Katy Trail Forum

Has anyone seen Bob cat in the trail? How harmful are they and where did

you see (near which town). Is there any other harmful creatures.. I bike

a lot in Katy alone and have never seen anything dangerous. but I was

reading a trail book which had bobcat info and got worried?

I have not seen any on the Katy, but did see one on the Little Blue Trace in Independence. This one took off immediately. It is very unusual to see one, as they stay away from people. They aren't going to bother anyone. Do a little research - they aren't dangerous unless you are a field mouse.

There have numerous "Bigfoot" sightings near Hartsburg over the years. I think that's about the scariest critter your gonna run into.



Paulie

Snakes...go to http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=2974¬efmt=1&sortby=0&pg=6

Most of the time when I ride the trail I see at least one snake. I usually see them far enough ahead of time to stop and give them a chance to get across, so hopefully we won't be in the same spot at the same time. I've seen a fox, and some vultures (YUK! it creeped me out) eating trailkill.



And I've seen turtles and deer, and barking dogs, and one real mean old lady at Wainwright. She was by far the scariest creature I've encountered riding the trail. I do sometimes wonder about whether there are wilder creatures out there.

Cathy,



Check the critters out at Deon's Bar in Pilot Grove about 7 in the evening, far scarier than anything on the trail..

I've seen bobcats on the Prairie Spirit Trail in KS (early in the morning) and also near the Kansas River from a bridge (on a bike). So I know they exist along the Missouri as well.



They look similar to a big house cat, but are slightly taller and leaner with slightly longer legs and bigger paws. Thus, they will not attack large prey like humans. Their pointed ears and missing tail are futher distinctive ID's.



Since they tend to avoid open areas, I was lucky to see them at all. :)

I saw a bobcat on the Hamburg trail a couple years ago. It was right near the water treatment plant. We were headed downhill, and it was in the right tire track as we came around the curve. It was walking away from us, and I could make out the very distinctive point of its ears. Once it heard us, it was gone like a flash.

Saw one west of Calhoun a few yers back. It was on the trail but as soon as it saw/heard me it took off across the fields and was gone even before I could grab my camera. It was about 7:00 AM.

my wife and I saw a bobcat on the Indian Creek bike trails in Leawood last year. Was slowly crossing the path up ahead of us, then quickly moved toward the creek as soon as he looked up and saw us.

Is a cougar the same as a bobcat? I was riding on the Tomahawk creek trail a couple years ago and a guy stopped me and said he had just seen a cougar. Showed me the tracks. Said they had come from Colorado a few years earlier following the deer herds.

Nope, they are different. Here's a link that describes the differences.

http://www2.ucsc.edu/police/cougarvbobcat.htm

I know without a doubt I saw a bobcat west of Calhoun a few years ago.

I may?/possibly?/wonder? if I saw a cougar a year or so back. It was early morning, lots of rabbits on the trail, river was flooded and covering lots of bottom land. It was way up in the distance on the trail and as I got a bit closer I thought maybe a cougar from the shape and stance of the body, looks of the tail, and how it leapt up off the trail into the hillside. BUT, I'm not 100%, it may have been my over active immagination taking over...but I do know it spooked me and I cut my ride short. There are cougars in MO. I've been told though that out in the wilds and on the Katy, there is such an abundant source of wild food for them they have no interest in pursuing a human and in fact would avoid them.

No, a cougar is not the same as a Bobcat! They are bigger, faster and more aggressive. There have been instances out west of them attacking cyclists, it seems they go for the faster than normal movement, so I have read. We do not have them in Missouri, but some people would not agree with me on that.

Thanks everyone. Its makes me feel better to know that bobcats avoid humans. Some areas

of katy gets very deserted and you see no human trace. So wanted to be pre-cautious.

Let's see... I am generally on foot when I am on the trail and have seen a bobcat just to the west of Sedalia. I have also seen coyotes, more deer than I can count, snakes, turtles, spiders, groundhogs, turkey buzzards, owls, herons, etc.

