Katy Trail Forum

We stayed here after a very cold, rainy ride from Boonville and Cath greeted us and offered to let us use her dryer after saying she didn't want us (we had reservations), but otherwise there's not a lot on offer here. Concrete floors, no place to eat (other than the local bar's frozen pizza, and some locals brought in their leftovers from a fish fry, winning our gratitude.) Breakfast was a packet of oatmeal, a small walmart yogurt, one English muffin to toast and a tin of juice. The owners upstairs were quite noisy til quite late and the beds were hard as a rock. We could hear every word they said and they were banging chairs around like they were having a bar fight. No TV, nothing to read, but plenty of hot water. Pretty pricey for what it was. it's a long stretch with very few options, but unless Dotty's is open, forget Hartsburg and ride on.

We stayed here after a very cold, rainy ride from Boonville and Cath greeted us and offered to let us use her dryer after saying she didn't want us (we had reservations), but otherwise there's not a lot on offer here. Concrete floors, no place to eat (other than the local bar's frozen pizza, and some locals brought in their leftovers from a fish fry, winning our gratitude.) Breakfast was a packet of oatmeal, a small walmart yogurt, one English muffin to toast and a tin of juice. The owners upstairs were quite noisy til quite late and the beds were hard as a rock. We could hear every word they said and they were banging chairs around like they were having a bar fight. No TV, nothing to read, but plenty of hot water. Pretty pricey for what it was. it's a long stretch with very few options, but unless Dotty's is open, forget Hartsburg and ride on.

I can't agree with this statement, "it's a long stretch with very few options, but unless Dotty's is open, forget Hartsburg and ride on."



While biking the trail back in April, I had a very enjoyable stay at the Globe Hotel, wonderful host with interesting conversation. Yes, Dotty's is great and so is the Globe Hotel.

I can't agree with this statement, "it's a long stretch with very few options, but unless Dotty's is open, forget Hartsburg and ride on."



While biking the trail back in April, I had a very enjoyable stay at the Globe Hotel, wonderful host with interesting conversation. Yes, Dotty's is great and so is the Globe Hotel.

I would like some more details on her saying "she didn't want us". Seems like something is being left out. Definitely not enough information to justify the attack.

I would like some more details on her saying "she didn't want us". Seems like something is being left out. Definitely not enough information to justify the attack.

As a reply to Doug, she made this comment after looking at our drenched, exhausted faces and rainsuits, then acted like she was just joking and opened the door after verifying that we had reservations. She offered to let us use her dryer, but that was the last we saw of her. (We HEARD them til midnight since they live above the guest room, apparently.) Then we also couldn't get the heater to work and couldn't find any extra blankets. I guess she figured we'd find the bar for food since it's a small town, but didn't offer any directions or helpful info at all, and I actually would have gone the wrong way. It was so rainy I can't imagine not helping my guests find the only food venue in town if I were running a B&B and charging those prices.

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. To each his own, I guess. Glad you were happy with your experience, but we weren't with ours, and that's what this forum is about, isn't it?

As a reply to Doug, she made this comment after looking at our drenched, exhausted faces and rainsuits, then acted like she was just joking and opened the door after verifying that we had reservations. She offered to let us use her dryer, but that was the last we saw of her. (We HEARD them til midnight since they live above the guest room, apparently.) Then we also couldn't get the heater to work and couldn't find any extra blankets. I guess she figured we'd find the bar for food since it's a small town, but didn't offer any directions or helpful info at all, and I actually would have gone the wrong way. It was so rainy I can't imagine not helping my guests find the only food venue in town if I were running a B&B and charging those prices.

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. To each his own, I guess. Glad you were happy with your experience, but we weren't with ours, and that's what this forum is about, isn't it?

I also question scenario. Cath was awesome when I showed up without a reservation. The oatmeal and yogurt breakfast was exactly what I needed for hiking.

I also question scenario. Cath was awesome when I showed up without a reservation. The oatmeal and yogurt breakfast was exactly what I needed for hiking.

