Machens extension May 2009?
- + Hi Folks...am planning a bike tour in mid-May from KC to STL, mostly on the Katy. I'd like to be able to traverse the entire state, so was wondering what condition the Machens extension is in at this ...
Discussion started 03/06/2009 02:07 PM by Aaron - 6 replies (last reply by Nathan at 04/12/2009 08:09 PM)Aaron from Carbondale, IL on 03/06/2009 02:07 PM
Hi Folks...am planning a bike tour in mid-May from KC to STL, mostly on the Katy. I'd like to be able to traverse the entire state, so was wondering what condition the Machens extension is in at this point. Anyone tried to bike it lately? I'd rather not have to go with the convertible pants and can of bug juice technique to get it done. Thanks!
Donna from Troy MO on 03/08/2009 01:16 PM
Now that Daylight Savings time is here, i plan to visit the St. Charles portion of the trail on my way home from work to see if any progress is being made. I'll keep you posted here and on my thread. Good luck!
Gary from O'Fallon on 03/10/2009 10:31 PM
For what it's worth, I rode the trail thru St. Charles towards Machens last Saturday morning to see if in fact any progress had been made on the extension since last year. The trail ends in the exact same spot, just past the dog park. The only signs of progress is that the grass/weeds were cut to a reasonable height. I didn't go beyond that point to see how the ride would have been.
Aaron from Carbondale, IL on 03/16/2009 03:17 PM
Thanks a lot guys...I'll look forward to hearing your experiences and hopefully can also do some scouting in the area myself before my ride.
jd from gkc on 03/17/2009 12:14 PM
Seems I read somewhere the Machens section is done except for a 3-mile section near St Charles. And, supposedly, that 3-mile section can be transversed with care. If not, one might be able to detour it on a backroad?
stevie from saint louis on 03/17/2009 03:58 PM
Last fall they were supposed to get it done, but it was deemed “too wet” after the September rains. It is funded and the easement agreements have been made, so I think this summer it gets done. I don’t believe there is good road detour here to get around the closed section.
Nathan from O'Fallon, MO on 04/12/2009 08:09 PM
Not sure if you're still reading this thread, but I did a run yesterday (April 11) starting at the dog park (1/2 mile N of 370) and going 8 miles East. The first 3 miles was a worn (double-track) grass trail. Occasionally there was some short slightly soft sections (muddy). This section could be handled by even a road bike (if you had slightly wider tires). I wouldn't feel bad about telling even a novice that they could traverse this section (assuming there hasn't been a *lot* of rain in the immediate past). After those 3 miles it becomes gravel again. Warning: Be prepared for two Rottweillers to charge you about 2 miles North/East of the dog park--not really sure how to avoid them as they live in a house right off of the trail.
Dormitory at School House B + B (Rocheport)
- + My son and I spent a night here during the first week of September on our first annual KATY trail ride. We both highly recommend the Dormitory at School House B + B for cyclists riding the trail. Ver...
Discussion started 09/16/2008 08:25 PM by Darryl - 2 replies (last reply by Mike Friedemann at 04/11/2009 12:57 PM)Darryl from St. Louis on 09/16/2008 08:25 PM
My son and I spent a night here during the first week of September on our first annual KATY trail ride. We both highly recommend the Dormitory at School House B + B for cyclists riding the trail. Very clean new rooms with cable TV and full bath. Mini fridge stocked with ample supply of breakfast goodies, also fresh fruit, microwave and coffee maker. Bike storage shed with tools and air compressor.
Darryl from St. Louis on 09/16/2008 08:25 PM
My son and I spent a night here during the first week of September on our first annual KATY trail ride. We both highly recommend the Dormitory at School House B + B for cyclists riding the trail. Very clean new rooms with cable TV and full bath. Mini fridge stocked with ample supply of breakfast goodies, also fresh fruit, microwave and coffee maker. Bike storage shed with tools and air compressor.
EB from Greenwood on 11/01/2008 06:04 PM
This is a great place. Exceeded all of my expectations. Neat and clean! They had everything we needed.
