Katy Trail Forum

We saw at least a dozen dogs along the trail. Most weren't a problem but some came running up barking. We saw a sign somewhere east of Portland for a scenic overlook. We decided to check it out and were met by two large black labs. I actually broadsided one of them (luckily no wipe out) and my nephew was run off the road.

Enjoy the trail for what it is.

Those dogs SOUND ferocious but are actually very friendly. They could easily however knock you down wanting to be petted. One is only a visitor but the owner has been advised and is keeping them under control. He was sincerely upset when told and has taken immediate action.

What action did he take? If someone on a bicycle broadsided my dog I'd want to hurt that person too, but I was always told to count to 10 to calm down and that usually seems to do the trick.

Maybe the owner should just put a big bright orange collar on the black lab so bicyclists can see him better, or maybe bicyclists should slow down so they don't hurt animals.

If your animals are that important to you, then keep them under control and off the street. A dog can knock a cyclist down no matter how slow they are riding, even stopped. It is the OWNER of the dog that is responsible and LIABLE for damages.

Doug,



Have you rode the trail? Asking that dogs along a 235 mile trail through farm country be keep were they can't get on the trial is not going to happen. Many of the dogs are small town dogs and are feed by many and owned by no one. Other dogs just come and go as they please. Their owners are good people, but view their dogs differently than city folks.

But what action did the owner take? Is the owner mad at the dogs??? Please don't tell me he is planning to put them down? Like I said I would be angry if someone broadsided my dog, but there is no way I would harm my dog.

The owner of the dogs is not mad at them. Neither am I and as for as I could tell the person that started this thread wasn't all that mad at the dogs. THEY WERE NOT ON THE TRAIL! They were on a HIGHWAY! Dogs do not belong on a highway. They are a hazard to cylists pedestrians and motor vehicles. They also do not belong on the trail free roaming. It is against the law.

To answer another question; the owner has been keeping them under direct control. He has either kept them in his yard or house or under direct voice commands. As any RESPONSIBLE owner does. Dogs that do not have an owner are like any other feral animal and become carriers of disease and a threat to the health of humans and other animals alike. The days of letting your animals run free and become a nuisance to others has passed. If you want to let them roam on YOUR land feel free. You do not however, have any right to let them run on others property and be the cause of damages to them and theirs. A person indeed has a right to own pets. That person then also has a responsibility to properly care for that animal: Because others have a right to own propery and travel on public thoroughfares free of threat of harm or damage from your pet.

In short, behave in a manner that reflects a desire to be a semi-literate, compassionate human being that recognizes the rights of others. Oh, and learn the english language.

Most dogs along the trail lead a boring life so the prospect of chasing a bicyclist adds a bit of excitement to their life. I have found that applying the back brake while growling "bad dog" scares them off.

I frequently notice dogs when I am riding west of Augusta. I've never stopped to bother them, but I have never been bothered by them either. Most of them seem like curious farm dogs, and none have seemed ferocious.

Wow, I didn't expect this type of lively conversation. I originally posted this just to let people beware and maybe carry some type of spray just in case. I wasn't mad at the dogs but it was a little unnerving. The dog ran right in front of me trying to chase my nephew, I was braking hard when I hit the dog. No harm done but just be prepared.

Interestingly enough, although I have encountered many "free roaming" dogs on the Katy, the only time I've been bitten was on the Little Blue Trace here in Independence, and that was a dog ON A LEASH.

The owners were out behind a hotel at the end of the trail, had the dog on a long leash, and apparently didn't know how to control the dog.

Luckily the dog only got a mouthful of my rigid biking shoe, but when I asked them to please control their dog, as it could more severly injure someone else, particularly families with kids who like to hike that trail, I was given an earful of colorful language (in front of their kids) and told that I had no business bothering them.

These days, I get the pepper spray out when I see a dog on any trail and have it ready. I'm guessing that one dose of that will cure a dog of chasing walkers or bikers...

Good advice on the pepper spray. Get the largest one you can carry. Aim for the eyes and nose. Be aware of the wind direction. This stuff stings.

I've encountered several dogs on the trail. I will always carry my pepper spray, but as yet, have never had to use it.

Doug,



It is not against the law to let your dogs run free out in the country.



-Robert

Robert, read again. I said it is against the law to let dogs run free ON THE TRAIL.

