Katy Trail Forum

We are currently planning our first visit to the Katy Trail this fall. I am wondering if anybody has had any issues with bringing kids along. We are planning on riding from St. Charles to Peers and back over the span of two days. Do you think that a 7 and 11 year old will be able to keep up at 40 miles a day? I am a bit worried about it, but they are determined.

My kids and I road from Sedalia to Booneville (38 miles) in about 4 hours riding time. They are 11 and 12. I could tell my Daughter (11) was tiring by the time we hit Pilot Grove (she was on a 20" bike), so we stopped and ate there to give her a break (helped me too.) My son on the other hand, as soon as we got off and were loading up the bikes told me to make sure I wrote down the time to see if we could beat it next time we go. So he was ready to go again as soon as we quit. (we averaged about 10 mph, not including the lunch break). If you go at their pace, and don't expect them to keep up with you, they can probably make it. My kids have a lot of willpower. My daughter did not want to quit...

I'm on the trail right now with my 3 boys. They are 5,9 and 12. We left Clinton on Friday and are now in Jefferson City. We have done between 35-40 miles each day at a very slow pace 9-10 mph. We will arrive in St. Charles on Thursday. The boys have been training for this since March. Make sure that you get some good saddle time and buy them some good shorts! Four hours in the saddle can wear you out if your not prepared. Also helps having a "carrot" out in front of them each day - pool at the hotel, Movie - something for them to focus on so they don't get bored. Also drink plenty and stop when they get tired. We are having a blast! Yes, my 5 year old is riding his own bike.

I would not take them in this heat. Or I would be off the trail by noon.

There is plenty of shade on the trail. As long as the kids are staying hydrated they shouldn't have a problem with temps in the 90s.

Thanks for the responses.



We are planning on taking our first visit in September and we will all be riding on a daily basis for training starting this weekend. We are all looking forward to this outting and this website has made it much easier to plan.

I was hoping to park for a night or two at either CC park or on the St. Charles KT trail lot. Does either permit longterm parking? Any problems with security? Thanks!

As a female biker traveling on the Katy Trail alone, Doug was a perfect gentleman. He has a wonderful personality, great conversation, and charm. We shared travel stories, too. I felt at home at his B&B. He evened cooked me dinner. What more could a tired and hungry traveler ask for.

As a female biker traveling on the Katy Trail alone, Doug was a perfect gentleman. He has a wonderful personality, great conversation, and charm. We shared travel stories, too. I felt at home at his B&B. He evened cooked me dinner. What more could a tired and hungry traveler ask for.

I had a wonderful stay at the Globe Hotel. After riding 100 miles in 95 degree temps for two days and the first night in a tent. My second night at the Globe Hotel was a wonderful home away from home. I would go back any day. The cats were friendly. The host was an exceptional host and very pleasant. I loved the clean, crisp, white cotton linens in my room.

I had a wonderful stay at the Globe Hotel. After riding 100 miles in 95 degree temps for two days and the first night in a tent. My second night at the Globe Hotel was a wonderful home away from home. I would go back any day. The cats were friendly. The host was an exceptional host and very pleasant. I loved the clean, crisp, white cotton linens in my room.

OMG what a wonderful B&B. My wife and I spent the weekend there for out 19th anniversary. The breakfast was the best that I have had in a very long time. Super clean, super nice hostess, one block from the trail, brewery, and wineries. The owners went out of her way to make this a very special trip for me and my wife. Although, we live a few miles away, we felt like were on a peaceful, secluded retreat.

OMG what a wonderful B&B. My wife and I spent the weekend there for out 19th anniversary. The breakfast was the best that I have had in a very long time. Super clean, super nice hostess, one block from the trail, brewery, and wineries. The owners went out of her way to make this a very special trip for me and my wife. Although, we live a few miles away, we felt like were on a peaceful, secluded retreat.