EB from Greenwood on 11/01/2008 06:04 PM
This is a great place. Exceeded all of my expectations. Neat and clean! They had everything we needed.
Mike Friedemann from Rocheport on 04/11/2009 12:57 PM
Thanks to you both - we've tried to make the Dormitory everything you've described, and for 2009 it's more affordable than ever! Dorm guests also have access to free laundry facilities right outside the rooms - check 'em out at www.schoolhousebb.com/dormitory/dormitory.html, and happy pedaling! Mike Friedemann, School House Dormitory
Mike Friedemann from Rocheport on 04/11/2009 12:57 PM
Thanks to you both - we've tried to make the Dormitory everything you've described, and for 2009 it's more affordable than ever! Dorm guests also have access to free laundry facilities right outside the rooms - check 'em out at www.schoolhousebb.com/dormitory/dormitory.html, and happy pedaling! Mike Friedemann, School House Dormitory
Clifton City
- + Is there any parking at all at Clifton City? We're planning a SHORT ride to Rocheport and need to leave a car at Clifton. Any ideas??
Discussion started 04/09/2009 10:30 AM by lrc - 1 reply (last reply by Trek at 04/09/2009 11:52 AM)lrc from Leon Iowa on 04/09/2009 10:30 AM
Is there any parking at all at Clifton City? We're planning a SHORT ride to Rocheport and need to leave a car at Clifton. Any ideas??
Trek on 04/09/2009 11:52 AM
There is parking at the trailhead.
Best type of bike
- + What is the best type of bike to ride on the Katy?
Thanks,
Richard
Discussion started 04/06/2009 07:44 PM by Richard - 5 replies (last reply by jd at 04/09/2009 09:44 AM)Richard from Saltillo, Mississippi on 04/06/2009 07:44 PM
What is the best type of bike to ride on the Katy?
Thanks,
Richard
brad from st louis on 04/07/2009 08:54 AM
The best bike?
The bike you are used to riding. Don't go get one just for a trip on the Katy. You need to be used to how the bike handles and how the saddle feels after a long trip.
If you are going to get a new bike you might want to consider something designed as a touring bike (like a Trek 520) or a hybrid bike. Hybrid's usually look like a mountain bike but with not so fat and knobby tires. You can even use a mountain bike with less aggressive tires.
I also ride recumbents with 1.5" tires, but most people don't get into recumbents.
Beyond that - you want to use the right tires. Narrow road tires (25c or 1") can work if the trail is dry and hard packed, but I found that 32-35c tires (or 1.25" - 1.75") tires handle the bumps and soft spots better. I don't think it is necessary to use knobby tires. A semi-knobby or semi-smooth tire works.
If you are going on a long one day trip or a multi-day trip, it helps if the bike has a rack on it to carry extra supplies like food, spare tires, tents, etc.
Trek on 04/07/2009 10:40 AM
If you are going to buy a new bike for touring you might want to consider a touring bike...like a Trek 520 or a Surly Longhaul Trucker. If you have a significant other, consider a Santana, Rans, or Greenspeed tandem. If you wanna ride the Katy....consider a less expensive hybrid type bike.
Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 04/08/2009 07:36 AM
I had the same question about 7 years ago, and a knowledgable bicycle shop owner had the answer. When I ask "what kind of bike do I need to ride a hundred miles on the Katy Trail" he pointed to the hybrid. It has worked out very well, I have been riding a Raleigh C-40 for about 7 years and covered all of the Katy trail several times over. I plan to do an end to end late this month. My advice, go to a bike shop, ask questions, and when you decide what kind, they will make sure it fits.
