Katy Trail Forum

Is there some reason why the small towns that support the Katy Trail and their visitors/riders don't have a list and phone numbers of nearby B&B's, hotels, etc...? I only bring this up because I was stuck out on the trail, behind schedule (because of the weather) and I could not get to where I was planning on going before nightfall. The bike rental guy in Rocheport and his two co-workers in the restaurant next to the bike rental were quite possibly the most unhelpful people I have ever met in my life. They weren't unfriendly, but they didn't go out of their way to be nice either. The kid working at Catfish Katy's was very nice but he had no clue about anything on the Katy other than the mileage chart he had posted on the wall, which was the same map I had in my pack.....no help there either. I asked both of these places if they had phone numbers of any hotels or someone that I could pay to give me a ride and they all looked at me like a deer in headlights. I'm only bringing this up because I had to ride for over 2hrs in the pitch black (no moon because of cloud cover) along the Katy until I got to Hartsburg because nobody would help out whatsoever. I'll leave my good feedback about the wonderful town of Hartsburg on another topic......

I sympathize with your plight. It could not be fun riding the trail in the dark. But I might add that it's the rider's job to be prepared for instances like this, not every business along the trail. They are concentrating on running their own business, not everyone elses. Having the Bret Darfur (sp?) Katy Trail book would have been a great help to you. That's an easy thing to carry in a pack. It would at least give you your options at each trailhead.

I was actually well prepared except I opted to not bring my tent this year, which was a minor mistake. Here's my take on this......if the business owners along the Katy want to get their Katy business back to the way it was before the '93 floods, then they should consider being a bit more accommodating to the people that support their businesses. Offering to pick up a phone book or even offering to call one of the other small towns along the trail would have been a very nice gesture. The townspeople of Hartsburg and the Mayor and her husband were extremely nice and helpful and I will gladly spend my money in their town in hopes that they will rub off on some of the other surrounding towns.

When you travel by car and wheel into a town....do you expect any given business to have "a list and phone numbers of nearby B&B's, hotels, etc?" Do you expect them to pay for a long distance call to the next three towns down the road? The Plan a Ride feature of this website is a great way to generate a list of businesses in towns that you are traveling through. And then when carrying your own cell phone and customized list.....the burden to find information about upcoming towns falls where it should be.

I agree with trek. It doesn't sound like you were as well prepared as you should have been.

I was under the impression that part of the allure of the Katy Trail was the rustic solitude? In my mind rustic solitude includes having to rough it a bit and calls for appropriate planning. I know it's a long way from Johnson County, KS where there is a helpful, smiling, soul on every corner but being a long way from Johnson County is one of the most appealing aspects of the Katy.

So bring a flashlight, some rain gear, and an intrepid attitude next time you visit the trail!

Well, in case you weren't aware, the park (and trail) are closed after nightfall. Being from Johnson County has nothing to do with it as I see it, but whatever. That's a pretty typical response from people that don't live where I live though. Also, go ahead and ride 100mi of the Katy in one day and still have 30mi to go at dusk and then tell me how thrilled you are that nobody will raise a finger to help you. The simple point is that I asked if someone could help me with a phone number (didn't ask anyone to call Jeff City for me) and everyone stood there looking dumb and unwilling to even attempt to help. I guess since the perception of JoCo is that there is a "smiling soul on every corner", then I should just get a limo and drive the Katy next year and hand out caviar to the people we pass along the trail. We might even turn on the headlights and drive down the trail in the dark too.

I have had a couple of good experiences with people going out of their way to help me while I was having trouble on the trail. Once while riding the trail, my friend lost his car key and cell phone somewhere between Dutzow and Treloar. Basically, the last place we saw the key and phone was Dutzow, and we didn't realize that they were missing until Treloar. A post office employee in Marthasville let us into the post office after hours so we could phone someone about meeting us somewhere with a spare key. Also, while searching for the lost items, we ran into a couple of guys out of Graham Cave Park working on a trail bridge who not only let us use their phone to make multiple calls, but they also chased us down after we had rode off because someone that we had called had called their phone back. The reason I am posting this story is because I feel that Jason's experience is an exception not the norm for the trail.

