Katy Trail Forum

I am frustrated with all the comments that say things like "Never Go Here" or "Avoid this Place". Please everyone remember that while this is absolutely the place to voice your opinions, who are you to tell others where to stay or eat. We are all different people, so what you may find offensive may not bother me much, and vice versa.



Tell us your experience, tell us if you think the burgers are good, or if you felt the cleanliness of a place wasn't up to par, or if you felt like you were rudely treated, but please don't tell us what to do.



I find it rude of you to tell others to stay away from a place just because you didn't enjoy it. I want to know about your experiences, but I am an adult and can make my own decisions. Please be more respectful of others and allow us to make up our own minds.

Well said Kim! Trek, I think Kim just summed it up perfectly

Can we also prevent people from saying "Go there!"?



Because, who are they to tell me where to spend my money?



In all seriousness, we are adults and we can figure out who is going overboard in their criticisms. If the place of business is worthy there will be positive follow-up reviews. Attempting to silence all criticism will reduce the value of the forum.

Above I said "Attempting to silence all criticism will reduce the value of the forum."



No one was recommending that we silence all criticism, so my criticism of the critique of the criticism went too far :->



All I'm trying to say is let people speak, and if they go too far others can respond and make things right again.

I just would like to see more respectful feedback. Frankly, after a few end-to-end trips on the Katy, there are some places I won't go to because of treatment we received. I however, don't feel I have the right to tell others not to go there, as these places have obviously met the needs of others at other times. It just seems like we could voice our opinions in a more courteous fashion.

"I just would like to see more respectful feedback. AM by kim,independence, mo"



I agree, but I know it won't happen. Some people are happy even when things are less than perfect, and others become infuriated if they don't get every penny's worth. I think that people who over-react do a bad job of hiding it. Let 'em talk.

Thanks, Kim. In all aspects of my life, I try to state the facts and let others make their own

judgements. I hope others can follow that advice here.

I agree with Kim. Try and state the objective facts.Such as 'the burger was cold' or 'the bathrooms were dirty'. Leave out the personality issues (ie. 'the owner was rude'). We all have bad days. After a long ride on the trail I know I'm not as perky as I could be (until I get a cold beer).



ka3751

Free speech is great...what a country!

We were at the Weber-Schulte House over the fourth of July. Easy walking to the riverfront

and downtown shops. Birdseye view of the concert grounds. Cooked some local handcrafted

brats on the backyard barby. The new owners are adding some great artwork and furnishings.

The bedding, towels and linens seemed brand new. We had a wonderful time!

We were at the Weber-Schulte House over the fourth of July. Easy walking to the riverfront

and downtown shops. Birdseye view of the concert grounds. Cooked some local handcrafted

brats on the backyard barby. The new owners are adding some great artwork and furnishings.

The bedding, towels and linens seemed brand new. We had a wonderful time!

Im contemplating a summer ride this August with two boys(cousins)...age 13 and 15. Our plan would be to ride from 5am-12noon...everyday to avoid the miserable heat. Our milage breakdown would be 61miles/88miles/51miles/46miles...(all the way downtown to the arch) Anybody have any insight or advice...?

Unless you just don't like the little fellows....I'd cut the miles back some. For August, 88 miles is a lot of miles in my book. If you think they can average over 12.5 mph go for it though. The trip may be more enjoyable if they had time to stop and check things out abit.

One other potential problem, depending on whether you are camping or staying indoors, is arrival at your nights lodging. Most places are still cleaning and prepping at that time so you would not be able to get in your rooms. If possible I'd sight see more during the day and do the last ride in early evening. Once the sun is lower the heat is more bearable even if the thermometer doesn't show it.

I agree with cutting back the mileage. The gravel slows you down, about 2 mph. We

usually keep it about 40-50 (we ride longer on the road). If you let your lodging know

you are riding the Katy while making reservations, they should be able to arrange an

early check-in. We rode to Hermann and at first the B&B said we couldn't check in until

4--until I told him we were riding the Katy, then he quickly changed his tune and made

alternate arrangements for us to check in at 11. Our goal is to get in before noon,

shower, eat, nap, eat!



Don't forget B&B's may not serve breakfast that early. We were able to make early

breakfast arrangements while making reservations.

