Katy Trail Forum

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.

I thought it best to mention a few words of caution for those who have never done a ride on the KATY trail. A week ago 5 of us left Clinton for St. Louis. I unfortunately only made it to Pilot Grove and decided to head home. My first "fall" came in Sedalia. I was too busy looking at the train depot and at the last moment realized that one of the gate posts was in the closed position. I missed the post but lost control of the bike on the gravel surface. I'm not sure why the gate posts are there in the first place, but it would be nice if during normal bike conditions that ALL the gate posts would be in the open position. While riding I noticed that some gate posts were both open, some only one side or the other and a few both were closed? Some of you might say it is my own fault but in my own defense, this was my first ride on the trail and I was too busy looking at the train depot and how cool it looked and not potential trail hazzards! My second fall came in Pilot Grove and that was just bad luck on my part. My front tire got down into deeper gravel on the bed and turned on me and for the second time down I went.

So for those who have never done a ride on KATY, I say best of luck, enjoy the many wonderful sights but be aware of the surface you are riding on and stay alert!!!!

Ironically, the gates are there for your protection...to prevent motor vehicles from driving on the trail. Falling/crashing/etc. seems to happen making a helmet a wise investment.

Thanks Trek...a helmet is a very good investment and I was also wearing bike gloves that I would highly recommend. Had I not been wearing gloves my palms would have been torn up as well.

It's always a good rule to be looking ahead...and not just at the ground right in front of your tire but a good 100 feet in front of you.



As far as the gates go, I've never understood their point. Half the gates a car could easily get through. If a car really wanted on the trail, there's plenty of farm roads (at least where I ride) where that's possible. All I see the gates as is a hindrance, especially the one's that are so tight that only one bicycle can get through safely.

A quick explanation on why the Katy Trail uses squeeze gates. Squeeze gates are located at most road crossings, to remind Katy users that they need to slow down or stop before crossing. At high-speed road crossings (i.e., state highways or other busy paved roads), both arms of the squeeze gate are kept in place, which forces Katy users to come to an almost complete stop. This is really just a reminder that users need to stop to look for oncoming vehicles before crossing. At low-speed crossings (i.e., some county and gravel roads), a squeeze gate may only have one arm. Again, they're just a reminder to slow down and look before crossing. You may notice squeeze gates with both arms intact in some areas that may not seem to need both -- in some trouble spots, we use the gates to prevent ATVs or other motorized vehicles from accessing the trail.

Thank you Dawn for taking the time to explain the rationale behind the gates. I just was too busy looking elsewhere and took a tumble! My next ride on the KATY will be different for sure!!!

Thank you, Dawn.

Quick question about the gates, i'm biking the trail late September...with a dog. He'll be in a carrier behind me of course...question is will the carrier fit through the gates?

Great Point!! If you are too busy looking at the scenery its probaby better to run into a closed

gate than to enter a busy roadway without looking.

Do you know if a baby carriage will fit through those gates?

I wouldn't think a baby carriage would be a problem at any of them, unless it's one of those wide ones for twins/triplets.

So, How much do they pay you to ride in this nearly 100 degree temperature?:) NOT my idea of a GOOD time!



I was called to pick up a rider who didn't make it through the first day because of the heat.



I understand they want to wait til school's out so the kids can ride (many of whom had to be sagged in as well), but I would think mid May or mid October would be MUCH more pleasant.

CJT, Unless you have a really big dog and a really big carrier, you should have no problem. They are not very narrow and the most narrow part is about 4 to 5 feet from the ground. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

The price for the ride was $250. I just finished riding the organized ride with the State Park group. This was one of the best vacations I have ever taken. The people on this ride were fantastic and the support team went out of their way to make sure everyone was taken care of in the heat. I do think yellow paint on the swing arms would be a good idea. It was HOT, but the memories of the ride will be with me for a long time.

Please tell me you are kidding about the yellow paint! Personal responsibility, in words of Martha Stewart, is a "good thing". I'm careful and I have still smacked a nuckle or two on those things, but that was my fault. I'm just sayin', please don't paint my "out there". Glad you enjoyed your trip, it sounds like fun.

It's kind of a dumpy place, but the people are friendly. A large grilled ham & cheese sandwich, huge order of fries, and two draft beers set me back around $8.



Not bad.

All the characters from deliverance came from here... Yep.. It is true