Katy Trail Forum

Hi, My husband and I are planning a nine day trip on the trail in mid October to celebrate or 25th wedding anniversary. This will be our first time on the Katy, and our first on a multi day bike trip. We are planning to stay in B&B's along the way and travel between 25 - 32 miles per day. My question is, would it be ok to ride my Electra Townie 21 speed cruiser bike? (I love this bike and do ride it at home, several times a week, 15 - 20 miles at a time.) Has anyone had any experiences with these types of bikes on the Katy? Also any advise for us novices?

Taking 9 days and doing 25 miles a day you should be fine on that bike. Enjoy the trail.

The Townie is a tank(very heavy) and will be even heavier if your carrying 9 days of gear. Even with that said, if that's what your comfortable on I think that's what you should ride. Your bike will have no trouble with the terrain.



Have a safe trip,



Paulie

Thanks for the replies! I'm glad to hear that your think that my Townie will be able to handle the trail. Since buying a new bike isn't really in the picture right now, my choices are limited to the bikes I already won. (a Townie 21 and a Del Sol Lxi 6.1)

I really do prefer the townie for comfort. My wonderful hubby will be carrying the bulk of our gear, so I'm not too concerned about the aditional weight. :-)

Your Townie will be fine for the trail. I have ridden the complete trail twice on mine and as far as I'm concerned it is the perfect bike for it! Ron

Thanks Ron. I'm so glad to hear that!

My daughter and I went from Rocheport to St. Charles in July. My husband (who doesn't care for biking) was our support in our car. For us, going about 25 miles a day was ideal. You should do fine going 25-32 miles a day. I suggest you use this website to book your stays in B&Bs now. We enjoyed eating at places along the trail. If you plan your trip, and bring back-up food for when there is not a restaurant or place to eat, you'll do fine.

My wife and I rode the trail earlier this year on similar bikes for our 25th. It was great. You will have no problems.

This at one time was a great place to stop. They had a bike shop , ice cream shop and food. We were very disappointed to find everything closed down. Do not plan to get anything here

If you go south on 1st Street in Marthasville, out to Hwy 47/94, less than 1/4 mile from trail, there is the Twin Gables restaurant. If you go a little further west on Hwy. 47/94, then there is the S&R Convenience Store. However, the businesses that you were referring to and used to be right along the trail are all boarded up these days.

I stayed at the Rivers Edge on Saturday and again on Wednesday of this past week. This is a very nice campground for tent camping. There were about 8 tent sites, each with a fire pit. Several wooden picnic tables are next to the sites. The restroom/hot shower is within feet and is very, very clean. In fact, it is the cleanest I've seen on the Katy Trail for tent camping. The owners (Dave and Melody) and the nicest people you would ever want to meet. So in closing, if you want a nice tent camping place, I would certainly recommend the Rivers Edge. PS: I ate at the diner/bar next door, and it was fine....for what it is. The food was decent, the beer was cold, and the atmosphere was....well, relaxed and very casual.

I stayed at the Rivers Edge on Saturday and again on Wednesday of this past week. This is a very nice campground for tent camping. There were about 8 tent sites, each with a fire pit. Several wooden picnic tables are next to the sites. The restroom/hot shower is within feet and is very, very clean. In fact, it is the cleanest I've seen on the Katy Trail for tent camping. The owners (Dave and Melody) and the nicest people you would ever want to meet. So in closing, if you want a nice tent camping place, I would certainly recommend the Rivers Edge. PS: I ate at the diner/bar next door, and it was fine....for what it is. The food was decent, the beer was cold, and the atmosphere was....well, relaxed and very casual.

Good to know, thanks for the info.

Good to know, thanks for the info.

Is anyone familiar with the part of the trail that goes past the Missouri Reseach Park, near the hwy 40 bridge and Weldon Spring? It is listed on this site's mileage chart, and the chart shows that there is parking available, but the link to the amenities does not work, and no maps online seem to show any connection from a parking lot at the Research Park to the trail. Is this a viable put-in for the Katy or do I need to go somewhere else?



Thanks.

It''s definitely a nice access point for the Katy Trail. Sorry, I did not realize that the link from the mileage page was broken; I have fixed it.



Here''s the page with directions and additional info on the Mo Research Park Connector.



Bottom line is that it''s a scenic 3/4 mile trail down to the Katy. There was ample parking the day I was there a couple of weeks ago, but it''s not a huge lot and I can imagine it filling up on busy days. Very nice parking spot if you''re looking to get into the wooded section of trail between highway 40 and Weldon Spring/Defiance. And easy to get to from highway 40.



