The right bike
- + OK, you MKT/Katy experts. Am I taking my life in my hands if I try to ride my Scott CR1 road bike with 700 x 23C tires on the MKT out of Columbia and then the Katy to Boonville? I rode part of the rou...
Discussion started 06/23/2008 01:11 PM by Mike U. - 3 replies (last reply by Mike U. at 06/24/2008 09:43 AM)Mike U. from Louisville, Ky. on 06/23/2008 01:11 PM
OK, you MKT/Katy experts. Am I taking my life in my hands if I try to ride my Scott CR1 road bike with 700 x 23C tires on the MKT out of Columbia and then the Katy to Boonville? I rode part of the route last year on a trail bike with wide tires and it worked great ... dusty but great. I may not be able to bring both bikes this year and will likely opt for the Scott because I will be riding it more in Colorado. I really enjoy using Missouri's trails but with those skinny tires ...
Trek on 06/23/2008 04:38 PM
There are ruts/cracks sometimes that can be a jolt. If you're good at avoiding obstacles perhaps you'd be okay. There certainly are those who ride their road bike on the Katy. For us, the Trek hybrids go out on the trails and the Santana longbike stays on the road where she's comfortable.
Anonymous from Boonville on 06/23/2008 05:32 PM
I ride several thousand miles a year on the Katy mostly on road bikes with 700-25 or 700-23 tires. In the winter freeze-thaw season wider tires become almost necessary although I usually move to the road instead. Just like on pavement the road bike tires roll easier. In real dry weather sometimes the trail cracks open especially on the Boone county MKT trail and on the Katy west of Boonville, but I have never had a problem related to my narrow tires.
Mike U. from Louisville, Ky. on 06/24/2008 09:43 AM
Thanks for your thoughts. I'll give the road bike a try, but may invest in a pair of Specialized Armadillo all condition road tires to lessen chances of flatting. They'll also work well on the sandpaper-like road surfaces along the Kansas-Colorado border the next day. Those roads tend to eat up the Vredestein Fortezza tricomps I normally ride here in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Augusta Winery (Augusta)
- + Great winery to visit. The lady behind the counter was very patient and extremely helpful with our tasting. She explained different things with the wines. Without a doubt you have to visit this winery...
Discussion started 06/23/2008 09:26 PM by Jim - 0 repliesJim from Washington Court House on 06/23/2008 09:26 PM
Great winery to visit. The lady behind the counter was very patient and extremely helpful with our tasting. She explained different things with the wines. Without a doubt you have to visit this winery if you visit any of them. It may be a little smaller than the others but I think that is what helps the charm. The Ice Wine is wonderful.
Jim from Washington Court House on 06/23/2008 09:26 PM
Great winery to visit. The lady behind the counter was very patient and extremely helpful with our tasting. She explained different things with the wines. Without a doubt you have to visit this winery if you visit any of them. It may be a little smaller than the others but I think that is what helps the charm. The Ice Wine is wonderful.
Lindenhof Bed & Breakfast (Augusta)
- + We stayed here on a Wednesday night a few weeks ago and had a great time. The owners really just let you relax and weren't around except at check in and when she made breakfast. I know if we needed an...
Discussion started 06/23/2008 09:17 PM by Jim - 0 repliesJim from Washington Court House on 06/23/2008 09:17 PM
We stayed here on a Wednesday night a few weeks ago and had a great time. The owners really just let you relax and weren't around except at check in and when she made breakfast. I know if we needed anything though they were just in the other part of the house. Breakfast was awesome, stuffed french toast with white chocolate, strawberries, and blueberries. She also made some type of egg creation with cream that I can't remember what it was called but very good. The setting is very quiet and relaxing and not too far off the trail. Would recommend if you are looking for a great B&B
Jim from Washington Court House on 06/23/2008 09:17 PM
We stayed here on a Wednesday night a few weeks ago and had a great time. The owners really just let you relax and weren't around except at check in and when she made breakfast. I know if we needed anything though they were just in the other part of the house. Breakfast was awesome, stuffed french toast with white chocolate, strawberries, and blueberries. She also made some type of egg creation with cream that I can't remember what it was called but very good. The setting is very quiet and relaxing and not too far off the trail. Would recommend if you are looking for a great B&B
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
- + This is a great place to rent bikes for a really great price. They have a lot to choose from and a variety of bikes and bike trailers for your little ones. Very nice people and helpful too. The own...
