Katy Trail Forum

It seems like the Metrolink would be a good way to get from St. Charles to Union Station. I would ride my bike to Creve Coeur Park. From there it seems like there must be a way to ride or bus to a metrolink station. I have not found the Metrolink web site very helpful. The RTD-Denver.com is a lot better for finding routes.





Any suggestions?

Will going South to Olive and taking the #91 Olive bus east to the Belmar Metrolink Station work? The web site states that most St. Louis buses have bike racks.

Well, what would have been nice is if the St. Chuck residents would have agreed to having MetroLink cross the river into St. Charles proper. But, alas, that was not to be.

We like our moat. Thank you very much. It keeps the riff-raff out that can't afford cars and gas from stealing our TVs and women.

I got this suggestion from Metrolink. I think this should be added to possible routes.



If you ride your bike east on Marine Avenue, to the intersection of Marine &

McKelvey Rd., you may board our #33 Dorsett Lackland bus, exit at the Rock

Road Station, and transfer to an eastbound "Shiloh-Scott" Metrolink train,

which will take you to the Civic Center Station (14th & Spruce). Simply

follow the path to the Amtrak Station, approx. 1-1/2 blocks. You may take

your bike on our bus and train, and the distance that you ride is much less.



Please click on these website links to see the schedules, route maps, and

turning directions. Additionally, it may be very helpful, if you will click

on our Metrolink Station List, select the Interactive Google Map, and get

directions from Creve Coeur Lake to the Rock Road Station or Delmar Station.

I think you will get a clearer idea of the distance.



http://www.metrostlouis.org/MetroBus/MapsRoutes.asp

http://www.metrostlouis.org/MetroLink/MLtimetables.asp

http://www.metrostlouis.org/MetroLink/stationlist.asp

http://www.metrostlouis.org/GettingStarted/operatinghours.asp

http://tripfinder.metrostlouis.org/



Here is the link for our System Map. It is currently being updated, and many

of the routes shown have changed drastically or have been eliminated. Though

you should not rely on the route information shown, you can get an overall

view of the system and where we provide some service in the area.



http://www.metrostlouis.org/MetroBus/SystemMap.asp

Too funny, Chucktown.

I guess I wouldn't make a good criminal, but the last place I would want to be after stealing a TV (or a woman) would be public transit. What next, draw bridges at Page Ave., I-70 and 370? Wait... we have one in Boonville that might work for ya! ;-)

Too funny, Chucktown.

I guess I wouldn't make a good criminal, but the last place I would want to be after stealing a TV (or a woman) would be public transit. What next, draw bridges at Page Ave., I-70 and 370? Wait... we have one in Boonville that might work for ya! ;-)

Would it be possible to ride over the river on the bridge to Creve Coeur Park, and then ride the back roads over to the airport to get on the Metro? Is that possible?



I am brand new to the area, and would appreciate feedback from those of you who would know.



Thanks.

Post this to http://www.stlbiking.com/forum/, lots of local riders there and a shortage of political commentary.

I thought I would finish this topic since I started it. Two of us rode from Sedalia to St. Louis. September 19, to 24th. We met a couple that lived near Creve Couer at the Red Brick B&B in Augusta. St. Louis is not proud of their bus system. They gave us a ride all the way to the Amtrak station downtown so we would not have to ride the bus. We got a good look at the hill out of the park up on Marine. This is the only way out of the park and it is narrow with quite a bit of traffic. Locals do ride that hill quite often because of the bike trail link from Creve Couer to the Katy trail. Once you are up the hill, Marine has sidewalks and is a better ride than Dorsett. The Metrolink Civic Center Station is right next to Amtrak. The Metrolink fare is only $1.00. I still think the #33 bus is a viable way to get to Metrolink and then downtown to Amtrak but we did not do it.

I just completed an out and back from St Charles to Jeff City. The trail is in great condition from St Charles to Hermann but has rough spots and one washout west of that. The prettiest section for me was between McKittrick and Treloar.



