Burr Oak Tree (McBaine)
- + This tree is fantastic! Definitely something that you should stop and see! We were there today 7-19-09...
Discussion started 07/19/2009 09:09 PM by C_Bunch - 4 replies (last reply by JG at 07/22/2009 08:53 AM)C_Bunch from Lake of the Ozarks on 07/19/2009 09:09 PM
This tree is fantastic! Definitely something that you should stop and see! We were there today 7-19-09...
Local from Columbia from Columbia on 07/19/2009 11:30 PM
Absolutely! I believe it's 350 years old if I'm not mistaken? Definitely worth a look.
Kyle from Bolivar, MO on 07/21/2009 01:33 PM
I visited the tree for the second time this year on Sunday July 19th. I would like to know if anyone has ever measured the girth around the tree? It's amazing not only the height of the tree but I'd like to know the diameter of the trunk.
Trek on 07/21/2009 01:51 PM
Google Kyle, Google! And, you'll find this article with the diameter listed.
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2008/03/11/famous-bur-oak-tree-gets-pampered/
You'll have to do some higher math to determine the girth. Google should be able to help you with a formula too if you don't have one handy.
JG from Columbia on 07/22/2009 08:53 AM
The circumference is 287 inches, the height 90 feet and the spread is 130 feet giving it a Missouri point value of 410. Not only is this the Missouri state champion bur oak, it is also a national champion. For more information on state champion trees go to:
http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/294.pdf
Training For a Full Ride
- + I'm moving to Sedalia in the near future and want to ride the trail from start to finish over the course of a week. Probably early September time frame. Does anyone have any recommended training to ...
Discussion started 07/17/2009 11:54 PM by "Swindle" Windle - 8 replies (last reply by Terry at 07/21/2009 11:39 PM)"Swindle" Windle from soon to be Sedalia on 07/17/2009 11:54 PM
I'm moving to Sedalia in the near future and want to ride the trail from start to finish over the course of a week. Probably early September time frame. Does anyone have any recommended training to get me ready? I'm not a professional cyclist and not really an amateur one either. I've been using the stationary bikes at the gym and am capable of 35 miles in 90 minutes on a level 10. I'm averaging 95 rpms as well, if any of this helps. I could easily continue to 50 or more miles at that pace if I didn't have other obligations to get to.
Anyway, back to the point. Any recommended training or am I good to go? Thanks to all who reply.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 07/18/2009 04:38 PM
It sounds like you're in good shape to do the Katy Trail. I'm over 50 (too close to 60 to admit it) and my daughter and I biked from Rocheport to St. Charles in 4 days. Sounds like you won't have a problem doing the whole trail in a week. My training consisted of getting on the trail for 3-4 hours twice a week from early May. With that little amount of conditioning I was able to handle riding the Katy Trail 4-5 hours a day for four days. Other posts on this forum have a lot of good suggestions, like getting out early, have plenty of water and some energy replenishing snacks (some trailheads only have vending machines). The Tour of Missouri will be 9/7-9/13/09, so that might impact availability of places to stay in Jefferson City and Sedalia. Google Tour of Missouri to see the dates and when the race will be in those areas. If you plan on staying at B & Bs or even camping, call ahead now to reserve a room, or get information about camping. If you don't already have a copy, get "The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook" by Brett Dufur. Between the book and this website you'll have a ton of helpful information about what's available along the trail. Enjoy your ride.
Anonymous on 07/18/2009 06:21 PM
If you aren't doing it already, you need to get out on a real bike and hit the road or trail. You need to condition your body for spending hours in the saddle. Plus the additional demands of balancing and controlling a bike for long periods. Also you need to practice carrying your supplies, drinking while riding, etc.
If you've already made plans for your average distance per day, try working up to that distance and see how you feel (on the road, not at the gym).
Also anticipate going a little slower on the trail. The trail seems to take a couple miles-per-hour out of your usual on the road traveling speed.
When I did an end-to-end (plus a few extra miles) trip in 7 days, I trained by averaging 125 miles a week on local roads and sometimes the trail. I tried to get in a 50 mile plus ride during the weekend, often times carrying my full load of camping supplies. I also did a couple overnight practice trips.
Best of luck!
Anonymous on 07/18/2009 06:27 PM
OOPS. I may have overstated the amount of riding you would need to do. My 2004 ride was an end-to-end and back in 7 days. I did an end-to-end ride in 2007, with someone else carrying my supplies, in 5 days based on less than 100 miles a week and felt fine. I bet I could do the 225 miles in 7 days on 60 to 75 miles a week if I paced myself.
newbiker from Chesterfield on 07/21/2009 01:59 PM
I was wondering how realistic it is to plan on going 30-40 miles a day in August. Granted, we are having wonderfully cool weather in July, but it's bound to warm up. Are there any recs on how to deal with sweltering weather?
Trek on 07/21/2009 02:26 PM
When it's really hot out keep the water bottles full and carry extra water in a camel if you have one. And, don't pass on a chance to refill the bottles....you should drink more than you think you can and you don't want to run out.
Use the shade along the trail to cool down in....that's what it's there for.
