MKT Railroad History Along the Katy Trail
- + How many hours a day did the railroad run how far and how may people did ride on the train
Discussion started 06/18/2009 08:46 PM by Jacob Daniel Sanders - 2 replies (last reply by Trek at 06/19/2009 12:57 PM)Jacob Daniel Sanders from saint charels on 06/18/2009 08:46 PM
How many hours a day did the railroad run how far and how may people did ride on the train
Linda@Katy depot from Sedalia on 06/19/2009 12:08 PM
The MKT Railroad (nickname Katy) ran 24 hours per day. Their service ran right down to
Texas, San Antonio and Galveston were the farthest reaches. There is no way to track how
many passengers as ridership was up with troop trains during the war and during the World's
Fair in St Louis. Safe to say a lot.
Trek on 06/19/2009 12:57 PM
For some good info check out the Depot and Museum at: http://www.sedaliakatydepot.com/
This is great place to visit online and in person too.
Katy Trail info....????
- + My wife and I want to bike the Katy Trail but we have a "time share" condo for a week nearby .... so we'd be staying at the same condo the whole time. Can you bike different parts of the Katy Trail a...
Discussion started 06/17/2009 09:24 AM by emmet1 - 6 replies (last reply by jd at 06/19/2009 10:24 AM)emmet1 from Boyne City, Michigan on 06/17/2009 09:24 AM
My wife and I want to bike the Katy Trail but we have a "time share" condo for a week nearby .... so we'd be staying at the same condo the whole time. Can you bike different parts of the Katy Trail and come back to the same condo at night? Do you recommend biking different parts of the trail on different days? Is this a good idea? We, obviously, can't do the "bed & breakfast" thing since we have a condo we can use through RCI. We're looking for someone who knows about your trail and could tell us what they think.
Thanks.
Signed,
Emmet1 - Up North in Michigan
Doug from Bluffton on 06/17/2009 09:31 AM
What town is the Condo in?
emmet1 from Boyne City, Michigan on 06/17/2009 09:34 AM
We have an RCI week in Mo. and can pick from a few. We just thought we'd pick the one closest to the Katy.
emmet1 from Boyne City, Michigan on 06/17/2009 09:39 AM
I guess we'll have to find out which area the condo will be in to get specific. I just wanted to find out if doing "day trips" was a good idea?
Trek on 06/17/2009 12:50 PM
Chances are condos in MO will be nearer Branson or Lake of the Ozarks requiring a drive to the Katy. Anyway....can you bike different parts of the trail and return to the same spot at night? Sure why not. Do you recommend biking different parts of the trail on different days? Sure.....see some different landscape. Many businesses are closed on Mondays so plan accordingly. And.....yes, riding the Katy is a good idea no matter how you do it!
David in St. Louis from St. Louis on 06/18/2009 10:49 AM
Hey Emmet1,
Our friend Trek nailed it with his comments: a ride on the Katy Trail, regadless of how you do it, is a good idea.
Depending upon where the condo is, you can plan accordingly. Simply find the nearest trailhead, and then click on that city/town on the map at the top of the page. There you will find info on what services are available so that you can ascertain what services are available for your ride.
Safe travels, and have fun in Missouri,
David
jd from gkc on 06/19/2009 10:24 AM
Katy-Trail riders do it that way all the time, i.e., ride chosen sections of the trail during the day, and then return home that night in their vehicles. Often, these riders choose their favorite sections for one reason or another. :)
You'll probably find a timeshare in or near St-Charles/St-Louis, which is close to the trail. Enjoy.
National Geographic Traveler Article
- + The July/August edition has an article on travel spots in the Midwest, including a couple paragraphs and photo about the Katy on page 66.
I really like the photo :->
Discussion started 06/18/2009 03:18 PM by Brad - 0 repliesBrad from St Louis on 06/18/2009 03:18 PM
The July/August edition has an article on travel spots in the Midwest, including a couple paragraphs and photo about the Katy on page 66.