Are the youngsters already riding around 40-45 miles now? If not, I, too, would decrease the mileage some--maybe start at a point a little closer to the St. Louis area if you're just doing one way. Riding the Katy is fun when given enough time to stop, look at some of the great scenery, take some pictures, read some of the points of interest along the way, etc. 13-15 is a great age and one where roads are being decided on in life, too; so make it as enjoyable as possible and ask them what they want from the trip.

You mentioned "all the way to the Arch." The trail ends in St. Charles. You're still about 30 minutes to Arch by car.

I would agree with cutting down on miles if really enjoy the trail and see some of the sites. Have ridden the 225 miles in 3 days and didn't have time to enjoy the sites. For enjoyment I would add aan additional day and do 40 to 50 milles a day. Allow a little time to enjoy the beauty of the trail. In August the heat and humidity can be very high,plan for this.

A visit to Cafe Bella does require you to climb the hills of Augusta, which are not inconsequential. Do not be daunted by the first hill up from the trailhead. It is the steepest... walk it if you must. We rode a tandem loaded with camping gear all the way up to the restaurant, and the reward for doing so was more than worth it. Cafe Bella are happy to provide abundant ice water with lemon; the food is gourmet but not fussy, generous in portion but reasonably priced. I would say it was one of the top two places we ate in 5 days on the trail (the other SereniTea House in Booneville, not directly on the trail). And they're open on Mondays!

A visit to Cafe Bella does require you to climb the hills of Augusta, which are not inconsequential. Do not be daunted by the first hill up from the trailhead. It is the steepest... walk it if you must. We rode a tandem loaded with camping gear all the way up to the restaurant, and the reward for doing so was more than worth it. Cafe Bella are happy to provide abundant ice water with lemon; the food is gourmet but not fussy, generous in portion but reasonably priced. I would say it was one of the top two places we ate in 5 days on the trail (the other SereniTea House in Booneville, not directly on the trail). And they're open on Mondays!

Just a reminder to all who pass through: This weekend is our annual 'over thirty' baseball tournament. It kicks off with two games Friday evening and continues all day on Saturday. The Hartsburg Athletic Club will be operating the concessions, and we'll be servining pork steaks, brats, hot dogs and cold drinks. Just turn south onto Bush Landing Road from the Katy Trail, and continue about two blocks to the American Legion Park. Feel free to stop by for some good baseball and great food. Ride Safe.

GREAT place to stay!! Maxine and Pete are two of the finest people around - will do almost anything for you. (And, if you're lucky, you can ride in their horse-drawn surrey!) And Chigger the dog will keep you busy chasing his toys :-).

Our party of 5 became 6 on short notice and Maxine worked with us to accomoate everyone - very helpful!!

House and location are even prettier (and roomier) than shown in picture - HUGE yard, pasture, etc. Fun to visit and roam. We'll definitely be back!!

NOTE to KT bikers: Map is wrong and could cause trouble (as it did for us). Katy Trail goes north through Sedalia on Emmit (sp?), NOT Engineer as pictured, so turn LEFT off Emmit onto Boonville to find New York Ave.

GREAT place to stay!! Maxine and Pete are two of the finest people around - will do almost anything for you. (And, if you're lucky, you can ride in their horse-drawn surrey!) And Chigger the dog will keep you busy chasing his toys :-).

Our party of 5 became 6 on short notice and Maxine worked with us to accomoate everyone - very helpful!!

House and location are even prettier (and roomier) than shown in picture - HUGE yard, pasture, etc. Fun to visit and roam. We'll definitely be back!!

NOTE to KT bikers: Map is wrong and could cause trouble (as it did for us). Katy Trail goes north through Sedalia on Emmit (sp?), NOT Engineer as pictured, so turn LEFT off Emmit onto Boonville to find New York Ave.

Quick update to our comment: View full comment for note on map mistake (and I DID mis-spell the street: Emmet.)

Quick update to our comment: View full comment for note on map mistake (and I DID mis-spell the street: Emmet.)

GREAT place to stay!! Our family party of 5 bikers took both cabooses (though one would have been enough - at least bed-wise) and had a great time. Nicely refurbished, very comfortable and VERY unique (ever seen a toilet in the shower? :-)). We'll return on next Katy Trail excursion!

