Katy Trail Forum

I will be riding the Katy Trail for the first time, between Weldon Spring and Defiance. (the shortest route) What do I need to take with me? (water, I know) But how do you carry money safely? How long would it take me to go 6 miles round trip? I'm inexperienced. What is there to do on the trail. I want to make the most of it. I appreciate everyone's ideas.

There are many bike add-ons that hold things and can be found at sporting stores. They often just velcro and/or clip onto your bike. Otherwise a lot of running/biking shorts have zippered pockets for $$/credit card/cell phone. How long it will take to do 6 miles depends greatly on how experience you are, whether you are going for speed/exercise or for sightseeing, etc. Could take 1/2 hour to an hour? Maybe a little more if you stop for water breaks, etc.

Some riders wear pocketed shorts over their bike ones since dress is more casual on the trial. You'll be surprised how well you'll do there.



Watch for birds on that stretch, esp red cardinals and fat indigo buntings. In Defiance, one can see old architecture, antique tractors, and a great bike shop. Also, two places to cool down or chow down there. Fun.

And some people don't wear bike shorts(ie. spandex) period, because they don't want to look like a fool.



As another poster stated, you can get a carrying case that has velcro straps to attach to your bike to carry money, tools, cell phones, etc.



Unless you are in really bad shape, 6 miles is nothing on a bike. However, it is probably wise not to get to far from your vehicle until you know what distances you are comfortable traveling.

The bike shop on the trail in Defiance will have everything you've forgotten. We stop in

every weekend just to say hi to the 2 cats and a dog that run the place (and to get ice

cream!) There is also a restaurant across the street that opens at 9 for breakfast and

stays open for lunch.



And to add to the animal count above, we saw 2 deer right on the trail and several blue

birds this morning. There are also several Historic Markers along this stretch and pretty

rock formations worth stopping for pictures.



There's also a rest stop in Matson with bathrooms.

Thank you everyone for all the great ideas. I feel a lot more at ease about going. I'll be tickled to go just 6 miles for now. I'm looking forward to the ride. Thanks again.

Tina, I suggest that you start your ride in Defiance rather than Weldon Springs. The trail head [parking] is right off the highway and easier to find than Weldon Springs trailhead. I also have read that because the Weldon Springs trailhead is somewhat secluded, cars have been broken into there.

ss5, please don't be rude. Spandex is necessary to avoid chafing on longer rides, but

not necessary for beginners.



According to the bike shop in Defiance, the break-ins last fall were probably kids. I

haven't heard of any problems this spring. However, don't leave items in plain view--

that seems to be the cause.



There is a sign on 94 for Weldon Springs trailhead, and it's our favorite stretch from St.

Charles to Jeff City. However, if you miss it--you will end up in Defiance. Not an official

trailhead, but nice place to stop (restaurant, bike shop).

If you just have to have spandex, you can get spandex underwear, you don't have to wear it on the outside.



I have been on many "long rides", never have wore spandex with no chafing, so your condescending comment about "beginning riders" certainly doesn't apply here.

I would imagine that most folks that wear bike shorts (spandex) do so because of the benefit the padding, etc. provides and don't really worry about the fashion police thinking that they look foolish. On the trail, road riding, etc. spandex bike shorts are of great benefit. I might think otherwise of seeing someone at Busch Stadium in their riding shorts....perhaps they would look foolish. But maybe not so much considering all the crotch scratchin, bubble gum juice spit'n, over paid kids on the field.

Tina, you should wear whatever you're comfortable wearing and not worry about what other people think of your fashion sense. ;-) I rode several 30-40 mile days on the trail a couple weeks ago & wore loose shorts over my spandex the first couple days, but had some chafing so I shed the outer shorts for the last 2 days -- much more comfortable, although I admit it's not my favorite style, considering my skinny legs. ;-) If you're not used to long rides, it's best to pack multiple styles of shorts & switch if you get uncomfortable.

Tina - As others suggested, I'd park in Defiance just to be on the safe side.



I always carry a pack around my waist with ID, $, cell phone, Mace, etc. Even for a short ride take either water or better yet a sports drink such as Gatorade.



Wear whatever's comfortable. If you build up to longer rides you'll see the need to wear spandex or biking shorts which have padding, especially on the Katy where you spend so much time on your saddle.

Hi Tina, Go and have fun. Wear whatever you want but don't wear jeans. Loose shorts, capris, or spandex bike shorts are all great options for a shorter ride. I prefer water over Gatorade - all your drinks will get warm and warm Gatorade is not tasty. You might like to try the ride from Defiance to Augusta sometime. About 7 miles and food to eat at both ends. Take a couple of snack bars and carry cash/card in a fanny pack or a bike bag. I always take my cell phone too, and wear a helmet!

We'd like to take the kids on about a 10 mile ride, anywhere between St. Charles and Jeff City. Is there a stretch that is right along the river in this area?



Thanks!!!

The trail follows the river very closely, the whole way. An area around Weldon Springs and

a view over the river as you head into Hermann come into mind.

