Katy Trail Forum

I have been trying to reach Gary for the past few days without success (the phone always rings busy). Is there another phone number other than the one posted?

his (creason's) number may have changed. here is the latest one I've seen 573-694-2027

That's the number I have been trying.

this is a great place!! they have really cool bikes to rent. it's fun to hang out outside or look around the shop. lots of good snacks and nice bathrooms!!

this is a great place!! they have really cool bikes to rent. it's fun to hang out outside or look around the shop. lots of good snacks and nice bathrooms!!

How much to rent a bike for a day?

How much to rent a bike for a day?

I agree.. Best place on the entire trail. Owner is always friendly, just a fun place to look around. Wished the Bike Shop in Rocheport could find the revenue to duplicate this place, since it is centrally located..

I agree.. Best place on the entire trail. Owner is always friendly, just a fun place to look around. Wished the Bike Shop in Rocheport could find the revenue to duplicate this place, since it is centrally located..

Matt, rates are listed on their website. Happy trails!

Matt, rates are listed on their website. Happy trails!

Best selection of jerseys in the St. Louis area. Also, family members have found gloves and

touring bags at a lower price than I paid for mine. (It's also an ice cream stop!)

Best selection of jerseys in the St. Louis area. Also, family members have found gloves and

touring bags at a lower price than I paid for mine. (It's also an ice cream stop!)

After dong the C&O Canal and The Great Alleghany we decided the Katy was next. So earlier this month 4 of us did a leisurely 5 day from Sedalia to St. Charles. Wanted to share some of our experience: Used Katy Bike Rental in Defiance for shuttles to and from airport(to Sedalia) and bike rentals - would recommend to everyone(fourth day out had 3 flats on tire and they brought new wheel to us within an hour), most memorable stay was School House Inn in Rocheport and most accommodating Meyers Hilltop Farm in McKittrick, really good dinners at Stone Hill Winery in Hermann/Abigails in Rocheport/Cliff Manor Inn in Jeff City(we learned how to say it like a native). Sedalia Depot was a highlight as was St. Charles. Greatest appeal was the trail itself and the wineries along the way. Kiosks were a very helpful/restrooms clean/people very friendly. Lewis and Clark historical signage was also informative. Next year maybe the Cowboy Trail - anyone have any helpful advice?

lmilfam, welcome to our part of the country. glad you enjoyed the katy, and most of all had fun. i rode the creeper trail in damascus, va last august. from whitetop to damascus, three flat tires and had to walk the final three miles, but still had tons of fun and loved the area. even got to walk part of the appalachian trail. thers nuttin like the katy though. glad you enjoyed it.

Recently we drove next to the Cowboy Trail (Hyw-20) between Valentine and Norfolk, NE. Much of the trail looked like limestone. We could see what looked like restroom facilities from the road. The corridor was lined with tree-rows on either or both sides of it. The smalltowns appeared well-kept with dining and lodging places available. We also spent a night in a single-story motel in Valentine. Our clean room had a big easy chair, flat-screen TV, and a big bathroom, which came with a diversified continental breakfast. Cost for the two of us: $35.

We just rode the trail with our 2 year old over the Labor Day long weekend and can highly recommend 'The Little House' B&B in Marthasville. It's an easy day's ride from St Charles and a fantastic little place for your first (or last) night's atay. Rita was incredibly accommodating and met us at the Little House at our pre-determined time. She had a range of goodies ready for us, including a tasty home-cooked cake. The Little House is well set up for riders, located about 50 yards off of the Katy Trail and with a lock-up shed for bikes and other stuff. The House is tastefully decorated and was quite safe for our little one who is a bit of an explorer. The B&B is also located only a few hundred yards from a local bar and restaurant, which provided much needed sustinance after a day on the Trail. Thanks again Rita. Paul & Fiona...

Does anyone know the best way to get to Clinton from Kansas City? Does anyone want to share a shuttle ride? I can leave early Saturday 9-13-2008 or Monday 9-15. I plan to ride the whole thing and camp out mostly. Then, I need to end up back in Kansas City in about 12 days. Your input on logistical strategies is most welcome!

Please reply here, but also OK to contact direct lcbates1000@yahoo.com.

I rode from Creve Couer all the way to Dutzow and back in one day. Very grueling ride. I ate my lunch at this local deli. The service was excellent and the food was good. This is a great stop on the trail and it is always nice to meet all the kind folk that live far outside st louis.

I rode from Creve Couer all the way to Dutzow and back in one day. Very grueling ride. I ate my lunch at this local deli. The service was excellent and the food was good. This is a great stop on the trail and it is always nice to meet all the kind folk that live far outside st louis.

We want to do a 10 mile walk on the Katy Trail. Starting at Weldon Springs (where is the starting point?) to Matson. Has anybody ever done this before? Is the terain level or hilly? Appreciate all comments. If you have a better recommendation we would like to hear.

