Katy Trail Forum

I'm planning to ride the trail from Clinton to St. Charles this summer and wanted an idea of how safe the trail is for a woman biking and camping solo.

Tips would also be great appreciated.

Thanks!

sorry--I meant to say "Tips would be greatly appreciated." ;-)

There will be long stretches were you will be riding alone.... If you are the adventurist type... go for it.. Otherwise I would recommend a biking partner.

I'm male and have ridden sections of the trail alone and never felt unsafe. I might have felt different if I were female. I think as a rule the trail is safe. We've met solo women many times on the trail, so I think that its not out of character to travel alone. As you should everywhere.....be cautious and enjoy!

I've had quite a few single female riders stay at my B&B and camping and all discuss having a very positive experience on the trail. Enjoy yourself.

I did an end to end ride solo/female but stayed in B&Bs and motels along the way. I never felt threatened or unsafe as far as humans go. My only problem has been an occasional (very occasional, just 3 times in past 5 years) dog along the way. I carry spray with me just in case. Be aware of your surroundings including watching for occasional dogs or wildlife on the trail and you should be fine. I'm hoping to get a couple of overnight rides in this season where I do camp solo. Let us know how your ride goes! As far as tips....never pass up a chance to fill your water bottles even if you think you don't need to, you may not have cell phone reception in all areas, and don't try and do big miles everyday...make time to just enjoy the ride and scenery and relax on one of the many benches, especially along the river just to sit, watch and listen to the river roll by.

I am female and did my first end-to-end solo trip two years ago. I wanted to camp, but since I had never ridden over 10 miles at one time prior to my trip, I decided to opt for B&B's to make my load lighter. I will pass along what I learned. First, pack light. I threw everything for the entire week in a small dry bag and bungeed it to my bike rack. Bring minimal snacks and restock as you ride through towns. Second, listen to your body. Actually, ignore your body and DRINK LOTS OF GATORADE (or electrolyte replacement drink of choice). Even when you don't feel thirsty, drink. My first two days were brutal because it was 104 degrees and I didn't drink enough. I took an unplanned layover in Boonville because I was afraid I was having a heat stroke. I started the next day with a new hydration plan that worked wonders for me. I filled my camelbak with a weak solution of gatorade and drank small sips CONSTANTLY until I reached St.Charles. That slow, steady intake of gatorade had me flying down the trail in 100+ degree weather with not a care in the world. Pack the powdered stuff and you can just dump it in your camelbak when you fill up with water. Third, be aware of your surroundings. I had one experience where the trail runs along hwy 94 where a motorist had some bizarre behaviors that concerned me. I had phone numbers for the sheriffs department of every county along the trail that I got somewhere on this website...I'd recommend any solo female to have them handy on the trail. I didn't have to use it, but it put my mind at ease just to have them. You will find that as you ride the trail, you will develop your own little community. The people you meet will keep an eye out for you...and they'll tell people THEY meet to do watch out for you as well. The Katy Trail has an absolutely amazing community of riders that will take you under their wing. If nothing else, you'll have a newfound faith in humanity by the end of your trip. Enjoy the ride!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful tips. I was planning to pack light as if going on a backpacking trip and the above comments confirmed that this is the best way to go. Also, I feel more at ease about taking the trip solo. Perhaps I'll have the honor to meet a few of you out there.

MAH, I'd be happy to update you all on how I do.

GC,

Are you still out there hiking?

ME and my mom were considering biking the trail from St. Louis to Clinton. Is it safe for a

mother and a son to ride it and camp outside? Is it hard to bike while carrying supplies such

as a tent, clothes and some water and snacks? Is it better to camp outside or to stay in

motels along the way? How long does it take to do a round trip?

