Katy Trail Forum

OK, I am going to open this topic up again.

I am about three weeks from finishing off my trail hike, and I am needing updated information on the St. Charles to Machens segment. Am I correct when I say you can take 94 out of St. Chuck and it goes directly to Machens? I understand there is no parking, but I am just needing to be picked up.



Also, what is the up-to-date status on the trail along that stretch? I would really hate to get about 6 or 7 miles into the country and have to turn around and head back.



And while I am thinking about it, how is the cell phone reception from McKittrick to Machens? I know I have had trouble in the Hermann area, but what about east of there?



Thanks in advance for any info you guys can share,



Greg

This is Doug's wife Jill. I am picking him up in Machens tomorrow. I talked to him on the cell, he wants you to know that he has lot's of info for you and will reply tomorrow night or the next day.

Great to hear it! I was wondering how he was doing on his hike. As I said before, I will be finishing my off in the second week of July. (I am just going to LOVE that nice humid post-Fourth of July heat)

I tried to ride to Machens on 6/10/07 from Saint Charles. I found the trail to be nothing but dirt a couple miles out of town. I turned back and didn't go any futher, the weeds had grown up and it would be a real mess after a rain. Good luck

St. Charles to Machens is an odyssey. The first thing you need to do is go to Bass Pro and buy a pair of their lightweight convertible pants they sell for $19.99 you’ll need them. As you go under Interstate 370 you’ll come to the end of the “established trail” because it turns into a dirt path that looks like it may have been a service road at one time. Stop here and put the legs on your convertible pants and bug juice up. Follow the dirt road; you’ll see bike tracks. Next you’ll come to a fork in the road. Bear right, it looks like you’re back on the Katy and you’ll go around a nice little pond. After the pond the road bears right back onto the dirt path. The grass here is knee to mid torso high. There were chiggers and ticks so the bug spray pays off. I even saw Jake the Snake twice so you really have to watch your step. The path alternates from crushed limestone to dirt to big rocks and back to dirt numerous times, the grass is still high but bearable if you stay on the path. The distance so far would be about 6 miles. You finally dump out onto what we would recognize as the Katy just before mile marker 33 when you hit the trail. Wear a hat, use sunscreen if you want, wear your long, lightweight pants in the grass, and carry lots and lots of water. There is no shade!!! I only carried the legs for the convertible pants, bug spray, and 4 liters of water. Good news: They have upgraded Machens! There’s an indoor toilet, tree fertilization is no longer required. Have your wife follow Hwy 94 into Machens proper (the green sign that says Machens) and take the 2nd right on Salle St. The road dead-ends at the rail tracks so you have to walk across the rails to the path. Post your departure date and I’ll try to go down there 2 days later and mark the road by stapling orange tape to a phone pole. Following the Katy to Machens is a little daunting but worth the struggle, it’s the icing on the cake.

All that Mammbo Jammbo is icing on the cake?? Is there gold at the end of the trail in Machens or sumthin???

You can also stay on the levee and avoid the high and wooley brush around the pond. The trip is worth it. It isn't that bad. In fact it is the climax of the trip.

The negative comments I receive on the forum are just sucking the positivety right out of me. I'll just monitor for a while instead of posting.

Wow, sounds like it is still kinda rough in a few spots. How's the cellphone coverage from St. Chuck to Machens?

Hhmmmm......well, I certainly don't wanna rob anyone of their positive vibes. I am curious to know, having not been there, what makes the Machens end of the trail worth traveling for? You've painted a picture to me as overgrown, poorly maintained, bug infested, and a struggle to get through. The one positive that you did tell, was that after buying the special pants to get there.....I have an option other than a tree trunk. (which in most cases, I would have opted for the tree trunk six miles back and would have spent the money on the trail instead of Bass Pro Shops).



If the trail is as you describe it.....why is it worth the struggle? What's there to make it so? How is it the icing on the cake? Help us out bro!