Speedy on 04/08/2009 08:31 AM
I'm personally a big fan of cyclocross bikes. They're a lot like road bikes but with a little different geometry and wider, knobby tires. I don't know what your specific needs are but I personally wanted something fast and comfortable for longer rides on gravel surfaces, and the cyclocross fits the bill.
jd from gkc on 04/09/2009 09:44 AM
Tires might be as important as the bike itself. I use a department-store quality hybrid/comfort bike both for one-day and distance rides on the Katy. I've added quick-connect fenders and flaps to it to hold down any dust or mud from getting on me during excessively dry or wet weather. That limestone mud can also add extra weight to the bike. :)
I use 28-mm tuff-skin tires with an extra thorn liner inside each one. Because the Katy is frequently littered with wind or storm debris, I carry a flat-tire repair kit (two tubes, two tire boots in case of blowouts, levers, screwdriver, stem tool, glue, patches, and air pump). It's much faster and easier to replace a tube than to repair one out in the country. Even the small twigs on the trail following a storm can puncture a tire when least expected.
Additionally, carrying extra water, nourishment, clothing, toiletries, and emergency supplies on a rear rack doesn't hurt anything. Still, I want to try my 23-mm-tire road bike on the trail one of these days.
Parking in Kirkwood
- + If we catch the train in Kirkwood, where could we leave our car so it would be safe? Any parking garages around?
Thanks, Jan
Discussion started 04/06/2009 07:20 PM by Jan in Ohio - 0 repliesJan in Ohio on 04/06/2009 07:20 PM
If we catch the train in Kirkwood, where could we leave our car so it would be safe? Any parking garages around?
Thanks, Jan
children
- + Has anyone ridden the trail with young children say between the ages of 2 and 10 years....advice?
Discussion started 03/06/2009 03:19 PM by caesull - 2 replies (last reply by Marvin at 04/05/2009 06:26 PM)caesull from kc on 03/06/2009 03:19 PM
Has anyone ridden the trail with young children say between the ages of 2 and 10 years....advice?
jd from gkc on 03/10/2009 04:00 PM
Comments and ride/run reports at this site have mentioned kids in the past. You might find and read them, or search the Internet for them with a good engine. Mainly you-all have stay on or near the trail for safety reasons, and keep an eye on the kids, especially near the river or any steep inclines. Otherwise,it's all scenic and fun.
Marvin from Maumelle on 04/05/2009 06:26 PM
I did the entire trail last year with my boys who were 5, 8 and 12. They each rode their own bikes and made it every day with enegry to spare. If I was going to do it over I would not do it in late July - it was very hot. Otherwise we had a great time. Here is a link to our blog www.mwkatytrail.blogspot.com I would be happy to share any detail you might be interested in.
Blumenhof Winery Patio Grill Open/Dutzow
- + We were the first customers of the season today! Grill is open from approximately 12-6 on
the weekends. We had brats and german potatoes out on the patio--think they also had
ribs and someth...
Discussion started 04/04/2009 03:20 PM by cunninghamair - 0 repliescunninghamair from O Fallon, MO on 04/04/2009 03:20 PM
We were the first customers of the season today! Grill is open from approximately 12-6 on
the weekends. We had brats and german potatoes out on the patio--think they also had
ribs and something else. Highly recommend it!
Bicycle racks on Amtrak
- + I use a folding bike with 20 inch wheels does any one know what type of roll on bike racks amtrak used on the river runner? I don't want to fold if I can get away without it. it would be nice just to ...
Discussion started 03/28/2009 03:12 PM by Baboo - 2 replies (last reply by cunninghamair at 04/03/2009 05:58 PM)Baboo from Shawnee, KS on 03/28/2009 03:12 PM
I use a folding bike with 20 inch wheels does any one know what type of roll on bike racks amtrak used on the river runner? I don't want to fold if I can get away without it. it would be nice just to roll it on and put in a bike rack, wouldn't have to remove racks and all from it.
Allen
ka3751 from saint louis on 03/29/2009 10:11 AM
The train cars don't have a bike rack. The conductor puts the bikes in the back of the last car. You probably won't need to fold it.
cunninghamair from O Fallon, MO on 04/03/2009 05:58 PM
When we went last summer from Washington/Dutzow, they put them in the front of each car
(they had a seat taken to leave room).
Hermann - Directions from trail
- + DO NOT FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS to Hermann included on this website. The trail crosses under 19 just before McKittrick trail head. Take the gravel path up to 19 before you pass through the tunnel. Tak...