When traveling east from Jeff City, you don't really get to see the river until you get to Portland.

For the best views of the river try the trail from Hartsburg to Rocheport. You can get food and drink at either place and procede at your own pace. The Claysville Store is one of the best places for food if you are traveling on Saturday or Sunday afternoon Its just east of Hartsburg 3-4 miles) Its listed under Mark Hooibrink in the phone book. Very nice folks.

We pulled in to Jefferson City trail-tired and dirty to be greeted by Randy & Jeanette with brownies and iced tea. The "room" was a lovely suite (The Rustic Retreat)- it was way more than expected and extremely comfortable. Jeanette and Randy were awesome. We highly recommend you have them shuttle you in - the bridge is a tough haul. Randy can easily handle bikes, trailers, etc in his truck. The breakfast is wonderful and made to order. We highly recommend a stay here!!

We pulled in to Jefferson City trail-tired and dirty to be greeted by Randy & Jeanette with brownies and iced tea. The "room" was a lovely suite (The Rustic Retreat)- it was way more than expected and extremely comfortable. Jeanette and Randy were awesome. We highly recommend you have them shuttle you in - the bridge is a tough haul. Randy can easily handle bikes, trailers, etc in his truck. The breakfast is wonderful and made to order. We highly recommend a stay here!!

Incredible!! From the chocolate chip cookies,coffee and wine in the flower-surrounded hot tub on arrival to the lovely room to the "to-die-for" breakfast to Debbie's wonderful hospitality - we can't say enough and would highly recommend!!

Incredible!! From the chocolate chip cookies,coffee and wine in the flower-surrounded hot tub on arrival to the lovely room to the "to-die-for" breakfast to Debbie's wonderful hospitality - we can't say enough and would highly recommend!!

Incredible!! From the chocolate chip cookies,coffee and wine in the flower-surrounded hot tub on arrival to the lovely room to the "to-die-for" breakfast to Debbie's wonderful hospitality - we can't say enough and would highly recommend!!

Incredible!! From the chocolate chip cookies,coffee and wine in the flower-surrounded hot tub on arrival to the lovely room to the "to-die-for" breakfast to Debbie's wonderful hospitality - we can't say enough and would highly recommend!!

We are riding Clinton to St. Charles (and beyond) starting in Clinton on June 6, camping our way - anyone else riding then?

I am riding the trail from Clinton to St Charles starting June 6th and camping my way across. I was going to ride the OKfreewheel that week but have decided I'll have more fun not riding with 900 people.

Look forward to seeing you out there - we plan to leave Clinton around 10 am - camping in Sedalia, New Franklin, Hartsburg, Bluffton and Marthasville.

We went to the tea house for brunch 5/24/09. It was great! Very good food, reasonable price, very friendly staff. Can't wait to go back again with friends. This is a must if you are going to Boonville!

We went to the tea house for brunch 5/24/09. It was great! Very good food, reasonable price, very friendly staff. Can't wait to go back again with friends. This is a must if you are going to Boonville!

I had the pleasure of staying here two nights just riding an out and back on the second day.

The B&B is great and Tom is the consummate host. Very spacious rooms with great views of

the river and in some cases the river and the Capitol. The rooms were large enough to

entice us to order pizza from a Greek pizza company (great pizza) and just stay in and play

cards with another couple. Tom slings a great breakfast and somehow turns Maxwell House

coffee into something very special.

I had the pleasure of staying here two nights just riding an out and back on the second day.

The B&B is great and Tom is the consummate host. Very spacious rooms with great views of

the river and in some cases the river and the Capitol. The rooms were large enough to

entice us to order pizza from a Greek pizza company (great pizza) and just stay in and play

cards with another couple. Tom slings a great breakfast and somehow turns Maxwell House

coffee into something very special.

Very nice place to stay. The owner is very considerate. The building has been beautifully

restored and maintained. The bathroom had plenty of space and the jacuzzi was large and a

welcome treat.

Very nice place to stay. The owner is very considerate. The building has been beautifully

restored and maintained. The bathroom had plenty of space and the jacuzzi was large and a

welcome treat.

Great place to stay! Jeanette had lemonade ready - I felt so welcome from the moment I set foot on the Globe. Breakfast was a good biking breakfast and Jeanette offered me extras for the trail. She also shared photos of how her place was flooded in 1993 and the rehab afterwards. One thing to be aware of - if you have cat allergies don't stay here!

Great place to stay! Jeanette had lemonade ready - I felt so welcome from the moment I set foot on the Globe. Breakfast was a good biking breakfast and Jeanette offered me extras for the trail. She also shared photos of how her place was flooded in 1993 and the rehab afterwards. One thing to be aware of - if you have cat allergies don't stay here!

