Katy Trail Forum

Has anyone heard what the progress is on the extension from Sedalia to Kansas City? I have emailed the DNR twice now but get no replies.

Given the current state of the economy and its effect on the Missouri State budget, I would be surprised if the extension of the trail is not put on hold until things improve.

Can anyone recommend a route for bicycling from Clinton or Sedalia to Kansas City? Or is

such an undertaking not recommended at all?

Riding on the shoulder of large 4 lane highways and interstates can actually be pretty safe.

The shoulders are 10 feet wide and have a rumble strip between the right lane and the

shoulder to wake up drifting motorists.



Many people think that its against the law to ride on the interstate but Missouri law only

prohibits riding in the TRAVEL LANE of the interstate which i doubt anyone would want to

do anyway.



I've ridden hundreds of miles along those roads and actually feel safer than I do on rural

two lane roads because of the extra space.



Modot has actually put "share the road" signs pretty liberally on highway 13 from clinton

to springfield but I dont know about north.



MODOT has decent bicycling maps online and they have surveyed which roads have

shoulders and which do not.

MODOT has posted what they plan to do with the economic recovery funds being made available to them. http://www.modot.org/FirstinNation/ However, you will note when looking at the project list that the Katy Trail extension and bike lane over the Missouri river at Jefferson City is not one of those projects they anticipate starting within the 90-180 days requirements of the economic recovery package.

Just be patient. With the giveaway mode this administration is in, it's just a matter of time until they will be putting up more of our hard earned tax money to give away.

Unfortunately its not anyones tax money.



Its borrowed from communist china.

And how is political propaganda related to the katy trail?

The Katy trail is highly political. The fact that the Katy brings in more tax dollars in tourism than are spent on it doesn't negate the fact that it does cost tax dollars to maintain. Getting the Katy in the first place required a lot of lobbying, and even now if we didn't constantly watch out it would be gone in an instant.



I heard the extension to KC was getting some of the stimulus package.

Stayed here on our way thru on the Katy Trail. Very nice and clean place with hot tub, and washer and dryer. Yes this is not typical bed and breakfast, but if you read their website you would know that. We would consider going back with friends and rent the whole house for the weekend and do some biking.

Stayed here on our way thru on the Katy Trail. Very nice and clean place with hot tub, and washer and dryer. Yes this is not typical bed and breakfast, but if you read their website you would know that. We would consider going back with friends and rent the whole house for the weekend and do some biking.

K Reed - Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit. The leaves are starting to turn real nice right now, so the hot tub has been getting extra thumbs up lately! We look forward to seeing you back in Rocheport soon!

K Reed - Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit. The leaves are starting to turn real nice right now, so the hot tub has been getting extra thumbs up lately! We look forward to seeing you back in Rocheport soon!

Spring has sprung in Rocheport! The daffodils and crocus are unfurling their petals, and the trail is hopping! The Katy Trail B&B is open for the season with many improvements our guests have been asking for. I just fired up the hot tub yesterday, and the grill is ready for your BBQ. Keep us in mind for your spring Rocheport adventures!

Spring has sprung in Rocheport! The daffodils and crocus are unfurling their petals, and the trail is hopping! The Katy Trail B&B is open for the season with many improvements our guests have been asking for. I just fired up the hot tub yesterday, and the grill is ready for your BBQ. Keep us in mind for your spring Rocheport adventures!

Barb will tell you wonderful stories, ask her about the Ghost!

Barb at the Peers Store that is...

We have a group of friends with which we take a bike trip once a year. It's our turn to pick a trail, and we'd like to try Katy. None of us have been on any part of Katy Trail, and we would appreciate some input from any of you who know the trail. There will be 12 adults (ranging from avid bikers to once-a-year-peddlers) and 7 children (ranging from 7-20 years old). We usually ride a few hours, find a place to eat, and then return. On some trips we have shuttled our vehicles down the trail, but with so many that gets to be a hassle.

We're looking for a beautiful section of trail with a good place to eat after a few hours ride. Since we're from Illinois, the Eastern end would be preferable. Most likely, we will do something in St. Louis as well. Looking forward to hearing from anyone with ideas.