If you stay in designated campgrounds, B&Bs or motels you are as safe as this world gets. The amount of gear you carry has a huge bearing on the difficulty of the ride. Don't try to carry enough snacks etc. to do the whole trip, just what will get you comfortably to the next stop or store. Unless you are avid campers and experienced cyclists it is far easier to stay in B&Bs. It drastically reduces your load and makes for more relaxed riding, but that is a very subjective choice. As to time, how much are you training for this ride? I wouldn't try to do more in a day than double what you do in a two hour training ride. If you ride 20 miles in a two hour training ride with no gear three times a week or more, for more than 4 weeks, then top your days on the trail at 40. You'll have to adjust that some to fit the towns but even 40 miles day after day with gear is a ride for most people without a lot of experience and even for some WITH a lot of experience. And 4 weeks of training is NOT a lot of experience. But definitely do it! You'll be surprised what you feel like AFTER you accomplish a trip like this. Enjoy your ride.

For your first end-to-end on the Katy, I'd suggest staying in b&b's. Keep your load as light as possible. When I did my trip, I packed one change of clothes to wear every evening, and washed out my riding clothes in the shower every other night. Don't pack too much food. I brought beef jerky and fruit snacks, and I also kept a granola bar with me every day in case there was no place open for supper in the town I was staying in that night. I restocked as needed as I rode through towns. Your number one priority is to stay hydrated. I drank only water my first two days (and not much of it) and I felt terrible. My third day I switched to gatorade and drank constantly, and I felt like a million bucks. Gatorade replaces the electrolytes you lose when you sweat, so it keeps you balanced....water doesn't. I never was a big Camelbak fan until I took my trip, but I'd highly suggest you and your mother purchase a couple because they allow you to drink a lot more consistently than you would with a water bottle.

As far as length of time, I allowed myself six days one-way from Clinton to St. Charles since I wasn't in very good shape and I wanted time to explore the towns. I could have very easily finished in five, though. It seemed to me that it was a very slow and steady uphill ride from Clinton all the way to Boonville, so if you do a round trip, I wouldn't try to do your longest day on that stretch of trail. Once I reached Boonville, it was easy as pie the rest of the way to St. Charles. For your first time, I'd suggest 10 days for a round trip. If you are in decent shape, you can do it faster than that, but since it's your first time you'll have a little extra time built in for sightseeing and resting your sore butt!

Food shouldn't be an issue if you're biking. Utilize some of the existing eating establishments. There are some gaps where you won't see many but it cuts down on the amount of food you need to carry. Also try freezer bag cooking. It's light, easy, and good. Just do a web search on freezer bag cooking, you'll find some great sites. Camping is the way to go but this, like riding, takes practice. Pack all you think you'll need and then go for a long ride. You'll be amazed at what you think isn't worth carrying.

Anyone have any pros or cons on where to stay in Clinton? We are wanting to head out at first light so we would like to be close to the trail.

The Hampton Inn is a nice place and is just a quick ride from the TH.

This place is not the place to go. They sort of have a monopoly, being one of the only two places to eat after 6:00 pm. Steeply overpriced meals with small portions. We came to eat here, because of some grossly inaccurate reviews of Ashley's Rose. Fortunately, we could not allow ourselves to go through with eating at the brewery, went to Ashley's Rose Cafe despite some bad reviews and had our minds blown. Ashley's Rose Cafe was delicious, absolutely scrumptious burgers at incredibly reasonable prices. Fresh ingredients! If we ever stop by Augusta again, we will, without a doubt, eat at Ashley's Rose. NOT the Augusta Brewery.

This place is not the place to go. They sort of have a monopoly, being one of the only two places to eat after 6:00 pm. Steeply overpriced meals with small portions. We came to eat here, because of some grossly inaccurate reviews of Ashley's Rose. Fortunately, we could not allow ourselves to go through with eating at the brewery, went to Ashley's Rose Cafe despite some bad reviews and had our minds blown. Ashley's Rose Cafe was delicious, absolutely scrumptious burgers at incredibly reasonable prices. Fresh ingredients! If we ever stop by Augusta again, we will, without a doubt, eat at Ashley's Rose. NOT the Augusta Brewery.

I have been to the Katy several times over the years. My favorite thing is riding and enjoying the trail. My SECOND favorite is stopping at Augusta Brewing Co. after 30-40 miles on the trail. If you are a McDonalds eater or a sodie-pop drinker, you may not like this place. (by "sodie-pop I mean Bud Lite). I really can't comment on the food though, I have only had chips & salsa which was great!

