Katy Trail Forum

Hello all.

My husband and I are new to biking, and are riding nearly everyday. What advice does anyone have about riding the Katy with children? They are 2 and 4 and we will be pulling them in 2 trailers, (one kiddo being pulled in each trailer, with our camping gear divided between us.) We are planning at starting in Clinton and riding/tent camping our way along the trail. What is a practical distance to plan in a day? Any additional gear that would be helpful? Suggestions for the most child-friendly campsites? Restaurants? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hope to see you out there!

Quite a few people have ridden the trail with kids successfully. Daily miles..anywhere from 20 to 50, depending. Be careful near the river and steep shoulders. Learn about the trail at this website. Also, the following two sites give stories and advisory sidebars about riding it with kids. Carry extra water, use care and common sense, and take a camera. Enjoy.

http://www.railstotrails.org/newsandpubs/news/features/20072307_trailingkids.html



http://www.railstotrails.org/newsandpubs/news/features/20070927_figueraspart2.html

Thanks jd.

I appreciate it!

The park in Hartsburg is a good place to camp. They have a gazebo, so if you just want to put out sleeping bags and not mess with a tent you still have a roof over your head. However there are no showers there. Steamboat Junction in Blufton is a great place to camp. They even have little cabins there at a very good price. Showers are clean. The Katy Roundhouse has a nice campground in New Franklin, they also have a shower. My son and I stayed there a couple weeks ago, there was a couple hundred boyscouts camping there. You will find friendly people along the trail. I hope you enjoy your ride.

My husband and I were new to riding last year and decided to ride Klondike Park to Dutzow and back we took our 2 kids, however ours are 7 and 14... the 7 year old was riding on a bike attachment with my husband.. ( he hardly helped peddle) The round trip ride was about 20 miles... It was exhausting and we had to fight the urge to give up and turn around a couple times, but it was so rewarding to set a goal and finish it... we stopped several times, and had lunch in Dutzow before returning, and all in all it was a fantastic ride with absloutly beautiful scenery and we took so many pictures! we rode through a town named "Nona" it was approxiamtly a block long.. it was amusing as there was a welcome sign on each end of "town" Good luck on your ride! I think you will do great!

My husband and I average 2 mph slower on the gravel, if that helps approximate your

speed. Plus there are many fun places to stop that slow us down.



PS. Nona is one house long!--it used to be the bus depot. It's my favorite site, and I swear

the cars moved around, but never a sign of people. Except for the bikers stopped to rest at

the bench!

I have been commuting to work, 25 miles round trip for 12 years. People often ask me if I have trouble with traffic on the road. I always tell them, the only problems I have is dogs. I have tried a variety of things (most of them legal), but some country dogs just live to bother cyclists. I am not a dog hater; I just want to ride down the road without being bothered. I’ve tried stopping and making friends, but these kind of dogs are not interested. This week I found something that works: for about $4 at WalMart you can get a small air horn (about the size of a roll of quarters). Take the “bugle” part off the cap. I wouldn’t advise testing it indoors. Next time a dog comes at you, give him a blast, I guarantee he turn around and run.

This is good to know. I will be sure to try it. Thanks for the tip!

We used your screech horn on a mean black dog today and it worked just like you said it would! Looks like we can ride in the country safely now. Thanks!

It might be added this little compressed-air beauty is found in the party-favors part of the store. It's loud as is. Wonder how many little kiddies will be needing hearing aids before long? :) :)

UPDATE: This device works very well the first time you use it, but becomes somewhat less effective on subsequent dog confrontations. In other words, it works best the first time you use it on a single dog, but when the dogs come in a pack of five, they seem to disregaurd it when you see them the next day.

I've been wanting to ride the KATY for years!!!!! I will finally get

to do it with a buddie of mine named Relic this coming month on the

DNR ride. I am coming from Georgia and wanted to know who else is

coming from out of state. Looking forward to making lots of new

friends.

Not coming from out of state, but hubby and I (John & Margie) are also looking forward to the ride. We're riders # 200 and #201. You will have a blast. The DNR have always done an excellent job with the ride and I'm sure this year will also be great. So many new people to meet and friends to make!

