Hermann B&B for platonic riders
- + 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 r...
Discussion started 05/07/2009 07:31 PM by Jules - 7 replies (last reply by stevie at 05/19/2009 11:26 AM)Jules from Lake St Louis on 05/07/2009 07:31 PM
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?
Trek on 05/08/2009 07:56 AM
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.
Anonymous on 05/09/2009 02:00 PM
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.
frog lady from Cameron on 05/13/2009 05:34 PM
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!
Jules from Lake St. Louis on 05/18/2009 04:42 PM
Yikes! The Inn and Hermanoff wants $220 a night. Too rich for my blood. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Trek on 05/19/2009 08:17 AM
Click "Hermann" on the map above....scroll down and check out lodging options in Hermann.
Jules from Lake St. Louis on 05/19/2009 09:45 AM
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.
stevie from saint louis on 05/19/2009 11:26 AM
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?
Hermann
- + 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 yo...
Discussion started 06/23/2008 02:53 PM - 5 replies (last reply by RH at 05/19/2009 09:53 AM)Anonymous from Macomb, IL on 06/23/2008 02:53 PM
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.
Anonymous on 06/24/2008 02:48 AM
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.
kim from Independence, MO on 06/24/2008 06:44 AM
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.
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 06/24/2008 07:46 AM
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
cunninghamair from O Fallon, MO on 04/05/2009 04:53 PM
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.
RH from Knoxville, TN on 05/19/2009 09:53 AM
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.
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Hermann
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=2174&tonly=1
2009 MS Life Ride; HELP NEEDED
- + 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....
Discussion started 05/06/2009 05:36 PM by Julie - 1 reply (last reply by jd at 05/18/2009 10:18 PM)Julie from Otterville, Missouri on 05/06/2009 05:36 PM
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!
jd from gkc on 05/18/2009 10:18 PM
Recipes coming via slow mail. More than likely more on the way.
MODNR ride
- + Does anyone know if there are still spots available on the 2009 MODNR ride??
Discussion started 05/15/2009 09:26 PM by Bob - 1 reply (last reply by Bikerstuff at 05/18/2009 10:21 AM)Bob from LSMO on 05/15/2009 09:26 PM
Does anyone know if there are still spots available on the 2009 MODNR ride??
Bikerstuff from Saint Charles, MO on 05/18/2009 10:21 AM
I sent in my registration a week before and got my confirmation on 5/15/2009 via email.
Bluffton
- + 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.
Discussion started 05/14/2009 02:16 AM by manhk - 3 replies (last reply by Doug at 05/18/2009 08:49 AM)manhk from plano, tx on 05/14/2009 02:16 AM
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.
Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 05/16/2009 08:25 AM
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.
Bonnie from Parkville, MO on 05/18/2009 08:27 AM
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.
Doug from Bluffton on 05/18/2009 08:49 AM
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)?
- + Is the trail muddy from St. Charles to Augusta (May 16)?
Discussion started 05/16/2009 04:58 PM by David - 1 reply (last reply by Brett at 05/17/2009 01:45 PM)David on 05/16/2009 04:58 PM
Is the trail muddy from St. Charles to Augusta (May 16)?
Brett from Webster on 05/17/2009 01:45 PM
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.
Dotty Cafe
- + Great place to eat, very friendly staff. Great views of the Missouri from Jeff City to Hartsburg, stop at Dotty's.
Discussion started 05/15/2009 02:00 PM by Carter LeFon - 0 repliesCarter LeFon from St James, Mo on 05/15/2009 02:00 PM
Great place to eat, very friendly staff. Great views of the Missouri from Jeff City to Hartsburg, stop at Dotty's.
Riding suggestions
- + 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...
Discussion started 05/14/2009 09:14 AM by KCAND - 2 replies (last reply by Cliff at 05/15/2009 10:44 AM)KCAND from Kansas City on 05/14/2009 09:14 AM
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
Trek on 05/14/2009 09:22 AM
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.
Cliff from Edwardsville Ks on 05/15/2009 10:44 AM
If your looking for a MT trail there is a pretty good one in Lawrence KS along the river.
Klondike Park (Augusta)
- + The absolutely best campground along Katy trail
Discussion started 05/14/2009 02:03 AM by manhk - 0 repliesmanhk from plano, tx on 05/14/2009 02:03 AM
The absolutely best campground along Katy trail
manhk from plano, tx on 05/14/2009 02:03 AM
The absolutely best campground along Katy trail
Maxine's Rooms for Rent (Sedalia)
- + 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.
Discussion started 05/14/2009 02:00 AM by manhk - 0 repliesmanhk from plano, tx on 05/14/2009 02:00 AM
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.
manhk from plano, tx on 05/14/2009 02:00 AM
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.
Rocheport
- + 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.
Discussion started 05/13/2009 08:49 PM by lrc - 0 replieslrc from Leon Iowa on 05/13/2009 08:49 PM
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.
Degree of difficulty
- + 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 mil...
