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?
<...
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.
Camping spots on the trail
- + Hi all,
Planning a solo ride on the trail from Clinton to St. Charles in late May/early June and was wondering about places to camp. I am planning to leave Clinton and ride to Pilot Grove on day 1 ...
Discussion started 03/14/2009 07:19 PM by Roger R. - 3 replies (last reply by DougK at 03/30/2009 09:47 AM)Roger R. from Jefferson City MO on 03/14/2009 07:19 PM
Hi all,
Planning a solo ride on the trail from Clinton to St. Charles in late May/early June and was wondering about places to camp. I am planning to leave Clinton and ride to Pilot Grove on day 1 (61.3 miles) and camp overnight. Day 2 is Pilot Grove to Jefferson City (60.1 miles) where I will sleep at home! Day 3 is Jeff City to Marthasville (65.5 mi) where I will camp. Day 4 is Marthasville to St. Charles (38.2 mi). My question is about camping spots. The charts and book indicate there is camping at Pilot Grove, and Marthasville. Has anyone camped there? Can you give any details about bathroom facilities, etc. there? I can skip the shower and don't need anything much, but bathroom would be nice!
stevie from saint louis on 03/16/2009 11:17 AM
Both Pilot Grove & Marthasville are City run parks. They do have the facilities you mention, but you need to contact the City to assure 24 hour access for your trip.
kevo from Springfield, MO on 03/29/2009 06:26 PM
We camped at the city park in Pilot Grove 2 summers ago. When we arrived the bathrooms were locked but within an hour the fellow in charge of them came over to unlock them for us. Apparently he lives close by and saw our tent. If you find that they are locked and he doesn't show there is a Caseys just down the street with a restroom! Not sure about marthasville.
DougK from Troy on 03/30/2009 09:47 AM
Do not stay at the campground with the tee-pees. I paid %1.50 for a small (about a shot) of gatorade after trying to convince them to open at 2 in the adternoon. There were no tee-pees when I went through, only knee high weeds.