Helmet recommended
- + I was pulled off of the trail by a patch of soft moist gravel while riding with a temporarily non-functioning front brake this weekend west of Pilot grove. My head hit a tree as I went down in the dit...
Discussion started 07/15/2009 11:44 AM by MLH - 9 replies (last reply by ksteinhoff at 08/15/2009 12:24 PM)MLH from Overland Park, KS on 07/15/2009 11:44 AM
I was pulled off of the trail by a patch of soft moist gravel while riding with a temporarily non-functioning front brake this weekend west of Pilot grove. My head hit a tree as I went down in the ditch. No major injuries, but a lacerated ear and dented helmet have made a believer out of me.
Of the 25 or so other riders that I saw that day, only 5 that I recall were wearing helmets. Thanks Al in Clifton City for helping me in getting the front brake back to working order.
So the moral of the story is 1) wear a helmet as bad things can happen even to experienced riders on these "easy" trails 2) Make certain your gear is in perfect working order every time 3) Stay in the middle of the trail when possible. 4) Don't ride alone if you can avoid it.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 07/15/2009 12:20 PM
Amen to that. It always amazes me to see people with no helmets when right next the trail are rocks, boulders, trees, logs, benches, etc. Any of these would be just as bad as hitting a concrete curb out on the streets.
Speedy on 07/15/2009 12:52 PM
If I'm on my bike I'm never without my helmet. It is amazing how many people don't wear one. It's a simple thing (like putting on a seat belt) that could save you from injury or worse.
And FWIW - you should never ride in the middle of the trail unless there is debris etc. that forces you to do so. Always stay on the right please!
Trek on 07/15/2009 01:16 PM
Good point Speedy! More times than not there is a nice lane to ride in on the right that is free of the loose stuff.
Ride to the right....pass to the left!
MLH from Overland Park, KS on 07/15/2009 01:46 PM
Right you all, I guess my point was to ride in the bike lanes that are usually pretty well sorted towards the center, not over in the loose stuff. I didn't think I was THAT far over to the right but the rain softened things up more.
And for God's sake, when riding in groups, how much effort does it take to get in to a single file to let oncoming people pass? Another subject perhaps.
MLH from Overland Park, KS on 07/15/2009 01:47 PM
Right you all, I guess my point was to ride in the bike lanes that are usually pretty well sorted towards the center, not over in the loose stuff. I didn't think I was THAT far over to the right but the rain softened things up more.
And for God's sake, when riding in groups, how much effort does it take to get in to a single file to let oncoming people pass? Another subject perhaps.
Robert Johnson from columbia on 07/15/2009 04:23 PM
Moist gravel - reason number 50,875 that I personally find gravel trails MORE dangerous
than roads. I know so many people injured by our gravel trails here in Columbia. One of my
friends hit some loose gravel right before a bridge and hit his head on the side of the bridge!
ouch.
I'm NOT suggesting paving the KATY just trying to point out that I think its silly to do what I
see many people do....wear a helmet until they get to the trail and then take it off.
Paul Toigo on 07/16/2009 09:57 PM
Moist wood deck bridges - reason number 50,876 that trails are MORE dangerous than roads. I know of a couple of guys that were nursemaiding themselves into this cycling thing by riding on trails and suddenly found themselves horizontal on a dewy morning. That is if they got past the dog on a long leash, but that's 50,877.
ktytrfan from Hannibal, Mo. on 08/09/2009 09:37 AM
I, too, am a real advocate for wearing a helmet. Every time I have ended up on the ground (from a stupid move on my part) I have hit my head. I work in Illinois and am just amazed at the number of people I see riding without helmets in the town where I work. If's there's one thing to teach the youngsters it is "ride with a helmet at all times, no matter how short the trip."
ksteinhoff from West Palm Beach on 08/15/2009 12:24 PM
I'll echo the sentiment that you need a helmet on "safe" trails. Here's an account of a ride on the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, where my riding partner and I never rode with helmets because we assumed we were in more danger from heat stroke than head injury.
http://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/2008/07/09/do-bike-helmets-really-save-your-life/
She did an endo on a perfectly straight stretch baby-butt smoth blacktop and fractured her skull in five places. More than two years later she still can't ride a bike nor work.
Y'all be careful out there.
I'm hoping to do the KATY this fall. I'll be the guy on a Surly Long Haul Trucker wearing a red helmet.
