Katy Trail Forum

Goodness! That little winding section that links the park to the "reasonable" part of Marine is a total deathtrap. I won't even bike DOWN that steep stretch, even though I could easily do it faster than I can in a car.



But going UP? Goodness no! NO curb and a dangereous drop-off that will break your bike if not your leg... Total blind snaking blacktop... Very steep grade to slow you to a crawl as you take your life in your hands... I cannot impress upon you how dangerous this is. I'm not a drama queen, you are gambling with your life.



BUT... Creve Coeur park is really a collection of many parks.



INSTEAD of going up that road, as you look at the base of the road where it starts up the hill, on the left you'll see stairs. Carry your bike up that long, long flight of stairs. There is a small park at the top (and yes, there IS a top to that flight of stairs! Rest along the way!). Just go right and follow the main park road. It will dump you out less than 30 feet from the top of Marine Ave. (slight jog to the right on Dorsett, and then left onto Marine.)



I hate to even drive that dangerous stretch of Marine. I implore you to use the stairs and avoid it.

Marine Ave is for the serious roadie. I've ridden up it once. If it was my only choice, I'd do it again over the stairs. However, I found that you can take Creve Coeur Mill Rd to the South and then up the hill on Amoit Dr. It adds a mile or so to the ride, but it isn't as steep and Amoit is a quiet residential street.

Marine isn't that bad.

I'm sorry, what part of the Katy Trail is this?

Its not on the Katy, its one of the routes out of Creve Coeur Park.



Paulie

So what does that have to do with the Katy trail? Shall we all just post any road, bridge, intersection, light, neighborhood that upsets our own personal sense of safety here?

Doug I appreciate your efforts to keep the forum on-topic, but in this case there really is a valid Katy Trail tie-in (although admittedly it is not apparent in the discussion above).



Creve Coeur Park is the preferred way for cyclists to get into St Louis County from the Katy Trail, and Marine Road is the main road out of the park. This route is mentioned on a few different pages within this website, such as how to get from the Katy Trail to downtown St Louis and how to get from St Louis Lambert Airport to the Katy Trail, and getting from the Kirkwood Amtrak Station to the Katy Trail.



For anyone riding the Katy Trail near St Charles, I highly recommend the side-trip over the Page/364 bridge (nice perspective on the River) and maybe a spin around Creve Coeur Park (nice lake). I personally would be too chicken to ride Marine Rd, but there are braver cyclists out there than me. :-)

Thinking of one final day bike ride starting in Rocheport Saturday 10/24. Hoping to see the fall colors at their finest. It is supposed to be 55 and sunny. Anyone else?????

KIM,

IT MAY BE VERY BUSY AT THAT PART OF THE TRAIL. CALHOUN HAS BEAUTIFUL FALL COLORS, NOT SO BUSY, CLOSER ON THE GAS BUDGET, AND A B&B IN CABOOSES WITH A CAMP FIRE, DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.

DAMON

My wife and I will start a 3 day trip from Sedalia on Saturday and will probably stop for some food at the winery on top of the hill in Rocheport. A couple years ago we rode our bikes on the road out of Rocheport to the winery and had lunch. It was quite good, very reasonably priced, even a good selection for vegetarians. After our meal, we took the gravel trail from the winery down to the KATY trail. It was a nice shortcut and we were able to ride the path some of the way. If I'm not mistaken, there is a sign at the KATY trail for the winery and had we known the shortcut was there, we would have used it instead of the road to get to it.



If you do take the shortcut from the KATY trail, you probably will have to push your bike up the hill, however some people just park their bike at the trail head.



We will end our journey in Hermann on Monday (shouldn't be so busy that day) and take the evening train back to Sedalia and drive home to Kansas City that night.



The train transportation seems like a great option. It will be our first train/bike combo on the KATY.

Yes, it will be busy. We have biked all of the katy at various times, but our favorite towns to bike out of are Rocheport and Hartsburg. This will be a day trip - just the last of the year.

I think you will enjoy peak foliage color this weekend. We saw some brillant patches of color despite the gray overcast sky earlier this week, Wed. 10/21. We had a great ealy lunch at Abigails then rode east to Hartsburg and back. Be sure to stop and make the climb at Eagle Bluffs CA Overlook, stunning views!