I just finished a solo ride from Sedalia to St. Charles. An amazing experience in itself, but it was the people and places along the way that made it even more memorable. The park in Pilot Grove is a great place to camp out. The Riverside Diner in Boonville had a great bacon cheeseburger! Katfish Katy's in Huntsdale is a nice little break from the ride. They had a great blues band playing. Luck would have it I met a cab driver in Jefferson City. He pulled up, saw my bike, and quickly showed me his tattoo. He had completed the Iron Man in 1993, gave me a lot of good training tips. Unfortunately I had total blowout on my rear tire a mile before Mokane and believe me, you'll find out that Katy Trail bikers are the most friendly people you will ever meet. A couple from South Carolina and Florida had come to ride with a friend of theirs from Columbia, MO; they tried their best to patch my tire and even gave me a spare tube. While the tire was in to bad of shape to continue I soon found out, my grandfather drove in and took me to Herman. A man who owns the local bicycle shop opened up after hours and soled me a new tire and tube; talk about service! A man named Doug also owns a B&B in Bluffton, I didn't stay there, but I rode with him for a couple miles, great guy. While there is more to list, I'll stop, but a few pointers for those who haven't ridden the trail before. Make sure to fill up with water at McKittrick, it's another 15 miles before you'll hit another water stop. Defiance will also be the last stop for water before you reach St. Charles. Especially if you drop and spill your water like I did. Thankfully one of the local houses was more than gracious about filling up my bottle. I couldn't have picked a better time to ride, the weather was bueatiful. More people should experience the Katy Trail, it's an amazing resource for the State of Missouri. The people, places, and scenery are more than I could have ever asked for!

Riding from Rhineland to St. Charles this weekend. Looks like weather is going to be beautiful!

Hotel Frederick will ALWAYS be our choice of stay in Boonville!! Wonderfully restored property with wonderfully gracious staff. Manager Parris was better than "Mom" in her gracious hostessing qualities. You can't beat her offer to drive one of us back to Rocheport to pick up a car when we encountered a rainy morning on May 8th. Thanks Parris!! We'll be back for sure!

Ditto that! Hotel Frederick couldn't have been friendlier and was truly a beautiful place. Restaurant was top notch also. Located right across the bridge from the Katy Trail coming from Rocheport - there is no harrowing, up & down hills search on the bikes to find it.

My son and I stopped here on our third day of riding. The clerk fixed an awesome sandwich. It was a nice place to sit and rest. The clerk and her daughter was very friendly and helpful.

My son and I stopped here on our third day of riding. The clerk fixed an awesome sandwich. It was a nice place to sit and rest. The clerk and her daughter was very friendly and helpful.

Let me second this. It could have been the hunger, but I had the best sandwich I have had in a long time. Felt completely re-energized for a long day.

Let me second this. It could have been the hunger, but I had the best sandwich I have had in a long time. Felt completely re-energized for a long day.

Just tried to have lunch here in May. The place was boarded up. The owner drove up and told us that he was remodeling and that he would reopen in a couple months. He was nice enough but from the looks of it, that was optimistic. Plan on Portland or Mokane for food.

Just tried to have lunch here in May. The place was boarded up. The owner drove up and told us that he was remodeling and that he would reopen in a couple months. He was nice enough but from the looks of it, that was optimistic. Plan on Portland or Mokane for food.

We opted out of staying in McKittrick, and we biked the short trek over to Hermann. It was a great decision. We stayed at the Secret Vine, which was awesome in every way. The town was one of our favorite stops along the entire trail--the wineries, shops, etc. It was way better than staying in McKittrick!

The ride into Hermann was a breeze. Don't let the highway scare you, the bike lanes are great.

Highly recommended. We hit this first thing in the morning before starting off our trek in Dutzow. Good wine, great atmosphere, excellent staff. Part of our party stayed after we left and said it got very busy close to noon.

Highly recommended. We hit this first thing in the morning before starting off our trek in Dutzow. Good wine, great atmosphere, excellent staff. Part of our party stayed after we left and said it got very busy close to noon.

Great rates and a very nice quiet place to stay. Six of us stayed in May the night before we started riding in Dutzow. The continental breakfast is what you come to expect at these hotels but it was well presented. For heartier fare, try the Perkins between here and the trail. The street has wide shoulders until the bridge.

Great rates and a very nice quiet place to stay. Six of us stayed in May the night before we started riding in Dutzow. The continental breakfast is what you come to expect at these hotels but it was well presented. For heartier fare, try the Perkins between here and the trail. The street has wide shoulders until the bridge.

What is the trail condition around Rocheport?

I was just there today. Perfect trail conditions.

The park is nice with showers after the weekend ball games are over but the nicest camping is on the east side of the road--less hassle with park users.

The park is nice with showers after the weekend ball games are over but the nicest camping is on the east side of the road--less hassle with park users.

My friend and I will be riding the trail in a few weeks. It seems that all the B&Bs in Hermann are geared towards romantic rendezvous. We would prefer not to share a bed, but would like to share a room with two beds to reduce costs. Last year we stayed at the motel, but the "charm" factor definitely left something to be desired. Suggestions?

