Katy Trail Forum

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.

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!

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.

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"

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.

I will be riding the trail west to east in a few weeks. Does anyone know if there was any

more progress on this portion of the trail? I noticed someone had remarked about it being

ridable in April but you had to deal with a grass surface(sometimes damp).

Read down a few ya'll.....this question comes up again and again and again. Was on here a few posts back. Perhaps use the search button top right and search Machens or something like that.

Hi Eric - Day 2 from Sedalia to Rocheport was incredible! Will let you know more about Machens after Thurs. Let us know if you need anything during your ride next week - dregan@slcbb.org

Has anyone ever run the entire Katy from end to end? Am interested in trying this any tips would be helpful.

Try this post from this summer...



http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=2996¬efmt=1&sortby=0&pg=3

Check the info in the following post...



http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=2997¬efmt=1&sortby=0&pg=5

We are coming to St. Louis September 20th through the 23rd and would like to extrend our stay with an overnighter on the Katy trail starting at St. Charles. Can anyone tell me if the is a secure place in St. Charles to leave a vehicle for the night? By the way Ohio, where we live, has an incredible number of bike trails and many of them are paved.

The City of St. Charles will allow you to park your car in the city-owned lot at the trailhead. Call the police department and inform them and they will take note of the car. Very gracious and cooperative.

I recently moved close to the KT Trail and would like to start riding. I'm in need of a new bike but am unfamiliar with the best brands, style, etc. (haven't had a bike since my childhood days). Any recommendations?

Most any brand from a reputable bike shop would be recommended. Target, WalMart, and Dick's don't qualify as bike shops. Probably the best all around trail bike is a hybrid.

I agree with Trek, even the best bike at Wal-Mart has lower than low-end shifters and breaks. Plus, they assemble them about like McDonnalds makes hamburgers. This time of year you should be able to buy a Giant Cyprus for around $300. I purchased mine in 1998. It now has 30,000 miles on it. I haven't spent a dime on it other than tires & tubes. Another way to go is a recumbent. It is more comfortable, you can see better, great for the Katy. The only downside is the price, $1500 on up. You don't need a mountain bike for the Katy.

A cross bike is also a good way to go if you are only going to have one bike. Wide tires for the trail and narrow for the road. Don't be afraid to check used bikes either. There are lots of people in the area upgrading or just tired of what they have, all the time. For this it might be best to enlist the aid of someone with more bike experience, but a lot of the sellers are regular riders and helpful. Also check with Paul at Recycled Cycles in St.Louis. He deals in quality used bikes and is very knowledgeable. Expect to pay a minimum of $300 for a decent used bike. You can often find a bike that costs $6-700 new for that though and may have almost no use. Beware of the bike that costs $1500 new selling for $200. Either it's shot or hot.

Since you haven't ridden for years, I recommend going to a bike shop as they can help you "fit" your bike. If you aren't comfortable riding the bike, it doesn't matter how great a bike it is. When I got back into riding several years ago, I went with a Comfort bike. Then a couple years later I traded that bike in for a "trail" bike (Specialized Globe), as I wasn't really comfortable riding the "Comfort" bike anymore with it's tall handlebars. So, it's very important to get the bike that fits you. We are in the KC area and really like the guys at the Bike Stop in Lee's Summit, but there are lots of great shops out there that will help you find a bike to fit you.

May I suggest that you visit one of the many bike shops near the Katy and rent a bike for a couple of hours. Ride the trail and see if you like it. The shop owner may be able to steer you in the right direction as to what style of bike would be right for you. Then shop around for the best deal. When I was looking for a new bike several years ago, I had two bikes in mind; a Giant Boulder and a Trek 3700. Both bikes were comparable in gearing, comfort and price. The selling point that made the sale was that the shop selling the Trek including free tune ups for the life of the bike. Now, after a weekend ride, I just drop off the bike at the shop and pick it up a couple of days later after it's been serviced.

Free tune ups are worth a lot…..to both the consumer and the shop owner. Always shop at the store where you’re taken care of!



I bought a new bike in 03 and was commuting to Olathe, Kansas at the time from St. Joseph, MO. I looked at the shops in the Olathe area and then decided to spend my dollars with the local shop at home. You know….it’s the right thing to do. When I asked about the free lifetime tune ups I was told that NOBODY did that. We discussed it for a bit and I was made out to look like a fool. I didn’t run a bike shop so I couldn’t know what I was talking about. I returned to the store a few days later with a full page add from the KC Star that a shop in Olathe had just run with mention of…….free lifetime tune ups.