I knew we were in for a good day when, as we were driving past the winery entrance heading to the trailhead, we caught the sight of a large flock of white pelicans soaring over the bluffs above the A-frame. We enjoy watching the pelicans winter on the Missisippi River in the Alton, IL. It is always a treat to observe the pelicans surprisinly graceful soaring style, truly an unexpected plesure to see them over Rocheport.



Finished off a great day with a wonderful meal at Les Bourgeois Bistro, try the trout best I have ever had.

We are wanting to get away for the weekend, would love to ride a small portion of the Katy trail. Any suggestions on where would be good place to see some fall colors, we will need shuttle service to get us back to the start. Could go a little farther if necessary. Thanks!

Hermann to Trelor is great about 16 miles on way. Jeff City to Hartsburg about 10 miles.

I second the Jeff City to Hartsburg route for great fall colors.

Someone sure has it in for bike riders. If this person doesn't like riders so much was is he on

a bikers forum. He obviously owns the roads so must be a pretty big wig. Maybe this is the

phantom KFC guy. I know he's a restaurant critic!!

Someone sure has it in for bike riders. If this person doesn't like riders so much was is he on

a bikers forum. He obviously owns the roads so must be a pretty big wig. Maybe this is the

phantom KFC guy. I know he's a restaurant critic!!

Hi all! Canoes & kayaks ready to take you on your next river adventure! Plan a "rest day" mid-trail in Rocheport to come paddle with us! Mighty Mo Canoe Rental will begin its fourth season of offering guided canoe and kayak floats starting on May 26, 2007. Our guided floats offer you an incredibly scenic and relaxing way to enjoy Mid-Missouri's gorgeous bluff-lined stretch of Katy Trail country from Rocheport down to Huntsdale. This is an easy afternoon float that starts each Saturday at 1 p.m. from the Pebble Publishing Bookstore in Rocheport. We shuttle you back at the end, or if you prefer to do the "Rocheport Bi-athlon" we can take your bikes down to the take out and let you pedal back on the Katy Trail! Our guides offer insight into local history, Lewis & Clark, how the river has changed and more. Come along as we "Float through Life, Paddle Through History." Visit www.mighty-mo.com for more information or call us at (573) 698-3903. This is the best way to expore, paddle and float the Lewis & Clark Trail in Missouri! Great for beginners to seasoned paddlers. Ages 7 and up. Floats for groups can be arranged on other days of the week as well. See you on the river! ~Brett

Hi all! Canoes & kayaks ready to take you on your next river adventure! Plan a "rest day" mid-trail in Rocheport to come paddle with us! Mighty Mo Canoe Rental will begin its fourth season of offering guided canoe and kayak floats starting on May 26, 2007. Our guided floats offer you an incredibly scenic and relaxing way to enjoy Mid-Missouri's gorgeous bluff-lined stretch of Katy Trail country from Rocheport down to Huntsdale. This is an easy afternoon float that starts each Saturday at 1 p.m. from the Pebble Publishing Bookstore in Rocheport. We shuttle you back at the end, or if you prefer to do the "Rocheport Bi-athlon" we can take your bikes down to the take out and let you pedal back on the Katy Trail! Our guides offer insight into local history, Lewis & Clark, how the river has changed and more. Come along as we "Float through Life, Paddle Through History." Visit www.mighty-mo.com for more information or call us at (573) 698-3903. This is the best way to expore, paddle and float the Lewis & Clark Trail in Missouri! Great for beginners to seasoned paddlers. Ages 7 and up. Floats for groups can be arranged on other days of the week as well. See you on the river! ~Brett

Hey, Mayor Brett! It was great talking with you early in the MR340; thanks for sharing your wisdom on where to find max current on the Missouri! It was great help for a slow paddler like myself.

When I paddled through your area of operations second day of the MR340 I realized what I missed having never gotten out on the Big Muddy while growing up in Boone County and at Mizzou: I could kick myself for never trying it back in olden times (only to discover that my oldest sister partied on sand islands back in her college days, but didn't tell me about it!)

You definitely have the prettiest part of the river in your backyard!