As a dog owner on the Katy Trail, as well as a landowner that lost land to the Trail, I would like to point out that many riders call our dogs to follow them. Yes, they actually see the dogs on our property, stop, and call to the dogs or give them a handout. They think they are being friendly, but it does create a major problem. My dog followed riders (who called to her first) 7 miles to Portland, got lost coming home, was attacked by a bobcat and ended up running another 12 miles until someonw we know spotted her and alerted us so that she could get medical attention. She is now a full time inside dog...which is unfortunate as we have over 200 acres for her to roam. Yes, we are responsible for our dogs, but we must all work together.

Doug,



Sorry.



-Robert

Robert, accepted, stop for a cold drink when you ride by Doug

Although we are not cyclists, I want to point out that the High Street Victorian is a short, half block from the awesome Katy Trail. Even without a bike, the Trail is a delight to walk -- especially if you get on it on Spring Street and walk south. Very beautiful!



Innkeeper Kriss Royer cuts no corners using the freshest local ingredients whenever possible. Fresh sausages from the local butcher. Fresh eggs delivered by the egg man. She apologized for using Bisquick for her indescribably delicious biscuits and gravy. I’ll give her a big pass on that one! Breakfast can either be eaten at the beautiful dining room table, or outside on the leafy green patio. We opted to eat inside, peppering Kriss with many questions about the house, their kids, and life in general.



I feel like I'm gushing here, but believe me; it's from the heart. If you are staying in Central Missouri or biking the Katy Trail, and want a B&B that exceeds your expectations and much more than delights. Please give Kriss and Gene a call at the High Street Victorian,

Boonville, MO!



Bob and Susan Rhein

Fullerton, CA

bobrhein@att.net

That half block from the trail is especially nice if you want to walk on the bridge and watch the beautiful sunsets Boonville has, or just walk the trail as you did! We have discovered that after a full days ride or activities, all are hungry. We try to do our best for both the 'riders' and the hikers in the food department! Thanks so much for your comment.

My daughter and I had a wonderful trip along the KATY trail from Rocheport to St. Charles this past July. The only bad experience was being attacked by a very frightening dog near Blufton. At the Blufton stop, a sign on the trail directs you off the trail to a dirt road leading to a scenic overlook. We decided to ride up that road when a big black dog emereged from the first house and literally chased us several hundred feet up the road continuallly snapping at our bikes, legs, etc. There were actually two dogs, but the small one did not pursue us. On the way back, the same large dog chased us again and actually got his mouth on my thigh as I was trying to ride past him and caused me to lose my balance. We both yelled and kicked at him, but he was not deterred and no one ever came out of the house. People should not be directed off the trail and up that road until that dog is secured.

Thanks for the heads up. We're passing through there this weekend.

Did you read the comments from "Who let the dogs out?" My uncle left a comment because

we had the exact same problem when we were on the trail late July. I feel very sorry for you

because it was very frightening for me as well. It doesn't make me want to ever trust a

scenic overlook sign again. I was sure the only scenery I would be seeing was a hospital bed

when that dog had the fury of hell in his growl and ran me off the side of the road into the

ditch. That experience ruined an otherwise great trip. The owner should be ashamed.

Carry pepper spray. Dismount your bike and place it between you and the dog. Spray dog in face. Or try to outrun dog on your bike. Goodluck on that. Make a complaint to the local sheriffs department.

The people who own these dogs have been informed repeatedly, and will thankfully will have moved away by Oct. 1, 2008. They are not mean dogs, actually the big black in question is just a really huge puppy named Baily. As a mom of two small children, I can appreciate your anxiety, and assure you that means have been taken to stop these dogs. If you have a real complaint, call Joan or Brian at 573-236-4816.

We had a wonderful lunch there on Sunday. The atmosphere is unique and the people very friendly. Since we were riding the trail and food places are nonexistent or closed on Monday’s, they packed up some sandwiches for us to take with us for along the trail. Really like this place.

We had a wonderful lunch there on Sunday. The atmosphere is unique and the people very friendly. Since we were riding the trail and food places are nonexistent or closed on Monday’s, they packed up some sandwiches for us to take with us for along the trail. Really like this place.

Stayed at the Hotel Frederick and wanted breakfast for evening meal. (This place was across the intersection. ) The food was good and the service very friendly.

Stayed at the Hotel Frederick and wanted breakfast for evening meal. (This place was across the intersection. ) The food was good and the service very friendly.

Very nicely renovated historic hotel. Extremely friendly staff, who stored our bikes in a room locked room on the first floor. The rooms were comfy with neat glass tiled shower bath. Would highly recommend.