I stayed at and highly recommend the Doll House B&B in Rhineland, the Briar Rose in Jeff City and the Brick Inn in Washington. Great hosts, rooms and food, and warm hospitality.



It was great fun and I hope to complete it soon.

When do the facilities on the Katy Trail close? Are they still open in November? Is there somewhere to find out?

My wife and I and another couple set off to Augusta Mo to ride the Katy trail for the first time. Our goal was to get into the heart of wine country, bike a little and sample many wines and beers from the area. All the B&B's were full in this area. We have a simple 20ft C class motor home we thought we could drive up and find a place to hookup.... Well there are little to no areas to bring an RV and "hookup". The day of your adventure to Augusta I called around one last time to try and find a place to park. I called Johnny at Stoneridge Vineyard and asked if he knew of a place to park. Johnny was abosulutely wonderful to suggest some areas even gracious to offering a place on his property. If Johnny was this gracious to us not even staying at his B&B, just think how nice we would be treated staying there. We had a chance to meet Johnny and his wife and see his B&B. WOW! What a spectacular place and an incredible view.

Thanks Stoneridge for your hospitality!!

My wife and I and another couple set off to Augusta Mo to ride the Katy trail for the first time. Our goal was to get into the heart of wine country, bike a little and sample many wines and beers from the area. All the B&B's were full in this area. We have a simple 20ft C class motor home we thought we could drive up and find a place to hookup.... Well there are little to no areas to bring an RV and "hookup". The day of your adventure to Augusta I called around one last time to try and find a place to park. I called Johnny at Stoneridge Vineyard and asked if he knew of a place to park. Johnny was abosulutely wonderful to suggest some areas even gracious to offering a place on his property. If Johnny was this gracious to us not even staying at his B&B, just think how nice we would be treated staying there. We had a chance to meet Johnny and his wife and see his B&B. WOW! What a spectacular place and an incredible view.

Thanks Stoneridge for your hospitality!!

Great place to stay. Wonderful breakfast, and enough leftovers to take with you for a light lunch or snack along the trail! Don't miss it.

Great place to stay. Wonderful breakfast, and enough leftovers to take with you for a light lunch or snack along the trail! Don't miss it.

Jeanette Crawford owns the Globe Hotel B & B and is one of the nicest ladies around. She has single handedly rebuilt this hotel twice (the 1993 flood ruined much of her work) and has made the Globe one of the best stops along the trail. Stop in and see her anytime.

Jeanette Crawford owns the Globe Hotel B & B and is one of the nicest ladies around. She has single handedly rebuilt this hotel twice (the 1993 flood ruined much of her work) and has made the Globe one of the best stops along the trail. Stop in and see her anytime.

We could use your help. We need suggestions on the most scenic sections of the trail, as we have limited time on our return trip to Canada. Would like to do two to three day out and back as a sample for a future trip. Camping or B&B would do. Your help would be most appreciated, as we have never been in this area before.

care,

Jim and Betty

You could cover more miles by biking one direction and catching Amtrak back. Two trains/day each way. Train stops at St. Louis, Kirkwood (not on Katy) Washington, Hermann, Jeff City, Sedalia. Rail stations are on the south side of the river; Katy on the north side. Dangerous crossing the river at Washington; no bike lane; take a taxi $15. Easy/safe crossing at Hermann, Jeff City. Bikes can be taken on the train ($10, only 4 per train so reserve early.)

Don't miss the Hotel Bothwell/Sedalia; Hotel Frederick/Booneville; Globe Hotel/Hartsburg or Rendleman's B&B/Bluffton if you bike and stay in these areas.

My wife and I completed the Katy last week. Email if I can help with more details: dgat1989@yahoo.com . We rode 35-42 miles/day and enjoyed ourselves (we are mid-60's). A great trip would be Sedalia to McKittrick, taking the train from Hermann (across the river from McKittrick) back to Sedalia.