(Btw, while paddling past that amazing sandbar off Katfish Katy's, I wondered, have you ever thought about trying a sailing kayak, like the ones Hobie sells, or a kit? Might be a fun variation to cruise to a sandbar for a picnic with paddles to bring one home.)

Congrats on your river touring business, and Godspeed!

Look me up for cruisin' the Lower Potomac!

Dave

Hey, Mayor Brett! It was great talking with you early in the MR340; thanks for sharing your wisdom on where to find max current on the Missouri! It was great help for a slow paddler like myself.

When I paddled through your area of operations second day of the MR340 I realized what I missed having never gotten out on the Big Muddy while growing up in Boone County and at Mizzou: I could kick myself for never trying it back in olden times (only to discover that my oldest sister partied on sand islands back in her college days, but didn't tell me about it!)

You definitely have the prettiest part of the river in your backyard!

(Btw, while paddling past that amazing sandbar off Katfish Katy's, I wondered, have you ever thought about trying a sailing kayak, like the ones Hobie sells, or a kit? Might be a fun variation to cruise to a sandbar for a picnic with paddles to bring one home.)

Congrats on your river touring business, and Godspeed!

Look me up for cruisin' the Lower Potomac!

Dave

Brett, I also enjoyed your company on the MR340. The Katy trail is something on my list after paddling next to it on the river. The bluffs are amazing. Hope to make it out to Rocheport some day to visit!

Hogan

Brett, I also enjoyed your company on the MR340. The Katy trail is something on my list after paddling next to it on the river. The bluffs are amazing. Hope to make it out to Rocheport some day to visit!

Hogan

Dave & Hogan, Yep that MR340 was crazy awesome! The gifts were definitely the people we all met and those gorgeous nights paddling under the full moon (three nights in a row!!!). I was happy to see St Charles just 80 hours after the start, when I had been wondering if I could even paddle 50 miles! Stay in touch -- I'll be happy to paddle w/ you guys anytime, anywhere!

Dave & Hogan, Yep that MR340 was crazy awesome! The gifts were definitely the people we all met and those gorgeous nights paddling under the full moon (three nights in a row!!!). I was happy to see St Charles just 80 hours after the start, when I had been wondering if I could even paddle 50 miles! Stay in touch -- I'll be happy to paddle w/ you guys anytime, anywhere!

Actually my comment is a question. Please five information about the canoe/camping full moon floats I heard about. Will there be one in August and/or September 2010? How many need to sign up? There are 3 of us very interested. Maybe 4. Any other information will be appreciated.

Thanks

Actually my comment is a question. Please five information about the canoe/camping full moon floats I heard about. Will there be one in August and/or September 2010? How many need to sign up? There are 3 of us very interested. Maybe 4. Any other information will be appreciated.

Thanks

I read comments by some who reserved a canoe trip and had it canceled. How about you letting me know when the river is best and I build my trip around that? The months of August, September or October would work best. My group is really interested in a moonlight camping adventure.

Nelda

I read comments by some who reserved a canoe trip and had it canceled. How about you letting me know when the river is best and I build my trip around that? The months of August, September or October would work best. My group is really interested in a moonlight camping adventure.

Nelda

Okay I got it.

Okay I got it.

We LOVE the Turner Shelter and Tebbetts. We stopped there last July during our trip from St. Charles with our kids, 9 and 11, and my father. We were the first ones there and thought we'd have the place to ourselves, by the end of the evening, we were joined by 13 other travelers from many walks of life. Several folks were doing the Trans-America Ride. We had a great time talking to them and dreaming of future adventures. Our kids spent the whole time playing ping-pong.



We are heading out for a four day trip to Hermann and back in a few days. We will be staying in Tebbetts on the way out the way back. The kids are really jazzed about it. We are bringing a new box of ping-pong balls and a few other treasures to leave behind for others.

We LOVE the Turner Shelter and Tebbetts. We stopped there last July during our trip from St. Charles with our kids, 9 and 11, and my father. We were the first ones there and thought we'd have the place to ourselves, by the end of the evening, we were joined by 13 other travelers from many walks of life. Several folks were doing the Trans-America Ride. We had a great time talking to them and dreaming of future adventures. Our kids spent the whole time playing ping-pong.