No TV at a B&B is not unusual. A continental breakfast is common along the Katy--I've

learned to read carefully, because I can't have gluten. Sorry you had a bad experience.

No TV at a B&B is not unusual. A continental breakfast is common along the Katy--I've

learned to read carefully, because I can't have gluten. Sorry you had a bad experience.

For the person with no name, No the comment forum is NOT about whining that you were unhappy with your experience. It is to offer INFORMATION that will help others decide how to plan their trip, not anonymously slamming businesses along the trail by offering partial quotes of an event. You should have stated the whole truth and nothing but the truth from the beginning. Your day might not have been going well and you missed her joke but someone else might have caught the humor of the situation more quickly. I do not dispute your right to state your case but do it fairly, openly, and completely. By remaining anonymous you effectively remove your targets opportunity to rebut. You are certainly not the only customers that have showed up in the rain this year so how could the owners know how to respond? As to her not offering any information about the town, it's possible she didn't even consider it as Hartsburg is very small, or she had something else on her mind, or you might even want to consider your part in that. Examine your behavior and see if there was anything that would have distanced her from you. Often when someone has had a bad day they display their displeasure in such a manner that other people try to avoid contact with them. Just a possibility.

For the person with no name, No the comment forum is NOT about whining that you were unhappy with your experience. It is to offer INFORMATION that will help others decide how to plan their trip, not anonymously slamming businesses along the trail by offering partial quotes of an event. You should have stated the whole truth and nothing but the truth from the beginning. Your day might not have been going well and you missed her joke but someone else might have caught the humor of the situation more quickly. I do not dispute your right to state your case but do it fairly, openly, and completely. By remaining anonymous you effectively remove your targets opportunity to rebut. You are certainly not the only customers that have showed up in the rain this year so how could the owners know how to respond? As to her not offering any information about the town, it's possible she didn't even consider it as Hartsburg is very small, or she had something else on her mind, or you might even want to consider your part in that. Examine your behavior and see if there was anything that would have distanced her from you. Often when someone has had a bad day they display their displeasure in such a manner that other people try to avoid contact with them. Just a possibility.

Maybe the riders complaining about Hartsburg shouldn't ride on the Katy Trail if they want steak and wine at every stop. As to telling them where to go in Hartsburg we only have 3 streets in town and it would be hard to get lost. Actually Cath and Jeanette go out of their way to help riders along the trail. I'm sorry we don't have 5 star accomodations for you but we're a town of 108 people and its hard to make a living off the occasional biker in a rain storm. I'm sure Cath was surprised you were out in the bad weather. Don't write us off. Hartsburg citizens are actually nice people for the most part.

Maybe the riders complaining about Hartsburg shouldn't ride on the Katy Trail if they want steak and wine at every stop. As to telling them where to go in Hartsburg we only have 3 streets in town and it would be hard to get lost. Actually Cath and Jeanette go out of their way to help riders along the trail. I'm sorry we don't have 5 star accomodations for you but we're a town of 108 people and its hard to make a living off the occasional biker in a rain storm. I'm sure Cath was surprised you were out in the bad weather. Don't write us off. Hartsburg citizens are actually nice people for the most part.

"I were running a B&B and charging those prices." Looking at their website the cost is around $30 a night per person.....that's too high??

"I were running a B&B and charging those prices." Looking at their website the cost is around $30 a night per person.....that's too high??

Trek, where did you find $30 a night? Their website says rooms start at $70 a night.

Trek, where did you find $30 a night? Their website says rooms start at $70 a night.

The poster said "We stayed" and if that was 2 at $70 a night it cost each of them around $30 a night. Well okay....$35 plus tax. Thats a small price to pay to use a dryer and to get out of the rain to me. Not something to complain about anyway.

The poster said "We stayed" and if that was 2 at $70 a night it cost each of them around $30 a night. Well okay....$35 plus tax. Thats a small price to pay to use a dryer and to get out of the rain to me. Not something to complain about anyway.

I read your post too fast trek and missed the "per person" part. Oops.

I read your post too fast trek and missed the "per person" part. Oops.