Discussion started 03/28/2009 03:12 PM by threesacharm - 1 reply (last reply by cunninghamair at 04/03/2009 05:56 PM)threesacharm from KC on 03/28/2009 03:12 PM
DO NOT FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS to Hermann included on this website. The trail crosses under 19 just before McKittrick trail head. Take the gravel path up to 19 before you pass through the tunnel. Take 19 south to Hermann. DO NOT ride through the town of McKittrick. This will save you about 20 minutes of needless riding and is also much safer. The directions on the website take you along a patch of 19 that does not have a bike lane.
cunninghamair from O Fallon, MO on 04/03/2009 05:56 PM
I agree. We had the directions from here, but after my husband walked up the hill, we
agreed that was the easiest way. It's just hard to explain to someone--an unmarked dirt
path just after the trailhead.
Airport to Katy Trail
- + I agree that wanting to ride from the airport is not a good idea. But an easier and safer way would be to take Natural Bridge Road (the busy road between I-70 and Lambert's terminal) west. Once you ar...
Discussion started 04/03/2009 03:47 PM by Steve K - 0 repliesSteve K from St Louis on 04/03/2009 03:47 PM
I agree that wanting to ride from the airport is not a good idea. But an easier and safer way would be to take Natural Bridge Road (the busy road between I-70 and Lambert's terminal) west. Once you are past the Cypress Road interchange, the street is lightly traveled. Continue west on Natural Bridge to McKelvey, left on McKelvey until it meets Creve Couer Road, then take Creve Couer Road to the entrance to Creve Couer Park. Once at the park, you can take the trail described elsewhere on this site. McKelvey is fairly busy when it crosses St Charles Rock Road, but is nowhere as bad as Dorsett near I-270.
Katy Trail to Downtown St Louis Directions
- + The second way would definitely be safer than either route up the hill on Marine. However, I would not use Dorsett to cross I-270. The interchange is extremely busy and dangerous for bikes. Instead, h...
Discussion started 04/03/2009 03:29 PM by Steve K - 0 repliesSteve K from St Louis on 04/03/2009 03:29 PM
The second way would definitely be safer than either route up the hill on Marine. However, I would not use Dorsett to cross I-270. The interchange is extremely busy and dangerous for bikes. Instead, head east of CCP on Creve Couer Mill Road until it ends at McKelvey. Then continue straight on McKelvey across I-270 about 1/3 mile to Old St Charles Road. Turn right on Old St Charles Rd. Go about 1/2 mile and turn right on Smiley Road. When Smiley ends at Midland Avenue, turn left. Go about 1/3 mile and turn right on Fee Fee Road. When Fee Fee meets Dorsett, turn left. Dorsett is at least tolerable to bike here and it is a short distance to the other side of Lindbergh where it turns into Midland Blvd. The distance traveled is about the same either way.
Katy Trail Construction from St Louis Today Dot Com
- + Work to begin on new Katy Trail segment
ASSOCIATED PRESS
04/03/2009
PLEASANT HILL, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon says work will begin this month on linking the Kansas City area to the Katy Trail t...
Discussion started 04/03/2009 03:00 PM - 1 reply (last reply by ka3751 at 04/03/2009 03:20 PM)Anonymous on 04/03/2009 03:00 PM
Work to begin on new Katy Trail segment
ASSOCIATED PRESS
04/03/2009
PLEASANT HILL, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon says work will begin this month on linking the Kansas City area to the Katy Trail that stretches across the state.
Nixon was in Pleasant Hill on Friday at what is planned to be the western-most trail head of the trail. The 46-miles segment will link the area to Windsor, where the trail now passes.
Once completed, hikers and bicyclists will be able to use the trail from Pleasant Hill to St. Charles in St. Louis.