I have been to the Katy several times over the years. My favorite thing is riding and enjoying the trail. My SECOND favorite is stopping at Augusta Brewing Co. after 30-40 miles on the trail. If you are a McDonalds eater or a sodie-pop drinker, you may not like this place. (by "sodie-pop I mean Bud Lite). I really can't comment on the food though, I have only had chips & salsa which was great!

I'm planning to ride to the start of the DNR ride from St. Charles. My plan is to leave Friday afternoon and get to Clinton at mid-day on Sunday. Anyone else planning anything similar?

Any 2009 comments about Coopers Landing? I have about six couples biking and want to camp in that area as it seems to be the only camp area on the trail and river. I want to make sure it has decent restrooms and showers for the woman. Some comments made it sound rather noisey at night. Any comments would be appreciated.

Cooper's Landing is a unique place. It is right on the river and the view and breeze is wonderful. The Tai food os great, so have some, but if you are looking for showers - not there. There is a port-a-potty, but that's about it. I think if you are there on the weekend it may be noisier. We stopped on our way through last Sept. and even though the Tai place wasn't officially open, she made us a great meal. The store was open and they have a nice selection of food and other things you might need. Everyone was very friendly, but it was kind of "dead" when we were there - which was a Monday afternoon. If you go to the Interactive Katy Trail you will be able to see wehre there are campgrounds wdith real restrooms.

Interesting. The website for Coopers landing says "A Restroom with shower and laundry are available inside the store during store hours. For your further convenience, there are 3 outdoor port-a-potties and water hydrants available 24 hours a day."

Is it possible Frog lady missed the shoewers in the store?

Interesting. The website for Coopers landing says "A Restroom with shower and laundry are available inside the store during store hours. For your further convenience, there are 3 outdoor port-a-potties and water hydrants available 24 hours a day."

Is it possible Frog lady missed the showers in the store?

Unless it has changed in the last couple years, there is a shower. It is in the indoor bathroom in the store area.



I've camped there several times and used the shower. Noise was allowed until 10 (or 10:30?) and then it was quiet.



Good food and great views.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 2, 2009 — Work is under way on the Rock Island Trail-Katy Connector between Windsor and Pleasant Hill. In an effort to ensure that the public is kept aware of the progress, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is inviting the general public to information meetings in June about the trail and the planned construction.



The schedule for the meetings follows:



June 10, 7 to 9 p.m. Windsor Senior Center, 201 S. Main, Windsor

June 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Pleasant Hill High School, 1 Rooster Way, Pleasant Hill

June 12, 7 to 9 p.m. Hallar Building, 101 W. Third St., Holden



Staff from the Department of Natural Resources and the design contractor, CDG Engineering, will be available to provide information on the current status and long range plans for the trail and discuss various issues that may be of interest to the public.



The Rock Island Trail-Katy Connector is a 46-mile hiking and bicycling trail that the Department is building alongside the Rock Island Railroad corridor from Windsor to Pleasant Hill. The trail will connect to Katy Trail State Park at Windsor and provide a trail access into the Kansas City area.



The opportunity for this trail became available when access to the Rock Island Railroad corridor became part of the settlement between the state and AmerenUE for the Taum Sauk Reservoir breach that damaged Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The settlement provided the Department with a perpetual trail license to build alongside the railroad and funds to plan and construct the trail.



The first five miles of the trail beginning in Pleasant Hill and going east is expected to be completed within 12-18 months.

A group of us would like to do a section of the KATY trail and wine touring. Have to do it early August due to school, etc. Is this recommended, or will it be too hot/humid? Also, can you suggest the best section to ride for 2-3 days, riding roughly 30 miles/day, in order to visit the wineries too?

Hydration is the key....yes it's hot in August, but it's not unbearable.



Hermann is a good spot to ride out and backs from early in the morning or late evening. Then hit the wineries in the heat of the day. Augusta is within riding distance also.