Connie,

Lots of us have walked that stretch. Its not a bad stretch at all. The whole trail from Boonville to Machens is essentialy flat as a board. You might run into a few rises crossing roads or levees, but nothing daunting. Take water and a snack and take a break or two and enjoy the scenery. Are the people going on the walk used to walking at least that far? Decent shoes are a must, and have a good time.

Good section of trail to start on. Take water and enjoy the walk. Defiance is a nice location for a break.

you might find the thread about vehicle break-in's at Weldon Springs and consider starting at Matson instead.

We will be needing to leave a car in the St. Charles area for 5 nights as we ride the trail. Where would people recommend as a safe, preferably locked, place?

Thanks,Jan

This is a great event for family and friends. We get a group together starting in Jefferson City N Jefferson...Katy Trail and ride the 10 miles to the festival and back again, making it a fun full day.

This is a great event for family and friends. We get a group together starting in Jefferson City N Jefferson...Katy Trail and ride the 10 miles to the festival and back again, making it a fun full day.

If you don't mind a couple extra riders let us know when your leaving north jefferson as my friend and I are planning on making the trip also. We ride this section of the trail quite often and find it very nice. Ron

If you don't mind a couple extra riders let us know when your leaving north jefferson as my friend and I are planning on making the trip also. We ride this section of the trail quite often and find it very nice. Ron

My wife is the Mayor of Hartsburg and a member of the Pumpkin Festival committee. She works very hard to make this a family frendly event and she invites all bikers to ride to the event because cars are often backed up for 4 or 5 miles waiting to get into town. In years past we have had 30,000 to 55,000 come vist our town of 108 people. Come and have a good time.

My wife is the Mayor of Hartsburg and a member of the Pumpkin Festival committee. She works very hard to make this a family frendly event and she invites all bikers to ride to the event because cars are often backed up for 4 or 5 miles waiting to get into town. In years past we have had 30,000 to 55,000 come vist our town of 108 people. Come and have a good time.

We want to ride from Clinton back to St. Charles and are thinking of train to Sedalia, shuttle to Clinton and biking back. What are peoples experiences about parking cars and getting to the morning train to go West. I saw the post about Yellow Cab but will they take bikes? Logistics is the issue.

Thanks! We can hardly wait!

The civic center across the street from the Clinton trailhead is an excellent place to park your car. Let them know your plans and they will watch your car. I would ride to St. Charles, go back up the trail 34 miles to Dutzow and catch the train to Sedalia from there. Less hassle than carting bikes to the station in St Louis. Get off in Sedalia and ride into Clinton. When you make your train reservations be sure you tell them you are also bringing a bike.

I think Jan was hoping to go the other way: Park in St. Chas, take the train to Sedalia, shuttle to Clinton and ride back to St. Chas.



I'd also be interested in the logistics.

I am planning a group to ride from Clinton to St. Charles as well. We are leaving September 19. Let me know if your dates are the same and we can share the cost. I have 3 riders and gear. thanks

we are located in St Charles (3 blocks from trail) we can help you with shuttling to train to go to Sedalia ---- and there is a service in Sedalia to shuttle you to Clinton (Davidison -----660-596-1426 ----- I think the fee is 30.00) ----- call me at 636-946-0619

Jim's was a life saver! We came through in June of 2008 and the trail was flooded in places and mud everywhere else! Jim gave us food and a ride to our car. We are already planning on finishing the trail this spring!

Jim's was a life saver! We came through in June of 2008 and the trail was flooded in places and mud everywhere else! Jim gave us food and a ride to our car. We are already planning on finishing the trail this spring!

i have family buried in the ebenezer church cemetery in the davis-dale conservation area and it is so overgrown with tall trees and tall weeds that i could not get to the cemetery,i find it appauling that families that have family members buried in cemeteries in the davis-dale conservation area cannot have access to the cemeteries.i am mad that i am not allowed to visit my family who are buried in the ebenezer church cemetery.the conservation agents or the forestry service is not doing their jobs by keeping these cemeteries accessible to us.i want something done post haste!!!!!!!!

carla jean page

re:snell family buried in the ebenezer church cemetery

davis-dale conservation area

That is unfortunate. I'm curious to know why the rant here though? I don't think the average Katy rider is responsible in any fashion for this? If you would like something done "post haste" what are you doing wasting time posting on this forum, when you could have been contacting someone who can fix your problem?

If it means that much to you get out And take your weedeater and get to work. Don't blame it on people that DON'T have family there. Hey Ray, how about you just delete this thread?

Try again during the winter when there are no bugs and the grass/plants are much easier to trudge through. It sounds like it's been awhile since you've last been there so waiting a few months shouldn't be a problem.

There is an area off Katy trail in the davis dale conservation area I like to visit and it seems they mow it once every few months, maybe if you let them know they could send the mower out to where your family is buried.