The common thread? All were far more afraid of me than I was of them.

No bigfoot sightings as of yet. ;-)

I also saw a beautiful bobcat a few years ago on the Indian Creek Trail in Overland Park. I

had just topped a hill and was heading down again and just up ahead under an overhead

bridge/tunnel was a bobcat just sitting right in the middle of the trail. I immediately stopped

on my bike to be able to view him longer and he just sat there for about 5 or 6 seconds then

just ran off! Of course my husband who was behind me didn't get there in time to see him.

Every time I ride there I think of him again. They are MUCH more afraid of us than the

reverse. They won't harm anyone, just the odd mouse as was mentioned earlier :)

I'm riding the Katy from Clinton to St. Charles in a couple of weeks. I have a traditional bike saddle and my rear end is very sore. What can I do to save my butt during the trip?

Firstly, wear spandex chamois shorts. If you're one of those who think they look "unmanly," then have fun with your sore butt. Secondly, get a gel seat cover. Gel is better than the memory foam, imo. Sports Authority has them for $20. Thirdly, use Chamois Butter if chafing is an issue. Generally speaking, it takes several consecutive long rides to condition your butt.

The position of the seat could also be an issue. It may be too high....too low in the front or rear. Read online about seat adjustment or visit your local bike shop and they may be able help you with proper height, nose, tail, fore and aft adjustment.

I think the #1 reason people get a sore butt from riding is because they haven’t ridden enough. This may not be the case for you, but I think it is for most folks with this problem. The remedy is to ride at least 10 miles per day, 4-5 days per week. This will toughen-up the muscles that come in contact with your seat (saddle). Other things to consider:

1. Padded bike shorts, can be worn under your pants.

2. Consider a recumbent bike; their seats are much more comfortable.

3. Riding position. If you distribute more of your weight to your hands and feet, there will be less on your rear. This is part of the reason for drop handlebars of road bikes.

4. Seat position. A little adjustment can make a big difference. I can show you, but can’t tell you how to do this, so you may need some help.

5. They sell a variety of seats at the bike shop, but in my opinion, it is one, or all of the above. You can buy a $90 seat, but if you don’t ride on it, your butt will be sore after 30 miles on the Katy.

I'm going to second what ChrisJ said. I have done two end-to-end trips on the Katy, but will add one thing. Do not get a "comfort" or wide saddle if you ever experience chafing. This will only make it worse.



First trip: not alot of time on the bike before-hand, wide saddle, comfort bike with higher handlebars & lots of suspension = butt soreness beginning the first day, lots of chafing.



Second trip: regular smaller rides leading up to the trip, smaller saddle, road/trail bike (hard-tail), chamois butter every day - no butt soreness or chafing.



So you can see what made the difference for me...

I have many many rides of 100+ mile days and have even done Ultra distant events of

300 mile days. There is no substitute for miles on the bike to get you "seat" comfortable

for long days in the saddle. Ride often and ride distances and you will build the comfort

level.



OK... things you can do. Even with the tens of thousands of miles I have ridden, there are

times even I get sore. A Race Across America Racer friend told me to do this... Wear 2

pairs of bike shorts. Yes TWO. Wear the first pair (the pair against your skin) inside out.

Then the 2nd pair wear normal over the top. It feels a bit bulky, but on the bike you won't

notice it and I promise you wont have any soreness when you are done.



I see people wearing improper clothing. First off, never wear underwear under riding

shorts. This can and will cause chaffing. 2nd, always buy GOOD Quality bike shorts with

quality chamois. 2nd... riding a big wide comfy seat will just make things worse in most

instances. I ride a light weight racing seat... not because its cooling looking, but because

there is less there to cause pain. The seat is contacting my "sit" bone area and not much

else. Over the years I tried gel seats, wider seats, etc and they just made things worse.



