Katy Trail Forum

I plan on riding the whole trail in early April, 2010. I have two bikes to choose from. I have a cyclocross with moustache handle bars and skinny knobby tires and I have a rigid frame mountain bike with fat knobby tires. The cyclocross is just a little lighter and is luggage friendly however I can with some effort put luggage on the mountain bike as well. Which one will serve me best on this particular trail during this time of season?

I'd go with the cross bike, drop bars and 32's with lightly treaded tires. In April, flooding might be a concern but that's not going to affect bike choice. If there is a washout, the cross bike is much easier to hike-a-bike. Many ride road bikes with 25-28's. The Katy is smooth, an interstate compared to some other rails to trails.

I have to agree. The cross bike is the perfect bike for the trail. I have completed 2 rides the length of the trail on mine and had zero problems.

I totally agree with the CROSS BIKE recommendations. Lots of miles on the KATY (including end-to-end) with my cross bike and I think it's the perfect choice. I run 30-32 tires with good luck.

I agree, a cross bike is probably the best bike for the Katy Trail followed maybe by a Hybrid. I rode my Fuji Cross Comp with knobby 32's from Sedalia to St. Charles never felt the need for suspension. A mountain bike is just not as efficient for the type of distances you want to cover.

A group of 8 of us rode the KATY trail from Clinton to St. Charles Sept 20-26. 7 of us were riding mountain bikes or hybrids; 1 was riding a road bike. The road bike had 4 flat tires:o( We encountered rain throughout the week and the mountain bike and hybrids were most suitable for the varied conditions of the trail once wet. We ride road bikes throughout the year and also questioned which type bike to ride on the trail. We were very happy with our decision to take our mountain bikes.

I, too, am planning to ride the KATY the first week in April, 2010. I've got two bikes, on "fitness style" bike with 700x35 with nobbies and a road bike. I've chosen the fitness bike as I think it will handle the limestone better, is more pannier friendly and is a bit more stout. With the tires I have on it, it's pretty much like a cross bike, so it should be the right choice.



John

Hello everyone.... I'm in cloud 9..I completed entire Katy trail last

weekend... hurray! Of course, this is not a very big accomplishment

for people over here.. but is a big one for me due to my history.. 2

years back I could hardly walk 3 miles ... Poor stamina, unfit body...

but the beauty of Katy Trail inspired me.. So this year I set a goal

to complete the entire Katy in parts even though I didn't have company

or training. initially even I thought it is unrealistic, even my

friends laughed at me, but here I'm :) Thanks a million to my fiance

to kept motivating me.. I love you dear!

"Nothing is impossible if you have will power/determination"

Well.....Congratulations! I'd hope that you've become an inspiration to the nay sayers.



See ya on the trail!

Way to go! Now that the Katy has gotten in your blood, I'm sure you'll be back for LOTS more. Hoping for a mild winter (although most likely not), so we won't have to stay away from the Katy for too long! Congrats!

High fives to you Jiji! Way to go!

Excellent!!! What a great story. The beauty of the trail is enchanting. I hope you'll be back over and over. And tell all your friends. That really is amazing.

Great post!

To work hard to reach a personal goal is a great experience, congratulations.

Jiji,

I have a similar story as yours and did my end-to-end a couple years back. I won't bore you with all the details, but I just wanted to say Congrats!

GC

Thanks everyone. Hope to see you all in Katy soon.... :)

Good job!! Thanks for adding to the number of thru hikers. Urge others so the list continue to grow.

you kicked butt gurl!!!!!!! congrats. good job to your finance to for the support. way to go dude. glad to hear you made it. great job.

Jim made us a great cheeseburger and entertained us with his unique music abilities. Come prepared to sing!

Jim made us a great cheeseburger and entertained us with his unique music abilities. Come prepared to sing!

Who is Jimmy, and is he wanted some where?

Who is Jimmy, and is he wanted some where?

We spent two nights in Boonville. Our host at the B&B recommended Glen's on Friday night. The experience was so good there was no question that we would return on Saturday. They gave us a coupon for a reduced rate room in the hotel during the off season - I think we'll make the trip just for the food.......

We spent two nights in Boonville. Our host at the B&B recommended Glen's on Friday night. The experience was so good there was no question that we would return on Saturday. They gave us a coupon for a reduced rate room in the hotel during the off season - I think we'll make the trip just for the food.......

Stayed at the Hotel Frederick Labor Day Weekend........Super place unfortunately Glenn's is

closed on Sundays but from what I gather it is a great place. A beautiful restoration with a

great staff and located right on the trail at the Bridge. I rode in from Sedalia then on to Jeff

City.