I am planning a trip on the Katy from Clinton to St Charles. I plan on camping the entire trip but am having trouble finding any place to camp in or near St. Charles. Is there any place to camp? If not does anyone know of a cheap motel, I mean cheap. None of the ones listed are in my budget.

May I suggest the Sundermeier RV park? I could not find any camping available in St Charles so thats what I am doing when I come down next week. They have small cottages with AC/TV/Shower etc. for about $50/night. Besides, you will need a shower by then, you will be a stinkin'. See attached website for information.



http://sundermeierrvpark.com/cottages_event.html



Good Luck, BUK

Klondike Park is a very good camp site located just east of Augusta near MM 64 on the Katy and is probably your best option for this area. From there it is another 20 or so miles to the trailhead in St. Charles.

I vote for Klondike Park just past Augusta. It's scenic, has hot showers, indoor plumbing and cheap! The RV park seems nice but there's no tent camping.

FYI-

Becky's is open Monday-Friday 9-2, and Saturday from 10-1:30. Seasonally, they are open Friday nights from 5-8.

Hope to see you soon!

FYI-

Becky's is open Monday-Friday 9-2, and Saturday from 10-1:30. Seasonally, they are open Friday nights from 5-8.

Hope to see you soon!

Had lunch there today after riding from Sedalia. Food was great and service was even better. We had Burgers and Cones - pie looked good but no room.

Had lunch there today after riding from Sedalia. Food was great and service was even better. We had Burgers and Cones - pie looked good but no room.

Have stopped multiple times when going through Pilot Grove over lunch time. Food and service were always great. I know what you mean re no room for pie...but on one trip I just couldn't resist and had them package it to go and had it as a treat later that day.

Have stopped multiple times when going through Pilot Grove over lunch time. Food and service were always great. I know what you mean re no room for pie...but on one trip I just couldn't resist and had them package it to go and had it as a treat later that day.

middle aged woman looking for anyone going across, her husband is going along to sag. nothing funny , just looking for someone for trail safety, a woman would be the most comfortable option. had a partner that had to cancel due a family crisis. will check for replies.

we are headed west from st.charles on a fund raiser ride, will wave

Three of us took Amtrak from Kirkwood to Jeff City on July 14 and pedaled back to the Harbor Haus Inn in Hermann for the first day. We were very impressed with Hermann. The Harbor Haus Inn was great and very friendly. Our group of three had two flats and the Hermann Bike shop opened up after hours to sell us tubes and some equipment (we got in after 5:00 p.m. due to the breakdowns), and the Mexican Restaurant was excellent. Thank you Hermann for the hospitality. We won't forget it.

This is my least favorite winery on the "wine strasse." It is a large operation with an almost sterile-Disney Land type feel. While I have had their wine before and it was decent, I resent that they charge $5 for 5 tastings. I have not visited another winery in the state that charges. Also, at most wineries, the workers are very friendly and courteous. Not here! They acted like it was a huge nuisance to be serving their customers. I would recommend any of the other wineries along Highway 94 over Mount Pleasant. Montelle and the winery in Dutzow are especially nice.

This is my least favorite winery on the "wine strasse." It is a large operation with an almost sterile-Disney Land type feel. While I have had their wine before and it was decent, I resent that they charge $5 for 5 tastings. I have not visited another winery in the state that charges. Also, at most wineries, the workers are very friendly and courteous. Not here! They acted like it was a huge nuisance to be serving their customers. I would recommend any of the other wineries along Highway 94 over Mount Pleasant. Montelle and the winery in Dutzow are especially nice.

I have to agree. The $5.00 charge really put me off.

Also the younger crowd, unable to handle their wine, gave it a real

"frat party" atmosphere. However in all fairness, it must be noted that I am new to the winery scene and have only a few other experiences to judge it on. Montelle and Dutzow are both very nice places.

I have to agree. The $5.00 charge really put me off.