Good luck and have a great time!

Interesting the two chamois short concept...I've never heard of that. It sounds reasonable though to increase the thickness of the padding. As your padding compresses through a ride, the comfort level goes down.



I've taken an extra pair of riding shorts and changed when I became uncomfortable in the seat. That requires two pair of shorts, but you only have to wear one at a time.

Part of it also is wearing the 1st pair inside out so the "spandex" is against the skin. I know it

sounds weird, but I promise it works. Lots of Ultra Distance riders do this. I've ridden 24 hour

events with very sore feet, tired legs, stiff neck, but with my butt not much more tired then if

I had done 80-100 miles with a regular pair of shorts.

I started my hike here and so followed the advice of others and called taxi for ride to trailhead. However, after I saw bridge, I felt that I could have walked it but it would have been quite a ways on busy road so cab fare was worth it overall. However, it takes an hour for the cab to get to the train station so consider calling them BEFORE you get to JC.

Great place to stop for the hiker. If the sign says "closed" go up to the window on Saturday morning and they will likely invite you in for coffee. Good coffee. Cheap prices. I had walked 6 miles from Tebbetts and was hungry so the coffee was great until I could get more breakfast later. Very friendly folks.

Great place to stop for the hiker. If the sign says "closed" go up to the window on Saturday morning and they will likely invite you in for coffee. Good coffee. Cheap prices. I had walked 6 miles from Tebbetts and was hungry so the coffee was great until I could get more breakfast later. Very friendly folks.

A lot of fun but not for the faint of heart! I enjoyed it but there was no food that night so I went hungry. Good conversation and cold beer however. A real slice of Americana if there ever was one.

A lot of fun but not for the faint of heart! I enjoyed it but there was no food that night so I went hungry. Good conversation and cold beer however. A real slice of Americana if there ever was one.

Enjoyed a great catfish sandwich but they do not take credit cards so go prepared. Very friendly atmosphere. Would like to come back here someday.

Enjoyed a great catfish sandwich but they do not take credit cards so go prepared. Very friendly atmosphere. Would like to come back here someday.

This hostel was a real life saver and just a great place to stay. I was hiking from Jeff City to Herrman and this was my first stop. Hostel had great showers, was clean and it was a good nights sleep for the first night out. Would really recommend it. How can you beat this price?

This hostel was a real life saver and just a great place to stay. I was hiking from Jeff City to Herrman and this was my first stop. Hostel had great showers, was clean and it was a good nights sleep for the first night out. Would really recommend it. How can you beat this price?

This is a very fun place. Hostel was great although probably best enjoyed with others since it can be a bit strange by yourself as I was. Food is not available in Tebbetts so bring some or do without. However, just enjoy it for what it is. Modern day Brigadoon for sure.

I did a hike from Jefferson City to Herrman last weekend and had the privilege to stay with Doug at Rendleman Home. It was a great time. Doug fixed a fabulous dinner; one that I enjoyed very much having hiked 20 miles that day with a pack. Breakfast was equally good and it was a very nice time all around. Doug offered to make a bonfire but I was too tired to take advantage of it. Everything was great.

I did a hike from Jefferson City to Herrman last weekend and had the privilege to stay with Doug at Rendleman Home. It was a great time. Doug fixed a fabulous dinner; one that I enjoyed very much having hiked 20 miles that day with a pack. Breakfast was equally good and it was a very nice time all around. Doug offered to make a bonfire but I was too tired to take advantage of it. Everything was great.

Three of us will be riding Sedalia to St. Charles from Oct 11 to 17. We won't be carrying sleeping bags and would rather not share beds. Many places have just B&B and inns that have only one bed per room. Renting 3 rooms is beyond our budget. Do you know any places with 3 beds per room? Twin beds and a rollaway or bunk rooms would work. Towns with motels should offer something, but the smaller towns are problematic. I did see there are bunk rooms at Schoolhouse B&B and Katy Trail B&B in Rocheport. Also at Steamboat Junction campground (near Bluffton). Other suggestions?