Stayed at the Hotel Frederick Labor Day Weekend........Super place unfortunately Glenn's is

closed on Sundays but from what I gather it is a great place. A beautiful restoration with a

great staff and located right on the trail at the Bridge. I rode in from Sedalia then on to Jeff

City.

Glenn's isn't closed on Sundays. We had wonderful meals on two separate Sundays at Glenn's back in June. Perhaps closed just that Labor Day weekend Sunday?

Glenn's isn't closed on Sundays. We had wonderful meals on two separate Sundays at Glenn's back in June. Perhaps closed just that Labor Day weekend Sunday?

I want to concur. Glenn's is open on Sunday afternoons. The deal on Sunday is family-style dining on that day. Great food!

I want to concur. Glenn's is open on Sunday afternoons. The deal on Sunday is family-style dining on that day. Great food!

BEFORE you leave your hometown to cycle the Katy Trail, get in touch with Todd and Robin at Katy Bike Rental. We brought our own bikes so we didn't think we would need much help. Hah! Todd met us at the airport, and Lynn met us the next day AGAIN because our bikes hadn't arrived with us. She drove us to Sedalia, stayed close until she was sure we had the bikes assembled, and we ended up keeping in touch by phone, "rain shuttle" and emergency shuttle through the whole trip. When we finally got to their store in Defiance, we were surprised to see their prices are competitive with big city prices. These are the people to contact if you are nervous about taking the leap and going on your first long bike trip far away from home.

BEFORE you leave your hometown to cycle the Katy Trail, get in touch with Todd and Robin at Katy Bike Rental. We brought our own bikes so we didn't think we would need much help. Hah! Todd met us at the airport, and Lynn met us the next day AGAIN because our bikes hadn't arrived with us. She drove us to Sedalia, stayed close until she was sure we had the bikes assembled, and we ended up keeping in touch by phone, "rain shuttle" and emergency shuttle through the whole trip. When we finally got to their store in Defiance, we were surprised to see their prices are competitive with big city prices. These are the people to contact if you are nervous about taking the leap and going on your first long bike trip far away from home.

Hands down they are my favorite stop on the trail.

Hands down they are my favorite stop on the trail.

We loved our stay in Augusta last weekend. It was our last stop as we rode the Katy Trail from Sedalia to St. Charles, and everyone in the town was so friendly and welcoming. We spent the night at the Applegate Inn, which turned out to be our favorite inn along the trail. Lynne, the proprietor, went way beyond the usual attentiveness we had gotten used to on our journey, even calling in the evening to offer us a ride to the restaurant of our choice. The breakfast the next morning turned out to also be our lunch that day, all carefully packed by Lynne into a cute little gift bag. We will definitely return!

Oct. 06-09 Our stay @ the Globe was a very positive experience. We enjoyed the famous lemonade after eating at the bar next door. Jeanette was spot on with helpfulness. Each room had a sink in it(-: Even though the shower and tub were shared the lines were not long at all for thier use. Jeanette is continuously improving this jewel. The breakfast was very "healthy" and tasty. The hot hard boiled egg was very good. (nothing fried) We got warm muffins to go as we headed out. Thank you again!

As far as the cat issue: Denise is highly sensitive to dander and she had no problem during our stay. No hair floating around. Watch out for Frank the cat. He has his mug shot on the front door so you can recoginze him and keep him out of the house.

Oct. 06-09 Our stay @ the Globe was a very positive experience. We enjoyed the famous lemonade after eating at the bar next door. Jeanette was spot on with helpfulness. Each room had a sink in it(-: Even though the shower and tub were shared the lines were not long at all for thier use. Jeanette is continuously improving this jewel. The breakfast was very "healthy" and tasty. The hot hard boiled egg was very good. (nothing fried) We got warm muffins to go as we headed out. Thank you again!

As far as the cat issue: Denise is highly sensitive to dander and she had no problem during our stay. No hair floating around. Watch out for Frank the cat. He has his mug shot on the front door so you can recoginze him and keep him out of the house.

A friend and I rode from St. Charles to Sedalia September 6-10. This direction worked well for us and we had good weather the entire time. Both of us are leisure riders, with the longest training ride of only 40 miles. We rode alternative days of long, short, long, short, long (23-54 miles). Some other notes:



Great B&Bs:

o The Little House B&B, Marthasville - Had the entire house, 2 Bdrm, 1 bath, big kitchen & Living room. Great place. Secure shed for bikes.

o Meyers Hilltop Farm, McKittrick. Maggie & Eldon are wonderful hosts and Maggie makes a fantastic breakfast for riders. It carried us 54 miles! Hosts also drove us into Hermann for the afternoon and picked us up in the evening.

o The Globe B&B in Hartsburg was very comfortable. Nice place.

o School House B&B, Rocheport. Excellent, self-serve everything. Secure place for bikes. Flat-screen TV. Easy, continental breakfast.