Thank you,

Patty

I think the Rocheport area is the most scenic. I live in St Louis and while I think the east end is OK (and more interesting than the far west end), I still find the bluffs and river views of the central portion to be the best part of the trail. I've eaten at the trailside restaurant in Rocheport and one of the downtown restaurants and found the food to be good and reasonably priced.

I totally agree with Brad, Rocheport is far and away the best area. I suggest you start in Rocheport and ride east. There are good places to eat in Rocheport and Hartsburg as well. Just a warning, the trail is HOT and HUMID in the summer. I would go April/May or late Sept/Oct.

Thank you for the replies. I guess we'll be sweating this one; as you might imagine, setting a date for six families is tough. We'll be going in MID JULY. How's that for timing? Is the trail better shaded in some areas than others? What about the Rocheport area?

It's shady right around Rocheport, but for most of the trail it's shady, then wide open, then shady, and so on.

Take lots of gatorade and water, and make sure you drink plenty and OFTEN !!

Rocheport is easy to get to right on Hwy-70. A 20-mile SE ride from there to McBaine and back might suit you all. Great food in Rocheport, too. One cafe next to the trail, two more downtown (two blocks away). One of them serves gormet lunch food, reasonably. If you want swank, the Les DeBourgeois restaurant on the hill between Rocheport and Hwy-70 can be accessed from the road or trail. Enjoy.

Have a trip planned beginning in May. Want suggestions on the best way to get from St. Charles to Lambert and then to the Amtrak station downtown for the return trip to KC. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.

Don't recall specific website, but search "st. charles transit". They have a commuter bus service that makes about 5 stops in St. Charles, one of which is the Ameristar Casino and ends at one of the Metrolink stops. Metrolink will take you straigth to downtown and drop you at the new transportation center where buses, Metrolink, Amtrak are all together (it was under construction last Sept when we biked the Katy, but I believe it is complete now. In any case, the temporary Amtrak station was a 500 foot walk from the Metro center). The St. Charles buses are COMMUTER buses, so there are about 5 departures that leave St. Charles very early in the morning Mon-Friday only, with returnS in the late afternoon, so it is not an all-day service.)

SHOULD BE A SHUTTLE FROM THE CASINO TO THE HOTELS AROUND LAMBERT. CATCH METRO LINK FROM LAMBERT TO DOWNTOWN.

Hi everyone:



My husband and I are planning a quick bike/camp trip from Rhineland to St Charles in May. We won't be staying at any inns along the route but would like to stop in at some of the wineries. Where do people store their gear while at restaurants and wineries? Being from Chicago I get nervous about leaving it on my bike.



Thanks everyone.

Gabes....the odds are probably in your favor that nothing will happen to your stuff but it always pays to be cautious. We've been on several trails as well as the Katy and have never had a problem. We've traveled with a trailer and/or with panniers and no one has bothered our stuff....yet. We each ride with handlebar bags that we take with us when the bikes are left alone and locked. And the gps, etc. always goes in the bags with us. I figure if someone is so inclined to steal from me they can have a pair of dirty shorts and a shirt or two and I'll be happy to keep what really counts.

Gabes,



I usually left my backpack outside of the door if I was just ducking into a Casey’s, etc. Most restaurants along the trail are great about leaving your pack near the register where they can keep an eye on it for you while you eat. Pay attention to your surroundings and use your best judgment. You can always pull a DougK and stash everything in the weeds when no one is watching.

Thanks!

I have ridden the entire length of the trail 6 times on different bikes. I take camera wallet ect. with me in a fanny pack I leave the bike sometimes locked sometime not depends on where I am. I never have had any problems. I don,t worry to much about clothes camping gear stuff like that.

Hey Everyone!



I'm planning a trip for myself from April 8-11 or 12th from Sedalia to Hermann. If anyone

would like to join, I would be delighted.



Email me at baker.0195@gmail.com if interested.

Anything fun going on for St Pattys Day near Augusta? or not to far in either direction?

can anyone tell me when the shower house at Klondike is going to open this year? Online lists April 1st, weather permitiing, however I read a new alert that winterization lasts from November til March 1st... I am wanting to head out there this week, but am unsure if I should because of possibly not having water...thanks!

can anyone tell me when the shower house at Klondike is going to open this year? Online lists April 1st, weather permitiing, however I read a new alert that winterization lasts from November til March 1st... I am wanting to head out there this week, but am unsure if I should because of possibly not having water...thanks!