I really like the photo :->
KATY trail included in article on MSN about bike tour getaways
- + http://cityguides.msn.com/articles/article.aspx?cp-documentid=19546843>1=24000
Discussion started 06/17/2009 02:30 PM by troy ratliff - 1 reply (last reply by bikerstuff at 06/17/2009 09:55 PM)troy ratliff from jonesboro, ar on 06/17/2009 02:30 PM
http://cityguides.msn.com/articles/article.aspx?cp-documentid=19546843>1=24000
bikerstuff from Saint Charles, MO on 06/17/2009 09:55 PM
Thanks for sharing! It even has a link to this website. Cool!
bad backs
- + Will all the people with bad backs who love biking please let me know how they deal with it while biking. Cancelling our Katy Trail trip is my last resort and worst choice. I figure there has to be ...
Discussion started 06/14/2009 05:29 AM by jw - 8 replies (last reply by cunninghamair at 06/17/2009 06:11 PM)jw on 06/14/2009 05:29 AM
Will all the people with bad backs who love biking please let me know how they deal with it while biking. Cancelling our Katy Trail trip is my last resort and worst choice. I figure there has to be a way to deal with a bad/ache back and bike also. Please give advice!
safebiking
jw
cunninghamair from O'Fallon, MO on 06/14/2009 07:46 AM
I've been there. Do you have a comfortable bike? Then hourly stops with a little stretching
and walking around is good. Also, lots of ibuprofen and ice. I started cycling after my
chiropractor told me to give up running. If you build up slowly, you may actually have your
back improve (tight hamstrings cause back pain in some--cycling will counteract that).
jw on 06/14/2009 07:58 AM
I have a Jamis bike that is great! We rode the C & O last summer with little back discomfort. It's not the bike but age!! Which back stretches are most productive?
The Bear on 06/14/2009 04:24 PM
Test ride a recumbent some time. There are lots of different styles. Fast racers, cruisers, etc. All have great back support and take pressure off of backs, wrists, and necks.
Murf from Jeff City on 06/14/2009 09:10 PM
Ditto on the recumbents. My wife would not be able to ride a regular bike with arthritis in her hands, hips, and back. It will probably be my next bike too. They can be rented at a few places along the trail.
mj on 06/15/2009 06:50 AM
Yoga! I have a tendency to throw out my back, but haven't done so in over a year because I started practicing certain Yoga moves which strengthen the back. Every once in a while I still have to pop it back into place, but those needed moments are becoming fewer and further between.
Even when I had an accident skiing (total collarbone separation-type 3) yoga helped me recover in half the time. Although now I have a fabulous weather sensor in my shoulder. ;-)
Oh and those recumbents are really neat to ride on.
Good luck!
Matt from St. Charles on 06/15/2009 12:28 PM
vicodin
kim from independence, mo on 06/16/2009 11:00 PM
Make sure your bike fits you. I used to have back trouble, but since I went from a "comfort" bike (with which I had back pain) to a trail/road bike (non-raised handles, less padded and narrower seat), I have not had any bike-riding related pain. It is also very important that your seat is adjusted high enough so you aren't bending your knees too much when pedaling. Having a bike that fits me has made all the difference.
cunninghamair from O''''Fallon, MO on 06/17/2009 06:11 PM
Yoga wise I recommend Rodney Yee's Back Yoga DVD, Viniyoga (I got it on amazon.com) or
the Back Rx book. All give excellent stretching routines. My physical therapist
recommends TWICE a day.
High Street Victorian B&B, Boonville
- + We recently stayed 3 nights at the High Street Victorian and did a couple of short day trips returning here for the night. We really enjoyed our stay at this beautiful B&B! I really appreciated the wa...
Discussion started 06/17/2009 04:42 PM by Lois - 0 repliesLois on 06/17/2009 04:42 PM
We recently stayed 3 nights at the High Street Victorian and did a couple of short day trips returning here for the night. We really enjoyed our stay at this beautiful B&B! I really appreciated the way Kriss went out of her way to accommodate my special dietary restrictions!This was the best experience ever! We definately will be back!
Grocery Store Pilot Grove
- + Was in Pilot Grove last weekend and it looked like the grocery store across from the trail was either closed down or maybe remodeling? Anyone know the status of the store? Sure will be a loss for th...