I am reluctant to dive into this wasp's nest :-) but I would like to say I think a few of you are being a little too harsh. The original poster *did* offer specific criticisms, despite Doug's argument otherwise. He may have been whiney, but it didn't seem like an "attack" to me. And as far as "By remaining anonymous you effectively remove your targets opportunity to rebut", Mr. Anonymous is really not that much more anonymous than someone going by "Trek" or "Arkie". I would hope we can keep our forum a little more civil by giving people the benefit of the doubt and politely asking for clarification and/or simply relating our own experiences as rebuttal instead of berating them.



For instance, my stay at the Globe a few weeks ago was AWESOME (as I posted shortly thereafter) & Jeanette couldn't have been friendlier or more accommodating.

I am reluctant to dive into this wasp's nest :-) but I would like to say I think a few of you are being a little too harsh. The original poster *did* offer specific criticisms, despite Doug's argument otherwise. He may have been whiney, but it didn't seem like an "attack" to me. And as far as "By remaining anonymous you effectively remove your targets opportunity to rebut", Mr. Anonymous is really not that much more anonymous than someone going by "Trek" or "Arkie". I would hope we can keep our forum a little more civil by giving people the benefit of the doubt and politely asking for clarification and/or simply relating our own experiences as rebuttal instead of berating them.



For instance, my stay at the Globe a few weeks ago was AWESOME (as I posted shortly thereafter) & Jeanette couldn't have been friendlier or more accommodating.

Mu first response WAS only asking for clarification, after learning more I DID berate the poster for not fully disclosing the events from the start, and no name or pseudonym the opportunity to defend oneself is severely hampered. AS I said, I do support the right to comment about an experience but do it fairly. I feel that I am being civil to the RECIPIENT of the criticism when I comment. Glad to hear something positive! People along the trail are struggling with limited budgets and sporadic clientele to provide services to the best of their ability. I do not agree with Mike that people shouldn't be on the trail if they don't have what they want at every stop. However, enjoying the trail for what it is not what you want it to be wouldn't hurt. An old cycling adage is "If you're not having fun, lower your standards" Enjoy life!

Mu first response WAS only asking for clarification, after learning more I DID berate the poster for not fully disclosing the events from the start, and no name or pseudonym the opportunity to defend oneself is severely hampered. AS I said, I do support the right to comment about an experience but do it fairly. I feel that I am being civil to the RECIPIENT of the criticism when I comment. Glad to hear something positive! People along the trail are struggling with limited budgets and sporadic clientele to provide services to the best of their ability. I do not agree with Mike that people shouldn't be on the trail if they don't have what they want at every stop. However, enjoying the trail for what it is not what you want it to be wouldn't hurt. An old cycling adage is "If you're not having fun, lower your standards" Enjoy life!

Well said! I could not agree more Doug! It is what it is. And what it is, is a rail bed that has been converted to a trail that passes through rural Missouri.



When you embark on your Katy journey....know that you are passing through rural American and that for that time you are living in their world....as it is in many rural Missouri communities.



"Enjoy the trail for what it is not what you want it to be." - Doug

Well said! I could not agree more Doug! It is what it is. And what it is, is a rail bed that has been converted to a trail that passes through rural Missouri.



When you embark on your Katy journey....know that you are passing through rural American and that for that time you are living in their world....as it is in many rural Missouri communities.



"Enjoy the trail for what it is not what you want it to be." - Doug

Thought I would reply to the first negative posting I've had in 5 years. I did say, "I don't want you!" as a joke. They were soaking wet and muddy. Bad timing on my part and I apologize. I did offer to dry their clothes. I did point out the Hitching Post as the only place in town to eat and also left two complimentary drink coupons in the room. The floors are concrete because it floods here. There are area rugs. There were 3 of us in the kitchen upstairs. It was Memorial Day and it was over by 9 p.m. There are two extra blankets in the wardrobe. True, no TV after the digital switch. But there is a bike book by Jerry Dusterhoff, the Katy Trail Guide Book, promotional material about the area and a history book on the area all located in the room. The beds are firm and the water is hot. Breakfast includes coffee, tea, juice, hot chocolate, yogurt, English muffins with butter and jam and oatmeal.