Sorry if I overreacted folks, the one comment just rubbed me the wrong way.



Greg: cell phone reception is excellent. Someone told me it was because of all the cell towers along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, you’re close to the confluence of both.



Trek Biker:

1. The convertible pants were a good investment for me because you need long pants while hiking the grassy areas yet still have shorts for the open parts due to the heat. The ability to convert quickly is a benefit on this leg of the trail. Bass Pro sells a low cost, lightweight, who cares if they get ripped, pair of pants. I like to carry lightweight, useful items in my pack as I tend to be more of a camper and not a bed and breakfast kind of guy when I backpack.

2. Why is it worth the struggle? Hmmmm, let me think. I might be alone here but I’ll try my best to answer this for you. My goal was to backpack the entire Katy from end to end. After walking 225 miles with a 30 pound backpack I felt that I couldn’t quit so close to my goal. I didn’t want to hike the roads that parallel the Katy so I could honestly say that I hiked the entire trail from end to end. Maybe I just viewed the hot, bug infested part between St. Charles and Machens as a gut check to see how bad I wanted to reach my goal. I didn’t think that overcoming adversity to reach a goal was a bad thing. It gave me a greater feeling of accomplishment when I hit mile marker 27.

3. In regards to the restroom. It was new and an improvement to the EOT (end of trail) indicating they were starting to make improvements to that end of the trail.

Doug,

I totally understand the drive to walk end to end. The best explanation I can give for wanting to do it is what the guy said when asked why he climbed mountains: "Because its there."

Now, I know the Katy isnt a mountain, but to go hoofing the whole 225 (or is is 237?) miles, you have to be goal-oriented.



I have found it interesting the distances you averaged most days. I think that is what caused me my difficulties, I was trying to average 18-20 miles a day, and I think that is what bit me in the end. (Pun somewhat intended)



Oh, and by the way, July 9 is my kickoff day. Hopefully, the blister issue that killed me after 163 miles in September won't be as much of an issue this time.

Greg,

I'll mark the turnoff to Salle St. in Machens on the 11th.

I went on to Machens last time out and it was worth it. In fact, the icing on the cake for me was to go on to Portage Des Souix (see map) and across the river on a ferry into Illinois. Ask at the post office for directions.

Doug,

I appreciate all your info and help. I am actually looking forward to taking the "road less traveled" section of the trail.



Greg

While doing field work on the Machens trail extension for our Geographic Information Systems(GIS) on Friday, August 17, 2007, I found fallen trees across the trail at two locations south of Weidey Road. (Between the road and the levee to the south.) You might be able to ride off the pavement around one of these, but the other would require dismounting and horsing your bike through the tree limbs.

Well, now it's 2008. Has there been any improvements?

We road past St. Charles and after a few miles, we came to the end of the gravel and the

weeds looked about waist high. It probably could be hiked, but we turned around on our

bikes.

Wow! Dear Miss Penny, Thank you for your hospitality. Our stay at your B&B was absolutely phenomenal! You are quite the chef! Breakfast in itself was absolutely exquisite! And the fresh baked pastries upon our arrivale were such an added treat! We have stayed in many places, and have never experienced such wonderful hospitality like we did at your establishment. Also thank you so much for the recommendation to have dinner at the Stein House restaurant. The food was great, but the ambience combined with the great service was divine! It was truly a step back in time being one of the oldest and historic restaurants in your area. Thanks again for making our stay an outstanding memory!

You’re Friends,

Tonya & James

Wow! Dear Miss Penny, Thank you for your hospitality. Our stay at your B&B was absolutely phenomenal! You are quite the chef! Breakfast in itself was absolutely exquisite! And the fresh baked pastries upon our arrivale were such an added treat! We have stayed in many places, and have never experienced such wonderful hospitality like we did at your establishment. Also thank you so much for the recommendation to have dinner at the Stein House restaurant. The food was great, but the ambience combined with the great service was divine! It was truly a step back in time being one of the oldest and historic restaurants in your area. Thanks again for making our stay an outstanding memory!