Very nicely renovated historic hotel. Extremely friendly staff, who stored our bikes in a room locked room on the first floor. The rooms were comfy with neat glass tiled shower bath. Would highly recommend.

Easy access from the trail and about the only place to get food. The service was friendly. Average bar food.

Easy access from the trail and about the only place to get food. The service was friendly. Average bar food.

My husband and I along with a neighbor couple stayed one night in the Bothwell before we headed out on our trip on the Katy Trail. The rooms were clean and comfortable and the staff was very friendly. The meal in the Ivory Grill was fantastic. We would definitely recommend the Hotel Bothwell and the Ivory Grill.

My husband and I along with a neighbor couple stayed one night in the Bothwell before we headed out on our trip on the Katy Trail. The rooms were clean and comfortable and the staff was very friendly. The meal in the Ivory Grill was fantastic. We would definitely recommend the Hotel Bothwell and the Ivory Grill.

Have a three day trip planned from St. Charles to Clinton starting 10/10/08. How is the trail holding up with all the rain that Missouri has had lately.

I believe the trail should be okay. I know of some minor wash board section between Franklin and Hwy 87. It is between MM 189 & 190. Very easy to negotiate.

Warning- Jim's Bar and Grill is NOT open on Sundays. I had even called ahead to verify but was mighty disappointed when we got to Tebbetts for our designated lunch stop on Sunday and they were not open. Plan accordingly.

Wow! What can I say. This place is wonderful. Maggie and Eldon were really great hosts. My mom and I were doing a bike trek halfway across Missouri and stayed her. They were very close to the trail and drove us to and from Hermann. Their breakfast was absolutely delicious. I can't believe how good it was - Peddle Power is what it gave us. I loved it so much, my fiance and I are coming back in November just for the breakfast and hospitality! Definately recommended.

My wife and I stopped in to "Dotty's" yesterday. After we sat down we had glasses of water in front of us quickly and then without even requesting it our water bottles were filled with ice water! The food was great, great atmosphere, and the service was the best we've seen in a long, long time. We plan on taking some of our cyclist friends there soon. But either way we'll be back. It was good enough we bought a pair of "Dotty's" mugs.

My wife and I stopped in to "Dotty's" yesterday. After we sat down we had glasses of water in front of us quickly and then without even requesting it our water bottles were filled with ice water! The food was great, great atmosphere, and the service was the best we've seen in a long, long time. We plan on taking some of our cyclist friends there soon. But either way we'll be back. It was good enough we bought a pair of "Dotty's" mugs.

Make sure you call ahead. Dotty's was closed when we passed through despite their posted hours. Would have loved to try their food. Ended up at the Hitching Post...pretty good food, great atmosphere.

Make sure you call ahead. Dotty's was closed when we passed through despite their posted hours. Would have loved to try their food. Ended up at the Hitching Post...pretty good food, great atmosphere.

Just a heads up. If you can't reach the owner to get checked in (work calls him away sometimes), Dotty's cafe has keys, as does the house between Dotty's and the winery. We can check you in and get you set up.



Safe travels,

Bud

There is lodging at some caboose in Hartsburg?? Please advise contact or website information. Thanks.

As many of you probably know, there is a house on the Katy trail right before you get to the HWY 40 bridge if you are going west where you can usually see Peacocks while riding by. I decided to make a topic out of this for those who do not ride this area often so they will be sure to keep a look out for these cool birds, and also, I have always been curious about why the people that own the Peacocks have so many. Regardless of why they have them, I am glad they do.

I ride the Katy at least once weekly. A few months ago, my friend and I nearly ran over an albino peacock which was sitting smack in the middle of the trail. Apparently it had escaped from the farm, or flown the coop, whichever the case may be. The bird did not move as we passed it, though it did not look injured, just stubbornly stuck to it's little patch of the Katy almost like it was nesting. We warned other riders we came across heading in the peacock's direction to "Watch out for the peacock!" since light filtering through the trees made it difficult to see the poor thing laying there. You can imagine the backward looks we got.

You might mention in what county this is located in because the Katy Trail goes under Hwy 40 in Howard County and there are no houses anywhere near there.

The farm where the peacocks are is very near the Hwy. 40 bridge in St. Charles County. I ride the trail several times a week and love to listen to the peacocks calling to each other.