Damon picked two of us up at Trailhead on short notice, as our plans changed in mid-trip, and delivered us back to trailhead next morning. He is VERY accomodating and easy to deal with. Everyone enjoyed him - and Abby, the dog, as well!

Small caveat to bikers only: Plan to bring food and/or cook out at his great fire spot, as Calhoun has NO eating places except for service station with carry-out pizza, chicken, etc., and cabooses are fairly removed from Calhoun anyway. If you have a support vehicle, as we did, there are good restaurants in Windsor - 7 miles away.

GREAT place to stay!! Our family party of 5 bikers took both cabooses (though one would have been enough - at least bed-wise) and had a great time. Nicely refurbished, very comfortable and VERY unique (ever seen a toilet in the shower? :-)). We'll return on next Katy Trail excursion!

Damon picked two of us up at Trailhead on short notice, as our plans changed in mid-trip, and delivered us back to trailhead next morning. He is VERY accomodating and easy to deal with. Everyone enjoyed him - and Abby, the dog, as well!

Small caveat to bikers only: Plan to bring food and/or cook out at his great fire spot, as Calhoun has NO eating places except for service station with carry-out pizza, chicken, etc., and cabooses are fairly removed from Calhoun anyway. If you have a support vehicle, as we did, there are good restaurants in Windsor - 7 miles away.

We had a 4 3/4 inch rain yesterday. There is a washout at state road PP. it is not as spectacular as some I have seen in the past but the trail will be closed for awhile. I have also gotten reports of numerous small washouts near Mokane. Along Hwy 94 you can see pieces of old railroad ties that were washed out.



They are usually pretty quick about getting the trail up and running again unless there are bigger washouts that I have not heard of. In my opinion DNR is doing a better job of preventing and repairing washouts than the railroad did in it's later years.

I'm sorry to start a new thread about this, but I have to make a comment about a previous post about the Hartsburg Inn. In there was a line that read, "We met up with some other folks that night and the next who stayed at the Globe and they weren't impressed with their accomodation either."



Did I stay at the same place these people did? You know what - this kind of stuff really pisses me off. Jeanette at the Globe Hotel was truly one of the sweetest, hospitable, hard-working ladies I have ever met. After 45 miles in 95 degree heat, she greeted us at the back door with large glasses of fresh lemonade. Though not a five-star B&B, the Globe was clean and comfortable. My room was very nice. There was a ceiling fan in each room, the bed was very comfortable, and Jeanette cranked down the AC that night. I slept like a baby. We missed out on dinner at Dottie's because she was closed, but Jeanette offered to make me some peanut butter sandwiches. I certainly didn't expect her to make me dinner. One other thing. Soon after we were settled in, a woman arrived on a mountain bike and wearing a huge backpack. Obviously I'm not an EMT, but this woman looked like she was teetering on the edge of heat stroke. She was flushed, breathing very shallow, and her speech was somewhat incoherent. Jeanette immediately recognized the symptoms, put her in a cool bath upstairs and gave her lots of fluids. She may very well of saved this woman a trip to the hospital, or worse.



Come on...give Jeanette some love! All I can say is that if you weren't impressed with the Globe's accommodations, then you are expecting way too much, or possibly Jeanette wasn't too impressed with you. Go ride in Vermont where you can hop across the state going from one $200 a night B&B to another. As someone else said, The Katy "is what it is". And it IS the best!!

I totally agree with all you say about the Globe and Jeanette....wonderful in all respects. Everything a biker needs and not a lot of the frilly frills that would just cost extra. I've stay there many many time and will continue to do so.

But....I do believe the Hartsburg Inn is a different place than the Globe. Maybe the poster with the bad experience wasn't talking about Jeanette and the Globe?

I'm hoping that most people that read the original posting recognized that as hearsay and that it has no value. The poster only used that comment to bolster his own negative statements and in so doing destroyed all of his credibility. The Globe is Great!

Doug - You are absolutely correct. It was hearsay and I too hope that people recognize it as such. I'm sorry for my mini-rant but when I read that post, I saw RED! Jeanette was such a kind, sweet lady. I couldn't stand to hear that negative comment. I guess my philosophy has always been, "If you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything at all".