You’re Friends,

Tonya & James

THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED! That phone number connects you to somebody's personal Cell #... Stop Calling him

THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED! That phone number connects you to somebody's personal Cell #... Stop Calling him

Red Brick Inn 31 May 2008. Biking the Katy Trail with two teen age grandsons, Sedalia to St. Charles. We spent some time on the internet selecting B&B’s along the trail and The Red Brick Inn was the frosting on the cake before our final short run to St. Charles. Beautiful old home built in 1867, large rooms, sumptuous and elegant breakfast. Marine or Naval Aviators would enjoy visiting with Gary. We would stay there again.

Red Brick Inn 31 May 2008. Biking the Katy Trail with two teen age grandsons, Sedalia to St. Charles. We spent some time on the internet selecting B&B’s along the trail and The Red Brick Inn was the frosting on the cake before our final short run to St. Charles. Beautiful old home built in 1867, large rooms, sumptuous and elegant breakfast. Marine or Naval Aviators would enjoy visiting with Gary. We would stay there again.

Doll House B&B, Rhineland 30 May 2008. Biking with two teen age grandsons from Sedalia to St. Charles. One of us had a blowout 2 ½ miles from Rhineland. Sidewall of the tire with a one inch hole. We walked the last two and a half miles on a warm afternoon and were met with the best lemonade we have ever tasted. Amanda was a gracious and kind hostess. A great breakfast. Highly recommended. We would stay there again.

Doll House B&B, Rhineland 30 May 2008. Biking with two teen age grandsons from Sedalia to St. Charles. One of us had a blowout 2 ½ miles from Rhineland. Sidewall of the tire with a one inch hole. We walked the last two and a half miles on a warm afternoon and were met with the best lemonade we have ever tasted. Amanda was a gracious and kind hostess. A great breakfast. Highly recommended. We would stay there again.

Briar Rose B&B. 29 May 2008. Biking with two teen age grandsons from Sedalia to St. Charles. This is a fine B&B. Randy and Jeanette were great hosts. Pick up at N. Jefferson Trail Head was easily done. Very nicely decorated B&B. Great breakfast. Highly recommended. We would stay there again.

Briar Rose B&B. 29 May 2008. Biking with two teen age grandsons from Sedalia to St. Charles. This is a fine B&B. Randy and Jeanette were great hosts. Pick up at N. Jefferson Trail Head was easily done. Very nicely decorated B&B. Great breakfast. Highly recommended. We would stay there again.

Flower Shop B&B at Pilot Grove. We were there on 26 May 2008 with our two grandsons biking from Sedalia to St. Charles. A very nice place to stay. Virgil and Delores were fine hosts. We would stay there again.

Flower Shop B&B at Pilot Grove. We were there on 26 May 2008 with our two grandsons biking from Sedalia to St. Charles. A very nice place to stay. Virgil and Delores were fine hosts. We would stay there again.

We need people to help fill sandbags in Winfield. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone know if you can board an Amtrak train with your bike and be dropped off along the Katy Trail? And then board the train again in the evening?

Be sure you make reservations for you and your bike... Just confirming your seat is not enough, especially on the weekend runs.

The train stops near Sedalia, Jeff City, Hermann, and Washington/Dutzow.

For anyone not considering a stay in Washington because of the bridge situation, I'd urge you to reconsider. We rode Clinton to Washington last week, and found it to be a very charming town, and a great place to end our ride. We ended in Washington because it's the last place you can conveniently catch Amtrak back to Warrensburg.



We called Yo, Taxi (formerly Hey, Taxi) at 636-234-6360 and were picked up within minutes. Just $12 to cross the nasty bridge. He does cover a broad territory, so it's good to let him know ahead of time of your plans (he just happened to be in Washington when we called).