The Rendleman Home in Bluffton has one room with two twin beds and a room with a double bed and futon in it. A single heavy air mattress could be added. If one of those rooms was available on the night you want it would be $53 per person, dinner breakfast and tax included.

in ST Chsrles there are two locations that can accomodate 3 guys, Lococo House lll @636-946-0619 or (the new) Lococo House of St Charles @636-255-4910

Remember Hartsburg will be having their annual Pumpkin Festival on the 10th and 11th of October where 50,000 plus people show up. Otherwise you could stay in our Volunteer Park for free. Good luck.

Leaving on the 11th probably would put you in Hartsburg after the Pumpkin Fest making Volunteer Park for free a viable option.

Concord Hill B&B between Treloar and Marthasville has a very nice loft with three separate Futons. Great for 3 guys. I stayed there recently with two other stags as part of a larger group that included couples. Maggie is the proprietor. I don't know if she'll rent the loft separately but it's worth a shot if that fits your schedule. Her # is 636-782-2042. Great hot breakfast at the B&B and they'll fix dinner, too, with prior notice.

The hotels/motels in the larger towns have two-kingbed rooms, which can be shared easily. Yet, these places are not right next to the trail, although many of them offer free pickup at the trailheads.



If you were to stay at the DeVille or the Truman in Jeff City, for example, they will pick you up. Otherwise, the 1-1/2-mile ride over the bridge to get there is risky during rush hour traffic. The southbound side has three lanes, but no shoulder to speak of, so daring riders want to exit at the first Main-Street exit once over the river. This street will take you to the capital bldg and the downtown section just south of it.



Since you won't be carrying sleeping gear, the shelter in Tebbetts ($5 a night each) probably won't work for you. That is, unless you don't mind sleeping in your clothes after a hot shower. The shelter does have heat.



The trail is scenic this time of the year. Good luck.

I am the General Manager of the Hotel Frederick which is across the street from the KATY Trail as it crosses the Missouri River on the north end of Boonville. We have rooms that have 2 queens and 2 singles and if you roll in here during the week, I can give you a good rate. Send your request to hotelfrederick@sbcglobal.net and mention that I responded to your request on this site.

Good Luck and enjoy this beautiful state.

Parris Johnson

General Manager

Hotel Frederick

I was on the Katy Trail today between Mokane and Portland in the afternoon. It was an incredibly beautiful day for a ride. Every time I ride on the trail, I see something new. Today I saw goats on the trail. That was a first for me. Has anyone else seen goats on the trail?

I didn't know they could ride bicycles!

Probably just Mountain Goats on Mountain bikes.

Klondike park camps grounds and cabins book very earlies in the fall. Plan ahead

Klondike park camps grounds and cabins book very earlies in the fall. Plan ahead

just waited several minutes for our order to be taken at drive up. there was only 1 customer inside & 5 employees. ordered bbq wings and as always they didn't have any made. had to wait 10 min. got order home only to discover we had wings but no bbq. spoke with shift manager (mary) on the phone who didn't seem too concerned. offered me a few bisquits to make up for the fact I had to drive all the way back(a total of a 20 min. trip plus time inside) I asked for the owners name & phone number and she gave me an 800 survey number. Took my name because she wanted to make sure the owner knew I'd been taken care of. Every time we go there they have no wings cooked. This manager did not satisfy the fact I had to use my time & gas to get what I ordered 30 min earlier. I will never go back

just waited several minutes for our order to be taken at drive up. there was only 1 customer inside & 5 employees. ordered bbq wings and as always they didn't have any made. had to wait 10 min. got order home only to discover we had wings but no bbq. spoke with shift manager (mary) on the phone who didn't seem too concerned. offered me a few bisquits to make up for the fact I had to drive all the way back(a total of a 20 min. trip plus time inside) I asked for the owners name & phone number and she gave me an 800 survey number. Took my name because she wanted to make sure the owner knew I'd been taken care of. Every time we go there they have no wings cooked. This manager did not satisfy the fact I had to use my time & gas to get what I ordered 30 min earlier. I will never go back

Hhmmmm......unbelievable.