One more comment and I'm outta here. I live in the dirty, congested, crime infested Baltimore-Washington DC I-95 corridor. Coming to Missouri for the first time in my life to ride the Katy was a complete breath of fresh air. For that week, my soul was healed. The Katy is an awesome trail, and this trip turned out to be one of the best I have ever taken - despite the 95 degree heat. The truth of the matter is - even if there were no towns or resources along the way, and if all I had was a place to pitch my tent and access to water, I would still think the Katy was the BEST. I would ride it again in a heartbeat. Thanks for listening.

I stayed at the Globe last summer and Jeannette and the Globe was fabulous. I, too, see red when some poster dogs a restaurant or motel. If these places were/are as bad as some posters state then why are they still in business??? I look past the jazz some people say and make my own mind up on what I think about the B & B's and restaurants I frequent. This world is not perfect.

I did the 2007 ride and felt lucky that the heat and humidity held off until the last couple days.



How did people fare on this year's ride? Were there any emergencies?



I don't think I would have coped well with such extreme heat, especially with camping.

Hubby and I did the ride and it was the hottest we've ever ridden. Luckily they started breakfast earlier this year so we could get on the trail earlier. 6AM all days except for Tuesday and it started at 5:35.

On Tuesday (hottest and longest day) from Pilot Grove to Jeff city, the heat index got up to 114. On Tuesday, Dave Kelly (DNR) closed the trail at Hartsburg at 3:00 to any more of the riders coming through and made them sag in due to the heat as many were having trouble by that time and the Hartsburg American Legion (air conditioned) was full of riders having heat related issues. Fortunately we were through Hartsburg by 12:15 and made it to JC OK. I heard that between Monday and Tuesday, aprox 60 riders dropped out due to the heat. I think there were more people this year sagging in than in previous years. Nights were hot too....hard to get good rest.

All that said, it still was a very good ride and we had a good time. As always, the DNR did a great job.

I rode in the DNR ride this year for the second time. It was very hot, all the time. I made it in to the camp sites all week but the heat made it more challenging. I hadn't heard about the trail being closed at Hartsburg on Tuesday but had heard there were several dropped out because of the heat. It was still fun and I paln on doing it again next year. Thank you DNR for a great week!

DNR did a great job under very trying weather circumstances!! Kudos to all involved, especially Sgt. Barnes and his staff! Hot, hot, and hotter! I was so thankful I had only signed up to do two days this year. I did full day on Monday and went back for more punishment on Tuesday, but after 45 miles I "wimped" out and was one of the ones who had to be sagged in. Was glad I was riding with people who had more sense than I did and were helpful in helping me to decide on finally calling it quits. Opening up the American Legion in Hartsburg was a wonderful service by some very thoughtful people!! One just never knows about weather in Missouri and it was just a crazy year for the annual DNR ride. Will I go back next year? Probably so; it was great to see some familiar friendly faces from the year before.

Any thoughts from experienced Katy trail-ers on the feasibility/appropriateness of skinny tires on the KT? I'm asking on behalf of an acquaintance who is more of a roadie and wants to ride the KT on his road bike. Thanks in advance for your comments.

"Road bike" can mean a lot of things.



I've put a lot of miles on the Katy using a Trek 520 touring bike. That's a road bike, but it can take tires up to maybe 700x40.



I've also been on the trail for day-trips using a sport bike with 700x25 tires. I was OK.



On some trips I've encountered areas of loose gravel.



Wider tires feel more stable on loose surfaces. Also the trail can get soft after a heavy rain, and the wider tires would help with that.



I'd recommend at least 700x28s if they fit. But no matter what you ride, you do have to pay attention on the Katy. Loose gravel, rocks, holes, branches, turtles, etc.

My husband and I just rode the Katy Trail for the first time in June on our road bikes. We just have regular Trek road bikes with regular skinny tires. We didn't have any problems.

We ride 700X24 all the time. You also have to watch for cracks when it gets really dry. Skinny tires will drop right in them

We ride with 700x23's all the time. You will lose 2-3 mph on the gravel. The biggest tire

he can accomodate will be less stressful--and be sure to carry a couple tubes and

pump/cartridges. On overnight rides we zip-tie a spare tire to our seat post or frame. It

can be a long ride to the nearest trailhead, and bike shops are few and far between.