The work is being paid for with $18 million from a settlement the state reached with AmerenUE following the collapse of the Taum Sauk reservoir. Nixon negotiated the settlement while he was attorney general.
ka3751 from saint louis on 04/03/2009 03:20 PM
I hoped I was going to be first with the good news! Oh well. Here is link to press release.
http://governor.mo.gov/newsroom/2009/Katy_Trail_to_be_connected_to_Kansas_City
shuttle service
- + I just read where one of the shuttle services has closed. What are peoples recommendations to get from St. Charles to Clinton? We think the train and then a shuttle service might be a hassle. Also,...
Discussion started 04/03/2009 01:32 PM by Jan in Ohio - 1 reply (last reply by Trek at 04/03/2009 03:11 PM)Jan in Ohio on 04/03/2009 01:32 PM
I just read where one of the shuttle services has closed. What are peoples recommendations to get from St. Charles to Clinton? We think the train and then a shuttle service might be a hassle. Also, we need to leave our car in St. Charles someplace secure and would appreciate any ideas about that.
Thanks
Trek on 04/03/2009 03:11 PM
Many folk opt to take the train to Sedalia and then either skip the portion of the trail between Clinton and there....or ride their bike from Sedalia to Clinton and back so they can say they rode the entire trail. There may be business opportunity for shuttle service on the western end after the leg to Pleasant Hill is complete.
Globe Hotel Bed & Breakfast (Hartsburg)
- + Our stay here was a unique experience. After riding the trail all day, we arrived in the tiny town of Hartsburg, where nothing is ever open apparently. Jeanette was very hospitable and we worked puz...
Discussion started 04/02/2009 05:15 PM by BJ and Jill - 1 reply (last reply by Jim at 04/03/2009 10:09 AM)BJ and Jill from Norman, OK on 04/02/2009 05:15 PM
Our stay here was a unique experience. After riding the trail all day, we arrived in the tiny town of Hartsburg, where nothing is ever open apparently. Jeanette was very hospitable and we worked puzzles with her all night long. Breakfast was great, and she even packed the leftovers with us to take on the trail. We would recommend the Globe to anyone.
BJ and Jill from Norman, OK on 04/02/2009 05:15 PM
Our stay here was a unique experience. After riding the trail all day, we arrived in the tiny town of Hartsburg, where nothing is ever open apparently. Jeanette was very hospitable and we worked puzzles with her all night long. Breakfast was great, and she even packed the leftovers with us to take on the trail. We would recommend the Globe to anyone.
Jim from St. Thomas on 04/03/2009 10:09 AM
This would be a good time to remind folks that if you are counting on some of the small towns along the trail like Hartsburg for meals that it's worth the effort to call and verify that they will be open particularly in the off season. A lot of these places are Mom & Pop businesses and it doesn't make financial sense for them to keep long hours on the off-chance that a rider or two might stop in. I will also add that a meal at Dotty's in Hartsburg is one of the great pleasures that come with riding the Katy. A cold beer at the Hitching post is also right up there.
Jim from St. Thomas on 04/03/2009 10:09 AM
This would be a good time to remind folks that if you are counting on some of the small towns along the trail like Hartsburg for meals that it's worth the effort to call and verify that they will be open particularly in the off season. A lot of these places are Mom & Pop businesses and it doesn't make financial sense for them to keep long hours on the off-chance that a rider or two might stop in. I will also add that a meal at Dotty's in Hartsburg is one of the great pleasures that come with riding the Katy. A cold beer at the Hitching post is also right up there.
Lindenhof Bed & Breakfast (Augusta)
- + Our stay at the Lindenhof was luxurious. After making the hard climb up the hills of Augusta, it is worth it to stay here. Debbie was great, and playing Jenga was fun (bc it rained all day), and break...
Discussion started 04/02/2009 05:23 PM by BJ and Jill - 0 repliesBJ and Jill from Norman, OK on 04/02/2009 05:23 PM
Our stay at the Lindenhof was luxurious. After making the hard climb up the hills of Augusta, it is worth it to stay here. Debbie was great, and playing Jenga was fun (bc it rained all day), and breakfast was great. We met some other bikers from Nebraska and hikers from Iowa and it was fun all hanging out. We would recommend this place!