When you end a trip, you often like to celebrate with an extra nice place to stay, enjoy a nice meal, and explore a nice town. We achieved this in spades:



1. Stayed at the Guest Haus - the quintessential B&B with a wonderful host. Fabulous house, fabulous accommodations, excellent breakfast. The home has been featured on national morning TV programs and major magazines. I wanted to take her kitchen and bathroom home with me, but they wouldn't fit in the panniers.



2. Ate at American Bounty, a terrific, creative restaurant with great atmosphere. Don't miss the cobbler, which you have to order at the beginning of the meal. It was hailing out, so the staff drove us back to the B&B. That's service.



3. We spent a whole lovely day at the end of our trip in Washington, because Amtrak runs twice/day through Washington (9:35am and 5:06pm), but only the evening train takes bikes. Very easy to spend an entire day there. Lots of antique stores, gift shops, museums and restaurants to explore.

I just confirmed with Amtrak that they allow bikes on both the morning & evening trains,

subject to availability. They encourage making reservations for you & your bike at least a

week in advance. It sounds like they wouldn't allow you to take your bikes on the morning

train because there was not room.

Highly interesting, and definitely not what we were told by either the Amtrak phone rep or the conductor on the pm train.



Amtrak phone rep said "Bicycles are not allowed on the morning train, just the evening train." Period.



While riding back, we asked the Amtrak ticket guy why bicycles weren't allowed on the morning train, and he said "Different equipment is used, kind of a double-decker arrangement, and there isn't enough room for bikes on the lower level."

I called Yo Taxi and was quoted $25 per person one-way, or roughly $50 to go across the bridge and back by van. I know gas prices are up but can this be right? $25 just to take a person a quarter mile?

The Missouri River bridge in Washington, MO is a bit narrow. See for yourself on the page below. It includes a video of crossing the bridge heading North:



http://washmo.com/content/view/137/1/



Jason

http://washmo.com/

Wow! Thats some video......I've crossed some bridges but thats one I won't attempt.

We live in O'Fallon and caught the train in Washington to Jeff City, then rode back. We got

the the Dutzow Deli and had lunch--then I chickened out. I didn't want to cross the bridge

to get back to our car at the train station. My husband decided to brave it--he admitted it

was a mistake. It is a long slow, steady climb up to the bridge from the trail, so he was

pretty winded when he got there--and had a scary, close call with a pick up truck on the

bridge. We are considering parking the car at the trail head, riding across the bridge early

in the morning before traffic starts on a weekend and then catch the train so we end up at

our car. But the cab is probably the best idea.

Do either of the amtrak stations in Washington or Kirkwood give you the option to buy train tickets at the station or do I need to order them ahead of time? thanks, Brian

My wife and I rode amtrak from St Louis to Sedalia on Labor Day 2 years ago. We had brand new recumbents. I had purchased tickets for us and our bikes, recumbents, 2 months prior. The conductors were great. They evened helped us load. I would suggest getting your tickets and the tickets for your bikes in advance.

Enjoy the trail.

If you are taking a bike on the AMTRACK I would not chance trying to buy a ticket at the station. The train only allows so many bikes and the only way to guarantee getting your bike on the train, is to buy the tickets in advance.

I recommend buying tickets on the amtrak website (don't forget to pay extra for the bike!)

I've heard of people being turned away, but they didn't blink when we rolled up.

Right on the trail. Bright, clean, friendly. We sat on porch: wicker & flowers. Have lunch & interesting german beers - yum! The bathroom, which can be used only if you patronize (understandably), is nice & clean.

Right on the trail. Bright, clean, friendly. We sat on porch: wicker & flowers. Have lunch & interesting german beers - yum! The bathroom, which can be used only if you patronize (understandably), is nice & clean.

We stop here regularly. The only complaint is--get there early! It can get crowded!

Sometimes we round the corner and head up to the Blumenhof Winery.