I gave in….bought the bike at home….couldn’t talk them into lifetime service and ultimately quit buying anything from them. Today they are out of business…..the internet hurt their sales was what I heard….go figure. When time came for Ms. Trek to trade bikes…..from the Comfort to the Hybrid we went to a local shop in a northern KC burb. (There is no comfort in riding a Comfort bike on the trails, limestone or paved….I’ve yet to realize why Trek Corp wastes their effort on producing a comfort bike. Oh I do know….the Comfort bike is grand if you’re going to max out at 2 miles….when you get beyond the 2 mile mark you’ve just wasted your money on a moniker.)



She gets free tune ups/service from the burb shop because she bought there…..I get work done usually at a very good rate. We buy what we can from them and appreciate their attitude and expertise. We haul both of the Trek hybrid half bikes and the Santana longbike to this shop. Other than myself, they are the only others qualified to service the longbike. They earned that right not only by their expertise, but by their honesty.



Yes bike shops will “give you free lifetime service” because they want you in their store when you do the drop and pickup.

On my most recent trip on the Katy this summer, since i'm not from MO, I bought a nice hybrid bike off of craigslist from a student at WashU in the St. Louis area versus taking my bike onto a plane like I've done in the past. I paid $125 for a great Specialized Crossroads bike and spent another $150 in bike accessories and parts including tubes, bike rack, lights, etc. I'm not sure what these bike retail for but given the components it was a bargain. I left it with my son so next time all I need to do is fly there. I had to contact 6 sellers before I found this one - so it's not like walking into REI or some bike shop to check out which model catches your fancy.

For the trail stick with a Trek Hybrid, you can't go wrong. Shop the larger stores in a metropolitan area that offers a good selection of all models. You could go into a small shop and not know what you missed out on because the owner only stocks a few bikes... I would buy up as much as I can.. Have the dealer show you his used bike selection. I would rather put my money in a used high end bike than a cheaper bike.. Always compare the bikes weight.

You mentioned getting a new bicycle. The previous advice from other riders is good

advice by staying with a bicycle shop. Two things you might consider: 1) join a local bicycle

club. 2) Don't be afraid to ask questions of other riders. Riders in clubs can help but don't

be intimidated by fast riders. New riders may be afraid to ask questions but you need to ask.

As in any sport, there are little things that make the sport easier. Make up you own mind

though because what works for one rider may not work for you.

I hope to ride the KT in late September but I have a road bike with 700C tires. It may not

be adequate for the Trail. Decide what you like to ride the most, then get that bike.

You can't go wrong by visiting the Hartsburg Cycle Depot in Jefferson City. Mark Allchorn builds and sells bikes and will fit the bike to you. He really goes out of his way to help new and old bikers. They used to be in Hartsburg but have a much nicer place in Jefferson city now.

I agree with those who recommend a hybrid for riding the Katy Trail. I have a Trek 7100 and it has been a great "first" bike bought from a local bike shop(LBS)instead of going to one of those other stores (that sell everything one could possibly want, from groceries to car services.) There are many advantages to getting to know the staff in the LBS and usually you will get some free service, adjustments, etc. for the first 6 months-year. The staff in the LBS are usually riders and they care about whether you are enjoying yourself and learning to be a better biker.

It is recommended to clean bike chains. Does this mean the full scale cleaning of the chain or wiping it down and lube it? And if it means lube it, with what?

Thanks

Yes to all of the above.....and it seems that chain lube is a matter of personal preference. If you think about it, a chain is a series of small parts connected by little pins so all the parts can pivot about the one next to it. Why would you not want to keep those parts clean and well lubed?



A clean and well lubed chain is quiet, makes shifting easier, and prevents costly repairs. I clean the bike chain by wiping if off and by using a chain cleaner with degreaser....with regularity. The Katy can be dusty so the chains are cleaned after each ride on it or similar trails. On long rides I clean the chain and relube along the way.



There have been lengthy discussions here on what is the best lube to use. I use Ice Wax but there are many kinds on the market. Google "Sheldon Brown chail lube" for a good article on the subject.

Degrease 2x per year unless you are constantly riding in wet conditions, your chain really needs to be nicely lubed and while a nice shiny chain LOOKS nice the performance can be poor.



For KT riding I would say the Ice wax is good. Make sure to apply it the night before your ride, or at least 1 or 2 hours before or it will come right off.

Twice a year doesn't seem very often, but it may be ticket. I'd rather degrease when it needs it and not be on a time frame. Thats quite typical though.....we've all been told to change our car oil by the miles logged and not when the oil is dirty and actually needs changed.

I'm confused here. Are you experienced folks suggestiong we thoroughly clean/degrease our chains every night on a 5-6 day ride or degrease perhaps in prep for the trip then wipe clean and re apply ice wax or other product each night.

Thanks

I'd say wipe the chain down at the end of the day and apply a little of your favorite lube. When you finally get home you may want to clean the chain more thoroughly. As well as the rest of your bike.