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Mighty Mo Canoe Rental (Rocheport)

Anonymous on 08/31/2007 02:00 PM

How much does it cost just to rent a canoe for the trip on Sept. 29 for the Mo River cleanup afterwards?

allenkelaine@peoplepc.com

Kim from Independence on 08/31/2007 02:13 PM

Check the link on this site (under Rocheport) for the Mighty Mo Canoe Rentals website and it has availability and prices.

However, beware. We scheduled a trip with them on Memorial Weekend, and they cancelled. Have seen other people comment on this site that they scheduled trips that were either cancelled or rescheduled, even if you reserve with them, you might not get your trip.

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/05/2008 08:04 PM

Kim, As I mentioned in another post, the river can fluctuate 10 feet in 2 days. Our top three priorities are safety, safety, safety. We hate to cancel floats b/c I know it leaves some people bummed out, but oftentimes we don't know the river level forecast until 48 hours beforehand. Several weeks back it was gorgeous weather here, but it had hammered some north country and brought the river way up. That is the most frustrating part. It is definitely a recreational sport that is at the mercy of the river. But we definitely have more "on" days than "off."

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Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest (Rocheport)

Harry from Kansas City on 08/11/2008 07:55 PM

Beware: This is not a bed and breakfast anymore. Hence "Bikefest." I didn't read closely enough when I made my internet reservation, and got snookered into thinking the service was the same as when I stayed there one night two summers ago and enjoyed a full home-cooked breakfast in the morning. Anymore, somebody comes by to boil up a pot of coffee. Beyond that, it's continental fare. Too bad they cut back and resorted to trickery -- it's such a quaint little place.

Harry from Kansas City on 08/11/2008 07:55 PM

Biker from Farmington, MO on 08/19/2008 09:35 AM

"Continental breakfast provided. Items include yogurt, bagels, muffins, scones, fruit, juices, coffee, cereal and breakfast bars." On their "Rates & Such" page, under "rules." -- Although I'll admit, I'm not jazzed about how they process your credit card for the full stay at the time of reservation (and they require at least 2 wks' cancellation notice, or you're out the whole wad). But I can see how they might have gotten burned in the past without this policy, so they've had to implement it. Not sure a continental breakfast qualifies as "trickery," but I can see how you felt had.

Biker from Farmington, MO on 08/19/2008 09:35 AM

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/03/2008 10:50 AM

Our hearty continental breakfast includes yogurt, bagels, muffins, scones, fruit, juices, coffee, cereal and breakfast bars. It has brought kudos from many of our guests who prefer a flexible eating schedule. We made this change two years ago in response to our cyclist guests who were requesting an easy, early, hearty get-going breakfast. Our website states implicitly at least once on every page in scrolling text the following "Our hearty continental breakfast offers plenty of pedal power for your Katy Trail adventure." It even states that twice on our homepage. In addition, on our rates page it states "Continental breakfast provided. Items include yogurt, bagels, muffins, scones, fruit, juices, coffee, cereal and breakfast bars." Our chef Gregory, who married and moved away several years ago, will always be missed! I think he is probably keeping busy making breakfast for his four young girls.

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/03/2008 10:50 AM

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/03/2008 12:21 PM

Hi Biker. Thanks for your thoughts. Our payment policies are pretty standard. You book a flight, they charge your card. You buy gas, they charge your card. You buy groceries, they charge your card. B&Bs are the same way. We do this because in the past, some guests would "reserve" entire blocks of rooms for whole weekends while they were trying to arrange family, friends, etc., and would cancel them or most of them at the last minute once they finalized (or canceled) their plans. That leaves any B&B in a bad spot. (Our canoe floats are the same way). Sorry if it rubbed you the wrong way. We're always looking for ways to improve the process and we're always open to new ideas and suggestions. Thanks for letting us know. Hope to see you back in Rocheport to see the fall leaves!

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/03/2008 12:21 PM

Doug from Bluffton on 09/03/2008 02:34 PM

A two weeks in advance cancellation policy is pretty much the norm and still doesn't really cover the owners as most people have made their reservations by then so the owners can't just call customers back and say "The rooms are now available." The owners turned down guests to hold the room. That is why you pay in advance. So that the rooms are yours unless YOU change plans. Most of the B&Bs along the way are people that hold down full time jobs and then put themselves out even more while trying to make YOUR trip comfortable.

Doug from Bluffton on 09/03/2008 02:34 PM

Biker from Farmington, MO on 09/03/2008 03:20 PM

I can understand why they charge in advance. Again, I'm not keen on it, but now that I know what to expect, I'm OK with it. I've stayed in many B&Bs before where they don't charge your card for the complete total a month in advance of your stay (just a deposit, maybe). I was under the mistaken impression I was reserving a room, not paying for the room, because "credit cards are processed at time of reservation" meant, to me, that you had to use a credit card to reserve. Maybe "charged" might have clarified it. It was a simple misunderstanding, and a shock when my card was billed $350 right away. I hope to stay there again (if they'll have me, after all this), but I can see how others might miss all the fine print in their excitement to book rooms for their trip. Just an FYI. Please don't shoot me.