Thought I would reply to the first negative posting I've had in 5 years. I did say, "I don't want you!" as a joke. They were soaking wet and muddy. Bad timing on my part and I apologize. I did offer to dry their clothes. I did point out the Hitching Post as the only place in town to eat and also left two complimentary drink coupons in the room. The floors are concrete because it floods here. There are area rugs. There were 3 of us in the kitchen upstairs. It was Memorial Day and it was over by 9 p.m. There are two extra blankets in the wardrobe. True, no TV after the digital switch. But there is a bike book by Jerry Dusterhoff, the Katy Trail Guide Book, promotional material about the area and a history book on the area all located in the room. The beds are firm and the water is hot. Breakfast includes coffee, tea, juice, hot chocolate, yogurt, English muffins with butter and jam and oatmeal.

"Enjoy the trail for what it is not what you want it to be." - Doug, as quoted by Trek.



I approached my trail "trek" last month from Sedalia to Hermann a little differently and it gave me a whole new perspective and appreciation for what a gem we all share in the Katy Trail. I camped! This was my first big camping trip and, while it was definitely rougher than hotels, I felt a real sense of accomplishment and felt closer to nature after it was all over. Corny, but true. So, you're right -- get to know the trail & what it has to offer, not what you expect based on your experiences from other vacations.



PS - I did spend one night in a B&B (the aforementioned Globe), and -- even though tent camping is fun -- the nice bed, washer/dryer, and indoor breakfast were a welcome respite in the middle of the week!!!

"Enjoy the trail for what it is not what you want it to be." - Doug, as quoted by Trek.



I approached my trail "trek" last month from Sedalia to Hermann a little differently and it gave me a whole new perspective and appreciation for what a gem we all share in the Katy Trail. I camped! This was my first big camping trip and, while it was definitely rougher than hotels, I felt a real sense of accomplishment and felt closer to nature after it was all over. Corny, but true. So, you're right -- get to know the trail & what it has to offer, not what you expect based on your experiences from other vacations.



PS - I did spend one night in a B&B (the aforementioned Globe), and -- even though tent camping is fun -- the nice bed, washer/dryer, and indoor breakfast were a welcome respite in the middle of the week!!!

It’s great that you had that experience Brian. And to me anyway…..no, it’s not corny. I know that there are a lot of MO’s for riding the Katy, but whatever it is the underlying element is that the trail is a rural path through many very small communities. It is what it is…..nothing more, nothing less. Some towns have two choices to eat and others have too many to choose from. Sleeping accommodations range from a $5 hostel to $200 plus B&B’s.



Every trail we ride including the Katy, we slog along taking pictures (we still need more for some reason) and stop periodically to visit with others (locals and riders). We take what we can from these experiences and are grateful. We camp, stay in historic hotels, and also enjoy the B&B scene. We eat GU and tuna at trailheads because that’s all we have and we eat at the more expensive locations too, like the burger joints and the linen tablecloth places.



I followed a couple’s journey on crazyguyonabike.com a year or two ago as they traveled from the west coast heading east. They were on a TransAm trip to get out of the rat race. I kept a close watch as they approached Missouri because of their intent to cut through on the Katy. I wanted their perspective on this gem! A few days after they were off the Katy in Illinois, they ended their trip and returned home. In their ride journal they mentioned how they discovered that by being out on the road they never had left the rat race. The real escape was on the Katy. Having discovered that it was time to be grateful and head home!

It’s great that you had that experience Brian. And to me anyway…..no, it’s not corny. I know that there are a lot of MO’s for riding the Katy, but whatever it is the underlying element is that the trail is a rural path through many very small communities. It is what it is…..nothing more, nothing less. Some towns have two choices to eat and others have too many to choose from. Sleeping accommodations range from a $5 hostel to $200 plus B&B’s.



