesses than usual may be closed.

Do people bicycle from the St. Louis Amtrak Station to the Katy Trail in St. Charles? My wife and I are thinking of tandeming the Katy Trail this year, both ways, and taking an Amtrak from Dallas, TX to St. Louis. This way we wouldn't have to leave our truck somewhere for two weeks and we'd reduce our carbon footprint... just want to make sure that this is a safe plan... we'd probably be doing this early on a Saturday morning both ways. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Howard

No problem riding to the trail. Take the train to Kirkwood, MO. Here is the link that provides directions from the Kirkwood station to the Katy.

http://www.bikekatytrail.com/kirkwood.asp

If you plan to bring your own tandem, you may want to check with Amtrak. Or renting??



Good for you on thinking carbon footprint, we should all think that way.

I think you would have to rent or ship bike. Amtrak will carry your conventional bikes, and trailers that can be stowed as luggage only.

We stopped here for lunch, awesome burgers!! Very nice bartender refiled our water bottles for us.

We stopped here for lunch, awesome burgers!! Very nice bartender refiled our water bottles for us.

We atayed overnight here last April! What a Wonderful place to stay! The breakfast was amazing!!! The owners are very nice and the place was very quiet and clean. The private and relaxing hot tub out back was a perfect end to a long day of riding.

We atayed overnight here last April! What a Wonderful place to stay! The breakfast was amazing!!! The owners are very nice and the place was very quiet and clean. The private and relaxing hot tub out back was a perfect end to a long day of riding.

Anyone riding the trail in January? I assume cold weather, so I can deal with that. But I wonder about trail condition during the winter. Anyone been on it this month? Is it kept in pretty good shape, even after snow such as we've been having this winter?

I hiked 22 miles on it one day last week on the east end of the trail near Augusta and it was very wet. I would not take a bike on it yet, but I did see some bike tracks indicating that there were a few people on it recently.

Attempted a ride from Calhoun to Windsor on Sunday. Trail was still covered in snow. We ended up riding around the town of Clinton, not much traffic, roads were fairly dry.

I'm at the 110 mile mark and have seen three riders in the last week and the tracks of two others. One that I saw had full panniers and looked to be a thru rider. He had gotten off the trail to ride the pavement from 110 east. He was on about 38c tires and a cross style bike. The tracks I've seen are mountain bike and sinking in OVER 1/2 inch. They also appeared to wander some so I'm thinking they were being pushed sideways some by the softness. Now if this sounds like hard riding, probably so. I have however seen more Bald Eagles than riders. HUGE flocks of geese and quite a variety of other wildlife. I have only been walking but should have the bike out Wednesday.

On Sunday (1/17) I got on trail at Page Ave. I started to head west but it was very wet. So I turned around and headed east towards St Charles, but it was all but impassable due to mud. It is best to stay off the trail until it gets drier.

Check out the Blind Ref downtown Boonville. A great new sports bar with awesome food. Try the Prime Rib sandwich and the wings. Good people and smoke free.

You can get two $25 gift certificates to the Blind Ref for $15 here:



http://krcg.incentrev.com/index.cfm?action=offer&offerid=15865

Has anybody ever biked the Katy Trail carrying a small dog? Is it against any rules? Just wondering.

Sure! I've seen this lots of times. I've seen people with the pull behind "kiddie trailers" with pooches in them, I've seen folks with papoose type carriers toting Fido down the trail. -Even saw a guy with a Scottie just sitting in a basket on the front of his bike as he pedalled along. It just sat real comfy and didn't move!

Here's a photo someone sent me, of a carrier that they used on a Katy Trail trip. Just a standard dog carrier firmly attached to a standard rack - they said the dog loved riding in it.

A thing I was curious about: Why does the Katy Trail detour onto a set of streets in Sedalia before it continues on out of town? If you look at the map (http://www.bikekatytrail.com/sedalia.asp will get it), the "true" Katy seems well marked from the Depot area onward to where the marked bike path picks up....

