Katy Trail Forum

We stayed at this B & B when be biked the Katy about 8 years ago. the host was nice and the food was very good, but the house was dirty--especially the bathroom and shower. Is it still owned by the same person?

Just stayed at the Rendleman Home in Bluffton last week - apparently the same owner (Doug) but he was off riding across Indiana and my host was an old friend of his, Fred. The house is apparently up for sale, as Doug wants to start a boat-based waterway-and-trail travel business. A fairly eccentric place, but I wouldn't call it dirty. Not your typical B&B (IS there such a thing on the Katy?) Dinner was pretty good, and I guess worth the extra $15 in such an isolated setting (there is absolutely nothing else around.) Breakfast was extremely simple for a B&B - just coffee and hot cereal. But I got my pick of their hot-cereal stash, and tried a 3-grain from Oregon that was wonderful - real nosebag food! And when I walked down toward the water for Verizon reception after dinner in the dark, there were lightning bugs - a real treat for a Californian!



Sharron

We will be staying at Rendleman at the end of September 2007. Doug is still the owner. Just a response to the dirty bathroom comment... I haven't stayed there yet but when I called Doug he made it clear that this isn't intended to be your standard fancy b&b (I think his exact words were "This ain't one of your hoity-toity doily places.") He offers clean beds and good food to riders who've been on the trail all day (or all week). Since he's a biker himself, he gives a practical helpful hospitality geared specifically to bikers. I had a fun delightful conversation with him and my husband and I are looking forward to meeting him. I'm a musician and I'm especially anticipating his evening bonfire sing-a-long jam session with some local musicians. If you're looking for a "hoity-toity doily" place then I think you need to bike on down to Marthasville. ;-)



PEACE and all the best on the trail!

~ Blue

We had an odd experience with Doug. We pulled up the other weekend and asked where we

could get a bite to eat. He said nowhere, we'd have to keep riding or turn around five miles.

We were completely beat. As it turns out, Steamboat just around the corner has a well-

stocked snack bar. I guess he didn't want to send us to a competitor, but it really turned us

off since it was getting dark and we were beat. Steamboat really took car of us and also has

cabins along with camping and a nice new shower.

What is this Steamboat, you are talking about? I can't seem to find it anywhere...

Click on Portland on Katy Trail Map at top of page, scroll down to "next towns on Katy Trail" and click on Bluffton.

Normally people are asking about a place they can get a meal, and there is nowhere in Bluffton to get a meal.



We also ate at Steamboat Junction last fall when passing through, and it is a great stop, but it is JUST snacks. They had some boxed sandwiches, chips, snacks, but definitely not a MEAL.

Steamboat Junction was somewhere between snacks and a meal. We had a couple of

cheeseburgers similar to those you get at QT that you heat up in the microwave. He just

wasn't going to help us out and send us around the corner to his prime competitor who was

booked up while he had no guests at all.

I am going to have to say, I don't consider QT cheeseburgers a "meal." Sure, it will do, but when I called Doug, he said there wasn't really much out there to eat, and I think this all confirms that.

I was wondering how someone would know Doug had "no guests at all" without venturing inside to check all the rooms? Has anyone else considered the possibility of "the competition" doing this posting? Regardless, my stay last year was quite enjoyable.

It seems to me that the proof would be in allowing people to withdraw after they see the place. He may be a fun guy, and it may be a good place to hang out with the guys, but I'd like an AC vent when I'm paying over $100 on a hot summer day. Ridiculous!



There is no competition that would be outting him; no one within 10 miles. I've stayed in many B&Bs and this was the worst ever.

I haven't seen it personally in the last few days, but it appears that a stretch of the trail is going to be dealing with flooding.

In the next few days, the weather service is predicting high water from Rocheport to the Wilton/Easley area. Does anyone have any first-hand reports?