Happy trails!

The location is an oasis in the desert, if you're traveling the Weldon Springs to Augusta part of the trail. Unfortunately, the presentation of food is inconsistent. I dined on the same thing at least three different times and on each visit, what was offered on the plate of the Mediterranean platter varied. The first time, there were outstanding amounts of veggies but it unfortunately declined there to celery with crackers thrown in to take up the space of where the veggies once resided.



The hubby joined me once and ordered a turkey sandwich. Unfortunately, there wasn't much turkey to be found and the presentation was minimal on the plate. My veggie burger was simple and uninspiring in flavor.



On my last trip, I opted to skip the Augusta Brewery and chose a protein bar from my pack instead. The cost versus the nutrition offered just lost the romance after a couple of visits. However, please note the staff are friendly and efficient. The beer is also refreshing.

The location is an oasis in the desert, if you're traveling the Weldon Springs to Augusta part of the trail. Unfortunately, the presentation of food is inconsistent. I dined on the same thing at least three different times and on each visit, what was offered on the plate of the Mediterranean platter varied. The first time, there were outstanding amounts of veggies but it unfortunately declined there to celery with crackers thrown in to take up the space of where the veggies once resided.



The hubby joined me once and ordered a turkey sandwich. Unfortunately, there wasn't much turkey to be found and the presentation was minimal on the plate. My veggie burger was simple and uninspiring in flavor.



On my last trip, I opted to skip the Augusta Brewery and chose a protein bar from my pack instead. The cost versus the nutrition offered just lost the romance after a couple of visits. However, please note the staff are friendly and efficient. The beer is also refreshing.

We like to stop here also, because their garden/patio is beautiful. DH likes the cold beer.

However, I concur the food is just average-below average.

We like to stop here also, because their garden/patio is beautiful. DH likes the cold beer.

However, I concur the food is just average-below average.

For me the stop alone is worth it for their icy cold homemade Root Beer....some of the best ever. Definitely hits the spot after a long hot ride.

For me the stop alone is worth it for their icy cold homemade Root Beer....some of the best ever. Definitely hits the spot after a long hot ride.

I'm with the last guy. The food was good enough and their IPA was outstanding!

I'm with the last guy. The food was good enough and their IPA was outstanding!

We stopped here Monday, July 20 and again Tuesday, July 21. We thought the beer was wonderful and the food good. Monday we shared the cheese and sausage plate and Tuesday we shared the mediteranian plate, which had a very interesting olive - garlic spread. We also bought pint glass koozies, first time we had seen these. We rode bike from St. Charles to Mckittrick on Monday and back on Tuesday. First time on the Katy and can't wait to get back.

We stopped here Monday, July 20 and again Tuesday, July 21. We thought the beer was wonderful and the food good. Monday we shared the cheese and sausage plate and Tuesday we shared the mediteranian plate, which had a very interesting olive - garlic spread. We also bought pint glass koozies, first time we had seen these. We rode bike from St. Charles to Mckittrick on Monday and back on Tuesday. First time on the Katy and can't wait to get back.

The beer and the music are always great. The food is hit and miss, but the staff is fantastic. Come on a Sunday afternoon for good times and local music.

The beer and the music are always great. The food is hit and miss, but the staff is fantastic. Come on a Sunday afternoon for good times and local music.

Is it possible to keep your bike in sight when eating on the patio or should I go buy a lock for our bikes?

Is it possible to keep your bike in sight when eating on the patio or should I go buy a lock for our bikes?

There is nothing bikers hate worse after a long day on the trail; than "simple" food with "minimal presentation"

There is nothing bikers hate worse after a long day on the trail; than "simple" food with "minimal presentation"

Looking forward to our stay in Defiance!!!! We make an annual bike trip on the Katy Trail and usually stay in Augusta but this year we are staying in Defiance at the Elysian Filds B&B. Definace is always happening in October. So Excited!!! See ya there! October 10 and 11.

Good experience at Trailside on FRI, 19JUN, as it's always been for us. Cook suggested the reuben sandwich special, which they happily supplied as two separate plates for my wife and me. Wonderful to sit outside and enjoy the company of other cyclists. Good value and service.

Good experience at Trailside on FRI, 19JUN, as it's always been for us. Cook suggested the reuben sandwich special, which they happily supplied as two separate plates for my wife and me. Wonderful to sit outside and enjoy the company of other cyclists. Good value and service.