Jeanette Crawford has rebuilt the Globe B & B twice. Once before the Great Flood of 1993 and again afterwards. She is an interesting host and the Globe is nice. I would recommend her establishment and the Town of Hartsburg. Locals have been known to haul people in distress to Jefferson City or Columbia. Once even to McKitrick (north of Harmann) when a biker fell sick. I would highly recommend Jeanette and her Globe Hotel which was originally built to house people people using the MKT Railroad. Give her a try.

Jeanette Crawford has rebuilt the Globe B & B twice. Once before the Great Flood of 1993 and again afterwards. She is an interesting host and the Globe is nice. I would recommend her establishment and the Town of Hartsburg. Locals have been known to haul people in distress to Jefferson City or Columbia. Once even to McKitrick (north of Harmann) when a biker fell sick. I would highly recommend Jeanette and her Globe Hotel which was originally built to house people people using the MKT Railroad. Give her a try.

The Globe Hotel was great! I was the only guest, which I thought would be awkward, but no prob, since Jeanette is such a friendly, interesting person. Her meet-n-greet lemonade in the kitchen was very welcome on a warm day. The bed, whose extreme squeakiness gave it character, was very comfortable, as was the rest of the mostly antique furniture. I got to run a couple loads thru her seemed-like-brand-new washer & dryer -- this was very welcome, since my clothes desperately needed washing after a couple of camping days on the trail! Breakfast was a carb-o-licious assortment of homemade muffins and rolls, along with hard-boiled eggs, coffee, and juice. Other highlights: charming decor, a fluffy bathrobe, and a well-stocked library. Overall, a very relaxing and enjoyable stay at a VERY reasonable price.

The Globe Hotel was great! I was the only guest, which I thought would be awkward, but no prob, since Jeanette is such a friendly, interesting person. Her meet-n-greet lemonade in the kitchen was very welcome on a warm day. The bed, whose extreme squeakiness gave it character, was very comfortable, as was the rest of the mostly antique furniture. I got to run a couple loads thru her seemed-like-brand-new washer & dryer -- this was very welcome, since my clothes desperately needed washing after a couple of camping days on the trail! Breakfast was a carb-o-licious assortment of homemade muffins and rolls, along with hard-boiled eggs, coffee, and juice. Other highlights: charming decor, a fluffy bathrobe, and a well-stocked library. Overall, a very relaxing and enjoyable stay at a VERY reasonable price.

Do bed & breakfasts typically provide washclothes and towels, or do we need to pack them? I know I could always call the places we'll be staying, but we are leaving tomorrow so I don't know if I have time, especially if I get an answering machine! I don't really know the norm for a b&b -- this will be our first time doing this. Thanks. :-)

Yes.....typically they will provide everything you need and more.

The Globe B & B in Hartsburg provides all you need plus Jeanette has been known to do special things for riders (info, muffins, coffee, mail personal items left behind etc) Thats what makes the Katy Trail so special, each place has its special rewards. Hartsburg, being small tries to "bust its buttons" to make you happy and to get return customers.

Kaysea and I booked a shuttle to St. Louis. Barbara was on time (actually early) and took us to the REI store in Brentwood and them downtown to our hotel. Good driver, friendly and helpful. We recommend them whole-heartily.

Kaysea and I booked a shuttle to St. Louis. Barbara was on time (actually early) and took us to the REI store in Brentwood and them downtown to our hotel. Good driver, friendly and helpful. We recommend them whole-heartily.

We are biking Sedalia, Clinton, St. Charles. Hope to meet you on the trail!

I will be seeing you guys! I am riding up to Columbia from McKittrick to run errands. I'll be

on a fully loaded red bike with bullhorns:p

Our very first stop and at first we were scared to go in. The outside was not exactly inviting. Once we got in everyone was friendly and all of our meals were extremely satisfying. Be prepared to kick back for an hour, service is friendly but not fast. That's a good thing.

Our very first stop and at first we were scared to go in. The outside was not exactly inviting. Once we got in everyone was friendly and all of our meals were extremely satisfying. Be prepared to kick back for an hour, service is friendly but not fast. That's a good thing.

And you will get the BEST Cheeseburger you will find anywhere !!! VERY FRIENDLY people.

And you will get the BEST Cheeseburger you will find anywhere !!! VERY FRIENDLY people.

Treloar Bar & Grill is our favorite restaurant on the entire trail. It's very true about the cheeseburgers! And I've got a picture to prove it: http://www.bluetapp.com/KatyTrail2008/images/DSCF0232.jpg.

Treloar Bar & Grill is our favorite restaurant on the entire trail. It's very true about the cheeseburgers! And I've got a picture to prove it: http://www.bluetapp.com/KatyTrail2008/images/DSCF0232.jpg.

This was our planned lunch stop during a two-day ride. I was starving, but nervous as we

arrived in the middle of a motorcycle poker run. They didn't even notice the two cyclists in

spandex. Everyone was very friendly.

This was our planned lunch stop during a two-day ride. I was starving, but nervous as we

arrived in the middle of a motorcycle poker run. They didn't even notice the two cyclists in

spandex. Everyone was very friendly.

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.