Katy Trail Forum

As a regular follower of this site over the years, the talk, especially this year has been more about eating experiences and less about trail experiences. It may be just a cheap way to advertise for some owners and knock other establishments. Anyway, love the site.



Tells us about your great experiences on the trail, bike stories.

I agree there is more to the Katy than eating. I did my first Katy ride in June. I was on a very tight budget so most of my meals I carried with me. I didn't ride the trail so I could eat, I rode the trail for the experience and thrill of it. The scenery was wonderful. I took tons of pictures and came back home very sore but happy. I plan to do it all again in October and this time my budget will be bigger so I might eat out, then again anything tastes good after a long day of riding.

In October, the 10th and 11th you will find 55,000 people in Hartsburg for the 18th annual Pumpkin Festival. Also for those who ride 100 miles they might want to see the 280 boaters participating in the Missouri 340 boat race on the Missouri. They stated yesterday in Kansas City and some go straight thru to St Charles. Stops along the way are at Boonville, Cooper's Landing, Jefferson City, Hermann. There are individuals and teams and they have just 80 hours or so to finish. Stop by and talk to their support teams. There is alot more to do than just bike.

I mostly agree with the original post. Food is part of the trail experience. It is good for other riders to know if a place is good, or if it could improve; but there seems to be quite a bit of gushing or whining. Eating in a restaurant is not a long term relationship

I'm kinda fed up with it too.



This is not tripadvisor......it's Bike Katy Trail.com.

My daughter and I rode from Rocheport to St. Charles in July. My husband offered to be our support, drive our luggage from stop to stop. We had a fantastic time. Having his help made a big difference, as I almost got over-heated the first day, and my daughter's bike broke the 3rd day. Plus we just had a great time. The scenery, the people running B & Bs and restaurants, other bikers, the river, the bluffs, everything was incredible. Here's a link to the video my daughter made of our adventure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruh_4sf_vgk I'm the 50 something one, my daughter's the 20 something one. We want to do it again and again and again. I know people don't want the reviews, but I have to commend the Katy Trail Bike Fest in Rocheport, the Globe B & B in Hartsburg (Jeanette and Francine were very special), the Rendleman B & B in Bluffton (and yes, Honey is a sweetie, the way she shakes her little behind as she prances about), Doug was a lot of fun, the Little House in Marthasville (the owner showed us photo albums with pictures of the floods of 85 and 93, and her coffee cake in the plant pot was delicious) and the Country Inn Suites in St. Charles.

"Fed Up"

Good Pun

I almost missed it.

I'm one of those fortunate enough to live close to the Katy to ride it frequently. Many of the people posting here seem to go on very long rides in comparison to what I do. All of my trips have been round---usually from North Jeff to Hartsburg and back. But my wife and I frequently will drive to different trailheads and ride out and back 10-15 miles one way to see different parts of the trail. Doing that, we have ridden the whole trail at least twice, but never more than 37 miles at one time. This isn't a bad way to see the trail for those of us who live close to the middle. Miles aren't important to us----it's getting outside, seeing the beautiful country, enjoying our time together and getting a little bit of a workout. With that said, we have eaten at most of the good places along the trail and can give good recommendations.

had lunch at dotty's thursday....had the meatloaf dinner which is iffy at any diner.....but i definately won that gamble because it was very good......tasted just like my mom's!!!!...great service with a coke refill 4 times!! best food i ate on the trail hands down

had lunch at dotty's thursday....had the meatloaf dinner which is iffy at any diner.....but i definately won that gamble because it was very good......tasted just like my mom's!!!!...great service with a coke refill 4 times!! best food i ate on the trail hands down

Do you shuttle from Sadalia to Cinton? If so, what are your hours of operation and what is the cost/

Do you shuttle from Sadalia to Cinton? If so, what are your hours of operation and what is the cost/

Try Victory Shuttle, 1-660-221-7783. They took us from Sedalia to Clinton 2 weeks ago. Good service.

Try Victory Shuttle, 1-660-221-7783. They took us from Sedalia to Clinton 2 weeks ago. Good service.

On Sunday, a friend and I rode the 53-mile Prairie Spirit Trail, a rails-to-trails linking Iola and Ottawa in Kansas. Not much different than our beloved Katy in terms of nice folks and beautiful country scenery (albeit much less shaded -- almost all of the trail is in the open with NO tree cover). But their website is severely lacking in information, including directions to the trailheads, and links for info are broken. Even townsfolks were at a loss to help us, most having heard of a trail, but none knowing where it was. There was zero signage, period. I would recommend this trail, but do your homework before you get there, particularly if you start in Ottawa.

Does this mean they have the bridge over the Pottawatomie river finally repaired or did you have to detour on the roads around it.

I agree re lack of information when it comes to riding the trail. Overall, nice trail to ride but as Jules said...not much shade. Somehow when I compare other rails to trails that I've ridden, the Katy always comes out on top!