We visited the Trailside Cafe & Bike Shop this past weekend, September 7th, and while we enjoyed our ride and the rented bike, we had a terrible experience at the Cafe. We and our friends waited for over an hour for our food. We ordered burgers, a hot dog, a grilled cheese, and a chicken wrap. It was chaotic in there. They had no idea who ordered what food, and would simply bring a cheeseburger combo out and shout, "cheeseburger combo", and four different people would try to claim it. We had young children with us that were very hungry after a long bike ride, and they had to wait so long. Really, does it take that long to cook a grilled cheese sandwich? While we will continue to rent bikes and ride, we will never spend another dime in the cafe. Management really needs to take a look at overhauling it and making it much more efficient.

We visited the Trailside Cafe & Bike Shop this past weekend, September 7th, and while we enjoyed our ride and the rented bike, we had a terrible experience at the Cafe. We and our friends waited for over an hour for our food. We ordered burgers, a hot dog, a grilled cheese, and a chicken wrap. It was chaotic in there. They had no idea who ordered what food, and would simply bring a cheeseburger combo out and shout, "cheeseburger combo", and four different people would try to claim it. We had young children with us that were very hungry after a long bike ride, and they had to wait so long. Really, does it take that long to cook a grilled cheese sandwich? While we will continue to rent bikes and ride, we will never spend another dime in the cafe. Management really needs to take a look at overhauling it and making it much more efficient.

What is up with the Nona house? Every time I ride past, the front door is open, the lights are on, and a pickup truck is in the front yard with the driver's side door hanging open. I never see any people around, ever. Crack house? Haunted house? Anyone know the story?

The guy who lives there is a wood sculptor, apparently quite successful. There was an article about him a year or two ago in one of the St. Louis papers.

Once in a while they show a program on PBS (Channel 9) about the KATY trail and they have a segment on him and his wife and how they came to live there. Interesting!

I biked the Katy Trail late May 2008. I didn't eat at this restaurant, but the lady and I think the evening manager who worked the night of May 29th did me a huge favor...



I biked that day from Hartsburg and it was about 9ish and starting to get dark. I pulled into the B & B right off the trail at Marthasville, no one answered my knocks, so I called the number on the sign/brochure. For some reason they were not accepting any boarders that night. Total bummer. I then biked into Dutzow and saw the Deli/Restaurant and talked to them about local lodging. It seemed that my only choice was to go to Washington-10 miles away and across that bridge. It was totally dark at this point. Understanding my plight, the lady/manager took it upon herself to help a stranger in need, loaded me & my bike into her minivan and drove 10 miles out of her way to the "Sleep Inn" in Washington. I am not sure what I would have done that night if she hadn't help me, and I was too tired to go any further on the bike, but with her kindness and generosity I was in a luxurious motel with an air conditioner, clean sheets, and a hot shower. I will never forget the kindness of this woman who helped me out-a total stranger. The next time I am on the trail which hopefully will be in the next year or two I will definitely seek out the Dutzow Deli & Restaurant and be able to thank her again. I am sure if the food is as good as the people that work there it would be a fantastic place to eat.

I biked the Katy Trail late May 2008. I didn't eat at this restaurant, but the lady and I think the evening manager who worked the night of May 29th did me a huge favor...



I biked that day from Hartsburg and it was about 9ish and starting to get dark. I pulled into the B & B right off the trail at Marthasville, no one answered my knocks, so I called the number on the sign/brochure. For some reason they were not accepting any boarders that night. Total bummer. I then biked into Dutzow and saw the Deli/Restaurant and talked to them about local lodging. It seemed that my only choice was to go to Washington-10 miles away and across that bridge. It was totally dark at this point. Understanding my plight, the lady/manager took it upon herself to help a stranger in need, loaded me & my bike into her minivan and drove 10 miles out of her way to the "Sleep Inn" in Washington. I am not sure what I would have done that night if she hadn't help me, and I was too tired to go any further on the bike, but with her kindness and generosity I was in a luxurious motel with an air conditioner, clean sheets, and a hot shower. I will never forget the kindness of this woman who helped me out-a total stranger. The next time I am on the trail which hopefully will be in the next year or two I will definitely seek out the Dutzow Deli & Restaurant and be able to thank her again. I am sure if the food is as good as the people that work there it would be a fantastic place to eat.

We tried to eat here on Labor Day. I guess business was slow, as they closed menu service at 2:00. My wife, who arrived before we did, said the menu looked appetizing. Will give it another go later!