I think that a section of what looks like the trail on the map is still an active rail line. I know that when you do the street route you pass over railroad tracks at some point.

jim is very correct, plus according to some folks at the katy trail museum, the the dnr i think is who they told me it was, cannot get permission from the present railroad to put the katy anywhere close to the original katy railroad, so they have to use the streets to bypass it. when i talked to them a few yrs back, they were still trying, but it didn't look promising.

You probably are right, festus. I looked at the map closer and saw the path from the Katy Depot to where it picks up off the streets goes by a rail line or two and maybe even a rail depot by the looks of the map (I'd have to get "on the ground" and see to know it for sure).



If it goes by a rail line, there are definite safety issues. Furthermore, I wouldn't think most anybody would want to be that near a train on a bike or walking or just about anything for the noise. Unfortunately, some don't realize that as the city government for where I live is talking about putting a MUP next to a train track that goes through town.



Anyhow, all of that is only a guess.

To help clarify the detour through Sedalia. The Katy and the Missouri Pacific shared a

junction in Sedalia. The UP and Amtrack now run on that track where the junction is. When

DNR purchased the rights of the Katy Railroad Property they did not purchase any of the land

past the Katy Depot to that junction. Thus there is a detour of 1.5 miles through Sedalia to

reach a controlled RR crossing for the bikers to cross safely. Please stop by anytime you are

through Sedalia and I will be glad to show you around and give you some more Katy RR

History, plus visit the Depot museum this year for the Rowdy Days and Rowdy Nites display

of the cattle drives.

OUTSTANDING FOOD. We had a baby shower there and Sandi was so warm and

accomodating. She did everything for us..even helped take pictures. It couldn't have been

more perfect...and I didn't have to do anything, but listen to the wonderful comments of my

friends!!

OUTSTANDING FOOD. We had a baby shower there and Sandi was so warm and

accomodating. She did everything for us..even helped take pictures. It couldn't have been

more perfect...and I didn't have to do anything, but listen to the wonderful comments of my

friends!!

Taking the TransAM trip from Portland,OR east and want to do the KATY trail. Need help on how to get from Girard to Clinton.

Happy Trails Todd

Todd, I don't see your question posted on crazyguyonabike.com. You might try asking there or at the ACA. There are several journal entries on crazyguy by transam riders who have used the Katy. Try a search there for "Katy trail" and check the route used in those journals.

You may want to check on Mo Bike Fed. Missouri Bicycle Federation

If you are riding a standard bicycle with stowable trailer, you could pick up Amtrack in Kansas and take it to Kansas City, then switch trains to Warrensburg or Sedalia MO. I know that you can't take trikes or trailers on the train.

It's cold on the trail. Snow covers it today. I don't even think the 4-wheelers are out making ruts. Innkeepers have gone south for the winter. But some of us have to stay and survive here. For those hearty few, I feel a need to post a restaurant review as follows: I would like to offer a Restaurant Review of the Trailside Bar and Grill in Rhineland MO. I needed to break the fast this morning and stopped by. I asked for a gourmet treat, fried salami with egg on wheat toast. Irene told me they were out of salami, so she recommeded their bologna. Chef Angie prepaired a deliciou...s fried bologna on wheat toast with mayo and lettuce to go. It was just the right meal on the run for this snowy morning. Thanks ladies!

I just happened to strike up a conversation with a Union Pacific official last evening. We discussed several railroad-related issues including steam excursions etc. When I brought up the subject of the Katy Trail, specifically my plea to save the bridge over the Missouri River in Booneville (the implications of which are well known to most of you and discussed elsewhere on this site), he was quite firm in his conviction that the Railroad really needs the bridge elsewhere to double track a mainline and it sounded to me like there was no further decision to be made at least from his point of view. Interestingly enough, he did make the comment that the piers would be left, implying that they could be used for another bridge. I have seen proposals to convert the existing bridge into a bike/pedestrian bridge but am curious about the concept of building a new one on the existing piers. Has anyone seen or heard of any plans for such? If such a bridge was a lighter weight bridge for bike/pedestrians only, would that violate the intact rail corridor concept that seems to be a key legal point for the Katy? Or does the presence of the piers (under a lighter bridge)and thus the possibility of rebuilding a railroad bridge preserve the corridor? Anyway, I probably don’t have any new information here and this likely sounds boring but since there is a chance the trail could go away, I was wondering if anyone has any insight into this.