Every trail we ride including the Katy, we slog along taking pictures (we still need more for some reason) and stop periodically to visit with others (locals and riders). We take what we can from these experiences and are grateful. We camp, stay in historic hotels, and also enjoy the B&B scene. We eat GU and tuna at trailheads because that’s all we have and we eat at the more expensive locations too, like the burger joints and the linen tablecloth places.



I followed a couple’s journey on crazyguyonabike.com a year or two ago as they traveled from the west coast heading east. They were on a TransAm trip to get out of the rat race. I kept a close watch as they approached Missouri because of their intent to cut through on the Katy. I wanted their perspective on this gem! A few days after they were off the Katy in Illinois, they ended their trip and returned home. In their ride journal they mentioned how they discovered that by being out on the road they never had left the rat race. The real escape was on the Katy. Having discovered that it was time to be grateful and head home!

Doug,

Comment forum means comment forum, and comments can be positive or negative. If I put all the facts in, this would turn into a small book, but thought comments were to share a BRIEF comment about your impressions/experience at that particular locale. `The ride was rainy for the whole trail but we didn't complain about any other experiences and overall, rated our ride as excellent and will do it again.

To the folks who were so nice by sharing their fish fry at the Hitching Post, and the bartender who did her best with what she had, thanks very much, we REALLY appreciated it!

Never saw any drink coupons or were told about them, were only told to leave our check on the dresser. And yes, I already acknowledged that Cath offered to let us use her dryer (in the very first sentence of my original comment.) We are small towners with midwestern roots, so do not feel we had unrealistic expectations at all, just felt the experience at this particular location was less than hospitable or considerate of their guests, other than the one offer, which we didn't utilize. I have actually worked at a B&B myself and we always went out of our way to make our guests feel welcome, comfortable and that we appreciated their business (and would tell their friends to come!)

To attack us for sharing a negative experience is what I feel is missing the point of this forum. Overall, we were very impressed with the hospitality we received along the trail and wrote several positive comments on the appropriate listings. This was the only negative one we wrote and I hardly feel it was as negative as Doug wants to interpret!!! Perhaps Cath will (has) learn(ed) something and will impress her next guests with a more positive experience.

Doug,

Comment forum means comment forum, and comments can be positive or negative. If I put all the facts in, this would turn into a small book, but thought comments were to share a BRIEF comment about your impressions/experience at that particular locale. `The ride was rainy for the whole trail but we didn't complain about any other experiences and overall, rated our ride as excellent and will do it again.

To the folks who were so nice by sharing their fish fry at the Hitching Post, and the bartender who did her best with what she had, thanks very much, we REALLY appreciated it!

Never saw any drink coupons or were told about them, were only told to leave our check on the dresser. And yes, I already acknowledged that Cath offered to let us use her dryer (in the very first sentence of my original comment.) We are small towners with midwestern roots, so do not feel we had unrealistic expectations at all, just felt the experience at this particular location was less than hospitable or considerate of their guests, other than the one offer, which we didn't utilize. I have actually worked at a B&B myself and we always went out of our way to make our guests feel welcome, comfortable and that we appreciated their business (and would tell their friends to come!)

To attack us for sharing a negative experience is what I feel is missing the point of this forum. Overall, we were very impressed with the hospitality we received along the trail and wrote several positive comments on the appropriate listings. This was the only negative one we wrote and I hardly feel it was as negative as Doug wants to interpret!!! Perhaps Cath will (has) learn(ed) something and will impress her next guests with a more positive experience.

I am a new resident to the St. Louis area and have heard alot about the Katy Trail. I am curious about what type of material the trail is made of: Rock, Chert, Concrete, Asphalt? Also would it be wise to use a Mountain Bike or a Road Bike for a ride?

from this website's FAQ:



What is the trail's surface like?

It is covered in crushed limestone, which packs hard and is suitable for running, hiking, or any kind of bike (though mountain bikes and hybrids might be more comfortable than road bikes). The crushed limestone can be dusty; you and your bike will get dusty. For multi-day bike rides, you may want to bring along something to clean your chain.



The trail can get a little soft during extended rainy periods. After a rainy period, some horses may leave light hoofprints on the equestrian part of the trail. The trail surface is not suitable for inline skating.