Biker from Farmington, MO on 09/03/2008 03:20 PM

stevie from saint louis on 09/04/2008 10:17 AM

I can also understand why they charge in advance. However, the only B&B that I have ever stayed in along the Katy Trail did not ask me for an advance credit card or check of any kind.

Another one that I contacted wanted an advance check, but would keep ½ the room rate if I cancelled. In addition, in this latter case, if they rebooked the room, I would not be charged for anything.

I would advise that people reading the above not assume that these generalizations on the cancellation policy apply to every B&B along the Katy. Not to mention the fact that hotel options that are available along the Katy generally have a much less stringent cancellation policies for their guests than what is discussed above. So, I would advise that people shop around and contact hotels and B&B’s directly before booking a room if the cancellation policy is a concern.

stevie from saint louis on 09/04/2008 10:17 AM

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/05/2008 07:47 PM

Biker in Farmington, No worries! We're all friends here. All of the feedback is really great. I'm excited to mention that we are working on reconstructing an 1880s two-story log cabin at our B&B which should break ground in October. It has a double porch on the front -- should be a real nice place to kick back and watch the bikers go by...

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/05/2008 07:47 PM

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Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest (Rocheport)

Claire from St. Louis on 08/01/2008 05:16 PM

This is a good, little place and perfect for through-riders. I have stayed there a few times. Its not as fancy as the others, nor is it as expensive. We have had to call them for supplies and someone always came right over. We landed there once after a 60+ mile day and found everything we needed including a laundry we could use for our soaking wet and dirty gear. One time we came we shared the house with another couple were not not very considerate of us. Our room was next to the dining area and they did not even try to be quiet at 6am.

A couple of other quick remarks. They are very forthcoming on their website of what to expect. Please take time to read about the places you are staying in detail so you don't get surprised.

Also, think it is tacky of the Boonville B&B to promote themselves on this comment page - sheesh.

Claire from St. Louis on 08/01/2008 05:16 PM

gc from Columbia, Mo. on 08/01/2008 07:54 PM

Claire,

I am sure the owners of Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest would rather take a Missouri River canoe trip or publish a series of books than to ever be so tacky as to use the comment forum to promote any businesses that they may own.

;-)

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

gc from Columbia, Mo. on 08/01/2008 07:54 PM

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/03/2008 12:24 PM

Claire, Thanks for your thoughts. We really strive to make the B&B a comfortable home away from home. A lot of our guests comment on how cozy and inviting our place is. I'm glad you felt the same way and enjoyed your stay. Hope to see you in Rocheport this fall!

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/03/2008 12:24 PM

kim from independence, mo on 09/04/2008 01:11 PM

Brett - Have to set the record straight. We did try calling the numbers posted in the kitchen (in search of the elusive TP) but never got a response. Message was left. You offered a free nights stay or free canoe trip. We opted for the canoe trip while on a short camping/biking trip Memorial Weekend of 2007. You (or someone at Mighty MO) called my cell the day before the trip and cancelled the trip. We have never been able to use that free stay/trip.

kim from independence, mo on 09/04/2008 01:11 PM

kim from independence, mo on 09/04/2008 01:19 PM

I imagine it can be quite challenging running a place like this - and I don't want my "missing TP" experience to keep people from riding the trail. I posted the original post when posting general experiences from riding the whole trail. I want to re-state - it's good to know others experiences when planning a ride. I take it all into account when planning. I see good & not so good experiences posted for almost every place that you can stay at, eat at, etc. along the trail. And what is a "great stay" for one person, may not be the same for someone else. And by the way, the Hot Tub at Katy B&B is a great addition for the price - and helped make up for the missing TP. Look at all the places along the trail and see how many you can stay at for the price that have a hot tub. Nothing feels quite so good after a long day on the trail!

kim from independence, mo on 09/04/2008 01:19 PM

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/05/2008 07:41 PM

Hi Kim, Great to hear from you. Yep we have had to cancel numerous floats due to the fluctuating river levels. I know it is frustrating for our guests and for ourselves as well. The river is real low now and we should have two great months ahead of us for floats in Sept & October. Lots of sandbars, and watching the leaves change and the eagles return...