Discussion started 06/17/2009 11:05 AM by MAH - 2 replies (last reply by kim at 06/17/2009 03:34 PM)MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 06/17/2009 11:05 AM
Was in Pilot Grove last weekend and it looked like the grocery store across from the trail was either closed down or maybe remodeling? Anyone know the status of the store? Sure will be a loss for the town of Pilot Grove and riders if it is closed.
Trek on 06/17/2009 11:40 AM
We noticed that too. Becky's sure was hoping though!
kim from independence, mo on 06/17/2009 03:34 PM
When we stopped through we were told the grocery near the trail and the deli had both shut down. The only thing open was Caseys.
Trail Conditions in Hermann?
- + Hey,
Could anyone in Hermann update me on the trail conditions out there? We are heading out on AmTrak to Hermann for a Saturday ride back to St. Charles. Since we have had so much rain the p...
Discussion started 06/17/2009 08:47 AM by David in St. Louis - 0 repliesDavid in St. Louis from St. Louis on 06/17/2009 08:47 AM
Hey,
Could anyone in Hermann update me on the trail conditions out there? We are heading out on AmTrak to Hermann for a Saturday ride back to St. Charles. Since we have had so much rain the past few days, I was hoping that someone could give me some info. before we board the train.
Thanks!
Garden Gate B&B in Booneville mo
- + My sister and I came to ride the Katy Trail and stayed at the Garden Gate B&B in Booneville recently, our room was comfortable and spacious,and the breakfast was wonderful. Penny got our breakfast re...
Discussion started 06/17/2009 08:41 AM - 0 repliesAnonymous from Shawnee KS on 06/17/2009 08:41 AM
My sister and I came to ride the Katy Trail and stayed at the Garden Gate B&B in Booneville recently, our room was comfortable and spacious,and the breakfast was wonderful. Penny got our breakfast ready at 7:00 AM so we could get on the trail early to beat the heat. It is a great place to stay.
Which Way Is Best?
- + Is it easier to ride the entire trail east bound or west bound? Which way if either is better/more enjoyable?
Discussion started 06/15/2009 06:24 PM by Matt - 2 replies (last reply by surrell at 06/16/2009 11:41 PM)Matt from St. Charles on 06/15/2009 06:24 PM
Is it easier to ride the entire trail east bound or west bound? Which way if either is better/more enjoyable?
Doug from Bluffton on 06/15/2009 10:13 PM
It seems like most people ride west to east. There are two main reasons for this. Quoting Norm here: Elevation and prevailing winds. For most of its length the trail runs along the Missouri river and as the river drops approximately one foot per mile so does the trail. For all practical purposes this doesn't mean much to a rider. As to the wind, when you are out there on the trail you will often be fighting what seems to be a strong headwind and the oncoming riders will ask if you are enjoying the tailwind! A meteorologist might offer a convincing argument for the best chance of a tailwind in the river bottom but it seems like it blows into your face and up your back within a few pedal strokes. So, to answer your original questions; absolutely and east, no, west, no.... Glad to have been of help.
surrell from O'Fallon on 06/16/2009 11:41 PM
My friend and I rode the Amtrack from St. Charles to Sedalia. We started
their and headed toward St. Charles. From Sedalia to Boonville it is "up
grade" after that it was all down hill so to speak. I looked at the elevation
charts to make this decision. We did run into some winds as they where
racing towards at storm front that was approaching from the NW. Other
than that, go EAST. Good luck.
Biking East of St. Charles
- + We had planned to bike on to Machens and then on roads to the Grafton Ferry to cross to Illinois and ride the Great River trails down to St. Louis. However, the ferry is closed. Any ideas on other opt...
Discussion started 05/29/2009 12:24 PM by kim - 5 replies (last reply by kim at 06/16/2009 11:14 PM)kim from independence, mo on 05/29/2009 12:24 PM
We had planned to bike on to Machens and then on roads to the Grafton Ferry to cross to Illinois and ride the Great River trails down to St. Louis. However, the ferry is closed. Any ideas on other options? We want to keep our road riding to a minimum, but would like to spend a couple more days biking over to Illinois and riding the trails next to the Mississippi.