***************



I don't think you need knobby tires, but a little wider is better. 700x32 or 26x1.25 or larger will help you get through almost all conditions. It won't always by dry and hard-packed.

I recently rode the entire trail for the first time 6/4 thru 6/7. They are correct in that the trail gets dusty. Cleaning and oiling the change would be a good idea. I ride a hybrid which has fairly agressive tires but narrower than the mountain bike. I got along well. I was carrying about 35 lbs on the back which I will cut in half next time since I will know what to take. Can't wait to do it again.

Steven,



First of all, welcome to St. Louis.



To answer the second question, I would not ride a road bike on the Katy Trail, although I have heard that many people actually do it. I would say that a cyclocross is the best bike to use on a long ride (I did 61 miles on Saturday and it would have been nice), but either a mountain bike or a hybrid would be good choices (my experience is that 700X35's would work great).



I am not saying that you couldn't use a road bike, simply that I would not use my road bike, especially with 700X23's.



I moved here from the East Coast, and I love the Katy Trail. Once you have ridden it a few times, you might consider taking AmTrak from St. Louis (or Clayton, for that matter) to Hermann or Jefferson City. It's a great ride.



Good luck to you,

David

Riverfront Bar & Grill doesn't look like much, but they made the best burgers and biggest basket of fries I've had in a long, long time, and for extremely reasonable prices. Best food on the trail in my opinion!

We didn't stop here the first time through, but we always make sure we do since. Yes its a bar & grill, but it's alot more varied than you might expect of a B&G. The owners are always helpful, the price is right, and they treat you great. One of our favorite places on the trail, so venture off the trail and up the little hill - you won't be sorry!

After leaving North Jefferson heading east, there will be a part of the trail that does not offer much in the way of water and food. I pulled into Portland about 12:10 and was real glad to see the bar and grill open. The cheeseburger and fries were great and they even had gatorade to drink. It reminded me of the small town bars at home. Thanks to Daryl for the the hospitality. I will be sure to stop next trip. Oh yes, he showed me the fillets that they make their fish sandwiches with, they were huge.

Has anyone overnighted at the state-operated hostel facility in Tebbetts?

I rode the trail back on Memorial weekend and after a long day of riding on my second day this was a great place to stay and get refreshed after sleeping on the ground in a tent the night before.



The hostel is for showering and sleeping, like a bunkhouse, and for working on bikes, if needed. It's like camping inside with a a roof, running hot water with a shower, heat, and air-conditioning. Since it is cleaned by its patrons, some do it better than others.



The thick foam mattresses are laminated with heavy clear plastic. You'll need your own bedding. The shelter also has a fridge with freezer, a microwave, coffee pots, picnic tables, and some parlor games. Location: on the north side of the trail in Tebbetts, MO, 13-miles east of Jeff City. The door key hangs on a utility pole outside. Only require you donate $5.00 in a donation box inside or mail it in an envelope. Enjoy your ride!

Stayed one night on June 22. Very enjoyable, cleanc quiet and comfortable with excellent access to the trail. Had the entire house to myself.

Stayed one night on June 22. Very enjoyable, cleanc quiet and comfortable with excellent access to the trail. Had the entire house to myself.

My son and I stopped here on our third day of riding. The food was wonderful and they were very friendly. When we told them we were riding to raise money for Relay For Life, they fixed us up with a care package consisting of a cooler with ice, bottled water, pop and oranges. They had it delivered to the caboose aceoss the street where we were staying. One of the employees cooked breakfast for us and brought it to us at 7:00am. The breakfast was awesome. The caboose we stayed in was very nice. We left Hartsburg feeling like a couple of celebrities.

My son and I stopped here on our third day of riding. The food was wonderful and they were very friendly. When we told them we were riding to raise money for Relay For Life, they fixed us up with a care package consisting of a cooler with ice, bottled water, pop and oranges. They had it delivered to the caboose aceoss the street where we were staying. One of the employees cooked breakfast for us and brought it to us at 7:00am. The breakfast was awesome. The caboose we stayed in was very nice. We left Hartsburg feeling like a couple of celebrities.