Well ... remember what I said about poor signage? Completely missed any detour sign (though I doubt there was one at all). Rode right up to the orange plastic fencing, with a view of the half-finished bridge straight ahead. We fleetingly thought of doing a "Dukes of Hazzard" across the unfinished bridge, but then chose to cross the fence and walk our bikes down through the construction site, which consisted of an earthen dike built to allow trucks to work on the bridge. We continued on for 2.5 miles on some rough, overgrown trail, as it has been closed for two years now. Even ran into a man spraying for weeds, who was very surprised to see us, but let us pass with a warning. He told us the bridge should be repaired by Labor Day of this year, but they've got a ways to go from what I could tell of their progress.

Thanks for the info Jules. It's been 2 years since the bridge was damaged, will be nice when it's finally done.

Makes me appreciate the Katy and all the work the DNR does all the more.

To me this 51-mile trail is a good 102-mile one-or-two-day ride. I enjoyed the abundant and varied scenery and wildlife on it. The trailheads are well-built; most have running water. Mid-day riding is probably more sunny than early or late.



The info on the 3-mile bridge detour must be in fine print. For the most part I had to figure it out for myself, choosing the 2-ft-wide shoulders on the highway a short distance to the west of the trail rather than on the backroads to the east.



Food can be found in the towns along it. Yet, printed maps and more information will be helpful for new riders. The trail's north end really begins at the old depot/museum at the north end of the Ottawa business district. The south end is a nice park in Iola.



For those who cannot make it to the Katy every time, this trail is an interesting substitute for a day ride on it, or a place to get into riding shape for the it.

They have BBQ beef sandwiches, also.

They have BBQ beef sandwiches, also.

Anyone have experience camping here? Do you have to notify anyone in advance? Price? Availability of restroom? Can you have a fire/cook?

Thanks in advance

Margie

You don't have to tell anybody. There's a bathroom at the trailhead, nearby. I don't know about a fire.

Volunteer Park in Hartsburg is available on a first come first served basis. You may find someone there but its big enough for 5 or 6 small tents. Donations are accepted for camping; just give the money to the post office if open. For more info call Mayor Nancy Grant, 573-657-9581. We also have camping at the ball park 2 blocks south of the Baptist church. Again call ahead to avoid a full park.

About fires in the Volunteer Park in Hartsburg. As long as you use the cooking grill provided its ok to cook but Don't start a fire on the ground. There are homes and a garage close to the park and an open fire could be dangerous. Thanks for asking.

Spent last night there, made use of the grill and set my tent up under the gazebo...couldn't have asked for more. Next time I'm in Hartsburg, will make my donation at the Post Office. Trailhead restrooms are just a short walk away. Great place to spend the night for the budget conscious biker.

When we arrived in Hartsburg, we discovered that The Hitching Post is officially out of business. The other two restaurants are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Luckily, we travel with extra food and had enough for dinner.

When we arrived in Hartsburg, we discovered that The Hitching Post is officially out of business. The other two restaurants are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Luckily, we travel with extra food and had enough for dinner.

A new resturant/bar will be opening sometime after August 14, 2009. Four young men from Ashland have bought the old resturant next to the Globe Hotel and hope to open soon after that. As of today we don't know their hours but the mayor is trying to get someone to be open on Monday and Tuesday for trail users. Keep your fingers crossed.

A new resturant/bar will be opening sometime after August 14, 2009. Four young men from Ashland have bought the old resturant next to the Globe Hotel and hope to open soon after that. As of today we don't know their hours but the mayor is trying to get someone to be open on Monday and Tuesday for trail users. Keep your fingers crossed.

Great to hear about a new restaurant in Hartsburg. Maybe they'll set their hours to cover when Dotty's is closed to fill in that gap. Got into Hartsburg last night (Tuesday) about 6:30 and nothing was open. I knew in advance so I was prepared, but talked to 2 other bikers who weren't. Spent the night in Volunteer Park and a big thanks to Hartsburg for making the park abailable to bikers...greatly appreciated!

Great to hear about a new restaurant in Hartsburg. Maybe they'll set their hours to cover when Dotty's is closed to fill in that gap. Got into Hartsburg last night (Tuesday) about 6:30 and nothing was open. I knew in advance so I was prepared, but talked to 2 other bikers who weren't. Spent the night in Volunteer Park and a big thanks to Hartsburg for making the park abailable to bikers...greatly appreciated!

I'm curious if there are any Century Rides that take place on the Katy? Also, are there any groups rides that take place on a regular basis?



Thanks!

Don't see any officially organized century rides on the list of events. The DNR ride is a famous group ride that takes place on a regular basis, each June.

Thanks for the response, Trek. The Katy (in my opinion) would be a great place for such an event, being the grade of the trail (mostly flat). That said, I've never done a century and am itching to do one and the Katy would make for an easier ride.

I would be curious to hear others' opinions also but a century on the Katy would be about the equivalent in effort to 130 miles (or more) on a road bike ride on pavement due to the increased resistance and heavier bikes.



I have wondered if we could somehow get the "regulars" on this forum together for an informal day ride sometime. Rocheport East and back perhaps. I don't want to mention names as I would likely leave people out by mistake but it seems like a fun group. And of course anyone, forum user or not, would be welcomed.