We are considering riding from St. Charles to the Golden Eagle Ferry over the Mississippi and then riding to the Brussels Ferry over the Illinois to Grafton. Has anyone biked these roads?
Any help would be appreciated!!!
Bikerstuff from Saint Charles, MO on 05/29/2009 01:22 PM
Kim,
Great alternate scenic route! That's my usual route when I am on a motorcycle. To cycle on this route, you're better be a Tour De France caliber. From St. Charles to Golden Eagle Ferry the terrain is mostly flat, but i don't remember seeing any shoulder to cycle on. You will be facing with cars and motocycles at 60MPH. The terrain from Golden Eagle Ferry to Brussels Ferry is extremely hilly and no shoulder. I have never seen cyclists on this alternate route except lots of motorcycles.
The Bear from Edwardsville, IL on 06/11/2009 08:07 AM
You can take the back roads from Machens to the West Alton trail. Cross the bridge at Alton and either go north along the Vadalabene Great River Road Trail or go south and meet up with the Madison County Trails (85 miles, mostly paved).
A good map at www.mcttrails.org
cunninghamair from O''Fallon, MO on 06/14/2009 10:40 AM
Unless you are a serious cyclist, I would avoid the Golden Eagle Ferry to Calhoun County.
We ride the Ride the Rivers century through this area and it is not fun. VERY hilly. No
shoulder but frequented by cyclists so drivers are aware. It can be done, but be
forewarned. (HINT: Let the cars off the ferry first, then you should have the road to
yourself) The Great River Road is worth it, once your across. Follow to the MRT and
check out the Chain of Rocks bridge and then on into downtown KC.
(http://www.confluencegreenway.org/locations/rt.php)
also, search mapmyride.com for the ride the rivers century for a route
Doug from Bluffton on 06/14/2009 04:34 PM
Hey Cunning!: Where do you pick up the worm hole that gets you from Chain of Rocks into KC? Man THAT would make for a fast round trip! Great way to avoid AMTRAK!
kim from independence, mo on 06/16/2009 11:14 PM
Thanks for the help! We opted to take a shuttle from St. Charles to Alton, where we rode the Vadalabene Trail north to Pere Marquette SP and stayed. We then rode back to Alton and got on the Confluence Trail to Granite City, stayed at the KOA there, and then crossed the Chain of Rocks Bridge and took the Riverfront Trail to the Arch. It was interesting to ride the different trails, and the ones in Illinois are not very well marked, but it made an interesting addition to our Katy Trail Ride. Our biggest disappointment was finding that the Vadalabene Trail went up into the hills and provided NO access to the Brussels Ferry, as we wanted to ride a ferry. The website for the Trail lists the Brussels Ferry as a possible stop, but you would have to backtrack a few miles and then ride the curvy 2 lane road with no shoulders for a couple of miles to get to the Ferry. This really isn't a good idea when touring with a trailer. We had to pass it up...
Path type between Weldon Spring and Augusta?
- + I have never been on the Katy trail before and planned on heading out to a part of it this weekend. I was wondering what the path material is made out of between Weldon Spring and Augusta? And if any ...
Discussion started 06/16/2009 10:00 AM by Aleforge - 5 replies (last reply by kim at 06/16/2009 11:05 PM)Aleforge from Lake Saint Louis on 06/16/2009 10:00 AM
I have never been on the Katy trail before and planned on heading out to a part of it this weekend. I was wondering what the path material is made out of between Weldon Spring and Augusta? And if any of the trail is paved. Since I am new to biking I have only ventured on paved park pathways and roads. My tires are road style, so I was hoping if anything the trail is hard packed if not paved.
Thanks
Speedy on 06/16/2009 12:58 PM
The trail surface is crushed limestone. There's a couple of small, very minor rough patches in the area you're interested in riding, but nothing major. Of course all the rain we've been having can roughen and soften the trail a bit. Hopefully things will be dry for you by the weekend.
Anonymous on 06/16/2009 01:26 PM
And its a pretty good surface or they wouldn't be called Speedy!
Aleforge on 06/16/2009 05:05 PM
Do you guys think standard "smooth" road tires will be ok for crushed limestone?