Discussion started 06/23/2008 03:46 PM by Julia - 0 repliesJulia from Foristell, MO on 06/23/2008 03:46 PM
This is a great place to rent bikes for a really great price. They have a lot to choose from and a variety of bikes and bike trailers for your little ones. Very nice people and helpful too. The owner's sister has a really cute little shop next door with unique gifts. We will definately be back! ;)
Julia from Foristell, MO on 06/23/2008 03:46 PM
This is a great place to rent bikes for a really great price. They have a lot to choose from and a variety of bikes and bike trailers for your little ones. Very nice people and helpful too. The owner's sister has a really cute little shop next door with unique gifts. We will definately be back! ;)
Globe Hotel (Hartsburg)
- + Stayed the week of May 11 08. I can not recomend the Globe unless you like to be over run by cats. There are three inside cats with a very stong cat smell thoughout the house. Add to that the seven...
Discussion started 06/01/2008 11:48 AM by Fred - 2 replies (last reply by Biker at 06/23/2008 12:01 PM)Fred from Georgetown SC on 06/01/2008 11:48 AM
Stayed the week of May 11 08. I can not recomend the Globe unless you like to be over run by cats. There are three inside cats with a very stong cat smell thoughout the house. Add to that the seven outside cats you have CAT CITY. The entire hotel is in either a state of disrepair or under repair. Next time on to North Jeff City.
Fred from Georgetown SC on 06/01/2008 11:48 AM
Stayed the week of May 11 08. I can not recomend the Globe unless you like to be over run by cats. There are three inside cats with a very stong cat smell thoughout the house. Add to that the seven outside cats you have CAT CITY. The entire hotel is in either a state of disrepair or under repair. Next time on to North Jeff City.
Deerslayer from Hermann on 06/05/2008 11:49 PM
This is from the same guy that dissed Deons Bar. I can understand having a bad experience and wanting to warn others, but when every post is negative then they all lose any meaning.
Deerslayer from Hermann on 06/05/2008 11:49 PM
This is from the same guy that dissed Deons Bar. I can understand having a bad experience and wanting to warn others, but when every post is negative then they all lose any meaning.
Biker from Farmington, MO on 06/23/2008 12:01 PM
Stayed at Jeanette's Globe Hotel last week, during the DNR Katy Trail Ride. I can kind of see how someone might be taken aback at first. The hotel's not in pristine condition, renovated to within an inch of its life like other B&Bs might be. But it was clean, the beds were comfortable, our rooms were well-air-conditioned, and the bathroom situation was just fine. She's got quite a nice library, breakfast was served when we needed it early in the morning, and she's a great conversationalist. So while I cnfess to a double-take in my initial impression, I'd have to say, our overall experience at the Globe Hotel was unbeatable. Jeanette's a Katy Trail treasure and I appreciate her keeping the Globe open as an option for accommodations along the way. We'll definitely return.
Biker from Farmington, MO on 06/23/2008 12:01 PM
Stayed at Jeanette's Globe Hotel last week, during the DNR Katy Trail Ride. I can kind of see how someone might be taken aback at first. The hotel's not in pristine condition, renovated to within an inch of its life like other B&Bs might be. But it was clean, the beds were comfortable, our rooms were well-air-conditioned, and the bathroom situation was just fine. She's got quite a nice library, breakfast was served when we needed it early in the morning, and she's a great conversationalist. So while I cnfess to a double-take in my initial impression, I'd have to say, our overall experience at the Globe Hotel was unbeatable. Jeanette's a Katy Trail treasure and I appreciate her keeping the Globe open as an option for accommodations along the way. We'll definitely return.
riding the whole trail?
- + is riding the whole trail a good idea? a few frineds and I are planning on riding the whole trail in about a week or less. is there anyone who can gives us tips or packing or camping ideas. are there ...