We tried to eat here on Labor Day. I guess business was slow, as they closed menu service at 2:00. My wife, who arrived before we did, said the menu looked appetizing. Will give it another go later!

My wife and I have eaten at the Deli many times over the past several years. You will not be disappointed; great food and prices.

My wife and I have eaten at the Deli many times over the past several years. You will not be disappointed; great food and prices.

I've written about the Dutzow Deli before. It's great! I also stop there when I'm just driving through. Also, The brother of the guy that has the bike shop in Defiance is supposed to open the bike shop next to it this coming spring.

I've written about the Dutzow Deli before. It's great! I also stop there when I'm just driving through. Also, The brother of the guy that has the bike shop in Defiance is supposed to open the bike shop next to it this coming spring.

Had a great stay at the Globe on Tuesday, August 18, 2009. Jeannette not at home when I arrived but no matter. Note on door to get hidden key and go on in. Lemonaide in the frig, room ready upstairs, Frank (the cat) provided the welcoming committee along with the other boys and girls in the cat family. Room was immaculate and very comfortable. Sink in room a nice plus. Bathroom has not only a shower but a HUGE cast iron claw foot tub. I was the only guest this night. Breakfast the next morning was sized for an army. Coffee, orange juice, carrot and blueberry muffins (two kinds), english muffins, eggs, jam, butter, coffee, yogurt. All in very plentiful supply and I took muffins and hard boiled eggs with me for lunch. Jeanette a real pleasure to talk with. Will be back next year for another stay at this wonderful stopover.

Had a great stay at the Globe on Tuesday, August 18, 2009. Jeannette not at home when I arrived but no matter. Note on door to get hidden key and go on in. Lemonaide in the frig, room ready upstairs, Frank (the cat) provided the welcoming committee along with the other boys and girls in the cat family. Room was immaculate and very comfortable. Sink in room a nice plus. Bathroom has not only a shower but a HUGE cast iron claw foot tub. I was the only guest this night. Breakfast the next morning was sized for an army. Coffee, orange juice, carrot and blueberry muffins (two kinds), english muffins, eggs, jam, butter, coffee, yogurt. All in very plentiful supply and I took muffins and hard boiled eggs with me for lunch. Jeanette a real pleasure to talk with. Will be back next year for another stay at this wonderful stopover.

The word is finally getting out that Jeanette is a real gem on the Katy Trail. Hartsburg is proud to have her. She goes out of her way to make your stay a good one. Please come back again and spread the word about the Globe Hotel B & B. Also a note about eating in Hartsburg. The new Big Muddy Tavern is about to open in Hartsburg (right next to the Globe B & B). They hope to be open for Labor Day

weekend and they plan to be open seven (7) days a week, Yes you heard right 7 days per week. Lets hope they get the business to keep to this pledge! They have been contacted by the musicians that used to play Sundays at the Hitching Post about coming back to Hartsburg. They want to resume playing on Sundays. This was very popular a few years ago and should be a big draw. Stay tuned.

The word is finally getting out that Jeanette is a real gem on the Katy Trail. Hartsburg is proud to have her. She goes out of her way to make your stay a good one. Please come back again and spread the word about the Globe Hotel B & B. Also a note about eating in Hartsburg. The new Big Muddy Tavern is about to open in Hartsburg (right next to the Globe B & B). They hope to be open for Labor Day

weekend and they plan to be open seven (7) days a week, Yes you heard right 7 days per week. Lets hope they get the business to keep to this pledge! They have been contacted by the musicians that used to play Sundays at the Hitching Post about coming back to Hartsburg. They want to resume playing on Sundays. This was very popular a few years ago and should be a big draw. Stay tuned.

We stayed here last Saturday. The place was Victorian and beautiful.

Jeannen and her cats were very friendly. The breakfast was awesome

(especially home made zuchini and oatmeal muffins). She insisted to pack

some for snacking! Big Muddy Tavern is open now.

We stayed here last Saturday. The place was Victorian and beautiful.

Jeannen and her cats were very friendly. The breakfast was awesome

(especially home made zuchini and oatmeal muffins). She insisted to pack

some for snacking! Big Muddy Tavern is open now.

Nice article in the St Louis Post Dispatch: Small towns along Katy Trail in St. Charles County prosper as bikers and hikers flock to the region
A good year for Katy Trail businesses!

Thanks for putting the link to this article. It's a great public relations piece for promoting the trail. I'd love to get more businesses along the trail in the Jefferson City area and will refer to this article.