Sorry to hear about that. But as others have indicated, you're barking up the wrong tree - Davisdale is managed by the Mo Department of Conservation. They're not affiliated with the Katy Trail (that's the Dept of Natural Resources) and they will never see your message here. Try http://www.mdc.mo.gov/ - good luck.

My first thought is if you are that bent out of shape about the cemetary, stop wasting your time making a fuss out of the issue, (in the wrong place no less), and actually DO something. What about personal responsibility for tending your families graves? Like Doug said, get out a weedeater and go to town.

I live relatively close to the Katy Trail at St. Charles, and though I've been on it a number of times I've never gone too far. I'm wondering if it's possible to commute to work if I leave from St. Charles to the Mid Rivers Mall Drive area; as in how close is the trail to the area around the mall/how far will I have to travel from the trail? Trying to be Greener! Thanks!

Riding from the Mid Rivers Mall area to the Katy trail is easier than riding from the Katy Trail to Mid Rivers Mall because of the hills. If you take the Katy to the end of Greens Bottom Rd. you can get to Mid Rivers Mall by following Greens Bottom to the right up a very steep and curvy hill. Greens Bottom turns into Pitman Hill. If you continue straight on Pitman Hill, it will turn into Mid Rivers Mall Dr once you cross HWY 94. This would be the easiest and fastest way if you are unfamiliar with the area. The safer way is to follow Greens Bottom up to the top of the hill and then turn right onto Kisker Rd. Kisker Rd. will take you across HWY 94 where you will cross, and then Kisker ends at Central School Rd. Make a left onto Central School Rd. and follow it down to Mid Rivers Mall Dr. Turn right on Mid Rivers to go to the mall. From the St. Charles trail head it will probably take you a long time to get to the mall because the Katy trail itself goes in the wrong direction away from the mall. It would probably take me 2 hours or more from the St. Charles trail head. It may be easier for you to ride the service rd. or possibly other side streets to the Mid Rivers Mall area if you live close to I-70. It would definitely be faster too, but the Katy trail would be much more fun.

Awesome directions, thanks Matt. I'll do a trial run on an off day to see how long that will take me.

Let us know how it goes, as you might get others to consider riding to work and saving gas, money, and their health! I have a friend that rides trails to work in Chicago area and says it doesn't take any longer other than changing clothes. The best benefit to him is he arrives in good spirits rather that white knuckled.

I see that there a number of towns along the trail with commercial or municipal camping facilities, but I was wondering about other options. Are there places where I can just pull off the trail (outside of any town) and just set up my tent? Thanks!

It's my understanding the trail itself is a MO State Park, but the land surrounding it (off the trail) for the most part is private, and you would be considered tresspassing.

Cliff,

As the above poster said, if you get just a few feet off the trail, you are generally on private property and run the risk of trespassing. HOWEVER, there are some property owners who allow people to camp on their land, with permission, of course. The bar in Steedman allows camping, the Davisdale Conservation Area between Rocheport and New Franklin has primitive camping. I am sure there are other areas, too. The best bet is to make a few phone calls and scout out various sites.

Yes it is a MO State Park, but open hours are daylight only. That would eleminate night time activity.....such as camping.

I think the longest I hiked between campgrounds was 20 (give or take) miles. Are you hiking or biking??

I found a black and pink breast cancer awareness cooler by the Family Arena (Between the 364 bridge and downtown St. Charles) 2 weeks ago. Please contact me at (636) 579-0647.



Thanks!

Wow, I really hope it was empty and there weren't any organ transplants inside!

I highly recommend a stay at The High Street Victorian Bed and Breakfast. The innkeepers are welcoming and gracious hosts. The home itself is gorgeous and beautifully decorated. The Innkeeper Kriss makes the most fantastic breakfasts that will leave you happy and satisfied to go about your day.



This B&B is in a perfect location to walk to restaurants and quaint shops downtown. If you prefer outdoor adventures they are right there (1/2 block)for the senic KATY TRAIL - bicycling trail.



Room rates are more than reasonable. If you want a romantic relaxing getaway - or a place to rest after a good ride, go see The High Street Victorian, you will be as impressed as I was! They are above average lodging in Boonville without the hefty price tag.



Rocky Mount, Virginia

Does anyone know what the Creve Coeur trail is going to look like in the current Maryland Heights Expressway construction area when it's all finished? Will there be some type of overpass, bridge, etc.?

I asked Maryland Heights this question last spring and was told it would be an overpass and WOULD be open by mid-August. (Everyone can stop laughing now). I asked if that was August in 2009 or 2010 but got the politically correct THIS August. Hmmmm.

I Rode through there today, and the overpass is indeed taking shape. The ramp for the east side is up along with the pier that will support the overpass between the two directions of traffic. It looks like it will be pretty nice.

The accomodations and food were superb. The biggest hill climb along the trail was reaching the b&b (quite doable).

The accomodations and food were superb. The biggest hill climb along the trail was reaching the b&b (quite doable).