BJ and Jill from Norman, OK on 04/02/2009 05:23 PM
Our stay at the Lindenhof was luxurious. After making the hard climb up the hills of Augusta, it is worth it to stay here. Debbie was great, and playing Jenga was fun (bc it rained all day), and breakfast was great. We met some other bikers from Nebraska and hikers from Iowa and it was fun all hanging out. We would recommend this place!
Rivercene Mansion B&B (Boonville)
- + After traveling all day on the Katy Trail, we enjoyed feeling like royalty in the Rivercene. The rooms were beautiful and cozy. The breakfast was amazing! She cooked the best omelets we've ever had...
Discussion started 04/02/2009 05:11 PM by BJ and Jill - 0 repliesBJ and Jill from Norman, OK on 04/02/2009 05:11 PM
After traveling all day on the Katy Trail, we enjoyed feeling like royalty in the Rivercene. The rooms were beautiful and cozy. The breakfast was amazing! She cooked the best omelets we've ever had. The history behind the house is just so amazing. I would recommend it to anyone. Also, the casino will come pick you up in a van and take you to the town...which was nice. We didn't want to get back on our bikes!
BJ and Jill from Norman, OK on 04/02/2009 05:11 PM
After traveling all day on the Katy Trail, we enjoyed feeling like royalty in the Rivercene. The rooms were beautiful and cozy. The breakfast was amazing! She cooked the best omelets we've ever had. The history behind the house is just so amazing. I would recommend it to anyone. Also, the casino will come pick you up in a van and take you to the town...which was nice. We didn't want to get back on our bikes!
Maxine's Rooms for Rent (Sedalia)
- + Maxine's was so fun! We spent the night there before hitting the trail. They went above and beyond! We love them! The room was really nice. The breakfast was yummy. Chigger made us feel at home....
Discussion started 04/02/2009 04:56 PM by BJ and Jill - 0 repliesBJ and Jill from Norman, OK on 04/02/2009 04:56 PM
Maxine's was so fun! We spent the night there before hitting the trail. They went above and beyond! We love them! The room was really nice. The breakfast was yummy. Chigger made us feel at home. We will definitely come back again...they felt like family!
BJ and Jill from Norman, OK on 04/02/2009 04:56 PM
Maxine's was so fun! We spent the night there before hitting the trail. They went above and beyond! We love them! The room was really nice. The breakfast was yummy. Chigger made us feel at home. We will definitely come back again...they felt like family!
Huntsdale to Mokane
- + Four of us planning this ride in May. Would like some info on terrain, shade?, beauty??, sights?? We've biked Columbia/Rochport and Defiance/Hermann--beautiful. How does proposed route compare? Th...
Discussion started 03/31/2009 05:36 PM by lrc - 3 replies (last reply by trinjboro at 04/02/2009 11:41 AM)lrc from Leon Iowa on 03/31/2009 05:36 PM
Four of us planning this ride in May. Would like some info on terrain, shade?, beauty??, sights?? We've biked Columbia/Rochport and Defiance/Hermann--beautiful. How does proposed route compare? Thanks!
jd from gkc on 04/02/2009 09:08 AM
Last spring I rode from Rocheport to Mokane and back. As with most of the trail, the scenery there is interesting and varied, in this case, along the Missouri River and the river-valley farmland. At that time, geese were nesting in or near the bluffs and lagoons between Huntsdale and Jeff City. Spring flowers of all sizes were blooming everywhere.
Several of the village stops have eateries of somekind, and points of interest with trailside markers. The trailheads at Tebbets and Mokane are fairly sparce. However, trail-riders can rest at the Turner Katy Trail Hostel in Tebbets (also a convenience store and bar-grill there), and go into the town of Mokane, a block or two north of the trailhead. Enjoy.
Trek on 04/02/2009 09:09 AM
Irc....this section does not differ much from the others that you've ridden. There are only a few miles difference between this middle section and the sections on either side that you've already ridden. Check the "Plan a Ride" feature above about this section. If you liked the parts that you've ridden, you should enjoy this trip as well.