And invest in a ChillyPad. It's a great little towel that's always cool and works wonders in the heat. I think mine came from REI. Or check out froggtoggs dot com.
Diane from Scott AFB, Illinois on 07/21/2009 02:43 PM
Trek...thanks for the heads-up on the Chilly Pad...REI does not carry it but you can order it online from froggtoggs. I've been looking for something to help keep me cool on the trail.
troy ratliff from jonesboro, ar on 07/21/2009 04:22 PM
I agree with the poster who said get on a real bike some. I bike between 4000 and 6000 road miles a year. In the winter I also ride a stationary bike and there's just no comparison between the two. I'll be stunned if you are able to ride comfortably on the trail for a week not having ridden a real bike some in training.
Terry from Festus on 07/21/2009 11:39 PM
I found the Chill Pads close to the registers at a Dick's store. Sounds like a good product for some of those trailside merchants to carry. They work great.
Deon's Bar & Grill (Pilot Grove)
- + BAD BAR FOOD
Discussion started 06/01/2008 11:53 AM by Fred - 14 replies (last reply by hookedonbiking at 07/21/2009 01:55 PM)Fred from Georgetown SC on 06/01/2008 11:53 AM
BAD BAR FOOD
Fred from Georgetown SC on 06/01/2008 11:53 AM
BAD BAR FOOD
Anonymous on 06/01/2008 07:26 PM
Also the best bar food in town since it is the only place in open after 6PM. Ate there the other day, don't think I could have whipped any of the local gals. Gas mask also required to battle the smoking haze...
Anonymous on 06/01/2008 07:26 PM
Also the best bar food in town since it is the only place in open after 6PM. Ate there the other day, don't think I could have whipped any of the local gals. Gas mask also required to battle the smoking haze...
Anonymous from St. Thomas on 06/02/2008 11:29 AM
Deon's is a small town bar...nothing more....nothing less. Pilot Grove is at the end of our first leg when we ride the whole trail and we always eat there. Colorful would be my description.
Anonymous from St. Thomas on 06/02/2008 11:29 AM
Deon's is a small town bar...nothing more....nothing less. Pilot Grove is at the end of our first leg when we ride the whole trail and we always eat there. Colorful would be my description.
Anonymous from Highland, IL on 06/02/2008 01:52 PM
We biked from Sedalia to Rocheport this past Saturday and went to Deon's for lunch. We thought the cheeseburgers and fries were great and certainly hit the spot after our ride. The people were friendly and the restrooms were clean.
Anonymous from Highland, IL on 06/02/2008 01:52 PM
We biked from Sedalia to Rocheport this past Saturday and went to Deon's for lunch. We thought the cheeseburgers and fries were great and certainly hit the spot after our ride. The people were friendly and the restrooms were clean.
Biker from Farmington on 06/04/2008 01:47 PM
I check this site sporadically, but I still remember a previous post on this forum in which someone representing the trail towns was asking, "What can we do to bring more people into our Katy Trail towns, so they'll spend a little money our way?" A couple of people suggested that the townspeople needed to be a little friendlier to the bikers in order to gain their business. Friends, based on the first 2 comments in this post, it's crystal clear why some townspeople might not be thrilled with any dismissive, condescending, patronizing, or high-maintenance/low-feedback attitudes that some (thankfully, not all) of the bikers seem to exhibit. Many of these towns are developing, and they have to start somewhere.
Biker from Farmington on 06/04/2008 01:47 PM
I check this site sporadically, but I still remember a previous post on this forum in which someone representing the trail towns was asking, "What can we do to bring more people into our Katy Trail towns, so they'll spend a little money our way?" A couple of people suggested that the townspeople needed to be a little friendlier to the bikers in order to gain their business. Friends, based on the first 2 comments in this post, it's crystal clear why some townspeople might not be thrilled with any dismissive, condescending, patronizing, or high-maintenance/low-feedback attitudes that some (thankfully, not all) of the bikers seem to exhibit. Many of these towns are developing, and they have to start somewhere.
Deerslayer from Hermann on 06/04/2008 09:24 PM
I couldn't agree with Biker from Farmington more. If you're not having ; lower your standards. If you take time to apreciate the locals they just might take time to apreciate you.
Deerslayer from Hermann on 06/04/2008 09:24 PM
I couldn't agree with Biker from Farmington more. If you're not having ; lower your standards. If you take time to apreciate the locals they just might take time to apreciate you.
gc from Columbia, Mo. on 06/06/2008 07:14 AM
Amen to that, Deer
gc from Columbia, Mo. on 06/06/2008 07:14 AM
Amen to that, Deer
Anonymous from Springfield on 06/11/2008 06:51 PM
Fine dining it was not, but the place had a nice character. Plain hamburger, plain tater tots, plain beer, fun playing shuffleboard; just a simple diner among friendly people. Sometimes, a place like that is just where I want to be, and I liked it!
Anonymous from Springfield on 06/11/2008 06:51 PM
Fine dining it was not, but the place had a nice character. Plain hamburger, plain tater tots, plain beer, fun playing shuffleboard; just a simple diner among friendly people. Sometimes, a place like that is just where I want to be, and I liked it!