Bike locks on katy
- + Wondering what type of lock to take on the trail. I have a small lock cable that i use if I'm running into the grocery store for a few items, a fairly sturdy cable that I use to lock my bike outside...
Discussion started 08/07/2009 11:03 AM by John - 3 replies (last reply by Curt H Moore at 08/13/2009 05:40 AM)John from Prairie Villiage on 08/07/2009 11:03 AM
Wondering what type of lock to take on the trail. I have a small lock cable that i use if I'm running into the grocery store for a few items, a fairly sturdy cable that I use to lock my bike outside at work, and a thick U-lock for use at night when carousing downtown. i would like to take as little weight as possible and i think my bike will be stored inside at night. So, can i get by with the small lock?
Chris J from Centralia, IL on 08/07/2009 11:32 AM
There are very few places that your bike and gear would be at risk along the trail. This is because most of the rail is isolated from the rest of the world by the river and minimal major roads. And because you will probally never be very far from it. The people in the small towns along the trail are either not theves or they don't think it's worth the risk for a used bike. (most likey the first). I think your bike is safe with or without a lock, unless you plan to leave it at North Jefferson trail head or similar place overnight.
Darrell from Jeff City, MO on 08/08/2009 02:01 PM
I agree with Chris J. The only time I use my small cable lock is to lock my bike to a tree or picnic table at night when camping, probably don't need to, but I sleep better. You know, better safe than sorry. Of all the years I have been riding the trail, I have never felt like there was a reason to lock it up while in a store or restaurant. I park it where I can see it if possible, but I don't much worry about it.
Curt H Moore from Iowa City, Iowa on 08/13/2009 05:40 AM
I Rode from Merwin to St Louis the last week of July. The only place I even considered using a lock was in St Louis.
Jims Bar & Grill (Tebbetts)
- + Arrived in Tebbetts to discover that Jim's was closed. Who would guess a bar that's closed on saturday. So, we spent a long and hungry evening in Tebbett's. Not exactly the high point of our trip.
Discussion started 08/10/2009 02:20 PM by B.B. - 1 reply (last reply by jd at 08/11/2009 07:36 PM)B.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:20 PM
Arrived in Tebbetts to discover that Jim's was closed. Who would guess a bar that's closed on saturday. So, we spent a long and hungry evening in Tebbett's. Not exactly the high point of our trip.
B.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:20 PM
Arrived in Tebbetts to discover that Jim's was closed. Who would guess a bar that's closed on saturday. So, we spent a long and hungry evening in Tebbett's. Not exactly the high point of our trip.
jd from gkc on 08/11/2009 07:36 PM
It's been said on this forum Jim will open up if he knows you're there, and are hungry. The lady next door can call him if he's around.
jd from gkc on 08/11/2009 07:36 PM
It's been said on this forum Jim will open up if he knows you're there, and are hungry. The lady next door can call him if he's around.
Tebbetts Trailhead (Tebbetts)
- + I won't be stopping in Tebbett's again. The trailhead smells worse than any outhouse you've ever smelled. Plan your trip thru Tebbetts at full speed ahead.
Discussion started 08/10/2009 02:22 PM by B.B. - 0 repliesB.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:22 PM
I won't be stopping in Tebbett's again. The trailhead smells worse than any outhouse you've ever smelled. Plan your trip thru Tebbetts at full speed ahead.
B.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:22 PM
I won't be stopping in Tebbett's again. The trailhead smells worse than any outhouse you've ever smelled. Plan your trip thru Tebbetts at full speed ahead.
Rendleman Home B&B (Bluffton)
- + Doug will certainly talk your ear off, if you let him. He made us great meals and went out of his way to make us feel welcomed.
Discussion started 08/10/2009 02:17 PM by B.B. - 0 repliesB.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:17 PM
Doug will certainly talk your ear off, if you let him. He made us great meals and went out of his way to make us feel welcomed.
B.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:17 PM
Doug will certainly talk your ear off, if you let him. He made us great meals and went out of his way to make us feel welcomed.
Treloar Bar & Grill (Treloar)
- + The best burgers on the trail. Good service too.
Discussion started 08/10/2009 02:12 PM by B.B. - 0 repliesB.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:12 PM
The best burgers on the trail. Good service too.
B.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:12 PM
The best burgers on the trail. Good service too.
Peers Store (Peers)
- + Barb is a life saver. After a very long day in the rain we enjoyed her hospitality. You couldn't ask for a better place to spend some time.