I agree with Matt. I don't think anyone should expect people to go out of there way for you just because you have had a long day. As part of the planning process I would suggest planning a trip you can handle. Maybe even try training a little before you go. We leave Wednesday and I'll let you know if anyone helps us out when it's cold, wet, and lonely. Keep you chin up, Jason! You can always swing by Dean and Deluca and share your story of woe over a strong mocha latte!

Dang EB, it almost sounds like you don't like people from Johnson County? Not sure what all of the angst is about, but at least Matt and the others had reasonable things to say that were somewhat constructive. I don't disagree with Matt that this might have been an isolated incident, but aside from phone books of all of the surrounding towns, I was well prepared for my ride and I don't think that people that rely on Katy Trail riders and tourists should shun people looking for help. Looks as if I'm the only person this has happened to. Good luck...

Just having some fun while defending the fine people of central Missouri. You'll be happy to hear it's supposed to rain the entire trip.

Never happy to hear that, that trail gets nasty when it's raining. Every time I'm on that trail and it rains, my butler ends up spending countless hours cleaning my bike on our tour bus that night.

Jason

It is a bummer that you felt shunned. Sounds to me if you had your tent with you, you would have roughed it. Gotta blame yourself for that one. I can seriously sympathize with you on riding in pitch black. The first time my brother and I rode the Katy, we started in Clinton and set out for Hartsburg, where our elderly mother lives. We wanted to freak her out by knocking on her door....on our bikes!

Didnt work that way. I blame bad planning. We got started a 2pm that Saturday. Well, needless to say, we didnt make it to Moms by sundown! We rode in pitch black for 30 minutes until we hit Sedalia. We hit a motel that night and got started at 9am Sunday. We pulled into Boonville at 5pm. That was when we called Mom and had her come rescue us. No need to mention the level of embarrasment we experinced. My prostate was mashed so flat from the ride that I couldnt make water for 2 days!! When we put time to miles, we had gone 72 miles in 28 hours. That was on a Memorial day weekend. We decided to come back Labor day and try it again. We did, but with a SOLID plan.

My hat is off to you for taking a 100 mile ride in October, especially in inclinate weather. Email me backchannel fitzwell66@yahoo.com if you want to tackle the ol' MKT again. My brother is in Maddagascar, and I cant find anyone to ride with.

I sure wish you didnt come away with a bad taste over your incedent. There's always next time.

Jason

I forgot in my last post-you bring the caviar, and i'll bring the gizzards!



Pat the Maniak

I do sympathize. This is a customer service industry and referrals should come back to the

business owner tenfold. HOWEVER, as I recall, this is a rather desolate part of the trail.

They can't recommend a B&B if there isn't one! That's why you need to plan ahead for

certain areas of the trail (with contingency plans for your plans and a list of phone numbers

from this website). Lesson learned--move on.

My ABSOLUTE favorite establishment on the entire KATY Trail! The ambiance, the service, the accomodations, the history....all represent a time when life was much simpler. If your ride takes you to or through this area, DO NOT pass up the opportunity to experience this true slice of Americana.

My ABSOLUTE favorite establishment on the entire KATY Trail! The ambiance, the service, the accomodations, the history....all represent a time when life was much simpler. If your ride takes you to or through this area, DO NOT pass up the opportunity to experience this true slice of Americana.

I agree! It's like going back 50 years in time!

I agree! It's like going back 50 years in time!

I agree on your comments about Peers store. I found the place while looking for lunch and a place out of the rain in May this year. Soup and a sandwich and what appeared to be most of the neighbors in the area. I would recommend this stop to anyone riding the trail.(pass on the coffee).

I agree on your comments about Peers store. I found the place while looking for lunch and a place out of the rain in May this year. Soup and a sandwich and what appeared to be most of the neighbors in the area. I would recommend this stop to anyone riding the trail.(pass on the coffee).

Sounds like a place to visit on my trip this month. Where is Peers? I don't see it on the map.

Sounds like a place to visit on my trip this month. Where is Peers? I don't see it on the map.

It's between Treloar and Marthasville. Here's a web page with Peers info. If you visit the store, be sure to ask about the flood of '93 - some interesting stories.

It's between Treloar and Marthasville. Here's a web page with Peers info. If you visit the store, be sure to ask about the flood of '93 - some interesting stories.