Haven’t been there either. Last year I believe the Jefferson City Gauge topped out at 29 feet after had they sandbagged around Rocheport. However, I believe the forecasted crest was much higher, but a levee broke upstream. This did get on the trail in a few places. They are forecasting a crest of 27 feet for Thursday/Friday at Jefferson City, but I don’t know if that would be high enough stop someone.

from state park webpage:



6/10/08 -- The trail from MM 179 to MM 181.5 (west of Rocheport) is temporarily closed due to flooding. Detour routes are posted at the Rocheport and New Franklin trailheads.

We are riding the trail from Sedalia to St. Charles beginning tomorrow. Does anyone know what type of detour is taken to bypass the flooded area? Just want to know what to expect.

Marthasville is looking kind of sad since the 10 years I was last there. We ate at Twin Gables B&G and had a pretty decent lunch- very friendly folks there.

Marthasville is looking kind of sad since the 10 years I was last there. We ate at Twin Gables B&G and had a pretty decent lunch- very friendly folks there.

Did they ever sell Choo Choo's campground?

Did they ever sell Choo Choo's campground?

Marthasville was a dissapointment. We didn't find any of the services listed on the website. I wouldn't recomend the section from Augusta to Marthasville. The trail is out in an open field with little scenary along the way.

Marthasville was a dissapointment. We didn't find any of the services listed on the website. I wouldn't recomend the section from Augusta to Marthasville. The trail is out in an open field with little scenary along the way.

Just curious which services are listed on the website but not available. I just took Scenic Cycles off the website this morning, but other than that I believe everything that's listed here is still in business. For Twin Gables or the S&K minimart, you need to ride south from the trailhead for 1/4 mile or so, so you might not have seen them from the trailhead.



And to answer Doug, as far as I know ChooChoos is still up for sale (haven't heard otherwise, anyway).

Just curious which services are listed on the website but not available. I just took Scenic Cycles off the website this morning, but other than that I believe everything that's listed here is still in business. For Twin Gables or the S&K minimart, you need to ride south from the trailhead for 1/4 mile or so, so you might not have seen them from the trailhead.



And to answer Doug, as far as I know ChooChoos is still up for sale (haven't heard otherwise, anyway).

Vanessa Guyot still has Choo's Choo's listed at he website, list price is now down to just below $55,000.

Vanessa Guyot still has Choo's Choo's listed at he website, list price is now down to just below $55,000.

Should have read "her" website.

Should have read "her" website.

My wife and I rode to Marthasville from St. Charles and while I agree that it wasn't the most senic part of the trail we had been on, it was still an enjoyable ride. We did'nt see any places to eat in Marthasville when we were planning the trip so we stopped at the Blumenhof Vineyard near Dutzow and bought cheese crackers and sausage to eat for dinner. We ate a late lunch in Augusta so we would'nt need a big supper. We stayed at the Critter Cottage Bed and Breakfast and I would highly recommend it. They had provided snacks for the evening along with a bottle of local MO. wine. They even offered to take us somewhere to buy groceries for dinner. The cabin was fantastic with a huge jacuzzi tub. The breakfast was very good and there was alot of it. They picked us up at the trailhead and took us a couple of miles to the cabin out of town. The next morning it was pouring down rain so they even took us to Agusta where we were able to wait out the rain so we could resume our ride. I can't say enough great things about this B&B. We look forward to staying there again this summer.

My wife and I rode to Marthasville from St. Charles and while I agree that it wasn't the most senic part of the trail we had been on, it was still an enjoyable ride. We did'nt see any places to eat in Marthasville when we were planning the trip so we stopped at the Blumenhof Vineyard near Dutzow and bought cheese crackers and sausage to eat for dinner. We ate a late lunch in Augusta so we would'nt need a big supper. We stayed at the Critter Cottage Bed and Breakfast and I would highly recommend it. They had provided snacks for the evening along with a bottle of local MO. wine. They even offered to take us somewhere to buy groceries for dinner. The cabin was fantastic with a huge jacuzzi tub. The breakfast was very good and there was alot of it. They picked us up at the trailhead and took us a couple of miles to the cabin out of town. The next morning it was pouring down rain so they even took us to Agusta where we were able to wait out the rain so we could resume our ride. I can't say enough great things about this B&B. We look forward to staying there again this summer.