The Rivers Edge Restaurant in Fredericksburg (south west of Hermann) is worth the trip with a ferry ride across the Gasconade River. No winery there, but plenty of good food.

Has anyone heard of the Isle of Capri in Booneville giving out free drinks to bikers?

If you go inside the Casino, there is a soft drink and coffee self serve station and usually free popcorn. Well it is free if you resist playing the machines;-)

I did the section from Sedalia to Jefferson City 10 years ago. This fall, Sept-Oct I plan to ride the section from St Charles to Jefferson City and back. I don't have to start or end at either place. Where is the best place to camp and park my car and leave it for a couple of days. I'll be using my road bike with a trailer on the back and plan to complete this section in about 2-1/2 days. Then I want to complete the section from Sedalia to Clinton and back figuring about 2/3rds of day. Where's a good place to park? I'd appreciate your input. Thank you.

Does Catherine Bleish sell her photo's?

Hello,

I plan to ride the Katy Trail for four days with four of my friends.

They can only handle about 35 miles per day.

We would like to start in Rocheport and ride east for two days, turn around, and ride back.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Campsites look pretty scarce in that area from what I can see.

If you don't mind cutting your milage back a little you could ride to Hartsburg the first day and camp at the park and then ride to Tebbetts the second day and stay in the shelter. The first day would be around 25 miles and the second day would be around 20 miles.

Started a ride in Treloar just waiting for cheeseburgers that I had heard so much about when we returned. Got to Case and all of a sudden it started pouring! By the time we got back we were mud from head to toe. We had met another couple on the trail who suggested we ask the people in the bar if we could eat outside on the picnic table. When we went in to ask they were so nice and welcoming. Told us to come on in (mud literally dripping off of us) and get dry. Had FANTASTIC cheeseburgers and wonderful hospitality! Will definitly plan another trip to Treloar. It is also one of the prettiest parts of the trail that I have seen so far.

I had dinner here with three friends. We originally weren't going to visit here, due to the bad reviews on this site, however, the augusta brewery was much too overpriced for the small portion sizes and limited menu. ALL 4 OF US WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED by our meals at Ashley's Rose. Our waitress was friendly, and the food was delicious. We had the burgers, chicken sandwich and fried chicken, and satisfied with all. We were very happy to have gone despite the bad reviews. Don't be dissuaded from coming here, trust me, the brewery is not worth it at all.

I had dinner here with three friends. We originally weren't going to visit here, due to the bad reviews on this site, however, the augusta brewery was much too overpriced for the small portion sizes and limited menu. ALL 4 OF US WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED by our meals at Ashley's Rose. Our waitress was friendly, and the food was delicious. We had the burgers, chicken sandwich and fried chicken, and satisfied with all. We were very happy to have gone despite the bad reviews. Don't be dissuaded from coming here, trust me, the brewery is not worth it at all.

We made this our final town to stop at on our trip from st. charles, through augusta. We went to the Augusta winery based on a review off this site. I want to affirm everything good about it. The ladies that ran the place were exceptional. We rolled in right before close and they still let us taste. On top of that, we had no idea the only place to get groceries closed at 6:00 in augusta, and they were so helpful and hospitable while we continually came back after hours asking questions of where we could get food. They even went out of their way to make a sale after their store and register was closed. A+++++++

We made this our final town to stop at on our trip from st. charles, through augusta. We went to the Augusta winery based on a review off this site. I want to affirm everything good about it. The ladies that ran the place were exceptional. We rolled in right before close and they still let us taste. On top of that, we had no idea the only place to get groceries closed at 6:00 in augusta, and they were so helpful and hospitable while we continually came back after hours asking questions of where we could get food. They even went out of their way to make a sale after their store and register was closed. A+++++++

Stopped by the Daniel Boone home. It was wonderful! Better than expected, but be weary of the ride. Its an extra 4-6 miles of rolling hills to get there. It was worth the while, and Joe is the man!