Very nice people, offered pork-burger platters during the DRN trail ride. It's definitely worth the stop.

Very nice people, offered pork-burger platters during the DRN trail ride. It's definitely worth the stop.

The folks at Peers were very helpful to me for my recent overnight stay. I felt welcomed, trusted, and appreciated. A word of caution: the accommodations are spartan. The old-timey bed and squeaky ceiling fan were bothersome, but I put my sleeping bag on the floor in front of a box fan and slept like a baby. I didn't turn on the TV in the room, not even to watch the one movie in their video collection. The bathroom was the most unimpressive - a tub with a hand sprayer, not much water pressure and not much hot water. You aren't allowed to flush your toilet paper because it will clog up the pipes. But with all that said, if all you need is a place to sleep and a breakfast sandwich, do you really need to spend $60 more for a B&B?

The folks at Peers were very helpful to me for my recent overnight stay. I felt welcomed, trusted, and appreciated. A word of caution: the accommodations are spartan. The old-timey bed and squeaky ceiling fan were bothersome, but I put my sleeping bag on the floor in front of a box fan and slept like a baby. I didn't turn on the TV in the room, not even to watch the one movie in their video collection. The bathroom was the most unimpressive - a tub with a hand sprayer, not much water pressure and not much hot water. You aren't allowed to flush your toilet paper because it will clog up the pipes. But with all that said, if all you need is a place to sleep and a breakfast sandwich, do you really need to spend $60 more for a B&B?

We did not spent the nigth at Peers store on our Katy ride last month, but we did eat lunch there (very good), and took a look at the room. We plan to stay on our next trip. Look, this place is decades older than ANYONE riding the trail, so they may have issues with the piping and/or septic system. If you've been on a mission trip to a third world country, not flushing your potty paper is no big deal. If you want a mint and USA Today, stay at the fancy hotels in St. Louis. If you want to experience a bit of history stay at Peers Store!

We did not spent the nigth at Peers store on our Katy ride last month, but we did eat lunch there (very good), and took a look at the room. We plan to stay on our next trip. Look, this place is decades older than ANYONE riding the trail, so they may have issues with the piping and/or septic system. If you've been on a mission trip to a third world country, not flushing your potty paper is no big deal. If you want a mint and USA Today, stay at the fancy hotels in St. Louis. If you want to experience a bit of history stay at Peers Store!

Ditto Peers store as a must stop on the trail. I pulled up there on a 90-plus degree day in late July this summer and was welcomed like an old friend. Well worth the stop and stay overnight if possible.

Ditto Peers store as a must stop on the trail. I pulled up there on a 90-plus degree day in late July this summer and was welcomed like an old friend. Well worth the stop and stay overnight if possible.

I wasn't going on a mission trip to a third-world country, I was in Missouri, where I'd like to flush a big wad of toilet paper. It wasn't a problem for me, I didn't have to go. But I didn't see any comments here about what to expect, and I figure I'm doing other trail users a favor by telling them how it is. Looks like there's some pretty fancy hotels in Marietta, too.

I wasn't going on a mission trip to a third-world country, I was in Missouri, where I'd like to flush a big wad of toilet paper. It wasn't a problem for me, I didn't have to go. But I didn't see any comments here about what to expect, and I figure I'm doing other trail users a favor by telling them how it is. Looks like there's some pretty fancy hotels in Marietta, too.

the park is a little off the trail head so it can be hard to find in the dark/dusk. if you look

towards the town you will see what looks like a jungle gym and a gazeebo in someones

back yard that is the park it is not big. when me and a buddy came into town a couple

weeks ago we met the mayor driving arround town she was nice and stopped and told us

we could set our tent up right inside the gazeebo if we wanted to sadly tho my tent is the

old fashioned kind that needs to be nailed down so we just slept out in the open under the

gazeebo. in the morning dont miss the best omlett you will ever tast accross the street at

the diner and down the road is the hitchin post if you wanna warm up at night. i will warn

you tho the hitchin post stays open all night so if your not a sound sleeper you might find

it difficult to sleep with all the noise from the bar. other than that the town is nice, quite,

friendly and i would recomend staying there if you need a place to stop for the night.