Discussion started 06/02/2008 05:35 PM by Josh - 5 replies (last reply by trinjboro at 06/23/2008 11:33 AM)Josh from Columbia on 06/02/2008 05:35 PM
is riding the whole trail a good idea? a few frineds and I are planning on riding the whole trail in about a week or less. is there anyone who can gives us tips or packing or camping ideas. are there any stops that are a must? how long would it take a beginner to ride the whole thing? are there any hazards that we should be aware of? what parts of the trail are the hardest?
Anonymous on 06/03/2008 04:19 PM
Just figure you will need 20 hours pedaling time to complete the trail if you average 11 miles per hour. Trail is flat. Plenty of places to stay. Go for it. No hazards to be concerned with. Travel as lightly as possible, you will hate the extra weight and stuff after the second day. I would stay in B&B's.
Biker from Farmington on 06/04/2008 12:50 PM
Biking the whole trail is an excellent idea. The key is in the planning: Accommodations, weather contingencies, etc. You can definitely do it all in a week. There's so much to see, lots of interesting terrain, architecture. Take a camera, if you can. In particular, it's great being able to spend a night in a special hotel or B&B. In Sedalia (Bothwell Hotel), Rocheport (any B&B), Boonville (B&Bs and hotels), August (B&Bs up the BIG hill) and St. Charles, especially. But, there are plenty of campsites, too.
jd from gkc on 06/05/2008 05:45 PM
Four to five days will allow you to enjoy the trail's outdoor nature and wildlife, scenic views, cafes, wineries, local folks, historical sites, other users etc. Some of the B&B's allow camping for a modest fee (study the various sections of this website beforehand if possible). You might want to see the remaining Indain pictograph above the Lewis-Clark bat cave at the 174.4-mile marker, 4-mi south of Rocheport. It's marked. Otherwise, stay near the trail, and do not approach the Missouri River to wade, fish, or wash your hands. Being from Columbia, you know this river has obvious turbulent currents with whirlpools and deep undertows; it's merciless, even to those wearing life-jackets. Still the entire trail is scenic and safe, depending on the user's point of view. Carry extra water on its eastern half. You almost have to do the trail once to know for sure how you want to ride it. Take a small camera. Have fun!
Paul from St. Clair on 06/23/2008 11:11 AM
If you are camping or looking for cheap places to stay, don't miss out on the Turner Shelter House in Tebbets. It only cost $5 to stay. There are bunk beds in there and hot showers. It's a nice break from sleeping outside. You will find the key on a telephone pole on the outside. Just make sure you clean up before you leave. You can make reservations ahead of time, but don't have to as long as it is not full, which I can't imagine it would be unless a huge group booked it.
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 06/23/2008 11:33 AM
I concur with Paul's comments on the Turner Shelter. I've stayed there on several occasions and found it to be Spartan, but clean and neat. I promise you won't find a better bargain than $5.00 for a bunk and shower. It also has a tv and microwave. Places to eat are limited in Tebbetts, but the bar next door has decent pizza.
RT Weilers (St Charles)
- + The Manager is extremely rude. I was a loyal customer until a conversation recently with him. He is very demeaning and rather full of himself.
Discussion started 06/23/2008 08:32 AM by Mojo - 0 repliesMojo from St. Charles on 06/23/2008 08:32 AM
The Manager is extremely rude. I was a loyal customer until a conversation recently with him. He is very demeaning and rather full of himself.
Mojo from St. Charles on 06/23/2008 08:32 AM
The Manager is extremely rude. I was a loyal customer until a conversation recently with him. He is very demeaning and rather full of himself.
Elevations along the trail
- + I just finished three days from Clinton to Jeff City. I know it can't be right; but it seemed like it was uphill most of the way to Rocheport. The elevation map does not agree with me, but I wonder i...
Discussion started 06/08/2008 08:09 PM - 7 replies (last reply by jd at 06/22/2008 10:10 PM)Anonymous from Kansas City on 06/08/2008 08:09 PM
I just finished three days from Clinton to Jeff City. I know it can't be right; but it seemed like it was uphill most of the way to Rocheport. The elevation map does not agree with me, but I wonder if anyone has a map that shows the actual up and down of the trail; mile by mile? This was my first ride; I am old and out of shape; and the trail was kind of wet, so maybe that clouded my perception. I had a great time.