There seems to be many comments from people that have bad experiences and they feel compelled to complain about their unfortunate circumstances. Well, my Mother used to say "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything". I think it would behove many people that use this forum to abide by this advise. If the experience is life or property threatening then by all means warn others. These instances about poor service or the business was out of milk, or if they had told me what to expect or whatever little thing that got up your nose that made you feel compelled to criticize, keep it to yourself! How would you like to have a business along the Katy Trail that suffered due to someone spreading the word that they suck when it came down to bad circumstances for both the visitor and the owner on one particular day?

I think all the complaints speak for themselves. Seriously, do you really think someone will stay away from a B&B because they are out of milk? If they do, they are probably saving the poor B&B owners a lot of problems. Whenever I travel I always read the reviews and they have been very helpful. But then again, I don't like staying at motels filled with cigarette smell or restaurants that have stale food. I am so thankful for people who let others know every detail about establishments so I know whether it's worth my money or not.

I'm in full agreement with you Tom. I read both the positive and the negative....and then make my own mind up. It is very useful to know what to expect instead of paying hard earned money with a disappointing surprise in the end. The lowdown from a paying customer trumps an owners sales pitch any day of the week for me. It is a good point though Captain...but keep in mind that you are complaining about people complaining. If you can't say something nice about someone who wears no rose colored glasses.....

I'm going to weigh in here with the Captain. An objective review of a visit to one of the businesses along the Katy with ALL aspects of the stop fairly discussed is definitely helpful to other riders. A spiteful, vituperative rant meant only to harm, shows only that the writer lacks any judgement or class and benefits no one.

I disagree that such a statement will be discarded by other readers and harm none. I believe most readers simply take in the headers and move on to another topic. I find that most people will believe something bad about others much more quickly than they will a compliment. The damage has been done even if they do not realise they have been influenced in a negative manner. One naysayer can undo the positive input of ten others. If you doubt me then look at ten different blogs and see if they do not support my position. People have, thru comment pages, a position of unaccountable power and use it in a malicious manner. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

I have yet to find a forum on the internet that is not filled with the negative moronic drivel of those that can barely spell, much less entertain a positive thought about life and express it in an intelligent manner.

Best wishes for cognizance and a deeper truth to all.

I agree with you Doug. Too often, I read "reviews" that are, in reality, a slash job on a particular business or service. I have even heard tales of people who say the are going to ruin businesses where they had a "problem."

When reading these "reviews" please keep in mind that you are hearing one side of the story. In one case in particular, I know that a "review" writer that complained about a business was drunk and abusive to every employee that came into contact with at the business and in the end, after swearing and displaying boorish and loutish behavior, screamed that he/she was going to "run the business out of town" by writing scathing reviews online. Needless to say, the review that appeared on this website had little to do with reality.

I am not saying every business is above reproach, just remember: There are two sides to every story.

Hey Trek,

How dare you to complain about me complaining about others complaining about compliants, capeesh! (chuckle, chuckle). I wasn't surprised to see your comment since I have seen your retorts on many of the other topics and since you didn't seem to understand what the term "10 steps away" meant, I figured you would have "two-cents worth" for my topic. Have you ever considered getting a job in a washing machine? You can be quite the agitator. No worries, we are all friends here.

I guess I don't understand what 10 steps away means Cappy. I would have assumed it meant that someone was pretty close to ya...if thats the case one probably wouldn't need to call them up on the phone as they'd be right there....but what do I know??? Any jobs open on the Enterprise?

Ahh...Trek Biker strikes again! Oh wait a minute, I forgot. He is SO well known, that he is now simply known as "Trek". No town needed. Such arrogance...

I agree with "Captain".

"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything"



It's funny how the person who posted this line and someone who agrees with what he says both called Trek biker arrogant and an agitator. I guess a better line would be, "Do as I say, not as I do"

Tom, Tom, Tom,

You open your comment with the words "It's funny". What an oxymoron since your didn't see the humor in my comments to Trek, hence the parenthetical words "chuckle, chuckle". Now, if I wanted to be even more humorous I would have left out the "oxy" when referring to your comments, but you probably wouldn't see the humor in that either. I guess that things must be better defined for some people when making statements. For example, the context of my initial comments were concerning making statements about businesses on the Katy Trail. When there are subsequent comments about my initial post they should be open for critique such as my initial comments were. Is that clear enough for you. Or, are you too obtuse to comprehend? Remember, I am not saying anything "not nice", just asking a question.