Be careful when planning Monday & Tuesday meals as some restaurants, wineries and grocery stores are closed. We lucked out coming from the east by stopping near Hermann on a Monday. Those we talked to traveling West did not have such luck. We stopped our ride in Sedalia to take the train back to Kirkwood (St. Louis) but heard of poor trail conditions between Sedalia and Clinton and were glad we'd decided to stop in Sedalia.



Someone did unzip our bike bags during a downpour while we were at one of the wineries. Nothing stolen, but some wet stuff. Also saw some questionable riders around Clifton City. I recommend carrying pepper spray.



Met many, many nice bikers (of all levels) along the trail. All-in-all was a great trip!!

I believe we met Cindy in Hartsburg as we were riding west to east and stayed at the Globe. I am glad your trip was a success. We enjoyed ours very much and we have recommended the ride to friends.

We finally managed to get our photos from our ride from Clinton to St. Charles. Have a look at http://www.CTinsley.com



Cheers!



Carl & Linda

Good pictures. Thanks for sharing..

Those are great pictures. I'm hoping to plan a ride for my sisters, sister-in-laws and others next summer. I'm going to bookmark your pictures for them to look at to convince them to come to Missouri and ride the Katy Trail. Thanks so much.

Hi Cindy, I visited with you at the N. Jeff Trailhead.....How bout them Cyclones? Sorry UNI

has lost a couple but sure they will get back on track this week. Hope you had a great

ride...wasn't Hermann neat?

We have always stayed at Hermann Motel each visit for the last 15 years. It is and older motel but is kept VERY clean they do a great job. The staff is so friendly and accomodating to any need and they really watch out for you. Since it is the ONLY motel in Hermann, the value is great. Rooms are affordable, continental breakfast plus coffee, tea and juices is a plus. Family Restaurant (passable) right next door and a Hardee's and a Mexican Restaurant down the street from the motel. The smoking rooms are in the older section and the non-smoking rooms are in the new section

We have always stayed at Hermann Motel each visit for the last 15 years. It is and older motel but is kept VERY clean they do a great job. The staff is so friendly and accomodating to any need and they really watch out for you. Since it is the ONLY motel in Hermann, the value is great. Rooms are affordable, continental breakfast plus coffee, tea and juices is a plus. Family Restaurant (passable) right next door and a Hardee's and a Mexican Restaurant down the street from the motel. The smoking rooms are in the older section and the non-smoking rooms are in the new section

We paid $85 a night for the rooms and when you were in bed and could see under the vanity, it was filthy. Must not have been cleaned since the last post back in January of '07. The tub was kind of icky. We did not take showers because of the looks of it. The curtains were hanging off the hooks and the door handle on one of our rooms took some work to get it open from either the outside or inside. A good thing, the beds were comfortable and clean. I wouldn't have minded the room except for the fact we paid $85 a night. We stayed in Columbia the night before at a truck stop for $50, same caliber of room. It was MUCH cleaner. I wouldn't post complaint if room was in the range of $50, but for $85, too much!!!

We paid $85 a night for the rooms and when you were in bed and could see under the vanity, it was filthy. Must not have been cleaned since the last post back in January of '07. The tub was kind of icky. We did not take showers because of the looks of it. The curtains were hanging off the hooks and the door handle on one of our rooms took some work to get it open from either the outside or inside. A good thing, the beds were comfortable and clean. I wouldn't have minded the room except for the fact we paid $85 a night. We stayed in Columbia the night before at a truck stop for $50, same caliber of room. It was MUCH cleaner. I wouldn't post complaint if room was in the range of $50, but for $85, too much!!!

I highly recommend the Hermann Haus just a stone's throw from the south end of the

beautiful and bike friendly Hermann Bridge. Great people and very reasonable rates. My

room was spotless and within walking distance of downtown. Stayed there first week in

October.

I highly recommend the Hermann Haus just a stone's throw from the south end of the

beautiful and bike friendly Hermann Bridge. Great people and very reasonable rates. My

room was spotless and within walking distance of downtown. Stayed there first week in

October.

Oct. 5-09 The Doll House lived up to the reviews. Amanda was a superb hostess. We piggy backed with the family who stayed there that night too as they ordered chicken and dumplings for supper. Great stuff! The cost was very resonable @ $10/person for supper. Breakfast was equally fantastic. We were met with a warm smile and plenty of cookies, coffee, and lemonade. The washing of our clothes was a GIANT +. We would not be hesitant to stay again should the schedule put us there. Thank you Amanda for a great stay.