Grandpa Norm from Raymore, MO on 06/08/2008 09:00 PM
I'm an old guy too and have thought the same as you have, that the trail must be all uphill. If your map only had the elevations from town to town that doesn't give you the whole picture. However you can access right here on this website a graph of the elevation ups and downs for the entire trail. Just go back to the home page, click on "search", scroll down and google elevations and it will pop up. You will see you did actually have a little bit of downhill mixed with the climbs.
You may have also been affected to some extent by headwinds, they can make even a slight downhill seem just the opposite.
Good luck and stay with the trail, it gets better as you ride it more.
Ray (webmaster) on 06/09/2008 05:01 AM
Anonymous on 06/09/2008 09:48 AM
When the trail is wet the Clinton to Pilot Grove route is the softest point on the whole trail. Will flat grab your tires. Would travel light and use 32 tires as minimum.
DougK from Troy on 06/12/2008 06:25 AM
I felt the same way when I hiked it. I assumed it was optical illusions but still believe it's uphill
Biker from Farmington on 06/12/2008 04:56 PM
What?! Oh, man! Last year, I did the DNR ride from Clinton to St. Charles. You're telling me it's slightly uphill from St. Chas to Clinton? Hoo boy. I'm praying it doesn't rain all next week during this year's DNR ride. Thanks for the link.
Biker from Farmington, MO on 06/21/2008 12:33 PM
Me again. A word about the elevations graph. I copied this nice little monster for the DNR ride, and tried to use it to anticipate the terrain as we moved, steadily uphill, from St. Chas to Clinton. NOTE: The graph depicts general, overall, sea-level data, but does NOT depict actual terrain. Their were several rolling hills during what appeared to be "downhill" parts of the trail, chiefly in the Sedalia to Clinton area. It might LOOK like it's downhill all the way to Clinton, but it ain't. There are still a few uphills, so don't expect to kick back and coast into town. That said, it was still a useful graphic to keep around.
jd from gkc on 06/22/2008 10:10 PM
You're right. The elevations map is meant for elevations alone, not for terrain. Most of the rolling grades at the western end are about 1% I think.
Burf's Bar and Grill
- + Burf's Bar and Grill - (Owner's last name is Burford)
This is a friendly little place - Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays - Nice breakfasts, great
burgers. Unfortunately, they do allow smoking (I...
Discussion started 06/22/2008 09:34 PM by Beth - 0 repliesBeth from Sedalia on 06/22/2008 09:34 PM
Burf's Bar and Grill - (Owner's last name is Burford)
This is a friendly little place - Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays - Nice breakfasts, great
burgers. Unfortunately, they do allow smoking (It is a bar).
Beth from Sedalia on 06/22/2008 09:34 PM
Burf's Bar and Grill - (Owner's last name is Burford)
This is a friendly little place - Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays - Nice breakfasts, great
burgers. Unfortunately, they do allow smoking (It is a bar).
Wonderful city and people!
- + I am a first time rider of the Katy trail, from Mckitrick to Portland. Only 15 or so miles but it was a hot ride for us newbies. The trail was in great shape, and very hot. I advise taking lots of wat...
Discussion started 06/22/2008 04:48 PM by TSF - 0 repliesTSF from Shawnee,Kansas on 06/22/2008 04:48 PM
I am a first time rider of the Katy trail, from Mckitrick to Portland. Only 15 or so miles but it was a hot ride for us newbies. The trail was in great shape, and very hot. I advise taking lots of water, bug spray and tan lotion! If you stay in Hermann, I highly recommend the Heritage House B&B. Get a room with a jacuzzi too. The beds were comfy and cute. The breakfast was good and the hosts fantastic!!
lees summit
- + Once we board the Amtrak in Kirkwood, can we get off with bikes in Lee's Summit or do we have to get off in Sedalia or KC?