Sooo.....you're looking for a place with a "charm" factor which is strictly platonic in nature....anyway.



Birks is out to my knowledge.... Hermann Hill cottages on the river have ample room with a bed and a couch that might work for you. Also, the Secret Vine has a living room type set up with a couch etc. that might work. There used to be houses in Hermann that you could book too....might be worth checking out.

My brother and I have reservations at the Hermanoff B&B. I think it is the Angel's Suite. It has 2 queens or full size beds. You are right. I had to do quite a bit of searching to find anything other than a romantic king size.

My daughter and I are camping along the trail. How much more ambiance can one have then hearing the birds and seeing the sunset and sunrise!

Yikes! The Inn and Hermanoff wants $220 a night. Too rich for my blood. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Click "Hermann" on the map above....scroll down and check out lodging options in Hermann.

Yeah, I did that first thing, hence the post for help. You'd think the "B&B Capital of Missouri" would have a few options for the non-romantic types that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg.

Now you need a cheap, minimum two bed room. How about riding a little farther to Tebbetts and stay at the Hostel for a $10 donation. Is that within your price range?

Be aware -Biking from the trail to Hermann entails riding on a paved shoulder of a two lane

highway for a mile, plus. It does have a separate bike lane to cross the bridge, But depending

on your comfort level you may want to make other arrangements to get into Hermann. Some

B&B's will come & pick you up from the trail - there is no taxi service.



Also to get from the trail to the highway- you need to follow a path up the embankment to

the highway.

almost zero risk factor. Stop your bike and let traffic pass, if you feel discomfort. This should not keep anyone experienced enough to ride the Katy from crossing the "new bridge" into Hermann.

FYI - Another option besides climbing the embankment to the road is to head out from the McKittrick trailhead on the road, bear left when the road divides. This will curve around and take you out to the main road, where you cross and then ride on down and across the bridge. The only problem we had was the wind - but it was that way the whole trip.

It does seem to me the town of Hermann is missing out by not have a better connection from the bridge to the Katy. I missed the turn and went a couple miles too far before I realized I'd passed my turn. I didnt know about the road route from McKittrick. I'm sure climbing up that embankment is fun when its a muddy mess.



Paulie

It's very doable. However, a sign and some pavement would be nice. I'm sure a lot of

people miss the turn and go on to the next town.

If they would put a sign pointing to the side trail that leads to Hermann on the bridge that passes under the highway, people wouldn't miss the turn. We rode to the McKittrick depot before we realized we had gone too far and should have taken the side trail.



Also, riding on the highway and bridge is no big deal. We rode with the traffic on the shoulder (about 8-10 feet wide). Riding against the trafffic might play head games with you, especially when you see some 18 wheeler barrelling down the road right at you.

Dearest Katy Trail Riders,

I am a member of the little white church along side the Katy Trail in Clifton City. We are a small church with few members but we are mighty when it comes to God's work. We are currently in need of some church repairs and because we are so small we are struggling to find the means necessary to provide the church with the repairs. We have decided to raise some money through a "Cookbook" sale and we thought who better than to submit the recipes than the riders of the trail. If you would be interested in sending me a copy of your favorite recipe(s) to include in the book, we would greatly appreciate the help. Please send to dreamjulie2003@yahoo.com or Julie May, 302 E. Marion Street, Otterville, MO 65348. If you would like information on how to purchase a completed cookbook, leave a return address and I will get you information as soon as we have it. Thanks again riders and may God bless each mile you ride; in life and on the Trail!

Recipes coming via slow mail. More than likely more on the way.

Does anyone know if there are still spots available on the 2009 MODNR ride??

I sent in my registration a week before and got my confirmation on 5/15/2009 via email.

Incredible hot shower building, the cleanest "blue room", self service check in, and nice camping area. I was the only camper that night. Perhaps more people should patronize this place.

I agree Manhk, a few weeks ago I stayed there while biking the trail, it is a nice quiet campground. I plan to stay there in the future, well equipped at a reasonable price.

Great info, thanks. I noticed there are two camping sites in Bluffton. Are you referring to the one right on the trail, or the one 100 yards down the highway next to the B&B? Both have hot showers and same rates.

The one by the B&B also has a pizza oven and hot pizzas now.

Is the trail muddy from St. Charles to Augusta (May 16)?

I just ran 8 miles this AM (5/17) from the Weldon Springs trailhead to high 40 and back. The trail is in perfect shape along that stretch - no mud or soft spots at all. It is really beautiful out there right now.