Discussion started 05/06/2009 07:50 PM by David Scott - 5 replies (last reply by frog lady at 05/13/2009 05:48 PM)David Scott from Lake Waccamaw, NC on 05/06/2009 07:50 PM
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?
Doug from Bluffton on 05/06/2009 08:33 PM
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.
Trek from St. Joe MO on 05/06/2009 09:48 PM
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.
dale cannon from lawrence on 05/07/2009 09:18 AM
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
jd from gkc on 05/07/2009 05:26 PM
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!
frog lady from Cameron on 05/13/2009 05:48 PM
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.
Best place to start on east end?
- + We are considering a family Memorial Day weekend ride and will be driving to Missouri from the east. We will be riding two full days (maybe 2.5 days) and would like to make a good decision about wher...
Discussion started 05/01/2009 10:20 AM by HJ51 - 4 replies (last reply by frog lady at 05/13/2009 05:30 PM)HJ51 on 05/01/2009 10:20 AM
We are considering a family Memorial Day weekend ride and will be driving to Missouri from the east. We will be riding two full days (maybe 2.5 days) and would like to make a good decision about where to start. We could start in St. Charles, of course, but we have flexibility and can just as easily keep driving west if there is a better section (within reason: we wouldn't want to drive more than an extra hour or so west). Any recommendations?
chrisJ from Centralia IL on 05/01/2009 01:36 PM
That depends on what you want to do or see (besides ride your bike), and how far you want to go. If you want to go about 100 miles and don't care about wineries or the like, I would start at Treloar to Boonville. It is a very scenic section, parking is good, and there are towns to get supplies.
Anonymous on 05/01/2009 11:23 PM
you may want to check with the dnr. possibly trail closures due to flooding. anywhich way, have fun, be safe.
Wm Madosky from St Louis on 05/13/2009 02:28 PM
I agree that the ride from Marthasville/Treloar to Boonsville is quiet, not very populated with other bicyclists and you ride through wooded area, farmland and the bluffs adjacent to the Missouri River.
St Charles to Marthasville is well used by those out for a day ride and is often congested.
frog lady from Cameron on 05/13/2009 05:30 PM
I would start at Booneville and head East. If you go west much farther than that you will be climbing for a while. From Booneville on it is pretty flat and scenic if you like riding along the river.
Playgrounds
- + i am biking the trail from the st. charles area and would like to know where to find parks along the trail. i have two small children that would like a playground. thanks
Discussion started 05/12/2009 07:25 AM by CD - 1 reply (last reply by michael rodemeyer at 05/13/2009 04:38 PM)CD on 05/12/2009 07:25 AM
i am biking the trail from the st. charles area and would like to know where to find parks along the trail. i have two small children that would like a playground. thanks
michael rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 05/13/2009 04:38 PM
Hartsburg has a Volenteer Park, near the caboose, that has swings, etc for children. The American Legion/Lion Park on the South side of town (Bush Landing) has swings etc for larger groups. We would welcome you to town if you make it this far. Nancy Grant, Mayor
Katy Trail start points
- + The nicest part I have seen is the western part of trail where it intersects with the Mo River.There are bluffs and caves and Lewis & Clark historical markers. Rocheport trail head is right off I-70.G...
Discussion started 05/13/2009 03:50 PM by Dave Kiernan - 0 repliesDave Kiernan from Indianapolis on 05/13/2009 03:50 PM
The nicest part I have seen is the western part of trail where it intersects with the Mo River.There are bluffs and caves and Lewis & Clark historical markers. Rocheport trail head is right off I-70.Good place to start.
Eastlake Inn, Kirkwood
- + My sister and I stayed at the Eastlake Inn, Kirkwood in late April 09 and had a great time there. Lori Murray, the owner, was kind enough to receive and store our bikes for us (we flew in from the Ea...
Discussion started 05/12/2009 03:13 PM by Jack Tracy - 0 repliesJack Tracy from Fayetteville, NC on 05/12/2009 03:13 PM
My sister and I stayed at the Eastlake Inn, Kirkwood in late April 09 and had a great time there. Lori Murray, the owner, was kind enough to receive and store our bikes for us (we flew in from the East Coast) and was a great hostess for our one-night stay. The Eastlake Inn is clean, well kept, and most importantly less than a mile from the Kirkwood AMTRAK station. This is an ideal place to start a Katy Trail ride. After a hearty breakfast we pedaled the short distance to the station and caught the 9:00am train to Sedalia. We arrived in Sedalia shortly after noon and were easily able to travel to the end of the trail at Clinton and then back to Windsor before nightfall. We would recommend this route to anyone. If you do intend to take this route, make sure you make train reservations well in advance for both you and your bike (yes your bike needs a reservation too, because AMTRAK lets you put it on the train unboxed.