Summit Lake Winery has two locations, although I am prejudiced toward the Hartsburg location where I live. John Farrier also owns the incredibly beautiful "main Summit Lake winery in Holts Summit" overlooking the Capitol and the Missouri River Bottoms. Hartsburg is smaller & more friendly and Holts Summit is beautiful and majestic.

If you like friendly and cozy come to Hartsburg. If you want to be dazzled go to Holts Summit. Both have the same good wine and food.

Summit Lake Winery has two locations, although I am prejudiced toward the Hartsburg location where I live. John Farrier also owns the incredibly beautiful "main Summit Lake winery in Holts Summit" overlooking the Capitol and the Missouri River Bottoms. Hartsburg is smaller & more friendly and Holts Summit is beautiful and majestic.

If you like friendly and cozy come to Hartsburg. If you want to be dazzled go to Holts Summit. Both have the same good wine and food.

My wife and I like both Summit Lake Winery locations, but especially love the one in Hartsburg. It's a wonderful experience to ride into town, roll over to the winery, order a good glass of Missouri wine, then enjoy it on the deck before heading out again. This is rare and wonderful treat for the body and soul!

My wife and I like both Summit Lake Winery locations, but especially love the one in Hartsburg. It's a wonderful experience to ride into town, roll over to the winery, order a good glass of Missouri wine, then enjoy it on the deck before heading out again. This is rare and wonderful treat for the body and soul!

If you're looking for a nice place to stay during a stopover in Augusta, this is it. The inn has 4 unique rooms with private baths, and the owners, Gene and Jacqui, are a warm, hospitable couple.

Gene offered to drive us to dinner and back after our long,tiring bike ride, and the breakfast Jacqui served the next morning was delicious. A lovely visit, we will be back!

I didnt stay at this hotel but I wanted to comment that the trail head is just a couple of miles from Jeff city and there are alot of other places stay. I happened to stay at the Briar rose B&B it was very nice Randy and Jeannette were great hosts. They gave us a map of the area which helped us find our way around.

I didnt stay at this hotel but I wanted to comment that the trail head is just a couple of miles from Jeff city and there are alot of other places stay. I happened to stay at the Briar rose B&B it was very nice Randy and Jeannette were great hosts. They gave us a map of the area which helped us find our way around.

Delores owns 2 bed and breakfasts but the one in town is now closed. Her other B&B is at her home which is very roomy and comfy.

She cooked dinner for us. Her husband Virgil took us on a tour of their 250 acres and 100 cattle. It was lovely visiting with Delores and Virgil they are nicest people.

They are a couple miles out of town on the main road they can pick you up from the trail head if you need them to.

Delores owns 2 bed and breakfasts but the one in town is now closed. Her other B&B is at her home which is very roomy and comfy.

She cooked dinner for us. Her husband Virgil took us on a tour of their 250 acres and 100 cattle. It was lovely visiting with Delores and Virgil they are nicest people.

They are a couple miles out of town on the main road they can pick you up from the trail head if you need them to.

Miss Patty has a nice southwestern style lodge. She is very accomdating

She has large windows in the kitchen so you can bird watch at any time of day.

It is also very convenient from the trail.

The only bad thing about huntsdale there really is not any restaurants around. You can ask Miss Patty to make dinner for you just plan it in advance with her.

Miss Patty has a nice southwestern style lodge. She is very accomdating

She has large windows in the kitchen so you can bird watch at any time of day.

It is also very convenient from the trail.

The only bad thing about huntsdale there really is not any restaurants around. You can ask Miss Patty to make dinner for you just plan it in advance with her.

This place has the most breathtaking views all around the property. Our room was just lovely and relaxing.

If you are able to visit when Myrta has the High tea take advantage of it. It was wonderful! Breakfast was just fabulous. I look forward to visiting again very soon.

This place has the most breathtaking views all around the property. Our room was just lovely and relaxing.

If you are able to visit when Myrta has the High tea take advantage of it. It was wonderful! Breakfast was just fabulous. I look forward to visiting again very soon.