The KATY Trail...boring....not at all. If I read the missive correctly Union Pacific wants to use the bridge as a railroad bridge? If so how about a rail WITH Trail or in other words, will a bike pathway/walkway be an impossibility on the existing bridge? A new bridge on existing pilings, well the first thing I think of is river barge traffic...will this be an issue with a new bridge?? The Pfluger Bridge in Austin, TX. going across the Colorado River and which is a dedicated "hike & bike" bridge cost 7 mil...it was a bit more I believe than was needed, but now we're talking going across the Mighty Mo...one has to ask where is this money coming from?? If UP isn't going to use the current bridge....why demolish it?? What am I missing here. Good on ya MLH for engaging in a conversation about such a sensitive subject with a principle personality...you must have superb people skills. Mark of the Dalton Boys

Mark, the problem is that the railroad wants to remove the bridge structure from its current location, and re-use at a different point somewhere downstream (i.e. take it off the pilings and, I suppose, float it down to its new home). They determined that relocating the bridge structure would cost the railroad less than building a new bridge at the new site. Unfortunately moving the bridge would create a break in the old "banked" railroad right-of-way that serves as the legal basis for the Katy Trail. Without a doubt, this would lead to legal challenges from some of the landowners along the trail who fought the trail's existence in the first place. It really could spell the end of the Katy Trail.

MLH's idea about re-using these supports for a new bridge is interesting. It would probably cost more to build a new lighter bridge than to refurbish the existing one for pedestrian/bike use, but I suppose that's the next option if the railroad and governor win this battle. As MLH said, the key question is whether or not a new bridge would fit into the "railbank" that the trail is based on. I'm sure there will be lawyers arguing that it does not.

For anyone who wants more details on this issue, probably the best source of info is the Missouri Bike Federation website.

I supposed I should be partially grateful that a bridge is getting "recycled"... god knows what goes on in the corporate mind of Union Pacific. I was unaware of their desire to put the bridge somewhere else, but rather thought they wanted to tear down/demolish the current bridge. I see the point now and agree with the likely premise that legal question could be raised to the detriment of the KATY. The longest rail trail in the nation deserves the best of considerations, and being roughly 85 miles or so from the MO./KS. border certainly deserves to be finished and "border to border" status achieved. Ugh, I'm getting a headache. The idea of using existing piles is indeed noteworthy, and I would think (not being an engineer) that a cost effective plan for a bridge could be do-able. Thanks for the clarification...Thanks for all that you do...Mark of the Dalton Boys

I can't believe what a dunce I am for not thinking about the barge traffic, hence the current bridge being left in the raised position. Good thinking Mark. That brings up the next question: if the current bridge was modified for the Katy Trail, how would the up down thing work? Is it controlled via radio by the barge captain? Could someone be riding or walking (or napping) on the middle section when a barge comes? That sounds like a fun ride. Are modern barges lower in profile and what are the clearances needed? Obviously the existing piers would have to be extended for a new pedestrian bridge ($$$). The latter would have to humped like the highway bridge which would rule out future rail use.

In the proposals that I've heard, the middle section would be left permanently in the raised position. So conversion to a bike/ped bridge would involve building some kind of ramps up to the elevated section. Sounds pretty cool, and it would provide a nice little hill workout on an otherwise flat trail!

Thanks for the clarification Ray. As I look at my photo of the railroad bridge taken from the highway bridge. The middle section isn't actually raised that far currently and thus those ramps wouldn't be that severe (but I may have to get a third chain ring anyway, egad). And if that's all the height needed for a pedestrian/bike bridge, the piers wouldn't have to be extended that far after all (but still $$$ for the whole project)

For anyone else who may be reading this thread, here's what it looks like

Permanently raised middle section kind of like the Florida Highway that goes all the way to Key West. Those "humps" accomodate seagoing cargo & container ships....why would it not accomodate lower profile barges with tugs??? That would be something...boy!! Mark of the Dalton Boys

FWIW, UP wants to use this bridge to create a double line for the Osage River crossing about 8 miles east of Jefferson City.



