Katy Trail Forum

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

I live in the area of the Bittersweet Inn and feel people have a right to know the type of person behind the business. This woman has caused endless problems with the neighbors. Complains about everything and everyone. Bottomline a hater. People feel if people knew what was behind her mask they might choose a better person to give their business to. The neighbors dispise her. Just sick of her nastiness. The dog the yard the paint the car the ...you name it. If it were my money I would choose a friendlier person to give it to. Basically its all about money for her.Well she'll pretends to like you if you pay her money.Please search yout moral before you consider this place. This type of behavior shouldnt be rewarded.

This type of comment shouldn't be allowed. Please Ray, delete this thread. There is absolutely nothing here of substance.

Our family also ate at Abigails last Thursday night, Sept 4th.

Yes, the food was outstanding but the staff was very unfriendly and borderline rude!

Our family also ate at Abigails last Thursday night, Sept 4th.

Yes, the food was outstanding but the staff was very unfriendly and borderline rude!

We had other plans and just carried there number with us as they suggested. Sure enough, got to feeling sick and wanted to leave when no one was scheduled to meet us. The cell phone worked, we called and they came. I went home to my own bed and toilet. How easy is that. Thanks!

We had other plans and just carried there number with us as they suggested. Sure enough, got to feeling sick and wanted to leave when no one was scheduled to meet us. The cell phone worked, we called and they came. I went home to my own bed and toilet. How easy is that. Thanks!

Does anyone out here use the Katy for transportation? I'm sure there is someone out there

who uses it at least occasionally.



I use it about 4 times per year to visit family.



Anyone else? Tell us your distance, route and reason!

I ride it several times a week to go 12 miles in to town to the bakery, bank, post office, grocery store, micro brew, lumber yard, etc. and sometimes I ride further just for fun. I have a trailer set up to hold an ice chest so that I can get milk meat and eggs but mostly I use saddle bags. Last night I rode in to watch the fireworks from the new bridge and put my lights on while I waited and then rode home. Best ride of the week.

In order to save gas, I drive to Rocheport then ride the 14 miles to Boonville to work. With weather permitting, I can do this several times a week and it saves me 28 miles of driving.

the food was horrible.... kinda like a sirloin stockade... but a step down believe it or not...

the food was horrible.... kinda like a sirloin stockade... but a step down believe it or not...

I've eaten there several times and always found the food to be delicious, especially for the price you can't beat it!!

I've eaten there several times and always found the food to be delicious, especially for the price you can't beat it!!

It was too bad that Matt had a bad experience and then had to take the time to create a topic due to his bad experience. I believe that people that find it necessary to comment on bad experiences without being asked have many bad experiences in their life due to a bad attitude in general. Matt, don't take it personally, this is just an observation. As someone that lives near the Isle of Capri and eats there on average at least once a month I have found it a delight to dine there and the food is really good. My favorite is the Fri and Sat seafood buffet where you can get the all you can eat crab legs. Matt, come on back and try the Isle again, they might surprise you.

It was too bad that Matt had a bad experience and then had to take the time to create a topic due to his bad experience. I believe that people that find it necessary to comment on bad experiences without being asked have many bad experiences in their life due to a bad attitude in general. Matt, don't take it personally, this is just an observation. As someone that lives near the Isle of Capri and eats there on average at least once a month I have found it a delight to dine there and the food is really good. My favorite is the Fri and Sat seafood buffet where you can get the all you can eat crab legs. Matt, come on back and try the Isle again, they might surprise you.