Great place to eat, very friendly staff. Great views of the Missouri from Jeff City to Hartsburg, stop at Dotty's.

I Haven't done the katy trail for about 10 years so I'm sure much has changed. I was wondering if there were any off trail or better things for MT bikers? also I cant really remember what type of bike I brought the first time and if any one has suggestions about MT or Street let me know

I don't know of any MT bike trails along the Katy, but you have a pretty good spot on the east side of Smithville Lake just north of you that has a lot of single track. I was there Tuesday and only saw 4 other riders out.

If your looking for a MT trail there is a pretty good one in Lawrence KS along the river.

The absolutely best campground along Katy trail

The absolutely best campground along Katy trail

I enjoyed my stay with Maxine. Her home is just couple of blocks off the Katy trail. She is joyful & welcome to her guests. Definitely will go back again.

I enjoyed my stay with Maxine. Her home is just couple of blocks off the Katy trail. She is joyful & welcome to her guests. Definitely will go back again.

Third year in Rocheport---great spot on the Katy Trail. Three ladies stayed at "Girls' Night INN" May 6, 2009---pristine property in every aspect.

My wife and I plan to bike the complete Katy Trail next month. My wife is new to biking but is now riding regularly. We plan to ride from Clinton East. How difficult are the first two days (120 miles) considering the change in elevation and grade?

I want to try to be tactful here. When you say your wife is new to riding but riding regularly now, define regularly. 60 mile days with gear, on the trail, might be a bit much unless regularly means at least three days a week of 30+ miles with one other long day for more than 6 weeks on unladen bikes. Even then 60 mile days for several days with loaded bikes are going to be work.

How difficult is it and how far can I ride in a day are common questions? Doug makes some good points and are worth noting.



To me, anything over 40 miles in a day is a production ride. We've ridden the Katy many times and rarely ride over that in a day...but we like to enjoy the wildlife, wild flowers, birds, and other riders along the way. Why travel all the way from NC to ride another production ride? Trip plans sometimes mandate some long days, but unless you are both used to production riding I'd cut the miles back a bit. If you are not yet production riders, the slight elevation changes on an old rail bed will not be your biggest issue.



How ever your plans unfold, welcome to Missouri....and enjoy your time on the Katy.

DIFFICULT LEVEL 1 easy to 10 hard..OK..I have ridden this beast with many different bikes and wheels. 10 MOUNTAIN BIKES 4 road - 6 hybird - hybird with 700x32 tires a 5, I also recomend ICE WAX for chain lube. Bike shops will sell you an oil based product and it will gunk up like gooputty with grit. (start wih a degreased chain) any oil in chain will goo-up the ice wax. Also run Mr. tuffy tire liners and you will have no flats. The B.U.T.T problem hits everyone so pack B. medication.(this will shut you down) I prefer to ride hard and as fast as I can (town to town) the faster you go the less the vibration affects you. I then take a good recovery in the town. If you both can get over 10 mph you can draft. No value at lower speeds but great help at 12 to 14 mph. You then hit a town every hour or two. Try to avoid a big deep tread on your tires...no problem with traction when riding/straight on lime. I ride slicks for low rolling res. I tilt my seat up a touch in front to take pressure off my hands and shoulders, for longer rides. *Hope you have toe clips...enjoy your trip..Dale Cannon

Actually the one%-or-less inclines are not difficult. One rear gear-shift usually takes care of them for the average rider. However, for whatever reasons these inclines can trick one's mind into thinking they are difficult. Be prepared for that!



You might expect 8-to-10-mph speeds with frequent warm-weather rest stops. The rest stops afford plenty to look-at on the trail. Have extra water with you near Clifton City and some of the eastern trailheads that do not have running water. Yet, water is available at most bar-grills, quick-stops, markets, filling stations, and cafes not to mention the occasional cold-soda vending machines not far from the trail.



For more information, you might read the latest ride-report under the ride/run/hike-report section on the homepage of this website. It was written by a couple of seniors who say anyone can do the entire trail successfully. Do take a camera. It's fun. Enjoy!

Last Sept. my daughter and I (57 at the time) decided to bike the trail from Clinton East. We pulled trailers (like the ones for children) and had them loaded down as we were camping. It really wasn't too bad until the second day when we hit Sedalia about noon and decided to go on. We then had to continue to Boonville. We got there right before dusk. We bike about 60 miles - waaaaaaay too much. I would keep it down to 35 or less a day. Too much to see and we felt rushed. We didn't finish the trail, but are doing that in about one day, starting tomorrow at St. Charles and going to Columbia. Take it easy and have a good time. We are just average bike riders (and she hadn't ridden at all to get ready) and we survived.