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 04/02/2009 11:41 AM
I echo jd about the portion from Huntsdale to Jeff City. I found the portion from Jeff City to Mokane not as scenic and there are a lot of areas where there is little shade. The hostel in Tebbets is, although spartan, a good place to take a break or spend the night for only $5.00.
My First Attempt at More Than Just a Few Miles
- + Good Morning,
I am going to attempt riding from McKittrick back to St. Charles. I have my AmTrak ticket and should be all set. I have a few questions to the more experienced KT Riders (as wel...
Discussion started 04/01/2009 08:55 AM by David - 2 replies (last reply by David at 04/01/2009 02:40 PM)David from St. Louis on 04/01/2009 08:55 AM
Good Morning,
I am going to attempt riding from McKittrick back to St. Charles. I have my AmTrak ticket and should be all set. I have a few questions to the more experienced KT Riders (as well as anyone who lives along the trail):
1. Is the ride across the bridge (at Hermann) an easy one? I seem to recall someone telling me that the bridge has a bike lane.
2. Are the facilities along the way open? In other words, are the bathrooms available, or are they locked for the season? I seem to recall that there are places to get water along the way.
3. How about the businesses who cater to the trail - are they open or do they close for the season?
Thanks for your help!
Trek on 04/01/2009 09:58 AM
Yes, the Hermann bridge is easy to get across. There is a bike lane.
April 1 is the date for water to be turned on at the trailheads. The restrooms should be open.
Some businesses close for the off season. For example, the Trailside in Rocheport closes in the off season but opens April 1. Use "Plan a Ride" above to check details on business open hours.
David from St. Louis on 04/01/2009 02:40 PM
Thanks, Trek.
I didn't see that link, and now have all my answers.
Sedalia Fairground Parking
- + The map for the correct parking lot is here
http://www.mostatefair.com/documents/FacilityFiles/5_SedaliaFacts.pdf
The map on this site as of 3.31.09 appears incorrect.
Discussion started 03/31/2009 01:58 PM by pete - 0 repliespete from centerview, mo on 03/31/2009 01:58 PM
The map for the correct parking lot is here
http://www.mostatefair.com/documents/FacilityFiles/5_SedaliaFacts.pdf
The map on this site as of 3.31.09 appears incorrect.
KATY Trail is chosen as one of the 10 Great American Bike Trails
- + http://www.forbestraveler.com/adventure/bike-trails-us-slide-6.html?partner=playlist&thisSpeed=25000
Discussion started 03/31/2009 07:57 AM by trinjboro - 1 reply (last reply by Trek at 03/31/2009 10:45 AM)trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 03/31/2009 07:57 AM
http://www.forbestraveler.com/adventure/bike-trails-us-slide-6.html?partner=playlist&thisSpeed=25000
Trek on 03/31/2009 10:45 AM
That's great news for the Katy, the Missouri DNR, the state of Missouri, and all of the Katy users! It's interesting that several of the "trails" listed are actually road routes such as the Underground Railroad and the TransAm.
How far do you go in a day?
- + How far did you guys go in a day?
How many stops did you make, how in shape were you?
Discussion started 02/28/2009 08:27 AM by Michelle - 6 replies (last reply by Mike T at 03/30/2009 04:43 PM)Michelle from Springfield on 02/28/2009 08:27 AM
How far did you guys go in a day?
How many stops did you make, how in shape were you?
ka3751 from saint louis on 02/28/2009 02:17 PM
I do 40-50 miles per day at 12-14 mph, with 25 lbs gear. I usually take a 30-60 minute break halfway to eat and recharge. I get in good shape before doing these rides. However many miles you want to cover in a day on the trail, you should be able to do that amount on a street ride without feeling blitzed for the rest of day.
Good luck
Biker from Farmington, MO on 03/02/2009 02:42 PM
You don't have to be terribly in-shape to enjoy the ride, but it probably enhances the trip and your distance. I smoke a pack a week, occasionally drink more than I should, weigh about 60 lbs. more than my height should carry, and I averaged 10-12 mph, doing as much as 70 miles in a day on a mountain bike.