How does one go about getting a dog to the trail. I plan to ride west to east on the trail late september...we were planning to take the Amtrak to get there, but they do not allow dogs on the train. Please advise!!!! if we drive we''d have to ride back as well, and we''re not going both ways

Rent a small u-haul truck one-way. It'll fit you, you dog, another person, and your bikes.

You don't have to ride both ways if you drive. There are shuttle service along the trail.



Park your vehicle at St. Charles trail head and notify St.Charles PD (it's not required but they would keep an eye on it while you're riding).



Reserve in advance and have one of the shuttle service picking you up at Saint Charles trail head for a 1-way trip to Clinton (Western end of the trail).



The sooner you book the shuttle the better chance you have more riders tagging along and share the cost. You should spend more time on this site and read up on those "Ride reports" from previous riders/runners/hikers' experience.

Didn't think of a u-haul, good idea. The shuttles don't allow dogs i believe.....and they're pretty expensive. We are traveling one way, Clinton back to St. Charles. We have a cousin in St. Charles so we can leave a car there, we're just trying to figure out the most effecient way to get the dog to Clinton......

DNR State Park Rules: Keep your pet on a leash (not longer than 10 feet) at all times.

Even the best trained pets can be unpredictable when in a different environment. Other pets, people and wildlife can be a distraction. Keeping your pet on a leash ensures its safety as well as the safety of other visitors.



Keep your pet under control at all times and quiet. Do not leave a pet unattended.



Pets are not allowed inside any state park or historic site building, or in public swimming areas and beaches.



Clean up your pet's waste.

No one wants to step in the mess left behind. Or ride in the mess.

If/when he's even on a leash it will be attached to the bike. i'm pulling him behind me most of the time, since he's only going to be 9 months at the time we go, he can't run for that long without messing with his bones. and i know about the rest, i am a responsible pet owner, i know we're few and far between. Just trying to figure out how to get him to Clinton without spending an arm and a leg....thanks!!!

If/when he's even on a leash it will be attached to the bike. i'm pulling him behind me most of the time, since he's only going to be 9 months at the time we go, he can't run for that long without messing with his bones. and i know about the rest, i am a responsible pet owner, i know we're few and far between. Just trying to figure out how to get him to Clinton without spending an arm and a leg....thanks!!!

I can't believe a one way rental would be cheaper than a shuttle and nowhere near as convenient. Some of the shuttle operators even have their dog with them at times so yours should be acceptable to at least a few of them.

I agree with Doug. Try Katy Bike Rental in Defiance(www.katytrailbikerental.com). They have shuttle service regularly and are pet owner. Their cats always roam the shop every time I stop by. I would be disappointed if they tell you "NO".

I have a very spoiled, small, well-behaved, 6lb pom that we would like to take on our trip.

She has her own little cart that we pull behind our bikes! I would like to know of any B&B's &

campgrounds that are dog-friendly. Thanks for any info.

What a beautiful place and delicious food! The service was excellent; they seated us immediately even though the place was packed with wedding guests and graduation crowds from the college. Will definitely return and hope to sit on the deck!

What a beautiful place and delicious food! The service was excellent; they seated us immediately even though the place was packed with wedding guests and graduation crowds from the college. Will definitely return and hope to sit on the deck!

Definitely worth a stop while in Rocheport! There aren't many restaurnats to choose from in

Rocheport and the trip up the big hill to the winery's restaurant is well worth it! GREAT FOOD!

Definitely worth a stop while in Rocheport! There aren't many restaurnats to choose from in

Rocheport and the trip up the big hill to the winery's restaurant is well worth it! GREAT FOOD!

I live on the East Coast and would like to bike the Katy from east to west. I'm trying to

figure out the best way to get there with a bike. Here's what I've considered:



1) Bring my bike with me on a train;

2) Pack my bike and fly with it to St. Louis; or

3) Fly solo and rent a bike on the trail.



The first option takes two days each way. The second option gives me the benefit of

riding my own familiar bicycle along the trail. The third leaves me not needing to

transport any bike at all, making it the easiest choice but perhaps the most expensive,

with a Momentum Cycles rental costing $30/day, including the time it takes to get it back

to them (via either mail or shuttle) once I reach the end of the trail.