Trek on 06/16/2009 06:34 PM
Yes.....we rode Sedalia to Boonville this past weekend on 700 x 28's and had no issues. It's always prudent to hunt for the smooth path and stay out of the loose stuff when you can.
kim from independence, mo on 06/16/2009 11:05 PM
The only paved part of the trail is when it is on the streets through Sedalia. However, there are some very nice, firmly packed areas. When we rode the week of June 6, I noticed that the trail was in excellent shape around Augusta. However, yes, rain can make it softer. Also new chat can be loose. Where the trail crosses gravel roads and driveways it can be pretty challenging as you are then riding on much different surfaces. We switched to tires with more side tread on our road/trail bikes for this last trip and I had alot more confidence when riding the looser trail areas where I have had trouble before with the slicker tires.
St. Charles
- + Does anyone have a recommendation regarding a nice place to stay in St. Charles for a wedding anniversary? We want to bicycle on the Katy Trail for a day trip.
Discussion started 06/14/2009 09:32 PM by ksabl - 3 replies (last reply by kim at 06/16/2009 10:55 PM)ksabl from Cuba, Mo on 06/14/2009 09:32 PM
Does anyone have a recommendation regarding a nice place to stay in St. Charles for a wedding anniversary? We want to bicycle on the Katy Trail for a day trip.
Rhona Lococo from St Charles Mo on 06/15/2009 12:54 PM
This is an inviatation to check us out ---we are Lococo House ll, Bed & Breakfast ----- we are only three blocks from the trail ------our web site lococohouse.com
Cliff from Edwardsville KS on 06/16/2009 08:56 AM
It depends on if you want a Bed and Breakfast or a hotel. My wife and I have stayed at the Country Inn and Suites and it was great. The trail runs right behind the hotel. The rooms were wonderful and the staff was very helpful. We stayed there the night before we biked the trail. They let us leave my truck in their parking lot while we did a two day ride and they even locked our bags up in the office so we didn't have to leave our stuff in the truck. When we arrived back it was around 12 noon and we were a mess becasue we had been riding in the rain all morning so they let us in our room early so we could clean up. The hot tub in the pool area was great after a two day ride. Also they have a continental breakfast that is very good. There are many resturants and shops within walking distance in Old St Charles. I would highly recommend the Country Inn.
kim from independence, mo on 06/16/2009 10:55 PM
Since it's the only place we've stayed in St. Charles, I can't offer comparisons, but we were treated royally at Lococco House. I highly recommend it!
Katy Roundhouse (New Franklin)
- + I stayed at the Katy Roundhouse last week and was very pleased. I'm new to tent camping -- I'd stayed at the Sedalia Fairgrounds the night before, but I didn't really know what to expect. My first imp...
Discussion started 05/15/2009 06:57 PM by Brian L. - 2 replies (last reply by Kyle at 06/16/2009 10:39 AM)Brian L. from Wichita on 05/15/2009 06:57 PM
I stayed at the Katy Roundhouse last week and was very pleased. I'm new to tent camping -- I'd stayed at the Sedalia Fairgrounds the night before, but I didn't really know what to expect. My first impression was "why don't you guys put a sign on the trail side of your house?!?" I rode past it & all the way into New Franklin because I was looking for the sign as shown in the photo on this website. The house it pretty well anonymous from the trail side. That said, I did have a good stay -- the campground was litter-free and spacious with a wonderful shower/bath building -- it was clean and everything worked. I especially enjoyed the nice HOT shower! I like how the shower house has a numeric keypad lock -- seems secure. I talked with the owner, John, who was quite friendly & helpful. The cost is reasonable. Their restaurant is only open on weekends, unfortunately, so I had to go back into Booneville (~ 3 mi.) for dinner. They have a soda vending machine at the shower building, but it would've been nice to have one with snacks, too. If you're camping, I highly recommend Katy Roundhouse.