the park is a little off the trail head so it can be hard to find in the dark/dusk. if you look

towards the town you will see what looks like a jungle gym and a gazeebo in someones

back yard that is the park it is not big. when me and a buddy came into town a couple

weeks ago we met the mayor driving arround town she was nice and stopped and told us

we could set our tent up right inside the gazeebo if we wanted to sadly tho my tent is the

old fashioned kind that needs to be nailed down so we just slept out in the open under the

gazeebo. in the morning dont miss the best omlett you will ever tast accross the street at

the diner and down the road is the hitchin post if you wanna warm up at night. i will warn

you tho the hitchin post stays open all night so if your not a sound sleeper you might find

it difficult to sleep with all the noise from the bar. other than that the town is nice, quite,

friendly and i would recomend staying there if you need a place to stop for the night.

We camped at the park in Hartsburg and had dinner at Dotties across the street. All I can say is GREAT about the whole experience. Very nice town, very friendly people, and Dotties has fantastic food! Two thumbs up!

We camped at the park in Hartsburg and had dinner at Dotties across the street. All I can say is GREAT about the whole experience. Very nice town, very friendly people, and Dotties has fantastic food! Two thumbs up!

Volunteer Park backs up on one side to Main Street (where you can also see a red caboose) and on the other side to the grassy field immediately adjacent to the Hartsburg Trailhead.

Volunteer Park backs up on one side to Main Street (where you can also see a red caboose) and on the other side to the grassy field immediately adjacent to the Hartsburg Trailhead.

Mayor Nancy Grant, and others, have worked hard to make Hartsburg a friendly town for bikers and all visitors. We too don't like the too loud music and that war continues. Nancy has spent countless hours trying to get more business in town and to expand the hours of what we do have. She appreciates the comments of trail users and will bring up the problem of coordination of facilities along the trail. Remember most of us are volunteers spending a great deal of time trying to improve things. You may email Nancy directly at mrodemeyer@socket.net if you have constructive comments. Thanks.

Mayor Nancy Grant, and others, have worked hard to make Hartsburg a friendly town for bikers and all visitors. We too don't like the too loud music and that war continues. Nancy has spent countless hours trying to get more business in town and to expand the hours of what we do have. She appreciates the comments of trail users and will bring up the problem of coordination of facilities along the trail. Remember most of us are volunteers spending a great deal of time trying to improve things. You may email Nancy directly at mrodemeyer@socket.net if you have constructive comments. Thanks.

Michael was actually nice enough to forgo his dinner and drive me to Jeff City the other night when I got stuck out in the dark and didn't quite make it to where I had planned. I can not say enough nice things about the work Nancy and her husband are selfishly doing to make the Katy (and Hartsburg) a better place for everyone. I would strongly suggest that everyone stop in Hartsburg at the B&Bs, the local restaurant or the local bar and support the town as much as possible. I have never met as many nice people as I did in Hartsburg the other night. Thanks again Michael!!!

Michael was actually nice enough to forgo his dinner and drive me to Jeff City the other night when I got stuck out in the dark and didn't quite make it to where I had planned. I can not say enough nice things about the work Nancy and her husband are selfishly doing to make the Katy (and Hartsburg) a better place for everyone. I would strongly suggest that everyone stop in Hartsburg at the B&Bs, the local restaurant or the local bar and support the town as much as possible. I have never met as many nice people as I did in Hartsburg the other night. Thanks again Michael!!!

Holy Moses! There were so many people at the festival! An estimated 30,000 were to show up. Nice vendors and crafts, though.



If you have issues with crowds, this is not the festival for you.

We had over 35,000 show up on Saturday and 25,000 plus on Sunday. Riding a bike is the best way to come to the festival as cars on Route A were in line for 2 hours. We had over 200 craft and 20 food booths and a pony ride and corn maze. something for everyone. The committee is already planning for next years festival, Aways on the second full weekend in October. We hope to see you then. You may email me if you have questions about the festival. mrodemeyer@socket.net

Hartsburg Cycle Depot has moved to Jefferson City and is no longer located in Hartsburg. There is no longer a bicycle shop in Hartsburg as far as I know.