Discussion started 08/10/2009 02:10 PM by B.B. - 0 repliesB.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:10 PM
Barb is a life saver. After a very long day in the rain we enjoyed her hospitality. You couldn't ask for a better place to spend some time.
B.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:10 PM
Barb is a life saver. After a very long day in the rain we enjoyed her hospitality. You couldn't ask for a better place to spend some time.
The Little House B&B (Marthasville)
- + This is the place. It's a home away from home. I can't wait to visit again.
Discussion started 08/10/2009 02:06 PM by B.B. - 0 repliesB.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:06 PM
This is the place. It's a home away from home. I can't wait to visit again.
B.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:06 PM
This is the place. It's a home away from home. I can't wait to visit again.
Trailhead Brewing Co (St Charles)
- + Don't miss this place. The food is good and the beverages are very good after a long day on the trail. It's not as causal as your average trail tavern but you won't feel out of place in shorts and a t...
Discussion started 08/10/2009 02:03 PM by B.B. - 0 repliesB.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:03 PM
Don't miss this place. The food is good and the beverages are very good after a long day on the trail. It's not as causal as your average trail tavern but you won't feel out of place in shorts and a tee shirt.
B.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:03 PM
Don't miss this place. The food is good and the beverages are very good after a long day on the trail. It's not as causal as your average trail tavern but you won't feel out of place in shorts and a tee shirt.
Country Inn & Suites On Historic Main Street (St Charles)
- + The hotel is clean and quiet. The value of the hotel was good and they allowed us to keep our bikes in the room. Overall, I was pleased.
Discussion started 08/10/2009 02:00 PM by B.B. - 0 repliesB.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:00 PM
The hotel is clean and quiet. The value of the hotel was good and they allowed us to keep our bikes in the room. Overall, I was pleased.
B.B. from Clinton on 08/10/2009 02:00 PM
The hotel is clean and quiet. The value of the hotel was good and they allowed us to keep our bikes in the room. Overall, I was pleased.
Side Trails
- + Planning a ride starting at bernheimer. No parking is listed on map guide. Anyone know of a buisness close to the trail where our shuttle could drop us off at?
Discussion started 08/09/2009 07:33 PM by C - 1 reply (last reply by stevo at 08/10/2009 11:48 AM)C from New Melle on 08/09/2009 07:33 PM
Planning a ride starting at bernheimer. No parking is listed on map guide. Anyone know of a buisness close to the trail where our shuttle could drop us off at?
stevo from saint louis, MO on 08/10/2009 11:48 AM
Treloar Trailhead is at MM 85, a boat ramp and parking on the Missouri River is located near the trail near MM 88 and is on Hwy 94, Bernheimer is nearest MM 89, but you have to get off Hwy 94 and take a gravel road to get back in there.
Lost Eyeglasses!?
- + My family and I rode the trail from Augusta to St. Charlies on July 25. We believe that our son lost his prescription sunglasses on the trail between Weldon Springs and St. Charlies, probably near or...
Discussion started 08/08/2009 02:09 PM by Tina - 0 repliesTina from Poolville, Texas on 08/08/2009 02:09 PM
My family and I rode the trail from Augusta to St. Charlies on July 25. We believe that our son lost his prescription sunglasses on the trail between Weldon Springs and St. Charlies, probably near or at the Greens Bottom Trailhead. They are shiny black plastic frames and have transition lenses in them. He is eight so they are small frames. Has anyone seen them?
Abigails (Rocheport)
- + Just to echo other reviews, the food is outstanding, but the service is so atrocious it's bizarre. It's a husband and wife team who own and run the place. He cooks (fabulous) and she waits on tables...
Discussion started 04/25/2009 08:44 PM - 9 replies (last reply by jd at 08/08/2009 09:17 AM)Anonymous from Columbia, Mo on 04/25/2009 08:44 PM
Just to echo other reviews, the food is outstanding, but the service is so atrocious it's bizarre. It's a husband and wife team who own and run the place. He cooks (fabulous) and she waits on tables (she's cold and rude). Too bad :(
Anonymous from Columbia, Mo on 04/25/2009 08:44 PM
Just to echo other reviews, the food is outstanding, but the service is so atrocious it's bizarre. It's a husband and wife team who own and run the place. He cooks (fabulous) and she waits on tables (she's cold and rude). Too bad :(
lrc from Leon Iowa on 05/13/2009 08:47 PM
Three of us ate there Wednesday, May 6---great food, great service, nice wine list. We loved it!
lrc from Leon Iowa on 05/13/2009 08:47 PM
Three of us ate there Wednesday, May 6---great food, great service, nice wine list. We loved it!
manhk from plano, tx on 05/14/2009 01:50 AM
I ate there during my katy trail cycling trip. The food was great and the service was fine too.
manhk from plano, tx on 05/14/2009 01:50 AM
I ate there during my katy trail cycling trip. The food was great and the service was fine too.
