Katy Trail Forum

Charity Run for Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. My friend, Matt

Rees, Bob(jogging stroller) and I finished our run across Missouri

(including the whole Katy Trail) at the arch on Saturday, July 25

(2:30 pm). We started our run on Sunday, July 19th at Klapmeyer Park

(State Line Rd)in Kansas City. The journey was hard with a few 50+

mile days. Due to swelling and an allergic reaction with the lime on

trail I had to take a day off (and only ran 250 miles across Missouri

and 155 miles of the Katy Trail. I stopped at N. Jefferson and

continued running with Matt at Dutzow). Meanwhile, my friend, Matt,

never quit and was able to run the whole way. We finished the Katy

Trail in St. Charles Friday night at 9:43pm to hoots and hollers of

Matt's family. His time for completing the whole Katy Trail trail

starting Monday morning at exactly 10:30am until Friday evening at

9:43:25pm was 107 hrs, 13 minutes and 25 seconds. I imagine this is a

record for crossing the whole Katy Trail on foot. I am writing a

report which I will post later. Our itinerary: Day 1: KC to Urich

(State Line Rd to Hwy 150 to Hwy 71 to Hwy 7); day 2: Urich to

trailhead of Katy Trail in Clinton and to Sedalia (hwy 65-stayed at

Best Western); day 3: Sedalia to Rocheport (stayed at School House B&B

dormitory); day 4: Rocheport to N. Jefferson, friend from Taos, Mo,

picked us up to stay at his place; Day 5: (only Matt) N. Jefferson to

mile marker88 @ Bernheimer(stayed with friend); day 6: Bernheimer to

St. Charles for Matt (I started at Dutzow), stayed at Quality Inn. Day

6: Katy Trail @ Page ext bridge to arch!

some pictures of the journey:

http://picasaweb.google.com/David.Stores/RunAcrossMissouri2009# If

you want to support our charity, make check out to: SFBRHS/Missouri

Crossing and send to Missouri Crossing, 1000 Borgia Drive, Washington,

MO 63090

Congratulations!

Website lists them as no longer in business.

Website lists them as no longer in business.

The website for Ester's states that it is closed for business.

The website for Ester's states that it is closed for business.

has anyone stayed at eloyse's bed and breakfast in booneville?

cant find a website for them or any comments on the katy trail website

we are making reservations for our ride in september but cant get any info on this place

has anyone stayed at eloyse's bed and breakfast in booneville?

cant find a website for them or any comments on the katy trail website

we are making reservations for our ride in september but cant get any info on this place

Please visit http://www.goboonville.com for a complete listing of all lodging available in Boonville.

Please visit http://www.goboonville.com for a complete listing of all lodging available in Boonville.

Be advised...If you are staying in a cabin they do not provide linens or pillows. We missed that and hardly slept that night. Other than that miscalculation it was very nice.

Be advised...If you are staying in a cabin they do not provide linens or pillows. We missed that and hardly slept that night. Other than that miscalculation it was very nice.

Great short technical singletrack with fun obstacles like teeter-totters, drops, wooden skinnies, and wooden berms. The camping is great for tenters.

Great short technical singletrack with fun obstacles like teeter-totters, drops, wooden skinnies, and wooden berms. The camping is great for tenters.

Great food, great service, great location. The onion rings were especially good. This was a great stopping point on the trail.

Great food, great service, great location. The onion rings were especially good. This was a great stopping point on the trail.

Best quesadilla I've ever had! I do agree with the previous comments about the lady though - she must never be happy! So, not a friendly place, but a nice stop from the bike ride and awesome food.

Best quesadilla I've ever had! I do agree with the previous comments about the lady though - she must never be happy! So, not a friendly place, but a nice stop from the bike ride and awesome food.

Good/fun place to eat! Big portions.

Good/fun place to eat! Big portions.

GREAT food!!!! Great experience!

GREAT food!!!! Great experience!

Since this was such a cool July, we decided to do a mini trip to bike the Katy Trail. We stayed in Boonville (Hotel Fredrick) and rode to Rocheport one day and Pilot Grove the next. What a great little getaway! We don't ride bikes all that much so it turned out to be somewhat of a challenge (long ride), but do-able. We definitely recommend bug spray for stops, Abigail's for lunch in Rocheport, and Becky's for lunch in Pilot Grove. We even went to the Pilot Grove pool! Glenn's Cafe was great in the Hotel. Relaxing vacation with some exercise!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The best burgers on the trail. Good service too.

The best burgers on the trail. Good service too.

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.

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.

This is the place. It's a home away from home. I can't wait to visit again.

This is the place. It's a home away from home. I can't wait to visit again.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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 :(

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 :(

Three of us ate there Wednesday, May 6---great food, great service, nice wine list. We loved it!

Three of us ate there Wednesday, May 6---great food, great service, nice wine list. We loved it!

I ate there during my katy trail cycling trip. The food was great and the service was fine too.

I ate there during my katy trail cycling trip. The food was great and the service was fine too.

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)

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)

I go there everytime I ride through Rocheport. The food is always perfect and the people are always nice enough.

I go there everytime I ride through Rocheport. The food is always perfect and the people are always nice enough.

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!!!

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Try letting them know how good their food really is. They seem to warm up to such compliments. Not everyone is an extrovert. :) :)

Try letting them know how good their food really is. They seem to warm up to such compliments. Not everyone is an extrovert. :) :)