We have stayed at the globe four times but that will be our last. There are many cats which is fine but the owner gets upset if the door is open for any period of time. I don't need that stress. The real issue with the Globe is the shared shower HAS NO WATER PRESSURE! It is ridiculous and after a long ride that is frustrating. Not sure why but the shower is also very slippery and you have to hold yourself up and this is a drag when your legs feel like Jello. I have told the owner about this and evertime we return it is the same. There are much better options available on the route and the owner comes accross as she doesn't really care if there is no pressure or that the shower is slippery. We have found other places to stay with no cats and full pressure showers for less money.

Next time you want to stay in Hartsburg give the Hartsburg Inn a try. My wife and I have stayed there and it was great. Nothing fancy but it was clean and comfortable. The hammock out back was a great place to read and take a nap. The hostess was very friendly and we will stay there again when we ride to Hartsburg.

this is the "best

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this is the "best

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We biked from Sedalia to Hermann at the end of May. We decided we would give Amtrak a shot, and purchased tickets and bike tickets to return to Sedalia. We purchased them about a month ahead of time. We were told that there were no available spots for bikes on the Sat. evening train (all 4 were reserved), so we had to stay another night in Hermann, and reserved spots on the Sun. morning train.



We boarded with our bikes and were told to take them to the back of the car. At that point we discovered that there were NOT bike racks, but an empty spot on each side for bikes. Unfortunately, there were two bikes on one side, and three dirty mountain bikes piled on the other side. No place for our two bikes, although we pre-purchased reserved spots for them. We had to dig out a bungee cord, take the bikes to the rear of the car and bungee them together and to the handle of one of the restroom doors (this is where the conductor told us to put them). We asked what happened to our reserved spots and were told that three guys with bikes got on at a previous stop and they were given to them. But if it made us feel any better, they had to pay alot more for them, since they hadn't reserved.



Strangely it didn't make us feel better that our reserved spots were given to people that paid more for them. We were told to contact Amtrak if we didn't like it.



Needless to say, Amtrak lost any possible future business from us. Heads up everyone! Reservations don't mean anything to Amtrak!

Seems as if Amtrak forced you into an extra nights stay for no reason.....but they did haul your bikes for you though right??

Call Amtrak and complain! I did when our train was late and they sent me a $50 coupon. Besides, it's not the ticket office's mistake; it was the local conductor who let this travesty happen. Tell Amtrak that and give 'em a chance to respond.

Does anyone know who to get in contact with this B&B. I've tried for the past 3 years (we ride the trail each June) to call the phone posted but never get a return call.

Does anyone know who to get in contact with this B&B. I've tried for the past 3 years (we ride the trail each June) to call the phone posted but never get a return call.

I've given up. I don't think this place exists. I've tried 3 years in a row to give them some business, but I guess they don't want it. Their loss.

I've given up. I don't think this place exists. I've tried 3 years in a row to give them some business, but I guess they don't want it. Their loss.

I believe this couple has retired from the BnB business. Hopefully they will contact this website to remove their listing.

I believe this couple has retired from the BnB business. Hopefully they will contact this website to remove their listing.

I went ahead and marked this one as "closed".

I went ahead and marked this one as "closed".

We are coming to Missouri in late June. Which part of the trail is most scenic? Where can we get shuttles so we can ride just one way?

Show Me MO Tours offers shuttle service all along the Katy Trail. Our prices are listed on-line at our website: www.showmemotours.com Reserve a shuttle in advance for best availability on line or by phone @(314)781-0015.

You'll get a lot of opinions on the most scenic, and there are certainly arguments to be made for different areas. My favorite is the stretch between Rocheport and Hartsburg.