Brian L. from Wichita on 05/15/2009 06:57 PM
I stayed at the Katy Roundhouse last week and was very pleased. I'm new to tent camping -- I'd stayed at the Sedalia Fairgrounds the night before, but I didn't really know what to expect. My first impression was "why don't you guys put a sign on the trail side of your house?!?" I rode past it & all the way into New Franklin because I was looking for the sign as shown in the photo on this website. The house it pretty well anonymous from the trail side. That said, I did have a good stay -- the campground was litter-free and spacious with a wonderful shower/bath building -- it was clean and everything worked. I especially enjoyed the nice HOT shower! I like how the shower house has a numeric keypad lock -- seems secure. I talked with the owner, John, who was quite friendly & helpful. The cost is reasonable. Their restaurant is only open on weekends, unfortunately, so I had to go back into Booneville (~ 3 mi.) for dinner. They have a soda vending machine at the shower building, but it would've been nice to have one with snacks, too. If you're camping, I highly recommend Katy Roundhouse.
Bonnie from Parkville, MO on 06/15/2009 01:31 PM
We stayed here last weekend and I agree it is very nice, however, the restaurant is now permanently closed. There is a Casey's General store up the hill in New Franklin that makes a pretty good pizza if you don't want to cook.
Bonnie from Parkville, MO on 06/15/2009 01:31 PM
We stayed here last weekend and I agree it is very nice, however, the restaurant is now permanently closed. There is a Casey's General store up the hill in New Franklin that makes a pretty good pizza if you don't want to cook.
Kyle from Bolivar, MO on 06/16/2009 10:39 AM
I had an excellent stay here at Katy Roundhouse about a month ago and also found out the restaurant was closed so I rode my bike into the Casey's and bought a pack of hotdogs and buns and grilled them at the camp site where they have nice wood burning boxes with grates. Also, the owners were very friendly and brought a tent down to my camp site with there golf cart so I didn't have to tote it on my bike. Very nice shower facility as well!
Kyle from Bolivar, MO on 06/16/2009 10:39 AM
I had an excellent stay here at Katy Roundhouse about a month ago and also found out the restaurant was closed so I rode my bike into the Casey's and bought a pack of hotdogs and buns and grilled them at the camp site where they have nice wood burning boxes with grates. Also, the owners were very friendly and brought a tent down to my camp site with there golf cart so I didn't have to tote it on my bike. Very nice shower facility as well!
Birk's Gasthaus (Hermann)
- + im really going to miss rick and dianne i been coming down for 4 years now and i always loved that little turtle named jimmy he was great but not as great as rick and dianne.i always felt right at hom...
Discussion started 06/16/2009 09:19 AM - 1 reply (last reply by Trek at 06/16/2009 09:45 AM)Anonymous on 06/16/2009 09:19 AM
im really going to miss rick and dianne i been coming down for 4 years now and i always loved that little turtle named jimmy he was great but not as great as rick and dianne.i always felt right at home with them i will be traveling down to stay but i hope its as good as it used to be im sure it will be your pal mrs.champlain
Anonymous on 06/16/2009 09:19 AM
im really going to miss rick and dianne i been coming down for 4 years now and i always loved that little turtle named jimmy he was great but not as great as rick and dianne.i always felt right at home with them i will be traveling down to stay but i hope its as good as it used to be im sure it will be your pal mrs.champlain
Trek on 06/16/2009 09:45 AM
I don't know about the previous team there, but the new folks could not have been more accomodating during our stay at Birk's last year. We rode in late....tired and hungry. They quickly offered to phone a pizza order in for us and offered soda from their fridge. We quickly accepted!
Trek on 06/16/2009 09:45 AM
I don't know about the previous team there, but the new folks could not have been more accomodating during our stay at Birk's last year. We rode in late....tired and hungry. They quickly offered to phone a pizza order in for us and offered soda from their fridge. We quickly accepted!
Katy Trail
- + Anyone stayed at the Safari Motel in Clinton recently? If so, how was it. It looks to me to be about a mile to piece of the trail that runs west of the trailhead. Is that correct?
Discussion started 06/15/2009 04:29 PM by Jim - 0 repliesJim from St. Thomas on 06/15/2009 04:29 PM
Anyone stayed at the Safari Motel in Clinton recently? If so, how was it. It looks to me to be about a mile to piece of the trail that runs west of the trailhead. Is that correct?