Also the younger crowd, unable to handle their wine, gave it a real

"frat party" atmosphere. However in all fairness, it must be noted that I am new to the winery scene and have only a few other experiences to judge it on. Montelle and Dutzow are both very nice places.

That's funny because I noticed there were A LOT of older people that couldn't handle the wine when I was there. It was very suprising to me and funny!

That's funny because I noticed there were A LOT of older people that couldn't handle the wine when I was there. It was very suprising to me and funny!

I enjoyed Mount Pleasant. I'm also new to the winery scene. I've never been to one that charges for tasting but it didnt bother me. I receive a coupon & got my $5 back when I bought a bottle (or 2)to take home in the gift shop, so it evened out. The wine was tasty! I appreciate the person who compares it to Europien wines. The view was nice, entertainment in the afternoon on weekends. We enjoyed ourselves & will be back.

I enjoyed Mount Pleasant. I'm also new to the winery scene. I've never been to one that charges for tasting but it didnt bother me. I receive a coupon & got my $5 back when I bought a bottle (or 2)to take home in the gift shop, so it evened out. The wine was tasty! I appreciate the person who compares it to Europien wines. The view was nice, entertainment in the afternoon on weekends. We enjoyed ourselves & will be back.

Scenic Cycles is closed from what I've heard. I was told that Revolution Cycles over in washington bought them out.

Scenic Cycles is closed from what I've heard. I was told that Revolution Cycles over in washington bought them out.

BicycleWORKS is hosting a pledge drive on the weekend of July 25 to inaugurate a new fund-raising event designed to put us on the path to ownership of a permanent home. For twenty years BicycleWORKS has been serving the Saint Louis community by renting space in the Shaw Neighborhood. It has become clear to us that in order to grow or even maintain our presence in the community that BicycleWORKS will have to lay down roots before the market moves beyond our grasp. To this end, we are sending out our "fittest and finest" to the Katy Trail and challenging you to match 25 cents for every mile the team covers before passing out of exhaustion. They leave Friday morning from Saint Charles and will ride until the first person goes down, be it 70, 85, 125 or the whole 225 miles. The rules are simple, you pledge to pay 25 cents per mile by sending an email to info@stlbikeworks.com with the heading "KATY TRAIL", and we pledge to ride as far as we can go before falling asleep (defined as any member of the team taking a single nap that is greater than 30 minutes long). We will keep this pilot attempt informal and on the honor system, but we hope that with success we will be able to create a regular and formal BicycleWORKS funding raising event. Those that can't handle the suspend are welcome to give us the benefit of the doubt and donate the maximum amount of $56.25 (25 cents x 225 miles). We also will gladly accept pledges greater than 25 cents per mile, if you are so inclined to torture us by giving us the incentive to actually ride as far as we can go. Pledgers will receive an email a week after the ride providing a brief log of noteworthy events, the total mileage covered by the BicycleWORKS team, and the final amount of your pledge. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing everyone at the shop!





The Saint Louis BicycleWORKS Team

http://www.stlbikeworks.com/

Six riders from Iowa will be coming down in a week to ride Boonville to Portland, Portland to St Charles and then back to Boonville. Can any of you comment on the tent camping facilities in Portland? Previous comments in 2006 were very unflattering, I would like other suggestions if this place is still a hole. BUK

Bypass Portland and try Steamboat Junction in Blufton or the city park in Rhineland. The city park is free, has toilets and running water, and is the spot the cop sits all night. Nice peaceful sleep!

The Rendlemanhome in Bluffton also has camping and hot showers.

I vote for Steamboat Junction near Bluffton (it's at mile marker 110.7) as well! Wonderful shower house, clean campground, and a stocked honor-system fridge. It was one of the best nights I spent on my solo thru-ride. Just be ready to walk your bikes up the steep hill into the back camping area.

BUK, you Iowans should stay home if your a little scared of the tent camping in Portland. Why don't you just do RAGRIA? I hope you get slapped in the face by a greasy pork chop from the guy selling chops out of the pink bus!