I usually go jogging long distance in the Katy Trail, however I'm new in town and am not sure of the safety in the trail for single women jogging/walking/running etc?

Probably the safest place in town. Far fewer rapes and murders than say the gas stations in

town.



I think there has been one rape on the MKT trail since it opened. That might sound bad but

like I said its probably the safest place in town.



I routinely see women miles away from a trailhead on the trail.

Being a single woman I was also concerned about biking on the Katy alone. I carry pepper spray and a mini-stun gun in my pockets; both give me a feeling of empowerment if I need to defend myself.

I mostly bike the trail but have done some jogging in the winter months. Two things you can do that are simple are to always carry Mace and make sure you're always aware of your surroundings. I agree with the other poster - it's probably one of the safer places in town but you never know and it's good to always be prepared.

I live right on the trail and feel very safe. There have been a few incidents over the years, though, so it is best to be sensible. I wouldn't run alone when it is dark or near dark. The whole trail has pretty heavy traffic at popular times, like weekends, but out past Scott Blvd. may be more sparsely used in the middle of a week day, or when the weather isn't so great. If you think it's a low use time, there will be more people around from Flat Branch Park to Scott Blvd. If you have a dog, that's a great additional source of security. I walk my two big dogs even late at night and never worry!

My wife did her long runs on the Katy while training for a marathon. She always felt very safe and at ease.

We love this place! We stayed there 2 years ago, enjoyed it very much. The Cruces are very hospitable, friendly people, and very accommodating, to say the least. Our son really loves the cabooses, and getting up into the cupola and looking out was a highlight. Fireworks in the country were fun, and fire cooked dinners a standard. We are looking forward to next our visit, this weekend.

We love this place! We stayed there 2 years ago, enjoyed it very much. The Cruces are very hospitable, friendly people, and very accommodating, to say the least. Our son really loves the cabooses, and getting up into the cupola and looking out was a highlight. Fireworks in the country were fun, and fire cooked dinners a standard. We are looking forward to next our visit, this weekend.

I am planning on leaving my car at the airport for a safe and secure parking place for the week while riding. I'll then arrange a shuttle to the train and then shuttle back to the airport when I my riding in St. Charles. What do people think? Is that the best place to park. It's a new car.

bill

It would cost you quite a bit of money to do that. Perhaps 15 dollars per day?



I would leave it at the trailhead in St. Charles. I would feel comfortable doing that as it

seems like a rather clean and nice area.

I agree. St.Charles trail head (TH) is probably the best spot to park your car along the Katy Trail system. The parking is not actually at the TH but is approximately 200-400 yards back where the Katy trail swing-arm gates are (the Lewis & Clark Boathouse parking lot). Park on the far side of the parking lot (to the right as you enter) and not the main parking in front of the Boathouse. Most business employees and visitors also park here. To my knowledge, it's a safe place. About 200 plus DNR 2009 riders parked here last week w/o any issues when they returned.

A couple weeks ago I parked my truck at the St. Charles trailhead for six nights. No problems. Todd from Katy Trail Bike Rental told me that the local police frequently patrol there. Have a great trip!

we are biking the whole trail clinton to st charles last week of july. we know it will be hot. how much of trail is shaded or where sun is at least partially blocked. thank you. go by bike !!

I don't know about the whole trail as I just rode it yesterday..about 60 miles - both directions to/from Rocheport. Most of it was shady, w/ a wonderful river breeze..so it was delightful.



Have fun on your ride!

SB, I'm assuming you rode East? We rode from Clinton to St. Charles

June 19th and 20th and the stretch between Booneville and Rocheport about did us in. It was in the upper 90s with the heat index over 100 and there was no shade to speak of. When there was a breeze it was coming off the corn fields and it actualy felt hotter with the breeze. After shaded stretch between Rocheport and JC felt like Heaven.

Based on the posting regarding shade around Rocheport,we may add mileage there. Since we're concerned about the heat from direct sun and that's what we want to avoid, if it's more shady coming into Rocheport from Sedalia,we could add miles there making it 50 and not cutting it shorter. What do you all think?