Contact PETA.....they'll put some pressure on em.

Hhmmmm......unbelievable.



Contact PETA.....they'll put some pressure on em.

I guess we're not even going to pretend this is forum for things related to the Katy Trail anymore........

I guess we're not even going to pretend this is forum for things related to the Katy Trail anymore........

I guess we're not even going to pretend this is a forum for things related to the Katy Trail anymore........

I guess we're not even going to pretend this is a forum for things related to the Katy Trail anymore........

Actually, this might show the anonymous poster that the manager cares even more than the average trail user. Ray, please delete this nonsense.

Actually, this might show the anonymous poster that the manager cares even more than the average trail user. Ray, please delete this nonsense.

Stayed July 27th 2009. I was met by Dorian (owner out of burg) The food was great. Had the whole place to my self. Nice to a have access to a clothes washer as I was packing light for the ride from Kansas to the Arch. Asked for a 6am breakfast and Dorian had it ready. I was on the Trail by 0620. Lucky Dorain had the key to the camping store. Was able to get a cold coke. Good stop....curt Thanks for letting me stay

Stayed July 27th 2009. I was met by Dorian (owner out of burg) The food was great. Had the whole place to my self. Nice to a have access to a clothes washer as I was packing light for the ride from Kansas to the Arch. Asked for a 6am breakfast and Dorian had it ready. I was on the Trail by 0620. Lucky Dorain had the key to the camping store. Was able to get a cold coke. Good stop....curt Thanks for letting me stay

We hit a few heavy storms between St Charles and Hermann on Saturday, but the weather was cool and conducive to making good time. That part of the trail is in great shape and we had a good time. Augusta has a great rest stop with bike supplies, but that was about it the rest of the ride. We had a good lunch in Dutzow, but places to eat seemed far and few between. Make sure you bring a lot of water for yourself.



The trail between Hermann and JC was a bit rougher, but not that bad at all, really. The sun came out and so did the wind. Riding East to West is NOT recommended. Makes the trip a lot tougher. I also made the mistake of putting everything in my camelbak, and not using racks. This put a lot of extra weight on my tender parts and I got pretty sore, although I was using a cyclocross race bike with a lightweight saddle. Even one of those racks that clamps to your seatpost would have been a welcome addition. They sold those in Augusta, but I wasn't as sore quite yet.



There isn't much between Hermann and JC to eat, we stopped at a bar in Tebbetts, and had some ok food. At least it was cheap and there was Powerade.



Next time we plan on going West to East, and I'll be using a rack!

thanks for the good report.

How strong was the wind when you rode? I'm riding from East to West this year (have always

ridden west to east in years past). I'm now second guessing my decision.

A group of co-workers and did the trail from St.Charles to Clinton on Sept. 17, 18 and 19, 2009 the weather was great and the trail was in great shape, a few rough spots but nothing that couldn't be traveled. We were able to average about 12.2 mph with very effort. There were many interesting sites along the way (especially all the walnuts to dodge)and folks along the very friendly and helpful. We had support vehicles along and traveled with carrying little on the bikes. 5 members of the group rode the entire trip. Great Time!!!

Rode there today, best food I've had on the trail yet. Way more food options than are listed on this website. I had the burger, and have had one from the bar across the street last time I stopped in Defiance. This place has better service and WAY better food, don't miss it.

Rode there today, best food I've had on the trail yet. Way more food options than are listed on this website. I had the burger, and have had one from the bar across the street last time I stopped in Defiance. This place has better service and WAY better food, don't miss it.