We stop here regularly. The only complaint is--get there early! It can get crowded!

Sometimes we round the corner and head up to the Blumenhof Winery.

We are planning to stay a night in Columbia while traveling to Colorado. I want to bike the MKT (again), but go on to Rocheport and have my wife meet me there. Because trail is dusty, I'm hoping to clean up before climbing in the car. Anyone have any suggestions on somewhere to get a quick shower? I hate to make a mess of trailhead bathroom sinks, except as a last resort.

I've never been on the trail when it was sooo dusty that I couldn't get in the car. I don't drive an Aston Martin either tho. I have done long distance rides in the rain, where I felt compeled to clean up a bit and put on dry clothes before the road trip home. The trailhead bathrooms are an option tho....you should be able to reasonably clean up any mess you make and recover nicely provided you can't make the 12 mile trip back to Columbia without cleaning up a bit.

I have taken a "trailhead" shower in the bathrooms at the TrailHead at Rocheport as well --

the floors are concrete with a big drain in them ... use your water bottle (or 2) and the

handicapped stall (which is close to where the drain is) and voila! instant shower. Sharon

Trek and sbikes:

It sounds like a trailhead shower it is. My problem is I sweat like mad and my legs get coated with trial dust, which burns my skin if I don't clean it off. It happened last year after I did a very dusty MKT to and from the river. I was itching like mad by the time I made it back to the hotel along I-70. It's either clean up or bungee myself to the roof and hope for rain. Thanks for the suggestions.

Well, you could also bungee yourself to the roof of the car and look for a car wash!! LOL

Sharon

Me and a buddy are starting our trip in St. Charles heading to Clinton then back to Windsor via the KATY trail and thought we would stop by Route 66 State Park on my way. We are planning on getting off the path a few time to take in some scenery I've tried to do some research to find some good mountain bike or even just road bike trails to get me from the KATY trail to Eureka, MO. Any help would be appreciated.



Thanks in advance,

benjic0125@msn.com

What are current conditions of the trail between Rocheport and Boonville? We are planning to ride in this area if the trail is open, after the recent flooding.

As of 6/20, the DNR reports that flooding has subsided and there are no closures. Let's hope the sky remains sunny.

according to state website:



Trail Conditions

6/20/08 -- No closures to report at this time.

D'oh!

Planning on completing the Katy Trail (West to East)by bike next week. What is the situation from St. Charles to Machens. Is it open to bikers yet and is the trail easy enough to see from St. Charles to Machens? Please only comment on this portion of the trail. Have completed the rest of it.

There's a 6 mile stretch from St. Chas to mile marker 33 that's not hiker friendly so I doubt you could ride that section. From mile marker 33 to Machens is nice and clear just like the rest of the trail.

I'm riding the trail next month with my 3 boys (5,9 and 12 yrs old) and want a hotel near the trail. Swimming pool would be nice! Any suggestions?

What part of the Trail do you plan to ride on? There aren't a lot of hotels along the Trail --

but, there are some in the larger places like Sedalia, Boonville, Jeff City, Columbia (if you take

the spur), and of course, St. Charles.

Sorry, I thought I posted this under the "Columbia Spur" section. I was wondering if there was a Hotel close to the trail in Columbia, I don't want to ride on the streets with the kids unless I have to.

Unfortunately the closest hotel to the spur is the Holiday Inn Select on Stadium. Stadium is a busy 4-lane, but has a wide shoulder and the police keep the speed down. Not that bad of a side trip.

At least one motel in Columbia, I believe it is the Holiday Inn Select, runs shuttle service from the trail to the facility for bikes and riders. You can call and confirm this, but I saw an ad at the New Franklin Trail Head.

The Stoney Creek Inn is about .5 miles from a feeder trail to the MKT. You have to go down a hill and the road surface isn't great but there isn't a lot of traffic. Take a left out the parking lot and at the foot of the hill, pickup the trail in a University parking lot.