Mr Johnson,



Since you will be visiting the Katy Trail shortly might I suggest a Whitetail Deer outfit? Then I would chuck you into the melee of flying lead at the newly proposed gun range. Those sharpshooting madmen, wild with the smell of gunsmoke in the air, would draw down on you so fast it could only make me smile. If that dosent finish ya, I would be more than happy to give you the coup de gracie bamboo cane job to the hamstring.



Keep your powder dry. BUK

There is a trail that I've ridden twice. About 320 miles from Boston, PA to Washington DC. Has anyone done the Pgh-DC ride and can compare it to this ride as far as 1) does it require any street detours (for the most part the PGH-DC ride doesn't) and 2) elevation (Pgh - DC has only 1 hill to speak of but it is challenging going to Pgh 2000 feet rise in about 15 miles). Thank you!

I havent had a chance to ride the GAP(Pitts PA to Cumberland MD) yet but I have done the entire C & O Canal trail(Cumberland to DC)You will find the Katy very similar to the C & O. The Katy is maintained better and has more options on lodging and food.



The Katy only uses the road in a few places-Sedalia and maybe a little in Boonville(somebody correct me if I"m wrong)but its brief and the street is marked.



The elevation on the Katy is no biggie, I still call it flat even though there has been some debate on this site about the issue.



Paulie

Jim's Bike & Key Shop has moved to Ste 102,

800 Vandiver Dr, Columbia, MO 65202

(573)442-7011.

Is there any place in Clinton near the trail to camp with an RV?

According to the DNR, carrying concealed weapons is prohibited in Missouri's State Parks, which would include the Katy Trail.



I respect Ray (webmaster) for shutting down the quickly-deteriorating "gunrange" topic, but thought this might be OK to submit in terms of information, since several in the other topic were talking about how they bike CCW, or were looking forward to carrying their guns on the trail.



Hope that's OK.

After reading the rules and regs on the MO DNR website, all I found was a prohibition against hunting or discharging a firearm inside state parks. Nothing about ccw. Also the ccw laws for MO have no prohibitions in regards to state parks.

Just some facts:



1) In Independence, Missouri: An extremely popular mountain biking destination in the Kansas City area is Landahl Park. On the South edge of the trails is a gun range. There is a trail that skirts the North edge of the gun range called The Gun Barrel.



2) In Omaha, Nebraska: The Keystone Trail runs South out of town along the East side of The Big Pappillion Creek. On the West side of the creek is a shooting range called The Bullet Hole.

Please allow me to point out that the Katy Trail is not an urban, semi-urban, or even semi-rural trail. It is 225 miles long, is state property, RURAL for the most part, wends across the state of Missouri, and if someone is wounded (fatally or not), emergency response may be severely delayed or limited due to the rural nature of its various points of location.

When people who use the trail start to want to control something that is "within earshot of the trail" I start to understand the landowners who oppose the trail. And as far emergency response times go....we already willingly take that risk everytime we go on the trail be it for crash and burns, heatstroke, lightening strikes, snakebites or any of the zillion things that might cause injury.

I agree with Jim.



People should be able to do whatever they want to with their property. Some of those

decisions might upset some people. They might build a hog farm, turkey farm, stink

factory.....whatever.



Its their land....not "Biker" from farmington.



Remember that this could become a railroad again someday as well.

Thankfully, there are limits as to what people can do with their land, especially when those activities encroach upon and affect what people can do on "their" land (including hog farms, gun ranges, etc). Since many people pay taxes to support Missouri state parks, it could be considered the people's land. Sorry you seem to be taking this so personally.



As for snakebites, heatstroke, et. al., it could be argued that anyone could be killed by anything, certainly. But I was under the impression that guns were designed in order to kill in a particularly effective way, so I'm not sure you could put a gun-range and gun-toting bicyclists in the same classification as any of the other, more natural nuisances that might cause health problems (accidentally or intentionally) on the trail.