From the Kansas City Star article online

Extending Katy Trail into area is chugging along
By BILL GRAHAM

Surveys, assessments and agreements remain to be done to get Missouri’s Katy Trail linked with the Kansas City area’s trails, officials say.

The 225-mile hiking and bicycling trail already stretches from St. Charles to Clinton, mostly on abandoned rail bed. But the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which operates the trail, and Kansas City officials want to bring it into the area.

That possibility opened in 2007 when the state received a $180 million settlement from AmerenUE over the 2005 collapse of the utility’s Taum Sauk reservoir in eastern Missouri. That settlement also gave the state the right to use 46 miles of abandoned Rock Island Railroad right of way controlled by the utility from Windsor to Pleasant Hill as a Katy Trail route, and it provided $18 million to pay for the costs.

Also, area communities are working through the Mid-America Regional Council to use 22 separate miles of the Rock Island line from Pleasant Hill to the Leeds Industrial District as access to the Blue River and then downtown. The Union Pacific Railroad owns that right of way.

For the state’s trail to Pleasant Hill, park officials are still trying to assess what engineering and construction problems they face, said spokeswoman Sue Holst.

“Engineers are compiling a survey of the trail route and the natural and cultural resources,” Holst said. “We also had to determine where the actual property boundaries are.”

That survey is expected to be delivered to state park managers by March 31, she said.

“Once we can get that information, we can start designing the trail,”....

see rest of article online

Thanks for the update Ray, I look forward to the day I can ride my bike from KC to STL.



Paulie

I'm considering a ride with 3 teens the week of March 22. I'm an innkeeper and would like to stay at B&B's. I've found one in Herman. Is the trail paved and are we heading up hill if we start in Herman?

Herman is not actually on the trail. It's across the river from McKittrick. You have to ride the highway shoulder until you get to the bridge. There is a dedicated bike lane on the bridge but you ride on the streets when you are in Herman. Pretty low traffic for the most part in Herman though.

Yeah - what Jim said plus once you are on the trail it is fairly flat in that area and the trail is not paved but rather is crushed limestone. I would suggest you go to the FAQ in the menu bar above. It is a good place to start for answers to the most common questions new visitors to the trail have.



Hope the weather cooperates for your trip - temps have been in the 30-50 range lately.

Anyone know if any of the recent rains have affected the trail between Rocheport and Jeff City? Thinking about driving down there this weekend if it's not too soggy.

Thanks!

Was there two years ago and place was closed while backpacking from Herman to Columbia. Camping didn't look all that safe and the people a the post office were hesistant to even give us some ater. Had to walk on into Mokane which was four miles but turned out to be great,

Was there two years ago and place was closed while backpacking from Herman to Columbia. Camping didn't look all that safe and the people a the post office were hesistant to even give us some ater. Had to walk on into Mokane which was four miles but turned out to be great,

I agree that camping there is shaky and I've camped in some shaky places! I'm not sure what to say about the Post Office because they refilled 4 water bottles for me.

I agree that camping there is shaky and I've camped in some shaky places! I'm not sure what to say about the Post Office because they refilled 4 water bottles for me.

My family plans (kids 6 and 1) to bike a portion of the trail coming from Kansas City. We're thinking about staying in Boonville because of the lodging options (Holiday Inn Express)in particular but I'm unsure about the ride on the trail in Boonville...Does anyone know about the this portion of the trail? I'm also wondering about the best time of year to go. Any suggestions about traveling with small kids?

There is not much to entertain kids either direction from Boonville. If you stay at the Holiday Inn, riding the trail from there eastward toward the trailhead is a rather long downhill.....Lard Hill. It's a nice downhill ride...but you have to ride up it to get back to Holiday Inn. You might consider driving to Rocheport to get on the trail.... more neat things to see from the tunnel east to the petroglyphs.

Does anyone know if there's a trail connecting the N. Jefferson trailhead to Osage Beach?

No trail. Hiway 54 to the lake? I wouldn't advise it.