Discussion started 05/25/2008 09:31 PM by caleb - 2 replies (last reply by Paul Toigo at 06/22/2008 03:29 PM)caleb from lees summit on 05/25/2008 09:31 PM
Once we board the Amtrak in Kirkwood, can we get off with bikes in Lee's Summit or do we have to get off in Sedalia or KC?
cunninghamair from O'Fallon, MO on 06/20/2008 07:31 PM
Check Amtrak's website. We got on in Washington and got off in Jeff City. It stops at many
small towns along the way.
Paul Toigo on 06/22/2008 03:29 PM
I have gotten on and off Amtrak in Lee's Summit with my bike. To the best of my knowledge, you can do that on any stop on the StL/KC Mule or Ann Rutledge.
Safe passage from Ofallon to Katy Trail?
- + I live near Hwy K & N, and was curious if there was a preferred route from Ofallon to Katy Trail by bicycle. My main concern is the route south of Hwy 94. Pittman and Kisker are my closest roads, bu...
Discussion started 05/22/2008 07:49 PM by Jason - 4 replies (last reply by Roxann at 06/22/2008 01:15 AM)Jason from Ofallon, MO on 05/22/2008 07:49 PM
I live near Hwy K & N, and was curious if there was a preferred route from Ofallon to Katy Trail by bicycle. My main concern is the route south of Hwy 94. Pittman and Kisker are my closest roads, but probably not the safest. I would love to be able to reach Katy trail without a partial drive.
Thanks in advance,
Jason
cunninghamair from O''Fallon, MO on 06/20/2008 07:55 PM
Closest trail heads are Greens Bottom and Weldon. There isn't much of a shoulder on 94
south of 40--it is a windy road with lots of blind spots. You could probably get to Greens
Bottom by taking O'Fallon road to 94 to Pittman Hill Road. However, we just drive to the
Weldon Spring trail head. On weekends, we park at the Page Bridge and ride to St. Charles.
Ken from St. Charles on 06/20/2008 10:42 PM
This isn't a route without a drive, but it's not too bad.
Go to the 94 & D intersection near Francis Howell HS. Park in the cemetery lot near the west end. Ride through that gate and you're on the Hamburg Trail. Follow it and make sure you take a left after you go under 94. From there it will take you to the KATY at a point between the Weldon Spring trailhead and Defiance. You can east or west from there.
It's about 5 miles from the parking lot to the KATY. Mostly downhill outbound. If you ride west out to Klondike park, climb up into the park and return to the cemetery, it's roughly 26 miles round trip.
Have fun
cunninghamair from O''''Fallon, MO on 06/21/2008 04:41 PM
Thanks Ken! We were just trying to figure out where to pick up the Hamburg Trail.
Roxann from O'Fallon MO on 06/22/2008 01:15 AM
I live in O'Fallon at Bryon Rd & I70...to get to the Katy Trail So...I ride on the shoulder of Hwy K till it dead ends on the service road...left to 94...then right to the Hamburg Trail at the Cemetery. The shoulder on So. 94 is under construction at the present time. It looks like they may be paving it!!!
Holiday Inn Express (Boonville)
- + Has anyone stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and bicycled to access the Katy Trail? Was the trail easy to find?
Discussion started 01/24/2006 02:17 AM by dn - 7 replies (last reply by Bicycle Guy at 06/21/2008 10:11 PM)dn from manhattan, ks on 01/24/2006 02:17 AM
Has anyone stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and bicycled to access the Katy Trail? Was the trail easy to find?
dn from manhattan, ks on 01/24/2006 02:17 AM
Has anyone stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and bicycled to access the Katy Trail? Was the trail easy to find?
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 01/24/2006 08:56 AM
We have stayed at both the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn.
It was not the easiest thing to find the trail the first time. Maybe our directions weren't clear or it was early in the morning with little coffee. Trial and error usually wins out though.
Take the road between the truck stop and the Comfort Inn and head westwardly toward the moble home plant. Ride onto their property toward the north to northwest. On the northwest corner of their property, looking toward your left is a small clearing that leads to the Katy. Unfortunately there are no signs guiding you to the Katy. My guess is it's about a mile from the Comfort Inn to the trail. The Holiday Inn is just next door to the south of the Comfort Inn.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 01/24/2006 08:56 AM
We have stayed at both the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn.