You should know that virtually every farm you pass on your katy trail trips have guns in

them. Practically every truck you see in rural missouri has a gun in it and I would suppose

that some of the bikers and hikers that you see on the trail are carrying guns.



I think that CCW is (or should) be allowed on the trail because I bet there are women out

there who are too frightened (probably should not be) to walk/bike the trail by themselves

but if they could carry something to defend themselves with then they might feel

comfortable.



99.9999% chance they would never have to use it but it might just bring some new trail

users around.

It might be a little hard to have a ready-to-use gun concealed under lycra and spandex.... sorry ;-)

i doubt the gun owners are the ones wearing spandex LOL

Is that a concealed weapon or are you just glad to see me?

Two words there Jim.......Main.....Tain.

Hi Aunt Polly,

I just came across this site to comment on the B&B, and I just want to say that your place is great!! I may only make it home once every several years now since my Dad's passing, but I hope to see you again soon. Everyone must go there for the pie!!! No one makes pie like my Aunt Polly, and I am not prejudice on bit!! Oops, I hope you are still making pie, if not you may be in trouble now.

Love,

Your Texan niece, Teri

Hi Aunt Polly,

I just came across this site to comment on the B&B, and I just want to say that your place is great!! I may only make it home once every several years now since my Dad's passing, but I hope to see you again soon. Everyone must go there for the pie!!! No one makes pie like my Aunt Polly, and I am not prejudice on bit!! Oops, I hope you are still making pie, if not you may be in trouble now.

Love,

Your Texan niece, Teri

My son and I stayed at Polly's on June 12 2007, and had a great time. As with another entry, you gotta go for the home made pizza at the local general store.



Our room was perfect, no detail or need overlooked.



Polly's Perch is a unique find, being a tea room nestled in rural Missouri. Polly prepared a sumptious breakfast, giving us bikers nearly a day's full of delectable calories to ride another 50 miles or so. For a tea room, try the coffee at Polly's. It's great.

This place is truely a wonderful B&B!!



It has to do with the attention to details. Chocolates on the towels, two types of body wash for man or woman, iced tea upon arrival, as well as some homemade peach pie a la mode! I swear I can think of nothing that could have been better! She even woke up early to serve us homecooked breakfast-blueberry pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, cerial, and bannanas. Polly was sweet and caring, and interested in talking about anything. She also washed our bottles, and filled them with ice water the next day...like I said details...I don't think you could go wrong staying here!

There's been so many glowing comments about Polly's on this board, I think I'll plan my next ride just so I can overnight in Pilot Grove at Polly's.

I promise you won't be dissapointed! Also, Pilot Grove is about 45 miles from Windsor, and 60 miles from Clinton, so hope that helps your planning. Be aware that there is a steady climb into Pilot Grove from both directions...Polly's is well worth the climb though!

We made a return trip to Polly's this past Thursday evening and had another great experience. Polly is such a great hostess and even took us in and made us a great breakfast early on the morning of her birthday. We rode the entire trail, and staying at Polly's was once again one of the trip's highlights.

I want to thank all my bikers for the wonderful comments. I don't mind getting up early to fix breakfast (even on my birthday!) All my guests have been interesting, polite and considerate and being a "down-home" person it makes the experience even more enjoyable for me. Meeting new people and learning about the world through my guest's experiences is like a vacation for me every time someone stays at Polly's. (One biker told me I ought to pay him to stay here) Thanks you - Love Polly

Hi Aunt Polly,

I just came across this site to comment on the B&B, and I just want to say that your place is great!! I may only make it home once every several years now since my Dad's passing, but I hope to see you again soon. Everyone must go there for the pie!!! No one makes pie like my Aunt Polly, and I am not prejudice on bit!! Oops, I hope you are still making pie, if not you may be in trouble now.

Love,

Your Texan niece, Teri