Is this the couple I met at the airport in Gallatin, TN?

A popular section is between Rocheport and McBaine, and really all

the way to Jeff City is pretty nice I think. The tunnel is near

rocheport and a lot of that section is right along the river with

bluffs right above the trail. Another nice section is just west of

Treloar until Gore.

Wanted to get feed back and suggestions on my wife and I first trip on the Katy Trail. Day 1: We are planning riding from Sedalia to Boonville, staying at Fredrick Hotel (or would you reccommend a B & B)? Day 2: Ride to New Franklin for Pecan Festival (any comments on the festival are appreciated) then ride on to either Hartsburg or Jeff City, again suggestions on places to stay wold be helpful, we were looking at the Cliff Manor B & B in Jeff City, or is Hartsburg a better choice? Day 3: ride into Hermann and spend the night at a B & B . Day 4: Catch the amtrak back to Washington. Thank you for any suggestions and comments as I always find them useful.

My wife and I just rode the trail last week. Don't miss the Hotel Frederick in Booneville. Wonderfully restored hotel. Globe Hotel (former hotel for railroad workers) is a great choice in Hartsburg, with great breakfast, and leftovers to take for your lunch!

Crossing the river at Hermann to catch the train is great (separate bike lane), but avoid crossing at Washington if at all possible--you have to ride in traffic or take a $15 cab ride over!

My husband and I rode the trail last week (and met up with Dick and his wife a few times along the way!)and second the motion on staying at the Hotel Frederick. WONDERFUL restoration and very friendly staff!! If you don't mind spending a few dollars, stay at the Inn at Hermannhoff in Hermann. Right in town (no hills!!) and one of the most warm and elegant places I have EVER stayed!! King size feather bed, 2 fireplaces, 2 person jacuzzi and a steam shower! Heated floors and a bottle of wine with your room! Fantastic breakfast and amazing staff! Well worth the money!!

You would be wise to pick Hartsburg over Jeff City. You have a couple of good places to stay in Hartsburg, the Globe is a wonderful place, both food and conversation. Plus a nice restaurant in town. Jeff City is not on the trail and once in the town, even though its a nice town, you lose the ambiance of the trail.

Started at Hartsburg and rode to McBain on Friday. If you have the opportunity don't miss stopping by Summit Lake Winery for a light bite and glass of wine. Small, quaint and friendly. I understand that you can rent a "room" in the train caboose located across the street from the winery. If anyone knows details about this please let me know. FYI part of the trail around Hartsburg is still a little rough from all of the flood damage however you could tell that they had been working on it.

Choosing to ride to Jefferson City should not effect your intellegence at all. I've choosen to ride to Jeff and didn't feel any less wise than if I'd choosen to stay in Hartsburg. The capital area offers several nice places to stay and eat and are easy to ride to. There are several coffee shops for the early morning scone and java. Madison's has a good menu and nice sidewalk seating area that is usually popular on sunny days.

I agree that Hartsburg AND Jeff City both have a lot to offer. I've stayed at the Globe multiple times and have always had a good stay and it was nice to be only a block from the trail. I've also stayed in Jeff City and even though we had to shuttle across the river, being close to the state capital and the square also has a lot to offer. I've only stayed at the Cliff Manor B&B in JC,and it is always a good stay with excellent breakfast. Nice thing about Jeff city is that if you stay close to the Capital, you can walk up to the Capital square and find good places to eat, and sometimes a walk in the evening feels pretty good after a day on the bike. Our favorite is Ari's Greek Pizza (I've actually planned rides so we stay in Jeff city so we can eat there). Ari's is about a 2/3 mile walk from the Cliff Manor B&B.

Wherever you end up, you'll have a good time I'm sure.