My husband and I would be onboard with a one day ride starting in Rocheport. We have organized them with friends before who don't do much riding. Would love to do this and meet some of the others on this forum!

We rode a Century in 07 on the Katy. It took two attempts to do so.



On the first try the forcast was for 30% chance of rain. No big deal...we just forgot that we were doing this in Missouri. It was misting early morning at Rocheport and soon it was raining. We held up in Hartsburg waiting on the rain to stop. It didn't and neither did we. It was a very wet, gritty, dirty, tiring, and gritty day with 70 miles logged.



We tried again a few weeks later and made it. It was a very hot and tiring day, but we were thankfull that it wasn't raining and all gritty. The Frederick in Boonville was a very welcome sight at the end of the day.



The Katy may be easier because it is flat....but for us the ability to do 100 miles was somewhat deceiving. We normaly ride around 40 or so on rail trails and it's not uncommon to do 50 to 60. It's easy then to think that another 40 is very doable. But.....when the GPS says 80 and you're 20 miles out from the car it can make you start to rethink that logic.



If you plan a Century, make sure you're in shape to do it and that it is a realistic undertaking. Prior to the ride, eat well, keep hydrated and train for 100. During the ride take energy food and water with you....you'll probably deplete more than you can take in for the day.

I almost exclusively road bike, riding the KATY two or three times a year when I am in Columbia on business. I've done 4 or 5 normal centuries on the road. I agree with MLH, it takes a lot more effort to ride the KATY than pavement, even though there are no hills. I once rode the KATY 80 miles in one day from Sedalia to Columbia, and I was whipped when I finished.

Interesting...I guess when you factor things in such as the added rolling resistance, need to constantly pedal, etc. it would make for a tougher ride. Anyway, it's too bad there's not some kind of organized century/event. I'd definitely do it.



Anyway, if there's ever some kind of group ride organized here, I would love to join you guys.

Hi folks, newbie in this forum, long time Katy Trail rider. It's not quite a century unless you do a little extra riding, but one of my favorite rides is Jeff City to Sedalia on the trail, then Amtrak home. $22 for you and your bike. I usually ride from home to the North Jefferson trailhead, to Sedalia on the trail, wander around Sedalia a bit while I wait for the train, then ride home from the Jeff City Amtrak station and it comes out to right about 100 miles.

If anyone is interested in a group ride to Sedalia on Sept 11, 09, we are

sponsoring a ride "Tour Bound on the Katy". The Tour of Missouri Time Trials

are in Sedalia that day and we are organizing a rally and ride from the Katy

Depot Trailhead to the Sedalia Fairgrounds Trailhead. We supply a bike lock

up at the Fairgrounds for your bikes. If you choose to stay over in Sedalia

and have a tent, there will be free tent camping available in one of our City

Parks. For more info on this or to fill out the participation form go to

www.katydepotsedalia.com

I recently stayed 2 separate nights in the room above the store on a round trip...Barb and Amy were very gracious and the $45/night rate kept me within my budget...the breakfast sandwich was a great way to start each morning...I highly recommend it!!

I recently stayed 2 separate nights in the room above the store on a round trip...Barb and Amy were very gracious and the $45/night rate kept me within my budget...the breakfast sandwich was a great way to start each morning...I highly recommend it!!

They have lunch specials too which are very good and very inexpensive. I highly recommend them!

They have lunch specials too which are very good and very inexpensive. I highly recommend them!

i am looking to do an ultralight trip. i am hoping to bring a hammock, and i am wondering if there are places i can stay for the night. i dont need a camp site with electricity or a fire pit, just two trees. is this possible along the trail (i dont really feel like paying for a campsite when all i am doing is hanging a hammock).



Thanks

Use the Plan a Ride feature above to find campground locations along the trail. Stealth camping is not allowed in the park according to the DNR website. It's understandable that you may not want to pay for a campsite beings you've just got a hammock, but campsites also offer restrooms, water, weed control, etc.

If you simply leave the trail and use two trees, you'll most likely be tresspassing. Most of the locals do not tolerate this very well. Better to go ahead and pay the small fees at a campsite.

There are several towns that allow camping in the city park for free or a small fee - Pilot Grove, Hartsburg, Marthasville, and the Hostel at Tebbetts are all free or cheap ($5). I believe there are others also.

Another idea would be the Missouri conservation areas along the trail, Davisdale in Rocheport, and the one in Hartsburg come to mind. Camping is free, but then again, all you sometimes get at these areas is a sign saying camping is allowed. Unfortunately, I have never checked out the two areas mentioned above that are right on the trail. I have camped at the Daniel Boone Area near Herman, and also been to the Mokane access in Mokane. You cetainly could find two trees here, but both of these areas are 1-2 miles from the trail, and it is a rough ride(ie. gravel road) to get there on a bike.

The comments about using trees for a hammock are right on. You are trespassing if you climb over a fence and use the trees of farmers. Some still aren't used to the idea of "foreigners" riding through their farms. Most are nice if you ask first. If in Hartsburg, our Volunteer Park, in town, has trees for hammocks. Come visit us.