Thoughts, suggestions, recommendations?



-Ken

Hands down the best option is renting, but I would bring my own seat. And it might limit your number of miles each day if the bike is a lot diffrent than yours. At the end of the trip, you just turn in your dirty bike and fly home, minimal headaches. I have rented before on the Pacific Coast Hwy on a Treck 1000 road bike. I forgot to bring the saddle my butt was used to, and it let know it at about mile 300. I brought an oversized seat-post bag for tools, tubes and pump.

As I rode into Hermann on the new bridge, which was very biker friendly, my rear tire went

bad with distorted ply cords. It was 7 at night and we planned an early morning departure

as we wanted to get to St Charles fairly early the next day. I checked into Harbor Haus and

asked the receptionist about bike shops. She called the Hermann Bike shop and he said

bring it over. He was closed, but he came down in stocking feet and changed my tire.

Everybody along the Katy trail proved to be genuinely wonderful. The food wasn't always

great as we were out there on Monday and some of the best places were closed. But the

people were friendly and our experience was great. We aren't young and strong but we

survived the ride and proved we could do it with the help of the locals. We appreciate

Missouri and the Katy trail people.

Went by here on a Tuesday at 3 o'clock. Ghost town. place does not open until 4 and there is nothing else in town. Will never go back.

Well Buddy, you just missed the best cheeseburger ans coldest beer of your life!

Ditto to JTT's comments.

Both my trips, the place was closed. Weekends both times.

I've learned this lesson on the Katy the hard way. Many of the small, family-owned

businesses that make the Katy unique, close sporatically. I've learned to call ahead. I even

carry the phone numbers on my mileage chart. Last time we went to Dutzow/Blumenhof

winery--they said they almost didn't open the grill that day, "but someone had called."

That was me :-) and I had brats and german potato salad!

We were having a lot of trouble with thorns poking holes in our tubes. Eight flats in two days.

We were sitting at the North Jefferson trailhead bemoaning our fate. Should we fix our tires

and ride over the bridge to jefferson City and try to find a bike shop or should we try and

push on. Our daughter struck up a conversation with Dan and his friend. Dan turned out to

be a gentleman of the highest rank. He drove us over the bridge and to J and D Bike shop.

They put heavy duty tubes and liners in my daughters bike. It was all done in an hour. Dan

came back to pick us up and drove us back to the trail head. Sometimes life can get a guy

down, but it isn't going to happen in Jeff City as the locals called it.

I recommend Slime to avoid that type of flat or at least Kevlar tires. I use Slime in my MTB tires all the time and never, ever get a flat. Haven't had a MTB tire flat in 30 years and I've had tons of thorns in my tires and have ridden on some seriously nasty terrain in various parts of the USA. So, for rides like the KT, the stuff is great. I once rode the Katy with a guy who had no Slime and he got so many flats, he ran out of patches. I gave him my spare pre-Slimed 2.5" tube and he went the rest of the trail w/o flats. I knew I wouldn't need it anyway. Peace of mind.

Im riding the trail in under 24 hrs this summer. Im trying to choose my tire width. I have a road bike. What tires should i use?

The largest tire I can get on my road bike is a 700x32, which is a great size for the Katy.

We regularly ride on 700x32's. I haven't had any problems YET...........but my husband has

gotten flats off the trail (ie, Hamburg Trail)

My friends and I stopped at the Mokane Bar and Grill for lunch on 5/30/09 on our way from Jeff City to Hermann. The food was great--the double cheeseburgers some of my group ordered were enormous. The beer was very cold and the service was great. They couldn't have been nicer or more accomodating. I would definately stop here again.

My friends and I stopped at the Mokane Bar and Grill for lunch on 5/30/09 on our way from Jeff City to Hermann. The food was great--the double cheeseburgers some of my group ordered were enormous. The beer was very cold and the service was great. They couldn't have been nicer or more accomodating. I would definately stop here again.

I've eaten here several times also. Great food and very nice people.

I've eaten here several times also. Great food and very nice people.