Hartsburg Cycle Depot has moved to Jefferson City and is no longer located in Hartsburg. There is no longer a bicycle shop in Hartsburg as far as I know.

Sadly Mark and Pam Allchorn could not afford the $2,000 a month expenses they were being charged (thats a lot of flat tires) so they relocated to West Main Street in Jefferson City. They have purchased on old dental ofice and made that their shop and they now live above. Mark is one of the few wheel men that we know that can build a bike from scrath or fix one some one else has screwed up. They often go out of their way to help people stranded along the trail who need minor or major repairs. They can be reached at 573-636-9599. We mourn our loss of this neat couple although they are only 10 miles away from Hartsburg. They do still call themselves the Hartsburg Cycle Depot.

Sadly Mark and Pam Allchorn could not afford the $2,000 a month expenses they were being charged (thats a lot of flat tires) so they relocated to West Main Street in Jefferson City. They have purchased on old dental ofice and made that their shop and they now live above. Mark is one of the few wheel men that we know that can build a bike from scrath or fix one some one else has screwed up. They often go out of their way to help people stranded along the trail who need minor or major repairs. They can be reached at 573-636-9599. We mourn our loss of this neat couple although they are only 10 miles away from Hartsburg. They do still call themselves the Hartsburg Cycle Depot.

I cannot possibly say enough in this box to tell my overwhelmingly good experience at the Hotel Bothwell!! It was a great place to stay. I enjoyed the 1920s era hotel more than any I have stayed in anywhere.

I cannot possibly say enough in this box to tell my overwhelmingly good experience at the Hotel Bothwell!! It was a great place to stay. I enjoyed the 1920s era hotel more than any I have stayed in anywhere.

For our group of eighteen, the Claysville Store family was a tremendously good slice of graciousness. We were able to camp on their grounds and even were treated to a fabulous meal.

We just got back from a week on the Katy Trail. This has to be THE nicest campground on the entire trail. Nice kitchen for cooking near the bathrooms and nice kept grounds. Just wonderful!

We just got back from a week on the Katy Trail. This has to be THE nicest campground on the entire trail. Nice kitchen for cooking near the bathrooms and nice kept grounds. Just wonderful!

Classic Drive-in probably from the 1940's. A real landmark in Sedalia and very famous for its' Goober Burger. Yes it sounds wierd but one bite and you will be hooked.

Classic Drive-in probably from the 1940's. A real landmark in Sedalia and very famous for its' Goober Burger. Yes it sounds wierd but one bite and you will be hooked.

The Wheel Inn is closing as of September 2007 so the government may widen the highway. The age of the Guber Burger is dead.

The Wheel Inn is closing as of September 2007 so the government may widen the highway. The age of the Guber Burger is dead.

we just had the infamous guberburger this weekend...delicious! excellent waitresses

we just had the infamous guberburger this weekend...delicious! excellent waitresses

Where did the Wheel Inn relocate? I was just past the corner on the way home from a ride last week and the orig Wheel Inn has been torn down. You mean I could have had a gooberburger after my ride and missed it?!?! It's not something I'd eat everyday, but for the times I would get in the Sedalia area for a ride, they sure tasted good for an after ride treat.

Where did the Wheel Inn relocate? I was just past the corner on the way home from a ride last week and the orig Wheel Inn has been torn down. You mean I could have had a gooberburger after my ride and missed it?!?! It's not something I'd eat everyday, but for the times I would get in the Sedalia area for a ride, they sure tasted good for an after ride treat.

The "New Wheel In is located South of the old one, across from the state Fair grounds, South on Hwy 65. Eddie's also serves the "Gubberburger". Eddie's is located at Broadway (Hwy 50) and Ohio St. It is a historic drive in. They also have cruise night once a month.

The "New Wheel In is located South of the old one, across from the state Fair grounds, South on Hwy 65. Eddie's also serves the "Gubberburger". Eddie's is located at Broadway (Hwy 50) and Ohio St. It is a historic drive in. They also have cruise night once a month.

Stayed at the Little House Bed and Breakfast a few weeks ago. There were 3 of us and we thought it was very comfortable and was decorated so cute. Having the whole house to ourselves was great. It was a wonderful experience and would recommend it to everyone. If we ever get the chance we will stay there again. Barb from Willard, MO