Brett Dufur from Rocheport on 09/05/2008 07:41 PM

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pre-teens alone on trail

TK from Alma, MO on 07/17/2008 07:50 PM

We are considering allowing my 12-year-old and his buddy to ride a section of the trail by themselves in conjunction with a camping week-end. I would drive a support vehicle and keep in touch via cell phone. The area they would ride is the Hartsburg-Boonville section. I would let them off drive to the next town, wait for them, then proceed to the next stop, and so on. The boys are quite responsible and the segments are short enough they could walk out if there were mechanical problems. Safety issues are the biggest concern. Two in particular: 1)Is there enough traffic on the week-ends that two-legged predators would not be a problem? My thinking is that if you can go more than a quarter mile without seeing someone that is too unpopulated to be safe. 2)In the case of physical injury, how could they be taken care of? I assume hikers/bikers would lend an assist but how accessable is the trail to emergency vehicles?

Am I giving the boys too much freedom? Any comments/suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks,

Tom

Anonymous on 07/17/2008 10:22 PM

We all parent differently, but if you doubt that it's a good idea, it probably isn't.

Gary near Tebbetts from Tebbetts on 07/17/2008 10:24 PM

That stretch usually has some heavy weekend traffic and good people willing to help other bikers in need of assistance. Depending on your cell provider, you may experience parts of it without service. When I rode it in the past using sprint, my service would usually drop out west of Hartsburg and I wouldn't try to use it again until I got to McBaine. I recently switched to Verizon but have not tried that section yet. ATT/Cingular people seemed to sometimes have coverage where mine dropped out.

Be sure to have them take plenty of water if they are riding in the heat, they will need it especially on the stretch from Rocheport to Boonville since it does not have much tree cover. Sun screen is an important necessity also.

Tubes with slime sealant in them would be a good idea to help prevent flats along the way if they are not mechanically inclined.

DougK from Troy on 07/17/2008 10:29 PM

The trail is safe but something like a breakdown or accident would be more of a concern to me.

emerson from STL on 07/18/2008 12:38 AM

Aww let him go... 12 is not the same thing as 8 or 10. Give he and his buddy a tent, some food, and a cell phone, and they'll be fine. The Katy Trail is about the safest place you can be. Follow along if you must.

Will I say the same thing when I have kids? Probably not.

Cliff from Edwardsville KS on 07/18/2008 08:23 AM

They will be fine. One thing I would do though is to change the route and go east instead of west. The ride is much more scenic with lots of benches to stop and rest on. The trail is used alot more heavier in that direction and on the weekend there should be alot of people riding from and to Columbia. Just check the map on this site and it will give you the towns going east so you can plan your check in and pickup sites. They will have a great time.

Ray (webmaster) on 07/18/2008 09:09 AM

Regarding emergency vehicles, most of the places where the trail crosses a major road have gates that can be unlocked and swung open to allow for full-sized vehicles. And most places where it crosses driveways or smaller gravel roads, there's nothing to block motor vehicles at all. I'm sure the local authorities know how to get to points on the trail pretty quickly if need be.

I would imagine that there have been a few emergencies on the trail, but honestly I've never heard of any.

It might help your peace of mind to print out this web page: contact numbers for sheriff's departments and hospitals along the Katy Trail.

Pat from Home of Harry Truman on 07/18/2008 09:27 AM

Tom-The boys will be fine. All the other advice posted is good, and it sounds like you have a good plan laid out. Have fun and be safe.

jd from gkc on 07/18/2008 10:13 AM

You might ask your boys not to approach the Missouri River for any reason, not even to throw sticks or stones into it from the trail. Also, have them avoid any soft shoulders on the river side of the trail. One slip there could be dangerous. Basically - stay on the main trail and enjoy it.

TK from Alma, MO on 07/18/2008 09:41 PM

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. You've inspired the confidence my wife and I needed.

Thanks,

Tom

Matt from St. Charles on 08/16/2008 12:43 AM

I've been riding and hiking the Katy Trail since I was teenager and I have only encounter good, friendly people. If someone has a son or daughter interested in using the trail, go riding with them, and let the child be involved in the planning and preparation for the ride. I think that two 12 year olds with some experience on the trail and experience camping could do fine on an overnighter.

Barb from LS on 09/04/2008 02:04 PM

Hi,

I would be curious to hear how the trip went.

I know that when my son was in scouts they took trips...and let the fast boys go on ahead and stayed with the slower ones.

This is about ages 10? and up.

I have taken sections of it myself....and with my 2 girls since they where 8 and 10.

We always had good experiences.

I do keep the local sheriff number in my phone though...of the area...never needed it though.

robert from columbia on 09/05/2008 12:55 PM

The biggest danger is getting hit by a car. They need to stop at the intersections, LOOK

BOTH WAYS and then proceed with care. If you doubt they are mature enough for that

then they are not ready.

Its easy to get lulled into a false sense of safety on that trail but it crosses many highways.

Since the highways are not that busy that could also lull the young guys into a false sense

of security after they stop at the first two and see that no one is around.

I would not worry a bit about child molesters or that sort of thing.

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