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
- + Good food, great service. You can pick up some basic supplies also
Discussion started 05/12/2009 08:30 AM by Pete - 0 repliesPete from Columbia, MO on 05/12/2009 08:30 AM
Good food, great service. You can pick up some basic supplies also
Pete from Columbia, MO on 05/12/2009 08:30 AM
Good food, great service. You can pick up some basic supplies also
When will the flooded areas be ready to ride?
- + Does anyone know how long it will be until the flooded areas on the trail will be ready?
Discussion started 05/05/2009 11:59 AM - 3 replies (last reply by Brian L. at 05/11/2009 01:34 PM)Anonymous on 05/05/2009 11:59 AM
Does anyone know how long it will be until the flooded areas on the trail will be ready?
bears from Ashland on 05/05/2009 02:16 PM
Trail is open at the 151 mile marker, a little rough where water washed across trail but not even muddy.
Ray (webmaster) on 05/06/2009 05:40 AM
Looks like it's back to normal - the DNR's trail conditions message is back to "No trail closures to report."
As others have indicated, it may be soft in places for a while.
Brian L. from Wichita on 05/11/2009 01:34 PM
I rode last week and all 4 of the closures mentioned earlier on the DNR site were open. There were some rough & rutty spots, but no detours were required. There was lots of stagnant, standing water at the edge of the trail in many locations -- and pew, did it stink!
I stopped & talked to a DNR maintenance guy who was filling in some spots -- he was friendly dude who was very appreciative when I complimented him & his crew on getting the trail back in shape so quickly.
Missouri State Fairgrounds (Sedalia)
- + I am planning a bike trip up from Clinton with my family to overnight on a Friday night in the next few weeks (weather permitting). Will the campground be open? Is there a place to check in. I thin...
Discussion started 05/06/2009 09:51 AM by larchitect - 3 replies (last reply by Brian L. at 05/11/2009 01:28 PM)larchitect from Roeland Park, Kansas on 05/06/2009 09:51 AM
I am planning a bike trip up from Clinton with my family to overnight on a Friday night in the next few weeks (weather permitting). Will the campground be open? Is there a place to check in. I think we will roll in mid afternoon on Friday.
Thanks,
Jim
larchitect from Roeland Park, Kansas on 05/06/2009 09:51 AM
I am planning a bike trip up from Clinton with my family to overnight on a Friday night in the next few weeks (weather permitting). Will the campground be open? Is there a place to check in. I think we will roll in mid afternoon on Friday.
Thanks,
Jim
Frog Lady from Cameron MO on 05/06/2009 10:52 AM
When we biked the trail last Sept. we were going to stop at the Fairgrounds to camp, but we never found the exit place. We finally decided that we must have missed it. It has to be before the bridge that goes over the highway, so if you get that far and haven't seen it, turn around and go back a little ways. I think it's kind of hidden by shrubs and trees. We would have been more diligent in trying to find it if it had been later, but it was only noon, so we figured we could go farther.
Frog Lady from Cameron MO on 05/06/2009 10:52 AM
When we biked the trail last Sept. we were going to stop at the Fairgrounds to camp, but we never found the exit place. We finally decided that we must have missed it. It has to be before the bridge that goes over the highway, so if you get that far and haven't seen it, turn around and go back a little ways. I think it's kind of hidden by shrubs and trees. We would have been more diligent in trying to find it if it had been later, but it was only noon, so we figured we could go farther.
Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 05/07/2009 06:19 AM
Yes, the camp ground will be open. It is best to call ahead, they will be glad to give you all the information you need.
You have to ride a short distance on Clarendon Rd.to the campground, not a major deal, but use caution, it can be a bit busy. Check out the map on the Sedalia Fairgrounds trailhead page.
Enjoy your trip!
Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 05/07/2009 06:19 AM
Yes, the camp ground will be open. It is best to call ahead, they will be glad to give you all the information you need.
You have to ride a short distance on Clarendon Rd.to the campground, not a major deal, but use caution, it can be a bit busy. Check out the map on the Sedalia Fairgrounds trailhead page.
Enjoy your trip!
Brian L. from Wichita on 05/11/2009 01:28 PM
Ditto to what Darrell said. I camped at the fairgrounds last Monday night and it worked out well. There were probably 50-100 spots (I'm not good at estimates :-), but only 3 RVs and 3 tents, counting my tent. I called ahead to the # on this website and a very helpful lady explained the whole process to me. The shower house was open and, although it was showing its age & didn't appear to have daily housekeeping, I had a nice hot shower (suggestion: bring flip-flops). There is supposed to be a nighttime security person who collects the fees, but he never stopped by.
Brian L. from Wichita on 05/11/2009 01:28 PM
Ditto to what Darrell said. I camped at the fairgrounds last Monday night and it worked out well. There were probably 50-100 spots (I'm not good at estimates :-), but only 3 RVs and 3 tents, counting my tent. I called ahead to the # on this website and a very helpful lady explained the whole process to me. The shower house was open and, although it was showing its age & didn't appear to have daily housekeeping, I had a nice hot shower (suggestion: bring flip-flops). There is supposed to be a nighttime security person who collects the fees, but he never stopped by.