It was not the easiest thing to find the trail the first time. Maybe our directions weren't clear or it was early in the morning with little coffee. Trial and error usually wins out though.
Take the road between the truck stop and the Comfort Inn and head westwardly toward the moble home plant. Ride onto their property toward the north to northwest. On the northwest corner of their property, looking toward your left is a small clearing that leads to the Katy. Unfortunately there are no signs guiding you to the Katy. My guess is it's about a mile from the Comfort Inn to the trail. The Holiday Inn is just next door to the south of the Comfort Inn.
Roger from Fort Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2006 02:51 PM
We spent the night at the Boonville Holiday Inn Express (5 year old property). The owner was friendly and spoke to us while we used the heated indoor pool and hot tub. Well maintained property with a good breakfast and hard to beat for the $60 (weekend) I paid for the room. I know the real MKT experience is in a bed & breakfast, but I wanted a pool for my kid.
Roger from Fort Leavenworth, KS on 04/16/2006 02:51 PM
We spent the night at the Boonville Holiday Inn Express (5 year old property). The owner was friendly and spoke to us while we used the heated indoor pool and hot tub. Well maintained property with a good breakfast and hard to beat for the $60 (weekend) I paid for the room. I know the real MKT experience is in a bed & breakfast, but I wanted a pool for my kid.
dale nimmo from springfield missouri on 04/17/2006 09:55 AM
no matter WHERE you stay in booneville it's easy to find the trail, just ask for the casino, the trail is IMMEDIATELY next to it and in fact runs almost thru the casino parking lot.
dale nimmo from springfield missouri on 04/17/2006 09:55 AM
no matter WHERE you stay in booneville it's easy to find the trail, just ask for the casino, the trail is IMMEDIATELY next to it and in fact runs almost thru the casino parking lot.
Dan from Lee's Summit MO on 04/17/2006 08:55 PM
All true about the casino, but most of the hotels (like the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn) are near I-70, which is a few miles south. Your access point depends on where you're staying. The directions through the mobile home plant sound about right.
Dan from Lee's Summit MO on 04/17/2006 08:55 PM
All true about the casino, but most of the hotels (like the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn) are near I-70, which is a few miles south. Your access point depends on where you're staying. The directions through the mobile home plant sound about right.
Paul from St. Clair on 06/07/2007 04:40 PM
If you are going east make sure you get off the trail around mile marker 194 (not exactly sure). There is a new spur trail there, but it's really rough. There is a sign there, but nothing about HIE. The Holiday Inn Express is close to the truck stop. Don't make the mistake of going on into town or you will be sorry because this is one of the few down hill sections on the trail (from west to east that is). Also, there is an Arby's next to the Inn. And the hot tube/Jacuzzi felt great after a 70 mile ride.
Paul from St. Clair on 06/07/2007 04:40 PM
If you are going east make sure you get off the trail around mile marker 194 (not exactly sure). There is a new spur trail there, but it's really rough. There is a sign there, but nothing about HIE. The Holiday Inn Express is close to the truck stop. Don't make the mistake of going on into town or you will be sorry because this is one of the few down hill sections on the trail (from west to east that is). Also, there is an Arby's next to the Inn. And the hot tube/Jacuzzi felt great after a 70 mile ride.
Jack from Los Angeles on 06/09/2007 12:34 AM
if you want to get the bird's eye view go to google earth and set your location to the holiday inn express and go to the katy trail. zoom in as you need to. and print if needed.
Jack from Los Angeles on 06/09/2007 12:34 AM
if you want to get the bird's eye view go to google earth and set your location to the holiday inn express and go to the katy trail. zoom in as you need to. and print if needed.
Bicycle Guy from St. Clair on 06/21/2008 10:11 PM
An update on the trail leading to HIE. It is now much smoother. It has been worked on since last year.
Bicycle Guy from St. Clair on 06/21/2008 10:11 PM
An update on the trail leading to HIE. It is now much smoother. It has been worked on since last year.