We are heading out for a four day trip to Hermann and back in a few days. We will be staying in Tebbetts on the way out the way back. The kids are really jazzed about it. We are bringing a new box of ping-pong balls and a few other treasures to leave behind for others.

Sadly, the convenience store that was right on the trail has closed in Boonville as of October 2009. They had the best staff and the cleanest restrooms on the trail. Hopefully it will re-open, but until then the nearest place for snacks and beverages is now downtown or at the Casino.

I'll miss them, I also would stop everytime through Boonville. You couldn't get much closer to the trail then they were.

Oh no! This was really a great place with wonderful staff and excellent sandwiches. What happened? They always seemed packed and being right by the casino you would think they would have made plenty of money.



I do hope someone buys the place and re-opens it!

Is this the one that is kind of between the Depot and the Casino?

Yes, this was the Shell station that sat directly across from the Depot and to the left of the casino. The trail literally runs right beside it.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, under control on a short leash.

Someone from out of state sent me this note. Anyone who has taken a tandem or recumbent on Amtrak, please correct any misunderstanding (if any):



We were planning a trip next spring to do a good section of the Katy Trail. Things look promising when we saw that Amtrak went along the route and you could take your bike. What a cool trip take the train out from St Louis and ride the Katy trail back. Also from the prices it looked very economical. But as we dug into the details that was when things did fare well. Although we don''t think tandems are uncommon, we see three or four at least on every trail ride we have been on, Amtrak does''t consider them a "Normal" bicycle. Oh, but look you can check it as baggage if properly boxed. Great we said, we can do that. But wait a moment no checked baggage at the Kirkwood station. No problem, St Louis station allows checked baggage. No, no, no - stll have a problem because in Sedalia you can''t get check baggage off the train. Also it appears there might not be anny checked baggage allowed on the River Runner. Now we realize "speciality" bikes maybe are not the majority, but the make up a good portion. Recumbents, Tandems, Trikes, etc... appear to left out of this great opportunity. We may or may not actually come and do the Katy trail - we were planning on at least 5 days in the area, but perhaps another spot will be more to our liking. Pass on to people who have the power to change policy; Amtrak who claim to be a vital part of the Katy trail need to work a little more with the ability to bring all types of bicyles onto the train.

No misunderstandings....just a comment or two.



It would probably be most effective for the dismayed tandem riders to contact Amtrak themselves. Third hand information in an effort to get someone to correct a problem is often not real effective. If it's that important to you.....then you need to go to the source.



It's kind of like complaining on this forum about the cost of Coke and poor ambiance in Clinton.

Oh I don't know Trek. That wasn't nearly as bad as the doofus from Sedalia whining about his fried chicken order every time they go. My first question would be Why is there and "every time?"

We just had a wonderful week long trip on the KATY trail, taking the train from Washington to Sedalia. We took 4 bikes on the train, one of them being a recumbent. It is not a matter of Amtrak excluding tandems, but a tandem simply will not make the sharp narrow turn necessary to bring the bike aboard the train, nor will a tandem fit in the place where the bikes are stored for the trip. It is the length of the bike that prevents it from boarding the train. Additionally, the train only stops for a couple minutes and is boarded quickly at the stop.

I have been trying to get a grip on the Amtrak situation in regard to the Katy Trail. Can someone tell me in what towns the amtrak actually stops and if you can board with a bike or take a bike off at all or only some. I am talking about a regular bike for this instance. I tried to look at the rates on the Amtrak site...but it seemed as though I could only get on in KC, Sedalia, and a couple of other major towns along the trail. Any help on this topic would be appreciated.

I think there are maps/info on the Amtrak website to let you know station locations. I've had some of my best luck calling and getting info direct from Amtrak...on the phone while navigating their site.



There is an interesting article on crazyguyonabike.com by Dale Oswald titled "Rail Transport Using Amtrak" that may be of interest to some following this thread. At the CGOB site, click on the Articles tab and go to page 5 to find the Amtrak article.



Cindy from IN is correct about the length of a tandem being the prohibitor on Amtrak....for an assembled tandem. Most tandem riders are quite aware of the length of their machine and the limitations that may create when their bike is at length. S&S couplers were a great invention for longbike riders to take their bike with them in limited space situations.