Fern's place was great. It is much larger than expected. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen and the best part it faces the Katy trail head. When we visited on a Sunday the restaurants are closed by 3pm so I went to the local grocery store and bought what we needed and just chilled out around the house and watched tv, very relaxing.

Fern's place was great. It is much larger than expected. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen and the best part it faces the Katy trail head. When we visited on a Sunday the restaurants are closed by 3pm so I went to the local grocery store and bought what we needed and just chilled out around the house and watched tv, very relaxing.

Fern's place was great. It is much larger than expected. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen and the best part it faces the Katy trail head. When we visited on a Sunday the restaurants are closed by 3pm so I went to the local grocery store and bought what we needed and just chilled out around the house and watched tv, very relaxing.

Fern's place was great. It is much larger than expected. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen and the best part it faces the Katy trail head. When we visited on a Sunday the restaurants are closed by 3pm so I went to the local grocery store and bought what we needed and just chilled out around the house and watched tv, very relaxing.

Does anybody know what's up with the proposed bike shop in Dutzow? As I understand, the folks in Defiance were going to open the building by the trailhead into a shop. Is this so? Does anyone know when? I sure could have used it last Thursday. After a wonderful lunch at the Dutzow Deli, I was preparing to ride back to Weldon Springs. I was just standing by my bike putting my brain bucket on when my front tire exploded!-Sure startled the poor guy getting out of his truck! We both thought we were shooting at each other! My front tire was wrecked. We had a good laugh after our hearts started beating again! I sure could have used a bike shop right then and there!

Hi to Bill A. and the other folks who helped me pass some time while waiting for the "Cavalry" to come rescue me. Thanks and Happy Trails to you!

Also a plug for the Dutzow Deli. My wife and I have eaten there lots of times and it's always been top notch! I'm surprised I haven't seen more about it.

They do have a shuttle for $10. Unless you are better rider than me (most riders are) I would not suggest riding the hill to Holts Summit. The motel is a basic discount facility, so don't expect anything extra. Shuttle up, sleep, shuttle down and ride.

They do have a shuttle for $10. Unless you are better rider than me (most riders are) I would not suggest riding the hill to Holts Summit. The motel is a basic discount facility, so don't expect anything extra. Shuttle up, sleep, shuttle down and ride.

A very nice place that will meet your every need. The room was clean and modern and the grounds were beautiful.

A very nice place that will meet your every need. The room was clean and modern and the grounds were beautiful.

We had a wonderful stay at Maxine's. My daughter loved Chigger the dog and Cash the colt. Everyone was so sweet and kind. I highly recommend you stay here.

We had a wonderful stay at Maxine's. My daughter loved Chigger the dog and Cash the colt. Everyone was so sweet and kind. I highly recommend you stay here.

This is your basic discount motel. It is clean and met our needs.

This is your basic discount motel. It is clean and met our needs.

I rode the Katy several years back and there was a section of the ride which was absolutely gorgeous. If memory serves it was between Hartsburg and McKittrick. The path was bounded by the river on one side and some magnificant bluffs on the other. It went from shade to sun repeatedly and I seem to recal a couple of tunnels. It seemed to be a popular destination as I stopped at a spot with a Bike shop and market and the lot for the trail was full with many riders. If anyone can deduce the town for me from my description I would greatly appreciate it. My wife has picked up riding and I would love to share this location with her...thanks.

Sounds like Rocheport to me....the only tunnel on the trail west of town with massive bluffs along the river east of town.

I'd have to agree that it sounds like Rocheport but don't forget the tunnel under Hwy 19 at McKittrick and the bluffs east and west of there.

I also agree that it's probably Rocheport. I think the "bounded by the river on one side and some magnificant bluffs on the other" comment rules out just about everywhere else.

Don't forget about the Bernheimer blufs between Treloar and McKittrick -- spectacular river vistas on one side, towering bluffs on the other.

I wouldn't say it's the "only" place--we have some beautiful bluffs along the river from

Hermann into Defiance.

There are some nice bluffs where the Katy runs through Weldon Springs conservation area.