Jim from St. Thomas on 03/02/2009 03:37 PM
We have a group that rides the whole trail once a year and we do 60 miles the first 3 days and 40 miles the last day. We run a couple of sag vehicles and take a break every 15 miles or so for water and maybe a snack and we usually stop for lunch. We probably average 12 mph. We are all over the chart as far as fitness goes. The main problem with riding any distance is going to be where the rider meets the bike. Or, as Forest Gump would say, your buttocks.
Trek on 03/03/2009 02:44 PM
I think distance is directly related to your lung capacity, your leg muscle strength/endurance, and as Jim said, your buttocks. More times than not, the padding in my shorts flattens out long before my lungs or legs give way. Around the 25 mile mark it's time to get off the saddle for a rest before riding more. A good saddle is worth the investment as well as a decent pair of padded shorts. We generally ride 40 to 50 on the trail....sometimes less, sometimes more.
brad from st louis on 03/04/2009 09:34 AM
In 2004 I spent 7 days riding up and down the trail averaging 78 miles a day at a little over 11mph. I was also carrying camping supplies, tools, clothes, food and water. I was about 30 pounds overweight but I had been riding about 125 miles a week for about 4 months prior to that. That involved a lot of days riding when I didn't really feel like it.
I didn't spend much time in the towns along the way - I just wanted to get the miles in so I could say I did so many miles in 7 days. It was more of a personal challenge than a sight seeing trip.
I don't recommend that approach.
In 2007 I did the state's organized Katy trip. Less that 50 miles a day. Lots of rest stops and a much slower pace. And my supplies were carried by a truck - not by me. That was more enjoyable. I was still overweight, but I put in far fewer training miles. And far less time riding when I didn't want to ride.
Mike T from Kearney, Nebraska on 03/30/2009 04:43 PM
My wife and I rode the whole trail March 15 through the 19th. We rode 50 miles one day and rest we rode between 35 and 42 miles a day. There are plenty of places to stay along the way - don't kill yourself - enjoy the ride.
Mike T.
Nice!
- + Stayed here last fall, and it was awesome. Garage available for bike storage and a hot tub available for relaxation. Literally feet from the trail. Good rates, too. I'll stay again this fall.
Discussion started 03/30/2009 12:18 PM by coolabay - 0 repliescoolabay from St. Louis on 03/30/2009 12:18 PM
Stayed here last fall, and it was awesome. Garage available for bike storage and a hot tub available for relaxation. Literally feet from the trail. Good rates, too. I'll stay again this fall.
coolabay from St. Louis on 03/30/2009 12:18 PM
Stayed here last fall, and it was awesome. Garage available for bike storage and a hot tub available for relaxation. Literally feet from the trail. Good rates, too. I'll stay again this fall.
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Nice!
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=2657&tonly=1
Camping in town parks?
- + I saw a few mentions in other posts about camping in town parks along the trail. Can anyone elaborate for me? Are there certain parks you can camp in and others not? What are the restrictions?
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Discussion started 03/23/2009 04:39 PM by GabeSlough - 3 replies (last reply by DougK at 03/30/2009 09:49 AM)GabeSlough from Chicago on 03/23/2009 04:39 PM
I saw a few mentions in other posts about camping in town parks along the trail. Can anyone elaborate for me? Are there certain parks you can camp in and others not? What are the restrictions?
thanks!
greg from raytown, mo on 03/25/2009 07:28 PM
I would like to know that as well? I am going to do the Katy in June 09.I found a book at www.pebblepublishing.com The complete Katy Trail Guide Book 9th Edition $24.00 I sent for it.
Maybe this will help you as well.
Greg
Baboo from Shawnee, KS on 03/28/2009 02:59 PM
I have camped in town parks in Hartsburg and Herman, I also understand you can in Pilot Grove with advance notice.
Marthasville has a baseball park that allows camping.
Hope this helps
Allen
DougK from Troy on 03/30/2009 09:49 AM
Trust me. I hiked the entire trail in 07, the Trail Guide was a very valuable tool for planning and packing. Like the cocommercial says: Don't leave home without it.