Brian L. from Wichita on 05/15/2009 06:40 PM
I ate there last week, and was very impressed. There's like 3 cafes on that block & I just sorta picked Abigail's at random, but I'm glad I did. Their menu is pretty highbrow, but the prices are decently reasonable (looked like $7-9 for lunch). I had a sandwich with thick-sliced turkey on a pretzel bun with roasted peppers, fresh mozzerella (!), greens, and aioli, served with tortilla chips, guacamole, and corn salsa with capers. Mmmmmmm! For dessert: "lemon blender pie" that was decadently scrumptious.
The only quibble I had sorta aligns with Mr. Anonymous above -- neither the cook (who's right out there in the open) nor the server were very friendly, let alone warm. The server was efficient and I never lacked anything, but she just wasn't very welcoming. (Maybe she thought I smelled bad from my morning ride -- a distinct possibility! LOL)
Brian L. from Wichita on 05/15/2009 06:40 PM
I ate there last week, and was very impressed. There's like 3 cafes on that block & I just sorta picked Abigail's at random, but I'm glad I did. Their menu is pretty highbrow, but the prices are decently reasonable (looked like $7-9 for lunch). I had a sandwich with thick-sliced turkey on a pretzel bun with roasted peppers, fresh mozzerella (!), greens, and aioli, served with tortilla chips, guacamole, and corn salsa with capers. Mmmmmmm! For dessert: "lemon blender pie" that was decadently scrumptious.
The only quibble I had sorta aligns with Mr. Anonymous above -- neither the cook (who's right out there in the open) nor the server were very friendly, let alone warm. The server was efficient and I never lacked anything, but she just wasn't very welcoming. (Maybe she thought I smelled bad from my morning ride -- a distinct possibility! LOL)
EB from Greenwood on 05/26/2009 01:16 AM
I go there everytime I ride through Rocheport. The food is always perfect and the people are always nice enough.
EB from Greenwood on 05/26/2009 01:16 AM
I go there everytime I ride through Rocheport. The food is always perfect and the people are always nice enough.
Anonymous on 06/01/2009 12:24 PM
We love Abigails! We had visitors recently and obtained a reservation for a Sunday evening.
The couple is definitely all business and know what they can manage. They are a team. Not
overly friendly, but they get the job at hand done in a very efficient manner. They have
stayed in business over the years, so they must be doing something right.
Forgot to mention that the food is wonderful!!!
Anonymous on 06/01/2009 12:24 PM
We love Abigails! We had visitors recently and obtained a reservation for a Sunday evening.
The couple is definitely all business and know what they can manage. They are a team. Not
overly friendly, but they get the job at hand done in a very efficient manner. They have
stayed in business over the years, so they must be doing something right.
Forgot to mention that the food is wonderful!!!
Local Rider from Columbia MO on 07/23/2009 02:35 PM
I agree the attitude of the wait staff and owners is rude; I feel like I am imposing on them instead of being a customer. The food is good but I don't know if it is worth the treatment.
Local Rider from Columbia MO on 07/23/2009 02:35 PM
I agree the attitude of the wait staff and owners is rude; I feel like I am imposing on them instead of being a customer. The food is good but I don't know if it is worth the treatment.
Local from Columbia from Columbia MO on 07/25/2009 02:24 PM
Hey Trek and Doug the post above isn't mine....boy those locals from Columbia are picky
huh?
I haven't tried Abigails but have heard the food is awesome and the service
is......harummpphh
General Store is good for breakfast and lunch down the street.
Local from Columbia from Columbia MO on 07/25/2009 02:24 PM
Hey Trek and Doug the post above isn't mine....boy those locals from Columbia are picky
huh?