Oct. 5-09 The Doll House lived up to the reviews. Amanda was a superb hostess. We piggy backed with the family who stayed there that night too as they ordered chicken and dumplings for supper. Great stuff! The cost was very resonable @ $10/person for supper. Breakfast was equally fantastic. We were met with a warm smile and plenty of cookies, coffee, and lemonade. The washing of our clothes was a GIANT +. We would not be hesitant to stay again should the schedule put us there. Thank you Amanda for a great stay.

Oct. 4/09 Peers Store is a must stop for any who appreciate history, hospitality, and the out of the ordinary. Barb is one fantastic hostess. She and her store bring you back to a time when a handshake was better than a contract. Her culinary skills and last minute flexability saved us from a sure night of hunger for want of real food. The dinner plans were formulated via cell phone as we headed West. We had been pedaling all day against the wind and seeing the store to the North of the trail was a very welcome sight. Do not expect Hilton accomodations but the ambiance experienced is not found a Hilton either. You will enjoy the clean warm rooms and breakfast with the "regulars" is a plus also. Thank you Barb for a great stay. We will be back if you will have us.

Oct. 4/09 Peers Store is a must stop for any who appreciate history, hospitality, and the out of the ordinary. Barb is one fantastic hostess. She and her store bring you back to a time when a handshake was better than a contract. Her culinary skills and last minute flexability saved us from a sure night of hunger for want of real food. The dinner plans were formulated via cell phone as we headed West. We had been pedaling all day against the wind and seeing the store to the North of the trail was a very welcome sight. Do not expect Hilton accomodations but the ambiance experienced is not found a Hilton either. You will enjoy the clean warm rooms and breakfast with the "regulars" is a plus also. Thank you Barb for a great stay. We will be back if you will have us.

The Katy Trail Family Church in Clifton City is raising money for church repairs by selling cookbooks. We bought a few and have one listed on Ebay for sale to the highest bidder. All of the money raised will be sent to the church to help them out....I'll ship for free...stateside only.



They only have an outhouse and would like to put a restroom inside. They would also like to replace the wood boards with siding on the outside.



For those of you who frequent the forum here you may recall that this is the trailside church that offered water to Katy users whilst we were all complaining that we don't have water at the trailhead.



If you've enjoyed the water....the free music on a Sunday morning while resting at the trailhead....would like some good local food ideas.....or would just like to help....please go to Ebay and search "Katy Trail" to find our listing and help pay forward this churches generosity.

Below was the church off to help Katy users out:



As an act of kindness to those who travel the trail. Katy Trail Family Church (the little white church by the trail) is providing bottled water on Saturdays and Sundays. Please feel free to stop in at the Church and say hello. You will always welcome. Were also praying for you! Have a good ride :-)

- posted 11/20/2007 8:21:46 PM by Pastor Ernest Jennings , Jefferson City, MO

I purchased a few of these books for family and friends. This one has many excellent recipes. Trail users might be interested in the "GET UP AND GO" ENERGY BARS from Bolivar-MO, which contain several ingredients: peanut butter, rolled oats, almonds, dried cranberries, grapenuts etc. Real food! :)

There is still time to help this little church out. I'm beginning to think that I'm the only one other than jd that's working a full 4 day week. : )

Two days a week! :)



By the way, the COWLESS COW PATTIES in this book look good too. They're large/giant cookies with all kinds of stuff in them. We can probably add more if we want. :)

Trek Will you email me at bicyclinghappy@yahoo.com the particulars for purchasing a

cookbook?

I rode the Katy Trail from Rocheport to McBaine on Saturday 10/24/09. At McBaine I decided to try the 8.8 mile MKT trail into downtown Columbia. This is a great trail. It seemed to have a very slight upward grade moving towards Columbia and the surface was just a bit more rough than what you will find on the Katy. Other than those two factors, this trail is an almost perfect trail to ride. It has a lot of tree cover and is carved through several very interesting rock walls. It also crosses several very nice wood bridges. Even after you arrive at the Columbia city limits you never have to cross a street as all crossings pass through tunnels under the surface. The trail terminates at a very nice little park right in downtown Columbia which means you have a great selection of places to eat if that is your mission. I am really glad I gave it a try.

Biked from Clinton to St. Charles with my daughter and several friends

and 4 of us had lunch here! It was a needed rest and very needed hot

meal. Good food, good service, clean restroom, most delicious cheese

sticks ever and we were so glad we ate here! ONLY drawback, they do not

accept credit cards.

Biked from Clinton to St. Charles with my daughter and several friends

and 4 of us had lunch here! It was a needed rest and very needed hot

meal. Good food, good service, clean restroom, most delicious cheese

sticks ever and we were so glad we ate here! ONLY drawback, they do not

accept credit cards.