Thanks! Jan

The section from Booneville to Rocheport has rows of trees on both sides so you should be in shade in the morning and evening. High noon will suck in the heat.

There is a lot more shade on the Katy Trail in the AM hours than any other time of the day especially from Rocheport going east. The shadows are just simply longer, do to location of the sun, direction of the trail and the bluffs. This won't work for everyone but I try to ride early and get to my destination before everything gets heated up, 11:AM or so. Or, get close enough that I can lounge in the shade during the hotest part of the day, then finish. This works well on a 40 to 50 mile day running at 10 to 12 mph. Some days in the summer in Missouri there is no getting away from the heat, early or late, unless you stay inside.

Personally, I think it’s more important to plan where you’re going to stop for break and recharge your body. Intake of powerade/gatorade or other sport drinks are essential on a hot day (unless you don’t sweat). Bring extra water along with your favorite sport drinks so you could pour it on your head and body to cool yourself down when needed. Remember, long distance doesn’t usually get you; it’s the heat and the sun that will derail you. Replenish your sweet like “trail mix” along the way. If you feel light headed while riding; stop for break and take your drinks + fiber. Last but not least, please support the locals. Below is the info you ask for. Give credit to MO dept of Natural Resources (DNR).



264.6 to 255.5 Prairie restoration areas that offer very little to no shade.

244.8 to 242 same

255.5 to 229.6 Horses are allowed on this section of the trail; bicyclists yield to horses and hikers.

223 to 210 Area is very cool and almost all shaded.



203.3 to 191.8 Considered by many to be the most strenuous section of the trail due the the increasing incline.

195.3 to 191.8 Enjoy the ride down Lard Hill, the steepest part of the entire trail.

191.8 to 181.5 Trail is open with very limited shade.

181.5 to 178.3 From highway 40 to Rocheport, there is a lot of shade, including the Rocheport tunnel.

178.3 to 169.5 Mostly sunny, except around Huntsdale.

157 Just after Wilton, there are spectacular views of the MO river.

169.5 to 153.6 Lots of shady areas, especially in the Hart Creek and Eagle Bluffs.

153.6 to 143.2 Mostly open with some shady areas.

143.2 to 131.2 Almost no shade. Dramatic bluffs and the state capital can be viewed across the river

125 to 115.9 Trail is shady

114.5 to 112 Bottomland forest.

110.9 View of the MO river resume near Bluffton.

105 to 104.2 Very little to no shade.

103 to 101.5 Same



98.8 to 95.5 Very little to no shade.

93.2 to 89 Outstanding views of MO river and bluffs.

84.6 to 79.5 Very little to no shade.

77.4 to 73.4 same

75.2 Wetland offers a good place to see birds and wildlife

72.3 to 66.3 Land or bluff with very little to no shade.

69.6 View of MO river from the Klondike County Park boat ramp.



66.3 to 60.6 River bluffs, farm landscape and bottomland forest.

60 Limited visibility where the trail crosses HWY 94

48.1 Limited visibility where the trail crosses Pittman Hill Rd

57 to 48 Abundant shade & views of MO river and bluff.

44.2 Limited visibility where the trail crosses Jung Station Rd.

Wow! Thanks Bikerstuff, excellent post.

Very impressive and detailed information! Thanks!

Great hospitality and wonderful food! A welcome rest along the Katy Trail. We slept like babies.

I am going to ride from Merwin to Clinton (Katy Trail)on Highway 18. What condition is the road and is it hilly, rollers,or flat????

Just biked this section over the weekend and the trail had numerous trees down from a storm that pasted through Saturday night. Most of the trees you could either carry your bike around but there were two that you carried your bike sideways through and the other up and way over. Hopefully the DNR will have these cleaned up this week.

One more thing. The trail guide book is right on with Lucy's in McBaine. Friendly help and good food! Wasn't impressed with Cooper's Landing both food and camping.

Came through that area this morning 6/30/09, and most was cleaned up. Still had to lift over the one big tree that was down just west of Rocheport. Talked to a DNR person just east of Rocheport and he was going to take care of that at that time. There was a big difference from yesterday to today. Overall, the trail is in good shape, Hartsburg to New Franklin.