I haven't tried Abigails but have heard the food is awesome and the service
is......harummpphh
General Store is good for breakfast and lunch down the street.
ktytrfan from Hannibal, Mo. on 08/08/2009 09:02 AM
Abigails is one of my favorite restaurants and no, I have no relationship to the owners, nor any vested interested other than I hope it will be there when I get back to Rocheport this fall! I believe there really is nothing harder than restaurant work and "trying to keep everyone happy" with the food AND the service.
ktytrfan from Hannibal, Mo. on 08/08/2009 09:02 AM
Abigails is one of my favorite restaurants and no, I have no relationship to the owners, nor any vested interested other than I hope it will be there when I get back to Rocheport this fall! I believe there really is nothing harder than restaurant work and "trying to keep everyone happy" with the food AND the service.
jd from gkc on 08/08/2009 09:17 AM
Try letting them know how good their food really is. They seem to warm up to such compliments. Not everyone is an extrovert. :) :)
jd from gkc on 08/08/2009 09:17 AM
Try letting them know how good their food really is. They seem to warm up to such compliments. Not everyone is an extrovert. :) :)
realistic mph on trail
- + I was wondering how fast riders typically ride on the Katy. I know it will vary on experience level. What is a comfortable pace and still make good time?
Discussion started 07/24/2009 10:29 AM by BSM - 6 replies (last reply by ktytrfan at 08/08/2009 09:12 AM)BSM from Paragould, AR on 07/24/2009 10:29 AM
I was wondering how fast riders typically ride on the Katy. I know it will vary on experience level. What is a comfortable pace and still make good time?
frozn_pipes from Wentzville on 07/24/2009 10:47 AM
like you said it varies... we avg around 10 - 12 mph and very few people are travelling faster than that.
Robert Johnson from columbia on 07/24/2009 02:07 PM
Unloaded 14 mph on a heavy touring bike. Loaded about 12 mph.
Speedy on 07/24/2009 04:15 PM
I usually maintain a pace of 15-17 mph. My rides are typically 20-35 miles.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 07/24/2009 05:14 PM
I would say I'm in the middle range re experience level. So many variables....head wind/tail wind, loaded/unloaded, wet trail/dry trail, excessive heat/cool, etc.
I've been anywhere from 7-9 mph when fully loaded on a cold, wet, windy, rainy trail and then up to 12-14 under good conditions when unloaded. OR...whatever mood you're in whether you're just out to get a lot of miles in or just out for a leasurly ride to have fun and watch the scenery go by.
Local from Columbia from Columbia MO on 07/25/2009 02:19 PM
My wife and I average about 10 miles a hour on most days....
ktytrfan from Hannibal, Mo. on 08/08/2009 09:12 AM
Hope this information is helpful--I ride 2-3 times per week, depending on amount of time I can devote to riding, ride both road and hybrid bikes, usually between 10-25 miles. My mph on these rides will vary according to conditions. When I get to the Katy and have the opportunity to ride it, I would agree with the 10-12 mph average. That allows me to enjoy the ride and truly take in the scenery.
Nearby Hotels to Marthasville
- + I'm riding with 6 or 7 people and we can't afford any B and Bs at $150 a night. I found a Super 8 in Washington but are there any other hotels close to the Marthasville and Dutzow area? I'm trying to...
Discussion started 08/05/2009 08:30 AM by cwr - 1 reply (last reply by Amanda at 08/08/2009 07:58 AM)cwr from Nashville TN on 08/05/2009 08:30 AM
I'm riding with 6 or 7 people and we can't afford any B and Bs at $150 a night. I found a Super 8 in Washington but are there any other hotels close to the Marthasville and Dutzow area? I'm trying to avoid riding very far off of the trail. Of course a cheap B and B would be fine.
Amanda from Rhineland on 08/08/2009 07:58 AM
Hi, just wanted to point out that many B & B's offer discounted rates during the week. Just call and ask them.
Twin Gables in Marthasville
- + My husband and I are planning our first trip on the Katy Trail in a few weeks so I'm looking ahead to where to stop for lunch. Right now I beleive this is where we'll be stopping and wondered if anyo...
Discussion started 07/29/2009 11:29 AM by Rebekah - 1 reply (last reply by EB at 08/08/2009 01:31 AM)Rebekah from Marine, IL on 07/29/2009 11:29 AM
My husband and I are planning our first trip on the Katy Trail in a few weeks so I'm looking ahead to where to stop for lunch. Right now I beleive this is where we'll be stopping and wondered if anyone has any experiences with it, but more importantly are their hours accurate on this website as we'll be riding on a Thursday.
Thanks for any comments and advice!
EB from Greenwood on 08/08/2009 01:31 AM
Lots of locals and great cheeseburgers but the best item on the menu was the pork chops. Beer was cold and they have a horse shoe pit.