My favorite ride is from Weldon Spring to Augusta. It hugs the bluffs most of the way and has great services at Defiance and Augusta. This also puts you close to St Charles where the Old Town area is a must see.

Anyone have any info on where to find a foldable map of the Katy?. I'd like one similar to the traditional highway maps. Thanks

These are usually stocked at the trailheads.

I bought one of those big red Missouri highway books when I hiked the trail. Tear out the pages with the Katy and keep those in your pack. Try to get the pages laminated if possible. It's a good reference for towns, campgrounds, etc.

I've stayed here twice and will stay again. The most recent, May 2008, four of us stopped on day three of our Katy trail ride. Great beds, secure bike storage for the night, wonderful breakfast to fuel us for the day. Some Katy riders choose Boonville or Columbia because they say Rocheport is pricey. I maintain you get what you pay for...and the Schoolhouse is a bargain among B&Bs.

I've stayed here twice and will stay again. The most recent, May 2008, four of us stopped on day three of our Katy trail ride. Great beds, secure bike storage for the night, wonderful breakfast to fuel us for the day. Some Katy riders choose Boonville or Columbia because they say Rocheport is pricey. I maintain you get what you pay for...and the Schoolhouse is a bargain among B&Bs.

We stayed there in 1998 and it was great. We didn't stay in Rocheport this time, but had a great lunch at the winery.

We stayed there in 1998 and it was great. We didn't stay in Rocheport this time, but had a great lunch at the winery.

My Grandpa's Farm looked wonderful- a big open area with lots of tables. It wasn't time for us to eat, or we would have had a meal there. I did get some cold orange juice, which hit the spot.

This was definitely my favorite place to stay on the trail. Beautiful home, great hot tub, delicious cookies and breakfast, and friendly hosts. Great small town to walk around and see interesting artsy shops. Visit the winery- I didn't expect Missouri wines to be so good.

This was definitely my favorite place to stay on the trail. Beautiful home, great hot tub, delicious cookies and breakfast, and friendly hosts. Great small town to walk around and see interesting artsy shops. Visit the winery- I didn't expect Missouri wines to be so good.

We stayed at the wonderful Red Brick Inn. Unfortunately, there is not much choice for dinner in Augusta in May and we made the wrong choice. We should have eaten at the brewery, as Ashley's Rose was not good.

We stayed at the wonderful Red Brick Inn. Unfortunately, there is not much choice for dinner in Augusta in May and we made the wrong choice. We should have eaten at the brewery, as Ashley's Rose was not good.

Peers is easy to miss- my riding buddies were ahead of me and rode right by, but I stopped and bought some snacks- would have had lunch there, but had to catch up with them.

Bluffton is just a wide spot with a few houses, and a terrific B&B that only cyclists would appreciate! No "lace and doilies" as Doug will tell you when you call! But a clean bed, showers, a claw foot tub for soaking, and good food will reward you after a day on the trail. As a fellow cyclist, Doug wknows what you need and he'll take good care of you.

Our stay at the Hartsburg Inn was a great bargain. It is spacious, quiet, and home baked cookies are awaiting your arrival. The accommodations are basic, the breakfast is minimal but adequate, and the town is quiet and picturesque. It is one of my favorite towns on the trail. We knew Dottie's Cafe would be closed, so we ate at the Thai trailer at Cooper's Landing (really good and reasonably priced) before arriving Hartsburg. The bar was an experience- they were roasting a whole pig on the barbecue.

Our stay at the Hartsburg Inn was a great bargain. It is spacious, quiet, and home baked cookies are awaiting your arrival. The accommodations are basic, the breakfast is minimal but adequate, and the town is quiet and picturesque. It is one of my favorite towns on the trail. We knew Dottie's Cafe would be closed, so we ate at the Thai trailer at Cooper's Landing (really good and reasonably priced) before arriving Hartsburg. The bar was an experience- they were roasting a whole pig on the barbecue.