Has anyone ever noticed 3 individuals on bikes between north jefferson and Hartsburg that seen a little out of place. Last time I ran across them they had a cooler mounted to the bike, them seem to like to stop at the pinic table. Just wondering if anyone has had any issues with them, I have not but wondering if I need to be a little cautious. Thanks, Ron

No worry... Just a couple of the boys from Deon's. If you are in Pilot Grove, stick your head in the door of Deon's, sure one or two of the boys will be there...

It you want a mint on your pillow and a USA Today, stay in St. Louis or Kansas City. If you want wonderful fellowship and terrific food, great stories of the Katy from a person whose passion is the trail--then don't pass through Bluffton without staying a night at Doug Randleman's B&B!

Amen to that. Thanks for the hospitality on Friday night Doug. The roast dinner and french toast were great.

Just rode from my house near Tebbetts to Hartsburg. There is a section near mile marker 137 that has two major washouts from the recent flash floods that DNR hasn't fixed yet. They are about 1 to 2 feet wide and about a foot or so deep running across the trail. For those familiar with the area - it is the section in front of the house with the white fence that always has problems when there have been flash floods.

Call to make sure of the hours, they close at 2pm on most weekdays rather than the posted 3pm

Call to make sure of the hours, they close at 2pm on most weekdays rather than the posted 3pm

I saw where Perche Creek messed up McBaine - anyone know the condition of the MKT Trail into Columbia?

I rode the MKT today, leaving from Columbia. The portion of the trail maintained by the city of Columbia is in good shape. Just past the point where maintenance switches from city to county govt the trail is closed. This is at about the 5 mile marker, and the closure is at the first bridge west of the Scott Blvd trailhead. I don't know about the rest of the trail from there to the Katy Trail.

Update to my previous note: I just received an email from another local rider explaining what's going on with the bridges on the MKT between Scott Blvd and the junction with the Katy Trail.

Here is what she had to say: "I called around today and found out that the MKT and the KATY are both ridable. The Boone County Public Works Department has the bridges closed right now as they put that sealant stuff on them today, but they said the bridges would be open on Friday. It sounds like a LOT of money has been spent on the trails this year with all of the washouts, but all parts of the MKT have been rebuilt. However, the new material may be a little soft still since it hasn’t rained to help it settle."

Thanks for the info. I finally found the person to call with Boone County and got similar info.

September 26, 2008.. Planning a trip Sunday .. would like to see the Rock.. Did the recent flood wipe out the trail?? Was going from Steedman to Portand... thanks...

There are some sections that are like riding cobblestones but can be easily done.

Can anyone tell me what the condition of the trail is between Augusta and Rhineland? I know parts of the trail have been closed; will be up there next Tuesday, Sept. 30.

I rode today (Sept. 26) from Klondike Park boat ramp to Marthasville, trail was fine. There's 1 or 2 rough spots just west of Augusta, but they're short and have obviously been worked on.

Best burger in Missouri

Absolutely, not to mention more french fries than anywhere

And terrific, real homemade beef vegetable soup!

This place looks gross! I hope the food looks better than the building does...

Best onion rings I have ever had...sometimes you just can't judge a book by it's exterior!

My wife is still talking about this place. Get your own drink out of the cooler, get your own ice cream sandwich out of the freezer, kick back and enjoy the locals and a burger.

we loved this bar and grill..the wings were to die for and more delicious fries than you could ever eat!

Great place, good food, good owners, a jukebox with everything from Hank Williams early hits to Taproot. Decent pool tables, good beer, and atmosphere on six legs!

THE FOOD WAS GOOD, BUT THE PLACE NEEDS A GOOD CLEANING, THE RESTROOM WAS DIRTY!

The absolutely best catfish around. Went there with my boyfriend and it was great!!! Also, the jukebox has a great selection of music, and the bar and company is very nice. Gonna camp there soon. I recommend it to anyone.

A great place to stop for a meal, especially if you are staying in Bluffton!

Places like this should be talked about. Great food.

I agree - best food I ate on the trail! It tasted SO GOOD!