Anonymous on 06/13/2008 09:25 AM
Last time visited, wanted to make nice with the locals. Took some flowers for the boys at the bar. Before I could get in, was jumped by 3 junk yard dogs. After a savage 4 hour battle, I staggered in with what was left of my body and flowers. Guys took one look at me asked about the dogs. One was beyond saving, so they decided to BBQ him. They were proud of me. Come to find out everyone in that bar hated those dogs. Bought me drinks. I love those guys, they are having a parade in my honor on the 4th of July. Biker dude saves town.
Anonymous on 06/13/2008 09:25 AM
Last time visited, wanted to make nice with the locals. Took some flowers for the boys at the bar. Before I could get in, was jumped by 3 junk yard dogs. After a savage 4 hour battle, I staggered in with what was left of my body and flowers. Guys took one look at me asked about the dogs. One was beyond saving, so they decided to BBQ him. They were proud of me. Come to find out everyone in that bar hated those dogs. Bought me drinks. I love those guys, they are having a parade in my honor on the 4th of July. Biker dude saves town.
Anonymous from St. Thomas on 06/13/2008 10:13 AM
Just try to get that type of entertainment at your average snooty piano bar. By the way.....did the flowers work?
Anonymous from St. Thomas on 06/13/2008 10:13 AM
Just try to get that type of entertainment at your average snooty piano bar. By the way.....did the flowers work?
Anonymous on 06/13/2008 10:37 AM
From reading the account of this event, it appears that it is immaterial whether the flowers worked or not. There was a BBQ, a pending parade in honor of biker dude, and he got free drinks and probably to the dismay of the local gents he fell in love with them.
Anonymous on 06/13/2008 10:37 AM
From reading the account of this event, it appears that it is immaterial whether the flowers worked or not. There was a BBQ, a pending parade in honor of biker dude, and he got free drinks and probably to the dismay of the local gents he fell in love with them.
Anonymous on 06/14/2008 10:52 PM
Sad tail... Word was just received that biker dude past away. All signs point to his cause of demise as infected dog meat. Surly the parade on the 4th will be cancelled.
Anonymous on 06/14/2008 10:52 PM
Sad tail... Word was just received that biker dude past away. All signs point to his cause of demise as infected dog meat. Surly the parade on the 4th will be cancelled.
Rhys Minnick from Pilot grove on 06/25/2009 11:10 AM
The bar is under new management, by my mother and I, i hope everyone does stop back in the try the place out and please give feedback. We have all new foods, and the beer is always cold. We have all domestics, and a few imported.
Rhys Minnick from Pilot grove on 06/25/2009 11:10 AM
The bar is under new management, by my mother and I, i hope everyone does stop back in the try the place out and please give feedback. We have all new foods, and the beer is always cold. We have all domestics, and a few imported.
cunninghamair from O'Fallon, MO on 06/26/2009 09:43 AM
I've never been to Deon's, but I find anywhere with air conditioning, clean bathrooms, cold
drinks and protein receive a passing grade. (I always laugh at the "best cheeseburger"
posts--everything is the best cheeseburger after a long day on the trail!) Last I checked,
there aren't any Ruby Tuesdays' along the trail.
Thanks Rhys.
cunninghamair from O'Fallon, MO on 06/26/2009 09:43 AM
I've never been to Deon's, but I find anywhere with air conditioning, clean bathrooms, cold
drinks and protein receive a passing grade. (I always laugh at the "best cheeseburger"
posts--everything is the best cheeseburger after a long day on the trail!) Last I checked,
there aren't any Ruby Tuesdays' along the trail.
Thanks Rhys.
hookedonbiking from KC on 07/21/2009 01:55 PM
Is there anyplace to sit where no smoking is allowed? We may be riding that way this weekend, but our riding buddy can't be around smoke at all.
hookedonbiking from KC on 07/21/2009 01:55 PM
Is there anyplace to sit where no smoking is allowed? We may be riding that way this weekend, but our riding buddy can't be around smoke at all.
More Biking Stores- less Food critics
- + The Plan a Ride feature will let you find bike related stores.
For bike stories: from the Home page click on this link: "Ride/run/hike reports from other trail bike riders, runners, and hikers"...
Discussion started 07/21/2009 08:08 AM by Trek - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 07/21/2009 11:46 AM)Trek on 07/21/2009 09:04 AM
The Plan a Ride feature will let you find bike related stores.
For bike stories: from the Home page click on this link: "Ride/run/hike reports from other trail bike riders, runners, and hikers"
Other Katy Trail bike stories (journal entries) can be found on crazyguyonabike.com by searching "Katy Trail"
Anonymous on 07/21/2009 11:46 AM
Thanks Trek, didn't know about the crazyguyona bike site. Good stuff.
Looks like the tour of Missouri is going to take place, caught the start of the leg out of Jeff. City last year. Chance to watch and talk with many of the same riders who are on the tour DE France.
More Biking Stores- less Food critics
- +
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 f...
Discussion started 07/21/2009 08:08 AM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 07/21/2009 08:08 AM
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.