Once again, four of us stayed at Rivercene and loved it. It really takes you back in time, and the rooms are huge and comfortable. It's easy to get to, (just off the north end of the bridge) so riding to dinner at Glenn's (at the other end of the bridge) was a snap. Great dinner at Glenn's at Hotel Frederick.

Once again, four of us stayed at Rivercene and loved it. It really takes you back in time, and the rooms are huge and comfortable. It's easy to get to, (just off the north end of the bridge) so riding to dinner at Glenn's (at the other end of the bridge) was a snap. Great dinner at Glenn's at Hotel Frederick.

I rode Amtrak from Kirkwood (St. Charles) to Sedalia to return rental bikes to the Velo shop (very helpful people there) and had a wonderful stay at Hotel Bothwell across the street. The room was probably the smallest hotel room I've ever seen but quaint and comfortable. The lobby is lovely, there is a small work-out room, and a complimentary computer on the second floor.

The Ivory Grille has fantastic food- I had lunch and dinner there, plus appetizers in the lounge. Great salads,and the pork tenderloin was delicious. I had a good massage and facial at the spa (no longer located at the hotel, but they will pick you up).

I rode Amtrak from Kirkwood (St. Charles) to Sedalia to return rental bikes to the Velo shop (very helpful people there) and had a wonderful stay at Hotel Bothwell across the street. The room was probably the smallest hotel room I've ever seen but quaint and comfortable. The lobby is lovely, there is a small work-out room, and a complimentary computer on the second floor.

The Ivory Grille has fantastic food- I had lunch and dinner there, plus appetizers in the lounge. Great salads,and the pork tenderloin was delicious. I had a good massage and facial at the spa (no longer located at the hotel, but they will pick you up).

Any suggestions on where to park? Also any great lunch stops enroute to Rocheport? Thanks

If you have four or more cyclists in your group, the River Witch Cabin is terrific! We were greeted with wine, cheese and crackers, and that was just the start of a great evening. The owners and manager take care of anything you need, including providing a bike wash for us. The cabin is historic, charming, comfortable and great for a group. With two king and three double beds that are like sleeping on clouds, and a really cool bedroom loft, there's a place for everyone. The stuffed french toast/eggs benedict breakfast was the fuel we need to get to St. Charles. This would also be a wonderful "girls weekend away" destination. I will definitely be back.

WOW! We could not be more pleased with our stay at the Anchor Mill Inn. Normal check in is 4-6pm, but the Innkeeper kindly agreed to let us check in around 9pm. As it turned out, our train was late arriving in Washington and the bike ride from Washington to Dutzow to Augusta took longer than expected, so it was very late when we trudged in. Even so, Kathleen was gracious and happy to receive us when we finally arrived, exhausted. Our room was spacious by B&B standards. The private bathroom had an ample shower. The Inn has a nice hottub and pool which we would have jumped in had we not been wiped out. Breakfast the next morning was beautifully presented and absolutely wonderful to eat. The gardens around the home are lovely. I felt like I was visiting a wonderful old aunt I'd not seen in years. I only wish our travel plans would have let us stay longer, but we'll definitely return to the Anchor Mill Inn someday.

WOW! We could not be more pleased with our stay at the Anchor Mill Inn. Normal check in is 4-6pm, but the Innkeeper kindly agreed to let us check in around 9pm. As it turned out, our train was late arriving in Washington and the bike ride from Washington to Dutzow to Augusta took longer than expected, so it was very late when we trudged in. Even so, Kathleen was gracious and happy to receive us when we finally arrived, exhausted. Our room was spacious by B&B standards. The private bathroom had an ample shower. The Inn has a nice hottub and pool which we would have jumped in had we not been wiped out. Breakfast the next morning was beautifully presented and absolutely wonderful to eat. The gardens around the home are lovely. I felt like I was visiting a wonderful old aunt I'd not seen in years. I only wish our travel plans would have let us stay longer, but we'll definitely return to the Anchor Mill Inn someday.