I think its all in good fun folks. Cappy was just jokin....least thats what I thought by those chuckles.....so I jokingly replyed back. Many folks here do that....outta bordem because we aren't out there riding! And...it doesn't need to turn into flame time JH. If you need to know about me JH....contact the webmaster for my email addy and I'll gladly share any vital information with you....and maybe we'll learn your true identity too....other than just JH from OP, KS.

And on that note, let's stick a fork in this thread and call it done. I think everyone has stated their opinions quite convincingly, so I will close this topic before things start to roll downhill.

Can you ride at night on the Katy Trail?

According to the MO Dept of Natural Resources "Permitted Uses": The trail is open only during daylight hours

Can anyone tell me why the trail is only open during daylight hours? Does it have something to do with wildlife issues?

I believe, my dear brother, that it has something to do with all of the recent Bigfoot sightings in the greater Tebbets/Mokane metropolitan area. But I could be wrong.

I presume it is a safety issue as it is not lighted, and DNR does not want any possible liability should an accident occur at night. Therefore, they have to close it at night.



That being said, I have been on the trail many times at night and you can generally see good enough to ride especially when it is clear. However, it is difficult to see ruts, and I suppose there could be more risk from an animal attack also. I also understand that you can be ticketed for being on the trail at night, not sure what the fine is, but something else to consider.

Big Foot is generally believed to be a nocturnal animal, so yes, the risk is higher at night. For those interested, the Bigfoot Field Researches has a Google database of Bigfoot sightings across the U.S that can be plotted within Google maps. They have one near Tebbetts, dated in 1959 or 1960. I adjusted the settings for sightings in the last ten years, and the only thing that came up that was close to the Katy Trail, was in St. Louis County in the Creve Coeur Missouri River Bottoms area. Of course, this is across the Missouri River from the Katy, so it would appear that the Big Foot risk is very low.

But you fail to take into account that Bigfoot (or maybe it's Bigfeet)are well known for their excellent swimming ability. In fact it was reported that a Bigfoot set a new world's record in last year's Arkansas Olympics for the 400 meter free stroke in the Non-Human Hominoid Division.

Well brother Jim, everyone knows the Arkansas Olympics 400 meter free stroke in the Non-Human Hominoid Division was rigged. The bigfoot was the only entrant that qualified for the event so of course he set a new worlds record. Heck, it took him over an hour to finish the event!

From Ohio and will be visiting the area in a couple of weeks. Will only be in town for a couple of days on business. Wanted to see if there was anything in particular that we should see before heading back to Ohio. Was thinking about going to the Trailhead Brewing Co.

From Ohio and will be visiting the area in a couple of weeks. Will only be in town for a couple of days on business. Wanted to see if there was anything in particular that we should see before heading back to Ohio. Was thinking about going to the Trailhead Brewing Co.

Craig,

To be honest, your question is not specific enough. Where are you going to be doing business? The trail is pretty long and goes through many towns with many things to do. I am guessing you will be near the St. Charles trailhead, and yes the Trailhead Brewery is a worthwhile stop. Will you be in Missouri long enough to ride the trail to any extent? If so, there are many places within a short ride of St. Charles that are worth checking out. Enjoy your visit.

Craig,

To be honest, your question is not specific enough. Where are you going to be doing business? The trail is pretty long and goes through many towns with many things to do. I am guessing you will be near the St. Charles trailhead, and yes the Trailhead Brewery is a worthwhile stop. Will you be in Missouri long enough to ride the trail to any extent? If so, there are many places within a short ride of St. Charles that are worth checking out. Enjoy your visit.

My Friend and I rode the trail last weekend, I was on my Trek he on his walmart-fallapart. It was a great time, aside from having to wait up every 12 or so miles. The trail was great, a couple of spots I swear I heard the dueling banjo's and was looking for hillbillies in the woods (flashback to Deliverance), but it only made me ride faster.

I was passed by some really nice people, some real hardcore riders and some just out for a stroll. On my way back I saw the lady that made cycling look like a sunday stroll in the park and decided to race her, just at the point when I thought I was far enough ahead to take a breather she passed me on the left and all I could say was Hi as my mouth was agape in awe, and I had the thought "I want to be like that when I grow up" even though I'm in my mid twenties.

After my pelvic area heals up and I pick up a new seat and some padded shorts I'm going to really get into it. Hopefully I'll find some other cyclists for some competetion. Anyone who is interested please shoot me an email. sarahecraig@hotmail.com