Ironically, if the KATY survives the anticipated legal challenge of moving this bridge, it will enhance the trail's popularity. The completion of UPs double line across the state of Missouri will allow Amtrak to finally run on schedule.

Union Pacific saves $10 million by moving this bridge. But at what cost?



The people who use the KATY Trail, and the people who have invested their lives into building businesses along the trail stand to lose what they love.



If the articles I've read, I dont remember seeing a time line on when UP wanted to move the bridge, does anyone have that info?

If the superstructure is moved, expect the piers to come down. The Corps of Engineers has done the same at several river crossings including the Chouteau (sp?) in Kansas City and MO-115 in St. Charles. The opening between these piers is too small for their liking on a navigable river.

Is there any update on the status of the bridge? I haven't heard anything in quite some time.

I have been to the Green Ridge Grill several times over the years and it is great. Has one of the best pork tenderloin sandwiches I have ever eaten. One sandwich is enough for two or three people. Good waitresses and funny. Enjoyed it a lot. Would recommend it to any one traveling the Katy Trail or just in the neighborhood for what ever reason. When you see the Casey Convenience store look to the opposite side of the street and the restaurant is just off main on a side street. Ask any one in Green Ridge and they can tell you where it is. These folks deserve your business. Give their Grill a try.

I have been to the Green Ridge Grill several times over the years and it is great. Has one of the best pork tenderloin sandwiches I have ever eaten. One sandwich is enough for two or three people. Good waitresses and funny. Enjoyed it a lot. Would recommend it to any one traveling the Katy Trail or just in the neighborhood for what ever reason. When you see the Casey Convenience store look to the opposite side of the street and the restaurant is just off main on a side street. Ask any one in Green Ridge and they can tell you where it is. These folks deserve your business. Give their Grill a try.

The trail end should NOT be called Machens,the trail end was historically called the Katy-Junction,or more appropriately the Texas Junction; because that is where the MKT RR line forked from the Burlington RR Route.SAY >do you wonder WHY the Federal Government shovels so much money {$21-million +++} into the adjoining Levee repairs and yet YOU can not use the trail on top of it?

Yes-it is your taxpayers money repairing those levees and blow-holes that YOU taxpayers can not ride a bike on.

US GOVERNMENT MONEY rebuilt those Levee sections and you should able to use them too. Politics>the families around the Trail from St. Charles to "Machens" have a grip on St. Charles County Government. The CNCLevee District pay $20,000 dollars each year to lobby politicians (look it up). The handful of local Farmers do NOT want YOU there. They have kept it private for 17 If the Katy Trail was allowed to use sections of the Missouri Levee that YOU taxpayers pay for (after every damaging MO. River flood) YOU could connect to the trail going to Alton. WHY not--RICH FARMERS IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY delaying YOUR trail and NOT letting you use levees YOU paid for to complete. THEY are crony-buddies with the County Exec and State Reps.

Look it up and see WHO it is (ie:the taxpayers) pays for those Missouri River Levees and ask why YOU can't ride to "Machens" yet!

ASK why Consolidated North County Levee District (ie local rich farmers are getting FEDERAL repair money and are still allowed to keep YOU off sections of the Katy Trail paid for with that(YOUR)dollars.

Cronyism , Good-Old-Boy politics is why. Flood money and crop subsidies fill the pockets and trickle to the local fatcat politicians. Those CNCLD folks don't have to loose a lawsuit to keep you off the trail, they simply have a few local politicians who know how to work the FLOOD MONEY.

Well...................

I envy your passion. It's been a long time since I've been able to get myself that worked up over something.

Riding on bike paths on top of levys is less than ideal.....good to get from point to point but thats about it.