I ride a recumbent with a BOB trailer -- neither of which seems to be welcome on AMTRAK. My desired plan: Ride from Sedalia to Washington and catch the train (without equipment)back to Sedalia. This would necessitate leaving bike and trailer somewhere in Washington, to be picked up later in the day when I drive back eastward. Perhaps the B&B in Washington could do this for me....but I have seen no such comments, questions or information regarding this plan. Any advice? BTW, this site, bikekatytrail is WONDERFUL!!

Go for it! I'd certainly ask the B&B that I was looking to stay at if they would let me leave some gear there for the day....if they wouldn't I'd check into staying at a different place. I've left my vehicle over nite in a motel parking lot while riding an out and back several times and no one has ever hesitated to tell me that it was okay to do so. All they usually ask is that I move it out of the way for the new paying customers.

The trail is for horseback riding as well, isn't it?

According to the website FAQ:



Are horses allowed on the Katy Trail?



Yes, horseback riding is allowed between Calhoun and the Sedalia Fairgrounds trailhead, a total distance of approximately 25 miles. Trailhead parking lots along the equestrian section of the Katy Trail are designed to accommodate horse trailer parking.

YOU CAN BED YOU AND YOUR HORSE DOWN AT CRUCE'S CABOOSES. HAVE A MEAL AROUND THE CAMPFIRE AND HEAD OUT THE NEXT MORNING.

The site says no overnight parking at the St Charles trailhead - is this true? We planned to park there for a week. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

The site says no overnight parking at the St Charles trailhead - is this true? We planned to park there for a week. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

You may want to check this old thread and/or check with the St Charles Police Department, their non-emergency number is 636-949-3300 to help get an answer to your question.



http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=53&full=&ascdesc=&pg=

You may want to check this old thread and/or check with the St Charles Police Department, their non-emergency number is 636-949-3300 to help get an answer to your question.



http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=53&full=&ascdesc=&pg=

Park up the hill at the bass-pro parking lot. There's also a commuter park and ride near the trail.

Park up the hill at the bass-pro parking lot. There's also a commuter park and ride near the trail.

Rode Defiance to Dutzow and back today. Trail was in good shape, and DNR trucks were out sprucing it up a bit. Still a few washout spots, and some loose gravel fill, but nothing to worry about. The wind was fierce. Talk about brutal. ;>p

If you're passing through Sedalia I'd like to throw out two recommendations. First, the Sedalia House Bed and Breakfast is a delightful place to hang your hat overnight. The hosts are charming, facility is clean and accomodating, and breakfast is delicious. Second, check out the new Napolis Italian Restaurant (formerly Red Apple). The food is very good and prices are reasonable. While there I even caught some live music.

Does anyone have some advice on completing the entire trail? Is the Machens path opened yet? Do I need to talk to park services to let them know I will be riding through out the night? Thanks!

If you call them they will just tell you NOT to do it.



I doubt that you get caught and if you do they will just ask you to leave the trail.

It would be nice if there was a taxi or car service or even someone honest who has a pick up truck, who give a biker and and bike a ride just over the bridge into Washington from the crossroads that are located just North of that narrow bridge that leads into town.

I have stood in a safe area where vehicles can pull over with my thumb out and hitched a ride either way over that bridge, and took my chances on who gave me a ride. I did want a ride with any criminal types or people who had other problems and I did not have any problems hitchhiking there with the police. If I would have solicited a ride from a criminal type mabie it would be a different story.

For those bikers on the Katy Trail needing a ride across the bridge at Washington you have several options: the newest one is Revolution Cycles, the new bike shop in town. Joe has a bike carrier for 4 bikes and can be reached at 636 390-9999. The other options are Millennium Taxi, 636 239-0009 or YO Taxi, 636 271-1305. Also, several of the B&B will pick you up if you are staying with them. All of them will get you Washington safely. If anyone has question about Washington call me at the Washington Tourism Office at 636 239-2715, ext 102.

LOVE your photos!!!!

Two of us stayed there in June 2008. The store was closed. I think it was a Sunday or Monday night but we had eaten at a town before getting there so we were o.k. It's best to have a little emergency food. Four others were staying there and they were hiking across the US to Oregon. It rained that night so we were glad we were there. I read a book and it was clean.

Thats good as they do not allow reading dirty books in Tebbetts.